The Wednesday Weekly
November 12, 2025
Dear PS 107 Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we move deeper into November — a month full of gratitude, giving, and reflection.
Aid + Action Committee Launches Food Security Efforts
Under the leadership of parents Julie Mee Schmidt and Tyghe Trimble, PS 107’s Aid + Action Committee has jumped into action to support families in our own community who may be facing food insecurity, as well as families in the neighboring PS 124 community.
With the federal government shutdown having far-reaching effects, our community is coming together to help one another. Aid + Action is launching two major efforts:
Setting up a food pantry at PS 107, and
Donating 100 bags of groceries to families at nearby PS 124.
Two of our classrooms — 3-208 (Kai Hollander-Malys) and 3-206 (Reham Refai and Kaleigh Rohner) — are partnering with the Aid + Action Committee to help lead this work.
If your family can donate, please send in items listed on the flyer pictured on the right.
If your family needs support, please reach out to your child’s teacher, or contact:
Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator – nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov
Colleen Dondero, School Social Worker – cdondero3@schools.nyc.gov
We are also collecting gift cards to local grocery stores, which will be distributed to families in need. Gift card donations can be dropped off with Nadia in the main office.
Thank you, as always, for your generosity and compassion — these acts make PS 107 such a remarkable community.
Native American Heritage Month
This month, PS 107 is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Please take a moment to see the beautiful bulletin board in the front hallway — designed and created by parent Rebecca Jacobs — honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans.
Throughout November, our students are hearing morning announcements highlighting Native Americans who have made a lasting impact on the United States, and teachers have received recommended read-alouds and discussion prompts to help guide classroom learning and reflection.
Honoring Our Veterans
Thank you to all of the veterans in our community who were recognized yesterday on Veterans Day. We are deeply grateful for your service and for the sacrifices you’ve made in support of our country and our freedoms.
Bundle Up, PS 107!
The weather finally matches the month — it’s chilly out there! Please remember to send your children to school with warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves as needed.
We go outside for recess every day, unless it’s raining heavily or bitterly cold. And please be sure to label all outerwear with your child’s name and class; this helps us return items that inevitably go missing during the day.
Safe Walking Reminder
Our Crossing Guards have brought to our attention that some students who walk home independently are not crossing at traffic lights or are ignoring walk/don’t walk signals.
If your child walks home on their own, please take a moment to remind them about the importance of pedestrian safety — crossing only at corners, waiting for the signal to change, and staying alert to their surroundings.
We appreciate your help reinforcing these habits so all of our students can stay safe on their way to and from school.
Upcoming Safety Drills
We will conduct our fifth of six Evacuation (Fire) Drills during the week of November 17th.
To learn more about NYC Public Schools emergency-readiness protocols, please visit here.
Still Collecting Candy for Our Staff!
Taking a trip to Costco or stopping by the grocery store? Pick up a bulk bag of candy for our hardworking staff! We keep our staff break room stocked with sweet treats to brighten their days.
Please leave donations with Nadia in the main office. Thank you for helping to keep the sugar (and morale!) flowing at PS 107.
As we move through this season of gratitude, I continue to be inspired by the kindness and generosity that define our community — from caring for one another through Aid + Action to reminding our children how to stay safe and mindful in the world around them. Thank you for being such active partners in all that makes PS 107 special.
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
FALL INTO GIVING FOOD DRIVE
Right now, many families in our community are struggling with food insecurity. Throughout November, students can bring in nonperishable, unopened pantry and household items to help struggling families - and the three classes with the highest number of donations will win a pizza party for their efforts! The food collected will support three vital community efforts: maintaining our weekly commitment to CHiPS, stocking the shelves for our new 107 food pantry, and providing requested weekend food bags for PS 124 families.
*Students can still earn class credit for the pizza party competition by donating at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings, to ensure accurate tracking for the competition, please prepare and share the following details with the CHiPS crew when dropping off items:
- Classroom Number
- Total Number of Items Donated
If your family can donate, please send in items listed on the flyer pictured on the right.
