Dear Port Chester Ramily,

I would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt holiday greetings to you and your loved ones. This year has been a remarkable journey, filled with achievements and moments of growth. As we reflect on 2023, we can't help but feel a sense of pride in all that we have accomplished together. Thank you!

One of our core objectives has been to increase student opportunities and outcomes. It brings me great joy to share that our efforts have yielded positive results in a variety of areas. Our commitment to a data-informed culture has allowed us to witness significant gains in student performance and student agency. This progress is evident not only in the growth we've seen on internal assessments but also on the New York State assessments, particularly in math. We continue to build on student agency, and we are proud to observe our students talk about their own academic goals. Our dedicated teachers continue to work to move students to new levels and ensure that they receive necessary supports, in academics and with social emotional needs, to fulfill their greatest potential. We are also proud of our efforts to showcase students’ athletic abilities and artistic talents, in district athletic events and gatherings such as musicals, ensuring that every voice is heard and celebrated. In 2023, we began intentional efforts to ensure that our exceptionally abled students are also provided more opportunities to shine! We’ve encouraged an increased interest in athletics, especially at the Middle School level and have launched programs like Rams Rising to ensure that students receive additional supports to succeed. The dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, coaches, leaders, and staff are to be applauded. We are excited to explore new CTE and project-based pathways at our High School, as the NYS Education Department prepares to re-define assessment for all. The positive changes that we have implemented over the past two and a half years are undeniable. However, we also recognize that there is a lot of work to be done. We are eager to keep working towards continuous improvement.

Our commitment to community engagement remains unwavering. We have actively collaborated with our community partners, parents, and board committees to ensure that information is shared through various platforms and events such as our community resource fairs and food distributions. Our new website, Parent Square (communication tool) and Board Docs have enhanced transparency, enabling families to immediately receive messages in multiple ways, contribute to surveys, and engage in meaningful and authentic interactions at our many in-person events. We will continue to explore innovative ways to foster a strong partnership between our schools and the community. Additionally, the launch of the District’s Central Registration this year has been received so positively. The benefits of centralizing this process have been notable! I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to Valerie Lakestream, Carlos Membreno, and Alejandra Naselli for their unwavering support in the launch of our central registration. Their dedication has been instrumental in streamlining the process and ensuring that families have a smooth transition into our district.

This year, Port Chester High School was named to the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, earning a Silver distinction for its outstanding work in welcoming more students into AP courses and supporting them on the path to college success. In addition, it earned the AP Access Award for ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students no matter their backgrounds. I am immensely proud to celebrate this outstanding work in broadening opportunities for all students, ensuring access to AP courses, and supporting their journey towards college and careers. The Port Chester School District firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives. We are committed to not only preparing our students for high school graduation but also equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive in post-secondary life.

Also, in 2023, our District proudly accepted the My Brother's Keeper Challenge, furthering our commitment to meeting all students where they are at and increasing opportunities and outcomes for their success. We firmly believe that every student deserves a chance to thrive, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission and vision for a successful future.

Looking ahead, the district is actively planning for the future, and we are excited to plan for a community forum in the spring. This forum will provide an opportunity for all of us to come together, share ideas, and collectively build a bright future for the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District. We value your input and believe that together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our future graduates. Furthermore, together, we can continue to create a nurturing environment that encourages our students to return to the Port Chester school district and community, after graduation, through initiatives like our up and coming Grow Your Own program, which we have also begun planning for this year!

As we prepare for the budget season, I encourage the entire community to remain engaged and share your ideas for continuous improvement. Your input is invaluable to us, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

In closing, let us embrace the holiday season with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for our collective future. I am confident that with your continued support and with the support of the Board of Education and this great community, we will build a future filled with endless possibilities.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Dr. Aurelia L. Henriquez
Superintendent
Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District

Date Added: 12/28/2023