The Wednesday Weekly
December 4, 2024
Dear PS 107 Families,
Welcome to December! It is really chilly out there, but we aim to take students outside as often as possible. Please make sure your children come to school with hats, gloves, scarves – and anything else that keeps them warm in the cold outdoors. Please also be sure to label all items so that we can get them back to your kids when they inevitably lose one of them. 🙂
DECEMBER IS KINDNESS MONTH!
In December, we are celebrating Kindness Month at PS 107! While Kindness Month isn’t really a thing, we’ve decided to make it our thing at PS 107. We will have regular announcements about simple ways to be kind to your classmates, your teachers, your parents, and people in your community, and Ms Joanna and Ms Rinah will be giving out stickers to kids who are “caught being kind” over the course of the school day. Much like having a gratitude practice, being kind to others is good for your mind and your body. At home, you can brainstorm some ways to make acts of kindness a regular part of your day. Check out some great ideas from The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation!
NYCPS REGULATIONS ON GIFT-GIVING
The season of giving is upon us, and I’d like to take this opportunity to remind our families of New York City Public Schools’ regulations regarding gift-giving to city employees, including PS 107 staff members. The Chancellor’s Regulations are the rules governing the NYC Schools, and regulation C-110 specifically addresses gift-giving. The regulations detail what is permissible for both individual and group gifts:
Gifts from individual to school staff: Individual students, parents and/or guardians may wish to make gifts to officials and employees at the end of the year and at similar occasions, such as holidays, weddings, and the birth of an official’s or employee’s child However, discretion must be used to ensure that officials and employees do not accept gifts of value from individual children, parents, or guardians. Only those gifts that are principally sentimental in nature and of small financial value may be accepted.
Gifts from school classes: In addition to individual gifts, sometimes an entire school class may wish to make a gift to officials and employees at the end of the year and at similar occasions, such as holidays, weddings, and the birth of an official’s or employee’s child. Officials and employees may accept gifts from whole classes of students, their parents and/or guardians, provided that each student, parent or guardian in the class has the opportunity to sign the card or note that comes with the gift, whether or not the student, parent or guardian contributed to the cost of the gift. In addition, students, their parents and/or guardians may not be asked to contribute more than a small amount of money toward such class gifts.
PS 107 staff are so grateful for this community’s generosity; however, we do ask that you keep these regulations in mind during the holiday season.
COME TO FAMILY MORNING: THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6th!
We hope to see many of you this Friday, December 6th at our second Family Morning of the school year! Parents and caregivers are invited into their children’s classrooms for the first period of the day, 8:20-9:10 am. Please enter the school building with your child at their regular entry location so that we can match children to family members and ensure that unauthorized people are not entering the building. We also ask that you minimize the number of adults accompanying students to avoid overcrowding (we recommend one adult per child, but no more than two, please!) Finally, we ask that you leave younger siblings at home if at all possible. We are so glad that you’ll have the opportunity to see your children’s classrooms in action this Friday!
Please mark your calendars for Family Morning dates for the rest of year, all of which take place from 8:20 to 9:10 am:
Friday, February 7th
Friday, April 11th
Friday, May 30th (tentative)
TOYS, TRADING CARDS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL
A quick school-policy reminder, from our Parent/Caregiver Handbook:
Students are not permitted to bring toys to school, including trading cards, balls, etc. Teachers may make an exception for students to bring a transitional object (such as a stuffed animal) if they have difficulty separating from caregivers. PS 107 is not responsible for any toys brought to school. Please note that toys that promote violence or that could be dangerous to your child or other students are not permitted in school. These include toy guns, handcuffs, etc.
Today, I had to give a few reminders about this policy to students who had impressive books of trading cards with them at recess. Please help us by telling your children to keep these, along with sticker books and other toys, at home. Thank you!
DO YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE PS 107 ZONE?
A quick reminder to those of you who currently live outside of the PS 107 zone but have younger siblings you hope to enroll at PS 107 in the future: please complete this brief form to help us collect data on how many families are in this situation so that we can assess our enrollment policies as related to the New York State Class Size Reduction Act. Thank you!
WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY HELP NEEDED
And last but not least, we are in need of a volunteer to help us ensure our school’s website complies with accessibility standards. Can you help us? Specifically, using the WAVE, web accessibility evaluation tool, we need assistance correcting contrast errors, clearing alerts, fixing features, and reconciling structural elements. If you can help, please email me directly at jcohen72@schools.nyc.gov.
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
FAMILY INCOME FORMS
All families should complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for a variety of programs and educational initiatives, whether or not they qualify for free or reduced lunch. The deadline for submission is December 13 and we strongly encourage all families to complete the form.
If you are opting out and do not want to disclose your household's financial information, your child will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch. Breakfast and lunch are free for ALL NYC students regardless of what you put on the form.
