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Port Chester High School

Address: One Tamarack Road, Rye Brook, NY 10573‑2407
Main Office: 914‑934‑7950
Fax: 914‑934‑2998
Principal: Luke Sotherden
Asst. Principals: Diantha Barone, Crystal Chandler, Juan Sanchez

 

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Contact the Attendance Office

Please call (914) 934‑7956 or (914) 934‑7958, or email the attendance office to report your child's absence form school.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to cultivate a student centered learning environment that nurtures well-rounded, inquisitive, life-long learners whose values include respect for self and others.

Port Chester High School is an institution that students and staff are proud to call home. A culturally diverse student body is one of our greatest strengths, and together, we look to build on the school's legacy and rich traditions.

A dynamic administrative team leads a school community that is focused on teaching and learning. Students are supported by professionals who value the importance of academic achievement and are dedicated to ensuring that students receive the highest quality education possible. Everyone here feels part of a team whose mission is to help students do their best by creating a positive atmosphere that permits students to learn and teachers to teach.

Over a third of our students successfully complete at least one Honors, Advanced Placement or college level course at PCHS. We are one of the few Westchester high school authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. College-level courses are offered in cooperation with the Westchester Community College Advanced College Experience Program and SUNY Oneonta.

Outside of the classroom, we offer opportunities for students to develop and grow through participation in numerous athletic, musical and other venues. In the pulsing beat of the award-winning marching band one hears the drumming of the heart of this school. As our athletes race across field and court, one feels the adrenaline rush of Ram Pride. And in art, choir, theater, journalism and a multitude of extracurricular opportunities, students rise to challenge their potential and broaden themselves.

About one-third of our students participate in at least one sport. Our student athletes have won league championships in football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball and track. In addition, we possess a nationally recognized cheer leading program. Award-winning theater, band and choral programs continue to be a tremendous source of pride. Literacy publications showcase our students' journalistic talents, and the number of other clubs and numerous honor societies demonstrates the well-roundedness of our student body.

In "Hamlet", Shakespeare wrote, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." It is this discovering and uncovering of all of our potentials that is at the heart of education and the essence of Port Chester High School.

 

School Updates

Fall Family Conferences will be held on December 5th.

We have added a Parent University Technology Workshop for families who are interested in learning how to sign up and prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences. Join virtually to learn about the following topic:

Thursday, November 30, 6:30pm- 7:30pm: Learn how to sign up and prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences using PTC Wizard

Join us from 6:30pm-7:30pm virtually . Come learn on your own or join us as a family. Use your child’s Chromebook.

Las conferencias de padres y maestros se llevarán a cabo el martes 5 de diciembre. Añadimos un taller de tecnología como parte de la Universidad para Padres para familias que estén interesados en aprender a inscribirse y prepararse para las conferencias de padres y profesores. Participe virtualmente para aprender sobre los siguientes temas:

jueves 30 de noviembre, 6:30–7:30pm: Inscríbase y prepárese para conferencias de padres y profesores en la escuela intermedia de Port Chester utilizando PTC Wizard

Únase a nosotros de 6:30pm a 7:30pm virtualmente [http://meet.google.com/bbz-tdjv-tgv]. Aprenda por su cuenta o únase a nosotros en familia. Traiga/utilice el Chromebook de su hijo.

 

January 2024 Regents Exams

Please review the state schedule for Regents Exams for January 2024

Click Here

January 2024 Regents Review Schedule

Port Chester High School will be offering review sessions starting November 27th and ending January 19th.  Please review the attached calendar with session offerings. 

Click Here

 

Seal of Biliteracy Parent Meetings 

Port Chester High School will be hosting two virtual meetings to share important information regarding the Seal of Biliteracy with parents.  The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who obtained a high level of proficiency in English and one, or more than one, World Language.  There are multiple pathways to this distinction, which are awarded upon completion of requirements at the end of senior year.  The Seal of Biliteracy may be granted in a student’s home language.  We look forward to helping students and parents understand, complete, and be awarded this distinction.

On Monday, December 18, 2023, at 5pm via Zoom, there will be a general meeting about earning the Seal of Biliteracy and the pathways available.  

Meeting Zoom Link: Click here

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 5pm via Zoom, there will be a meeting for parents of seniors that are eligible to receive the seal.  Please attend to gain specific information about this prestigious award.

Meeting Zoom Link: Click here

 

School News

Orchestra Students Collaborate With Quartet for Musical Enrichment

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The talented orchestra students at Port Chester High School engaged in an exceptional musical collaboration with members of the Abeo Quartet on Nov. 13. The learning experience allowed students to prepare for their upcoming winter concert and gain insight from professional musicians.

Under the dedicated guidance of music teacher Melissa Neyer, the students showcased their skills by performing “Danza Española” (Spanish Dance) by Bob Phillips. The quartet members listened to the students’ performance and generously provided constructive feedback and suggestions to refine the students’ rendition. During the collaboration, the students also witnessed a live performance and gained insights into the musicians’ creative journeys, inspirations and paths that led them to their present success.

