Thomas Edison Elementary School fifth graders, who learned about basic math formulas for speed and velocity, applied their knowledge in a hands-on activity that challenged them to tackle equations.

Teacher Colleen Cahill said the students seamlessly integrated their understanding of reading fractions and long division into the exploration of advanced formulas typically reserved for middle and high school math and science classes. The enrichment activity was designed to empower students with the essential skills needed for higher-level math, nurturing an appreciation for math and science.

Earlier in the school year, the fifth graders virtually connected with students from Port Chester High School’s Advanced Placement Calculus class as part of a Buddy Class program. The initiative has provided the students with inspiring role models and has served as a platform for showcasing their mathematical skills.

“The fifth graders are working towards learning basic concepts to show their high school buddies their skills,” Cahill said. “We hope that all the students can see themselves as a math and science person and not be intimidated by taking advanced courses.”

Cahill collaborated with fellow teachers Anton Raskin and Carrie Poulos to create the Buddy Class, intertwining the realms of math and science and providing the younger students with exposure to higher-level math concepts. The three teachers received a grant through the Wipro Science Education Fellowship Program at Mercy University, further supporting their mission to provide students with enriching educational experiences.

Date Added: 4/8/2024

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

Equipped with tempura paint and watercolors, Thomas Edison Elementary School fourth graders created their own galaxy-inspired artworks. Under the guidance of art teacher Alison Gallagher, the students used white tempera paint for the stars and watercolors sprinkled with salt for their galaxies.

“The most meaningful part of this project was getting to see how all of their galaxies turned out so vastly different,” Gallagher said.

During the project, the students worked in a splatter paint station to create their stars. This was the first time they used this technique, which Gallagher demonstrated and helped guide them through. She reassured her students that their stars can be scattered in a random pattern and encouraged them to let go of any preconceived ideas for what their art should look like.

“I hope that students took away the idea that, just like a galaxy, their artwork is unique and all parts work uniquely together to make something beautiful,” she said.

The students’ galaxies were inspired by astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. In celebration of Black History Month, the fourth graders have been learning about his impact on the science community, and their artwork was a response to how it feels to look through a telescope.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/4/2024

Sixteen students from the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District have been selected to perform with All-County music ensembles by the Westchester County School Music Association for its 2024 festival concerts in March.

“Being selected to perform in Westchester’s All-County Music Festivals is a momentous musical honor,” Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh said. “Students go through a rigorous selection process. Our students competed against the best music students in Westchester County. We are very proud of our students and their hard work.”

John F. Kennedy Elementary School fifth graders Valentina Tiu and Sarah Salcedo, Thomas Edison Elementary School fifth graders Michael Calle and Gabriella Diaz, King Street Elementary School fifth graders Emma Weinstein and LJ Sherwood, Park Avenue Elementary School fifth graders Ethan Horwitz and Jacob Perez, and Port Chester Middle School sixth graders Olivia Klauck and Isabella Sanchez, seventh grader Scarlet Virella and eighth graders Melquisedec Gonzalez and Annalise Gouedy have been selected to perform with the All-County choir.

Port Chester Middle School eighth graders Laila Builes and Ryann Onofrio-Franceschini have been selected to perform with the Intermediate All-County band, and Port Chester High School junior Camilo Mamani has been selected to perform with the All-County Jazz band.

The All-County Band concert will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 5 p.m. at New Rochelle High School. The All-County Chorus concert will take place on Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at New Rochelle High School. The All-County Jazz concert will take place on Friday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Hammocks Middle School.

Date Added: 2/20/2024