Dear Ramily,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of gratitude and the power of appreciation in our lives. Thanksgiving invites us to gather with family and friends, often surrounded by an abundance of food, laughter, and warmth. Yet it is important to remember that not every household shares in this experience. Many in our community face challenges, reminding us of our collective responsibility to care for one another.

During this season of giving thanks, I encourage everyone to embrace gratitude not just as a fleeting sentiment, but as a daily practice. When we cultivate thankfulness, we strengthen our connections and deepen the sense of belonging that makes our community so special. As we reflect on what we are grateful for, please also remember that additional help is needed within our community. If you or someone you know requires assistance, reach out to your school’s community coordinator. Through our food pantries and mobile distributions, we can arrange support for those in need. Together, we can ensure that everyone in Port Chester feels the warmth and generosity of the season.

I am truly grateful for the privilege of serving as your Superintendent of Schools. This privilege is made richer each day by our incredible students, dedicated teachers, inspiring leaders, engaged parents, and community partners who share our mission of success for all. Your commitment and passion uplift our collective efforts and enrich the educational experience for every child in Port Chester.

In this edition, I hope you enjoy the joyful photos from our Halloween celebrations. I also want to take a moment to applaud two remarkable Port Chester High School students, Harper Anderson and Sophia Faraci, who took on the role of teachers during Superintendent’s Conference Day. They provided invaluable CPR and AED training to many staff members, demonstrating their dedication to our community’s safety. Both received their training through the Emergency Medical Services of Port Chester, Rye, and Rye Brook, and we are deeply thankful for the opportunities that allow them to learn and give back. Their efforts truly embody gratitude in action.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude, and community spirit.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools

In case you haven’t heard, the Pride of Port Chester has done it again! The Port Chester High School Marching Band earned First Place at the USBands State Championships in Lindenhurst, NY, with an impressive score of 83.4. In addition to capturing the top overall title, the ensemble received awards for Best Overall Effect, Best Music, and Best Percussion, a true testament to the remarkable talent, dedication, and precision of our student musicians and instructional team.

Guided by their directors, the band continues to uphold Port Chester’s proud legacy of excellence and to inspire our community through their artistry and commitment. Congratulations to our outstanding student musicians, leaders, and directors on this well-deserved achievement.

Port Chester High School U.S. History students recently participated in the Hamilton Education Program, traveling to Broadway to see the award-winning musical Hamilton and take part in a post-show discussion with members of the cast and production team.

This experience marked the culmination of an interdisciplinary classroom project that connected American history with the performing arts. In preparation, students studied the founding era and created original performance pieces, including spoken-word reflections, dramatic monologues, poetry, and rap based on the historical figures and themes they explored in class.

Through this hands-on learning opportunity, students deepened their understanding of early American history while seeing how live theater can bring the past to life in creative and meaningful ways. The program fostered critical thinking, artistic expression, and real-world connections between history, culture, and storytelling.

This ongoing collaboration between the Social Studies and Performing Arts departments highlights the power of immersive learning and arts-based education. Port Chester High School is proud to provide students with enriching experiences that expand their perspectives, enhance classroom instruction, and inspire lifelong curiosity.

Get ready for an exciting winter season! Registration is now open for Port Chester High School and Port Chester Middle School winter athletics.

Port Chester High School (Grades 9–12)

Registration Window: October 17 – November 17

Sports Offered: Wrestling, Boys & Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Cheerleading, Bowling, Indoor Track, Boys Ice Hockey

Practice Begins: November 17

REGISTER HERE

Port Chester Middle School (Modified Sports)

Registration Window: October 31 – December 1

Sports Offered: Boys & Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Boys Ice Hockey (in partnership with Harrison, Blind Brook, and Rye Neck

Practice Begins: December 1

REGISTER HERE

 

Port Chester Middle School is proud to announce the launch of its new Chamber Orchestra Club, offering selected 7th and 8th grade student musicians an exciting opportunity to expand their musical skills and creativity.

Led by PCMS music and orchestra teacher Mary Porcaro, the club reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to arts enrichment and to supporting young musicians as they grow in skill, discipline, and confidence.

The Chamber Orchestra officially began on October 23, with weekly rehearsals held in the PCMS auditorium. Through this experience, students are strengthening their musicianship, developing leadership and collaboration skills, and preparing for advanced performance opportunities within and beyond the district, all while demonstrating their dedication through early-morning rehearsals.

This new initiative marks another inspiring step in the growth of the district's music program and its dedication to providing high-quality learning experiences. Bravo to our talented student musicians, and thank you, Ms. Porcaro, for bringing this opportunity to life. We can’t wait to hear the beautiful music these young performers will create together.