News from Our Schools: February 6, 2026

News from Our Schools February 6, 2026 Food Waste Initiative Kicks Off at Trinity Elementary It’s a messy job, but someone has to do it! Fifth graders at Trinity Elementary sorted through lunchroom waste as part of a district-wide initiative aimed at reducing waste, alleviating hunger, and maximizing the use of resources. The initiative is a collaboration between the Green Schools Committee and the Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation, made possible by a grant from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. The first session of food waste monitoring took place at Trinity Elementary on Jan. 23, with additional sessions on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. Students wore gloves and sorted waste by category: uneaten and unopened foods, fruit and vegetable scraps, other food scraps, non-organic waste (plastics and drink cartons), and liquids. After each session, the waste was weighed by category. The students also conducted interviews to gather data on why food items were discarded. Other food waste labs will be held during the next four to six weeks at Davis Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Ward Elementary, and Columbus Elementary Schools, the middle schools, and the high school. The Green Schools Committee will process the findings and develop a plan to reduce lunchroom waste across the district. “All of us are part of the solution. By participating in this, we’re helping not only our school, but our entire school community,” said Trinity Principal Michael Hilderbrand. “We’re going to use the data we collect to reduce food waste right here at Trinity Elementary School.” The job was a bit messy for the sorters, but fifth grader Liliana Brooks said it was worth the effort. “It was pretty gross. People were throwing out food where nothing was touched, and some of it had no bites taken out,” she said. “But it’s important to prevent food waste from happening to make the world a better place.” Fifth graders are learning about the effects of food waste on the environment. Olivia Renda, grade five, said, “I like how it helps the environment, and it helps decrease food waste. Food waste creates pollution and increases climate change.” Davon Vernon, another sorter, was focused on the way excess food could help others. “We want to help out kids that don’t have enough to eat, so they can eat good food and have lots of healthy stuff,” he said. “The first time we did this, people threw away a lot of food, and a lot of food (went to the share table). But now people are eating it because they realize they can take (the food from the share table).” New Rochelle Alum and Celebrated Artist Returns to Inspire Today’s Students Luis M. Diaz, a New Rochelle alum and Mexican-born visual artist whose work has appeared in “The Nation,” “The Atlantic,” and “The New Yorker,” returned to his alma mater recently, where he spoke to art students about his career, his journey as an immigrant, and his artwork. Diaz’s visit was combined with a solo exhibit of the photographs he created for his master’s thesis at Yale University, which are on display at the Museum of Arts and Culture through Feb. 13. The black-and-white photographs trace the internal and external consequences of migration. A gifted art student inspired by his City School District of New Rochelle teachers, Diaz went on to earn full scholarships from both Parsons School of Design, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and Yale University, where he earned a master’s in fine art. He was the first in his family to graduate from college or graduate school. Diaz is a recipient of the Yale School of Art Dean’s Prize (2025), the Alice Kimball English Travel Grant (2024), the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship in Photography (2022), and the Magnum Foundation US Dispatches Grant (2020). He has exhibited at Gladstone Gallery in New York, the Blue Sky Gallery in Portland, Oregon, and the Bronx Art Space, among others. “Diaz’s story is truly inspiring,” said junior Danica Batista, a PAVE 3 Visual Arts student. “Diaz has helped me to see that anything is possible as long as you put your heart into it.” As for the exhibit at the MAC, Danica said she particularly liked that the images tell a story that moves with the viewer. Diaz, who attended Jefferson Elementary School and Isaac E. Young Middle School, said art teachers Paulo Fiorino and Sonia Dellaripa inspired his early interest in art. During his high school years, Diaz took AP Art, was in PAVE Art, and served as co-president of the National Art Honor Society. He said his photography class with Moira McCaul solidified his passion. Over the course of two days, Diaz spoke with students in 12 classes, not only discussing art but offering first-hand advice on college applications, scholarships and managing it all. “For me, it's important for people to understand that there's a whole process behind making photos,” Diaz has said. “There are images that I think about, and sketch out, but I still allow air to flow in between image making to create flexibility. There's also images that happen by complete accident, where everything aligns and you just press your shutter.” PAVE 3 student Muhammad Arhum was most impressed by Diaz’s work ethic. “The main thing I noticed … was the amount of work he put in after getting into college. I was particularly impressed by how he commuted to Parsons for a while and somehow managed his other responsibilities.” Muhammad added that Diaz’s experience as an RA (resident assistant) in college also resonated because it showed that he took advantage of opportunities. Prior to hearing Diaz talk, Muhammad saId he was not aware that RAs receive benefits that sometimes include free housing in college. “I enjoyed hearing about all types of work and specifically enjoyed the exhibit shown in the gallery,” said Naomi Shechter, also PAVE 3. “Learning that the motion and placement of each photo was intentional to create this sort of timeline made the whole exhibit more enticing.” Naomi added that she was most drawn to an image that appeared to be a shadow of a man because of its emotional power. “Luis shared some of his photographs from his Yale MFA Thesis and explained his thoughts on the work, how he planned the installation, and the story line linking the imagery,” said New Rochelle High School art teacher Alexi Brock. “He also brought in and explained how he uses a large format camera for some of his work.” Brock added that she was grateful to Diaz “for being so open about his life and inspiring the next generation of New Rochelle artists.” Science Comes to Life at Jefferson Elementary Gas exploding. Robots moving. Bubbles bursting. It all happened on Jan. 23 at Jefferson Elementary School’s Mad Science, an interactive science show combined with hands-on activities for students and families. Mad Science was presented in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle and the Jefferson Parent Teacher Association. “The Mad Science program encouraged students to think, ask questions, and experiment as they explored concepts such as oxygen and motion. Through demonstrations and interactive stations, youngsters were able to learn by doing: building, testing, and discovering alongside their peers and family members,” said third grade science teacher Aimee Ferguson. “Smiles and laughter filled the room as participants of all ages explored science in fun and engaging ways.” “I think it was really fun, and it inspired me to do science at home and make a robot,” said third-grader Olivia. Fourth-grader Jocelyn shared her favorite moments as well. “I loved when they put the toilet paper on me. It was fun!” By using toilet paper and a leaf blower, Mad Science demonstrates scientific principles like Bernoulli’s principle, which explains air pressure and lift. Jocelyn said she “also liked building with the blocks because I made a really tall tower.” Tower building helps students explore principles of physics like gravity, balance, stability, and weight while developing spatial reasoning, motor skills, critical thinking, and perseverance. The evening began with a Mad Science show for students and parents in which many students were called up to participate. In one experiment, children rode a hovercraft. After the show, families moved into the gym for hands-on activities at stations exploring different science concepts. Students controlled various robots with remote control devices, watched bubbles form from dropping dry ice into water, and took home color-changing cups for keepsakes. “Events like Mad Science support Jefferson Elementary’s ongoing goal of making science meaningful, engaging, and accessible to all students,” Ferguson said. “By providing hands-on experiences that connect learning to real-world curiosity, the school continues to foster a love of science while bringing the school community together through shared joy and discovery.” Robots Take Over New Rochelle High School in High-Stakes Engineering Duel Forty-six teams from 24 schools across the region gathered on Jan. 24 at New Rochelle High School for an action-packed, academic engineering event known as a VEX V5 Robotics Competition. This engineering contest challenges students to design, build, and program robots to compete in two-on-two matches with randomly assigned alliances. A standard match lasts just two minutes and takes place on a 12-foot-square playing surface. The objective of this year’s challenge is to move as many blocks as possible into four goals placed around the playing area. The game includes both autonomous play, where the robots move based on pre-programmed directions, and manual play, where students move the robots using remote control devices. Students come to the tournament with different perspectives. Some find designing and building robots at home to be more challenging than competing, while others say the pressure to drive successfully can be intense. Regardless of their perspective, all participants must use critical thinking skills, communicate well with teammates, and persevere when obstacles are encountered. New Rochelle participants were inspired by the event. “The NRHS competition was very exciting as it was spontaneous and highly competitive. A new match began every few minutes, and all the while there was compelling music in the background,” said Noor Abdalla, a junior. “From the tournament, I gained some important strategy tips, as well as ideas for design changes and mechanisms that could help my team be more successful.” Noor said the tournament made him more passionate about mechanics and inspired him to improve his CAD (computer-aided design) skills. Sebastian Ramos, also a junior, said the tournament made him reflect on “how other people’s robots worked, what made other teams successful that we could use on our team to be more successful.” He added that the event opened his eyes to new strategies and game plans that could benefit the team. This was the sixth year that the NewRoBots team competed in the event, which is part of the world’s largest robotics competition. Some of the robots used were built with VEX designs, while others were customized by students using approved parts.   New Rochelle Students Shine in 2026 Scholastic Art Awards The above painting, titled "Autophobia," by junior Naomi Shecter, earned a Gold Key award in the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.  Several New Rochelle High School students won honors in the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the nation’s longest and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades seven through 12. The awards recognize students in 29 categories of art and writing. Five students were honored, with one earning a Gold Key, which automatically enters the student in a national competition for scholarships awarded in the spring. The following New Rochelle students were honored: Naomi Shechter, a junior, GOLD KEY for “Autophobia” (Painting)- PAVE 3- Alexi Brock. Naomi will be considered for National Awards and scholarships to be announced in the spring. Arianna Larios, a junior, Honorable Mention for “Good Grief” (Painting)- PAVE 3- Alexi Brock Abilene Wang, a sophomore, Honorable Mention for “Tiger Scream” (Printmaking)- PAVE 2- Moira McCaul Alexandra Franco, a junior, Honorable Mention for “Disconnected” (Painting)- AP 2D- Alexi Brock Mia Mendoza, a junior, Honorable Mention for “Views” (Painting) and “Ignorance” (Sculpture)- PAVE3- Alexi Brock This was also the first year for a new category of Editorial Cartoon– Mia Mendoza was also recognized for her piece “American Halloween,” which was printed in the NRHS Herald with Rachel McCain as the advisor. Congratulations to our student winners and their teachers, Alexi Brock, Moira McCaul, and Rachel McCain, on this amazing accomplishment. Serving Up Safety: SADD Club Partners with Gemelli’s for Super Bowl Weekend This Super Bowl weekend, as families across New Rochelle gather for the big game, our SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is ensuring that "prevention" is part of the play-by-play. In a powerful collaboration with the Westchester County Youth Leadership Task Force (YLTF), our students hit the pavement to participate in the annual Pizza Initiative. This countywide campaign aims to reach families directly at the dinner table to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and gambling. Our SADD students visited Gemelli’s Pizzeria on North Avenue, where they worked with the staff to place special prevention stickers on pizza boxes slated for delivery during the busy Super Bowl weekend (Feb. 6–8). These stickers serve as a vital reminder for parents and guardians to use their influence in preventing youth alcohol use. They also feature a link to PowerToTheParent.org, a resource-rich site dedicated to helping local families keep their children alcohol-free. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest social events of the year, but it also carries increased risks for underage exposure to alcohol and gambling. By bringing this message to local businesses, our students are: Promoting Healthy Choices: Highlighting the risks associated with youth gambling and drinking. Building Community: Partnering with local staples like Gemelli’s to create a unified front for student safety. Developing Leadership: Empowering our SADD members to lead professional outreach with local business owners. "We are incredibly grateful to the management and staff at Gemelli’s Pizzeria for their warm welcome and their commitment to the health and safety of New Rochelle’s youth!" The initiative is sponsored by the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth. This effort is a testament to the hard work of the Youth Leadership Task Force, a group of dedicated high schoolers from across the county who plan events to keep our communities safe and informed. Unity and Spirit Shine at Davis Davis Elementary School kicked off Unity Day on Jan. 9 - a celebration of the school community, united by its commitment to the 4 Be’s: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind.  Daily announcements and lessons focused on tips for practicing self-control by making thoughtful choices, using problem-solving skills to work through challenges, and showing empathy by listening to and supporting one another. Class activities and discussions emphasized the importance of safe and ethical behavior, helping students understand how their actions affect others.  Unity Day reminded everyone that when we follow the 4 Be’s and lead with kindness and respect, we create a school environment where all students feel safe, valued, and included. Unity Celebrations progressed to Spirit Week.   Spirit Week brought a focus to celebrating our differences, honoring what makes us each special, and what each individual brings to Davis every day. It included United Colors Day, Mismatch Day, Word Power Day, Inside Out Day, and ended on a high note with Superhero Day. First grader Evan Davis said his favorite part of spirit week was Inside Out Day because, "You got to show people that you can all be different and still be kind to one another."  Classmate Georgia Caldwell agreed but thought Word Power Day was the best because, "You can change a person's day just by using one positive word."  Fifth grader Ashley Hernandez Temaj said Word Power Day was "so much fun because you got to think about all the things you like about yourself." Isaac E. Young Middle School Faculty and Staff Honored for Earning Tenure Photo L to R: Jason Roberts, School Counselor; Kyani Lawrence, School Psychologist; Nicole Neto, ENL teacher; Gia Saul, Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education Teacher; Tasha Brown, Teaching Assistant; Michelleann Defilippis, Special Education Teacher; Scott Harris, PAVE and Theater Arts Teacher; Dr. Divya Deshpande, Special Education Teacher; Amber Singleton, Science Teacher. Ten Isaac E. Young Middle School (IEYMS) faculty and staff members who achieved tenure were honored at the Board of Education meeting held at their school on Jan. 22. Principal Dr. Tawanda Robinson congratulated the group before presenting them with certificates. “You are so talented,” said Dr. Robinson. “I challenge you. I ask that you continue to contribute to this school in the ways that have brought you to this point where you are being recognized, and that you use your talents, strengths, and interests to add value to the Isaac E. Young Middle School community for years to come.” The newly tenured teachers are: Nicole Neto, ENL teacher Gia Saul, Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Tasha Brown, Teaching Assistant Michelleann Defilippis, Special Education Teacher Scott Harris, PAVE and Theater Arts Teacher Kyani Lawrence, School Psychologist Dr. Divya Deshpande, Special Education Teacher Amber Singleton, Science Teacher Joshua Akandu, Teacher (not pictured) Elementary Teacher Jason Roberts, School Counselor “Thank you to a phenomenal group, and I look forward to many more years of watching you grow and develop as amazing educators,” Dr. Robinson said. Seven Trinity Faculty and Staff Tenured Photo L to R: Femi Wheeler, Physical Education Teacher; Maria Velez, Teacher Assistant; Mariahelena Ruiz, General Education Teacher; Sinead Deans, Special Education Teacher; Jennifer Betz, General Education Teacher; Nicole Barney, General Education Teacher; Brittany Anderson, School Psychologist; Michael Hilderbrand, Principal Congratulations to the seven Trinity teachers and staff members who were honored for achieving tenure at the Board of Education meeting held at Trinity on Tuesday, Feb. 3.  The honorees are:  Brittany Anderson, School Psychologist Nicole Barney, General Education Teacher  Jennifer Betz, General Education Teacher  Sinead Deans, Special Education Teacher Mariahelena Ruiz, General Education Teacher Maria Velez, Teacher Assistant  Femi Wheeler, Physical Education Teacher  “These seven educators are a powerful force, and we are so fortunate to have them as part of the Trinity team,” said Principal Michael Hilderbrand. “We often say ‘Everything you do matters,’ each of these seven is doing the work that matters; each and every day.”  Congratulations to the tenured Trinity faculty and staff!  Take-Home Meals to be Provided for Students Who are Fasting for Ramadan From Feb. 23 through March 19, take-home meals will be provided to students who are fasting in observance of Ramadan so they may consume the food at a time that honors their religious beliefs. Parents/guardians who wish for their children to participate are asked to opt in using the following Meal Request Form no later than Tuesday, Feb. 17.  As we approached the observance of Ramadan for many of our New Rochelle families, the City School District of New Rochelle applied for, and received, a waiver from the state Department of Education Child Nutrition program that allows our food service department to provide grab-and-go meals for both breakfast and lunch to students who are actively fasting. These students will be able to receive a breakfast and/or lunch to take home to eat before dawn breaks the following morning or after sunset. These meals are being provided at no cost due to the district's current CEP status: Breakfast: One of the options below will be available daily Bagel Meal: Bagel, Cream cheese, fruit, milk Muffin Meal: Muffin, fruit, milk Cereal Meal: Cereal, Belly Bear, fruit, milk Lunch: One of the options below will be available daily Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwich w/ Baby Carrots, milk & fruit Bagel Meal: Bagel, Cream cheese, String cheese, Baby carrots, fruit, milk Muffin Meal: Muffin, String cheese, Baby carrots, fruit, milk This non-congregate meal offering for students is in lieu of students receiving breakfast and lunch during the school day due to active fasting during Ramadan. If your student also takes a breakfast or lunch from the service line during school hours, and then receives the non-congregate meals to take home, their food service account will incur an additional charge for the additional meal(s). Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, a time for spiritual reflection, increased prayer, and fasting from dawn to sunset, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship, self-discipline, empathy, and drawing closer to God, culminating in the festival of Eid al-Fitr.   Sights and Sounds from Around the District   Trinity Marching Band Revs up the Crowd at Board of Education Meeting   Harmonizing Talent: Success at the 2026 Secondary Music Festivals! Our talented musicians performed spectacularly last week at the Secondary Music Festivals for Strings, Band, and Chorus. It wasn't just about the music; it was about building the future of our performing arts community. New Rochelle High School was thrilled to welcome eighth-grade students from Albert Leonard Middle School and Isaac E. Young Middle School to campus. The annual tradition offers middle schoolers an "all-access pass" to the high school experience, easing their transition and fueling their excitement for the years ahead. The highlight of the festival was the vertical alignment in practice. Eighth graders jumped right into the mix, rehearsing and performing side-by-side with the seasoned high school musicians. This mentorship creates a powerful, authentic environment where younger students can see exactly where their dedication can take them. "The energy of each performance was incredible! Watching our high school musicians mentor and play alongside the incoming freshmen perfectly illustrates the strength and continuity of our district's music programs," said K-12 Performing and Visual Arts Director Matthew Lucero.  The seamless coordination would not be possible without the visionary leadership of the music faculty. Thank you to Claire Stancarone, Scott Byers, Matt Henry, and Christopher Russo for their tireless dedication to our students’ growth and for orchestrating such a meaningful week. Secondary Strings Festival Secondary Band Festival Secondary Choral Festival Ms. Brock's Students Visit the Met Webster Students are Magical in Aladdin Athletics Good Luck at Nationals! The New Rochelle cheerleading team had a rousing send-off to nationals at New Rochelle High School The team left for the national competition in Florida this week.   Section One Champions!!!!! The merged East Green Wave girls varsity ice hockey team won 1-0, capturing their first Section 1 title, defeating North Avalanche. The team is a merged ice hockey team consisting of students from New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Rye Neck, White Plains, Ursuline, Ardsley, Sleepy Hollow, Pelham, and Rye. The team was established only last year, and has already captured the championship! Congratulations, Green Wave and Coach Jed Shahar! Wave to go!    Varsity Hockey Senior Night On Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Ice Hutch, the Boys Varsity Hockey Team honored its seniors:  Nathan Greenberg, Brandon Stramiello, Luca Pitocchi, Ethan Menkes, and Spencer Gray. Congratulations seniors!    Girls Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 55, Clarkstown South 70 New Rochelle 46, Mamaroneck 53 Congratulations, seniors Stella Ziogas and Xarlee Gilyard!   Varsity Girls’ Track Team Shines in Westchester County Championship Congratulations to the New Rochelle High School Girls’ Varsity Track Team, who had an impressive showing at the Westchester County Championship meet on Jan. 24 at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York. Junior Alexis Smith was the County Champion in the 55-meter hurdles. Senior Sophia Ochoa was the County Champion in the triple jump, and sophomore Olivia Solomon took the County Championship in the 1500-meter run. Great job, ladies!  Millrose Games Winners Alexis Smith, Sophia Ochoa, Olivia Solomon, and Alivia Smith, won the suburban 4x400 relay at the Millrose Games with a time of 3:56. Congratulations on a great win!  Pioneers Floorball The New Rochelle Pioneers placed fourth at the Super Regional Floorball tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31. It was a tough loss in the final game, but the team had much to be proud of. In the last period, the Pioneers ratcheted up the intensity and tightened their defense to fight their way back. With 52 seconds remaining, the team was down by one goal, but the final breakthrough never came before the clock ran out. The late comeback showed resilience and a refusal to give up when it mattered most.  The Pioneers now look forward to starting the basketball season. New Rochelle High School will host the Hudson Valley Regional Basketball Tournament on Mar. 14, at 9:00 a.m.  Be there! Smith is Best in Class New Rochelle High School sophomore and lacrosse player Milan Smith was selected as an All-Star in the Best in Class Showcase held Jan. 10 and 11 in Bardenton, Florida. The showcase is an opportunity for lacrosse players to showcase their skills in front of recruiting coaches from across the country. Smith was one of 20 players who stood out to the scouts, receiving an impressive evaluation score of 83. And, she was one of only 10 defenders selected for the two All-Star teams.  “Smith's raw athletic talent allows her to go head-to-head with the fastest dodgers and shuts them down by matching them step for step through every change of direction. She plays with an incredible amount of energy that turns heads and creates unity with any defensive group,” said the Inside Lacrosse Women article featuring her.  Milan was one of only three defenders selected to be highlighted in the Inside Lacrosse Journal.  Scores Elementary Girls' Basketball Ward 40, Trinity 8 Ward 43, Jefferson 2 ALMS Boys Basketball ALMS 58, Mamaroneck 59 ALMS 63, Mount Vernon 33 Freshman Boys’ Basketball New Rochelle 52, Scarsdale white 19 New Rochelle 91, Scarsdale Maroon 48 New Rochelle 51, White Plains 44 The team is still undefeated this season!  Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball New Rochelle 78, North Rockland 59  New Rochelle 54, Mamaroneck 32 Junior Varsity Girls’ Basketball New Rochelle 48, Mamaroneck 37 New Rochelle 52, Mount Vernon 27 Varsity Boys’ Basketball New Rochelle 60 , North Rockland 78 New Rochelle 37, Mamaroneck 50 New Rochelle 64, Mount Vernon 65 Photo credit: Bobby Begun Varsity Wrestling New Rochelle 49, White Plains 30 - Senior Night Varsity Swim Team The Varsity Swim Team had a great showing at the League Championship Swim on Jan. 31. Sam Cave New York State and Sectionals for 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and relays. Mac Bach sectionals for 50 freestyle, 100 breast stroke, and relays. Ben Fusco sectional relays, contributing in backstroke and freestyle.  Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events   Copyright and Ownership Notice ©2026 City School District of New Rochelle All content, including text, photographs, graphics, and other materials in this newsletter, is the sole and exclusive property of The City School District of New Rochelle. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the City School District of New Rochelle. For permission requests, please contact Monica Mahaffey, Public Information Officer, at mmahaffey@nredlearn.org.  

