The Wednesday Weekly
January 14, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
I hope this message finds you well as we settle into the heart of winter. I’m grateful, as always, for your partnership and engagement as we continue to plan thoughtfully for both the immediate needs of our school and the longer-term future of PS 107.
To that end, the School Leadership Team (SLT) will be hosting an information session to share the avenues we are considering for the 2026–27 school year to reduce class size at PS 107 on Wednesday, January 28th, 7:30–8:30 pm, on Zoom. Please register here to attend: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/6A7D6No2Q5aSdPwrrQrrLA
During this session, we will:
Share details about the options we are actively exploring
Answer questions about those options
Invite your ideas and suggestions, including possibilities we may not have considered
Following the meeting, a survey will be shared with the entire parent community so that all families have an opportunity to provide individual feedback.
Prior to the January 28th session, the SLT will also share a written document outlining the options under consideration. We look forward to engaging in this important conversation with our community!
Snow Days Are Out — Remote Learning Is In
As you may already know, the NYC Public Schools no longer have traditional snow days. If weather conditions make travel unsafe, learning will take place remotely on those days.
If your child needs a device, PS 107 can provide an iPad running iOS 17, managed by NYCPS or a Chromebook, also managed by NYCPS, depending on inventory availability. Please note that both devices will have access to the internet so adult supervision and oversight is paramount.
For iPads:
The iPad will have preloaded apps only
It will not have access to the App Store
It cannot be updated to the most current iOS due to storage limits
It is intended only for schoolwork
For Chromebooks:
Extensions are not permitted
It is intended only for schoolwork
Students will use the Google Classroom app to log in with their @nycstudents.net credentials.
Classroom teachers can provide students with their usernames and are available to assign and reset passwords.
We have a limited number of devices available. If your child needs a device for use at home, please complete the request form as soon as possible. Please do not use this form if your child already has a PS 107 or NYCPS-issued device that is not working. In that case, please email Ms. Marybeth LoPorto directly (contact information below) so we can troubleshoot or arrange a replacement.
If your family already has a school-issued device that is no longer needed, please return it to the main office with the charger so it can be redistributed to another student. If the device is damaged, that is completely fine — please still return it no questions asked.
If you have any questions about devices for home use, please contact our Technology Lead, Marybeth LoPorto, at mloporto2@schools.nyc.gov.
A Friendly Reminder About Dogs on or near School Grounds
I love dogs — but not everyone does and some children are very afraid of them (including my own when she was elementary school-aged!). 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.
PurposeFull People: Empathy
All classrooms at PS 107 have begun the next unit in our social-emotional learning, anti-bullying, and character education 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.
Thank you for your continued thought and care for our school community. Whether you’re joining an SLT conversation, returning a device, reminding a child to practice empathy, or simply navigating a cold morning drop-off, your efforts matter and are deeply appreciated.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
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
How New York Families Can Save for College — and How Some Have $100 Already
Click here to view this informative article regarding the NYC Kids Rise Save for College program.
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.
MARBLE HEALTH JANUARY WORKSHOPS
Navigating the Autism Spectrum: Helping Your Child Learn, Connect & Thrive (New!)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 @ 8:00 PM
Ayudando a los niños a tener éxito: Estrategias para la función ejecutiva (en español)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 @ 7:00 PM
Helping Kids Succeed: Executive Function Strategies
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 @ 6:00 PM
Managing Screen Time
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 @ 8:00 PM
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the January PTA General meeting this Thursday, January 15th, at 9am. The meeting will take place IN PERSON in the PS 107 Cafeteria.
Missed the December PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
ABT RISE WORKSHOP - 2nd & 3rd Grade Students
ABT RISE Weekend Workshop on Monday, January 19th (MLK DAY)! This free workshop will host 80-100 second and third grade students from public schools across the five boroughs of New York City!
Students will have the opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across New York City and train with ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Faculty and Guests.
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. No dance experience required.
The workshop will take place on Monday, January 19th (MLK DAY), at ABT Studios, 890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.