You can opt out by clicking the box that says "I do not wish to provide my household information" but then you need to complete filling out the form by listing all of your children who attend NYC public school along with their DOB and OSIS (Student ID). You can find your child's Student ID in Operoo or your NYCSA accounts. At the end of the form you need to digitally certify and submit. You will receive a receipt in your email in-box if you have correctly submitted the form.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT - NYCSA
This is a NYC DOE parent account for students grades K - 12 that enables parents/guardians to view all of their children’s records - grades, fitnessgrams, attendance, your child’s DOE email, etc. At least one parent/guardian will need to have access to this account.
We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to have their own account. Any parent with children in grades k-5 who does not have their own NYSCA , please contact nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov for instructions and your unique account creation code.
LOST & FOUND - Updated 12-3-24
Please check this document for some updated pictures : Did You Lose Me?
*If you see an item you now have in your possession, please just ignore the picture in the document
NYCPS / DISTRICT 15 / COMMUNITY
DISTRICT 15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
Special Education Process Overview
- Referral and Evaluation:The student is evaluated to determine if they need special education services
- IEP Creation: If eligible, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is developed with input from parents and staff
- Service Implementation: The student receives services based on their IEP, such as special education support or therapies
- Monitoring and Review: Progress is regularly checked, and the IEP is reviewed annually to ensure continued support
When: December 10, 2024 at 10 am
Where: Zoom Link Here
- Meeting ID: 726 885 3826
- Password: 251368
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP : LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
This 7 part series will share ideas & strategies to positively support your child's behavior at home.
Join us Friday's at 12pm : Dec 6 & 20
- Click here for Zoom
- Click for Lunch & Learn Flyer
PROJECT OPEN ARMS - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Join Project Open Arms on teams as they provide and overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.
DECEMBER 11TH AT 6PM
MEETING ID: 283 112 531 014
PASSCODE: 9RK39DE6
DECEMBER 18TH AT 1PM
MEETING ID: 218 432 894 762
PASSCODE: PB6YT2GC
FAIR FARES NYC
Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. For more information, please visit the FAIR FARES NYC website.
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday, rain or shine, students and guardians are invited to join the legendary PS 107 Track Team for a weekly morning run in Prospect Park. TMTR will meet in front of PS 107 each Thursday at 7am, where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 45 minute run/trot/jog.
No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
BOOK CLUBS
Everyone is a reader – some just haven’t found their favorite book yet! If your child is looking for literary inspiration or loves to talk about a good book with friends, please consider joining us for monthly book club meetings Tuesday mornings. Meetings are underway for Grades K, 1, 3, and 5.
Note: Participating students in all grades must remain with a parent or guardian throughout book club meetings.
* Want to be a PS 107 Literacy Legend and lead a book club for grade 2 or 4? Sign up using the link here.
MATH MAGIC
On Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20am, join us in the 4th floor art room for games, puzzles, worksheets, coffee, doughnuts, and Pi. (Bring your own reusable mug, if possible.) Sharpen your math skills with friends and mingle with kids and parents from other grades. All ages and proficiencies welcome.
Please note: Participating kiddos are asked to remain in the art room until 8:20am and parents or guardians of students in all grades are asked to stay for the duration. We hope to see you there!
PSSE COMMITTEE'S INFORMATION SESSION AND Q&A WITH 'INTERACTIVE DISCOVERY'
On Thursday, December 12th from 12-1pm, the PSSE Committee will be hosting local psychology group practice 'Interactive Discovery' for an information session and Q&A.
Topics discussed will include practical tips for navigating holiday travel with neurodivergent children, creating a comfortable environment for neurodivergent children at holiday parties and family gatherings, preparing for sensory or social challenges, using social stories to support children during the holidays, and modeling neurodiverse-affirmative language for family and friends to foster a supportive and respectful environment.
All families are welcome to join here, on Zoom.
FUNDRAISERS
FAMILY FRIDAY BAKE SALE
Pick up a treat at the main entrance this Family Friday, December 6th from 8-9:30am and help raise funds for our growing chicks.
Want to help out? Consider baking or bringing something to add to the sale (sign up on Konstella here), or pick up an item off of Ms. A's Wishlist.
All proceeds from the bake sale will go towards buying the supplies needed to make sure the chicks stay cozy, fed, and healthy through the winter!
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources.
From Monday, December 9th through Friday, December 13th, all donations will be MATCHED by an anonymous team of PS 107 families until we reach 10K. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Donate via Konstella here,
- Share this link with non-Konstella using friends and family, or
- Leave a check made out to PS 107 PTA with Ms. Nadia in the office.
- We also accept gifts of stock here - stock donations are tax-free!
YOUR GIFT MATTERS! Many thanks to our amazing school community for all of the ways you contribute.
