The Wednesday Weekly
February 4, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
I hope you are all staying warm. As we move through February, I want to take a moment to share several updates, including some important clarifications about class size reduction efforts.
Honoring Black History Month at PS 107
We are thrilled to honor Black History Month at PS 107 in February, and I particularly want to thank our parent committee leads, Tre Johnson and Anais Casimir, for the spectacular bulletin board in the entryway and the posters displayed throughout the building. As part of our One Book, One School Community project, all students will be listening to the book Amanda Gorman from the Little People, Big Dreams series.
We chose this text because it highlights the story of a young Black poet and activist whose creativity, perseverance, and leadership inspired the entire nation. Amanda Gorman’s journey — from a child who loved reading and writing to becoming the first National Youth Poet Laureate — reminds our students that young people can be powerful changemakers, and that our voices matter. Her story also reinforces the values we uplift at PS 107: empathy, courage, and the belief that each of us can use our voice to make a positive impact.
Every class will participate in a shared schoolwide activity connected to the book, along with discussions about the themes it raises. Honoring Black History Month in this way strengthens our ongoing work to ensure that every student, family, and staff member feels seen, valued, and connected to our community.
Soft Lockdown Drill Next Week
We will conduct our third of four soft lockdown drills during the week of February 10th. Teachers use this child-friendly language to support understanding without causing alarm:
“A soft lockdown keeps everyone safe if someone enters the building who shouldn’t be here. These situations almost never happen — just like fires — but we practice to stay safe.”
As always, our goal is to practice calmly and confidently while preserving students’ sense of safety and security.
Clearing Up Class Size Reduction Misconceptions
Following last week’s Class Size Reduction Information Session, many families have raised thoughtful questions, and I want to take a moment to clarify the current landscape as plainly and clearly as possible. The New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) system is the largest school system in the nation, with a sprawling bureaucracy, more than 1500 schools, and over 900,000 students. I know it can be challenging to understand what is within a principal’s control and what is not. My hope is that this update helps bring greater clarity and shared understanding as we continue this work together.
Why class size matters
Large class sizes, especially the sizes which our classes in grades 2-5 reach, are not ideal for students or for teachers. Smaller classes support:
• Deeper student-teacher relationships
• More small-group and differentiated instruction for students
• A more manageable instructional environment and workload for teachers
These are benefits we already believe in deeply as a school. When New York State passed its Class Size Reduction Act, it affirmed what we knew.
So what’s the challenge?
For PS 107, a school with minimal excess classroom space and higher-than-average enrollment pressure, complying fully with the mandate is genuinely difficult. In practice, there are only two levers:
Reduce enrollment, or
Create more space
Both options come with significant constraints.
Enrollment Reduction: Why It Was Not Approved for 2025-26 OR 2026-27
Over the past two years, we have explored the possibility of reducing the size of our incoming Kindergarten cohort. We presented a detailed case to the NYCPS Enrollment Office showing that even with a smaller cohort, PS 107 would still be able to admit many non-zoned families. However, following significant citywide enrollment declines after COVID, NYCPS implemented a systemwide prohibition on schools reducing enrollment, in order to preserve family choice across the city. This is a citywide policy and does not apply to PS 107 uniquely.
Despite strong advocacy from me, our SLT, and Superintendent Alvarez, we were told clearly that no school is allowed to lower its enrollment cap, even when doing so would meaningfully support class size reduction efforts.
We will continue to push on this issue, but at this time, reducing enrollment is not an option available for the 2026–27 school year. I also want to be absolutely clear that principals cannot “stop admitting out-of-zone students.” Kindergarten placements are determined centrally by the NYCPS Enrollment Office, based on families’ preferences and zoned priority rules, and principals have no authority to alter or override these assignments.
Expanding Physical Space: The Remaining Lever
Since enrollment cannot be reduced, the only remaining path is adding instructional space. We are actively exploring several possibilities:
Option A: Repurposing Existing Space
This would mean converting current specialty classrooms (Art, Science, and/or Music) into classrooms. However, this comes with major drawbacks:
Specialty teachers would need to travel from class to class with materials.
Students would lose the experience of working in purpose-built rooms.
Movement throughout the building, crucial for young learners, would be significantly diminished.