Friday, Feb 06 2026

News from Our Schools: January 22, 2026

News from Our Schools January 22, 2026 New Rochelle High School Earns Silver Award for AP Progam New Rochelle High School has earned Silver recognition on the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP) School Honor Roll. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.  For a school to be recognized at the Silver level on the AP School Honor Roll in a given year, it must meet or exceed the following criteria for its students in the most recent graduating class: College Culture: 50% or more of the graduating class took at least one AP Exam during high school. College Credit: 35% or more of the graduating class scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam during high school. College Optimization: 5% or more of the graduating class took five or more AP Exams during high school. At least one of those exams was taken in 9th or 10th grade, so that students are spreading their AP experience across grades rather than feeling disproportionate pressure in any single year. The school exceeded Silver status in the college credit category with 43% of students earning college credit by scoring a 3 on an AP Exam. Some 19% of New Rochelle’s Class of 2025 took at least five AP classes during their high school years, placing the high school in the Platinum category for college optimization.  “AP courses offer our students the ability to get an idea of what their post-secondary education will look like. This is just the beginning of our success, purple pride,” said Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. “Our students, teachers and school leaders should be proud of this accomplishment.” Innovation in Action: STEM at the Forefront of New Rochelle Middle Schools Pictured front row from left to right: Daphne Platt (ALMS Special Education Science Teacher), Carmen King (Mercy University Center for STEM Education) & Julie Verville (IEYMS & ALMS Science Chairperson)  Pictured back row from left to right: Dr. Amanda Gunning (Mercy University Center for STEM Education), Walter Grosvenor (ALMS Technology Teacher), Jason Corbett (IEYMS Science Teacher), Claudia Gianserra (IEYMS Science Teacher), Ana Weisner (Team Advisor), Natika Jones (IEYMS Science Teacher) & Leidy Rodriguez (IEYMS Special Education Science Teacher) Issac E. Young Middle School and Albert Leonard Middle School will be hives of scientific inquiry this April as students showcase work made possible by a grant from Mercy University Center for STEM Education. The grant, designed to foster leadership and teaching in Science Education, is funded by the Wipro Organization, an international information technology company. The Wipro Reimagined Fellowship seeks to improve STEM teaching and leadership skills of K-12 teachers through collaborative STEM projects designed and led by Fellows and supported by district administrators.   This year, Mercy University Center for STEM Education was able to fund three projects in total; two of which are at New Rochelle middle schools. Albert Leonard Middle School’s project is titled STEMagination. The project promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and literacy skills by challenging students to design solutions for real-world problems in four categories: Biology/Health, Ecology/Environmental Science, Technology/Engineering, and Mathematics. Students will tackle real-world problems like building water filters, seed dispersers, solar-powered devices, mobility aids, and more through the process of designing, building, and testing solutions.  The event will be exhibit-style, and students will pitch their solution models and/or demonstrations to a panel of judges. The culminating event will take place on Saturday, April 11 at Albert Leonard Middle School and be open to the community as students showcase their research and project-based talents.   “STEMagination is a place where imagination meets application,” said Special Education Science Teacher Daphne Platt. “It’s more than a science fair - it’s a celebration of how learning comes alive when students explore ideas that matter to them. We are excited to join that journey.”   Platt and Technology Teacher Walter Grosvenor are the Fellows for Albert Leonard Middle School. Isaac E. Young Middle School’s project is titled IEYMS Ignites Innovation: STEAMfest. In addition to engineering design challenges, the event will feature interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) experimental stations for families to enjoy and engage in all aspects of STEAM.   Both STEM and STEAM use sciences and math to create solutions for better living, but STEAM integrates the arts as well, fostering creativity. For example, a STEM approach would focus on function or how something works, while a STEAM approach would also include aesthetics like the look and feel of a device. Students will showcase their talents and work in multiple areas, including a Mars Rover Challenge, Lego Robotics and Coding, and a Student Research Project Exhibit, which offers students a chance to explore their interest in STEAM from scientific studies to novel inventions. This event will be held on Friday, April 17, at Isaac E. Young Middle School and is open to all students and their families to enjoy.   Isaac E. Young Middle School Ignites Innovation team is made up of Leidy Rodriguez (Special Education Science Teacher), Jason Corbett (Science Teacher), Claudia Gianserra (Science Teacher), and Natika Jones (Science Teacher).   The team is excited to spotlight student ingenuity and said, “STEAMfest brings our community together to celebrate student creativity, curiosity, and innovation through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. This event highlights family-school partnerships and showcases how collaboration supports student confidence, learning, and future success. We are thrilled to provide this unique and exciting event to our school community.” “Receiving the Wipro grant for our middle schools is a tremendous honor,” said Julie Verville, Middle School Science Chairperson. “These projects exemplify our commitment to providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents. We believe that by emphasizing the importance of both STEM and STEAM, we are laying the foundation for future success and inspiring a generation of thinkers and leaders who will drive progress and innovation.” A World of Pure Imagination: Columbus Students Bring Wonka to Life Columbus Elementary School students have the Golden Ticket to fun.  Antoinette Koehler’s fifth graders and Stefanie Cordo’s kindergarten and first graders enjoyed sweet success in their Jan. 16 production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Under the direction of their teachers, the fifth graders handled the main characters, while the kindergarteners played the all-important Oompa Loompas.  Koehler said that participating in the play was not only fun for students but also enhanced their educational experience.  “Theater production allows all students to develop expressive language and build self-confidence. Students were given agency to design the sets and make decisions about the production,” she said.    Cordo said it was wonderful to see young students and older students collaborating on the play, learning from one another, older students supporting the younger ones, and all students building confidence together.   “Their teamwork created a warm, supportive environment that made the final performance even more meaningful. And for young students, this early start marks just the beginning – who knows where this first performing arts moment might take them in the future!” Parents were impressed. “The costumes and the decorations all looked so beautiful! Congratulations and beautiful work,” said one parent. Another parent said, “I felt so proud! This play exceeded my expectations of seeing my son focused on his role. I felt grateful for how fortunate my son is to have a great teacher who guides him to overcome his fears and believe in himself.” County Educators Honor My Brother’s Keeper Coordinator Nate Adams Nate Adams, program coordinator of My Brother’s Keeper of New Rochelle, was honored by the Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators on Jan. 11 for his work elevating and empowering youth in the community. Adams was recognized at the group’s Third Annual Winter Wonderland Scholarship fundraiser supporting black, college-bound students. The recognition goes to those who embody service, advocacy and excellence in education that goes beyond the classroom. Through his role with My Brother’s Keeper, Adams works with more than 450 students within the City School District of New Rochelle. He is also an active member of the New Rochelle African American Advisory Committee, the New Rochelle Youth Justice Advisory Committee, and the New Rochelle School District’s Safety and Code of Conduct Committees. High School SADD Club Teaches Middle School Students How to Refuse Harmful Choices A simple, but firm, “No, thanks”... Suggesting another activity like grabbing a pizza or playing a game... Making a joke... Blaming your parents... These are all refusal tactics teens and tweens could use if friends suggest a harmful activity like taking drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking, or vaping. To help younger students make healthy decisions, the New Rochelle High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D) Club recently performed skits on refusal skills for eighth graders at Isaac E. Young Middle School. The goal of the performance on Jan. 14 was to suggest ways that students could avoid situations they do not want to participate in while maintaining friendships. With each of the skits, students also learned about the Good Samaritan Law, facts about today's nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, and other products. “We work really hard to create and perform realistic skits demonstrating positive ways to ‘get out of’ difficult situations without creating conflict. That is crucial in life, especially in adolescence,” said SADD Co-President Carmen Ayala, a senior. SADD Co-President Julia Baumoel, also a senior, shared that the high schoolers take being role models seriously. “Reinforcing healthy communication and decision-making skills is our end goal. We strive to be credible messengers for the middle school students and are happy that we get this opportunity each year.” Erin Palermo, also SADD co-president, added, “Performing at both New Rochelle middle schools is the most important educational activity that we do. Teaching younger students the importance of making healthy choices is key to prevention.” Audience members got the message. Fahima Khan, an eighth grader, said "The presentations were great. They showed how people can impact your decisions and how important it is to stand up for yourself." Student Assistant Counselors Pina Palmisano and Ryan Leak both called the performance a success.   Voices of Common Sense: Historical Association Celebrates Thomas Paine’s Clarion Call for an Independent and Democratic America “Where, say some, is the king of America? I’ll tell you, Friend…in America the law is king.” – Thomas Paine On Saturday, Jan. 10, the Thomas Paine Historical Association (TPHA) hosted a community reading of selected portions of Thomas Paine’s transformative work, “Common Sense.” The one-hour event featured live readings by various members of the New Rochelle community, including elected officials and civic leaders. New Rochelle High School students Zachary Schwartz and Lauren Samuel, both from Eric Wood’s AP U.S. History class, were among the Thomas Paine enthusiasts who participated.      “Getting to read Common Sense together made it feel more real and meaningful than just reading about it in a textbook,” said Lauren. “I’m also glad I got to be part of it because ‘Common Sense’ is so tied to both the independence of the United States and to New Rochelle. Participating made the history feel more connected to the present instead of just something from the past”. Zachary described the importance of re-examining Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. “Paine argued that Americans should break from Britain to reject the idea that anyone could rule above the people. That message remains deeply relevant today, as the rule of law is increasingly challenged,” Zachary said. “Paine reminds us that a democratic republic depends on citizens holding leaders accountable and insisting that no individual is above the law. Paine also viewed America as a refuge for the oppressed, believing the nation should offer opportunity to those fleeing persecution and tyranny. Paine understood that America’s strength comes from welcoming new people, ideas, and perspectives, and that independence was necessary to allow the nation to grow through diversity.” This Celebration of the 250th anniversary of “Common Sense” focused on the words of Thomas Paine that spoke to the ongoing debate on the rights and role of citizens in a democratic republic. TPHA Board member Lisa Burton moderated the event. 25th Annual African American Men of Westchester Legacy Youth Awards On Jan. 19, three New Rochelle High School seniors were awarded $2,500 scholarships at the 25th Annual African American Men of Westchester Legacy Youth Awards held at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. African American Men of Westchester is committed to developing and encouraging collaborative actions to strengthen the economic, cultural, and educational foundations of the greater Westchester community.  This annual event commemorates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King and celebrates 10 students throughout Westchester who embody his principles through service, leadership, and community impact. This year's New Rochelle recipients were: Ramya Archbald - The Brad Lomax Award This award was named in honor of civil and disability rights pioneer Brad Lomax, recognizing a Westchester County public school student who exemplifies strength, resilience, and dedication to empowering students with disabilities.   Using a power wheelchair and assistive technology, Ramya refuses to let her disability define her. She volunteers at nursing homes, libraries, summer camps, and disability advocacy programs. Harmony Hopwood - Vision Award This award recognizes a young adult who has raised awareness and implemented a plan to provide adequate services to individuals, while crossing race, class, and gender barriers. Harmony made history as the youngest Youth Poet Laureate of Westchester County and is a multi-time NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medalist, using poetry, film, and visual arts to uplift voices and address issues of equity, identity, and justice. Stone Pride - William L. Carter Perseverance Award This award is presented to a student who reflects a strong commitment to community service and takes a leadership role in their community. This award is given in memory of the character and life of William "Bill" Carter. A lifelong resident of New Rochelle, Stone leads with integrity as senior class president, a member of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau Youth Council, NAACP Youth Council, MBK Fellows and multiple honor societies. Jefferson Science Teacher Honored for Humane Education Practices Jefferson Elementary School third grade Science Teacher Aimee Ferguson has been awarded a 2025 Humane Science Educator of the Year Honorable Mention from Animalearn for her humane science teaching practices in the classroom. Animalearn is a humane science education association that collaborates with educators, students, and policymakers to promote science education without the use of animals in harmful ways.  “It gives me great pride to recognize this influential cohort of science educators who are taking the necessary steps to make an impact for animals who are commonly discounted in the classroom,” said Animalearn Director Nicole Green.  Ms. Ferguson said, “Animals play an important role in education by helping us understand the natural world. Learning about them with respect through platforms like Animalearn builds curiosity and strengthens our connection to nature.”  Alisa Brooks, Associate Director of Animalearn, reflected that “these humane educators are doing incredible work bringing alternatives, technology, and a compassionate mindset to their students. They are proof that science education can be taught without harm.”  As one of six honorable mention educators selected nationwide, Ms. Ferguson will be awarded a $750 grant to use for humane science education resources for her classroom.   Sights and Sounds from around the district Albert Leonard Art Featured Artwork from Albert Leonard Middle School is featured at the Empire State Plaza Martin Luther King Art and Essay Exhibition at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. The art was also featured in the NYSED newsletter. The art was selected out of nearly 3,500 submissions. The exhibit opened Jan. 12 and will be on display through February's Black History Month.   Athletics Way to go, Jero! New Rochelle High School senior Jeronimo “Jero” Velasquez was honored at the United Soccer Coaches 2026 Convention on Jan. 17 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Jeronimo is only the third soccer player in New Rochelle High School’s history - and the first one in 40 years - to be selected for the prestigious United Soccer Coaches’ 2025 High School All-America Team, placing him among the top 110 high school boys’ players in the United States.   “I had a great experience, it was humbling to be around so many great players from all over the country," said Jeronimo. "To represent New Rochelle at the highest level of high school sports has always been a dream of mine, and it was motivating to get ready for the next level.”  As team captain and goalie, Jeronimo anchored the Huguenots' defense, leading the team to a Section 1 Class AAA Co-Championship and a final record of 14-2-3. This was only the fourth Section title for the New Rochelle High School Varsity Soccer Team, which they also won in 2016, 1996, and 1986.  The All-America recognition is the crowning achievement in a spectacular season for Jeronimo, whose honors also include:  The United Soccer Coaches’ All-East Region Team The New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Section 1 Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year Three-time All-League Player Three-time All-Section Player  Two-time All-State Player  League Most Valuable Player  “It was a great experience to see my son accomplish so much this year," said Jeronimo's mother, Janeth Castellon. "The event was very nice, well planned, and to see my son up there makes all of our sacrifices worthwhile. When we came from Colombia eight years ago, we could have never imagined he would accomplish all these goals. We are grateful to all his coaches, teachers, and administrators who helped him on his path.” Coach Jarohan Garcia, who was named League Coach of the Year and was a finalist for Section 1 Coach of the Year, said the NRHS coaching staff recognized Jeronimo’s superior talent the first time he took the field for practice.  “We are incredibly proud of Jero. He was a remarkable leader for his teammates and just magical to watch on the field,” said Coach Garcia. “His accuracy, his energy, and his passion for the game are spectacular. He is unmatched by any player we have coached, and we look forward to all that lies ahead for him.”  Jeronimo plans to continue his career at the collegiate level, committing to NCAA Division I Iona University in New Rochelle this fall.    Stella Ziogas Earns 1,000th point! Congratulations, Stella Ziogas, for reaching the 1,000-point milestone in her athletic career at New Rochelle High School. She achieved the remarkable feat in the first quarter of the Jan. 21 game against Harrison, which the Huguenots won, 54-28. Stella is just the second girls' basketball player to attain the distinction in New Rochelle High School's history. April McBride was the first to hit the 1,000-point mark in 2006. Congratulations to Stella, Coach Joe Triolo, Coach Carolyn Sabitini-Fay, Coach Bill Savarese, and the varsity girls basketball team, as well as the entire Ziogas family! We are all very proud of Stella on this tremendous accomplishment.  Stella will play Division 1 basketball on a full athletic scholarship next year at Siena University.    Girls' Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 44, Yorktown 38  New Rochelle 37, Arlington 45 New Rochelle 54, Harrison 28 Girls Junior Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 56, Arlington 37 New Rochelle 30, Ursuline 47 New Rochelle 45, John Jay/East Fishkill 49 Boys' Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 78, John Jay/East Fishkill 35 New Rochelle 40, Arlington 41 New Rochelle 74, Spring Valley 54 Boys' Freshman Basketball New Rochelle 56, Scarsdale Maroon 18 New Rochelle 63, Horace Greeley 43 New Rochelle 73, Eastchester 21 New Rochelle 70, Mount Vernon 38 Freshman boys are 8-0 for the season!  Boys' Junior Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 64, Arlington 39 Middle School Boys' Basketball ALMS 34, Eastchester 43  ALMS 45, IEYMS 23 ALMS 59, Harrison 29 Varsity Hockey New Rochelle/ETBE 11, Pearl River 1 Modified Ice Hockey New Rochelle 11, Pelham 2 New Rochelle 7, Rye 4 Ward Girls Liberty Ward 37, Davis 3  Varsity Wrestling New Rochelle finished fourth of 28 teams in the Hendrick Hudson Wrestling Tournament on January 10 in Montrose, N.Y. Congratulations to Enrique Garcia on winning the 165 lb weight class!   New Rochelle 46, North Rockland 30 Congratulations, wrestling team, on the first victory over North Rockland in a dual meet in more than 20 years!  Pioneers Floorball The NRHS Pioneers are gearing up for a floor ball tournament on Jan. 31. The sport is like indoor hockey and was adopted as an official Special Olympics sport in 2014. Last year was the Pioneers' inaugural floor ball season, and they ended with an impressive second-place division finish in the Super Regional tournament. This year's tournament will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY. Good luck, Pioneers!  Girls' Varsity Track Congratulations to the girls’ 4x400 varsity track team members Alexis Smith, Alivia Smith, Olivia Solomon, and Sophia Ochoa for qualifying for the 118th Millrose Games, which will take place on Feb. 1 at the Armory in New York City.  Varsity Swimming The Boys Varsity Swim defeated Yorktown/Somers 49-39. Matthew Loayza, Luke Rende, and Jahmal Brown all had personal bests. Matt Memel achieved a season best in the 100 free, shaving off 6 seconds. Well done, swim team!  New Rochelle Cheerleading Congratulations, Modified and Varsity Cheerleading, on earning first place at the Port Chester competition! Check out all the great community events happening now! Click Here for Community Events Copyright and Ownership Notice ©2025 City School District of New Rochelle All content, including text, photographs, graphics, and other materials in this newsletter, is the sole and exclusive property of The City School District of New Rochelle. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the City School District of New Rochelle. For permission requests, please contact Monica Mahaffey, Public Information Officer, at mmahaffey@nredlearn.org.  