“The collaboration brought the classroom experience to life by connecting our students with professional musicians who make a living through their art,” Neyer said. “The quartet allowed the students to immerse themselves into the world of live music.”

In addition, the quartet’s guidance has further enhanced the students’ preparation for their upcoming performance at the White Plains Orchestra Festival on Nov. 18, where they will perform before clinicians and peers from other high schools, showcasing their talent and growth.

The enriching experience was made possible through a partnership between the high school and the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 11/17/2023

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Port Chester Students Excel at Model UN Conference

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A cohort of students from Port Chester High School participated in the sixth Model United Nations Conference at the Ursuline School in New Rochelle on Nov. 4. Guided by their teachers John Collins and Tim Hartnett, the students engaged in extensive preparation, crafting detailed position papers, conducting research and honing their procedural skills in anticipation of their first conference.

“We participated in a crisis committee which forced students to think on their toes, present their ideas verbally, and negotiate with students from other schools,” Hartnett said. “We are beyond impressed with all the hard work the students did in preparation for this and how well they performed in their first ever Model UN Conference.”

TUSMUNC, as described on its website, is an all-crisis conference empowering delegates with the authority to navigate and influence the worlds they step into, create lasting change and growth. The conference was designed to challenge students to collaborate, even when on opposing sides of the conflict, in pursuit of a shared goal.

Date Added: 11/15/2023
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PCHS Students Gain Financial Insight From Accountant

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Port Chester High School students, having successfully completed a unit on taxes in their Financial Literacy classes, engaged with accountant Ed Sundheim during a special session at their school on Nov. 14.

During the experience, Sundheim shared practical insights with the students, delving into essential topics, such as the intricates of filing a tax return, determining who needs to file and offering information about launching a business. The students actively participated in the session, posing thoughtful questions and completing a reflection activity.

“I hope students feel more empowered and equipped with the knowledge they need to confidently manage their own tax returns or seek professional assistance in the future,” teacher Anthony Perciavalle said.

Perciavalle said the students, who are mostly seniors and juniors, had been immersed in a curriculum covering various aspects of taxation, including types of taxes, understanding paychecks and payroll deductions, as well as the fundamentals of the tax filing process.

Date Added: 11/15/2023
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Port Chester Educator Earns Administrator of the Year Award

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Port Chester Schools Director of ELL and Bilingual Programs Valerie Lakestream has received the Administrator of the Year award from the New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the school district.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Lakestream said. “It is incredible to be recognized by such a prestigious organization for the meaningful work taking place in Port Chester. I am proud of the progress we have made in our district, and I am excited to continue to create opportunities for English language learners and multilingual learners in Port Chester.”

As an influential district leader, Lakestream has orchestrated an array of invaluable opportunities for professional growth among all educators, and spearheaded programs that empower students to attain the Seal of Biliteracy while actively engaging in myriad initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of multilingual learners. Her leadership approach has been characterized by her dedication to providing access and opportunity to all students through innovative programming, fostering partnerships and leading with a passionate vision for change.

Lakestream boasts over a decade of experience in language acquisition education, having taught Italian and Spanish before assuming her current district leadership role. During her tenure at Port Chester, she has introduced new bilingual programs throughout the district, expanded dual language training and enriched professional development opportunities for teachers. She has also established vital community partnerships to support newcomers, expanded the Seal of Biliteracy program and developed university collaborations that have allowed faculty to earn ENL certification.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pace University, a certificate in educational leadership from Long Island University, and a certificate of advanced study in TESOL from Clarkson University.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aurelia L. Henriquez said she was thrilled about Lakestream’s award.

“This recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to removing barriers for students, paving the way for increased opportunities and success.” Henriquez said. “Ms. Lakestream's data-informed approach has empowered our district to gain a deeper understanding of our strengths while identifying areas for continuous improvement. Her dedication to setting high expectations for all, while increasing bilingualism and biliteracy, are to be applauded. We are most fortunate to have a leader of her caliber serving the Port Chester community. “

Lakestream’s achievements was recognized during the 53rd annual conference in Albany, New York, from Nov. 3-4.

Date Added: 11/6/2023
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‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ to Debate at Port Chester High School

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Port Chester High School students will present “Twelve Angry Jurors” as their fall play from Nov. 16-18. Under the leadership of theater director Christina Baurle, the character-driven drama features a talented group of students.

“‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ is a drama focused on the criminal justice system and what beyond a reasonable doubt truly means,” Baurle said. “For the last two years the Drama Club has focused on comedic plays, but this year we wanted to delve into something more serious and character-driven.”

The play is adapted for the stage by Sherman L. Sergel and is based on the Emmy award-winning television movie by Reginald Rose. Twelve jurors are left to deliberate the innocence of a 19-year-old boy who is on trial for the murder of his father.

“These jurors, all with varying backgrounds and personalities, angrily debate and reenact the night of the murder in order to come to a unanimous verdict, but it isn’t as easy as some of them would have hoped,” Baurle said.

The production features black-box style seating in which the small audience – about 80 seats per performance – will be onstage with the actors. Performances will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16, Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Port Chester High School auditorium.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: tinyurl.com/pchsplay23.


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