Please schedule to have your senior portrait taken for the 2019 yearbook by calling Memorable Moment Photography at 914-305-1271. Clearly leave your name, phone number, and detailed message when leaving a voicemail. Thank you!
Thank you for an excellent 2017-18 academic year. On behalf of the entire Port Chester Public School District, we wish you a wonderful summer, filled with relaxation and happiness.
The 2018-19 academic year begins on Wednesday, Sept. 5. See you then!
Spend time at the theater with your family this summer, watching popular story lines come to life on stage.
The Port Chester Council for the Arts, in cooperation with the Village of Port Chester’s Recreation Department, is hosting three plays in late-July. They are:
“In the Heights”
July 20 (Friday) & July 21 (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m.
“Guys and Dolls Jr.”
July 27 (Friday) & July 28 (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m.
“Broadway Babies”
July 28 (Saturday) at 2 p.m.
Click on attachments below for additional information.
The Class of 2018's special "Graduation Keepsake" newsletter is now available. Click here or on the attachment below to view in a color and web-accessible PDF format. A copy will be mailed to every 2018 graduate in late-July.
Softball standout Brooklyn Ostrowski, a Port Chester High School incoming junior, was named the the Journal News/lohud First Team All-Stars.
Brooklyn, an outfielder, was featured in a recent story on the news outlet's website, recognizing the 2018 stellar softball players. It reads: "A true five-tool player, Ostrowski batted .424 with six home runs and 24 RBI for the year. The Fordham-committed sophomore also collected her 100th career hit this season."
A big congratulations to the 313 Port Chester High School students who graduated on June 22. We can't wait to see what the future holds for the Class of 2018. The ceremony took place on the field in front of a packed crowd on the bleachers.
The Port Chester High School hallways were livened by vibrant flower-themed artworks. Principal Mitchell Combs called them "terrific spring-themed work from our talented student-artists."
Port Chester community members passed the school district’s $11.025 million Bond Project by 60 percent. This now allows the district to begin emergency safety improvements at Port Chester Middle School.
With over 1,600 residents voting on June 5 in the PCMS gymnasium, 966 were in favor and 646 were opposed to the bond.
“We are thankful and express our sincere appreciation for the community’s support of this repair bond,” said Superintendent Edward Kliszus. “Your support permits us to bring the middle school into the 21st century with new windows, the removal of the concrete panels and scaffolding, and the installation of electronically controlled heating ventilator systems.”
The bond was created in response to a cantilever failure at the middle school in October 2017, which resulted in building damage and the school’s closure for six days. It resolves these vital safety concerns and ends the $30,000 monthly rental of scaffolding to stabilize the building’s current cantilevers. It also funds the replacement of 50-year-old windows with energy-efficient and insulated windows that will save 8 percent annually in energy costs.
“It is the community’s ongoing support of the schools,” said Dr. Kliszus, “that has enabled our students to enjoy not only academic success but beautiful school buildings in which they can be nurtured and educated in a safe environment.”
This is the second time that Port Chester residents voted on the PCMS Bond Project. It was initially put up for a vote in February at $12.5 million; however, was defeated by 51.4 percent.
All of the hard work paid off. In early June, a handful of Port Chester High School seniors graduated from the Westchester Youth Police Academy.
In late May, three Port Chester High School students presented at the third annual Science Research Symposium.
The teenagers spent the past few years researching their projects. They selected the topics that they were interested in learning about, which ensured a strong sense of passion and ownership. Congratulations to our student-scientists.
Student-actors in the Port Chester High School drama club attended the Metropolitan Youth Theater Awards.
On June 11, the group traveled to SUNY Purchase College for the event. Members were nominated in three categories for their work in "The Wedding Singer," which was performed in mid-April. The nominations were:
- Cameo: Faith Tomasula (as Tina Turner)
- Outstanding Duet: Lauren Pellegrini (as Grandma) and Nicolas Arnel (as George) for "Move That Thang"
- Lobby Display: Gisella McCallion, Lauren Pellegrini and Cristy Heffernan
While the Port Chester students did not win, they were excited to be nominated. The Metro Awards, sponsored by the Journal News, highlights high school students' talents during the spring musical season, and honor their heard work. This year, 56 schools from Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Bergen counties.
Congratulations to Port Chester High School student William E. Brakewood, who was recently recognized as one of only 2,500 seniors nationwide who became a Merit scholar.
In May, the National Merit Scholarship Program announced its winners. William, 17, was one of 147 from New York State and one of just 20 from Westchester County to earn the prestigious accolade.
“I’m definitely really happy,” William said. “It’s really exciting. I’m glad that this will reflect well on our town and school district.”
The Merit Scholarship winners are “judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” according to the corporation. Students are adjudicated based on their PSAT scores, as well as their grades, school activities and an essay written specifically for the program.
Over the past 13 years, William has relished his time in the Port Chester School District. He is grateful for the “amazing teachers,” especially those who lead Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes.
