Dear PS 107 Families,
It’s been another fantastic week at PS 107! The bitter cold has returned, which reminded me that I have not yet shared our indoor recess policy with our families. We make every effort to take children outside daily; however, when the temperature with the wind chill factor is in the low 20s or below, we will often make the decision to keep students indoors for recess, at least for part of the recess period. This also applies to our Kindergarten Physical Education classes, which are typically held in the Big Yard for a 50-minute period.
During indoor recess, our Mindful Sports coach, Briyanna Baron (Briyanna has just joined us – see below to learn more about her!), will play games in the hallways with students who are interested, to get them moving. Sometimes, however, children may watch short educational videos during indoor recess when not engaged in a game with Coach Briyanna.
Today, for example, students are spending half of their recess period outside and half of their recess period inside. We continually reassess with each passing recess period, and if the weather becomes warmer, we take students outside for longer periods of time. Please be sure that your children come to school on these cold days with all of their cold weather gear: hats, scarves, gloves/mittens. We also strongly encourage you to label all such items, as we often find them dropped in the Big Yard or in the halls. We aim to get everything back to their rightful owners!
SNOW DAYS ARE OUT, REMOTE LEARNING IS IN: DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A DEVICE?
Speaking of cold winter weather, as you may already know, the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) have done away with snow days, and if we do have a big storm where it’s hazardous to travel, learning on those days will be remote.
To that end, we want to ensure that every child at PS 107 has a device that they can use at home for just this scenario. If your child needs a device for use in the event of a remote school day, PS 107 can provide an iPad running iOS 17, managed by the NYCPS. This iPad will come with preloaded apps, will not have access to the App Store and cannot be updated to the most current iOS due to storage limits. This iPad is only to be used for schoolwork and will have a Google Classroom app to sign in with your child’s @nycstudents.net username and password. In some instances for the upper grades, a Chromebook might become available to assign but because of our limited inventory, this cannot be guaranteed.
Note that we have limited devices available for distribution, but if your child is in need of one, please complete this form as soon as possible. Additionally, if you already have a school-issued device, but no longer need it, we ask that you return it to the main office, with the charger, at your earliest convenience so that it can be distributed to other students. If the device that you have at home is damaged, that is fine. Please still return it to us – no questions asked!
If you have any questions about devices for use at home, please reach out to our Technology Lead, Marybeth LoPorto at mloporto2@schools.nyc.gov.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES – PLEASE JOIN US!
You may have seen the Konstella announcement sent out yesterday on our upcoming series of workshops sponsored by our parent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team on shaping a compassionate and inclusive school community – together! This topic is a passion of mine, and we have been working hard at PS 107 to build a welcoming community where all students and families feel that they belong – but we know that we still have work to do. I hope that many of our families will sign up for this series of workshops as we cannot do this work alone.
As noted in yesterday’s Konstella announcement, this workshop series will be led by teacher educator Kass Minor, a local D15 parent and author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools. This is a unique opportunity to come together as parents, educators, and caregivers to raise thoughtful, compassionate kids who embrace diversity and understanding.
Over three 90-minute workshops, Kass will help us:
Reflect on how our personal histories with school shape our experiences—and those of our children.
Deepen our understanding of how to talk with kids about race, gender, class, and other important topics.
Provide caregivers with resources and strategies to help students navigate the complex world that surrounds them
The PTA and PS 107 school leadership have invested to provide this workshop to our community because we want all students to feel that they belong in our community. Let’s work together to raise great human beings and create a school foundation that reflects the values we all share.
The dates of the workshops are 2/4, 3/4, and 5/1 @ 7pm on Zoom. We'd love people to join for all three workshops, as they build upon one another. Please sign up using the Konstella link here (or the link provided in yesterday’s announcement). I just signed up myself, and I really hope to see a diverse cross-section of our parent community at these workshops. Thank you to the parent DEI Team and to the PTA for making this series a reality!
FITNESSGRAM IS HERE!
The Fitnessgram is an annual fitness assessment that all students in the NYC Public Schools take part in. Students complete Fitnessgram assessments in Physical Education classes, and these assessments help students and their families develop personal goals for lifelong fitness. The Fitnessgram is not a graded test, and the results are confidential and will be in your child’s New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) when all assessments are completed. The assessments that are part of the Fitnessgram are as follows:
K-3: Students are measured for height and weight only.
4th + 5th Grades: Students are measured for height and weight, and complete five fitness activities that assess strength, endurance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity.
Note that we ensure complete privacy and confidentiality when measuring students’ height and weight, as we know that this is a sensitive topic for some students and families. Students in 4th and 5th grades have just started the additional five fitness activities in their PE classes. If you have questions about Fitnessgram or how it is conducted at PS 107, please reach out to Ms Ali at aannunziato@schools.nyc.gov.
WELCOME BRIYANNA BARON FROM MINDFUL SPORTS!
Briyanna Baron (she/her) is a Lead Coach at Mindful Sports and has just joined the PS 107 community as our new recess coach. She was born and raised in Brooklyn. Basketball has been a huge part of her life, and she most recently played on the women’s basketball team at the University at Buffalo for two years. While at Buffalo, Briyanna earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Health, which fueled her interest in supporting communities and making a difference. She’s always had a love for working with children and helping them grow. Briyanna was most recently an elementary school teacher at a local charter school before joining Mindful Sports in January, merging her passions of education and athletics.
Briyanna loves listening to all types of music, especially 2000s R&B, drawing, watching TV, and staying busy with fun activities. Briyanna is very family-oriented, and her close relationships are what keeps her grounded and motivated every day!
Please give Briyanna a warm welcome to the PS 107 community!
NEW POLICY ALERT: PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR PE
Parents who are volunteering for PE classes at the Armory must sign in with Agent Sharon at PS 107 before proceeding to the Armory. This is because the Armory is considered an annex of PS 107, and we must have an accurate accounting of who has entered the school to work with students. Please remember to sign in with Agent Sharon before you head over to the Armory. Thank you!
Thank you for reading through this lengthy weekly update. I hope that you have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna
SCHOOL INFORMATION
PS 107 PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES WITH DR. ERICA MILLER
Dr. Erica Miller is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in neuropsychological assessment, positive parenting practices and evidenced-based treatments.
Her primary goal is to help parents better understand their child and to empower parents to meet their child’s needs with connection and empathy.
Topics will include: frustration tolerance, working through power struggles, confidence building, and preparing for the tween/teen years.
Workshop Dates:
- January 23,2025 - Building Frustration Tolerance
- The focus of this workshop is ‘building frustration tolerance. Participants will learn: 1) concrete, in-the-moment strategies caregivers can use to help de-escalate a frustrated child, and 2) strategies to help support their child/children build frustration tolerance so they can more productively tolerate distress as it comes.
- February 27, 2025
- During this workshop, we will focus on reframing and building confidence. As parents, we want our children to grow up to be confident. But what does that mean and how do we do it? We are hearing so many conflicting messages regarding praise, and reassurance. Participants will become equipped with a new framework confidence and explicit strategies to help kids build it from the inside out.
- March 27,2025
- TBD
* To RSVP, please open the attachment
LOST & FOUND - Updated 1-14-25
Please be sure to check for your child's lost winter weather accessories! Pictures of hats are now included this week!
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
EXTRA! EXTRA!
DISTRICT 15 FAMILY WORKSHOP
Understanding Your Child's IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Overview of what an IEP is and its purpose.
- Explanation of the IEP components (e.g., goals, accommodations, services).
- The importance of measurable goals and progress monitoring.
- Step-by-step breakdown of a sample IEP document.
**If possible, bring a copy of your child's IEP to this meeting to follow along.**
Presented by: Johanna E. Rodriguez from the Special Education Office (SEO) Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL)
Date: Wednesday January 15, 2025
Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/7268853826?%20pwd=N0hhMDZCSzZ2NUtvNEJLSGpoYU%20NoZz09&omn=98513435339
Meeting ID: 726 885 3826 Passcode: 251368
D15 Town Hall: January 21, 2025 at 6:30pm
Join us from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm to discuss: School Safety and How District 15 Supports Social Emotional Learning
Town Hall Meeting Link:
Meeting ID: 265 812 027 759
Passcode: zaHimY
CEC15 CALENDAR MEETING & REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
CEC15 Calendar Meeting
When: January 28th @ 6:30 pm
Where: MS 88, 544 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES - Hosted by: The Central Crisis Support Team
Explore new themes each month with our engaging weekly presentations. Enhance your skills to support your child's growth and connect with a community of parents and caregivers!
February: Creating Trauma Responsive Communities
March: Empower Through Play
Time/Zoom information:
- Mon 5PM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-Gsrj8sH9OMo9OXbIzisuI5n5fyT3s6
- Tues 7:30pm: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6orT4sEtJ0AHga6aG3yRVGFe1Tcl29
- Thurs 11AM: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcO2hpzsiGdNkKvZToV-RuTpg-0eBb4xq
*Please see the image or flyer for more information.
BIG APPLE AWARDS
As in prior years, the DOE recognizes and celebrates teacher excellence through the Big Apple Awards (BAA). The BAA nomination process for the upcoming cohort of fellows for the 2025–26 school year is now open through January 21. You are invited to nominate a teacher for the Big Apple Award by completing this nomination form by January 21.
Nominated teachers will receive an email from bigappleteachers@schools.nyc.gov with a request to complete a nomination application by February 24. All winning fellows will receive surprise visits to their classrooms in May and June 2025.
*Please see the attached flyer for more details!
ABT (AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE) RISE
ABT RISE Workshops are a series of complimentary dance classes offered to students that have historically been underrepresented in classical ballet. These workshops align with ABT’s mission to bring classical dance to the widest possible audience by supporting students of all abilities and skill levels in their quest to engage in the performing arts.