We are pursuing this option actively for the 2026-27 school year, though additional funding from NYCPS will be necessary to pay for the teachers and materials needed for opening additional classrooms.
Option B: Building out space on the 4th floor
We are seriously considering creating new classrooms in the loft-like area on the 4th Floor that currently houses the Art room and Library. However, this is a long-term process, involving:
Gaining School Construction Authority, an agency that operates independently of NYCPS, approval
Architectural plans
Capital funding allocation
A bidding and contracting process
Construction timelines that historically take years
This would not be ready for the 2026–27 school year, but it is part of our long-term strategy.
Option C: Identifying a second site
After an extensive search in the neighborhood, the only viable external space identified so far is St. Joseph’s the Worker Catholic Academy, which may have several classrooms available for lease. However negotiations must be handled by the School Construction Authority, the Archdiocese, and NYCPS, not by PS 107. This remains an ongoing conversation, not a guaranteed option.
Option D: Constructing an Annex (Long-Term Solution)
Another potential path toward meaningful class size reduction is the construction of an annex to add instructional space to PS 107. The Community Education Council (CEC) has formally identified PS 107’s need for an annex as a priority and has submitted this recommendation to the School Construction Authority (SCA) for consideration.
I want to be candid that while an annex would be the most impactful long-term solution, it is also the longest and most complex pathway. The SCA’s process for identifying, approving, funding, and constructing new school buildings or annexes typically spans multiple years. This includes site evaluation, community consultation, design, budgeting, contractor bidding, and finally, construction. Even with strong advocacy, which we have, this option, if approved, would not be realized for several years.
Still, it remains an important part of our long-term planning, and we appreciate the CEC’s partnership in elevating this need on behalf of our school community.
What progress is possible for next year?
We have already submitted a proposal that would allow us to begin reducing class sizes incrementally next year, pending NYCPS approval. Our plan involves repurposing some of our specialty rooms into classrooms so we can begin lowering class size in select grades for 2026–27. As soon as we receive confirmation about funding, I will inform the community.
I know the pace of this work can feel slow — I feel that deeply too. Our SLT and I have shared the frustration of running up against multiple roadblocks along the way that are not within our locus of control. And we are not alone. At least 30% of schools across the city face challenges similar to ours: limited physical space and a citywide policy that currently prohibits enrollment reductions as a lever for lowering class size.
Even with these constraints, our students are thriving because of the extraordinary work of our teachers and staff. Every day, they manage large classes with remarkable skill, compassion, and professionalism. They plan collaboratively, differentiate instruction with great care, and build classroom communities where students feel known, supported, and challenged in all the right ways.
Our students’ academic gains continue to outpace those of schools with similar demographics — recognition our staff has truly earned. And the nearly 72% drop in behavioral incidents compared to the 2024–25 school year is yet another testament to their dedication and expertise.
I don’t want this to get lost amidst the difficult and often frustrating conversations about class size reduction. Even while we continue to push for the space and resources our school deserves, what is happening inside our classrooms every day is extraordinary and worth celebrating.
Finally, please continue sharing your feedback with the SLT by completing this short parent survey, which gathers individual input on the two levers we are currently pursuing to reduce class size: identifying external space for additional classrooms and repurposing existing space within our building. If you were unable to attend our Class Size Information Session last Wednesday, 1/28, I strongly encourage you to watch the recording and review the overview and presentation before completing the survey. Your perspectives matter greatly. The same survey has also been shared with our staff so that we can hear from the full school community. The survey will close on Monday, February 9th at noon.
THIS FRIDAY: Family Friday!
We hope to see many of you at Family Friday this week, on Friday, February 6th, from 8:20 to 9:10 am
In your child’s classroom.
A few reminders:
Please enter through the main entrance only.
One adult per child (two max) helps minimize crowding.
Please leave younger siblings at home if possible.
Following Family Friday, please join me for Cafe 107: Conversations with Ms Joanna (formerly known as Coffee with the Principal!) in the Cafeteria, 9:10–10:00 am. Come with your class size questions, other questions, or simply to say hello.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your patience, and your care for this community. PS 107 is strengthened every day by the families, staff, and students who make this such a special place to learn and grow.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
FAMILY MORNING THIS FRIDAY!