Thursday, Jan 22 2026

News from Our Schools: January 8, 2026

News from Our Schools January 8, 2026 New Rochelle Fund Names Class of 2026 Student Achievement Award Winners The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence is proud to announce four outstanding New Rochelle High School seniors who will be honored with Student Achievement Awards at the Foundation Awards Gala on Thursday, March 5, at the Surf Club on the Sound. Celebrating Our Rising Stars Each year, the high school Guidance Department partners with the NR Fund to select exceptional seniors based on their achievements. This year's award winners exemplify the dedication, talent, and skills of our students, reflecting the strength and opportunities within New Rochelle's schools," said NR Fund Executive Director Anne Todd. Arts and Culture Award: Harmony Hopwood began writing poetry in fourth grade through the NR Fund's Poetry Out Loud program and made history as the youngest Youth Poet Laureate of Westchester County. A three-time Gold Medalist in the NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program, Harmony serves as president of both the Poetry Club and NAACP Youth Council and plans to study film in college. David A. Garfinkel Citizenship Award: Kyra Mulraine exemplifies civic leadership through her environmental advocacy work. As a student researcher for the Air of Truth exhibit at the NRHS Museum of Arts and Culture, she analyzed local air-quality data and now serves on the City's Ecology and Natural Resources Advisory Committee. Kyra plans to major in international relations. Eric Tutera Sports Leadership Award: Sam Cave is a four-year Varsity Swim Team member, two-year captain, and three-time MVP with All-League and All-Section honors, competing in States on March 6. As a lifeguard, assistant swim coach, and youth baseball instructor, Sam mentors young athletes while excelling academically as a National Honor Society member and National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student. He will swim Division I at American University. Science and Technology Award: Cory Seelenfreund, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, earned First Place in Mathematics at the International Science and Engineering Fair. An accomplished clarinetist selected for the NYSSMA All-State Symphony Orchestra, Cory serves as president of Tri-M Music Honor Society and volunteers as a music teacher and math tutor. He will attend MIT to study mathematics and music. Join Us at the Gala The 2026 Gala will also honor distinguished alumni and community leaders: George A. Hirsch (NRHS '52), a pioneering magazine publisher and NYC Marathon founder; Kelly Johnson Jr. (NRHS '76), longtime New Rochelle Youth Bureau Executive Director; and Eric Turkewitz, founder and race director of the Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon. Everyone is invited to attend this inspiring evening featuring musical performances by NRHS students and supporting innovative programs throughout our schools. Special pricing for school staff: $150 (Early Bird ends Feb. 25) | Tickets: www.nredfund.org Mayor Ramos-Herbert Visits Huguenot Academy New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert is the first woman and the first person of color to hold her post. But she didn’t get there by accident. Ramos-Herbert told students in the Law and Government class at Huguenot Academy that her success came about because “other people cared.” Although she did not mention a specific teacher, Ramos-Herbert said there were a few teachers who cared and made her feel that anything was possible when she was growing up in Queens, N.Y. That confidence propelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College, a law degree from SUNY Buffalo Law School, and a master’s in education from Northeastern University. Ramos-Herbert was invited to speak to the class because the students have been learning about local government and researching the ways that the development of Memorial Highway affected a once-thriving African American neighborhood in New Rochelle. The city hopes to create an elevated park and linear green space to re-connect the neighborhood that was divided by the highway’s construction in the 1960s. Social studies teacher Francisco Sandoval said having the mayor speak to the students was important because it drove home that elected officials work for us, a point the mayor stressed during her visit. At one point, the mayor told students, “If I get any money, I want to invest in you.” When asked what motivated her to run for office, Ramos-Herbert said when she first moved to New Rochelle, she noticed that parks in her neighborhood were not as well maintained as parks in some other areas. That made her want to do something to improve the quality of life for all residents. Prior to being elected mayor, Ramos-Herbert served on the New Rochelle City Council. The mayor's visit is an example of how social studies teachers connect classroom lessons to real historic and current events to increase student understanding.  Knowledge is Power: New Rochelle High School Students Learn Critical Law Enforcement Safety Strategies Imagine you are driving home from a school basketball game and a police officer pulls you over. What do you do?  Is it safe to stop? Do you ask the officer why you were stopped? What rights do you have? Eighteen New Rochelle High School students recently attended a seminar at Sarah Lawrence College titled, “From the Streets to the Courtroom and Beyond,” sponsored by the African American Men of Westchester to strengthen students’ understanding of their legal rights. The event focused on common misconceptions experienced by students of color. Speakers discussed best practices during encounters with law enforcement, informed students of their rights, and shared ways to identify reliable legal resources. The event was made possible thanks to a partnership between the New Rochelle High School social studies department and My Brothers Keeper (MBK). The students were accompanied by teacher Ramon Rosado and MBK Program Coordinator Nate Adams. Students were advised, among other things, to remain calm, turn on the lights inside the vehicle, keep their hands on the steering wheel in plain sight, behave respectfully at all times and note the officer’s name and badge number. The advice resonated deeply with students. “The trip to Sarah Lawrence College gave me insight on the basics and lives of people operating within the justice system,” said senior Justin Southwell. “The passion behind each speaker's words both gave me inspiration and hope for the equality and fairness provided by (at the very least) the local courts in Westchester.” MBK Program Coordinator Adams was impressed by a story that was told through a singular case study that displayed the connectivity between all aspects of the criminal justice system. The students were very attentive to each breakout room that provided greater insight into the justice system and how it plays out in the most basic scenarios.  “Students left the seminar with a stronger sense of confidence and empowerment, equipped with information that supports both their personal safety and their ability to advocate for themselves and their communities,” said Rosado.  The partnership between New Rochelle High School and Sarah Lawrence College reflects a shared commitment to educational equity and to ensuring all students have the tools they need to navigate the world with knowledge and assurance. Ivy-Bound QuestBridge Scholars Commended On December 18, the Board of Education presented commendations to the five New Rochelle High School seniors who were named QuestBridge Scholars, receiving a full scholarship to prestigious universities. They are Daniella Anane-Sarfo, who will attend Colgate University; Sophia Fuentes, who will attend the University of Pennsylvania; Bryan Mesajil, who will attend MIT; Melony Escobar, who will attend Northwestern University; and Carlos Del Aguila, who will attend Harvard. A Sweet Surprise for Board of Education Members The New Rochelle High School Apiary program proudly presented Board of Education members with a jar of honey harvested from the high school's apiary. The Apiary program is one of only three such programs in Westchester County and is supervised by Science Teacher Dr. Patrick Cushing. The program integrates science, business, and culinary arts with hands-on bee care. Program participants appreciate and honor the vital role bees play in the food chain. Beekeeping Club President Aurora Baeza presented each Board Trustee with a jar of honey from the 2025 batch produced by the high school's bees.   Holiday Card Art Contest Winners Spread Joy Throughout the School District First row: Greta Sigel, Grade 2, William Ward Elementary; Liliana Mitchell, Grade 2, Henry Barnard School. Second row: Miriam Lieberson, Grade 3, Daniel Webster Elementary; Kaitlyn Yang, Grade 5, Davis Elementary; Miguel Araujo, Grade 4, Jefferson Elementary. Third row: Marilyn Ferrante, Grade 9, New Rochelle High School; Aizah Aroos, Grade 4, Columbus Elementary; Katerina Dedvukaj, Grade 5, Trinity Elementary; Adele Scardovi-Mounier, Grade 6, Albert Leonard Middle School. Back row: Summer Garcia, Grade 6, Isaac E. Young Middle School; Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds   Congratulations, ALMS Tenured Staff! Left to right: Performing and Visual Arts Director Matthew Lucero, Orchestra Teacher Karly Masters, Assistant Director of Special Education Clara Reyes, Special Education Reading Teacher Gloria Boyce, Principal Dr. Camille Edwards-Thomas, Humanities Chair David Luhman, Mathematics Teacher Remy Weisbrot, Mathematics Chair Rana Hafiz, English Language Arts Teacher Briana DeGeorge   Students Share Love of Art Albert Leonard Middle School art students Emma Lizzo, Ella Thompson, and Minami Tsuda read poetry and shared the importance of the visual arts with Board of Education members at their December 18 meeting. Ella Thompson read an original poem titled "Dear Artist." "Art is a way of expressing your feelings. The canvas is like a white blanket of snow with all your emotions under it. It's a mirror that reflects life," read Thompson. The students shared information about the art programs available to middle school students and discussed the importance of art in creating, performing, connecting, and expressing themselves.   Talent on Display at Board of Education Meeting Hosted by Albert Leonard Middle School Albert Leonard Middle School Orchestra The ALMS Chamber Orchestra, directed by newly tenured Orchestra Teacher Karly Masters, performed "Gargoyles" by Doug Spada for attendees of the December 18 Board of Education meeting. Albert Leonard Select Chorus The ALMS Select Chorus, under the Direction of Mary DiTargiani, performed Felix Bernard's and Richard Bernhard Smith's "Winter Wonderland" at the December 18 Board of Education meeting. BOE Honors Soccer Team and Captain Section Co-Champions The New Rochelle High School Varsity Boys' Soccer team was commended for an outstanding season in which they earned the Section 1 Co-Championship. Congratulations to players Jeronimo Velasquez, Jayden Ayala, Josemiguel Ayala, Adrian Almanzar, Nicolas Rivera, David Lore, Juan Aguilar, Emmanuel Gonzalez, Rayan Pierre-Louise, Nicolas Canales, Jesus Medina, Angel Magaña, Joaf Barrantes, Jhancarlo Fernandez, Lucas Rodrigues, Ivan Oceguera, Ismael Philidor, Julian Oceguera, Adrian Medina, Cristian Navarro, Nathan Grandwetter, Cristofer Santos, Aidan Shaw, Ethan Shaw, and Damian Torres, and to coaches Jarohan Garcia, Gustavo Barbosa, Francis McCarthy, Joao Paulo Goncalves, and Luis Ayala. All-America Soccer Team The Board of Education also presented a commendation to soccer team Captain Jeronimo Velasquez for his individual accomplishments this season. Jeronimo was selected for the United Soccer Coaches' All-America Team. He is only the third soccer player in New Rochelle High School's history to achieve that honor. Jeronimo was also selected for the United Soccer Coaches' All-East Region Team and was named the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's Section 1 Boys' Soccer Player of the Year. He is a three-time All-League Player, a two-time All-State Player, and the League's Most Valuable Player. Sights and Sounds from Around the District Wet Bandits Invade Webster Check out this brilliant video that opened Webster's winter "Home Alone"-themed concert. The video stars third grade teacher Adam King and special education teacher Matthew Halem, and was produced by music teacher Heidi Jaye. Merriment at Ward Athletics Varsity Girls' Track Team Spring Medley Relay finishes #1 in US at Hispanic Games The New Rochelle High School Girls' Varsity Track team had an incredible showing at the Hispanic Games, finishing the Spring Medley Relay with a time of 4:04.80 - 18 seconds ahead of the second-place finishers. The team took first place in the state and in the country! The event took place at the Nike Track and Field Center at the Armory in Washington Heights, N.Y., on Friday, January 2. Congratulations to junior Alexis Smith, sophomore Elisa Crisp, junior Alivia Smith, and sophomore Olivia Solomon. You make us proud!   Game On! Prepares Students for College Athletics More than 30 student-athletes, along with parents, coaches, and counselors, attended a "Game On!" college athletics information session on Monday, January 5, at New Rochelle High School (NRHS). Student-athletes received guidance from counselors on eligibility requirements for college sports, from coaches on the physical and mental preparation necessary for recruitment, and from New Rochelle High School alumni who are currently college athletes. The event helps families build pipelines between high school athletics and college programs. Class of 2025 alumnus Manasi Simpkins, a track and field athlete at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., shared his advice and his experience. "By sharing my personal experience, I hope to steer students in the right direction on how to reach out to college coaches and how to get their names out there," said Simpkins. "While performing athletically, it is also extremely important for athletes to keep their grades up, as coaches look for strong students, not just strong athletes." Students and families learned the differences between D1, D2, and D3 schools, received tips on how to attract college coaches' attention, and were informed about important timelines for college sports recruiting. The event was organized by NRHS Assistant Principal Valerie Cadet-Simpkins, in collaboration with  CSDNR Director of Guidance Leah Lugoviña-Freitas. and CSDNR Director of Athletics Joe Donaldson. NRHS junior Kelechi Njoku helped coordinate event planning and panelist questions. Photo L to R: Assistant Principal Cadet-Simpkins, NRHS Counselor Kevin Austin, NRHS Counselor Claire Mayer, Former Iona College Athletic Director Rich Petriccione, Assistant Athletic Director Claude Balliet, NRHS alumnus Manasi Simpkins '25 and Division 1 Marist University Track Athlete, Business Teacher and former Varsity Baseball Coach Darren Gurney, NRHS track team member Kelechi Njoku, CSDNR Athletic Director Joe Donaldson, and CSDNR Director of Guidance Leah Lugoviña-Freitas.   Judy Petrone Wins Award of Excellence Congratulations to the New Rochelle High School Athletic Department's Judy Petrone on being awarded the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence from the New York State Athletic Administrators Association! The award recognizes a secretary of an athletic administrator who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to local athletics. Mrs. Petrone will receive the award at the NYSAAA Conference in Saratoga Springs in March.   Scores Boys’ Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 68, Ithaca Little Red 48 New Rochelle 42, Woodlands 39 New Rochelle 41, Rye 50 Freshman Boys’ Basketball New Rochelle 53, White Plains 33 Photo by Bobby Begun JV Boys' Basketball New Rochelle 61, Rye 36 Albert Leonard Boys' Basketball Albert Leonard 67, Eastchester 29 Girls’ Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 69, Mt. Vernon 27  Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 47, White Plains 33 New Rochelle 53, Albertus Magnus 23 Wrestling New Rochelle 62, East Ramapo 17 Modified Ice Hockey New Rochelle 9, RTH 3 Varsity Bowling Halfway through the season, our bowling teams are in second place! The Boys' Varsity Bowling team's record is 47-9, only two points behind defending champion Mamaroneck Tigers. The Girls' Varsity Bowling team's record is 46-10. Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events  

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

News from Our Schools: December 18, 2025

News from Our Schools December 18, 2025 Seelenfreund's Successes Mount with MIT Acceptance, NYSSMA All-State He is the Second Class of 2026 Student Accepted to MIT The hits keep coming for New Rochelle High School senior Cory Seelenfreund. In October, he was named valedictorian for the class of 2026. Early December saw him perform with the All-State Symphonic Orchestra. Now, he has been accepted into MIT, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. “MIT was my dream school and has been since around fourth grade,” said Seelenfreund. “Getting accepted to MIT was incredible. I truly felt like all my hard work since the beginning of high school was finally worth it. I felt honored to know I was one of only a select few hundred that got accepted, and I am extremely grateful.” At MIT, Seelenfreund said he hopes to study mathematics with a minor or double major in music. “I would like to focus on applied mathematics, which takes pure math concepts and applies them to understand real-world issues…I am also extremely passionate about music.” Seelenfreund’s love of music was evident when he was chosen to perform recently with the All- State Symphonic Orchestra at the New York State School Music Association Winter Conference. A clarinetist, Seelenfreund was chosen from among thousands of student musicians who auditioned last spring. All-State chorus, band, and orchestra ensembles comprise the top student musicians in the state. “Being a part of the All-State Symphony Orchestra was incredible. I was overwhelmed by the skill and musical passion of the musicians around me, and it made me realize how lucky I was to perform with such an extraordinary ensemble,” said Seelenfreund. “It was truly the most impactful musical experience of my life.” Matthew Lucero, director of PreK-12 Performing and Visual Arts, said, “We are incredibly proud of Cory's acceptance into this year’s NYSSMA All-State Symphony Orchestra. Cory’s achievement reflects not only extraordinary musical dedication and talent, but also the strength, diversity, and commitment to excellence that define our students and our school community. It is an honor to see our school represented at this high level of music-making in New York State.” When he received the news about MIT, Seelenfreund said his parents reacted “as you would expect – some screaming, some crying, and lots of hugs.” A modest young man, Seelenfreund credited New Rochelle High School with much of his success. “The school offers so many valuable resources that I could not have succeeded without,” he said, citing the number of advanced courses, the diverse student population, and the school’s exceptional science research program. “I would really like to thank science research. Mr. (Jeffrey) Wuebber and Ms. (Erica) Curran have been instrumental in giving me my most important skills, teaching me how to do research, how to design appealingly, and most importantly, how to communicate ideas well,” he said. “I don’t believe I would be the person I am today if I had not joined science research.” New Rochelle’s Margaret Chan Shines at State Conference Isaac E. Young Middle School’s orchestra teacher Margaret Chan recently presented to fellow music educators and served as a featured conductor at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Winter Conference. As a member of NYSSMA’s Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Representation Committee, Chan shared her expertise on closing the gap for students who cannot afford private lessons. Her presentation, “Bornoff for All: Differentiation & Equity in Orchestra,” drew on George Bornoff’s group strings approach. Chan demonstrated how Bornoff’s methods for teaching strings embed differentiation, promote deeper understanding, and foster student choice, ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners. She co-presented with Ossining UFSD orchestra teacher Mahum Qureshi, highlighting collaborative efforts among Westchester music educators. She was also featured as a conductor during a strings reading session, as she is on the board of the New York State chapter of the American String Teachers Association.  "Presenting at the NYSSMA conference was an incredible experience. I have run professional development for educators in the past, but it was truly an honor to share ideas with fellow music educators from across the region,” Chan said. “Preparing for the presentation took a lot of collaboration and organization, especially given it was less than 24 hours after finishing my first concert in the New Rochelle Community.” Margaret also organized and moderated a panel discussion titled “Navigating Identity & Imposter Syndrome: A Roundtable Discussion,” featuring diverse educators from the Westchester and NYC area. This session was aimed at early-career music educators who often face unique challenges entering and staying in the profession.  “One of the most rewarding parts was facilitating my first panel discussion in front of a diverse audience of collegiate students, new and veteran educators, and leaders in the music education space,” Chan said. “I was able to connect with colleagues, exchange strategies, and learn from their perspectives. It reminded me how important it is to keep growing professionally and bringing fresh ideas back to our students. Overall, the experience reinforced why I love what I do—helping students discover their potential through music."  The panel featured Alia Naqvi, the new band director at Albert Leonard Middle School, and explored personal stories and shared research-backed strategies for navigating imposter syndrome, building supportive communities, and affirming cultural identity within the teaching profession and the classroom. “We are so proud of Ms. Chan for representing New Rochelle at this year's NYSSMA Winter Conference. Her passion for music education and her drive to grow, collaborate, and inspire others embodies the very best of our district’s values,” said PAVE Director Matthew Lucero. “When our educators shine on statewide stages, our students, and our entire community benefit." New Rochelle My Brother's Keeper Highlighted for Justice Work New Rochelle’s My Brother’s Keeper has been named a “Spotlight” program for its work in youth justice, one of only six communities nationwide to earn this distinction. “We are being recognized for our work in partnership with the City Court of New Rochelle, Probations, Family Court, the Center for Justice Innovation and the New Rochelle Justice Center,” said Program Coordinator Nate Adams.  The program works with about 50 New Rochelle students who have high rates of suspension and absenteeism, and lack of engagement in school as well as with a growing number of rising adults in the community. Social workers and counselors in the City School District of New Rochelle assist students and implement supports to help them better navigate the school system. My Brother’s Keeper also has groups for parents to help them heal from trauma and gain a voice in their lives and the lives of their children. “We find that many parents of at-risk youth have had challenging experiences with school themselves,” Adams said. “They need a place to voice their concerns.” One of the programs that My Brother’s Keeper has implemented is called Learn and Earn, which provides students with access to summer school to strengthen their academic performance and access to part-time jobs where they work on their emotional and personal development. The program makes summer school more attractive by combining it with job opportunities and more personalized attention.  Adams said New Rochelle has welcomed many newcomers in recent years, some of whom have suffered trauma in their journey to the city. By providing support before they enter the justice system, it is hoped that students and families will be more successful.  Leadership Summit Empowers Youth The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with Lower Hudson Valley My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the Obama Foundation, and SUNY Westchester Community College, hosted the Youth Leadership Summit aimed at overcoming obstacles and fostering leadership and empowerment for youth of color. The event kicked off with inspirational messages from education, community, and sports leaders and featured student-led panel discussions on personal branding and the impact of social media on youth culture. Attendees, called “fellows,” also heard from a panel of MBK alumni and members of WCC’s Black and Hispanic Male Initiative who shared their experiences since graduating high school.  New Rochelle’s fellows were joined by fellows from Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, Southern Westchester BOCES, White Plains, and Yonkers. “Your generation is redefining what leadership looks like: collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and unafraid to imagine something better,” said Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden. “In a world that often tells young people to wait your turn, you are proving that your turn is now.” My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle Program Coordinator Nate Adams said, “It brought me great joy to bear witness to such a dynamic room of motivated young men of color who represented so many communities from our MBK Hudson Valley school districts.” Student attendees got the message. “I honestly loved it. It’s not often where you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by people who think and look like you,” said New Rochelle High School junior Kelechi Njoku. “There’s no better encouragement than seeing people like you succeeding and thriving in an array of ways. I learned so many valuable lessons from my peers, and I can’t wait for another opportunity like this.” The Alliance is a consortium of municipalities, local educational agencies, and non‐profit organizations that have accepted former President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Community MBK Challenge. Since 2018, Westchester County and the Youth Bureau have partnered with fourteen local MBK programs to improve life outcomes of boys and young men of color and help change the narrative too often associated with this demographic. New Rochelle Alum Details Flight Path from Paper Airplane to Boeing Left to Right: Bryan Mesajil, Elnaz Sadeghi, Danica Batista, Carlos Del Aguila, Kalpana Daniel, Melony Escobar, Sophia Salomon, Maxwell Smith It started with a paper airplane.  During her freshman year of college, Anaqhelly Cisneros was asked to design a paper airplane. She said that was when she first felt like an engineer and knew what career she wanted to pursue. Today, Cisneros is employed as an avionics engineer for Boeing Commercial Airlines in Everett, WA. On Dec. 2, the 2015 graduate returned to New Rochelle High School to speak to members of the Math Honor Society she once led.  After graduating, Cisneros went to Dartmouth College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2019 and a master’s degree in engineering management in 2020. She is currently working on ways to mitigate interference from 5G networks with aircraft systems. Her work is critical to ensuring accurate altitude readings during flight. Math Honor Society members peppered Cisneros with questions during her visit. They were particularly interested to know if she had always planned to pursue avionics. Cisneros explained that engineering had always been meaningful to her, and avionics cemented that feeling.  Cisneros' professional journey resonated with honor society members. "Knowing a Math Honor Society alum and former executive board member went on to not only use math in her everyday life, but also work in a math-heavy field, gave me hope for my future career plans," said one student. Another said, "Learning about her journey as a Latina in STEM helped me feel confident in my future." In her personal life, Cisneros said she was a passionate marathon runner. She often trains with her dog, Max, and she completed her first marathon in Hawaii. Now, she said, she is determined to discover new running routes in the Pacific Northwest. Members of the Math Honor Society, advised by Kalpana Daniel, pursue mathematical excellence at their weekly meetings, spread knowledge via peer tutoring, tackle challenging mathematics problems with innovative solutions, and foster a supportive learning environment throughout the building. The program allows students enrolled in any math course - from Algebra I to AP Calculus BC - to feel confident in their studies with the guidance of an encouraging and skilled academic mentor to help them along the way. Non-Speaking Students Find Their Voice Mom Paola Zamora calls Spelling to Communicate, or S2C, life-changing.  It looks like a simple, laminated board with letters on one side and numbers on the other. But it is the instrument her son, Erik, uses to share his thoughts, ideas, and preferences, which she had never heard until high school Foundations special education teacher Cynthia Milite introduced him to S2C.  Milite became S2C certified on her own to help non-speaking students communicate. In the classroom, Milite holds a letterboard while students point to letters to spell. She has been using this method for the past two years so that the students can contribute to class discussions, answer questions, and voice their opinions. Erik Lopez-Torres and former classmate Tai Johnson use S2C to overcome apraxia, a motor planning disorder in which the brain and body are not in sync. Both were eager to share their stories.  “Spelling to communicate has changed my life,” said Erik via S2C. “Before I lived in silence. And no one gave me a chance to show them how smart I really am.”  Tai, who had been in the program for seven years but aged out earlier this month to an adult placement, shared his frustration at living with apraxia. “Nobody sees what hell it is on the inside,” he said. “You really need to experience the turmoil that this creates.”   Teacher’s aide Ron Oliver faithfully transcribes communication from both students. They describe him as an important and loving figure in their lives.  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises against using S2C on the grounds that there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove its validity and concerns about message authorship. Milite makes the method available to students whose families want it.   Milite said some students prefer S2C over other augmentative and alternative (AAC) methods such as iPads, which they find clunkier and slower to use.  During a recent visit to Milite’s classroom, Erik and Tai used S2C to discuss their role model, Einstein, and talked about their interests, which include literature and poetry. Erik, who participates in mainstream English classes, said he hoped to earn his GED and go to college to study mathematics.  Mom Paola said, “I always knew he was smart. S2C has unlocked the barrier to communication. He is bilingual. He just read ‘Animal Farm,’ ‘Of Mice and Men,’ ‘Kite Runner,’ ‘Lord of the Flies,’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ He loves museums and Indian music.”  With Tai’s departure from the high school, Erik is now the only student using S2C until his graduation in May. Milite said she hoped to introduce the method to other minimally communicative and non-speaking students.  “Non-speakers have been underestimated and misunderstood most of their lives,” she said. “Spelling to communicate allows students to have their voices heard finally.” Congratulations, Holiday Art Contest Winners! One Student from Each School Featured on District Holiday Greeting The student-submitted art was selected by a panel of art teachers from throughout the school district to be highlighted on the holiday greeting. Winning artists were honored at the December 18 Board of Education meeting at Albert Leonard Middle School with a framed copy of their artwork. Each school also received a copy to hang in the building. Congratulations, talented artists! Sights and Sounds from Around the District Project SEARCH Holiday Celebration   Victory: It's Their Code Congratulations to the New Rochelle High School Robotics Team, who took home the Energy Award from the Vex Robotics competition at The Mount Academy on December 13. We’re so very proud of your achievement and wish you continued success in upcoming tournaments!  Athletics All-American Jero New Rochelle High School senior Jeronimo “Jero” Velasquez has cemented his legacy as only the third soccer player in New Rochelle High School’s history - and the first one in 40 years - to be selected for the prestigious United Soccer Coaches’ 2025 High School All-America Team. The honor places him among the top 110 high school boys’ players in the United States.   “I am so honored and so grateful to receive this recognition,” said Velasquez. “I have had a year like no other, first taking home the gold ball with the brotherhood that is our team this year, and now to be named one of the best high school players in the nation. It’s a dream come true for me.”  As team captain and goalie, Velasquez anchored the Huguenots' defense, leading the team to a Section 1 Class AAA Co-Championship and a final record of 14-2-3. This was only the fourth Section title for the New Rochelle High School Varsity Soccer Team, which they also won in 2016, 1996, and 1986.  The All-America recognition is the crowning achievement in a spectacular season for Velasquez, whose honors also include:  The United Soccer Coaches’ All-East Region Team LoHud Player of the Year The New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Section 1 Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year Three-time All-League Player Three-time All-Section Player  Two-time All-State Player  League Most Valuable Player   Congratulations, Varsity Football Honorees! Three Varsity Football players were honored at the Section 1 Banquet held at the Pearl River Hilton on December 14. Congratulations, All Section Players Joel Rivera (left), Daniel Elliot (right), All Conference Player Vasslon Ingram Jr. (center), and Coach Ray Rhett! Ziogas Makes All-State Congratulations to Stella Ziogas on being named high school soccer All-State by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls' Sports. The accolade is in addition to: NRHS Soccer MVP Section 1 Class AAA All-Section All-League  Pioneers Soccer New Rochelle 4, Tuckahoe 2 New Rochelle 4, Port Chester 3  New Rochelle 1, White Plains 2 New Rochelle 2, Mount Vernon 0 New Rochelle 2, Port Chester 1 Anderson Alvarez and Luis Tellez scored goals. New Rochelle 4, Woodlands 1 In the win against Woodlands, Ashley Vasquez, Anderson Alvarez, and Olman Zuleta all scored goals, and Luis Tellez provided key assists. JV Girls' Basketball New Rochelle 81, Saunders 27 New Rochelle 36, Ursuline 38 New Rochelle 49, Scarsdale 14  Varsity Girls' Basketball New Rochelle 16, Scarsdale 50 JV Boys' Basketball New Rochelle 55, Ossining 28 Freshman Boys' Basketball New Rochelle 46, Mount Vernon 31 Albert Leonard Basketball Albert Leonard 54, Tuckahoe 23 Varsity Boys' Basketball New Rochelle 76, Ossining 53 New Rochelle 51, Scarsdale 43 Photo credit: Bobby Begun Varsity Hockey ETBE/New Rochelle 7, Rye 1 ETBE/New Rochelle 4, Mount Pleasant 0  ETBE/New Rochelle 2, Mamaroneck 6 ETBE/New Rochelle 7, Scarsdale 4 ETBE/New Rochelle, North Rockland Boys' Varsity Swimming New Rochelle 96, Lakeland/Panas 70 New Rochelle 91, Mount Vernon 76 Senior Sam Cave qualified for states in the 50 swim with a time of 22.0. Congratulations, Sam! Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events   Copyright and Ownership Notice ©2025 City School District of New Rochelle All content, including text, photographs, graphics, and other materials in this newsletter, is the sole and exclusive property of The City School District of New Rochelle. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the City School District of New Rochelle. For permission requests, please contact Monica Mahaffey, Public Information Officer, at mmahaffey@nredlearn.org.  

