Port Chester High School’s orchestra students recently traveled to White Plains High School to participate in the much-anticipated annual White Plains Orchestra Festival, a day of musical collaboration.

The festival kicked off with an inspiring performance by the White Plains Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards, Port Chester students observed a clinic led by Mina Kim, Director of Orchestras at SUNY Purchase, who gave expert coaching to the White Plains Symphony Orchestra on performance techniques and orchestral discipline.

One highlight was a special collaboration between Port Chester orchestra students and the White Plains Mariachi band, Mariachi Juvenil Los Tigres. This vibrant fusion of orchestral and mariachi music provided a unique and culturally rich experience for Port Chester High School's budding musicians. In addition to the mariachi performance, students participated in their own clinic with Mina Kim, further honing their skills.

The afternoon culminated in a memorable performance of the first movement of the Dvorak String Quintet. The piece was performed by two members of the Excelsior Symphony on violin, Port Chester Orchestra Teacher Melissa Neyer on double bass, and two White Plains High School teachers—Zachary May on cello and Joanna Smulakowski on viola.

As a special gesture, May even offered students free tickets to the upcoming Excelsior Symphony concert. Several Port Chester students took advantage of the offer and attended.

Overall, the event proved to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved, offering students a chance to learn from seasoned professionals, engage with different musical styles, and deepen their appreciation for their crafts.

Date Added: 12/9/2024

Thomas A. Edison Elementary School kicked off the holiday season with a winter concert this week, showcasing the musical talents of the school’s third, fourth, and fifth grade students.

The concert began with a delightful performance by the third grade, who filled the auditorium with festive tunes and bright energy. Their rendition of holiday classics set the tone for a joyful evening.

Following, the fourth and fifth graders took the stage, offering a more complex repertoire that highlighted their growing skills.

It was a heartwarming celebration of music, community and holiday spirit.

Date Added: 12/9/2024

Port Chester High School students in Jessica Arias’s Constitutional & Criminal Law class recently learned about law enforcement in a fun and interactive lesson led by Detective Lazala, one of the district’s SROs. Detective Lazala, who has years of experience in the police force, shared his knowledge of police procedures, including traffic stops, emergency responses, and the technology used by officers, such as body cameras and radar guns.

According to Arias, the lesson was designed to introduce students to law enforcement and help them build positive connections with the police. “Many students have never interacted with a police officer before, so I wanted to create a welcoming environment for their first experience,” she explained.

The highlight of the lesson was the hands-on activity, where students got to explore gadgets from Officer Lazala’s police car. “They were really excited to see the technology in action and learn how it helps keep people safe,” said Arias.

Students were engaged and asked tons of questions, especially about how police communicate with young people. Some even expressed interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement after learning about the training and responsibilities involved.

The lesson also tied into what students have been learning in class. “It helped them understand their rights and how police work fits into the larger legal system. It’s important for students to know what to expect during encounters with police and to think critically about the law,” Arias noted.

After the session, students wrote thank you notes to Detective Lazala, showing their appreciation for the valuable experience. Looking ahead, Arias plans to bring more lessons like this to her classroom.

Date Added: 12/9/2024

In early November, 7th and 8th graders studying French and Italian, along with members of the Chorus, had the unique opportunity to experience Georges Bizet’s iconic opera Carmen, performed by the Taconic Opera at Tarrytown Music Hall.

Carmen is one of the most famous operas of all time, telling the tragic story of Don José, a naive military officer who is seduced by the fiery and free-spirited Carmen. As José abandons his childhood sweetheart and turns to a life of crime, he ultimately loses Carmen’s love to the famous bullfighter, Escamillo. The opera is renowned for its stirring arias, including Habanera, Seguidilla, and the famous Toreador Song.

In a modern adaptation designed to make the opera more relatable to today’s audiences, Carmen is reimagined as a fast-food worker, Don José as a police officer, and Escamillo as a celebrated soccer player for the Toreadors team. While the setting changed, the characters retain the same qualities, desires, and personalities from Bizet’s original. The underlying story and its lessons also remain the same, as does the unforgettable music.

“For many students, this was a first-time experience with opera — and in French, no less!” said French Teacher Rebecca Peters. “Watching them approach this challenging art form with curiosity and enthusiasm was truly inspiring. Opera requires focus, resilience, and a willingness to engage with something new, and they rose to the occasion.”

One 7th grade parent shared, “What an incredible opportunity for the students to experience opera at such a young age! [My daughter] told me how much she enjoyed it as soon as she got home. Thank you for exposing them to such a unique experience; they are very fortunate.”

Another parent expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for giving our children such a wonderful experience. [My son] returned home very happy to have seen the opera.”

Date Added: 12/9/2024

Greetings Ramily:

We're excited to share that the Port Chester School District has begun important discussions around the necessary competencies for a successful graduate. Inspired by the New York State Education Department's Portrait of a Graduate, we are contemplating what we want all Port Chester students to know and be capable of by the time they leave our schools.

This initiative aligns closely with the data-informed culture our team has diligently cultivated over the past 3 ½ years. Currently, Port Chester High School has a Profile of a Graduate that encompasses many of the competencies being discussed at the state level. We are now delving deeper into what we envision for our elementary and middle school students upon their graduation. These inquiries are driving meaningful conversations at our district leadership tables and are integral to our leaders' data presentations and huddles at both the district and school levels.

You will notice the seven competencies referenced throughout our district's mission and plans. This is an exciting journey we are embarking on, and I invite all stakeholders to join us in this essential work.

Additionally, we look forward to initiating similar conversations with our community partners and all employees through the Office of Human Resources.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools