Penfield Jazz Concerts Celebrate 55 Years of Musical Excellence A musical tradition at Penfield celebrates 55 years this month as Marshall Gilkes, one of the world’s preeminent trombonists, performs alongside students during a two-night concert event. April 14, 2026
Masters of Their Craft Eight educators from Penfield Central School District are members of the New York State Master Teacher Program, which recognizes outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers. April 13, 2026
Elementary School Families: Join Us for Dinner & Discussion Join building principals and District leadership for Dinner & Discussion, taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at the Indian Landing Elementary School Cafetorium. April 10, 2026
New Year, New Rotations Penfield Central School District has announced the rotation schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. April 8, 2026
Student Work on Display at Image City Photography Gallery Nine student artists from Penfield High School have their photography work on display at “Through the Students Lens,” hosted by the Image City Photography Gallery. April 7, 2026
Championship Weekend: Penfield Sweeps State and Regional Honors Penfield Boys Basketball and FIRST Robotics Team, Rolling Thunder, bring home major awards! March 25, 2026
Penfield Earns School Safety Excellence Award Penfield Central School District is among the more than 157 school districts and BOCES in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group’s School Safety Excellence Award for 2026. March 18, 2026
PHS Reopens Newly Renovated Library With large floor-to-ceiling windows, bright lights, colorful displays of books, and comfortable, modular furniture, it’s easy to see why students flock to Penfield High School’s redesigned library. March 13, 2026
Community Helps Design District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan At Community Design Day participants had a chance to envision the priorities and strategies critical to the strategic plan’s success. March 12, 2026
Students, Families Invited to Community Partnership Fair Students at Penfield Central School District will have the opportunity to explore their career interests and meet with industry leaders in emerging fields during the Community Partnership Fair! March 11, 2026
Kindergarten Registration Now Open If your child will be 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2026, they are officially invited to join the Penfield School District for kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year. March 10, 2026
Students Earn Top Honors at State DECA Competition The business acumen of eight Penfield High School students stood out among more than 3,000 students from across New York State during the NYDECA State Competition, held earlier this month. March 9, 2026
Penfield Family Band Strikes a Chord Across Generations More than 50 students, staff, and family members have been rehearsing weekly in preparation for the inaugural Penfield Family Band concert, to be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at Bay Trail. March 9, 2026
Penfield Welcomes Two New Assistant Principals to District Penfield Central School District has selected Ms. Linda Dickey as assistant principal of Penfield High School and Dr. Joyce Akwaa as assistant principal at Bay Trail Middle School. February 25, 2026
Penfield Enhances its Safety and Security Efforts Penfield Central School District has expanded its safety and security team, adding sentries and security workers across its six schools and implementing a District-wide safety plan. February 25, 2026
TIES Program Creates Inclusive Opportunities for All Students This spring, Penfield will relaunch its TIES Program, creating inclusive opportunities for students in and outside of school. February 23, 2026
Reimagining Education in New York: A New Chapter for Our Students NY Inspires it aims to ensure every student graduates from high school ready to thrive in college, career, and as a contributing member of society. February 20, 2026
Penfield High School Announces Quarter 2 Honor Rolls More than 1,000 students at Penfield High School, just over 70 percent of all students, earned accolades for their academic success in the second quarter. February 19, 2026
Lace Up Your Sneakers for PEF 5K Race Registration is now open for the Penfield Education Foundation’s 7th Annual 5K Race/Walk. February 18, 2026
Penfield Alumni Return to the Nest Among the 1,200 faculty and staff who have made careers at Penfield Central School District are a select few who are also proud alumni. February 17, 2026
Penfield Announces 2026-2027 School Calendar During its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Penfield Central School District Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 school calendar. February 11, 2026
90 Students Selected for MCSMA All County Festivals Ninety Penfield students were selected to participate in the MCSMA All County Festivals, being held at the end of February and throughout March. February 10, 2026
Two Penfield Students Selected as Finalists for Princeton Prize in Race Relations Penfield High School students Mellodi Flowers and Jadon Kane have been named as finalists for the 2026 Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR). February 6, 2026
