Dear Ramily:

I always look forward to each new edition of the Ram Gram! It gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful happenings throughout our school district and community that exemplify Port Chester’s pride, spirit, and collective dedication.

Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Albany with our My Brother’s Keeper Ambassadors—a truly prideful moment. Our students, including Owen Dorsainvil, Hayden Dapaah Anti, Jah'meer Furman, and Carlos Palma Morales, were recognized by esteemed officials from the New York State Education Department and other distinguished guests. They truly represent the very best of Port Chester!

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Maeva Rich Kennedy and Mr. Santos Avila for joining me on this journey. Their unwavering commitment to our students made this experience especially meaningful. During the trip, our Ambassadors participated in the College Pathways Breakout Session, heard from keynote speakers, engaged with alumni panels, and took part in powerful discussions on leadership and identity. It was an enriching experience that reinforces our commitment to the core pillars of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which we look forward to expanding next year.

I’m also thrilled to recognize Madeline Jazmine Molina, who was honored at the NYSALAS Gala in Yonkers last Friday for earning a scholarship from the organization. I was joined by Mr. Juan Sanchez, Mr. Paul Roncagliolo, Mr. Steven Vargas, and Ms. Diana Santiago. With dreams of becoming a teacher, Madeline hopes to one day return to Port Chester Schools to inspire the next generation—just as she was inspired.

In another exciting moment for our district, we recently dedicated our varsity softball field as Federici Field, in honor of longtime teacher and coach Kathy Federici. The event felt like a family reunion as former and current students, families, friends, and elected officials gathered to celebrate this special milestone. We heard touching tributes from Mr. James Ryan, Board President Chrissie Onofrio, Mr. Federici, Mr. Phil Dorazio, and Kathy herself, whose heartfelt words of gratitude and joy resonated with everyone in attendance.

Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh, our incredible music teachers, devoted music and band parents, and, of course, our talented student musicians! For the second year in a row, Port Chester has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education—a tremendous honor that speaks volumes about the strength of our program.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that we are launching new virtual experiences at both the middle and high school levels. These hands-on programs will allow students to explore math and science through real-world applications—from assisting in surgical procedures and building electrical circuits to exploring the fundamentals of automotive mechanics. The sky is truly the limit for our students!

Thank you to everyone who supports our shared mission of success for all. Your partnership, trust, and involvement are the foundation of everything we’ve achieved together. Port Chester continues to rise—and together, we’re making a lasting difference.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez

Superintendent of Schools

Date Added: 5/21/2025

Date Added: 5/19/2025

French 8 and Studio Arts students from Port Chester Middle School recently took part in an interdisciplinary field trip that brought language, visual art, and history to life. Accompanied by teachers Rebecca Peters and Jeff Tascio, students visited the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center and the Union Church of Pocantico Hills—two cultural landmarks deeply tied to modern art icons Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse.

At the Creative Arts Center, students explored Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church, a rare exhibition showcasing Chagall’s creative process for the first time in nearly five decades. Through original sketches, maquettes, and stained glass samples, students gained insight into the artist’s use of layered color, light, and symbolism—techniques they had been studying in class.

“You could see in the students’ eyes how connections were being made across disciplines as the day progressed,” said Ms. Peters. “Experiential learning is so valuable; there are some things we just cannot accomplish in a classroom.”

The visit continued at the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, one of only three sites in the U.S. to feature Chagall’s stained glass windows, alongside the Art Institute of Chicago and the United Nations. The church also houses a remarkable rose window designed by Matisse—his final commissioned work. Students saw firsthand how natural light transformed the artwork, deepening their appreciation for the intersection of spirituality and modern design. Commissioned by the Rockefeller family, these windows reflect a legacy of artistic patronage that brought world-renowned masterpieces to Westchester County.

As students observed the artwork, they engaged in thoughtful discussions in both English and French, connecting visual storytelling with linguistic and cultural exploration. They also learned how the Rockefellers’ vision made Westchester a home for these iconic works, reinforcing the importance of local history in global artistic movements.

“I think it’s important for students to experience not only the exhibit, but also the cultural richness in their own community,” said Mr. Tascio. “This was something meaningful and accessible—right in their own backyard.”

The day concluded with a hands-on workshop where students sketched their own interpretations inspired by Chagall’s themes. Encouraged to explore light, symbolism, and narrative, they brought classroom learning to life through personal artistic expression.

Supported by Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh, Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts, and Ms. Valerie Lakestream, Director of ELL and Bilingual Programs, the trip offered students a powerful opportunity to experience art and language beyond the classroom. It was a memorable day of discovery, creativity, and connection across disciplines.

Date Added: 5/21/2025

Port Chester’s Universal Pre-K students recently enjoyed a series of special read-alouds led by kindergarten teachers from across the district. These visits offered our youngest learners a warm welcome to the world of kindergarten—introducing them to the friendly faces they’ll see next year and sparking excitement for what’s ahead.

With engaging stories and joyful anticipation, our future kindergartners are well on their way to a confident and happy start!

Date Added: 5/21/2025