The Wednesday Weekly
April 29, 2026
Dear PS 107 Families,
It was wonderful seeing so many of you at last Friday's Spring Auction and Gala! It truly took a village to make that evening happen, and I am so grateful to gala leads Julie Mee Schmidt, Kat Libra, and Margaux Turchiano for bringing so much joy to our community.
Celebrations in April
What a week of celebration it has been! On Monday, we were thrilled to honor Arab-American Heritage Month with a traditional Dabke performance for the entire school. Dabke is a communal folk dance originating in the Levant region, performed at celebrations like weddings and festivals, where dancers link arms and stomp rhythmically to lively music. Our students had an absolute blast! Thank you to our Arab-American Affinity Group for helping us celebrate so beautifully.
This week, we are also honoring Neurodiversity Awareness, as April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. We are grateful to our Parents Supporting Special Education (PSSE) team for putting together posters, sensory activities, and tools for our community, as well as treating us to snacks from Popcorn for the People, a wonderful company that supports employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.
Looking ahead, May brings more celebrations: Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We have read-alouds, announcements, and performances in the works — more details to come!
PurposeFull People: Cooperation
Our students have been exploring the value of Cooperation through our PurposeFull People curriculum: working together to meet shared goals. Please take a look at the family letter for this module, which includes recommended activities and conversation starters to try at home.
A Follow-Up on Bias-Related Incidents
Last week's letter about bias-related incidents prompted a number of thoughtful responses from families, and I am grateful for the engagement. Several parents asked for specific examples of the kinds of incidents we have been seeing. While I want to be as transparent as possible, I also have a responsibility to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all of the children and families involved, so I am not able to share specific incidents or details. What I can tell you is that these incidents span all grade levels and touch on many of the ways in which people differ from one another, including race, gender, body image, socioeconomic status, and more. In the coming weeks, I will share fictionalized scenarios in this newsletter that reflect the kinds of situations we are navigating, along with conversation starters and strategies to help you open these dialogues with your child at home. I believe that the more we talk about these things — at school and at home, together — the better equipped our children will be to treat one another with the kindness and respect they all deserve.
Class Size Update
We are still awaiting word from the central office at NYC Public Schools as to whether we have been funded to open two new classes next year, one in 2nd grade and one in 3rd grade. We will continue to keep you updated as soon as we hear more.
NYC Kids Rise: Save for College Program
All students in Kindergarten through 4th grade are eligible to participate in the NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program, and we are working hard to get as many families as possible to activate their child's account. Their account starts with $100, and they will also receive a $25 reward just for activating it — no personal information required!
To activate your child's NYC Scholarship Account, follow these steps:
Go to nyckr.org/act-now
Enter your child's ZIP code, birthdate, and Student ID or OSIS number, then click Submit
Enter your name, email, and create a password
Read and accept the Terms of Use, then click Create User Profile
You can also watch a short video guide if you'd like a walkthrough. If you are not interested in participating, please opt out through your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA): log in, click the "Postsecondary Planning" tile, then click "NYC Kids Rise Save for College Program" to review the program information and opt out – or print and complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher.
Teacher Appreciation Week: We Need Your Help!
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we cannot wait to shower our incredible teachers and staff with love! One thing we would love to do is fill our school's Instagram account with messages of appreciation from our students. Here is how to participate:
Record a short video (about 20 seconds) of your child sharing why they love their teachers and/or staff members at PS 107. Please hold your phone vertically when recording.
Email the video to our social media team at social@ps107.org.
By sending the video, you consent to have it posted publicly on our school's Instagram account. We encourage videos to be broad and celebrate teachers and staff generally, but if your child wants to thank someone specific, that is wonderful too! Any questions? Reach out to me at jcohen72@schools.nyc.gov or to our social media team at social@ps107.org.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Joanna
NYCPS MAY FAMILY UPDATE
This month’s letter features important information about the 2026–27 school year calendar, Summer Rising offers, admissions updates, Teacher Appreciation Week, Climate Action Day, and Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Please click here to access the May Update or open the attachment below.
NYCPS GUIDANCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Click here to review the NYCPS guidance.
NYCPS is taking feedback and comments on this guidance through May 8, 2026.Share your thoughts, suggestions, and insights(Open external link)
If you received a Summer Rising offer you must accept the offer by May 5, 2026.
SURVEY EXTENDED! NEW DEADLINE 4/30/26
Did Somebody Say Pizza Party?!?
