The reviews are in and the word is out- the Peekskill High School Drama Company's performances of John Hughes' "The Breakfast Club" were a huge hit! Students spent months preparing for their recent three-day run of the 80's classic, which was performed by a double cast over four shows in the Ford Administration Theater. Each cast prepared a unique interpretation of the play, which was directed by PCSD's new Theater Program teacher Terry Sandler. If you missed the show, or want to relive the experience again, tune into our District television network on cable channel 77 or on Verizon TV channel 32 at 8:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. (Air times subject to change). 

PHS girls from the Feminenza Young Women's Leadership Program recently went to New York City to meet and interview 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, who is best known for leading a non-violent movement in 2003 that brought together Christian and Muslim women and put an end to the civil war that had been raging in Liberia for 14 years.

 PHS students Adasa Bennet, Symphony Boyd-Roberts, Kayla Godbee, Gabby Yeagley, Nia Robinson, Jamilla Desir, and Brittney Pauta interviewed Gbowee asking questions that triggered many stories, words of wisdom, and counsels from the Peace Prize winner. Peekskill High School Principal Dr. Cassandra Hyacinthe and PCSD Board Member, Lisa Aspinall were also present and engaged in the interview process.

 "Everyone present in the room was completely captured by Leymah's presence, straight-forward manner, strength, and charisma," McGowan said. "Her encouragement to the girls remained a strong thread throughout the evening." 

 For more on this story, visit our blog here.

The Peekskill Clay Studios at the Hat Factory recently came to Peekskill Middle School and worked with Ms. Damiano's 8th grade accelerated ceramic students. Students created ornaments for the Peekskill Education Foundation's Holiday Pottery Sale which took take place December 13th and 14th at the Clay Studio. 

PKMS students have been doing this workshop for the past few years. This year, Ben Green, the owner of the Hat Factory, along with Jon Torres, one of the ceramic teachers at the Clay Studios, worked with the students on their projects. Thanks to Ms. Damiano for sharing pictures from the day!   

Enrichment students at Hillcrest Elementary recently put on a special show for parents, teachers and classmates when they performed the Native American tale, "How Chipmunk Got His Stripes." In preparation for the show, students spent weeks researching relevant topics such as Native American folklore, language, and more. The backdrop for the performance was a giant handmade mural that was crafted by Enrichment students and depicted the traditional ways of Native American life.