Thursday, Dec 18 2025

News from Our Schools: December 4, 2025

News from Our Schools December 4, 2025 Five New Rochelle High School Seniors Awarded QuestBridge Full-Ride Scholarships Valued at Nearly $2 Million Left to Right: Sophia Fuentes, Melony Escobar, Daniella Anane-Sarfo, Carlos Del Aguila, and Bryan Mesajil Five New Rochelle seniors are headed to prestigious universities on full, four-year QuestBridge Scholarships. QuestBridge matches high-achieving students with the nation’s top colleges to provide “transformative educational, career, and life opportunities.” The five are among 2,550 finalists nationwide recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. The New Rochelle students are matched to Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern, and Colgate. They will receive early admission and scholarships for the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.  “This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients embody excellence in so many ways, and we're excited to support them as they continue to dream big,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Since QuestBridge’s founding over 30 years ago, we've witnessed the incredible impact our Scholars can make in their lives, families, and communities, and we know that this year's students will make a positive impact, too.” Student Government President Carlos Del Aguila is the first in his family to attend a university, and is headed to Harvard to study applied mathematics with a focus on sociology. He attributes his success to the connections, encouragement, and guidance he received from his teachers and counselors during his 12 years in New Rochelle schools.  “Even if you don’t come from a position of privilege in college admissions, and even if you don’t believe you’re the one to do it, just give it a shot. It’s possible. Being surrounded by excellence and world-class faculty with opportunities for research and networking, it’s opening a whole new set of doors for my future that I never would have had without them. This opportunity will change my life immeasurably,” Del Aguila said.   His friend since their Jefferson Elementary School days, Bryan Mesajil, echoed his sentiments. Mesajil has been awarded a full scholarship to MIT, where he plans to study mechanical engineering. He, too, is the first member of his family to attend a university.  “I wouldn’t have expected in a million years to match to MIT. From early on in fifth grade, my teachers told me they had really high hopes for me. I don’t think of myself the way they see me. I never would have expected anything as great as MIT. It’s an unbelievable outcome.”  Daniella Anane-Sarfo learned about QuestBridge from TikTok. She researched the opportunity and took a chance that gained her admission to Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., where she will study biology or neuroscience in pursuit of her dream of attending medical school.  “I look forward to being part of the tight-knit Colgate community. It will help me grow more emotionally and academically, and will be the perfect place for me to learn, be more curious, and connect with people from different backgrounds. I know it will prepare me for what is ahead,” said Anane-Sarfo. Motivated to study biomedical engineering by her mother’s illness, Melony Escobar applied to QuestBridge at the encouragement of her counselor. She will attend Northwestern University - a dream come true for a girl who had only envisioned going to school in New York and working hard to pay for it.  Escobar said, “Now I know that there is no limit. I never thought I could leave New York to study. All the support from my administrators and counselors has opened many doors. People in the school helped me branch out and do the most I can with my opportunities for success.”  Sophia Fuentes will study neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, which she feels is the perfect fit. She wants to study neuroscience so she can help people like her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s.  “The New Rochelle Science Research Program has had the biggest impact on my academic career. Without it, I would not be where I am now,” said Fuentes. “They tasked me with finding a mentor in the research program that I wanted to pursue, which I found at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. I have hands-on experience with what I want to work with in the future.”  “New Rochelle schools are elated to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. To cultivate five QuestBridge Scholars in a single graduating class shatters our wildest expectations,” said Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds. “This is the powerful culmination of the tireless collective work and unwavering commitment of our K-12 educators and support professionals, ensuring each of our students realizes their highest potential.” Four of the five QuestBridge Scholars are involved in the Science Research Program.  “We are beaming with pride,” said NRHS Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. “Our students are our driving force - they are our ‘why.’ Their success and this prestigious recognition validate the rigorous, high-caliber education we deliver every day. It is a highlight for our Science Research Program, which pushes boundaries with opportunities typically only available in college, and has earned national recognition for both our program and our incredible students.”  NRHS Science Research Program Coordinators Jeff Wuebber and Erica Curran seek to foster scientific curiosity in students. Through the program, students gain professional experience and develop a deep understanding of current research trends.  “What these students have accomplished is truly life-changing. We are so proud that the Science Research Program was able to contribute to their personal and academic growth that might not have otherwise been possible. This has been our vision since our program’s inception, and we look forward to its continued growth and success for future students,” said Wuebber.   "These students have consistently shown up, worked hard, and have overcome significant challenges,” said Curran. “QuestBridge has opened a door for them, and I am confident they will excel in this opportunity. We are incredibly proud of all of them."   Flippin' for the Fund Thanks to all who supported the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence Pancake Breakfast. More than 345 guests attended! It was a wonderful day to celebrate the New Rochelle school community, and the event raised more than $500 in direct donations for student programs. We appreciate your participation and are deeply grateful for your leadership, partnership, and support of the NR Fund.   Health Teacher Receives Statewide Award Health Education teacher Richelle Calderon should be feeling pretty good about herself, having been named a “Health Education Section Amazing Person” for New York State for her work with the Dove Self-Esteem Project. The project, celebrating its 20th anniversary, promotes body confidence and self-esteem in students through a curriculum that focuses on what the body can do, rather than what it looks like. Calderon was honored by the New York State Association for Physical Education, Health, Recreation, and Dance at its annual conference on Nov. 20. Calderon, who teaches at Isaac E. Young Middle School, is part of the self-esteem project’s national cadre of trainers, and recently filmed a 45-minute class for teachers to use to introduce the curriculum in their classrooms. In October 2024, Calderon was featured on the Drew Barrymore Show as a “Drew Gooder” for her work on student self-esteem.  “I have always loved school,” Calderon said. “I’ve always loved learning. I have had some amazing teachers. School was my happy place. I want to be that for my students.” Calderon said she first learned about the self-esteem project at an education conference where teachers were asked to think about something they liked about themselves that was not physical. Calderon said the exercise resonated with her and spurred her to learn more about the curriculum. The Dove Self-Esteem Project offers written and video lessons for teachers to help students build body confidence and stand up against discrimination. Lessons cover topics including how images of people in professional media are manipulated to reflect appearance ideals; how focusing on appearance often leads to unhelpful comparisons; and how conversations can be reframed for a more positive impact on body confidence. Davis Elementary Celebrates American Education Week George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School parents had the chance to be the students recently as they were invited into classrooms for American Education Week. From Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, parents were permitted to visit their child’s classroom for an hour to observe a lesson in action, often learning something they could put into practice at home. And that was just the beginning.  Throughout the week, workshops were held for parents on navigating Chromebook and ClassLink, understanding the academic rigor of the elementary school, and understanding how teachers and staff support ENL families. The PTA also hosted a book fair, and staff members hosted storytime sessions in the school library. "It was a great opportunity to visit each of my children's classrooms. Having a chance to see learning from the student perspective was really powerful and allowed for some takeaways for helping my kids at home," said Josh Rehr, a parent of kindergarten and third grade students. The week culminated with a PTA Talent Show and the City of New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade. "Amongst other events, American Education Week offers us an opportunity to make the teaching and learning process visible to our families, allowing them to take some strategies home to work with their dolphins, said Principal Anthony Bambrola. “It's a wonderful week to celebrate school engagement and build community."  American Education Week is an annual event that takes place at schools across the nation to honor and celebrate public education.  Dance Teacher Comes Full Circle When Kristine Ferreira was a student at New Rochelle High School, she had the good fortune to study dance with teacher Lisbeth Lynn. At the time, Ferreira said, she thought “One day, I want to be in her position.” Now, years later, her dream has come true. Ferreira teaches physical education, yoga, dance and health in the same studio where her passion for movement began. And New Rochelle HIgh School students are benefitting from her dedication. “I love the fact that she is teaching at New Rochelle High School now,” said Lynn, who retired from teaching in 2023 after 45 years. “In high school, Kristine was a great dancer and cheerleader who was very conscientious.”  Now, as a teacher, Lynn said, Ferreira brings her technical skills, dedication and compassion for students to the job. “She has worked really hard to bring the best classes to her students and will always go out of her way to help a student.” Before becoming a teacher, Ferreira spent years gaining experience and certifications in health and fitness. She is certified by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America as an instructor in fitness, Zumba and kickboxing, has taught yoga abroad, and has worked as a personal trainer.  “Now, I bring all of that experience into the classroom — helping students develop flexibility, coordination, and mindfulness, while also learning how movement supports mental health and self-awareness,” Ferreira said. “Outside of class, I’ve been leading restorative practice workshops and offering self-care sessions for teachers to help reduce stress and prevent burnout.” Whether she’s demonstrating a dance step or landing a kick on a punching bag, Ferreira is in non-stop motion in the classroom. In addition to teaching yoga and health, Ferreira has served as advisor to the freshmen PAVE Dance students, a role she said was incredibly meaningful.  “I especially love teaching Latin dance, where students can celebrate culture, rhythm, and confidence through movement,” she said. New Rochelle High School Teachers, Administrators, and Staff Celebrated for Achieving Tenure Twelve teachers, staff, and administrators who have earned tenure were honored at the November 20 Board of Education meeting at New Rochelle High School. They are:  Kristen Baum, Science Teacher George Greene, Teaching Assistant Alyse LaPadula, Special Education Teacher Megan Melaniff, Social Studies Teacher  Gabriella Musto, Science Teacher  Ramon Rosado, Special Education Teacher  Kim Warek, Special Education Teacher Gina Summa-Egan, ENL Teacher  Diane Tual, Special Education Teacher  Maureen Avione, Assistant Director of Special Education Valerie Cadet Simpkins, Assistant Principal Leah Lugoviña Freitas, Director of Guidance  Congratulations, all!   Seventh Graders Visit Museum of Natural History Seventh graders from Albert Leonard Middle School had the chance to see a 3.2-million-year-old cast of the skeleton known as “Lucy,” and a 1.7-million-year-old cast of the famous “Turkana Boy” during a recent visit to the American Museum of Natural History. The artifacts were part of the museum’s exhibit in the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins, which showcases early human evolution and migration through fossils, artifacts, and life-sized dioramas. The exhibit traces human evolution over six million years and features interactive displays to illustrate how humans have changed and spread across the globe. “Trips like this are extremely important for our school community. The students were able to see the amazing artifacts in real time and in person rather than through a screen or an article,” said Timothy Collins, social studies teacher. “It makes everything come to life for them and gives them a better understanding of our world and history. They also interacted with each other about the fossils, gems, stars, etc. in real conversation instead of sitting in a classroom and answering questions off of a screen or reading.” Mary Bongo-Brescia, another social studies teacher, said taking trips to the museum “encourages cultural empathy and global awareness. Seeing representations of diverse cultures helps students understand that humans across time and place share needs, creativity and struggles. This builds respect for different societies and perspectives.” The trip left an impression on students. "I liked the museum because it made what we learned about in class more realistic,” said seventh grader Rodney Bynum. “We learned in class about how many different first Americans adapted to their environment, and in the museum, we got to see real artifacts that the first Americans left behind. " Kee Kee Conneely, another seventh grader, said, "The museum was fun to go to because it was cool to see what we learned about in Social Studies right in front of my eyes. I was amazed by the dinosaur skeletons and how big they were compared to how I thought it would be."  Thanksgiving-in-a-Box Initiative Unites Davis Community George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School came together again this year for its Thanksgiving-in-a-Box initiative, linking families needing support and school families eager to help. This year, organizers purchased 65 complete Thanksgiving dinners through Manor Market in Pelham Manor. The initiative has been a collaborative effort between the Davis clinical staff and Davis PTA, in partnership with Manor Market.  The PTA manages the collection of donations from Davis families, while the Davis clinical team identifies families who would benefit from receiving a Thanksgiving box. In the days leading up to the event, teachers and students join in the spirit of giving by coloring Thanksgiving-themed worksheets, writing heartfelt letters, and decorating the boxes to make each delivery feel personal and special.  On pick-up day, members of the clinical team and PTA volunteers meet at Manor Market to collect the boxes and bring them back to Davis, where students complete the final touches before delivery. The clinical team then hand-delivers the boxes to families. Davis also hosts a year-round food pantry to help families in need. The food pantry relies on donations from the community and the generosity of teachers, staff, and parents. In addition to the Thanksgiving-in-a-Box drive, the food pantry was also able to send more than 20 bags of food to families, along with numerous Stop and Shop gift cards. When possible, Davis shares food pantry items with other schools that may also have a need.  “These collaborative efforts truly embody the Davis commitment to community, compassion, and gratitude—uniting staff, students, and families in a tradition that nourishes both body and human spirit,” said school psychologist Sandra Zupicich.  World Kindness Starts at Home Trinity Social Worker Nelsie Febles helped Trinity Elementary School celebrate World Kindness Day with a school-wide food drive for HOPE Services in New Rochelle. Mrs. Feblees and Principal Hilderbrand distributed a flyer asking the Trinity community to help. Kindness is at the heart of Trinity's spirit, and the entire Trinity family - students, staff members, monitors, and parents - quickly filled 28 boxes to the top with donations of canned items, rice and pasta, and other non-perishable foods. Before Thanksgiving, Mrs. Febles, counselor Mrs. Kelly, and second grade teacher Mrs. Castiglia, sent the food to HOPE.  Students and staff are grateful for the opportunity to give the gift of food. “Serving others is a fulfilling way to find purpose,” said Mrs. Febles. Fourth Graders Bring the Middle Ages to Life at Medieval Times Jefferson Elementary School’s fourth graders recently stepped out of the pages of their books and into the world of knights, castles, and jousting as they celebrated the end of their Middle Ages reading unit with a trip to Medieval Times. Throughout the unit, students read rich, grade-level texts that explored the empires of the Middle Ages in both Europe and North Africa. In the process, they learned about the complex relationships between lords and serfs, the responsibilities and training of knights, the structure and purpose of castles, daily life of the people, and the major battles that shaped the era. The unit culminated with a writing assignment in which students demonstrated their knowledge. But the true highlight came with a trip to Medieval Times, where they became knights, lords, and ladies for the day.  They enjoyed eating their feast with their hands “just like they did in the Middle Ages,” and they were thrilled by the live jousting, horseback riding, and choreographed battles. One student even joked when an actor coughed, “I bet he has the Black Plague!”—a comment that showed just how deeply they had connected classroom learning to their real-world experience. This trip brought history off the page and into reality. According to teachers, students had such an incredible time that they haven’t stopped talking about it since returning to school. The Medieval Times experience was not only a celebration of their hard work but also a powerful extension of the curriculum—deepening their appreciation of history and reinforcing concepts they will continue to build on throughout the years. IEYMS Students Trace America’s Journey from Ellis Island to Civil Rights, Fostering Empathy and Action Students from Isaac E. Young Middle School recently explored two important symbols of American history and immigration during a field trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and connected their learning to an on-campus visit by the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. Together, the events connected two chapters of U.S. history, fostering discussions about immigration, civil rights, and community action. On the ferry ride to Liberty Island, students viewed the iconic New York Harbor before getting an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty. The statue symbolizes hope, freedom, and liberty for many people emigrating to the United States. Students then traveled to Ellis Island, the historic immigration station where millions of people entered the country. Inside the Immigration Museum, students visited the Great Hall, where newcomers waited to be processed. They saw personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that illustrated how life was for people emigrating — their challenges, hopes, and journeys. The exhibits helped students understand Ellis Island’s powerful role in shaping America's cultural diversity.  "It was interesting to see how most immigrants who came through Ellis Island, regardless of nationality, had mostly the same struggles and similar lives once they arrived," said eighth grader Iggy Bianco. The trip offered an in-depth look into U.S. history, immigration, and the experiences of the people who helped build the nation. It was both educational and inspiring, connecting historical events to the stories of real individuals. Inside the Mobile Museum of Tolerance, students visited interactive displays and viewed archival footage illuminating the impact of segregation. Students learned the importance of respect, empathy, and standing up against injustice. A museum workshop introduced students to the Civil Rights Movement and explored identity and commonality. Students discussed the impact of segregation, discrimination, and dehumanization after viewing a short documentary featuring American civil rights heroes and their struggle for equality in the 1950s and 1960s, while making connections to ways to solve similar injustices today. "During the mobile museum, I learned that kids faced discrimination due to their race,” said eighth grader Joell James. “I felt sad for those kids who suffered, all because of their race." Mya Marrero said, "I learned a lot about Civil Rights; how it started and why it started. Racism is still around, and so is dehumanization." The combined experiences encouraged students to think about how their actions can affect others. Through guided discussions and multimedia presentations, students learned how prejudice divided the United States and how people of all races united to address these challenges. While Ellis Island was a gateway for United States-bound immigrants, based on laws and perceived fitness for citizenship, it also led to exclusions, and it became a symbolic location for civil rights issues after its closure. Students drew parallels to ongoing struggles for immigrant rights and civil liberties.  "The video we watched during the mobile museum visit really changed my viewpoint on the challenges of the civil rights movement," said Marrero.  The out-of-classroom learning experiences helped students better understand the impact of intolerance and inspired them to become informed, responsible citizens who practice kindness, responsibility, and respect for all in their daily lives and beyond.  Sights and Sounds from Around the District Purple Pride at Barnard for World Pancreatic Cancer Day Barnard celebrated Purple Day for pancreatic cancer in honor and in memory of teacher Tara Shanes-Knebel's mom, Gigi. The day raises awareness about the need for pancreatic cancer research.   Hoops and Helps The NRHS boys' varsity basketball team serves a Thanksgiving lunch at the Hugh A. Doyle Senior Center. A community service event is the team's annual tradition at the start of the basketball season.   HBCU Fair In NYC Fifteen New Rochelle High School Students attended the 38th annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair at Riverbank State Park. Four of them received on-site acceptance letters and scholarship opportunities. Congratulations to all four students!   Thanks to organizers and chaperones Joe Andrews, Janei Foster, Myriam Decime, Shalese Dupree, Josephine Dobbins, and Iman Sabree.    Slam Dunk Breakfast: Fueling up for the Festivities! The varsity girls' basketball team gobbled up some pancakes at the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence breakfast before the Thanksgiving parade. Saint Stella! Congratulations, senior Stella Irene Ziogas, who has committed to play basketball starting in June 2026 at Division 1 Siena University! Theatreworks 'A Trip to the Moon'   Checkmate: Chess is a Winner in Elementaries Thanks to the support from the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, the after-school chess program is back in our elementary schools for students in grades three and four. At right: Ward students begin their 10-week session. A second 10-week session will be offered in the spring for $100 per student. Scholarships are available.   Board of Education Meeting at New Rochelle High School High School and Trinity Robotics Teams, Band Featured Athletics Pioneers Soccer The Pioneers played a very competitive first soccer game against the Port Chester Rams. Winning 8-7 on a goal from Anderson Alvarez. Varsity Basketball New Rochelle 60, Scarsdale 57 JV Boys Basketball New Rochelle 55, Scarsdale 45 Varsity Girls Basketball New Rochelle 44, Scarsdale 49 Varsity Hockey ETBE/New Rochelle 2-0-1 at White Plains Thanksgiving Tournament ETBC/New Ro 7, Rye 1 JV Girls Basketball New Rochelle 41, Scarsdale 27 Check out all the great community events happening now! Click Here for Community Events   Copyright and Ownership Notice ©2025 City School District of New Rochelle All content, including text, photographs, graphics, and other materials in this newsletter, is the sole and exclusive property of The City School District of New Rochelle. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the City School District of New Rochelle. For permission requests, please contact Monica Mahaffey, Public Information Officer, at mmahaffey@nredlearn.org.