If your family needs support, please reach out to your child’s teacher, or contact:
Nadia Benlarbi, Parent Coordinator – nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov
Colleen Dondero, School Social Worker – cdondero3@schools.nyc.gov
We are also collecting gift cards to local grocery stores, which will be distributed to families in need. Gift card donations can be dropped off with Nadia in the main office.
PICTURE RE-TAKE DAY - 11-19-25
Irvin Simon will be in the building to take pictures of students who missed having their picture taken on September 30. They will also re-take pictures if you would like them done.
If this is the case, please notify your child's teacher and cc Nadia at nbenlarbi2@schools.nyc.gov . We need to make a schedule for the day and so advance notice is not only necessary, but appreciated :)
DRESSING FOR THE COLDER TEMPERATURES
Please remember to send your children to school with warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves as needed.
Children go outside for recess every day, unless it’s raining heavily or bitterly cold. And please be sure to label all outerwear with your child’s name and class; this helps us return items that inevitably go missing during the day.
FIFTH GRADE UPDATES
Click here for the latest parent newsletter.
FIFTH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
- PS 107 MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT PANEL: On November 13th at 7pm, there will be a parent panel where former parents come and share information about their experiences with the D15 middle schools. *Please register here
- D15 middle school list here for reference. This list is a collaborative effort with fellow PC's in the district.
- Please check the District 15 website here for NYCPS D15 middle school information as well.
- Be sure to keep your eye on Operoo for the most up-to-date information!
NYC KIDS RISE : SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM UPDATE
Initial Opt-out Period
From Monday, November 3rd to Wednesday, December 3rd newly eligible families–all kindergarten and newly enrolled first through fourth grade families*--have the opportunity to opt out of receiving a NYC Scholarship Account.
*New* We will host a workshop on Thursday, November 13 at 12:45 pm via zoom. A representative from Kids Rise will present and answer questions on the program for all of our eligible families.
*Please register here for the event: Kids Rise 101: Learn About the Save for College Program!
Please see additional program documentation below:
- Save for College Program Intro Document
- Parents/guardians who wish to opt out can do so within their NYC Schools Account (recommended); OR by returning a signed opt-out form (see below)
- Opt-out Notice and Form
If you wish to receive an NYC Scholarship Account for your child, no additional steps are necessary. You will receive information in January about how to activate and view your child’s NYC Scholarship Account.
NYCPS INFORMATION
NOVEMBER 2025 FAMILY UPDATE
This Family Update provides includes important information about kindergarten admissions for fall 2026, upcoming admissions deadlines, November parent-teacher conferences, the first Climate Action Day of the 2025–26 school year, preparing for remote learning, and the New York City Schools Account.
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.
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 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.
On November 13th at 7pm, there will be a parent panel where former parents come and share information about their experiences with the D15 middle schools. *Please register here
Presented by the D15 ELA Instructional Team
Monday, November 17, 2025 6:00pm - 07:00pm
*Click this Link to join
Please take a look at this video from the last Family Workshop!
CEC 15
A Town Hall Event with Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Monday, December 1st - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In Person: Brooklyn High School of the Arts Auditorium
Town Hall will also be live streamed. Please register for this event at the following link: https://learndoe.org/cec/
*Don’t miss this excellent opportunity. Issues and concerns will be addressed.
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
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!
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.
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
PurposeFull People: Responsibility
All classrooms are currently focusing on Responsibility, one of the core values in our new social-emotional learning curriculum, PurposeFull People. Responsibility is among the traits that help our students Be Kind, Be Well, and Be Strong.
Across grade levels, students are learning about taking action, making thoughtful choices, and understanding the impact of their behavior on others.
Families can read the PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility, which includes activities and discussion prompts for home.
Previous Focus:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
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.
SCHOOL NEWS
- Fall Into Giving with Aid & Action
- The Five Day Week - Fall Edition
- PS 107 PTA October Meeting Minutes link.
