Dear Port Chester Ramily,
We are excited to announce the introduction of thePort Chester Basics, a framework built on five evidence-based parenting and caregiving principles that focus on the vital developmental stages of children from birth to age three. As you know, one of our district goals is to ensure grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade. To meet this goal, we are committed to fostering academic growth and rigor in literacy and mathematics from the earliest ages, even before children enter our schools.
Research consistently shows that early exposure to reading significantly impacts student outcomes. Studies indicate that children who engage in reading activities before they start school are more likely to develop strong literacy skills, leading to better academic performance in later grades. By cultivating a culture that emphasizes literacy and mathematical concepts through various engaging methods, we can provide our children with the strong foundation they need for future success.
The Port Chester Basics resources include helpful videos in both Spanish and English, offering practical ways for parents to incorporate essential activities into their daily routines. These principles include:
- Love: Create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional security.
- Talk: Engage in conversations with your child to enhance language development.
- Sing: Use music and songs to make learning enjoyable and memorable.
- Visuals: Incorporate visual aids and books to stimulate curiosity and comprehension.
- Counting & Grouping: Introduce basic math concepts through hands-on activities and play.
Click here for a PDF that contains links to the videos.
These resources also demonstrate how to make reading a fun and integral part of your relationship with your child from the very beginning. We encourage you to explore the links included here and join us in promoting a love for early learning, ensuring a strong educational foundation for all students.
Budget Update
Additionally, as we enter the busy budget season, we invite you to stay engaged in our board meeting discussions. At last night’s Board of Education Meeting (January 16), board members shared their budget priorities and considerations for the 2025-2026 school year. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to participate in these important conversations.
Please click
this link to hear what each board member shared regarding their budget priorities and to learn more about the preliminary budget considerations. Please note the time stamps for each segment of the meeting listed below:
- Board Member Budget Priorities (37:12)
- Preliminary Budget Considerations (45:57)
- Estimated Property Tax Cap Calculation (59:36)
As always, our team is here to meet with any community member who has questions or concerns about the budget or any other topics.
In the spirit of the upcoming Martin Luther King weekend, I wish everyone a peaceful holiday. Let us all honor Dr. King’s legacy by working together and being active participants in the Port Chester School District Community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools
Date Added: 1/21/2025