Thursday, Dec 04 2025

News from Our Schools November 20, 2025

News from Our Schools November 20, 2025 Don't miss the New Rochelle Fund for Excellence in Education Pancake Breakfast Saturday at 8 in House 4 Cafeteria! New Rochelle High School Standout Jeronimo “Jero” Velasquez Named Section 1 Soccer Player of the Year Varsity Soccer Coach Jarohan Garcia is League Coach of the Year In a first for the school, New Rochelle High School senior Jero Velasquez is the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Section 1 Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year.  Velasquez, the team’s captain and goalie, is a three-time All-Section player, two-time All-State, and the League’s Most Valuable Player. He is nominated for the All-Region and All-America Teams as well. If he is selected as an All-America, Velasquez would be distinguished as one of the top 50 high school players in the nation.    Velasquez led the Huguenots to a Section 1 Class AAA Co-Championship, finishing the season with a 14-2-3 record. This is the New Rochelle High School Varsity Soccer Team’s second section title, which they last won in 2017.  “From the moment we had our first training session in the summer, I could feel something was different. There was energy, hunger running through all of us that made me realize that this year was going to be unforgettable,” said Velasquez. “We won as one, we lost as one, and did everything as one big family every day. We created memories that will last forever.” In addition to Velasquez, Adrian Medina and Josemiguel Ayala were named All-Section players; Julian Oceguera and Damian Torres received All-Section Honorable Mentions; Nicolas Canales and Rayan Pierre-Louise received All-League nominations.  Coach Jarohan Garcia was named League Coach of the Year and was a finalist for Section 1 Coach of the Year. He praised his team members for their athleticism, academics, and character, and thanked the assistant coaches who helped lead the team to victory. “To us, this program is more than just soccer. It’s our community and we’re proud of it. The boys are a perfect example and personify that spirit every time they come to school or step on the soccer field,” said Garcia.  Varsity Soccer Celebrates Section Championship With Gold Ball Ceremony Varsity Soccer players, families, coaches, teachers, and supporters celebrated the team’s Section 1 Co-Championship at a ceremony on Tuesday at New Rochelle High School. City School District of New Rochelle Athletic Director Joseph Donaldson praised the players and families for an outstanding season.  “Our parents are the primary educators of our students, our most valuable asset. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude for supporting your student athletes and for being coaches as well. We notice that you’re there, cheering on our teams, recognizing our players, and that goes a long way,” said Donaldson.  “We’re proud of what this team did both academically and on the field,” said high school Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. “You worked hard, and it showed. You are not only leaders in athletics, but leaders and role models in the school and community. You are good students, good citizens, and you exemplify the best of New Rochelle.”  Team captain and goalie Jeronimo “Jero” Velasquez highlighted the team’s unity. “From the moment we had our first training session in the summer, I could feel something was different. There was energy, hunger running through all of us that made me realize that this year was going to be unforgettable,” he said. “We didn’t just become a team. We became a brotherhood. The chemistry we had was not something that could be coached or forced. It came from trusting each other, showing up for each other every single day, and pushing each other through thick and thin."   Head Coach Jarohan Garcia thanked Assistant Head Coach Gustavo Barbosa, and Assistant Coaches Francis McCarthy, JP Goncalves, Luis Ayala, and Alejandro Ramirez, with whom he has coached the team for eleven years. “To us, this program is more than just soccer. It’s our community and we’re proud of it. The boys are a perfect example and personify that spirit every time they come to school or step on the soccer field.” Building a STEM Pipeline: New Rochelle High School Robotics Team Partners with Jefferson Elementary Students and educators across New Rochelle are teaming up to inspire the next generation of innovators.  This fall, the New Rochelle High School Robotics Team partnered with Jefferson Elementary School to show teachers how to use Dash robots in the classroom. Dash robots are programmable, interactive robots designed for ages six and up. They can be connected to devices like smartphones and tablets and can be controlled with apps that allow users to program movements, lights, sounds and other features. During the workshop, the high school robotics students showed Jefferson teachers how to incorporate coding and robotics into everyday lessons. Teachers learned to program Dash robots to move, light up, and respond to commands–hands-on experiences that they can now bring to their own students. “It's always amazing to me that our students have such a love for STEM that they want to teach everyone the value of experiencing this type of learning,” said Maria Walsh, physics teacher and co-advisor of the NRHS Robotics Team. “The teachers and students really looked up to these patient, truly inspiring teaching assistants.” The collaboration extended beyond the classroom, too. The robotics team joined Jefferson’s after-school Family STEM Nights, where students and their families explored coding challenges together. High school mentors helped younger students and parents experiment with Dash robots, sparking excitement and curiosity throughout the event. "STEM is not just for students-- it's a bridge to community growth. Our team loved sharing robotics and inspiring curiosity across New Rochelle," said former Jefferson Elementary School student and now high school senior Valeria Bances.  The New Rochelle High School Robotics Team continues to build community connections, supporting teachers and families while helping to make STEM learning fun and accessible for all. "Students at Jefferson are energized by computer science. Through hands-on learning and creative challenges, they're building skills that connect curiosity with innovation,” said Technology Facilitator Moises Freja. “Through engaging lessons, activities, and events they're developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that prepare them for success in a technology-driven world." One Family's Story Helps Students Better Understand the Holocaust Stefan Rozenfeld’s harrowing true story of escaping Nazi-occupied Poland reads like a thriller, but it isn’t entertainment; it is part of New York State’s Holocaust curriculum for high school students.  And Francisco Sandoval, a New Rochelle High School teacher, played a key role in getting Rozenfeld’s story out. The lesson, which can be found in the state’s online resource platform for educators, tells the tale of Rozenfeld’s escape at age five from his hometown of Lodz, Poland. The family traveled to France, Belgium, Portugal, and eventually to the United States, evading the Nazis through the kindness and courage of others. As an adult, Stefan settled in New Rochelle, where his daughter, Leah Sills, and other family members still live.  “My plan is to teach the lesson and then invite Leah to my class,” said Sandoval, who has been fascinated by the Holocaust since his own high school days in New Rochelle. “To show kids, it is local, it is here, it is our history." Sandoval was approached by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center to help tell the stories of Holocaust survivors by researching the Rozenfelds. Along the way, he met with family members and spoke with key figures in Europe about the Rozenfelds’ escape. The first part of Stefan’s journey, from Lodz to Hamburg, Germany, was made possible because his father purchased transit visas from the Bolivian Consul General. Bolivia was one of the few countries accepting Jewish immigrants. Stefan and his mother, Eugenia, were accompanied to the Belgian border by the Bolivian Consul’s wife and son. But they were not safe for long. The Nazis invaded Belgium and Holland just months after the Rozenfelds arrived. So they fled again. This time, they went to France, hoping to obtain visas to England. But they were denied. They traveled next from Paris to the French city of Bordeaux, where they learned that visas might be granted by the Portuguese consulate. Consul General Aristides de Souza Mendes issued the visas in defiance of Portugal’s dictator, who forbade visas to Jews, Russians, and other so-called “undesirables.”  By the time they reached Portugal, the Rozenfelds had no money. Once again, their fate turned because of the kindness of a stranger. A New Jersey woman who was vacationing with her granddaughters loaned the family money and helped arrange their passage to America.  Stefan married his wife, Linda Schoengold, in 1959, and the couple settled in New Rochelle, where they raised their children.   New Rochelle Teachers Contribute to NYS Holocaust Education Thanks to two New Rochelle teachers, Alyse LaPadula and Francisco Sandoval, students across the state will have a better understanding of the Holocaust.  The educators were tapped by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center to research and create lessons for New York’s online Holocaust curriculum. Steven A. Goldberg, the center’s Director of Education and a retired New Rochelle social studies teacher, served as project manager. Twenty-six other active and retired teachers from across the state also participated. The extensive collection, designed for both social studies and ELA teachers, is available on ConsiderTheSourceNY.org, a free online educational platform managed by the New York Archives Partnership Trust. The online resource focuses on the personal stories of those affected by the Holocaust. Sandoval researched the story of Stefan Rozenfeld, a New Rochelle man whose family escaped Nazi Germany when he was a small child. LaPadula focused her research on German adolescent resistance groups, the White Rose, and the Edelweiss Pirates.  “Learning about teen resistance during the Holocaust is important because it shows how the actions and decisions of young people can make a real impact,” said LaPadula. “Their actions teach valuable lessons about moral courage, independent thinking, and standing up against injustice.” HHREC’s Goldberg said, “One of the guiding principles is the notion of unique people rather than anonymity, reflecting the importance of case studies of individuals as lenses into a better comprehension of the enormity and complexity of these historical events.” In addition to chronological segments on the Holocaust, the Resource Guide also includes sections on the Nature of Human Behavior, Literature and Art, The United States and the Holocaust, and “other genocides,” such as Armenia (1915-17), Holodomor (1932-33), Rwanda (1994), and Rohingya (2016).  “The collaboration between NYSED, The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, and New York State educators is essential to supporting teachers who are responsible for educating students about the Holocaust and other genocides and human rights violations,” said LaPadula.   Webster Celebrates Ruby Bridges On Friday, Nov. 14, Daniel Webster Elementary students walked, talked, and dressed in honor of a very important six-year-old: Ruby Bridges. Bridges made history when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960, becoming a national icon for the Civil Rights movement. Schools across the nation commemorate Ruby’s historic steps each year on Nov. 14 with Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day. "The entire Webster student body and staff participated in Ruby Bridges Day by wearing purple, walking to school, or keeping Ruby’s courage in their hearts,” said Webster PTA President Hannah Emmerich. “Webster’s stellar kindergarten teaching team does a fabulous tee-up, and the tradition is kept alive in age-appropriate discussions for each grade. Webster has a rich heritage of inclusion, and Ruby Bridges is celebrated at Webster for being a courageous Black leader and icon.” Teachers were encouraged to lead students on a walk around the school grounds since many students take the bus to school. Students then continued the conversation about bringing an end to racism and bullying in their classrooms.  NBC Technical Director Visits Media Class Most people know that before a news program is aired, a producer must create the segments and a director must determine how those segments are shown. But what they may not know is that the final piece of production relies on the technical director. Students in Angela Carrasquillo’s media arts/tech class at Isaac E. Young Middle School recently had the chance to learn from Jessica Garriga, a seasoned technical director at FOX whose work includes Cheddar News. Garriga brought students behind the scenes of live television, offering a rare look at what it is like inside a control room during a live broadcast. In a Zoom lecture, she walked students through the fast-paced decision-making, teamwork, and technical precision required of a technical director, sharing both the challenges and the adrenaline of bringing a show to air. “Sessions like this are invaluable for our students,” said Carrasquillo. “They not only help young creators understand the wide range of careers available in the media industry, but also show real-world applications of skills they’re developing in class. By hearing directly from professionals, students gain inspiration, clarity, and confidence as they begin to envision their own futures.” Seventh grader Melissa Pulido said the lecture made her aware of another path she might take in the media business. Isabel Ayala, another seventh grader, said she enjoyed getting an inside look “at the control rooms and the work that is done before performances. I liked how she shared her experiences with us.” Students in the class, being offered for the first time this fall, learn about all aspects of media, including public service announcements, digital citizenship, advertising, podcasting, broadcast journalism, and more. Jefferson Vending Machine Dispenses Page Turners Jefferson Elementary School recently cut the ribbon at the grand opening of its new Book Vending Machine. Assistant Principal Sal Spataro and Jefferson’s “Book Fairy,” third grade teacher Vicky Vessecchia, led the celebration, where students, staff, and volunteers gathered to mark this exciting addition to the school’s literacy initiatives. Jefferson students earn “Paws Applause” each week by demonstrating C.A.R.E.S. behavior: Considerate, Appropriate, Responsible, Empathetic, and Selfless. These positive behaviors provide students with an opportunity to win a token for a free book from the vending machine, promoting both character development and a love of reading. Each week, members of the PAW Club — a team of dedicated fourth and fifth grade volunteers — collect Paws Applause from classrooms. One Caring Tiger is then selected from each grade level to receive a book to take home and add to their personal library. Third grader Juliet Sekyere was one of Jefferson’s first Caring Tigers. “I loved the new book I got! It was fun to experience cutting the ribbon!” she exclaimed.  Jefferson Elementary is proud to foster a community of caring and curious readers through initiatives like the Book Vending Machine — where kindness and literacy go paw in paw. New Rochelle Athletes Raise Funds for their Special Olympics Compatriots Athletes and coaches from New Rochelle High School were “freezin’ for a reason” at the Polar Plunge Nov. 8 at Rye Playland Beach. The event, sponsored by Curry Automotive, is a fundraiser for Special Olympics. The $250,000 raised ensures that none of the Special Olympians have to pay to participate in the games. The New Rochelle team raised nearly $3,000 and made the list of the top five public school teams in Westchester.  Special guest, City School District of New Rochelle Facilities Director Keith Watkins, joined the fun and was a top fundraiser, plunging with $1,800 in donations.  “Special Olympics holds an important place in my heart, and I’m happy to support an event that ensures our athletes can compete without having to worry about cost. I look forward to seeing the Pioneers have fun and win medals at the Games this spring,” said Watkins.   Other members of the New Rochelle team were athletic director Joe Donaldson, swim coach Kip Fierro, football coach Tom Drago, and the junior varsity and varsity football teams. Players who plunged included Joe Morello, Nick Morello, Luke Zaccagino, Landon Walsh, Rob Clark, John DiGiacomo Jr., Bryce Cunningham, and Zaire Perez.  “I’m so proud of our student athletes,” said Donaldson. “They demonstrate character on and off the field and support our community in many positive ways. I’m happy to see our teams supporting our Special Olympics athletes, and we look forward to another impressive year at the Games.”  In addition to the warmth of helping out their fellow athletes, the plungers got a hoodie that came in handy after the icy plunge into the frigid Long Island Sound.    Phenomenon-based learning at IEYMS Did you know that not all plants need soil to grow? Eighth graders at Isaac E. Young Middle School are discovering plants like this through phenomenon-based learning, a teaching approach that uses interesting, observable events to drive student curiosity and learning.  Isaac E. Young Middle School frequently takes advantage of phenomena to introduce science topics, using them as starting points for students to investigate and tap into their inquisitiveness. This piques interest and can establish personal investment in learning for the students.   For example, to launch a unit on “Energy for Life” this spring, eighth grade science teacher Megan Reed plans to introduce her classes to “air plants.” These unique species of plants are aerophytes that do not require soil to grow.  “Before the unit, students will explore their own ideas about what plants actually need to survive,” said Reed. “This will assist the students as they develop models that deepen their understanding of photosynthesis and the role of plants in the carbon cycle.”   Over the course of the unit, she said, students will deduce that air plants have unique adaptations that allow them to obtain the water they need to survive from the environment. As a result, they can live without soil. Extending their learning, students will then be able to consider what the unexplored possibilities of air plants might be. Benefits of phenomenon-based learning include increased student engagement, deeper understanding of complex topics, and the development of high-leverage science and engineering skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Students Solve a Huguenot Whodunit It was a Halloween Spooktacular event at Huguenot Academy, as students were confronted with a murder mystery, “The Case of the Haunted Manor.” Students arrived at school on Halloween and were charged with solving the mysterious disappearance of Professor Thistlewood.  The elaborate hands-on game of clues combined a cast of quirky suspects–including an eccentric historian, a paranormal investigator, and a chemistry teacher with a dark past–with critical thinking as students traveled from class to class to sleuth out the day-long puzzle.  In math class, students used fractions and a series of calculations to determine who was present and who had motive the night of the disappearance.  History class immersed students in the context as they examined a photograph and discussed Victorian spiritualism. In English class, students debated the validity of eyewitness accounts, analyzing them for tone. And when they got to science class, students discovered a mysterious substance in the chemistry lab, which they pH tested and analyzed to determine it was hydrochloric acid. Finally, the last clue came in the chemistry lab, which they used to compile an evidence-based argument describing Professor Thistlewood’s demise. Then they concluded that Dr. Hexley - their very own teacher - was the guilty party, as she had blood on her back and had access to hydrochloric acid.  The exercise was a fun day of learning that required critical thinking, text, and data analysis, and academic discourse to unveil the disappearance of Professor Thistlewood.  “I didn’t expect to have such a fun day at school on Halloween; we’ve never done an activity like this before. It made school fun today. Ms. G is so in character! Class was so funny going through the clues with her,” said one student. “This was lowkey tough.” “Special thanks go to all our staff for working collaboratively to develop this interdisciplinary learning experience for our students,” said Huguenot Academy Director Dr. Merica Neufville. “Kudos to Ms. Jessica Gallery, who led the charge. Students were still talking about it as they left for the day.”  But the day wasn’t all hard work. Students also enjoyed some downtime with Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles and Performing and Visual Arts Education Director Matthew Lucero, who stopped by for an SEL activity at lunchtime called “Pumpkin Perspectives.” They painted pumpkins that represented either themselves, the New Rochelle community, or Huguenot Academy, which generated a lot of laughs.  Jefferson Elementary Recognized as a STEM Network School! Jefferson Elementary School is proud of its new status as part of the STEM Network through Mercy University, a recognition that celebrates schools committed to innovative science, technology, engineering, and math education. The exciting honor is the result of Jefferson’s ongoing involvement in several key STEM initiatives, including the Wipro Science Education Fellowship, the Blue School Network, and the district’s Westchester STEM Ambassadors partnership. Together, the programs have strengthened Jefferson’s focus on inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and hands-on exploration for all students. School psychologist Dr. Michelle Memoli plays an integral part in all three programs. “We are thrilled to receive STEM School recognition from Mercy University,” said Dr. Memoli. “Mercy University has been an invaluable partner in advancing Jefferson School’s mission to provide enriching educational experiences for all stakeholders and to promote STEM education for every one of our students and families.” Through this partnership with Mercy University, Jefferson teachers will have access to professional development, collaborative learning opportunities, and new resources to enhance STEM instruction. Congratulations to the entire Jefferson community—students, teachers, and families—on this achievement! Sights and Sounds from Around the District S.A.I.L. Culinary NRHS S.A.I.L. culinary students held their first event of the year last week with a fall breakfast at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Remington Clubhouse. We look forward to your continued success! Mental Health Support Congratulations to Student Assistance Counselor Pina Palmisano and the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club on a very successful mental health awareness campaign. They created and funded shirts for the entire NRHS staff that raise awareness and share the mental health crisis line number.   Cool to be Kind Albert Leonard Middle School celebrated World Kindness Day Nov. 13, reminding our students that kindness is a choice we make every day. Our “Be the I in Kind” display brought many smiles, and during lunch, students wrote heartfelt messages about what kindness means to them and how they can show it to others. Their words were thoughtful, honest, and inspiring. Thank you to the Albert Leronard SEL Team for inspiring personal growth and development in students. Isaac Students Master Advertising Production Photography Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events  