FOLEY FIRS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
If you are planning to purchase a Christmas tree this holiday season, Foley Firs is partnering with PS 107 to help raise money for our school. NOW through Monday, December 23rd, mention PS 107 and sign the school’s fundraiser list when purchasing your tree at Foley Firs and The PS 107 PTA will receive a $10 donation for each tree purchased.
Foley Firs is located on the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue; free tree delivery is available. You can also order online - be sure to enter PS107 during checkout.
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY HELP IN PARK SLOPE (CHiPS) FOOD DRIVE
Every Wednesday at morning drop-off, rain or shine, the Community Outreach 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:
o Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
o Bread Packages
o Lunch Meat Packages
o Eggs
o Tortillas
o Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
o Microwavable meals
o Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
o Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
o Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
o Fruit Cups
o Fresh Fruit
o Individually Wrapped Snacks
o Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and Plastic cutlery
POWERHOUSE BOOK FAIR
The Powerhouse Book fair is underway! Starting Monday, December 2nd and through Friday, December 6th PS 107 students have been attending the annual Powerhouse Book Fair, during which 20% of all sales support the PS 107 PTA.
Powerhouse has agreed to extend this give-back offer to our school community until Sunday, December 8th, so be sure to mention PS107 when doing your holiday shopping or purchasing from the PS 107 'Diverse Book Wishlist' at Powerhouse this week.
PS 107 WINTER COAT DRIVE
Help provide winter coats to our sister school, PS 124, by donating new or gently used coats sizes 2T to Youth 20 NOW through Friday, December 6th.
Contact Julie Schmidt at imjuliemee@gmail.com for donation coordination OR purchase from the PS 124 Winter-ware Wishlist here.
FALL PARK CLEAN-UP
The PTA's Green Committee and the Prospect Park Alliance have organized volunteering opportunities for PS 107 students this fall.
This Sunday, December 8th from 1-2:30pm, rain or shine, students can help clear leaves in the park to keep the grass healthy. (All necessary tools will be provided.) Students ages 4 and up are invited to participate, all students must be accompanied by an adult.
To volunteer, please sign up here. If you have any questions, please contact kajalpatelbelow@gmail.com or gemma@ps107.org.
TEACHER AND STAFF HOLIDAY POTLUCK
It's the most delicious time of the year at PS 107! PS 107's annual Teacher and Staff Holiday Potluck is coming up on Friday, December 13th.
Teachers and staff revel in the yummy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon treats that families share. There are many ways to contribute using the Pot Luck Sign Up here.
Contact Megan Hartley (megan.hartley@gmail.com) or Diana Gatschey (dlgatschet@gmail.com) with questions.
ART & CRAFT FAIR
Join the PS107 community for our Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, December 14, from 12-3pm.
Contact Francesca (craft.fair@ps107.org) with questions.
- Participate in the Kids Art & Photo Contest - Send a photo of your child's artwork or photography to craft.fair@ps107.org and we’ll feature it as part of our art and photo contest! Amazing prizes are available from 'Little Things Toy Store' and 'Artist & Craftsman Supply' for winning entrants - don't miss out on the chance to win; enter today!
- Donate to the Bake Sale - Sign up to drop off a treat or snack here.
- Volunteer - This event is being run 100% by volunteers! If you would like to lend a hand, PLEASE sign up here.
DISNEY ON ICE
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney's Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice. Nearly 160 tickets have already been purchased by PS 107 families; join in the fun on Saturday, January 18th at 7pm at the Barclays Center.
Tickets can be purchased through Zeffy for $45 each, with $11 per ticket going to the PTA. If you would like to attend but need financial assistance, please contact Parent Coordinator, Nadia Benlarbi.
SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING AUCTION
Our auction in the spring is the single largest fundraising event of the year. We will need a lead to make it a success, so if you are interested in getting involved in a high impact fundraiser for the school, this is the event for you! Please sign up on Konstella here. If you are unable to lead the event but want to help out, consider signing up to help get some great items for auction! This is a flexible volunteer role that can be done around your schedule. Sign up to be an auction donations volunteer on Konstella here.
2024-2025 NYCPS CALENDAR
For the complete 2024-2025 school year calendar, please click here.
*Please note that Parent Teacher Conference Day on 3/6 is a non-attendance days for students. This is not reflected in the DOE calendar but was a school based decision.
For the complete 2025-2026 school year calendar, please click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 2 to 6 - Powerhouse Book Fair
December 6 - Family Morning 8:20 am
December 10 - District 15 Family Workshop - Special Education Process Overview 10 am
December 10 - CEC 15 Calendar and Business Meeting & 2nd Joint Presidents' Council Meeting
December 14 - Holiday Craft Fair 12-3
December 19 - PTA General Meeting 6:30 pm
December 20 - NDI Fourth Grade Residency Final Performance (invitation sent separately)
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
December 23 to January 1 - Winter Recess - School Closed