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- AFTERSCHOOL - Tips for Success
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
THURSDAY MORNING TRACK RUN (TMTR)
Every Thursday at 7am, weather permitting, students in grades K-5 and their 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 where participants will warm up before heading to Bartel-Pritchard Square for a 30 minute run/trot/jog. No running experience required - we hope to see you there!
PSSE MONTHLY MEETING
The Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) Monthly Committee Meeting for November will take place on Thursday, November 13, from 12 – 1 PM. Dr. Alyssa Goodman of E&R Psychology will join for a discussion about sensory needs and sensory processing. This monthly meeting welcomes all families—whether or not they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a diagnosis, or are simply looking to connect and learn more about special education. All are welcome!
Location: Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 972 9035 0410
Dial-In: +1 646 931 3860
DEI COMMITTEE GATHERING(S)
The DEI Committee would like to invite participating parents and guardians who are interested in gathering in community for:
an evening at Brookvin (381 7th Ave, between 11th & 12th Streets) on Tuesday, November 18, at 8:00pm, and/or
morning coffee at Zatar (1201 8th Ave, between 12th & 13th Streets) on Friday, November 21, at 9am.
*Each month, the DEI Committee plans on holding one morning and one evening gathering to allow as many people to join as possible.
This is a great chance to meet fellow committee members and discuss plans for events and initiatives for the school year. If you have any questions, please contact committee co-chairs Samantha Manchester (samantha@ps107.org), and Alma Lacour (alma@ps107.org). Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
SPRING AUCTION SOLICITATIONS TEAM MEET-UP
The PS 107 Spring Auction Gala, scheduled for Friday, April 24th at the Prospect Park Picnic House, is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We are now building our Auction Solicitation Team and would love your help! Join us for a casual evening meet-up on Wednesday, November 19th to brainstorm donation ideas, swap outreach tips, and pick a few local businesses or friends to contact. You can do as much or as little as you like - some volunteers take on five businesses, others thirty - it all counts! If you'd like to be a part of it, email auction@ps107.orgfor details.
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 sch 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.
SENSORY TOOLS WISHLIST
In support of PS107’s mission to help all students thrive, please consider purchasing a wish list item to provide extra support for our ICT classrooms. Our goal is to support all our classrooms with the sensory tools our students need, beginning with our ICT classrooms. Tools requested are including but not limited to: flexible seating, noise-cancelling headphones, writing support tools, desk bands. See the wishlists here, on Konstella.
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:
Sandwiches, (please label w/ contents)
Bread Packages
Lunch Meat Packages
Eggs
Tortillas
Individually Portioned Prepared Meals, (please label w/ contents)
Microwavable meals
Jars of Peanut Butter and/or Jelly
Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk and Juice
Fruit Cups
Fresh Fruit
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Ziplock and Grocery Bags, and
Plastic cutlery
UPDATE - As funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been suspended and need has increased, CHiPs would love assistance collecting the following in addition to their standard request list:
Paper towels
Lysol/clorox wipes
Ground coffee
Mac and cheese
Spaghetti sauce
Shelf stable milk (32oz)
Water (16.9 oz)
Canned beans
Pasta
Rice
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Canned meats (tuna/sardine/chicken)
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Eggs
Butter
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.
FALL INTO GIVING FOOD DRIVE
Right now, many families in our community are struggling with food insecurity. Throughout November, students can bring in nonperishable, unopened pantry and household items to help struggling families - and the three classes with the highest number of donations will win a pizza party for their efforts! The food collected will support three vital community efforts: maintaining our weekly commitment to CHiPS, stocking the shelves for our new 107 food pantry, and providing requested weekend food bags for PS 124 families.