Thursday, Nov 20 2025

News from Our Schools November 6, 2025

News from Our Schools November 6, 2025 ALMS Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Albert Leonard Middle School hosted its first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Oct. 25, thanks to the efforts of the school counseling department—Susanne Handel, Victoria Greene, Mariana Burgos, and Tiauna Washington. The event, which took place on school grounds, drew 278 participants and raised $3,293 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research, education, and patient care. The atmosphere was festive, with a DJ playing tunes, math teacher Justin Jose capturing aerial footage with his drone, and photographers Mr. Hoffman and Leroy Emmanuel documenting the event. “This walk represents the love, resilience, and unity of our community,” said Washington. “We walked not only for those who are fighting but for those who have survived and those we've lost. Together we are stronger." The walk was made possible by the support of students, teachers, parents, district leaders, and community partners.  "As a breast cancer survivor, this walk meant everything to me and my family. The energy at the walk was so heartfelt and uplifting,” said Corinne Olari, teaching assistant. “That kind of support and positivity gives you the strength to keep fighting because breast cancer is a hard battle that no one can fight alone.” The event also received tremendous support from Gustavo Barbosa and the varsity and junior varsity soccer teams, as well as coach Raymond L. Rhett and the varsity football team. Physical education teacher Jayna Botensten and the PTA were instrumental in providing resources and donations that ensured the event's success. New Rochelle Celebrates Red Ribbon Week City School District of New Rochelle middle and high school students spent the week of Oct. 23-31 celebrating a drug-free lifestyle and learning strategies to stay drug-free. Red Ribbon Week also featured a variety of fun activities, including dress-up days, escape rooms, and mocktails. Each year, schools and communities nationwide participate in Red Ribbon Week, a time to focus on healthy, drug-free choices. The event gives parents, teachers, and mentors an opportunity to start important conversations about decision-making and building a positive future. “This year’s theme, ‘Life is a Puzzle: Solve it Drug Free,’ encouraged students to think about how their choices connect to the bigger picture of their lives,” said Student Assistance Counselor Ryan Leak. “Every piece matters.” The week began with “We Are Red-y to Celebrate Life,” a day when everyone wore red. It continued with “Dynamic Duos Day,” on Tuesday, highlighting strong support systems; Wednesday’s pajama day, which invited everyone to “Dream Big;” Thursday’s “Team Up Against Drugs,” when everyone wore their favorite team jerseys; and it ended with a Halloween-themed “Say Boo to Drugs” on Friday. “It felt really good having the SADD Club come and show us refusal skills,” said Kate Barrios, an Albert Leonard Middle School student. “There might be times in the future where people try to pressure me into making unhealthy choices, so it helped to see examples of what to do. I liked that the skits showed both the wrong and right ways to handle those situations.” Isaac E. Young Middle School student Valerie Manzo said she felt good about participating as a member of Youth to Youth in getting students to sign pledges to remain drug-free. “It made me feel confident and like a leader in school because kids were coming up to us. Red Ribbon Week reminded me how important it is to spread the message to stay drug-free and to support each other.” Throughout the week, students at all three schools participated in creative and meaningful activities to reinforce the theme of living a positive, drug-free life. At Albert Leonard Middle School, students in Cory Binenbaum’s class participated in “Escape the Vape,” an interactive scavenger hunt.  At the high school, SADD Club students worked with the administration to create mental health awareness shirts promoting health resources and crisis support. SADD Club members also hosted a mocktails event during lunch periods to show that it is possible to have fun without alcohol. Students were invited to walk a police line while wearing goggles that simulate the effects of impairment. All varsity athletes attended a presentation by Stephanie Marquesano of the Harris Project explaining the connection between mental health challenges and substance use. In Aysha Williams’s class, students explored their “natural highs,” such as playing sports, creating art, and spending time with friends. Museum of Tolerance Rolls Into George M. Davis, Jr. Elementary When the Nazis took over her home country and forced her family into hiding, Anne Frank was just a child. So, it is not surprising that her story resonates with children today. Fifth graders at George M. Davis, Jr. Elementary School had the opportunity last week to hear her words and view images that brought her story to life through a visit from the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. The mobile museum, a one-of-a-kind museum on wheels, offers an interactive learning experience focused on promoting tolerance, understanding and respect among students. The exhibit, “Anne Frank: Vision of Hope,” explored the life and legacy of Anne Frank through multimedia presentations. "The Museum of Tolerance gave our students and teachers the opportunity to reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy for not only our Jewish friends, but for everyone regardless of religion, race, gender, or ethnicity,” said teacher Nadine Pacheco. “It was truly inspiring."  The exhibit focuses on Anne’s enduring message of resilience, hope, and compassion and encourages students to think about how they can make a difference in their own communities by standing up for what is right. "One thing I learned from the Museum of Tolerance is that judging people based on their religion, color, or gender is wrong. People are who they are, and you should not want to change them because they are different," said fifth grader Marcus Johnson. Avery Hogan, another fifth grader, said she was so inspired by the exhibit that “my mom and I bought the book to read together as a family. We want to make this world a place where we can all feel safe.” Stop, Drop, and Learn! New Rochelle Fire Department Brings Safety and Fun to School Thanks to the New Rochelle Fire Department (NRFD) for partnering with our elementary schools during Fire Prevention Month in October to make sure our youngest heroes know how to prevent and escape fires.  NRFD Chief and City of New Rochelle Fire Commissioner Andrew Sandor stressed the importance of learning fire safety at a young age and repeated the message. “It’s best to provide the lessons to elementary students. We get them when they’re at the right age to think about fire safety and fire prevention. Ideally, as they come back each year, the repetition reinforces the message so it will stay with them for life.”  The visits began with an assembly where students saw all the turnout gear firefighters wear and heard important messages. They learned to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothing catches fire and to “stay low and go” if they are in a building with a fire or smoke condition. They learned to test smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries monthly and to change the batteries twice a year when daylight saving time begins and ends. They learn to never play with matches and lighters.   Then they moved outside to the NRFD’s portable smoke trailer. Here, they saw a mockup of a kitchen and learned not to play around a hot stove or turn on the burners. Then they went into a mock bedroom. The fire department team turned on a machine that filled the room with fake smoke, so they could practice what they had learned. They crawled to the door, but it felt hot, so they didn't open it. Instead, they went to a window where a firefighter helped them evacuate onto a ladder and away from the structure. Finally, they observed that one of their classmates was still inside and practiced another vital fire safety tip: never re-enter a burning building. Instead, the firefighters “rescued” the missing classmate and all is well.  NRFD Lieutenant Christian Carozo heads the school fire prevention program. He values building a rapport with the students starting in their youngest school years. “We show a song video during our presentation. Before we even start it, the older students who have seen us before are singing the song and know the messages we share. They know that they need to have an escape plan at home, just like they practice in their school fire drills. It’s good to know that they can escape a fire if they need to because of something they learned from us.”  This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home," has a message for older students and adults, too. The fire department says you should only use a charger that is rated for your device - not something you bought at a convenience store or online. Only charge devices like phones, laptops, and tablets on a hard surface, and not near an exit. Charge your e-bike outside, away from building exits and your living space.  The NRFD Fire Prevention Team also attends community events throughout the year to share important fire safety messages. They will also come to your coop or homeowners association meeting upon request. Fire safety is up to all of us.  First Student BOE Member Sworn In It’s official. The Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle has its first ex officio student member: Senior Kamryn Tung. Tung was sworn in at the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 23.  “This is a moment in history,” said Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, district superintendent. “Trustee Tung is the first student member ever on the Board of Education.”  Tung, who has been active in Student Government, was chosen by the 2025 Student Government Board. The state Legislature mandated the inclusion of a non-voting student representative on all school boards in a law that took effect on July 1. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our student government for their trust, diligence, and thoughtful selection process that led to my appointment. I am equally thankful to Dr. Reynolds and President Iannuzzi for their guidance and encouragement as I prepared to take on this responsibility,” Tung said. She added that she hoped to share regular updates with the New Rochelle community about the innovative work happening at the high school.  “I plan to collaborate with our many student organizations to create opportunities for them to highlight their achievements and contributions. New Rochelle High School offers a wide range of rigorous programs, including robotics, architecture and engineering, science research, and performance and visual arts, among many others,” she said.  Board of Education President William Iannuzzi said, “Kamryn is an amazing young woman. I am really happy and excited for her to be joining us, and I’m excited to hear from her perspective how our district is doing and how our high school is doing.” Art Students Visit Storm King Visual arts students from five classes at New Rochelle High School visited the Storm King Art Center last week with teachers, Joanna Schomberg and Ellen Salov. Named for nearby Storm King Mountain, the open-air museum near New Windsor, New York, contains perhaps the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the United States. Although it was founded in 1960 as a museum for Hudson River School paintings, it evolved into a premier sculpture venue with works from some of the most acclaimed artists of the 20th century. Among the works on display are “Storm King Wall” by Andy Goldsworthy, a 2,278-foot-long stone wall that snakes its way through woods of the 500-acre museum property; “The Arch” by Alexander Calder, a 50-foot-tall, black-painted steel sculpture through which visitors are invited to travel; and “Tall Bather No. 1” by Emilio Grecco, a nearly 7-foot bronze sculpture of a female bather. The variety and scale of the artworks impressed students studying sculpture.  “Students always think of sculptures in a museum setting. Storm King gives the students a chance to see very large sculptures in an outdoor setting. It is the highlight of my year and has been a pleasure to take students on this trip for 20 years,” said Schomberg. “The sculptures at Storm King are very diverse and range from big to small and different kinds of art,” said sophomore Izabella Inniss. “I liked the sculpture by Isamu Noguchi named ‘Momo Taro.’ It stood out because it was up a big hill.” Luis Oceguera, another sophomore sculpture student, said the trip would influence his own work because it “showed different things you can do with different materials.” Oceguera said his favorite work was a Mark di Suervo sculpture called, ‘She,’ because it was interactive.  Senior Adrian De La Cruz said he found the variety of sculptures interesting and that the trip would broaden his appreciation of others’ artwork. As for his favorite, he cited “Iliad,” by Alexander Liberman, a bright red steel sculpture. Trinity Supports Community Over the past two years, Mrs. Manganiello's and Ms. Ramirez's third grade class has given back to the New Rochelle community. Last year, the class collected and saved pennies, which they counted and used for math activities before donating bags of food to the New Rochelle Humane Society. This year, the class's community service project involved collecting canned goods for HOPE Community Services. Students contributed non-perishable items, including soups, rice, beans, canned vegetables, and canned fruit.  The students took pride in their efforts to support individuals and families in need. "Engaging in community service projects is extremely rewarding," said Mrs. Manganiello. "It is rewarding not only for those who benefit from our donations but also for those who give with compassion, love, and purpose."  The class is proud to have donated to families in need in our community! Webster Elementary Fall Festival Draws Crowd More than 350 people turned out for carnival games, a corn maze, inflatables, craft stations, and more at the Fall Festival at Daniel Webster Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 25.   “Events like this are truly at the heart of what the PTA is all about... bringing families together,” said Rose Blinn, PTA vice president and Fall Fest chair. “Watching students of all ages get involved with the celebration because they see their parents so invested is what makes Webster such a special place. Today, we saw Webster graduates working side by side with parents, and fifth graders stepping up to help younger children with crafts, and everyone was comfortable together. It’s a wonderful reflection of our community spirit.”  The event, a fundraiser for the Webster PTA, featured a mix of free and low-cost activities for children ages three and up. A “crafty corner” encouraged imagination and sustainability-minded play with recycled STEAM construction materials, a creative skeleton-building center using household items, a “thankful leaves” community tree, and pumpkin art.  The festival received tremendous support from area businesses, including North End Fitness, OT With Stacy, Beechmont Tavern, Mount Tom Day Camp, Maria Restaurant, Duck Donuts, Sigarama, Tony’s Nursery, Longford’s Ice Cream, and Modern Restaurant. These businesses donated raffle items: Magic Cuts for Kids, Rowan Ear Piercing, New Rochelle Diner, Posto 22, Main Street Liquors, DeCicco Gift Basket, Hair House, and Wyn Beauty. Webster PTA’s thoughtful planning and attention to detail were evident in every element of the day, curating an experience that was fun, engaging, and uniquely reflective of Webster's warm, creative, and connected community spirit. A thriving PTA counts on engaged parents stepping in to make events like this happen. A HUGE thank you to all of our local community sponsors and our many volunteers!   Dia de los Muertos Celebrations Foster Unity Jefferson and Columbus Elementary Schools celebrated Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with displays honoring loved ones who have died. A vibrant Mexican and Latin American celebration, Dia de los Muertos honors the lives and memories of ancestors with photos, candles, flowers, and meaningful offerings placed on an altar, or ofrenda. At Jefferson Elementary School, it was the fifth year of honoring the tradition. Each year, Jefferson’s school community contributes to the ofrenda, sharing family photos, handmade decorations, and stories that reflect the spirit of remembrance and love. This collective effort transforms the school into a space of reflection, culture, and unity. This year’s ofrenda was made possible through the generosity of community members, including Ms. Tejeda, who donated the beautiful flowers that adorned it; Ms. Euyoque, who donated the candles that illuminated it; and Ms. Marisela, a dedicated aide from Mexico, whose care and creativity helped bring the display to life. For many Jefferson families, this tradition has become deeply personal. “Both of my kids have loved this tradition, which we now even have at home too, especially since my mom passed,” shared Ms. Maselli, a Jefferson parent. The ofrenda, beautifully decorated with marigolds, papel picado, and candles, stood proudly in the school’s main hallway. Many classes integrated the celebration into their lessons, exploring the meaning of Día de los Muertos through art, writing, and storytelling activities. “Now in its fifth year, the Jefferson ofrenda continues to remind everyone that traditions like these not only honor the past but also strengthen the bonds of community, culture, and pride that make Jefferson Elementary such a special place to learn and grow,” said Principal Kimmerly Nieves.  At Columbus Elementary, the ofrenda was organized by the school PTA. The multi-leveled display featured framed photos, Day of the Dead decorations, and colorful striped scarves. New York State Honors Three High School Teachers Three New Rochelle High School English teachers have been honored as “Collaborators of Excellence” by the New York State English Council. The New York State English Council recognizes excellence in team teaching by presenting annual awards to two or more educators nominated by their schools and selected by the Council. The team must work collaboratively and share responsibility for interdisciplinary curriculum, lesson design, or instruction of a shared group of students. The teachers–Alicia Lerman, Olga Locke, and Olivia Thompson–were recognized for their “dedication to equity and inclusivity within the high school English curriculum. All three have worked on the English Department’s Culturally Responsive Curriculum Team for the past five years. District Staff and Teachers Explore Implicit Bias to Promote Equity in Schools City School District of New Rochelle staff and teachers invested part of their professional learning day on Nov. 4 in implicit bias training. The training is the culmination of planning and efforts involving the district Curriculum and Instruction Department, the Federation of United School Employees (FUSE), and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Social Justice Department.  The training will be delivered in three parts to all employees, beginning with elementary schools. The goal is to understand implicit bias, microaggressions, and stereotypes, and to develop strategies to challenge them. Our perception informs our reality, which is shaped throughout our lifetime through cultural, historical, group, individual, social, and institutional learning.   Participants engaged in thoughtful, deeply personal conversations about bias in everyday life - including in classrooms, media, and relationships - and the role of intentional reflection in interrupting that cycle. “Socialization forms your perception; it forms your reality. It happens without you even knowing it. It’s without conscious effort, and it shapes our core values and beliefs. It’s a source of what we know to be true,” said Samantha Rini, NYSUT Social Justice Specialist. “It starts with the beginning when you’re born without biases, and then you are socialized with who you believe, what you experience, and who you trust. And it shapes the models, rules, and the sources of your expectations in life: how we see ourselves and each other, and it forms the basis of what we know to be true.”  At Columbus Elementary, an engaged group examined how we may be influenced by the press, television shows, magazines, advertisements, and other media. Fourth grade teacher and NAACP New Rochelle President Aisha Cook encouraged the group to explore their own personal narratives and to question stereotypes.  “Stop and think for a second. That pause gives you a chance to break that cycle. When you’re dealing with kids - especially Black and Brown kids - you have to take that pause and say, ‘Is there another way that I can interact with this child?’ Implicit bias is also important because of its relationship to structural inequality and inequity.”  Cook and ENL teacher Alexis Candelario, who co-presented at Columbus, challenged the group to seek alternate ways to interpret a situation and create a better way to address it.  “There’s going to be something that’s going to motivate you to start challenging these biases internally. Explore your own personal narrative. I believe it’s essential to comprehend the cycle of socialization. Go back to how you were raised. Go back to your belief systems. What memories do you have from your upbringing about this?” These conversations, mirrored across all elementary schools, marked an important step in the district’s ongoing commitment to equity. By recognizing and challenging our ingrained beliefs and biases, the presenters said, we can create more equitable, safe, and nurturing learning environments where we can achieve our collective goal of helping every one of our students achieve their highest potential.  Sights and Sounds from Around the District Congratulations, All-County Band, Orchestra, and Chorus Musicians! Twenty-five New Rochelle High School students showcased their musical talents at the Westchester County School Music Association Area All-State Concert at SUNY Purchase on Oct. 30. Ten students performed in the band concert. They are: seniors Cory Seelenfreund, Ethan Thomas, and Myles Pamplin De Irish; juniors Jonah Choi and Ethan Choi; sophomores Anne DePaolo, Sophia Artiles, Gabriel Mutterperl, Lia Seelenfreund, and Leonardo Adams.  Students who performed with the orchestra are: seniors Conner Kim, Christian Sanchez, and Scarlett Hartzman; juniors Penelope Conway, Brooke Lancer, and Adriana Valencia; and sophomores Elishka Fine, Katherine Kann, and Jackson Cavanaugh.   Mixed chorus performers were seniors Gabriella Oliveira and Lei-Asia Velez; juniors Juliette Lewis and Ryan Birmingham; and sophomores Michael Acosta and Campbell Edwards.    NAACP Awards Dinner Left to Right: Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, NAACP New Rochelle President Aisha Cook, Board of Education Trustee Jessica Klein, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Dr. Gail Joyer, Board of Education Trustee Valarie D. Williams, Nurses representing district's 27 school nurses: Kristina Goubeaud, Ashley Quartironi, Maira Sanchez, Suzanne Flynn, Elise Schepp, Dr. Adrienne Weiss (Retired Medical Director), Robin Kaphan (Retired Nurse) and Kim Trozzi, and Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements, and Sonya Spady.   Trinity Title I Workshop Trinity's Reading Department hosted a Reading Title 1 workshop. Parents learned ways to support their children's learning at home using different reading strategies. It was great to see so many families, and the Trinity Reading Team is looking forward to the next one. Until then........keep reading! ENL Parent Orientation Trinity's Lead English as a New Language teacher, Layluma Longi, recently hosted parents to share information about proficiency levels, parent reports, and resources available. They walked through school and district websites over breakfast. Kathy Taboada from the PTA also shared the benefits of PTA membership and encouraged families to get involved. Halloween Weston as Willie When a first grader loves his school so much that he dresses as Willie the Wolf for Halloween Ward Teachers are Six Seven If you can't win, join in! ALMS 6th Grade ALMS 7th Grade ALMS 8th Grade How was Halloween? ALMS Faculty "6-7."   IEYMS Unity Day Athletics   Varsity Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball Make Section 1 Semifinals! New Ro Volleyball The Huguenots played John Jay-East Fishkill in the quarter-finals on Oct. 31. The team played their hearts out, but lost to John Jay-East Fishkill 3-2 to end a fantastic season. Soccer Team Closes Out a Great Season After blanking Port Chester in the quarter-finals, the boys' soccer team went on to face North Rockland in the semi-finals on Oct. 30, defeating them 1-0. Despite a great game, the team lost on penalty kicks to John Jay-East Fishkill in the finals, 4-3, but still ended the season as Section 1 Co-Champions. Girls Swim Team Headed to Section One Championships The New Rochelle High School Girls Swim Team's regular season rode a wave to Section One League Two Championships with fast swims, season bests, and personal bests. Every swimmer improved her time.   The team’s unparalleled team spirit shone on Oct. 25 at the League Championships at North Rockland High School. Seniors Charlotte Fusco, Lyra Lathan, and Cailin Nation were recognized, and then the team’s hard-fought efforts resulted in several top 16 finishes.  Senior Lyra Lathan was second in the 50 freestyle and 6th in the 100 freestyle - both personal best times; junior Kaylyn Howard finished 8th in the 100 freestyle with a personal best time; Sophomore Sofia Fasolino was second in the 100 butterfly and third in the 200 individual medley; and junior Isabela Fernandez was 8th in the 500 freestyle. Fusco, Nation, and 8th grader Beatrice Black claimed top 16 finishes. The 200 freestyle relay of Howard, Black, Fasolino, and Lathan captured third place. Lathan and Fasolino have been named All-League. It was an outstanding season, with every swimmer improving and the team increasing its competitiveness, team spirit, and sportsmanship. Next up is the Section One Championship on November 7. Good luck, swimmers!    Scores Girls Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 3, Ursuline 1 New Rochelle 3, Port Chester 2 New Rochelle 2, John Jay-East Fishkill 3 Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 1, Ursuline 2 Varsity Football New Rochelle 21, Suffern 8  New Rochelle 0, Mamaroneck 31 Varsity Girls Soccer New Rochelle 2, Mamaroneck 4 Varsity Boys Soccer New Rochelle 1, North Rockland 0 New Rochelle 3, John Jay East Fishkill 4 (on penalty kicks) Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events  

