Superintendent’s Ram Gram

Dear Port Chester Ramily,

As we wrap up the 2023-2024 school year, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire community. This year has been filled with numerous accomplishments and moments of growth, all of which we should celebrate together. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our students and schools.

One of our core objectives has been to increase student opportunities and outcomes, and I am thrilled to share the remarkable progress we have made in various areas. Our launch of the Smart Scholars cybersecurity pathway for high school students has opened new doors for early college experiences, with enthusiastic participation from our rising ninth graders.

Our commitment to securing funding and grants has been fruitful. We successfully implemented the IPA, 611, and 619 grants, and secured funding from the Office of Mental Health for six internships and pantry operations over the summer. In addition, a combination of grants will provide funding for a high-quality K-5 After School Child Care Program to run in all four elementary buildings starting in September, in partnership with the Carver Center. These efforts underscore our dedication to providing robust support systems for our students.

Professional development remains a cornerstone of our success. We trained 18 K-6 educators in the Bridges Math Intervention Program and 20 K-5 interventionists in PAF, both of which received positive feedback. Our ongoing and upcoming professional development opportunities, including the co-teach academy and dual language UPK, are set to further enhance our educators' skills.

Our extended school year program, starting July 1, promises a fulfilling summer experience for our students, while our summer curriculum writing and SUNY New Paltz course and science of reading micro-credential course have garnered significant educator participation, with 67 educators enrolled in the course.

Student and community engagement has flourished. Events like Band Night, Exceptional Gala, and the Art Show at Crawford Park have showcased our students' talents. Visits to consortium schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx have enriched our perspectives, and new sports programs like boys' volleyball and flag football are set to broaden student opportunities.

We have also focused on enhancing our technology and infrastructure. Over the summer, we will install 370 new computers, preparing the district for the Windows 11 upgrade. Our informed K-12 workflow software will streamline processes, and new radios for elementary schools will enhance communication. Our Chromebook sustainability plan ensures that students have the necessary tools for their education.

Recognition and dedication are integral to our community. We dedicated the Board Room to Ann Capeci for her 30 years of service on the Board of Education, and plan to dedicate the garden area to Jim Dreves for his 29 years of service. These dedications celebrate their invaluable contributions to our district and the rich history of the Port Chester Community.

Security and safety measures have been enhanced, including new radios and camera access for security guards, and ongoing training for staff in emergency response and nonviolence prevention.

Looking to the future, we are exploring the introduction of an NJROTC program at the high school, fostering discipline and pride among our students. Our commitment to providing diverse and enriching experiences remains steadfast.

As we prepare for the new school year, I encourage the entire community to remain engaged and share your ideas for continuous improvement. Your input is invaluable, and together, we will continue to create a nurturing environment that encourages our students to return to the Port Chester School District and Community after graduation.

In closing, let us embrace the end of this school year with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for our collective future. I am confident that with your continued support, and with the support of the Board of Education and this great community, we will build a future filled with endless possibilities. I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff who contribute to all of the District’s accomplishments! Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our students.

Wishing you all a joyful summer and a successful new school year!

Dr. Aurelia L. Henriquez
Superintendent
Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District

With more than 100 ties donated, a group of Port Chester High School students learned a valuable skill – how to tie a tie – at their school on June 5-6. Organized by the high school guidance department, the two-day Knots for Knowledge event was designed to help graduating seniors feel confident and dress for success.

“Our school community’s contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on our students, instilling confidence and knowledge,” Department Chairperson Vanessa Clay-Williams said. “Their support and generosity have made a significant impact in the lives of our young men and women.”

Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who generously shared their time and expertise in teaching the students the art of tying a tie and showcasing various styles.

“Their commitment to empowering our students with essential knowledge is truly commendable,” Clay-Williams said.

Principal Luke Sotherden said he cherishes watching these moments with students.

“It is such a joy to be a positive male role model for students and teach the minutiae of professionalism when the opportunities present themselves,” Sotherden said.

The Thomas A. Edison Elementary School community celebrated the grand opening of the newly established Clara Jones Kindness Gardens on June 10, honoring the late Clara Jones. Surrounded by students, teachers, administrators, friends and family, Jones’ mother, Ela Navarro, and son, Cody, unveiled an interpretive sign dedicating the gardens to the beloved teacher.

“Clara Jones was a beloved teacher at Edison for 25 years before her passing in September 2022,” Thomas A. Edison Elementary School Principal Paul Roncagliolo said. “Her joy and kindness inspired Edison teachers to establish memorial garden spaces at the school that would reflect her loving and giving nature and provide hands-on learning opportunities for the entire Edison community.”

The Clara Jones Kindness Gardens include raised garden beds for vegetables and herbs, fostering a lifelong interest in gardening, nutrition and environmental awareness. The gardens also feature beds of daffodils and crocuses, along with native plants pockets designed to create a pollinator-friendly habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Clara Jones’ friends and family, the Tamarack Tower Foundation, the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District, the Thomas A. Edison Elementary School community, the Port Chester Sustainability Committee, Edison’s Garden Angels and Mercy University’s WIPRO Science Education Fellowship. The Tamarack Tower Foundation contributed $10,000 toward the establishment of the gardens, which was followed by a gala fundraiser hosted by Edison teachers to secure additional funds.

The dedication ceremony included a performance of an original song, “Spring Gardens,” which was composed by orchestra teacher Michael Caprino, and a rendition of “Dos Oruguitas.” The green spaces celebrate the kindness, joy and love that Clara Jones generously gave to her school community.

Email: ahenriquez@portchesterschools.org
Website: https://www.portchesterschools.org/
Location: 113 Bowman Avenue, Rye Brook, NY, USA
Phone: (914) 934-7900
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortChesterUFSD
Twitter: @PortChesterUFSD