Families are invited to attend Coffee, Tea & Conversation with our Director of Special Education, Tatiana Memoli. This is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about CPSE/CSE processes in a welcoming setting.

 

Location:
CPSE/CSE Meeting Room at Central Office
113 Bowman Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573

 

Evening Session (5:30 pm – 6:30 pm)

• Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – The Annual Review

• Monday, April 13, 2026 – The IEP

Morning Session (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – The CSE/CPSE

• Thursday, June 11, 2026 – The Reevaluation

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Please register to attend by clicking the link below:
https://forms.gle/qVC25KaaBH3dHmgS7

 

We look forward to welcoming families for meaningful conversation and support!

Dear Ramily,

As we embrace this month of gratitude, I want to take a moment to share my reflections on the meaningful time I’ve spent truly seeing our students. Recently, I was reminded of the powerful quote, “I see you. Because in you, I see me.” This sentiment highlights the importance of genuinely seeing and understanding those around us.

Throughout this month, our students involved in “My Brother’s Keeper” and “My Sister’s Keeper/Port Chester Pearls” have reminded me of our fundamental human need to be seen. To be seen is to be respected and valued; it signifies honoring each person’s existence and making them feel wanted and needed as part of something greater than themselves.

One of the highlights of this month was a nature hike with our students and several incredible staff members. We walked, we talked, and we saw one another in a new way. The joy and excitement expressed by the students as they enjoyed the outdoors and each other’s company was a powerful reminder of the impact of connection. This experience was especially meaningful for our middle school students, who thrived in this environment.

We also had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with both middle and high school students about their hopes and dreams. It’s amazing what you can learn when you simply ask them about their aspirations. Their responses ranged from wanting to buy a home one day to exploring the world. Most importantly, these conversations revealed that many of their hopes mirror our own lived experiences and achievements. The students expressed a strong desire for a successful future and a commitment to learning from one another, embodying the spirit of responsibility and kinship that defines our community.

This month, I also had the privilege of participating in a Restorative Zone meeting, where teachers and staff collaborated with a student to help him take ownership of his behaviors and develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation. The candid discussions about the unacceptable behaviors he had demonstrated were grounded in care, concern, and high expectations. Witnessing the student rise to the occasion during this powerful session left me feeling inspired and grateful for the transformative work happening at our middle school and throughout our district. Kudos to PCMS!

This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff who strive each day to ensure our students feel seen and honored. Spending time with small groups of students and hearing their thoughts directly not only benefits them but also enriches us as parents, teachers, and leaders. By listening to their aspirations, we grow together as a community.

As we conclude this month of gratitude, I am thankful for the experiences we’ve shared and look forward to continuing to nurture these connections in the future. Wishing you and your families a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday, filled with warmth, appreciation, and a deep recognition of one another.

A special shoutout of gratitude to: Mr. Shropshire, Mr. Sotherden, Dr. Rich Kennedy, Ms. Rascona, Ms. Pascuzzi, Mr. Santiago, Mr. Dowd, SRO Bautista, Mr. McIntosh of the Port Chester Youth Bureau, Mr. Boehm, Mr. Martinez, Ms. Halstead, Mr. Miceli, and Ms. Figura.

Warmly,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools

Welcome back to Staff Spotlight, where we honor the incredible staff members who make a difference every day. This edition highlights Mayra Estrella, Interim Special Education Supervisor, whose personal and professional journey continues to enrich and uplift students and families across the district.

Can you share a little about your background and how you first became part of the district?
You can call me School Psychologist or Interim Special Education Supervisor, but my most cherished title has always been proud mother. and now grandmother. I have a son who is a music engineer, a daughter who worked as a Teaching Assistant in Port Chester for five years and has blessed me with two beautiful grand-babies, and another son I raised who has significant special needs stemming from emotional and behavioral challenges that began at age five.

