Hello PS 107!

The Independent Kids Committee here with a few updates. First of all, leading up to Spring Break, we hope all our children find a little boredom and that you are able to tell them … “Find something to do and come tell me”; “No, I’m bored”; “It’s ok to be a little bit bored”; “That’s not my problem”; “You’re just not sure what you want to do…” 

At least, those were the answers parents gave during our last meet-up — a very much not boring time with french fries and beverages and great discussions about the importance of boredom at Trees Lounge on Monday night.

Really! We learned it’s good to let your kids be bored. One study we discussed found that people repeating boring tasks had measurably better creative ideas after the fact than people taking on engaging tasks. Other research shows that “mental wandering” is essential for kids to develop cognitive flexibility (i.e. adapting to new situations). And other studies still point out that when kids are constantly stimulated, their brains get used to a high baseline of dopamine. (And then activities like reading, drawing, picking up after themselves, or even playing outside suddenly feel “boring”). 

But worry not! There are so many helpful ideas, tips, and handy ways for kids to play by themselves. Just look to this awesome printable guide from Let Grow. Oh, and one essential note: Giving kids a taste for a bit of boredom leads to a bit more freedom for parents. 

A Landline To PS107 Students 

A growing number of parents are finding out about the joys of having a landline at home. Kids can call each other to talk, set up playdates, have a real conversation with Gramma (no floating poop emojis over the video!), learn etiquette, and maybe even learn what a prank call is (for the parents’ nostalgia only, of course). To celebrate and encourage this screen-free communication, we are planning to create a PS 107 Phonebook. 

If you have a landline or want to know how to get one or are interested in more information about discounted or subsidized landlines (there are a number of options over VOIP as well as federal subsidies), please reach out! To join the directory, send you landline number, student name (First + Last Initial), and grade over to tyghent@ps107.org. We will create an (offline, informal) directory to be printed out before summer. 

Join The IKC Or Come to Chat! 

Finally, the Independent Kids Committee has a packed schedule until the end of the year! To most easily get reminders and all the latest details, please join the Independent Kids Committee on Konstella (no commitments, just camaraderie).

• April 16 – Zoom - On the agenda: Ed Tech, the phone directory, and a Spring Break boredom follow-up.

• April 30 – In-Person: Topic and Place TBD

• May 13 – Zoom: Topics TBD

• June 3 – In-Person: Summer plans and independence opportunities

• June 17 – Zoom: Independent Kids Committee Final meeting + goals for 2026–2027