More information and how to apply can be found at https://www.abt.org/abtriseweekend
You may also sign up directly by visiting the link found here.
PARENT WORKSHOP AT PS 58
Expert Panel on AI, Students & Schools
📆 Tuesday, January 20th
⏰ 6:30 to 7:30 PM
📍PS 58, 330 Smith Street, enter on Carroll Street
Subway: F Train to Carroll Street
(no RSVP or childcare for the panel event)
*Fellow parent, Tali Horowitz of Common Sense Media, is one of the experts on the panel!
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
PS 107 FOOD PANTRY
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, please stop by the food pantry!
It is stocked with shelf stable staples and reusable bags are provided.
Sign in with Agent Sharon and tell her that you are going to the cafeteria.
The pantry is located in the basement, across from the cafeteria. It is in the single student bathroom area, in the line of cabinets.
Food Pantry Hours: 8am to 10:30 am Monday through Friday
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.
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
- Missed the December PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
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
PTA GENERAL MEETING
Please join us for the January PTA General meeting this Thursday, January 15th, at 9am. The meeting will take place IN PERSON in the PS 107 Cafeteria.
Missed the December PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
GREEN COMMITTEE MEET-UP
Want to find out more about the PTA Green Committee? Come along to our next meet up on Friday, January 16th, from 8:30-9:30am at Zatar (1201 8th Ave).
We'll be discussing what the group should take on this winter and spring. Come along to hear more and/or share your ideas!
The mission of the PS107 Green Committee is to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. PS107's Sustainability Commitment is to minimize waste with reusables and no single use plastic. Can't make it but want to be involved? Join our whatsapp group.
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.
SUMMER CAMP AUCTION
This year's online Camp Auction is open and runs until Sunday, January 18th.
Check out the catalog now and create an account to be ready to bid!
You’ll find a vast selection on offer, from 4 weeks at sleepaway camp to $100s off at your local favorites. Every item is donated, so 100% of proceeds go to PS 107!!!
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
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.
HERITAGE DAY
Heritage Day, a long-loved PS 107 tradition, returns on Saturday, January 24th! If you've never attended before, Heritage Day is a volunteer-run event hosted by 107 families. We take over the entire school building and families host rooms dedicated to their home country or state. In the past, Heritage Day has also been a great way for families that share backgrounds to team up and co-host.
It's an opportunity to share your family's background and introduce our community to the wonderful traditions, foods, sights, and sounds that are your cultural touchstones. If you are interested in hosting or co-hosting a room, please fill out this form: Heritage Day Hosting.
If you have questions, email Brad Allen at bradallen1@gmail.com.
DISNEY ON ICE
Join PS 107 for Disney on Ice at the Barclays Center Sunday, February 1st at 3pm! Tickets are SELLING FAST and only available until January 21st. Get yours today and come watch spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid!
A portion of ticket sales will benefit the PTA through Zeffy...get 'em while you can!
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.
*For those who have already purchased tickets, they will be emailed at the beginning of February.
LIVE BAND KARAOKE WITH THE OCCASIONALISTS
Do you dream of rock star-dom? Was American Idol your favorite show in high school? Want to see your friends and neighbors belt their hearts out to Journey on a Friday night?
Join the PS 107 PTA for Live Rock Karaoke 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. This event is open to everyone: share this link with friends and family who would love a night out and to support our school!
Secure your tickets ahead of time now for just $20! ...or they'll be more expensive at the door! Questions? Have a song you're dying to sing or an instrument you'd like to play up on stage with the band? ALL TALENT IS WELCOME! Email Mike: mturchiano@gmail.com
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 14 - 3-K and Pre-K Applications Open
January 15 - PTA Meeting 9 am (in person!)
January 20 - Dopa Mind Panel @ PS 58 6pm
January 23 - Kindergarten Application Closes
January 24 - Heritage Day
January 28 - SLT & Principal Joanna Class Size Reduction Discussion 7:30-8:30 pm (zoom)
February 6 - Family Morning
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
January 19 - Martin Luther King Day (School Closed)
February 14-22 - Mid Winter Recess (School Closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!