At the time, I was working as a legal secretary at a large New York City law firm, a role I held for 18 years. Navigating my son’s complex needs pushed me to learn about mental illness, seek resources relentlessly, and advocate fiercely as we worked with multiple schools to support his learning profile. Those experiences ultimately sparked my passion for helping others and led me, later in life, to begin studying psychology, a journey that unfolded over more than 20 years and transformed me into a lifelong learner.

I joined the Port Chester School District in March 2009 as a School Psychologist at JFK/Early Learning Center. From the beginning, Port Chester felt like home; a place where I was supported, respected, and embraced.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in special education?
My son’s journey changed the trajectory of my life. Facing his challenges firsthand opened my eyes to the critical need for compassionate, informed advocacy within schools. Helping him pushed me to pursue psychology and, later, special education, fields where I realized I could use both my professional training and personal experience to uplift students and families navigating similar paths.

How has your role in the district evolved?
After starting at JFK/ELC, I transitioned to supporting grades 3–5, spending nearly 15 years at JFK before becoming the district School Psychologist. In that role, I collaborated closely with Special Education supervisors and gained valuable insight from working with schools both within and beyond Port Chester.

Most recently, I stepped into the Interim Special Education Supervisor position, a new opportunity that allows me to continue growing while supporting students, families, and staff in meaningful ways.

What do you find most rewarding about your work here?
The relationships. Over the years, I’ve mentored more than 15 interns and built countless connections with students and staff. Some of my favorite memories include being called “Super Star” by kindergartners at ELC and “Estrellita” (little star) by a young student at JFK. These small but heartfelt moments remind me how much joy and impact we can bring to one another.
Is there a memorable experience or success story that stands out in your career?

There are many but the ones that stay with me are the quiet victories: the student who gains confidence, the family that feels heard and supported, the intern who discovers their passion for this work. Watching growth unfold, no matter how big or small, is one of the greatest rewards of this profession.

What’s one fun fact about yourself or something you enjoy outside of work?
Salsa dancing is my creative outlet. After years of schooling, I finally allowed myself to pursue it. It brought me onstage, into beautiful costumes, and into a lively, supportive community that continues to bring me joy and balance.

Do you have a favorite quote or life mantra that inspires you?
Yes: “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” This sentiment perfectly reflects my journey. Staying true to yourself, practicing gratitude, showing kindness, and remaining open to new possibilities are the keys to continual growth, for ourselves and for those we serve.

The Pride of Port Chester Marching Band ended their fall season with an outstanding performance at the USBands National Championships in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on November 8. Competing against top ensembles from across the East Coast, the band delivered its strongest run of the year, earning a Bronze Medal and returning to the podium for the first time in several seasons.

Band Director Isaac Schneider noted that the historic J. Birney Crum Stadium played a significant role in the students’ standout performance. “There’s a long-standing tradition of major marching events there, and the students rose to the occasion,” he said.

Schneider also noted that the students’ growth this season extended far beyond mastering the show. He observed major gains in musical and visual fundamentals, as well as in responsibility and rehearsal culture. “Our commitment to basics, along with improved etiquette and overall culture, played a major role in our success,” he explained.

One memorable experience came during the band’s performance at MetLife Stadium, where students stayed for the full awards ceremony, something new for the ensemble. They also connected with the West Chester University Marching Band, who provided feedback, led group sessions, and even lined the tunnel to cheer on Port Chester as they entered the stadium. “Their support really showed our students what this activity is truly about,” Schneider said.

Looking back on the season, Schneider is most proud of the students’ openness and courage. “Their willingness to try new things is not easily cultivated in high school students. Seeing them embrace new challenges makes me incredibly proud.”

 

Relive the band's performance from above J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Elementary students across Port Chester are adding a special touch to the community’s holiday celebrations by creating handmade ornaments in art class.

With guidance from their art teachers, students are designing and decorating festive pieces that will be displayed on Port Chester’s holiday tree. The project blends creativity, teamwork, and community spirit, giving students a meaningful way to share their artwork with families and neighbors throughout the season.