Relive the music and magic of Band Night 2025! This special event showcased the talent and dedication of our student musicians. From energetic marching band performances to dynamic ensembles, it was an unforgettable celebration of music education in Port Chester.

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Thank you to our incredible music staff and student performers for a night to remember!

Date Added: 6/4/2025 

Dear Port Chester Ramily,

I’d like to take a moment to spotlight the invaluable lessons we continue to learn from the incredible students and staff of the Port Chester Pioneers and the Pioneer League. This week, I had the honor of attending the annual Pioneer League Dinner Dance—an event that once again reminded me, both as a leader and a parent, of the powerful life lessons our students embody every day.

The Port Chester Pioneers are truly extraordinary. Every time I’m around them, I’m inspired by the values they reflect—fairness, equality, collaboration, kindness, hard work, and joy. This year’s dinner, held at Port Chester High School, brought together Pioneer League students from across Westchester County, creating a joyful atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

Through our PC Pioneers, we are reminded of the power of inclusivity and understanding. They teach us that every individual brings unique strengths and challenges, and that by embracing these differences, we build a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

In athletics, we often focus on competition—but through the Pioneers, we rediscover the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship. They show us that success is not solely defined by wins or personal achievement, but by how we support one another and work together toward shared goals. The friendships and laughter they share are a joyful reminder of what truly matters.

When we value what each person brings to the table—whether it’s a perspective, talent, or experience—we enrich our entire community. Our commitment to inclusive excellence is what makes Port Chester so special! It is the thread that weaves together our shared story and propels us forward as one.

We are deeply grateful for our PC Pioneers and the amazing coaches and staff who make this work possible. Together, we are creating a community that celebrates individuality, promotes unity, and inspires the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Thank you for being an essential part of the PC Ramily!

Sincerely,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez

Superintendent of Schools

Click below to watch a short video clip from the Pioneer League Dinner Dance.

Date Added: 6/2/2025

Port Chester student musicians earned top honors at this year’s NYSSMA Majors Festival, a prestigious event held at host sites in Mamaroneck and Bedford. Ensembles from both Port Chester High School and Port Chester Middle School performed challenging musical selections for expert evaluators and received high ratings that reflect their talent, discipline, and teamwork.

At the high school level, the Concert Choir (Level 5) directed by Mr. Jonathan Pereira, the Concert Band (Level 3) directed by Mr. Isaac Schneider, and the Orchestra (Level 2) directed by Ms. Melissa Neyer all earned Silver ratings for their performances. This year marked the first time both the high school band and orchestra participated in the NYSSMA Majors Festival.

“Students were dedicated to after-school practices and worked hard to showcase their talents!” said Ms. Neyer. “The Orchestra Club met every Tuesday for an hour throughout the year to prepare for Majors, along with other district performances.”

Middle school ensembles also impressed at the festival. The Sixth Grade Treble Chorus (Level 1), directed by Mr. Mark Zizolfo, earned the highest possible rating: Gold with Distinction. The Seventh Grade Mixed Chorus (Level 3), also under Mr. Zizolfo’s direction, received a Gold rating.

These remarkable achievements highlight the dedication, growth, and musical excellence of students across the district. Congratulations to all participating students and to the entire music department on an outstanding showing at NYSSMA Majors—your commitment and artistry continue to make Port Chester proud!

Fourth grade students at Edison School recently hosted a Science and Sustainability Symposium to present their civic science research on food waste and environmental sustainability. Held on May 22, the event marked the culmination of a semester-long inquiry project supported by the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) and Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center.

As part of their project, students visited a local farm, surveyed their peers, investigated the environmental impact of food systems, and conducted a food waste audit in the school cafeteria. Their findings highlighted meaningful opportunities for reducing waste and improving sustainability practices within the school community. The student-led symposium welcomed district administrators, food service staff, members of the Port Chester Sustainability Committee, and families.

In addition to the school-based event, the fourth graders had the honor of presenting at the Mercy University Science Symposium, where they shared their research with more than 100 attendees—among them educators, industry leaders, and students from seven different school districts. Not only did they present their own work, but they also learned from fellow students spanning elementary through high school.

The students' ability to tackle real-world challenges and confidently present their findings to a broad audience speaks to the power of student voice in sustainability education, as well as Edison School’s commitment to experiential learning, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Date Added: 6/2/2025

Port Chester High School’s newest music ensemble, Mariachi Los Carneros, is already making waves across New York. The group has been selected through a competitive application process to perform at the prestigious 2025–26 New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Conference in New York City this October.

Formed to celebrate and share the rich tradition of mariachi music, the ensemble has been gaining experience and recognition by performing at district concerts and community events. At a recent performance, student vocalist David Salazar took the stage in a traditional mariachi outfit provided by his mother—a professional mariachi singer—adding a deeply personal and authentic touch to the group’s presence.

The students of Mariachi Los Carneros are excited to showcase their talent and cultural pride on a statewide platform, representing both Port Chester and their heritage with heart and harmony.

Click here to watch a portion of one of the group’s recent performances.

Date Added: 6/3/2025