The Wednesday Weekly
June 3, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
June is upon us, and it is kicking off with a celebration tonight, and we have a full and joyful month ahead. Read on for details on Spring Fling, Pride Month, Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Big Yard Games, and our newly elected PTA Executive Board.
Spring Fling is Tonight! 🎉
Spring Fling is tonight! This is our annual outdoor dance party in the Big Yard, and it's such a fun way to come together as a school community and celebrate the fantastic year we've had. As a special treat this year, Island Pops will be joining us for an hour, serving mango and guava mini popsicles in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Thank you again to Spring Fling parent organizers Erin Bestereich and Cara Ruda for bringing this beloved tradition to life. I hope to see many of you tonight dancing under the stars!
Big Yard Games: Monday, June 8th
Our version of Field Day is almost here! Big Yard Games takes place this coming Monday, June 8th, and it is always such a fun day. Please note that because Big Yard Games takes place all day in the Big Yard, recess periods will be held indoors. Fortunately, every student will have a full period of active play on Monday – make sure to send them to school in sneakers! There is still a need for parent volunteers to help the day go smoothly. Check out the Konstella sign-up and join us if you can! A big thank you to PE teacher Mark Sacoto and parent Danny Fried for planning this year's Big Yard Games.
Pride Month 🏳️🌈
June is Pride Month, and we're marking it with a few beloved PS 107 traditions.
This year's One Book, One School Community selection for Pride Month is 'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick — and we invite you to read and discuss it at home with your child as well. During the week of June 8th, every class will participate in our annual Rainbow Takeover, a celebration of Pride Month that brings color and joy to the sidewalks all around our building. Students will be working on this project during their Art periods that week, and classroom teachers are welcoming parent volunteers to help — reach out to your class parent if you'd like to get involved. Speaking of parent volunteers, we are so grateful to Erin Markman, with the support of the parent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team, for helping our school celebrate Pride Month!
We also hope you'll come out to support PS 107's Rainbow Clubs at the Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade on Saturday, June 13th, at 7:30 pm along Park Slope's 5th Avenue. A huge thank you to Gary DiFranco, Hannah Boal, and Colleen Dondero for leading our Rainbow Clubs this year — which now extend all the way from Kindergarten through 5th grade! We hope to see you cheering for us at the parade!
Reflection to Consider: Building an Inclusive Community
Pride Month is a time of celebration and joy — and it is also an opportunity for us to wrap our arms around the LGBTQ+ members of our school community and uplift our shared commitments to inclusion and belonging.
With that spirit in mind, we are sharing the following scenario for families to explore together at home.
Our core values — curiosity, compassion, and community — guide how we learn and grow together. In partnership with families, we are committed to creating a school where every child feels seen, respected, and a sense of belonging.
As mentioned last month, we will share an age-appropriate scenario from our school community to help spark conversation and reflection at home. We invite you to review the scenario below and consider discussing it with your child.
A scenario to consider:
A non-binary student wears clothing that some classmates think is "for boys" on some days and "for girls" on others. A group of children begins questioning whether the student is "really a boy or a girl" and makes comments about how they should dress.
Prompts to discuss with children:
How do you think it would feel if other people constantly questioned who you are?
Can we always know someone's gender just by looking at them? Why does that matter?
Why is it important to respect how someone identifies, even if it is different from what we expected?
What could you say or do if you heard classmates making comments about someone's gender or appearance?
Questions for grown-ups to consider:
How can we help children understand the difference between curiosity and making someone feel singled out?
How do we talk about gender identity in age-appropriate ways that emphasize respect and belonging?
How can we reinforce that every person is the expert on their own identity?
How can we teach children that there is no single "right" way to be a boy, a girl, a non-binary person, or any other gender identity?
What messages do children receive when they are told they must look or act a certain way to be accepted?
Books to consider reading with your child:
Neither by Airlie Anderson
It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn
Both books are available on Sora, which is available free to all New York City Public Schools students. Login with your child’s NYCPS email address and password.
The NYC Public Schools also offers helpful resources including terminology on gender identity, gender expression, and creating inclusive environments for gender-expansive youth.
When children are questioned or teased because of their gender identity, the message they may receive is that they do not belong as they are. Teaching children to respect differences, challenge assumptions about gender presentation and identity, and recognize that we cannot know someone's gender simply by looking at them reflects PS 107's commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and community.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
We are proud to honor Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June as well. Enormous thanks to Samantha Manchester and Anais Casimir for supporting our school with this celebration! Check out the beautiful bulletin board in the entryway to our school highlighting our students and staff members with Caribbean heritage.
In addition, we have a second One Book, One School Community text for June that all classes will read and discuss, If Dominican Were a Color. We encourage you to read it together at home as well.
And on Monday, June 22nd, all of our students and staff will be treated to a performance of traditional Moko Jumbie stilt dancing in the Big Yard. We can’t wait!
A New PTA Executive Board
Please join us in congratulating the incoming PS 107 PTA Executive Board officers for 2026–27:
Co-President: Steph Shaw
Co-Treasurer: Lauren Struck
VP of Development: John Wilkens
Secretary: Kate Segal
DEI Co-Chair: Michelle Watsula
Co-Communications Director: Alina Hurtado
Co-Director of Events: Laura Downs
We are so grateful to each of them for stepping into these roles and for the time and energy they are committing to our school community.
We also want to extend our deepest thanks to the outgoing board members whose dedication has shaped so much of what makes PS 107 special: Adam Cobb, Betsy Olney Goldfarb, Alma Lacour, Amber Fox, and Julie Mee Schmidt. Your contributions have been immeasurable, and we are lucky to have had you in these roles.
June is a season of celebration, and this community gives us so much to celebrate. Thank you, as always, for being such engaged and caring partners in your children's education. We look forward to a wonderful final stretch of the year together.
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
NYCPS JUNE FAMILY UPDATE
This month’s letter features important information about the end of the 2025–26 school year, Summer Meals, Summer Rising, summer school, admissions updates for fall 2026, PSAL High School Summer Program, and summer reading.
SUMMER WATER SAFETY TIPS
Please watch this NYCPS video on water safety.
NYC Kids Rise: Save for College Program
All students in Kindergarten through 4th grade are eligible to participate in the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, and we are working hard to get as many families as possible to activate their child's account. Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward just for activating it — no personal information required!
To activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account, follow these steps:
Go to nyckr.org/act-now
Enter your child's ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit
Enter your name, email, and create a password
Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile
You can also watch a short video guide if you'd like a walkthrough.
If you are not interested in participating, please opt out through your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA): log in, click the "Postsecondary Planning" tile, then click "NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program" to review the program information and opt out – or print and complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher.
LOST & FOUND:
Did you Lose Me? Please check this document to see if there are any missing items that we have found 😄
If you have already claimed an item included here, YAY!
Thank you!
SCHOOL NEWS
- Missed the May PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
- Five Day Week April Edition
PARK PICNICS 2026
Please see the dates below and save the date!
Your child's teacher or class parents will share specifics for the day.
- June 9 - Second Grade Park Picnic
- June 10 - First Grade Park Picnic
- June 11 - Fifth Grade Park Picnic
- June 16 - Third Grade Park Picnic
- June 17 - Fourth Grade Park Picnic
D15 FAMILY FUN DAY
We are excited to announce the District 15 Family Fun Day on June 4th, 2026, which will take place at PS 94 The Henry Longfellow School! The event will feature soccer and other fun activities along with a resource share for families. It will be a fun and engaging day for all ages!
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Important Information:
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
To help us plan and ensure a smooth event, we kindly ask you to complete the following survey.
DJ MARC BARS & CELEBRATE BROOKLYN
We’re excited to share that on Saturday, June 13, at 3pm, our very own resident DJ, enrichment, and after school teacher Mr. Marc will be taking the stage at Celebrate Brooklyn for what he expects to be the biggest multigenerational family dance party Brooklyn has ever seen!
As your Park Slope neighbor and part of the PS 107 community, Mr. Marc wanted to personally invite the entire school community to come out to the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park and celebrate together.
Grab the kids, bring the grandparents, invite the cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends — and come ready to dance. Mr. Marc is bringing music, energy, surprises, and one giant dance floor for Brooklyn.
We’re told if he sees you in the crowd he may just give you a shout out on the big stage!
Throw on your dancing shoes and join us for what’s shaping up to be one of the highlights of the summer.
See you June 13 💃🕺
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS
Navigating AI: Supporting Students in a Changing World
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 @ 8:00 PM EST
How to Be Your LGBTQ+ Child's Greatest Ally
TUESDAY, JUNE 9 @ 7:00 PM EST
Managing Screen Time Over the Summer
TUESDAY, JUNE 16 @ 7:00 PM EST
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
PARENT/CAREGIVER HANDBOOK & DEVICE/SCREEN USE POLICY
If you have questions about school operations, policies, or procedures, be sure to check our Parent Handbook first. Please click this link to view our Device Policy as well : PS 107 Cell Phone, Smart Watch, and Other Device Policy
If you don’t see the answer there, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher if it is classroom-specific or Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator, if you have more of a school-wide question, at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov.