This free dance workshop will host 80- 100 second and third grade students from public schools across the five boroughs of New York City! We welcome all interested NYC public school second and third grade students to apply for a fun day of classes in the welcoming environment of ABT’s Studios.
The workshop will take place on Monday, January 20th 12:45-4:00 pm at ABT Studios located at 890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. The workshops will offer two complimentary classes for students, a ballet technique class and a second foundational dance class in modern or character dance.
*No dance experience required!
LET'S LEARN WORKSHOP WITH PBS KIDS
Please join Let’s Learn for an exciting virtual session on how to support your children’s learning at home. Let’s Learn is a public television series for children ages 3 to 7 that offers fun, interactive lessons by NYC Public School educators and teaching artists.
Date/time: February 3, 2025, 12-1pm
Format/platform: Online seminar, Zoom
*Register today by completing this form
CLUBS AND MEETINGS
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, 4, and 5. Please check Konstella for grade level messages with details about meetings. 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? 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 8:20 am and parents or guardians of students in all grades are asked to stay for the duration. We hope to see you there!
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us on Thursday, January 16th from 9am to 10am for our January PTA General Meeting.
Meeting will take place in person at PS 107.
Agenda items include:
Parent Coordinator Update
Principal’s Update
After School Update
Annual Fund Update
DEI Committee
PSSE Committee
Upcoming Events:
Heritage Day
STEM Day
Spring Auction
Interactive Discovery Workshop
PTA Board and SLT Openings (informational meeting Tuesday, Jan 21)
COFFEE MORNING FOR PROSPECTIVE PTA AND SLT MEMBERS
A number of PTA Board and School Leadership Team (SLT) positions will be available at the end of this school year. If you are interested and would like to find out more about what is involved from current members, please join us in the PS 107 cafeteria on Tuesday, January 21st at 8:45am for coffee and an informal chat. If you would like to find out more but can't make it, please contact Co-Presidents Mike (mike@ps107.org) and Adam (adam@ps107.org) for further details.
Positions available:
PTA Board:
Co-president
Annual Funds Lead
Co-Events Leads (x2)
Co-Treasurer
Co-DEI Leads (x2)
SLT:
Parent Members (x2)
PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOP SERIES: BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY
Please join the DEI Committee for a special workshop series, led by teacher educator Kass Minor, a local D15 parent and author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools.
This is a unique opportunity to come together as parents, educators and caregivers to raise thoughtful, compassionate kids who embrace diversity and understanding.
The dates of the workshops are Tuesday, February 4th; Tuesday, March 4th; and Thursday, May 1st at 7pm (on Zoom). We'd love people to join for all three workshops, as they build upon each other. RSVP here!
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. Here’s how:
- 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.
GARDENING HELP NEEDED
Our chicks are growing fast!
If you would like to help support our growing chicks and our growing garden, please check out Ms. A's Amazon Wishlist and consider making a donation!
Thank you!
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
HERITAGE DAY
Heritage Day, a long-loved PS 107 tradition, returns on Saturday, January 25th from 12 to 3pm. On Heritage Day, volunteers from our school community take over the building to host rooms highlighting their family's home country or state. Students are offered an opportunity to visit these destinations - all in one afternoon - with a passport to prove it!
Heritage Day allows our diverse school community to share traditions and expose others to the sights, sounds, foods, stories, and music that are out unique cultural touchstones. We would love to invite all members of the school community to contribute. If you would like to host or co-host a room, please fill out THIS FORM to apply.
If you are unable to host but would like to help, please consider volunteering at the event. E-mail Brad Allen (bradallen1@gmail.com) for further information. We hope to see you all there!
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT PS 39: CAMP AND AFTER SCHOOL FAIR AT CAMP FRIENDSHIP
Join our friends at PS 39 on Sunday, January 26th from 3-5pm at Camp Friendship, (339 8th Street), to learn more about local summer camps, holiday camps, and after school programs.
Attendees will be able to meet program staff and will also be offered discount opportunities for some programs.
SPECIAL EVENT: SPRING AUCTION
Our Spring Auction in April is the single largest fundraising event of the year. We need these contributions to make it a success:
Help plan the event - signup on Konstella to lead or join the committee. Our growing team has already booked a venue, started soliciting donations and begun planning food, beverages and decor. Join them!
Donate an auction item - can you - or someone you know - donate a vacation home stay, tickets for a show or game, a hospitality or entertainment gift, or any other service/experience/item? Complete this form to tell us about your donation or get in touch to discuss how we can turn your connections into a cool auction lot!
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
January 15 - D15 Family Workshop
January 16 - PTA Meeting 9:00 am (in person, cafeteria)
January 21 - PTA/SLT Coffee Meeting 8:45 am (in person,cafeteria)
January 21 - District 15 Town Hall 6:30 pm (zoom)
January 23 - Parent Workshop conducted by Dr. Erica Miller 8:45 am (in person)
January 25 - Heritage Day
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
January 20 - MLK Day (School Closed)
January 29 - Lunar New Year (School Closed)