Once again, the PTA has agreed to sponsor a pizza party for the classes that achieve a 95% completion rate for the NYC School Survey :)
We will release results 1 week after the deadline.
Fingers crossed 🤞 and thank you to the PTA for their generosity 🫶
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!
SCHOOL NEWS
- Missed the April PTA Meeting? You can check out the minutes here.
- Five Day Week April Edition
SPECIAL EVENTS HOSTED BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER ROBERT CARROLL
FREE PAPER SHREDDING!
Stay a step ahead of scammers and fraudsters at Assemblymember Robert Carroll’s FREE paper shredding event. Watch your documents go into the NYC Department of Sanitation on-site Shred Truck.
📆THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2026
⏰9 a.m. − 12 p.m.
📍416 7th Avenue (between 13th and 14th Streets)
For more information on this free event or any other community concern, please contact the office of Assemblymember Robert Carroll at 718-788-7221.
SPRING CLEAN & GREEN
This event is co-sponsored by City Council Member Shahana Hanif's office.
📆SUNDAY MAY 3
⏰10 a.m. − 2 p.m.
📍Entrance to Prospect Park on Prospect Park Southwest & Parkside Avenue, Across from TD Bank
- E-Cycling: computers, monitors, printers/scanners, keyboards, mice, cables, TVs, VCRs and DVD players, phones, audio/visual equipment, cell phones and PDAs https://www.lesecologycenter.org/calendar/ prospect-park/ (no air conditioners, appliances, batteries or media such as discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, etc.)
- Textile Recycling: clothing, shoes, towels, hats, bags, gloves, linens and bedding, curtains, clean fabric
- FREE Paper Shredding: Stay ahead of ID thieves and shred your important documents (no magazines, cardboard, metal or plastic)
PS 295 FITNESS DAY - FREE EVENT!
Join us at PS 295 for a day of fitness & fun!
📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 11am to 2 pm
📍 PS 295
Please register in advance here: PS295 Fitness Day Registration Form
MARBLE HEALTH PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS
Demystifying Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health Support
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 @ 8:00 PM EST
Prosperando juntos: Mejorando la comunicación familiar (En español)
MARTES, 12 DE MAYO A LAS 6:00 PM EST
Finding Calm in Chaos: Helping Students Navigate Political Anxiety
TUESDAY, MAY 19 @ 7:00 PM EST
Friendships, Cliques & Conflict: Helping Kids Navigate their Social World
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 @ 8:00 PM EST
SCHOOL RESOURCES
HELPFUL TIPS
Please click here for helpful tips regarding, absences, late arrivals, and more!
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.
Please click here for student email account and google classroom tech support information.
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.
ACADEMIC & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES
NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CURRICULUM
Our school community has moved into a new and important chapter of our PurposeFull People character education curriculum: the value of Honesty.
For more on our Honesty module, please take a look at the PurposeFull People parent newsletter here, which includes activities that you can do at home as a family to reinforce this value. And feel free to reach out to your child's teacher to learn more about what their specific grade is exploring.
Previous Units:
- PurposeFull People’s Family Newsletter on Respect
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Responsibility
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Gratitude
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Empathy
- PurposeFull People Family Newsletter on Perseverance
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)
Track is back!!! Every Thursday at 7am, from now to the end of the school year (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 MEETING
Friday, May 1st, after morning drop-off, please join PSSE for an informal gathering at Pasta Louise on 12th Street. PSSE creates a safe space where parents can discuss successes and challenges and offer each other support. The group welcomes families of PS 107 students with or without an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), with or without a diagnosis, or anyone looking to connect and learn more. All are welcome!
PARK CLEAN UP
Join the PS 107 Trash Troop! Students and grownups meet on the first Sunday of each month between 9:00 and 11:00 to clear litter from Prospect Park. Bring your own gloves and trash bags and join us! Come once, or join every month. Volunteers will meet at 9:00am, but feel free to join later, and stay as long as you can. Students will earn their Action Volunteer pin (if they don't already have it). Signing up on Konstella is encouraged but not required. Grownups, please share the above safety info with your kids beforehand.
FUNDRAISERS
ANNUAL FUND
Contribute to the Annual Fund, which directly supports essential school programs and resources. We are nearing the end of the year but have not yet reached our goal. Please help us get over the finish line with your donation! 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.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES FUNDRAISER GAME
On Saturday May 2nd, Come enjoy an evening at the Ballpark with fellow 107 families cheering on the Brooklyn Cyclones. A portion of ticket sales support our school. Get your tickets here.