Thursday, Nov 06 2025

News from Our Schools October 23, 2025

News from Our Schools October 23, 2025 Unity Day Builds Kinder, Safer Schools New Rochelle schools were awash in the color Orange yesterday as the district celebrated Unity Day, a national effort to promote kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Unity Day is the main event of National Bullying Prevention Month. It sends a powerful message that no student should ever feel alone. Students across the City of New Rochelle School District participated in anti-bullying activities.  At Albert Leonard Middle School, students took part in a series of activities that culminated with the “No Place for Hate” pledge. No Place for Hate® is an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League. The program helps schools improve their school climate through anti-bias and bullying prevention education. At Ward Elementary (photo above), every one of the students in 23 classrooms wore orange to symbolize safety, visibility, warmth, and invitation, aligning with the event's message of creating a safe, inclusive, and kind community to prevent bullying. All together now: Principal Hilderbrand and Trinity students sport orange for Unity Day Only kindness: Albert Leonard Middle School Students sign the "No Place for Hate" pledge Homecoming Celebrates New Ro Fans roared. Music played. Students danced. And a king and queen were crowned. Homecoming 2025 was the place to be for New Rochelle High School students, parents, staff and teachers. The events, a pep rally and a Homecoming Dance on Oct. 9, and the Homecoming football game on Oct. 10, celebrated New Rochelle’s school spirit and its college and career future culture. “A Night in Rio,” was the theme of the PTA-sponsored Homecoming Dance, which was attended by more than 350 students. The dance in the high school main gym featured food from food trucks, a DJ, and a photo booth. Cordell Waldron was crowned King, and Natalia Zaffuto was named Queen. The Pep Rally took place on McKenna Field on Oct. 9 during seventh and eighth periods. Students enjoyed music from the DJ Club, performances by the high school’s percussionists, a national anthem soloist, and the introduction of the high school’s fall team varsity athletes. The Homecoming football game against Mamaroneck took place on Oct. 10, with New Rochelle falling 40 to 20. Despite the loss, the game was an incredible show of school spirit. “We appreciate everyone’s contributions in promoting school culture, a college and career future culture, and making Homecoming a huge success,” said Sing Lee Lathan, president of the high school PTSA and vice president of the PTA Council.  Thanks go out to Assistant Principal Valerie Cadet Simpkins for organizing the pep rally and dance with the Student Government, PTSA, and Athletics Department; Maritza Estevez, vice president of the high school PTSA Events Committee; the security team for keeping everyone safe; the facilities and music departments for their critical contributions; Library Media Specialists Suzanne Tecza and Ryan Paulsen for organizing senior photos along with teachers Kalpana Daniel and Kristen Sessano; Athletics Director Joseph Donaldson and Judith Petrone for helping to showcase our athletes; and the Pep Rally Team, Andy Capellan, Kevin Austin, and Nazar Rabadi, for making it all happen.   Arts Fest 2025 Was a Feast for the Senses Visitors to the Museum of Arts and Culture at New Rochelle High School took in works from 11 visual artists on the theme Still/Life and heard poetry inspired by the artwork on Oct. 18. Meanwhile, dance enthusiasts were treated to a two-day dance festival at Albert Leonard Middle School featuring professional, amateur, and student dance troupes on Oct. 18 and 19. At the Museum of Arts and Culture, Westchester County Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva read her poem, “Use Your Hands to Make It,” which was inspired by artist Erika Hibbert’s collage and oil paint on wood panels.  Prior to the exhibit, Villanueva held a workshop for English 10 Honors classes on ekphrastic poetry, or poetry inspired by artwork. She urged the students to look closely at the artwork and record what they saw, felt, heard, tasted, and smelled. Her visit was supported by an Arts Westchester grant through the New Rochelle Council for the Arts and by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence.  Westchester County’s Youth Poet Laureate, Harmony Hopwood, a New Rochelle High School senior, also read a poem inspired by the exhibit. Her poem, “The Hummingbird’s Song,” was inspired by NRHS art teacher Scott Seaboldt’s work titled “Vicki’s Frames.” Students in the PAVE program also created paintings and drawings in keeping with the “Still/Life” theme, which sought to elevate ordinary objects into personal artifacts. Sophomore Amanda London spent hours compiling poems from three classes and designing a zine, or mini magazine, of the works, which was printed by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence. The Fund also supports the Museum of Arts and Culture. This year’s Arts Fest Dance Festival was a joyous expression of art through movement. The festival has grown from four dance groups in 2021 to 14 in 2025, including New Rochelle High School’s PAVE dancers.  “What makes the Arts Fest Dance Festival so special is its impact on the community,” said Theresa Kump Leghorn, president of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. “Not only does it make excellent free dance programming available to people who may not have the opportunity to see professional performances, but it also exposes the dancers (who are a mix of both students and working professionals) to other companies, giving them the opportunity to observe other styles of dance and network with other dancers.” Photo by Susan Nagib New Rochelle High School senior Cordell Waldron, a PAVE program performer, dances at Arts Fest on October 19, onstage at Albert Leonard Middle School. Photo by Marcelo Arrigada Arts Fest's Monica Deane speaks with performers from the Christie Coleman School of Dance at Albert Leonard Middle School. Above: Photo by Susan Nagib of Westchester Ballet Company performance. Raku Day is Fire! New Rochelle High School art students in Ceramics II/III, Sculpture II/III, and PAVE III celebrated the first day of Arts Fest on Oct. 16 by participating in the traditional 16th-century Raku Japanese firing process.  Students gathered in the House 4 loading dock area, where they placed their ceramic creations on top of an 1,800-degree outdoor kiln before placing them inside to fire them. The young artists added sugar and horsehair to their pieces for effect before placing them inside the white hot kilns for finishing. Finally, the pieces were moved to newspaper- and sawdust-filled metal cans for the reduction process.  Raku Day is a 36-year tradition at New Rochelle High School, one of only three high schools statewide that offer the Raku experience to their art students. In addition to being a creative event, it’s also quite a spectacle for passersby to observe students from Joanna Schomber’s, Ellen Salov’s, and Lexi Brock’s classes demonstrate the technique.    The student works will be displayed in the Museum of Art and Culture later this fall.  Students Get Inside Scoop from Media Pro It only takes 22 minutes to watch an episode of an animated show like “Cyberchase,” but it takes weeks or even months to create that episode.  That was just one eye-opening fact students learned when Jesse Pilnik, an associate producer for PBS Kids, spoke to Angela Carrasquillo’s media arts/tech class at Isaac E. Young Middle School on Oct. 10. Students in the class, being offered for the first time this fall, learn about all aspects of media including public service announcements, digital citizenship, advertising, podcasting, broadcast journalism and more. "Listening to the guest speaker was very interesting because I learned how certain cartoon shows were made and composed," said Liah Rodriguez Hidalgo. "I found it super cool how they were made, so now I understand how precise and detailed the making of the episode has to be." Liam-Jace McKenzie said he enjoyed the guest speaker because he was knowledgeable and "worked at cool places like Nickelodeon and PBS Kids." Carrasquillo said, "This class teaches students how to tell a story through all different mediums. Guest speakers from all aspects of media including content producers, anchors, reporters, directors, marketing and advertising show students that there is so much more to media than talking in front of a camera.” Pilnik is currently the associate producer for the Kids’ Media & Education Department at the WNET Group/Thirteen, New York’s flagship PBS station. He works on the PBS Kids’ series,”Cyberchase,” and has also worked on “The Plate Club,” “Count on Junesville,” “Wordsville,” and many other programs.  Carrasquillo said she chose Pilnik as a speaker because he has worked on shows that students would recognize from Nickelodeon and PBS Kids, and he is an Emmy winner for his work. The students learned what a content producer does and what goes into creating a children’s cartoon.    New Rochelle Students and Alumni Honored Six New Rochelle High School students and alumni were recognized by New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera for their career-focused achievements at a dinner highlighting Rivera’s investment in New Rochelle youth. The three students and three alumni all participated in workforce readiness programs offered by the New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club through a grant from the Mariano Rivera Foundation. Three young people graduated from the Culinary Career Pathway Program, and three completed the Police Career Pathway Program. “This program taught me discipline, structure, and what it truly means to serve and protect,” said Andrew Romero, a senior and graduate of the Police Career program. “It gave me the confidence to step into new opportunities and prepared me for my future as a police officer.” Students gained field experience in professional kitchens and in the New Rochelle Police Department, as well as training in resume building, job interview skills, and financial literacy.   Cameron Mack, a sophomore and graduate of the Culinary Career program, said, “This program taught me so much more than recipes. I learned about teamwork, time management, and leadership. One of my favorite experiences was stepping into the role of head chef.” Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO Becky Mazzanobile thanked Rivera and the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation “for its investment and guidance of our young adults’ career dreams. We are also thrilled and humbled that Mr. Rivera publicly commended our youths for their accomplishments during such a high-profile event.” The young people were recognized at the 3rd Annual Mariano Rivera Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, N.Y.  Rivera took time to reflect on his commitment to the youth.  “I have 652 career saves, but 653 is the one where we help those in need. That's most important because we’re not saving games, we’re saving lives,” said Rivera, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a dominant relief pitcher. “Someone gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of it. That’s why we want to create that opportunity for someone less fortunate. Hopefully, they take that same challenge and opportunity and run with it. This is something special; we’re always pushing forward to help those in need.” The Boys & Girls Club was awarded a grant from the Foundation to launch seven innovative career pathways benefiting as many as 800 or more adults ages 18-24 over three years. New Rochelle High School students Romero and Mack were recognized along with Cesar Vargas, a sophomore and graduate of the Culinary program; and graduates, Tylek Saunders, who completed the Culinary program, and Ryan Gustas and Vianney Godinez, both of whom graduated from the Police program.  Photo L to R: Cameron Mack, NRHS Sophomore; Ajee' Davis-Burley, Innovative Workforce and Career Development Program Project Manager; Andrew Romero, NRHS Senior; Vianny Godinez, NRHS alumna; Mariano Rivera; Becky Mazzanobile, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO; William Iannuzzi, CSDNR Board of Education President and Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Chief Program Officer; and alumni Gustavo Morales, Ryan Gustas, and Tylek Saunders; and Cesar Vargas, NRHS Sophomore. Harvesting Change: Fighting Food Waste in New Rochelle Schools To City School District of New Rochelle teachers who care about the environment, the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation has a job for you: Join its year-long food waste project. The project, “Harvesting Change: Fighting Food Waste in New Rochelle Schools with CELF,“ will explore ways to connect students to the local food systems with projects that help reduce food waste, foster sustainable local food systems, and improve public health. Educators will learn to design and implement student-led civic science projects that combine hands-on investigation, research, field trips, and community food waste prevention efforts. “We’re looking for a small cohort of kindergarten through grade 12 teachers to participate in a civic science program focused on food waste,” said Rowena Capuno, manager of education innovation for the foundation. “They will learn about composting and where food waste goes. Students will collect and analyze data with a goal of developing ways to reduce food waste in schools.” According to a Westchester County-sponsored study, the county generates nearly 190,000 tons of food waste each year including 103,000 tons of commercial food waste and 85,500 tons of residential waste. Reducing food waste helps to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources like water, land and energy, and prevent habitat loss. The food waste initiative is made possible by a grant from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. The grant provides stipends for teacher participants as well as professional development hours. Teachers who participate may choose to work with a class of students or with after-school green clubs, and students will be invited to present their findings at the annual student symposium at Mercy University in May. “We like to bring teachers together to collaborate and think about the work they’re doing in their classrooms and think about how that can spread and become part of school culture,” said Vicky Garufi Loiacono, director of education for CELF, adding that this can be accomplished through place-based education such as garden and greenhouse clubs in local schools. The kickoff for the initiative will take place on November 5 at CompostED in Valhalla at 4:30 p.m.    High School Social Studies Students Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Justice, identity, and the continuing struggle for Latino civil rights were the topics of a panel discussion hosted by the New Rochelle High School Social Studies Department on October 8. Student panelists included students Kalee Mejia and Alani Galvan, who began with a presentation on the role of Latinos in the Civil Rights Movement and important issues affecting the Latino community today.  “No matter our age, we have power, and most importantly, we have a voice that can amplify our people’s struggles,” said Galvan.   Guest panelists included Dr. Jimena Perry, an Iona University Latin American historian; NRHS teacher Alexis Velez; and Martin Sanchez Rojas, advocate and union activist, who shared messages of strength and encouragement.  “Celebrate diversity and appreciate the different cultures and traditions that make up a community,” said Sanchez. “We must find a niche, a purpose that is specific and practical, to help our community. We come from a strong people who have resisted and succeeded against tyranny before.”   “It is essential to know our own histories and stories—and to take pride in them. Remaining silent in the face of injustice is no longer an option; we must protest, dissent, and actively participate whenever we can. Events like this panel, organized by students, are both timely and powerful in inspiring others, fostering dialogue, and promoting Latino presence and awareness,” said Dr. Perry.  The discussion concluded with junior poet Casandra Gonzalez Diaz reading a poem she wrote: “My People, Our Voice,” “Mi Gente, Nuestra Voz.”   Social Studies teachers Velez and Christian Figueroa planned events throughout Hispanic Heritage month, including a student-taught class on the Civil Rights Movement, where students shared the roles Latinos played in education, civil rights, and labor rights. Students researched and highlighted Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and Dr. Antonia Pantoja (ASPIRA), among others, and examined Supreme Court Cases that had directly affected the Latino community, such as Mendez v. Westminster, Hernandez v. Texas, and Miranda v. Arizona. Students and Community Leaders participate in a panel discussion about key Latino/Latina issues and individuals in the Civil Rights Movement.  Student presenters share their research and findings with the class. Trinity Scholars Share Hispanic Heritage Month Lessons Video by Hilaire Escaladas Morganti Honored as Part of Italian American Heritage Month Celebration Congratulazioni to Italian language teacher Melissa Morganti who was recognized by the City of New Rochelle at its Italian American Heritage Month ceremony.  Morganti has taught Italian in our school district for 23 years and has served as the advisor for the Italian Culture Club and Italian Honor Society. The hundreds of students with whom she has shared her passion for Italian language and culture include our current Board of Education President and New Rochelle High School alumnus William Iannuzzi.  The recognition ceremony and flag raising was held in the City Hall rotunda on October 10 and was well attended by community members and city officials to honor the vibrant legacy and rich culture of Italian Americans throughout history and their continued impact on our society.  “I’m deeply grateful to my family, my students, my colleagues, and to this wonderful community that continues to celebrate its heritage with pride and heart. Thank you for this honor! It is one I will never forget!” said Morganti.  Along with Morganti, the city celebrated Westchester County Clerk and former New Rochelle Mayor Tim Idoni, and City Councilmember and businessman Al Tarantino.  Science Teachers Shine at Mercy University STEM Educators Conference City School District of New Rochelle Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers fueled their passion for STEAM education this past weekend at Mercy University’s annual K-12 STEM Educators Conference. The event gathers teachers from across the country to share best practices, inspire one another, and share ideas for making science class innovative and captivating.  The conference covered a wide range of topics, including robotics, engineering challenges, art, and gardening. New Rochelle teachers from Webster Elementary, Columbus Elementary, Jefferson Elementary School, and New Rochelle High School shared their work and their commitment to engaging science education at all grade levels.  Mercy University is now recruiting staff and faculty for the fifth cohort of its Wipro Science Education Fellowship “Reimagined” program to lead science-related passion projects. “Attending this conference always brings a smile to my face. I enjoy learning from others and supporting colleagues throughout the district, and their desire to help others thrive in their work,” said Aimee Ferguson, a Jefferson teacher and District Science Liaison for Wipro Science Education Fellows. “I am fortunate to work in a district that is innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking in how science can be meaningful for all.”  Wipro will hold a Zoom informational session on October 28 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Interested teachers can register here: https://forms.gle/yEeJfjnEZdQ1Fbsq6 Sights and Sounds from Around the District "How Well Do You Know Me?" to Foster Unity New Rochelle City Council Member Martha Lopez, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez have unveiled a pilot program, “How Well Do You Know Me?,” designed to empower young adults to serve as ambassadors for inclusive change by fostering dialogue, empathy and understanding across diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in the City of New Rochelle. The initiative responds to urgent social trends, an escalation in hate crimes and the rapid growth of racial and ethnic diversity among youths in Westchester County, all underscoring the need to nurture meaningful connections. Youths ages 17-24 who live, work or attend school in New Rochelle or surrounding communities can apply at http://bit.ly/4nEqRji. Photo: From left, City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, New Rochelle Council Member Martha Lopez, Miriam Cattan (a supporter of Council Member Lopez), Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO Becky Mazzanobile, Assemblyman Steve Otis, and Boys & Girls Club Chief Program Officer William Iannuzzi.   Isaac Meet the Teacher and Glow Together   Albert Leonard Co-Curricular Fair Columbus Workshops Dr. Reynolds dropped by Columbus Elementary to greet families at an ENL workshop coordinated by AnneMarie Virtudes and Gayle Davis. Songcatchers Serenade Green Schools Committee Thank You, Board of Education Trustees! School Board Appreciation Week   Athletics Girls Varsity Soccer Headed to Playoffs!!! After an incredible season where they left everything on the field, the girls' varsity soccer team advanced to the Section 1 Class AAA playoffs. Game 1 is Friday, Oct. 24, against Mamaroneck, whom they have already defeated twice this season.  “The girls have shown leadership, perseverance, and respect this entire season,” said Coach and New Rochelle High School History Teacher Heather Manley. “They have earned their place in the Section, and I’m so proud of all they have accomplished. They have represented our school community with pride, and I look forward to watching the girls give it their all this Friday.”  The game will take place at Mamaroneck High School, and all students, staff, and community members are invited to attend and cheer our team on to victory. The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the Quarterfinals, to be played Monday, Oct. 27, at John Jay-East Fishkill.  Photos by William Moscowitz-Urbas Girls Soccer  New Rochelle 6, Spring Valley 0 New Rochelle 3, Mamaroneck 1 Boys Varsity Soccer #1 Seed Heading to Playoffs!!! Congratulations to the New Rochelle High School Boys’ Varsity Soccer team on a tremendous fall season thus far! The boys finished the regular season with a 12–2–2 record and, in the process, won Section 1’s League A Championship. They are also seeded #1 in the Sectional Tournament, which will begin on Tuesday, October 28, with a 5 p.m. kickoff. The boys’ successful regular season also sees them ranked #6 in the latest New York State Sports Writers’ Association weekly rankings. This is the fifth week in a row the boys are ranked amongst the best teams in New York State. The team has also been featured in The Journal News' top 10 ranking for the last five weeks, ranked #1 in the Section for three consecutive weeks and five weeks in total as a top 10 team. "Thank you to all the boys and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and for making The City of New Rochelle proud," said Head Coach Jarohan Garcia. "Come and support the boys!"   Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 1, Mamaroneck 2 New Rochelle 3, Suffern 1  New Rochelle 0, North Rockland 2 New Rochelle 2, Tuckahoe 0 Photo by Bobby Begun Varsity Football New Rochelle 20, Mamaroneck 40 New Rochelle 7, Clarkstown South 28 Port Chester Invitational for Modified Middle School Cross Country Coach Krystal Dixon Girls Varsity Volleyball  New Rochelle 2, Mamaroneck 3 New Rochelle 3, White Plains 1  New Rochelle 0, North Rockland 3  New Rochelle 3, Tuckahoe 1 Boys Varsity Soccer  New Rochelle 1, Scarsdale 1  New Rochelle 2, Mount Vernon 0 New Rochelle 1, Byram Hills 0 New Rochelle 1, John Jay 3 Check out all the great community events happening now!   Click here for community events

