Welcome to 2019 - the year of PCSD!
It is hard to believe that we are at the half way point of the school year. In education, we are privileged to begin anew twice per year. In September, we begin a new school year and welcome the students with all of their smiles, hopes and excitement. In January, we welcomed them back from winter recess and have the opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and plan for how we would like to end the school year.

The first half of the school year, our principals, teachers, central office leaders and staff have been busy using data to plan for the lessons; we launched our Saturday Academy at the middle school where hundreds of family, children and community members learn and play together; our My Brother's Keeper initiative is working with our middle and high school young men to help them prepare for the future; we launched our District's mobile app; held wonderful musical concerts; a high school play and robotics competition and so much more!

We will continue this great work in the second half of the year taking full advantage of this opportunity to continue our work and address the challenges that we continue to face. Together, we can accomplish great successes for our children and the community.

Please take this the time to talk with your children on what they can do to end the school year in a positive manner (reading daily, attending school daily and on time, studying, being kind to others, etc.).  

On behalf of the Board of Education and our District staff, I wish you, your children and family a a prosperous second half of the school year. Please be sure to stay in touch via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and spread the news of all of the great things happening in the Peekskill School District. #PeekskillPride

Sincerely,
Dr. David Mauricio, Superintendent of Schools
“Seussical, Jr." Headed to the PKMS Stage this Weekend
The PKMS Drama Club recently performed selections from “Seussical, Jr.” at the Field Library! The crowd of delighted parents and children were treated to three numbers from the show. After the musical selections, young guests listened to Dr. Seuss stories read to them by the play's characters. “Seussical, Jr.” comes to the PKMS stage this Friday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, February 2 at 3:00 p.m. We hope you'll come out and enjoy the show!
Parent Resource Center
Ribbon Cutting
The Peekskill City School District is excited to announce the grand re-opening of the Lisa Rolleri Parent Resource Center at Uriah Hill Elementary! This Parent Center will serve as a welcoming center for all Peekskill parents and includes: 30 new laptops, a parent and children’s library; access to community resources and information, workshops; a children’s area…and more! Please join us as we celebrate the grand re-opening of our Parent Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. The event will include guests from our My Brother's Keeper Program. The PTO's monthly meeting will immediately follow the ribbon cutting.
PCSD Art Show Opening Reception
Our PCSD Art Show is growing! This year we'll be exhibiting at two locations - the Peekskill Coffee House will display elementary and middle school art, while the Bean Runner Cafe will display work from our high school. Please join us on Feb. 7 from 6-7 p.m. for our show's opening reception.
Hillcrest Students Recreate the Colonial Art of Tinsmithing
Our Grade 4 Hillcrest Hawks recently learned about colonial times by practicing the art of tinsmithing thanks to a collaboration with the PNW BOCES Center for Environmental Education.
Speakers Needed for PKMS
Career Day
Peekskill Middle School and the Peekskill PTO will be hosting their annual Career Day on Friday, May 17, 2019. This event was developed to demonstrate the connections between what we learn in school and how we apply it to our careers and daily lives. If you would like to participate and present, your contribution would be appreciated. Sign up online here . You may also visit the PKMS website and download a printable participation form. We ask that you reply by May 1, 2019.
Questions? Please contact June Campolongo at (914) 737 – 4542 ex: 2515 or email jcampolongo@peekskillschools.org
Teaching Artist Charles Esperanza Collaborates with Woodside Students
As part of Hudson Valley MOCA’s Teaching Artist in Residence program, children's book illustrator and author Charles Esperanza worked with Woodside Elementary's art students throughout the month of January. Using his book “Red, Yellow, Blue (and a Dash of White, Too!)” as a starting point, Esperanza teaches the science of color mixing, as well as the importance of artistic experimentation. Students are all taught how to mix primary colors using paint to create their own character illustrated in vivid secondary colors.
Peekskill High School Hosts 3 rd Annual Robotics Challenge
Each year since its inception, the Peekskill High School FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Tournament has drawn hundreds of spectators as robotics teams from across the Northeast Region spend the day competing against each other in various tasks, each hoping to advance to the upcoming Regional Championship at Pace University on February 10. This year was no exception to the norm. Peekskill High School welcomed 22 teams and over 300 attendees on Saturday, January 12 as their 3rd annual event commenced. Read the full story here.
Next Saturday Academy Planned for February 9
Our next Saturday Academy is right around the corner! This session will include special guest speaker Senator Harckham, the Peekskill Community Congress, a free play by the Children's Theater, the Two by Two Zoo and more! As always, the day starts with a free brunch at 10 a.m. Remaining 2019 Saturday Academy dates: March 9 & 23, April 27 and May 11
MBK Students Gather at Youth Bureau for MLK Celebration
Mentors and mentees from the Peekskill CSD My Brother's Keeper (MBK) program joined Board of Education members and District staff as the Peekskill Youth Bureau celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our young men put on a moving performance inspired by Dr. King's words. We congratulate Board President Mr. Michael Simpkins who was honored at the event.
Peekskill Students to Present at EagleFest on February 9
On Saturday, Feb. 9, Peekskill Middle and High School Environmental Club students, as well as the PHS Interact Club, will have educational displays and activities for children at this year's EagleFest. The event is taking place at Peekskill's Riverfront Green Park from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mark your calendar and join Peekskill Recreation for a wonderful day of eagle watching and educational activities!
Mobile Food Pantry Dates
The Mobile Food Pantry is coming to Hillcrest! Food items will be available for pick up on the following 2019 dates: February 28, March 14, April 25, May 9 and June 27. Pick up will be held from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced. We encourage our families to take advantage of this free resource. To help our efforts, we will also need volunteers to help set up, distribute food and clean up. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact chernandez@peekskillschools.org.
Winter Weather Message
We know this time of year can be challenging with inclement weather and sub-zero temperatures. With these conditions, as a school district we are forced to make tough decisions about delays, early dismissals and closings. Please know that these decisions are always made with the safety of our students and staff in mind. These calls are not made in isolation. Decisions are made by our Superintendent after consulting with district staff, local weather forecasts, the city and nearby district superintendents. We understand disruptions to our normal schedule pose challenges for our families due to childcare and work schedules, but please know these calls are made with a deep consideration for safety. While the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, and forecasts may change, we still believe it's always best to err on the side of caution. We thank you for your understanding regarding this matter.
Peekskill Board of Education
Michael Simpkins, President
Maria Pereira, Vice President

Trustees: Allen Jenkins, Jr., Pamela Hallman-Johnson, Branwen MacDonald,
Samuel North, Jillian Villon
 
Dr. David Mauricio
Superintendent of Schools