Dear Port Chester Ramily,

This month’s World Read Aloud celebrations allowed me to reflect on the power of storytelling. It is a vital thread that connects us all, enriching our lives and deepening our understanding of one another. World Read Aloud Day was a beautiful testament to this truth, and I want to extend our collective gratitude to our dedicated teachers, leaders, staff, and guests who made it such a memorable occasion.

I had the joy of visiting King Street, JFK, Edison, and Park Avenue schools, where I witnessed firsthand the magic of storytelling in action. Our students were not just listeners. They became part of the narrative, engaging with stories that inspire and educate. A special thank you goes out to our gracious hosts and guest readers who shared their time and passion with our students.

In Ms. Roman’s class at King Street School, we read The Gift of Words by Peter Reynolds, which instantly reminded us that by choosing positivity and passing it on, we help build a better community and future for all. We were reminded that kindness matters, and we committed to demonstrating this through our actions. In the story, the community comes together to create a holiday tree filled with positive words. I was delighted this week to receive a class art masterpiece, a community tree filled with those same positive words.

Through this stunning piece of art, I am reminded that storytelling is not just about words. It is about hope, integrity, kindness, and togetherness. Especially during challenging times, these themes resonate deeply and bring us closer as a community.

As we continue to emphasize the importance of reading and storytelling, let’s ensure that every voice is heard and every story is valued. I encourage all of you to stay engaged and never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Your insights and involvement are crucial as we shape the future of the Port Chester School District together. Remember, everyone is invited to join this journey, and no one should ever feel left out. Together, we are building a powerful legacy for our children.

With gratitude,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools

Students in Port Chester High School’s Art Club recently took their learning beyond the classroom with an inspiring visit to the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Art Club advisor Erik Maniscalco shared that seeing artwork in person has a powerful impact on students. Standing in front of original works allows them to notice details like texture, brushwork, layering, and scale, elements that are often missed on a screen or in a book. These close observations spark creativity and help students better understand how artists bring ideas to life.

One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was watching students slow down, carefully observe the artwork, and share their own interpretations. Many students also spent time sketching inside the museum, putting their skills into practice in an authentic, real-world setting. Throughout the visit, students demonstrated maturity and respect, making the experience positive for everyone.

A highlight for many students was an exhibit by Puerto Rican American artist Gisela Colon. The bright gallery space and glowing sculptural pieces immediately captured their attention and showcased the Bruce Museum’s unique connection between art and science. Students lingered in this exhibit and were clearly inspired by what they saw.

Experiences like museum visits play an important role in Art Club. They help students build cultural awareness, strengthen critical thinking, and develop visual literacy. Most importantly, they encourage students to see themselves as part of a larger creative community while deepening their appreciation for the role of art in society.

PCSTV, the district’s television station, produced a video highlighting Port Chester’s combined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Black History Month observance.

Featuring student performances, presentations, and reflections, the video captures how our school community honored Dr. King’s legacy while celebrating Black history, culture, and contributions.

We invite you to share in this meaningful celebration. Watch the full video below. 

On Wednesday, February 4, Port Chester elementary schools celebrated World Read Aloud Day, a global event that highlights the joy and importance of reading and storytelling. Classrooms across the district came alive with stories, conversations, and shared reading experiences that reminded students how books can connect us and bring ideas to life.

Throughout the day, students took part in fun, literacy-focused activities designed to spark a love of reading and writing. From listening to stories read aloud to sharing their thoughts and creative responses, students celebrated the power of imagination, curiosity, and connection in ways that were both engaging and meaningful.

At Park Avenue School, students enjoyed special virtual visits from children’s authors from across the country. During live read-alouds and interactive conversations, students listened to stories, asked questions, and learned what it’s like to be an author. These visits gave students a fun and engaging look into the world of writing and storytelling.

To make sure as many students as possible could participate, teachers signed up for at least one author visit for their classrooms. Students also took part in shared reading and writing activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and a love of books. World Read Aloud Day also marked the launch of Park Avenue School’s Spring Reading Challenge, which will run through mid-April and conclude with the Spring Into Reading celebration. This culminating event will feature local guest readers and a school-wide recognition of students’ reading accomplishments.

At King Street School, classrooms were filled with stories, shared voices, and smiling faces as students and staff came together to read. The celebration highlighted how reading aloud helps develop strong reading skills and confident learners, creating joyful moments that brought the entire school community together around a love of literacy.

At Thomas A. Edison Elementary School, the celebration included a special travel-themed reading experience that made the day especially memorable. Through stories set in different places and cultures, students “traveled” around the world and discovered how books can take readers on exciting journeys, all while building excitement for reading aloud.

At King Street School, classrooms were filled with stories, shared voices, and smiling faces as students and staff came together to read. The celebration highlighted how reading aloud helps develop strong reading skills and confident learners, creating joyful moments that brought the school community together around literacy.

At John F. Kennedy Elementary School, students helped build excitement by creating a fun video teaser that invited classmates and families to join the celebration. The video highlighted the joy of reading aloud and reflected students’ enthusiasm for sharing stories with others.

World Read Aloud Day showcased the strong culture of literacy across Port Chester’s elementary schools. It reminded students and families that reading is not only a foundational skill, but also a shared experience that connects classrooms, schools, and the wider community.

Port Chester Middle School recently welcomed back Stephen Hill for a meaningful two-day program with our 8th-grade students. Stephen first spoke to Port Chester students in 2018, and his return reflects the district’s continued commitment to supporting student well-being, resilience, and positive decision-making.

Stephen Hill is a nationally recognized youth speaker and advocate who shares his personal journey with addiction, recovery, and perseverance. Through honest storytelling and open conversation, he encourages students to make healthy choices, build self-confidence, and seek help when they need it. His messages are age-appropriate, impactful, and designed to empower students during an important stage of their development.

During his visit, Stephen engaged students in thoughtful discussions and shared real-life lessons that resonated deeply with many in the audience. He also spoke about the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and believing in your ability to overcome challenges.

A special thank you to Mrs. Piccolino for coordinating this visit and for her advocacy in making this an annual program at PCMS. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support that allow opportunities like this to positively impact our students year after year.