“I got such great experience here,” he said. “There are a whole lot of opportunities I might not have gotten elsewhere. For instance, we have a very strong IB program – it’s research-heavy, which makes it much more engaging.”
Outside of class, William is heavily involved in extra-curricular activities. He began playing the trumpet in third grade, and now plays in the jazz band, concert band and marching band. He is also a member of the debate club and is an Eagle Scout. Athletically, William is a three-season varsity athlete, excelling as a runner throughout the year.
With graduation quickly approaching, William shared some advice for the younger Port Chester students. “Be involved in school outside of class,” he said. “Those who do well in class are those who are busiest outside of class. You will succeed and you’ll be enjoying it.”
While William said that he will miss Port Chester, he is excited to move on. In the fall, William plans to attend Brown University and is likely to study history or economics.
The Port Chester School District asks community residents to vote on a vital, comprehensive $11.025 million BOND PROJECT for much-needed renovations to Port Chester Middle School’s building exterior on TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2018. This project addresses the 2017 cantilever failure and necessary reconstruction of pedestrian bridges at Port Chester Middle School for a long-term, safe and cost-effective solution.
For more information, click here to visit our PCMS Bond Project (June 2018) page.
Virtual field trips, a coding club and peer-to-peer teaching. These are a handful of innovative ways that children in the Port Chester School District are increasingly receiving an education rife with integrated advanced technology.
Our district is dedicating itself to dynamically improving the digital skills of students and teachers so that they can handle the new world that technology is shaping. It helps them broaden their academic opportunities and reach their scholastic goals.
Over the past few decades, classrooms have changed technologically – and they will continue to evolve. No longer do students sit through a “computer class;” technology is now used throughout the day and in most classes as a versatile tool. It helps students better understand concepts, think more critically, expand their creativity and adapt to new situations.
The Port Chester School District community passed the 2018-19 budget, ensuring that vital academic programs are funded for another year.
On May 15, nearly 2,000 residents headed to the polls to cast their votes. The proposed $97,227,468 budget was passed by 1,197 to 729 votes. Community members Christopher Wolff and Luigi Russo were elected to the Board of Education.
“We deeply appreciate the community’s support of the budget’s passage,” said Superintendent Edward Kliszus. “This will permit us to fund our schools adequately and to provide for the academic needs of the many children in our care.”
The budget fulfills its pledge of remaining under the tax levy cap by using existing revenue and implementing budget cuts. It retains vital academic programs that students need for their success and achievement. It also prioritizes general and humanities offerings, athletics, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, and numerous support programs for our most vulnerable children.
“It is the community’s ongoing support that has enabled our students to enjoy significant successes,” Dr. Kliszus said, “as recently memorialized in U.S. News & World Report’s national and state school rankings.”
The Flag Football Tournament, which was originally scheduled for May 31, has been POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Westchester Assistant District Attorney Tobin visited Port Chester High School to share information about proper internet use.
On April 25, students gathered in the auditorium to hear a special presentation about the dangers of irresponsible internet use and cyberbullying, as well as how to use the internet and social media safely.
Three Port Chester High School students who participated in the spring musical were nominated for Metropolitan Youth Theater Awards.
In the spring, Port Chester students performed "The Wedding Singer" from April 12 to 14. Students received two acting/singing Metro nominations for their performances and one aesthetics-based nomination.
The nominations are as follows:
The Metro Awards, sponsored by The Journal News, highlight high school students' talents during the spring musical season, and honor their hard work. This year, 56 schools entered from Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Bergen counties.
“I am so proud of the entire cast and crew,” said teacher and play producer Stephanie Darrow. “I am so pleased that the Metro judges took notice of our comedic accomplishments. Lauren, Nick and Faith brought the house down every night. Congratulations to everyone!”
The awards ceremony will take place at SUNY Purchase College’s Concert Hall on June 11 at 7 p.m.
Growing up, David Chepiga was fascinated by history. His father served in the Vietnam War and their home boasted many books and documentaries, which he studied. From a young age, he was inspired to figure out the world’s trajectory and was on a quest to learn why things became how they are.
In late April, Mr. Chepiga’s passion was rewarded as he was honored by the Westchester Lower Hudson Council for Social Studies as the 2018 Outstanding High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year.
“It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “It’s a shock to be recognized for something you enjoy doing every day while there are plenty of other extremely talented teachers here as well.”
Mr. Chepiga began working at Port Chester High School in 2005. While he currently teaches 9th and 10th grade, he has also taught upperclassmen in past years. He teaches AP world history, global history, economics and constitutional criminal law.
In the classroom, Mr. Chepiga offers his students a chance to relate to the past and to see how they connect with it. He noted that when a vast subject like history becomes personal, children can absorb the material more deeply.
“We look at how all of the facts intertwine and then we examine the bigger story,” he said. “It’s wonderful when the kids relate to it. They make the connection and understand what it means in relation to their lives.”
Mr. Chepiga commended the Port Chester students for their hard work throughout the year: “They love the challenge,” he said. “They’re engaged, receptive and they have fun. They’re willing to learn, work hard, and very motivated.”
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.