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Please see the attached important update from the NYCPS Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Please feel free to reach out to Nadia if you have any concerns or questions.
ACADEMIC & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
Our school community has moved into a new and important chapter of our PurposeFull People character education curriculum: the value of Honesty.
For more on our Honesty module, please take a look at the PurposeFull People parent newsletter here, which includes activities that you can do at home as a family to reinforce this value. And feel free to reach out to your child's teacher to learn more about what their specific grade is exploring.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Perseverance
MATH MAGIC
Join us weekly in the PS 107 Art Room for Math Magic! Every Wednesday, from 7:30am until 8:20am, enjoy puzzles, games, coffee for the adults (bring your own reusable mug if possible), doughnuts, and Pi. All ages and skill levels welcome. Parents must stay with students—no drop-offs. Questions? Contact Elaine Mui at eemooey@gmail.com
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
CANCELLED THIS WEEK!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are nearing the end of the year but have not yet reached our goal. Please help us get over the finish line with your donation! Here’s how:
Make a one-time or monthly donation online via Konstella by clicking here.
Share this public link with non-Konstella users (e.g. extended family and friends).
Make a gift of stock here.
Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program - if so, taking the extra step to secure a corporate match makes a huge difference!
Why support the Annual Fund?
PS 107 relies on PTA support to supplement DOE funding, which consistently falls short of what's needed. This partnership between families and the school makes possible important programs such as Art and Science, as well as supplies, curriculum materials, extra classroom support, and so much more. THANK YOU in advance for your contribution! Please contact PS 107 parent Betsy Goldfarb with any questions about the Annual Fund: betsy@ps107.org.
NEW YORK LIBERTY FUNDRAISER GAME
On Sunday, June 14th, come out to Barclays Center and watch the New York Liberty with the 107 community. Tickets purchased help raise funds for the PTA. Get your tickets here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SPRING FLING
Fling is coming up fast: the big party will be this Wednesday, June 3rd from 6:30–9:00pm. If you haven’t already, grab your tickets here! $10 per person (free for children 3 and under), buy in advance to skip the line. To make this night a SUCCESS, we need parent support: We’re asking at least 3 parents from each classroom to select a volunteer slot for the event. Depending on the task, kids love helping out too! This event only works if the community shows up. To volunteer, please sign up here.
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Aid and Action Committee will be collecting food donations for CHiPS, a soup kitchen and food pantry which helps support neighbors currently experiencing food insecurity. Find volunteers by the school’s main entrance where they will be collecting the items detailed above.
Please note: Students can now earn the Food Drive Merit Pin by volunteering at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings. Email Julie Mee Schmidt (juliem@ps107.org) if your child would like to volunteer for this service project.
COMMUNITY CLOTHING SWAP @ PS 124
Please join us in the PS 124 School Yard on on Saturday, June 13th from 10-12:30pmfor the Mutual Aid Clothing and Housewares Swap! You are welcome to donate clean, gently used summer clothing, "shop" for items your family needs, or both! There is no obligation to donate in order to take items home. Participate by volunteering with your child (sort and fold clothes for at least 20 minutes to earn a Clothing Drive Merit Pin) or dropping off donations pre-sorted by size and gender. (Please bring only clean, in-season, high-quality items.) We hope to see you there!
GREEN COMMITTEE: PARK CLEAN UP
Join the PS 107 Trash Troop! Students and grownups will meet on Sunday, June 14th between 9:00 and 11:00 to clear litter from Prospect Park. Bring your own gloves and trash bags and join us! Volunteers will meet at 9:00am, but feel free to join later, and stay as long as you can. Signup on Konstella encouraged but not required. Grownups - please share the attached safety info with your kids beforehand.
**NEW 2026-2027 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 3 - Spring Fling 6:30 pm
June 4 - D15 Family Fun Day
June 8 - Big Yard Games School event
June 9 - Second Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 10 - First Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 11 - Fifth Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 12 - Welcome Breakfast in the Big Yard for New Families
June 16 - Third Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
June 17 - Fourth Grade Park Picnic (more details from your child's teacher to follow)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
June 4 & 5 - Student Non-Attendance Days
June 19 - Juneteenth - School Closed
June 26 - Last Day of School
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