A traditional Chinese lion dance performed during Heritage Day on Saturday.
Dear PS 107 Families,
WOW! Heritage Day was such a beautiful community celebration! This was my first Heritage Day, which I know has been a beloved 107 tradition for years, and its reputation is well-deserved. It was such a wonderful showcase of the diversity that makes our school community such a special place, as well as a truly collaborative effort, with so many volunteers coming together to make it happen. Enormous thanks to Biba Milioto for coordinating Heritage Day, and to the many, many volunteers who hosted rooms, organized performances, and managed overall operations. All of us at 107 are so thrilled that this tradition has returned!
This past week, as part of Digital Citizenship Month at 107, we hosted an incredibly informative workshop led by parent Kevin McCleary on how to keep your children safe online. Thank you Kevin! This Friday, March 24th, from 12:30-1:30 pm, we’ll have another workshop led by 107 parent and Common Sense Media Education Director Tali Horowitz called Nurturing Healthy Digital Habits. Have your lunch with us while learning how to create balance for your kids online. Please register here to receive the Zoom link. This session will also be recorded if you are unable to attend.
The holy month of Ramadan begins on Wednesday, March 22nd. If your child will be fasting and would prefer to be in an alternative location during lunch, please reach out to Parent Coordinator Nadia Benlarbi early this week to make arrangements. Ramadan Mubarak to all of our families who celebrate!
Finally, New York State testing will begin right after Spring Break for students in grades 3 through 5. The NYS English Language Arts (ELA) test will be administered on April 19th and 20th, and the NYS Math test will be administered on May 2nd and 3rd. As some of you may remember, these tests used to have very high stakes attached to them, including whether children would be promoted to the next grade, how teachers were evaluated, and whether children would be admitted to particular middle schools. Thanks to statewide protests and a large “opt-out” movement, the stakes attached to the tests were almost completely removed, and the time devoted to testing was significantly reduced.
At 107, we see these tests as just one measure of how children — and our school — are doing. We review aggregate data, particularly our Test Item Analysis report, which helps us to see which ELA and math skills we need to focus on in our teaching across the school year. We do test prep in the weeks leading up to each test, but our teachers make it as low-key and stress-free as possible.
Parents have the right to refuse the NYS tests for their 3-5th grade children. To do so, simply write an email or a letter to your child’s teacher copying Assistant Principal Rinah Fernandez Vasquez, and include the following information:
state that you are choosing to opt your child out of the upcoming NYS exams (specify ELA test, Math test, or both);
include your child's first and last name, classroom teacher's name and class number; and
include your name and relationship to the student.
Please send your letter/email as soon as possible (and before spring break) so that we can plan an alternative schedule for your child for testing days. If you have any questions about opting out of the NYS tests, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Ms Joanna