Thursday, Oct 23 2025

News from Our Schools October 9, 2025

News from Our Schools October 9, 2025 Top Honors: Hartzman and Seelenfreund named Salutatorian, Valedictorian The City School District of New Rochelle has named Cory Seelenfreund as Valedictorian and Scarlett Hartzman as Salutatorian for the Class of 2026. Both students are incredibly gifted academically, with a wide array of interests ranging from science research and orchestra to crocheting and playing pickleball. Seelenfreund’s weighted grade point average is 106.49, and Hartzman is just one point away with 105.94.  Seelenfreund is an award-winning science researcher with a first-place international award in mathematics and the recipient of the prestigious Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication. He is also President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a participant in the top ensemble in New York State for clarinet performance. As president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Seelenfreund raised the group’s profile by arranging performances in various locations around the high school and organizing the first-ever Tri-M Concert. He also volunteers with Songcatchers, a not-for-profit group that provides musical instruction to children who cannot access traditional lessons. “The past three years have challenged me in so many ways, but they’ve also pushed me to grow,” said Seelenfreund. “Being named valedictorian is an incredible honor, and I’m so grateful for the support of my teachers, friends, and family. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I wish the entire Class of 2026 all the best as we take our next steps forward together.” Like Seelenfreund, Hartzman has devoted much of her time to science research and musical pursuits, but she, too, has made time for fun. Hartzman founded and is president of the Crochet Club, also participates in the Robotics Club and the Chess Club.   She has also received numerous awards for her science research. These include being the Winner of the Provost New American University ISEF Scholarship and Grand Prize Winner at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) 2025. "I'd like to thank all my wonderful teachers from my 14 years in New Rochelle public schools. It's an incredible honor to be named Salutatorian of New Rochelle High School. I'm excited to continue my journey and inspire others as my teachers and peers have inspired me," said Hartzman. Six Named Commended National Merit Scholars Six New Rochelle High School seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students – Gabrielle Cohen, Carlos Del Aguila, Samuel Cave, Claire Sehdeva, Maxwell Smith, and Noah Yairi – earned this distinction based on their performance on last year’s Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). They join about 34,000 students, out of 1.3 million who took the test, to be recognized for high achievement. “These types of achievements only reaffirm the high quality of students that we are privileged to serve,” said New Rochelle High School Principal Dr. Dagberto Artiles. “These students are a direct representation of what happens in the classrooms across the entire New Rochelle High School campus and the level of rigor that our nearly 3,000 students are exposed to on a daily basis.” According to NMSC, “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.”  NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by about 300 business organizations, higher education institutions, and individual donors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.   Flying, Oozing, Floating, and Gravity - It’s All Part of the Jefferson Elementary Science Fair Nicholas Cracco with third grader Lukas C and fourth grader Alexa C First Grade Teacher Ali Terry with first grader Jade M Jefferson Elementary School hosted a Family Science Party on September 30, thanks to a generous donation from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. The party was the culminating event of the first month of school, focused on engineering, but also included arts with the Westchester Children’s Museum. Families from kindergarten through fifth grade participated.  “It’s our pleasure to collaborate on impactful events such as this one!” said Boys & Girls Club Enrollment Marketing Manager Jerez Giles. “Another Jefferson STEAM Night in the books, and it only gets better from here.” Giles thanked Jefferson and its teachers for their partnership and support in promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and looked forward to hosting more such events. Third graders who came to the party gave it rave reviews. “The science party was fun,” said Lucas R. “My favorite was the ramp with the balls. It was my favorite because the ramp made it fun with trick shots, and I really like the experiments.” Leah M. said, “I learned that the flying station could fly. The plastic plate could fly in the air. When I taped my name on the gym wall, it was fun to be at the science party.”  “I made a paper plate airplane. And Mrs. Maria helped me with a paper airboat. And I liked it so much because I moved the stars and created artwork and found treasures,” said Alexis P.   “My favorite is the paper airplane because I got to fly my paper airplane,” said Eric R.  “My favorite part was the blocks,” said Olivia B. “Me and my friend Isabella made a big car! I made my name with tape. And I made a mask with peacock paper and feathers.” Juliet S. said, “I loved the science party because I did blocks and paper flyers, and lava explosions.” The emphasis on science continues this month, with Jefferson and other science teachers from the school district participating in Mercy University’s STEM Conference. New Rochelle High Senior Wins ACT-SO Competition in Medicine and Health New Rochelle Senior Breana Sinkfield-Tyler is the winner of the 2025 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition. Breana took the Gold in the Medicine and Health category.  “I was really surprised when I found out I had won because there were so many impressive presentations in the medicine and health category,” said Sinkfield-Tyler, whose research project focused on the treatment of rare blood cancers. Sinkfield-Tyler said she was particularly grateful to the New Rochelle Science Research Program for allowing her to explore her interest in hematology/oncology. Sinkfield-Tyler learned about the competition from Joe Andrews, a security guard at New Rochelle High School and advisor to the New Rochelle Citywide NAACP Youth Council. “I was excited to participate in an activity that highlights Black students, their academic interests, and their cultural identity,” she said. Sinkfield-Tyler said she has been interested in medicine since early childhood, having been inspired by her aunt, Chanel Tyler, a New Rochelle High School alum. “My interest grew specifically in hematology/oncology as I have many friends and family members who have been impacted by blood diseases, disorders, and cancers,” she said. After high school, Sinkfield-Tyler said she hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology, followed by pursuing an MD-PhD. Her long-term goal is to create clinical trials and increase research representation for understudied and underserved populations. In addition to taking home the Gold from the ACT-SO competition, Sinkfield-Tyler serves as secretary of the NAACP Youth Council in New Rochelle and runs an organization called “Hope Runs Red.” The organization, which advocates for people with blood diseases, has chapters in six states and Japan. It has raised about $5,000 for the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders, and has partnered with the Hemophilia Association of NY and the Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach. “We are currently looking to share stories of resilience and hope,” said Sinkfield-Tyler. “Anyone who is looking to share their story or support our organization can visit our website (hoperunsred.org).” Pinwheels of Peace Whirled at Columbus Elementary for International Peace Day Columbus Elementary marked Peace Day, which was September 21, with a beautiful, vibrant display on the front lawn: a field of handmade pinwheels creating a tribute to “whirled peace.”  Fifth grade teacher Carolyn Paradiso guided her students as they brought the project to life. The students brainstormed the concept, communicated its goals, and organized the collection of the handcrafted pinwheels, and finally, planted them in the ground for the whole community to enjoy.  The students were thrilled with the result, saying, “We loved sharing our beautiful display with the neighborhood. Look! Our wishes are spinning in the wind!”  The display caught the community’s attention, with neighbors stopping by to take photos and express their appreciation of the students’ thoughtful and colorful work.    Webster Students Celebrate International Day of Peace with Song Daniel Webster Magnet School students celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 22 with the Webster traditions of ringing the Peace Bell, making Pinwheels for Peace, and singing a song of peace under the direction of music teacher Heidi Jaye.  The day commemorates the founding ideals of the United Nations to promote peace, end conflict, and foster global cooperation. This year’s theme was “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” Click here to enjoy the students’ song.    Hispanic Heritage Celebrated with Poetry, Dance and Critical Thought “Poetry can be a tool for change because the stronger your words are, the more you can influence the people reading and push them to make a change.” That was one student’s take during an event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, hosted by the New Rochelle High School Library in conjunction with the Social Studies and ELA Departments, highlighted the history and legacy of the Young Lords Party, a New York City-based Puerto Rican activist group that played a key role in the late 1960s civil rights movement.  The event featured interactive and student-led stations on topics such as the Young Lords Party platform and the role of women in the movement. Students also explored the Young Lords’ lasting impact on education, health care, and community empowerment. A group of ELA students selected by their teachers led their peers in readings of poems of resilience inspired by the Young Lords Party. When asked what struggle or dreams reflected in the poems that were shared still resonates today, students cited racism, inequality, unequal pay, and poverty.  However, there was also pride in their Hispanic and Latino heritage and hope for a better future as more people participate in civic life. Members of the Social Studies Honor Society presented to their peers, fostering meaningful dialogue and peer-to-peer learning. Their presentations encouraged students to reflect on the relevance of the Young Lords’ activism today.   While Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, the City School District of New Rochelle celebrates Hispanic and other cultures year-round. In addition to the library event, this special time has featured announcements highlighting Hispanic/Latino history, achievements, and culture.  At the Albert Leonard Middle School, students in Spanish 2 researched prominent Hispanic and Latino figures in science, sports, music, and the arts, and posted their findings on bulletin boards for all to see. In one celebration, Spanish teacher Katherine Carew hosted a Zumba session for students on the blacktop, bringing energy, movement, and joy to the school community. Italian Heritage Month Gets a Sweet Start at Albert Leonard Middle School Albert Leonard Middle School kicked off October with a delicious and educational celebration of Italian Heritage Month.  Foreign Language Teacher Dominic Maida led staff in a hands-on cannoli cream-making class. He not only taught how to make cannoli, but also about pastry’s Sicilian roots and its special place in Italian-American culture. Mr. Maida offered linguistic insight into the delicacy. “The word ‘cannoli’ is Italian, meaning ‘little tubes,’ which refers to the cylindrical shape of the fried pastry shells that hold the sweet ricotta cheese filling,” he explained. “The word is the plural form of cannolo, a diminutive of canna, meaning ‘reed’ or ‘cane,’ referencing the tubes used to form the shells.” It was a wonderful experience that blended food, history, and language, setting a rich and engaging tone for the month ahead at the middle school.      Student Representative Takes A Seat on the School Board New Rochelle High School senior Kamryn Tung has been named the 2025-2026 student representative to the Board of Education for the City School District of New Rochelle. Tung, who has been active in Student Government, was chosen by the 2025 Student Government Board. The state Legislature mandated the inclusion of a non-voting student representative on all school boards in a law that took effect on July 1. “The Student Government wanted to select a student who participated in the previous elections,” said Principal Dr. Dagberto Artiles.  “Kamryn fit the bill, as she ran and is already well-known by the student body.”   When the new law was passed, Melinda Person spoke of the benefits of student participation.  “Educators know our students have valuable insight that should be included as we strive to best support our public schools. Bringing them into the school board process will show students their voices matter, and it will show officials and district leaders how their actions are perceived by our kids,” said Person, president of the New York State United Teachers, a 700,000-member union. “Most importantly, involving students in local governance processes now will empower them with the skills and habits to strengthen their communities through civic engagement in the future.” HBCU Fair Broadens Student Horizons and Choices Kamala Harris. Spike Lee. Samuel Jackson. Thurgood Marshall. Toni Morrison. These are just a few of the accomplished and influential people who have graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). To raise awareness of HBCUs, New Rochelle High School held a HBCU fair on Sept. 27. More than 50 New Rochelle High School seniors joined their peers from Westchester County schools to participate, learning about admissions requirements, school majors, financial aid, and more.  “It is important to host HBCU College Fairs for our students because of the unique cultural and social experiences HBCUs offer. We want to showcase not only the prominent HBCUs such as Howard and Spelman, but also those that are less well-known to broaden students' college choices. HBCUs offer a strong sense of community, historical significance, and pride that can truly change a person's life,” said Director of Guidance Leah Lugoviña-Freitas.   The HBCU Fair preceded this week’s “College Week” at NRHS, where students participate in college-related activities. Those include Portfolio Day, where top art and design schools review and critique students’ artwork and offer helpful tips; Wear a College Shirt Day; and college application support for seniors during and after school.  In addition to the high school Guidance Department, organizers, community volunteers, and donors include Joe Andrews, Iman Sabree, Niema Jones, William Brickle, and the NAACP of New Rochelle. The Zonta Club, Bridges Program from School To Work, Beta Psi Sigma Inc. of Westchester, and Amy Gonzales from the Westchester Library Alliance were on hand to help students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Participating schools included:  Cheyney State University  Lincoln University  Howard University  Hampton University  Wilberforce University  Coppin State University  Maryland Eastern Shore Morris Brown College  Clark Atlanta University  Monroe University  Westchester County Community College  Alumni Investor Returns to High School to Share Stock Trading Wisdom A 2014 New Rochelle High School graduate returned to his former economics class recently with a message: Invest in your future. Trevor Benevento, a self-taught stock trader, told students that financial success is possible for everyone, not just those on Wall Street. Benevento, who works for the City School District of New Rochelle Facilities Department, credited Darren Gurney’s Economics class with inspiring him to pursue investing. Benevento’s presentation focused on practical strategies, risk management, and long-term financial habits. “Put money in as soon as you’re able to open a stock portfolio,” he said. “Essentially, make a good pick, get good at it. You’re also going to make some bad picks, but that’s alright - those serve as a learning experience.”  His real-world approach resonated with the students.  “Mr. Benevento knew what he was talking about and is very passionate about stocks,” said senior Rafael Calazans. “He told us to set a goal and standard before buying a stock and to set a stop-loss. He also mentioned how earnings reports are crucial and how to analyze (price-to-earnings) PE ratios.”                                                                         For students with limited financial experience, Benevento’s practical, non-academic perspective was valuable. Senior Scarlett Hartzman said: “As someone with limited knowledge of investing, I found that hearing from a self-taught guest speaker, Trevor Benevento, helped me truly understand the path to financial freedom - without having to work on Wall Street.” Sights and Sounds from Around the District Welcome, New Teachers and Staff to the School District!   NRHS PTA Officers Sing Lee Lathan and Leah Rogove welcome Dr. Merica Neufville, along with Facilities Department staffer Leonard Sweeting and NRHS Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. Dr. Corey Reynolds and Dr. Artiles congratulate NRHS Forensics Teacher Scott Rubins after he is presented with a certificate honoring him as the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations' High School Forensic Educator of the Year at the Board of Education meeting October 7. Athletics Photo by Bobby Begun Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 2, Scarsdale B, 0 New Rochelle 2, Scarsdale 1 Girls Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 3, Scarsdale B, 1 New Rochelle 3, Ossining 2 New Rochelle 3, Mount Vernon 0 New Rochelle 1, Scarsdale 3 Girls Junior Varsity Soccer New Rochelle 0, White Plains 3 New Rochelle 1, Clarkstown South 2 Girls Varsity Soccer New Rochelle 1, White Plains 2  Varsity Football New Rochelle 8, Scarsdale 34 Boys Varsity Soccer New Rochelle 0, Scarsdale 3 New Rochelle 2, White Plains 1 New Rochelle 3, Port Chester 1 Check out all the great community events happening now! Click here for community events  

Thursday, Oct 09 2025

News from Our Schools September 25, 2025

News from Our Schools September 25, 2025 PTA Council Hosts Welcome Back Event It takes a city to launch a new school year. That’s why PTAs from every school in the district gathered with city, state, and City School District of New Rochelle leaders, community groups, and stakeholders for a Welcome Back event at New Rochelle High School on Sept. 8. “It was amazing to see everyone come together with such positivity and excitement for the new year,” said Leah Rogove, president of the PTA Council, which organized the event sponsored, in part, by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence. “It was successful because of the efforts of people on the executive team, the enthusiasm of people in our community and the stellar support of the district administration.” Speakers included Rogove; Board of Ed President William Iannuzzi; Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert; My Brother's Keeper Program Coordinator Nate Adams; the Executive Board of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence; and Dr. Olivine Roberts, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, who spoke on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds. State Sen. Shelley Mayer attended the event but did not speak. Also at the event, the PTA Council’s Bridging Futures partnered with My Brother’s Keeper to unveil a new initiative: New Rochelle Reads. The campaign seeks to make reading visible, celebrated, and aspirational; to highlight peers and community figures championing literacy; and to align district, city, not-for-profits, and families in creating a culture of literacy in New Rochelle. Co-chairs of the initiative are Adams, Rogove, and Sing Lee Lathan, vice president of the PTA Council and president of the high school PTSA.  A book will be selected each month for grades kindergarten and first, second and third, and fourth and fifth. Public Service Announcements featuring community members reading excerpts from the chosen books will air in classrooms, at the library, on Trinity TV broadcasts on YouTube, the PTA, and My Brother's Keeper websites, and at local government events.  The campaign will also feature a Book Buddies program, pairing older elementary readers with younger readers. With help from literacy coaches, the Buddy program will strengthen the reading skills of both mentors and mentees, build community, and develop leadership in mentors. “We want to promote the joy of reading,” said Lathan. “Reading is not just about learning facts; it is about learning to be confident, to be part of a community, and to take pride in academics.” Scott Rubins Named National High School Forensic Educator of the Year New Rochelle teacher Scott Rubins has been named National High School Forensic Educator of the Year for 2025. The award, presented by the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, recognizes exceptional teaching that inspires student interest and deepens understanding of the field. Rubins received the award on September 18. "Scott's recognition as Educator of the Year is just the latest in a long string of accomplishments," said Dr. Dagberto Artiles, principal of New Rochelle High School. "We are so proud of his work and the benefits it brings to our students." Rubins’ innovative and immersive program at New Rochelle High School enrolls up to 150 students a year, inspiring many to continue their studies in college or pursue careers in law enforcement. His class has received international recognition and has been featured by major media outlets including the Associated Press, New York Times, CBS, ABC and News 12. At its core, the class challenges students to think critically and empowers them to do the real work of crime scene investigators and forensic scientists. Working with the New Rochelle Police Department and a team of former student volunteers, Rubins administers a mock crime scene final exam each spring. "This class is about teaching the students to think and process in a way they never have, the 'forensics' part is just the icing on the cake," said Rubins. "The forensic science class allows the students to do the work of real forensic scientists and crime scene investigators, making what they do authentic. Using real cases, I challenge them to go beyond their comfort zone, which allows them to apply what they have learned in class."  In February, Rubins published a peer-reviewed article in the prestigious Journal of Forensic Science Education titled “Authentic Assessment: Using Authentic Assessment to Foster and Improve Learning Through a Mock Crime Scene Final Exam in a High School and College Level Forensic Science Course.” Aimed at secondary science teachers, the article offers a comprehensive guide to creating and using a mock crime scene final exam. All stages of crime scene investigation are covered from scene assessment to evidence gathering to courtroom presentation. Students are evaluated on correct procedures, evidence integrity and overall understanding.  Now in his 29th year as a science teacher at New Rochelle High School, Rubins is also an adjunct professor in the Forensic Science Department at Syracuse University and was an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University. He holds Master’s Degrees in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and in Educational Leadership from the College of New Rochelle. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University. He is a member of the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists and was formerly a member of the World Trade Center Dental Identification Team in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City. ArtsFest Comes to New Rochelle Schools This year’s ArtsFest will bring art, poetry, and dance to New Rochelle High School and Albert Leonard Middle School as part of the citywide festival sponsored by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts.  ArtsFest, which runs from Oct. 16 through 19, will feature programs at 42 venues across the city, including an art exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) at the high school and a dance festival at the middle school. These events will not only expose students to the arts, they will feature student work and performances. The art exhibit, titled Still/Life, will take place at both the Museum of Arts and Culture at the high school and at the Rotunda Gallery at New Rochelle City Hall. Already on display at City Hall, the exhibit will be open to the public at the MAC on Oct. 18 from 11 am to 3 pm.  As a result of a partnership among the Arts Council, Arts Westchester, and the New Rochelle High School Poetry Club, the exhibit opening at the MAC will feature a reading by Westchester County Poet Laureate Phyllis Valenzuela. Valenzuela’s poems were written in response to the art on display. Westchester’s Youth Poet Laureate Harmony Hopwood, a New Rochelle High School senior, and members of the high school Poetry Club will also read poems inspired by the art from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. In addition, a Zine will be created featuring the artwork and student poetry. Students in Olivia Thompson’s English classes and members of the Poetry Club met with Valenzuela on September 16 to hear about her approach to art and draw inspiration for their own poems. The exhibit features works by 11 artists – Lisa Archigian, Mia Brownell, Suzanne Butler Richardson, Erika Hibbert, Emmanuelle Loiselle, Michael Manning, Moira McCaul, Kristen Osterberg, Christian Salvati, Scott Seaboldt, and Ben Quesnel -- that elevate ordinary objects into personal artifacts. The ArtsFest Dance Festival, a beloved feature of ArtsFest, moves to the middle school this year, offering the same free showcase of dance performances by professional companies and local schools on Saturday, October 18, from 3 to 5 pm and Sunday, October 19, from 3 to 5 pm. Fourteen professional and amateur companies, including NRHS PAVE dancers, will perform.  “Each year we curate two unique dance performances where we highlight our local dance schools interspersed with professional dance troupes from both Westchester and New York City,” said Monica Deane, DanceFest organizer. “Our performances are well attended -- full house -- and the audiences experience the joy of watching a mixture of non-professional and professional dancers perform in a supportive venue.” New Huguenot Academy Director Named Huguenot Academy has a new Director: Dr. Merica Neufville. Dr. Neufville comes to New Rochelle with more than 20 years experience, having most recently served as a middle school principal in the Carmel School District and as an administrator in the Yonkers School District. “We’re very excited about her addition to the team,” said Dr. Dagberto Artiles, principal of New Rochelle High School. “What came through in the screenings and interviews was her ability to connect with people and build relationships.” The Board of Education approved Dr. Neufville’s appointment at its September 18 meeting, following an extensive search involving parents, students, teachers, and administrators. Multiple meetings were held with stakeholders to develop a leadership profile for the new director, which led to Dr. Neufville’s hiring. Dr. Neufville earned her Doctor of Education degree from St. John Fisher University and completed her undergraduate work with a degree in School Administration in Supervision from Mercy University. She began her education career as a mathematics teacher in the Greenburgh Central School District.  Dr. Neufville’s first day at Huguenot Academy was September 22. She has signed a three-year contract with the City School District of New Rochelle.  “Dr. Neufville is unbelievably dynamic and a great get for the district,” said Leah Rogove, president of the New Rochelle PTA Council.    Orton-Gillingham Training Focuses on Literacy Twenty-two City School District of New Rochelle staff members completed intensive training this summer in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a highly effective tool for teaching literacy. The training boosts the district’s efforts to celebrate and support reading for all learners. Made possible with funding from the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence and the Harold Anfang Foundation, the training follows preliminary state data showing improved literacy scores in grades three through eight and the launch of the New Rochelle Reads initiative. New Rochelle Reads, a districtwide effort to promote literacy, is sponsored by the PTA Council, Building Futures, and My Brother’s Keeper. "All of these efforts are aimed at creating strong, enthusiastic readers who are confident and capable of learning," said Dr. Nicolas Cracco, executive director for Educational Leadership and Early Learning. Orton-Gillingham instruction is a phonics-based, structured, direct, multisensory approach to literacy. It teaches students to connect sounds to letters, building syllables and words from there. It also uses all of the student’s senses to reinforce learning. A student learning the sound for the letter B, for example, would say the sound and then trace the letter in the air or a tray of sand, flooding the brain with information through different pathways. Originally developed to help students with dyslexia or other reading challenges, Orton Gillingham has been found to help all readers gain fluency by seeing, saying, sounding out, and writing letters.  The district’s focus on literacy is already making a difference. In preliminary results from the state Education Department Testing Program, New Rochelle students in grades three through eight scored 52% proficiency in English Language Arts, up six percentage points from the previous year and only one point below the state average. “These results are very encouraging and most impressive,” said Dr. Corey Reynolds, superintendent of schools. “The results are a testament to our students’ hard work and focus, and to our educators’ commitment to excellence. We are excited to see our teachers’ and administrators’ collective instructional efforts lead to real academic gains, and we will continue to build on this momentum.”  New ParentSquare Security Measure Coming ParentSquare is launching new security measures in October to better protect City School District of New Rochelle staff data and accounts. Multi-factor authentication will be required for all staff members who log in with a password. By requiring multiple forms of verification, multi-factor authentication helps prevent account takeovers by attackers who only have a password and protects against cyberattacks that rely on stolen credentials, such as phishing. If you sign in with a password, you will receive a verification code to the email or phone number you used to log in. You’ll then enter this code to complete the sign-in process. This added security should help prevent malicious actors from gaining access to personal information or using accounts to send inappropriate or misleading information to the community. Sights and Sounds from Around the District New Rochelle Street Fair School District staff partnered with members of the PTA Council to spread school spirit at the New Rochelle Street Fair on September 13. Carl T. Thurnau Intern Honored Facilities Department summer intern Joshua Rodriguez was recognized at the September 18 Board of Education meeting. He is pictured with Facilities Department Director Keith Watkins. Ward PTA Back to School Party   Athletics New Ro Team Wins Amateur Athletic Union Championship For the third consecutive year, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) hosted the Times Square Takeover basketball tournament, but this year the champions were New Rochelle students! On September 14, Coach Deparis Banks from Ward and Barnard's Emma Silva took five students to participate in the event. The AAU 3-on-3 tournament is organized with the New York Police Department as part of the AAU Cares - Urban Initiative Program, which provides participation opportunities for historically underserved youth. Teams of more than 100 2nd through 12th graders played on half courts set up on Broadway and the 45th through 48th Street Pedestrian Plaza.  “Watching our New Rochelle kids shine in the heart of Times Square was bigger than basketball — it was about proving that with opportunity, dedication, and teamwork, they can compete and win on any stage, said Coach Banks.” Varsity Football New Rochelle 8, Scarsdale 34 New Rochelle 13, Arlington 28 Girls Varsity Soccer New Rochelle 1, White Plains 2 New Rochelle 1, Mamaroneck 0  New Rochelle 2, Ossining 3 New Rochelle 0, Scarsdale 0 Girls Junior Varsity Soccer New Rochelle 0, White Plains 3 New Rochelle 3, Ossining 1 New Rochelle 1, Scarsdale 1 Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 2, Scarsdale B, 0 New Rochelle 2, Port Chester 0 New Rochelle 2, Mount Vernon 0 Girls Varsity Volleyball New Rochelle 3, Scarsdale B, 1 New Rochelle 2, Port Chester 3 New Rochelle 3, Mount Vernon 0 Girls Varsity Swimming New Rochelle 47, Harrison 47 New Rochelle 86, Wappingers Falls 81 Boys Cross Country New Rochelle Boys Cross Country traveled to the Queensbury Adirondack Invitational Meet: The varsity team placed 4th of 28 teams, edged out by W. Melville, Saratoga, and Corning, with the top five finishers all winning medals. The junior varsity and freshmen squads both brought two medals home. At the Bob Pratt Invitational Tournament, Boys Cross Country's varsity team finished 1st of 43 teams and won five top 20 medals! The junior varsity and freshmen squads also had two medal runners each. New Rochelle Cross Country is currently ranked ninth 9 in New York State. Check out all the great community events happening now! Community Events Page  

Thursday, Sep 25 2025