Members of Port Chester Middle School and Port Chester High School’s orchestras enjoyed an enriching learning experience during a workshop with string expert Dr. Denise Lutter on April 4.

The middle school musicians gained valuable insight into string pedagogy, performance posture, concert repertoire and instrumental techniques; and the high school students worked on dynamics, shaping the musical lines and creating a better tone from their instruments.

“During the third year of this amazing orchestra program, these students have shown incredible growth and commitment,” middle school orchestra teacher Mary Wojcik said. “The workshop was a joyful learning experience for our Port Chester Middle School orchestra students and teachers.”

As a retired orchestra director, Dr. Lutter brings a wealth of experience and a deep interest in culturally responsive teaching methods to her workshop. She serves as the leadership coach for the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center where she designs and leads professional development courses for arts educators. She has also contributed to shaping music education in New York State, having served on several committees and participated in developing the current New York State Music Standards.

“Dr. Lutter listened to our students perform their concert music and provided them with feedback on how to elevate their performance,” high school orchestra teacher Melissa Neyer said.

Throughout the school year, the students diligently prepared for their winter and All-District orchestra concerts. In addition, several students were selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association solo strings concert on April 12. The high school and middle school orchestra students, who have also been preparing for their spring concerts, will demonstrate their talents on April 18 and May 22, respectively.

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Date Added: 4/11/2024

Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Best Communities for Music Education Award by the NAMM Foundation. The district is one of 975 school districts nationally to be recognized.

According to NAMM, the schools and communities recognized with the award demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.

“We are honored and beyond excited about being selected to receive the NAMM 2024 Best Communities for Music Education Award,” Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh said. “This award highlights all the amazing work our music teachers do in our schools with our students. It acknowledges how our teachers spread the love of music in our community, and it’s also reflective of our whole community’s support of our fine and performing arts programing.”

Now in its 25th year, the designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. According to the organization, the award program recognizes the collective efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have been instrumental in making music part of a well-rounded education for every child.

Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education. To qualify for the designation, the district submitted an application that included information about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music program and community music-making programs. The program applauded the district for its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where each child can participate in quality, robust music making.

Date Added: 4/5/2024

As the bell rings and most students head home, a dedicated group of 53 Port Chester Middle School students gather in their classrooms to continue their studies. They are part of an after-school English Language Learners newcomer program, which has been meeting three times a week since January. Spearheaded by Assistant Principal Kristin Pascuzzi and multilingual learner coordinator Peter Bermudez, the program is tailored to provide crucial support to students who are new to this country and in the process of learning English.

“It’s an opportunity for some of these new students to meet friends and to socialize, and practice their English in a fun and exciting way that supports them academically, socially and emotionally,” Pascuzzi said. “They come to us sometimes with very different educational experiences prior to coming to the Unites States, and they enter a middle school at this level with limited knowledge of the English language and limited experience in terms of an American school. They’re not used to going to six different classes in a day and having different teachers.”

Pascuzzi emphasized that all students enrolled in the program are native Spanish speakers who are eager to grasp English in a nurturing setting provided by Port Chester Middle School. What sets this program apart from others, which primarily focus on reading and writing, is its comprehensive approach to providing support in core subjects such as math, science, ELA and social studies.

Throughout the program, the students engaged in activities aimed at expanding their vocabulary, mastering basic conversational phrases, and honing their reading and writing skills. Pascuzzi commended the dedicated teachers involved in the program, attributing much of its success to their commitment. The teachers, who are well-versed in the core subject curriculum, not only offer additional academic support but also cultivate meaningful connections with the sixth through eighth grade students.

“It’s a nice message for the students to walk away with – they see that teachers care, they’re learning English in such a fun way where they don’t fear, they’re comfortable to take risks and explore the language, and they are not embarrassed,” Pascuzzi said. “They’re looking for a sense of belonging, and a program like this gives them another piece of that, and it extends the day for them.”

Bermudez expressed gratitude for the teachers’ efforts in nurturing students as they navigate the complexities of learning English and equipping them with the necessary tools for success. He expressed aspirations to expand the program’s reach, aiming to double the number of participants by the following year.

In addition to Bermudez, the teachers who have been instrumental in the program’s success are Shaileen Bello, Austin Boehm, Esteban Guijarro, Angie Leon, Juanita Mitchell, Tanya Pizzano, Anne Prime, Jacqueline Sagastume and Christine Telesco.

“We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated teachers,” she said. “They have been incredible.”

Date Added: 3/22/2024