Earlier this week, Craig Dreves, Principal of Park Avenue Elementary School, and Sam Ortiz, Principal of King Street School, introduced a new initiative: a pen pal exchange connecting first-grade students from Park Avenue, King Street, and Ridge Street Elementary School in Rye Brook.

Dressed as mail carriers, Mr. Dreves and Mr. Ortiz hand-delivered letters written by students from Park Avenue and King Street to classrooms at Ridge Street, where they were warmly received. In return, Ridge Street students sent letters back to their new pen pals in Port Chester, officially kicking off the exchange.

In about a month, the second round of letters will be delivered—this time by Ms. Taylor from Ridge Street, who will bring responses to Park Avenue and King Street students. The project will culminate in late spring with an in-person gathering, where students from all three schools will have the opportunity to meet their pen pals face-to-face.

This collaborative effort has sparked excitement among students. In addition to building literacy skills, the exchange is helping children form new friendships and strengthen connections between neighboring school communities.

Date Added: 4/1/2025