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Greetings Pearl River School District Families and Staff,
The start of the 2026-27 school year brings with it a renewed sense of energy, optimism and possibility - and we’re off to a great start! While the excitement of September is easy to see across our buildings, hallways and classrooms, a successful start begins long before students return. Throughout the summer months, our dedicated staff worked behind the scenes to prepare our schools, classrooms and programs for the academic year ahead. Our Facilities team prepared and refreshed our buildings and grounds, while technology updates and improvements helped ensure our schools were ready to support teaching and learning. Our Curriculum Office and Human Resources team worked diligently to welcome new educators and staff members to our district, and professional learning opportunities throughout the summer helped our faculty and administrators collaborate, reflect and prepare for meaningful learning.
From our youngest learners beginning their elementary educational journey to our high school seniors entering their final year with us, our buildings have been filled with energy that makes the start of a new school year so special. Students and staff have spent these first weeks reconnecting, establishing routines, building relationships and setting the foundation for the year ahead.
We have also enjoyed the opportunity to welcome our families into our schools. With Back to School Nights now complete, our teachers, administrators and families had the chance to connect, learn more about their schools and strengthen the partnership that is crucial to our K-12 students’ success.
As we move further into the 2026-27 school year, I look forward to sharing the learning, opportunities, accomplishments and moments of pride that make our District so incredible. Thank you to all of our staff for the tremendous work that goes into preparing for and launching a new school year, our families for your continued support and to our students for bringing their excitement and enthusiasm to our schools each day.
Sincerely,
Marco F. Pochintesta, Ed.D.
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Charting a Course for Connection
The newest fleet of PRMS Pirates are getting to know their new crew during Grade 5 Team Building Days - led by staff and teachers throughout the month! As these Pearl River Middle School students settle into life at their new school, these days are here to help them chart a course toward new friendships, stronger connections and a sense of belonging. Through a lineup of fun, collaborative activities with their color teams, learners are stepping outside of their comfort zones and working together. From teamwork challenges to activities that spark conversation and connection, these experiences are helping these new Pirates start the 2026-27 school year off on the right foot! More on Facebook and Instagram.
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#HelloHires: Welcoming New Faces to the PRSD
Through our #HelloHires campaign, we're introducing the newest members of our PRSD team and giving our community a glimpse into the educators who have begun their journey with us for the 2026-27 school year! Throughout the start of the academic year, check our Facebook and Instagram feeds as we spotlight new teachers right from their classrooms, sharing details about their backgrounds, experiences and what brought them to our District. From first year educators to seasoned professionals, each new #HelloHire feature brings unique talents, perspectives and experiences that enrich our schools!
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The Art of a New School Year
Picture this...the start of the 2026-27 school year filled with creativity! For Evans Park Elementary School kindergarteners, Art class serves as an opportunity to explore, experiment and become familiar with the fundamentals of art. Inside Art teacher Tom Price's classroom, these Evans Park Tigers are working on a reflective autumnal landscape drawing filled with trees, shading and warm and cool colors. As they roll up their sleeves to get to work, they're learning how to trace, draw and shade their illustrations while developing the foundational skills they'll continue to build throughout the year. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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Building Blocks of Scientific Thinking
Pearl River Middle School sixth graders are building their way toward scientific thinking! These PRMS Pirates put their problem-solving skills to work during a LEGO Science activity led by Science teacher Kelli Scanlon. As they constructed their creations, learners also practiced an important part of the scientific process: carefully following instructions, paying attention to detail and documenting how each step leads to their final conclusion. Brick by brick, step by step, students are gaining an understanding of scientific inquiry as they prepare to participate in upcoming labs and experiments. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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All Aboard for School Bus Safety!
Next stop? Bus safety! ELF students are getting a hands-on lesson in staying safe on the ride to and from school as part of ongoing bus drills taking place across the PRSD. Members of Chestnut Ridge Transportation led learners in properly boarding and exiting the school bus safely, crossing in front of the bus, and locating the emergency exits, first aid kits, seatbelt buckles and the driver's two-way radio. Throughout the 2026-27 school year, students will buckle up to take part in routine drills in accordance with New York State requirements. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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Remembering, Reflecting and Looking Forward: PRHS Honors 9/11
At Pearl River High School, students recognized the 25th anniversary of September 11th through a special 'Beyond 9/11: Rebuilding, Reforming, Recovering' museum walk-through created by Social Studies teacher Jeff Michael. Rather than focusing solely on the events on September 11th, the gallery invited PRHS Pirates to examine the days, weeks, months and years that followed through roughly 90 historical photographs and captions displayed throughout the hallways of the HS. As learners moved through the exhibit, they considered how our nation rebuilt, began the process of grieving and recovery, and ushered in reforms in the years following 9/11. They were also encouraged to connect with an adult at home about where they were on that day and record their responses in order to learn from the living memories of those who experienced it. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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Honoring History, Learning from Heroes: PRMS Honors 9/11
Students at Pearl River Middle School remembered through learning on the 25th anniversary of September 11th. PRMS Pirates across grades 5-7 engaged in thoughtful lessons, activities and discussions across ELA and Social Studies centered on 9/11, its impact and the people whose courage and service continue to shape the way we remember.
In seventh grade, students learned about Welles Crowther, the Man in the Red Bandana, identifying the positive characteristics he demonstrated and reflecting on how they emulate those qualities in their own lives. Learners also explored ways they can give their own time to help others. In sixth grade, students explored national symbols - including the 9/11 Memorial Pools, Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty - and discussed how these places help preserve our history, teach us about the past and bring people together. In fifth grade, learners listened to a read-aloud about the Man in the Red Bandana and completed a Bandanas of Bravery assignment - identifying character traits that describe a hero and reflecting on someone in their own lives who they consider a hero.
Across each grade level, the focus was not only on remembering this day in history but on the enduring lessons of courage, service, character and community. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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A New School Year Takes Off!
The PRSD excitedly welcomed all K-12 students back for the first day of the 2026-27 school year on September 2! From first day greetings and familiar faces to new schedules, new goals and adjusting to new routines, our learners got right back into the groove. See more first day photos on Facebook and Instagram.
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Behind-the-Scenes Prep for a Successful School Year
While summer meant time away for many, our PRSD Facilities team was hard at work behind the scenes! From routine maintenance and repairs to preparing classrooms, grounds and essential building systems, these dedicated team members spent the summer months ensuring that our K-12 buildings are safe, operational and ready to welcome students and staff back through the doors. This summer also brought a fresh approach to building care, with a focus on transitioning from traditional floor waxing to applying poly - a durable finish that helps protect and extend the life of our buildings' floors. Thank you to these individuals for the countless hours, early mornings, long days and steadfast commitment that helped get the District back-to-school ready! More on Facebook and Instagram.
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Professional Learning with Purpose: Superintendent's Conference Days
Two days, countless ideas and one shared focus: the success of our K-12 learners! This year's PRSD Superintendent's Conference Days at the start of the month brought administrators, educators and staff together for meaningful professional learning and collaboration ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Administrators, educators and staff members spent time digging into the work that will shape the academic year ahead. Specialized sessions also provided opportunities for those across different roles and departments to learn, connect and prepare for the unique needs of their students and school communities. More on Facebook and Instagram.
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