Family Morning is coming up this Friday, February 6th. Parents and caregivers are invited to visit classrooms from 8:20–9:10 am.
A few reminders:
All adults must enter through the main entrance, not at student drop-off locations.
To avoid overcrowding, we recommend one adult per child (no more than two, please).
Please leave younger siblings at home if possible.
Immediately following Family Morning, please join us for Coffee with the Principal in the Cafeteria from 9:10–10:00 am. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
This month’s letter features important information about pre-k and 3-K admissions for fall 2026; the 2026 NYC School Survey, and February events: Climate Action Day and Respect for All Week.
The holy month of Ramadan will begin on or around February 18th this year.
If your child will be fasting and would prefer to be in an alternative location during lunch, please reach out to Nadia as soon as possible to make arrangements.
Ramadan Mubarak (blessed Ramadan) to all of our families who celebrate!
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.
NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE
Happy NYC Scholarship Month 2026! It’s time for families to activate their children’s NYC Scholarship Accounts and get money for college and career training as part of the Save for College Program. Let’s start the new year saving together.
This 2025-2026 school year, nearly every kindergarten through fourth grade student in NYC public schools (including participating charter schools) now has a free NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 for college and career training, no matter their family income or immigration status.
You can start TODAY to secure more money for your child’s college and career future. Take the first step by activating your child’s NYC Scholarship Account online.
Want to explore all that
OFFICE OF FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES HIRING HALL
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services will have a hiring Hall 2/7 at Sunset Park High School.Link to register https://forms.office.com/r/yAArDZEgzr
Please see the flyer for the QR code to register for an interview.
2026 NYC SCHOOL SURVEY!
The 2026 NYC School Survey administration window will open on Monday, February 9th. We will continue to offer families both paper and online survey options this year.
Key Reminders for the 2025 NYC School Survey
- When will the survey launch? The survey will launch on Monday, February 9 and continue through Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- How can you take the survey? Families may complete the survey online or on paper. For online surveys, families use a lowercase “f” followed by their child’s OSIS number as their access code.
- Where do you take the survey online? Beginning February 9, a link to the survey will be available at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. Families should click “Take the 2026 NYC School Survey” and enter their access code.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT - NYCSA
The NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is a NYCPS parent account for students that enables parents/guardians to view all of their children’s records - grades, fitnessgrams, attendance, your child’s NYCPS email, etc. We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to have their own account. Any custodial parent who does not have their own NYCSA , please contact Nadia for instructions and your unique account creation code.
To set up your account, you will need a unique account creation code and your child's OSIS # or Student ID.
- A letter with directions and with your unique account creation code will be sent to you.
- The OSIS# or Student ID is an 9 digit number that can be found in Operoo in the Student Profile.
A Friendly Reminder About Dogs on or near School Grounds
Please be mindful of your dog’s behavior during crowded times, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.Whenever possible, it’s best to leave dogs at home during these busy windows. If you do need to bring your dog, please keep them close to you and under control at all times.
Please also remember: DO NOT tie dogs to the school fence or to signs outside of the school and leave them unattended. This is a safety issue, and we appreciate your cooperation.
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!
WIT & WISDOM CURRICULUM WORKSHOP WITH ANNA SCHIDLOVSKY
Please join us on February 10th when Anna Schidlovsky will provide information about The Science of Reading, an overview of Wit & Wisdom (the name of our English Language Arts curriculum), and answer any questions you might have about the curriculum or how to support your child at home.
📆 February 10th
⏰ 8:45 am
📍PS 107 Cafeteria
* Register here
D15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
Please join us for a family workshop on Social Emotional Learning Presented by Valeria Ossa, LCSW - PS124 Principal.
Learn what Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is and why it matters for your child.
📆 Tuesday, February 10
⏰ 6pm to 7pm
Scan the QR code or click here to join.