*Students can still earn class credit for the pizza party competition by donating at the CHiPS collection table on Wednesday mornings, to ensure accurate tracking for the competition, please prepare and share the following details with the CHiPS crew when dropping off items:
- Classroom Number
- Total Number of Items Donated
PS 124 CLOTHING SWAP
Please join us for a clothing swap at PS 124 on Saturday, November 22nd from 10am-12pm. We are looking for in season clothing that is clean and free from stains, holes, and tears. Please pre-sort donations according to gender and size. Coats and warm clothes are appreciated. There is no volunteer sign up but volunteers are always welcome and appreciated; students can earn their 'Clothing Drive Pin' if they help sort/fold clothes!
PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE: JUNIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS
On Saturday, December 6th, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, please join PTA Green Committee and Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Bandshell for Junior Volunteer Corps. Children aged 14 and under can come with their guardian(s) for a day of service as we spruce up Prospect Park. Volunteers will remove fallen leaves from lawn areas around the park; all necessary tools will be provided. Sign up onKonstella.
WINTER CRAFT FAIR
Join the PS107 community for our Winter Craft Fair onSaturday, December 13th, from 11AM to 2PM! We are currently looking for vendors, makers, crafters, artists and small businesses to be a part of this art-mazing event!
Do you make something you think people would like to buy? Host a table!
Does your kid have an entrepreneurial spirit and/or love a crafter-noon? Host a table or join a shared table!
Do you have friends with a cool business? They can host a table, too! Sign up now by completing this form.
We request that 25% of all proceeds go to the PS 107 PTA.
BROOKLYN NETS GAME FUNDRAISER
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. Tickets are $55 (lower level) or $30 (upper level), with $10 from every ticket going directly to the PTA.
Purchase tickets here. *Get your tickets by January 7, 2026 to get the best price and to guarantee your seats will be in the PS 107 reserved sections.
** Contact Nadia for scholarship information.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Warm up those vocals, book the babysitter and save the date for a fun night out to benefit the PS 107 PTA. On Friday, February 6, from 6-10pm, you can sing live band karaoke with The Occasionalists at Littlefield (635 Sackett St) -- or simply dance, drink and cheer on the talent. This event is open to everyone so if you have friends or family who would love a night out and to support PS 107, please invite them to save the date, too!
DISNEY ON ICE
Save the date: On Sunday, February 1st, at 1pm, join PS 107 families at the Barlcays Center whereDisney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, a fast-paced, family-friendly production that follows the search for Tinker Bell through stunning worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle’s enchanted chandelier, sing with Elsa, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises - all while raising money for the PTA. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this is sure to be an event to remember!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SOUNDPROOFING HELP IN THE CAFETERIA
Help Us Explore Cafeteria Soundproofing: We’re looking for a parent/guardian with soundproofing or acoustics expertise to partner with Principal Joanna on exploring options to reduce noise in our cafeteria. If you have experience in acoustics, building materials, or facilities sound solutions—and can offer advice or light consult—please email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org. Thank you!
GRADE LEVEL BOOK CLUBS ARE BACK!
Love books and building community? PS 107 Book Clubs are gearing up for another great year—and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help make it happen! We’re currently seeking a Book Club Director — a simple, low-lift coordination role that helps organize meeting schedules and support grade-level book club leads. A few grades may also have openings for Book Club Leads (or co-leads) to help plan and host their grade’s monthly book club gatherings. If you’re interested in helping out — whether as the Book Club Director or a grade-level lead — we’d love to hear from you! Email adam@ps107.org and christine@ps107.org to learn more or sign up.
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 13
- Kids Rise 101: Learn about the Save for College Program! -12:45 pm
- PS 107 Middle School Panel - 7 pm (zoom link to register)
November 17 - D15 Family Workshop
November 19 - Picture Retake Day
November 20 - PTA General Meeting 9am
December 1 -Chancellor Town Hall
December 13 - * NEW DATE* HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
WEEKLY EVENTS
Wednesday's Math Magic 7:30am (4th Floor)
Wednesday's CHiPS Food Drive 8:20 (main entrance)
Thursday's Thursday Morning Track Run 7am (meet at the main entrance)
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!