Character Dress Up Day October 31st!

Dear PS 101 Families:

In keeping up with traditions, we will be permitting students on Friday, October 31st to come to school wearing character costumes. Families will be advised to send their child to school wearing a safe costume as follows:

  • Character masks are not allowed to be worn, to ensure safety.
  • NO simulated weapons, knives, axes, guns in accordance with costumes are to be brought to school, as we must comply with Chancellor’s Regulations.
  • Try to avoid outfits that hinder movement–make sure the outfits are at a length where students can move freely.

As Halloween approaches, we know many children and families across the city are looking forward to celebrating. We are excited to share ways to safely have fun with your family, while still being mindful of key safety measures. To ensure safety, I offer you a few safety tips, which I hope you will follow:

  • Take the time to speak with your child to discuss safety as they trick-or-treat around the neighborhood.
  • Children should not be permitted to be on the streets after 5 pm alone, due to darkness.
  • Try going to a scavenger hunt in a park or walking around your neighborhood to see all the spooky decorations with your family.
  • Always remain with your child and spend the time together if trick-or-treating.
  • Young children traveling through the community should be accompanied by an adult. They should be cautioned not to go into apartment buildings or to houses that they are not familiar with.
  • Children should be instructed not to eat any goodies given to them until they return home so that you, the parents, may go through the candies and determine which are edible and which are not.
  • Older children should be encouraged not to take part in any type of inappropriate behavior or pranks that might cause harm to another.

We wish you a spooky, safe celebration!

Sincerely,

Gregg Korrol

Principal

3rd Grade Coffee with Korrol (Replay)

Missed it? No worries! You can watch the 3rd Grade Coffee with Korrol where Principal Korrol talks to 3rd Grade parents about how to prepare their children for the state exams, Artificial Intelligence in education and how it can be used, creating a love for reading, and how to reduce screen time.
Please click the CC (closed captioning) to translate to additional languages

PTA Pumpkin Patch is Scheduled for October 31!

Dear PS 101 Families,

We’re excited to share that our annual PTA Pumpkin Patch will take place on Friday, October 31st! On this special day, every student will have the opportunity to select and decorate their very own pumpkin during school hours.

In preparation for this event, 1,200 pumpkins will be delivered to our schoolyard after dismissal on Thursday, October 30th.

For safety reasons, the schoolyard will be closed for outdoor play immediately following dismissal on October 30th to allow the delivery trucks and PTA volunteers to begin unloading and setting up.

In advance, we kindly ask all families to exit the schoolyard promptly after dismissal to ensure a safe and smooth delivery process.

Sincerely,

Gregg Korrol

Principal

PTA Pumpkin Patch flyer

4th Grade Coffee with Korrol (Replay)

Missed it? No worries! You can watch the 4th Grade Coffee with Korrol where Principal Korrol talks to 4th Grade parents about how to prepare for Middle School, how to be more patient with your child, and what to expect over the next few years.
Please click the CC (closed captioning) to translate to additional languages

District 21 Respect for All Essay Contest

Dear PS 101 Families,

We are excited to share the District 21 Respect for All Essay Contest, a wonderful learning opportunity open to all students in our school community!

This contest encourages students to reflect on the importance of respect, inclusion, and empathy, and to express their ideas through writing. Participation is optional, but we encourage families to support their children in preparing and submitting an entry.

The attached flyer includes the official contest information, writing prompts, expectations, and rubric for students to follow. Students may choose to complete the essay at home as an enrichment or extra credit opportunity.

As part of October’s National Respect for All initiative, District 21 schools are joining together to promote a culture of kindness, understanding, and acceptance.

Submission Information:
Completed essays should be submitted to our School Counselors, Ms. Kipriadis or Ms. Liebert.

Thank you for encouraging your child to take part in this meaningful opportunity to share their voice and celebrate respect for all.

Sincerely, 

Gregg Korrol

Principal

Essay Contest Flyer
Essay Contest Rules
Essay Rubric
Poster Rubric
Multimedia Presentation Rubric
SEL Performance indicators

Scholastic Book Fair Ends Soon!

Dear PS 101 Families,

The last day for the Scholastic Book Fair at PS 101 is October 21, 2025! There are still a few days left to shop!

As part of the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, all students are encouraged to read books at their appropriate reading level to build fluency and comprehension. The Book Fair is a great opportunity for students to purchase books for both personal enjoyment and educational assignments.

📚 Reading is one of the most important skills you can help nurture in your child.

Books are affordably priced, with some starting at just $4.00 plus tax.

📌 Important Notes:

  • Sales tax will be applied to all purchases, in accordance with New York State regulations.
  • No pennies will be used or accepted to make checkout easier and avoid lost or heavy change. All amounts will be rounded up, and the extra pennies collected will go toward future school events.

Below is a sample price chart to help you estimate how much to send with your child:

Before TaxAfter TaxRounded Up (Cash Only)
$1.00$1.09$1.10
$3.99$4.34$4.35
$4.50$4.90$4.90
$4.99$5.43$5.45
$5.99$6.52$6.55
$6.99$7.61$7.65
$8.49$9.24$9.25
$8.99$9.79$9.80
$9.99$10.88$10.90
$10.99$11.96$12.00
$11.99$13.05$13.05

🕒 Class Visit Schedule:

Each class will be scheduled to visit the Book Fair during school hours.

💳 Payment Options:

  • Cash: Please send spending money in a sealed envelope, labeled with your child’s name and class.
  • eWallet: A safe, cash-free way for your child to shop. Set up your child’s eWallet between now – October 21, 2025 at the QR code below:
Book Fair QR Codes

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our main office.

Warm Regards,

Gregg Korrol

Principal

The Science Scoop – October 2025

Dear PS 101 Families,

We’re thrilled to share the launch of The Science Scoop with Mr. Lee and Ms. Warner, our brand-new monthly Science Newsletter created to keep families connected to all the exciting science learning happening at PS 101!

Each month, The Science Scoop will feature:

What We’re Working On – An overview of the current focus areas and units of study from our Amplify Science curriculum.

Scientist of the Month – Highlighting important scientists and their inspiring discoveries.

Science Fun Fact of the Month – A fascinating fact to spark curiosity and conversation at home!

Our goal is to celebrate curiosity, encourage exploration, and strengthen the connection between classroom learning and the world around us.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’ll inspire our young scientists to explore and discover.

Sincerely,

Gregg Korrol
Principal

What's the Science Scoop? Newsletter

October is Socktober!

Dear PS 101 Families:

It is Socktober at PS 101, and we are asking for your help!  As we are heading into the colder months, we have teamed up with The Kensington Family Shelter to help make a difference for families in need. One particular item that shelters are always in need of is socks. We are asking any families who would like to help and participate in Socktober, to donate brand new, packaged socks.

Donations will be accepted in the main lobby of our school between Tuesday, October 21st and Wednesday, November 5th. Students can stop and drop packaged socks into our Sock Monster on the way to breakfast!

Keep in mind when donating:

  • Socks, Socks, Socks–Children and adult sizes are needed.
  • Remember, all donated socks must be new and unopened socks. 
  • Used socks will not be accepted.
  • Let’s come together as a school community to spread warmth, comfort, and care this season!

🧦 PS 101 Will Sock It to the Cold! 🧦

As winter winds begin to blow,
Let’s help our neighbors head to toe!
Bring new socks, warm, soft, and neat,
To help keep kindness on its feet!

Thank you for your generosity and support! Your donations make a big difference and help families stay warm.

We appreciate your generosity very much. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Bing Xing Lin at 347-563-4680 or via email at BLin9@schools.nyc.gov.

 PS 101 Little Lighthouse Team

Socktober flyer

NYC Public Schools Closed on October 20th

Dear PS 101 Families,

Please be advised that all New York City public schools will be closed on Monday, October 20th in observance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This special holiday celebrates light, hope, and the triumph of good over darkness.

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Tuesday, October 21st.

For important dates and updates, please visit our school website at www.ps101k.com. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Bing Xing Lin, at (347) 563-4680 or via email at BLin9@schools.nyc.gov.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday.

Sincerely,

Gregg Korrol
Principal