CEC 15 CALENDAR and BUSINESS MEETING
📆Tuesday, February 10, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM-9:00 PM📍 P.S. 032 Samuel Mills Sprole School, 420 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Zoom: https://nycdoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/RVMGJKNOSJuqzEz_1STq_Q
MARBLE HEALTH JANUARY & FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 8:00 PM
Demystifying Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Support (New!)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ 8:00 PM
Navigating Today's Student Health Challenges: Vaping, Alcohol, & Other Substances
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 @ 7:00 PM
Apoyo a los niños durante el duelo y la transición (en español)
MARTES 24 DE FEBRERO A LAS 18:00
Supporting Students with Stress
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 @ 8:00 PM
POGEK MONTHLY MEET UP
POGEK is a community of parents, family members, and loved ones of trans youth. We meet monthly in person to connect, support each other, and organize together -- as we promote respect and inclusion in our schools and larger community.
📅March 4th
⏰8:30 to 9:30 am
📍Variety Coffee (corner of 7th Ave & 8th St)
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Empathy
One way to think about empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that helps build strong relationships and a caring community. Empathy is one of the three core traits that supports students in being kind, and across grade levels, students will be developing skills such as:
Perspective-taking
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Families can learn more and continue these conversations at home by reviewing the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy here.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
SCHOOL NEWS
- Aid & Action Community Update: Konstella 1/26/26
- Missed the January PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
- Safety During Afterschool Pick Ups: Konstella 1/21/26
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
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
ITALIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS
Native Italian Speaker and PS 107 parent, Valeria, would love to invite interested students (ages 7-12) to join her for Italian Language Lessons on Sundays from 3pm to 4:30pm, February 8th through June 14th. (No classes on April 5 & May 24.) Up to 6 children are welcome to join lessons; please contact Valeria at 646-257-0745 or casaitalianabk@gmail.com for more information.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. 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.
ROM-COM TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JULIA STILES
On Thursday, March 12th, at 7pm, join the PS 107 Aid & Action Committee at Rullos (560 5th Ave) for Rom-Com Trivia Night Hosted by Julia Stiles!
Tickets are currently sold out, but please email juliem@ps107.org if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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.
BROOKLYN NETS GAME
The NBA is back! On Saturday, February 7th at 3pm, join us at the Barclays Center to cheer on the Brooklyn Nets while supporting our school at PS 107's annual fundraiser game. The deadline to purchase tickets in the PS 107 sections has passed, but if you’re still interested, please email Rebecca at rcetta@gmail.com. We’ll do our best to help find seats for you.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Join the PS 107 PTA for Live Rock Karaoke this Friday, February 6th from 6-10pm! Get ready for Valentine's Day with South Park Slope's Premier Live Rock Karaoke Band -The Occasionalists- playing all your favorite Love Songs & Heartbreak Hits that YOU get to sing! Book your sitter and join us at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) to rock out and raise money for our school. Secure your tickets ahead of time now for just $20! or they'll be more expensive at the door! Questions? Email Mike at mturchiano@gmail.com. For confidential financial assistance, please contact Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov
AID AND ACTION COMMITTEE
This February, our school is turning our commitment to "Active Citizenship" into real world support. We are coming together to assemble Bundles of Hope - personal care kits for women at our local shelters. These bundles provide more than just essentials; they provide dignity and a reminder that our community cares. Every kit will be hand packed by our students with items that offer comfort to women in transition.
We are collecting the following items to fill our kits. Please consider sending one or two items from the list below with your student by Friday, February 6th. (Look for the "Bundles of Hope" box in the main lobby to drop-off your donations!)
Personal Care (Travel Size Preferred)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Wash or Bar Soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Fragrance-free Lotion
- Lip Balm (Chapstick)
Daily Essentials
- Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads/Tampons)
- Travel Tissues
- Hair Ties or a Hairbrush
- Laundry Pods (2–3 in a sealed Ziploc bag)
Granola, protein bars, or other non-perishable snacks
Extra Special Touch
- A card or drawing from your student with a simple message like “You are brave" or "Thinking of you"
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 6 - Family Morning followed by Coffee with the Principal 8:20 to 10 am
February 9 to 13 - NYCPS Respect For All Week
February 9 to April 1 - School Survey Process Open
February 10
- Wit & Wisdom Curriculum Workshop with Anna Schidlovsky 8:45 am (in person/ cafeteria)
- D15 Family Workshop 6 to 7pm (virtual)
- CEC15 Calendar & Business Meeting 6:30 to 9pm (virtual or in person)
February 12 - PTA General Meeting 7:30 pm (via Zoom)
February 27 - Pre-K Application for Fall 2026
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
February 14-22 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)
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