NEW YORK LIBERTY FUNDRAISER GAME
On Sunday, June 14th, come out to Barclays Center and watch the New York Liberty with the 107 community. Tickets purchased help raise funds for the PTA. Get your tickets here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
NEURODIVERSITY AWARENESS WEEK
Celebrate Minds of All Kinds during Neurodiversity Awareness Week from NOW to Friday, May 1. On Friday, May 1, please wear blue to help raise awareness for Neurodiversity. Check out the bulletin board and posters around the school and ask your child about the morning announcements. There will also be a selection of neurodiverse books in the PS107 library. Each class will celebrate with sensory stickers, pencils, bracelets and activity sheets. Students who need a sensory break can also ask their teachers about the 2nd floor sensory space or the sensory walks around the school for a movement break.
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH
May is AAPI Heritage Month! If your child identifies as Asian American, Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander, we'd love to celebrate their identity. If they'd like to participate in our poster project (see last year's display for reference), please complete this survey as soon as possible.
Contact PS 107 parents Avon, Neeta, or Nisha with questions: Avon Khowong akhowong@gmail.com, neetamenon1@gmail.com, nisha.lauren@gmail.com
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
May is Jewish American Heritage Month! If your student would like to be featured on the JAHM bulletin board, please send the following to LindsayRobinson315@gmail.com:
1. Photo of your student
2. Full Name
3. Class
4. A few sentences sharing what they love about being Jewish!
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.
SPRING MOVIE NIGHT
Tickets have almost sold out for Spring Movie Night, "The Secret Life of Pets," on Friday, May 1st at 7:30pm. (Doors open at 7pm.) Please click here to order tickets and If you missed your chance to get tickets, you can join the waitlist here. For those attending, as a safety reminder: please be sure to supervise the children in your care at all times. Running, ball playing, and climbing on the fence are not permitted. We’re here to enjoy a movie together—let’s keep it safe and fun for everyone!
ART DAY
The Art Committee is busy planning a day of creative fun for the annual PS 107 Art Day on Saturday, May 16 from 12-3pm, in the Big Yard! Art Day at PS 107 brings together our school community for an afternoon of creativity, discovery, and fun. Families can explore hands-on workshops led by our talented parents and local artists. Kids can make art, try new materials, and let their imaginations run wild. It is a joyful schoolwide event that highlights the vibrant artistic spirit of our school community. We are looking for workshop leaders who will guide kids in art and craft based activities in a variety of materials - drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, textiles, wood, cardboard, and more! If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please sign up on konstella and the Art Committee will be in touch about planning and securing supplies for your workshop. For more information, please reach out to Art Committee Co-Chairs: Sarah Baratti sarahkwarner@yahoo.com, Jiaomin Ni jiaomin.ni@gmail.com, and
Kate Polevoy kgwilkes@gmail.com.
SPRING FLING
Save the Date: This year's Spring Fling will take place Wednesday, June 3 from 6:30 to 9:00pm in the Big Yard. DJ, dancing, pizza, snacks, drinks. The whole school community, together in the big yard. We can't wait to see you there!
TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
We’re excited to celebrate PS107 Teachers & Staff Appreciation Week from May 4–8! This is a special opportunity to show our incredible teachers, staff, and administrators just how much they mean to our community—and we need your help to make it truly memorable. The week will culminate in a Thank You Potluck on Friday May 8th. Please sign up now to bring food, supplies, or to volunteer for this special day of appreciation.
**NEW 2026-2027 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 NYCPS CALENDAR - click here
2025-2026 KONSTELLA/SCHOOL CALENDAR - click here
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 30 & May 1- NYS Math Test for Grades 3 to 5
May 1 - Spring Movie Night in the Big Yard 7:30 pm
May 5 - Summer Rising Offer Acceptance Deadline
May 13 - NYS Science Test — Grade 5 only
May 15 - Grandparents /Special Friend Day 8:20 to 10 am
May 16 - Art Day
June 3 - Spring Fling
HOLIDAYS / SCHOOL CLOSURES
May 25 - Memorial Day (school closed)
May 27 - Eid al Adha (school closed)
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM!
Scan the QR code and follow our 107 IG account!