The district's Multilingual Learner Programs staff recently participated in a professional development day at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester. This initiative underscores the district's commitment to innovative educational strategies that support bilingualism and cultural appreciation among students.
The staff engaged in hands-on ceramic art activities, exploring creative methods to enhance language acquisition and cultural understanding in the classroom.

The Clay Art Center, renowned for its community arts programs, has a history of collaborating with local schools to enrich student learning experiences through the arts

Date Added: 4/1/2025

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

March was Career Month at Port Chester High School, an initiative designed to help students explore life beyond graduation. With the theme “Your Future, Your Choice,” the month-long program was filled with engaging opportunities for students to learn about diverse career paths, college experiences, and everything in between—all leading up to the Post-Secondary College & Career Fair in April.

One of the highlights of the month was a field trip to the Universal Technical Institute, where students participated in a guided tour, attended a presentation, and engaged in hands-on demonstrations focused on STEAM-related careers and trades. The experience offered a fun and informative look into technical education and skilled trades, providing real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and more.

Throughout the month, students also heard from professionals across a wide range of industries—including law enforcement, HVAC, psychology, and others—who shared valuable insights and personal stories about their career journeys.

Adding to the excitement, alumni returned to share what life is really like after high school. Graduates from Yale, Hobart, Stony Brook, and other colleges visited to offer honest, firsthand accounts of their freshman year experiences and the transition to college life.

Career Month marks just the beginning of the school’s efforts to empower students to make informed decisions, explore their interests, and begin charting a future that’s uniquely their own.

Date Added: 4/1/2025

On March 17, approximately 100 eighth graders from Port Chester Middle School took a meaningful step toward planning their futures by participating in a field trip to Southern Westchester BOCES. The visit was part of the school’s Career Week, an initiative coordinated by the Middle School Counseling Department and eighth-grade teachers.

Throughout the day, students shadowed high school students currently enrolled in a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, getting a firsthand look at potential career paths. From hands-on technical trades to creative industries, middle schoolers explored careers in:

• * Animal Science
• * Architecture and Interior Design
• * Automotive Technology
• * Cisco Networking
• * Computer Information Systems
• * Collision Technology
• * Commercial Art
• * Construction and Plumbing
• * Cosmetology
• * Electrical Construction
• * Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• * Fashion Design
• * Nursing Assistant
• * Security and Law
• * Sound Production
• * TV/Video Production

A series of activities were designed to demonstrate the real-world skills and career readiness taught in each program. BOCES students shared their experiences and offered insight into both the academic and practical aspects of their coursework.

The visit proved to be eye-opening and inspiring for Port Chester's eighth graders, many of whom were exploring vocational options for the first time. By seeing the possibilities up close, students began to think more deeply about their educational pathways, interests, and career goals.

“This trip was about more than just exposure to programs—it was about planting the seeds of possibility,” said Middle School Counselor Louise Piccolino. “Students left with a broader understanding of how their passions and skills can translate into meaningful careers.”

As Port Chester continues to emphasize college and career readiness, opportunities like this field trip play a vital role in helping students make informed, confident decisions about their futures.

Date Added: 4/1/2025

As March winds down, so too does Art in Our Schools Month—a district-wide initiative dedicated to honoring student creativity and artistic achievement.

Here’s a look back at some of the month’s highlights:

Morning Trivia Magic

Each day began with arts-themed trivia during the morning announcements. Students tested their knowledge and discovered fun, surprising facts about visual arts, theater, and music—turning the start of the school day into an engaging and educational experience.

A Celebration of Musical Excellence

A series of concerts recently showcased the incredible talent of students from across the district. From classical pieces to contemporary favorites, these performances gave students a chance to shine in front of family, friends, and the community. If you missed them, you can watch the recordings using the links below. Please note that autoplay is disabled—simply click the play button in the bottom left corner to start viewing.

• All-District Choir
• All-District Band
• All-District Orchestra

Art in Bloom

A district-wide art show celebrated the creativity, skill, and imagination of students from across all elementary schools. The exhibition featured a collection of paintings and drawings, demonstrating the range of talent being nurtured at the elementary level.

Spirit Week Creativity

This week, the school halls were filled with energy and color as Spirit Week took center stage. Students proudly showcased their school spirit and artistic flair by submitting creative photos for a chance to win prizes. Themed days included Band Merch Day, Playbill Day, Dress as Your Favorite Art, Theater, or Music Teacher, and more. The week served as a vibrant celebration of self-expression, creativity, and community through the arts.

Variety Show Coming Soon!

The celebration isn’t over just yet! On April 11, the Tri-M Music Honor Society will team up with Eastchester Tri-M to present a Variety Show—an evening of entertainment, talent, and collaboration just before spring break.

From daily trivia to spirited celebrations, ART in Our Schools Month has been a vivid reflection of the district’s commitment to the arts—and a powerful reminder of their ability to connect, inspire, and uplift students, staff, and the broader community.

Date Added: 4/1/2025