Brewing Up Friendship: Best Buddies Blend Coffee, Community, and Care Students at Bay Trail Middle School involved in Best Buddies raised $265 in support of individuals with disabilities during their Bean Buddies event. February 4, 2026
Cultural Event Celebrates Black History Month The Project LEAD committee at Indian Landing Elementary School is hosting the Penfield Black History Month Celebration of the Arts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the school cafeteria. February 3, 2026
Big Moves for Penfield Tech Services As the new Penfield High School library nears its grand opening, one team has already settled into the space, the Student Help Desk. February 2, 2026
$15,000 Grant Supports Math Instruction at Penfield Penfield Central School District received a $15,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund to support K-12 math instruction. January 28, 2026
A New Path for Growth: APPR Updates and the STEPS System Penfield is continuing its commitment to strengthening professional practice through the transition to New York State’s new Standards-based Educator Evaluation and Professional Support (STEPS) System. January 26, 2026
Penfield High School Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll Penfield High School has been named to the 2026 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning a gold distinction. January 23, 2026
Athletics Collaboration Strengthens Minds, Builds Champions Penfield Athletics is fortunate to have built a strong and positive partnership with Dr. Craig Cypher, Clinical and Sport Psychologist with UR Medicine Orthopaedics and Physical Performance. January 21, 2026
Penfield Continuously Seeks Specialized and Differentiated Learning for All Adults The Office of Professional Learning continues its commitment to providing rich, engaging, and ongoing professional learning experiences grounded in best practices for teaching and learning. January 19, 2026
Vanderzwan Named Acting Principal of Scribner Road Elementary School After 17 years of service to Penfield, Scott Hirschler will retire as principal of Scribner Road Elementary School at the end of this year. Sheonaid Vanderzwan was named acting principal. January 14, 2026
Board of Education Workshop Explores Next Steps in Strategic Planning Process Members of the Penfield community are invited to share their vision and hopes for the District’s new strategic plan during Community Design Day, to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. January 13, 2026
Spring Coffee & Conversations Explore Portrait of a Graduate On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Penfield Central School District will host two Coffee & Conversations sessions for members of the community focused on Portrait of a Graduate. January 9, 2026
Creativity and Technology Converge in Dream Lab Through the Dream Lab, students at Penfield’s four elementary schools are learning to solve problems, think creatively, and explore technology. January 6, 2026
Latino Student Union Host Parranda for Elders at St. Ann’s Eight members of Penfield High School’s Latino Student Union (LSU) spent time with elders from St. Ann’s, spreading holiday cheer and celebrating Latin cultures. January 5, 2026
Spanish Honor Society Donates Toys for Three Kings Day Celebration Students involved with Penfield High School’s Spanish Honor Society collected more than 200 gifts in support of Rochester Hope, a local organization dedicated to serving families in Rochester. December 30, 2025
11 Penfield Students Advance to State DECA Competition Earlier this month, Penfield High School students showcased their business acumen at the DECA regional competition hosted by the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology. December 29, 2025
Penfield Esports Secures Third Place Finish at States in Thrilling Showdown The Penfield Esports team electrified the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation State Tournament, battling their way to an impressive third-place finish. December 19, 2025
38 Student-Athletes Named to All-Greater Rochester Teams Thirty-eight Penfield High School student-athletes representing 10 sports were named to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle’s All-Greater Rochester Teams. December 18, 2025
Maycanitza Pérez Honored by Latinas Unidas Maycanitza Pérez, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services at Penfield Central School District, was honored with a S.T.A.R. Award, given by Latina Unidas. December 17, 2025
13 Penfield Athletic Teams Honored for Academic Achievements NYSPHSAA announced that 238 students from 13 sports teams from Penfield High School were named Scholar-Athletes for the Fall 2025 season. December 16, 2025
Community Members Help District Shape Mentoring Program On Friday, Dec. 12, representatives from more than a dozen community groups gathered with Penfield Central School District leaders for a collaborative discussion focused on mentorship. December 15, 2025
Two Penfield Robotics Teams Advance to Regionals Harris Hill’s The Diggity Blasters and Cobbles-Bay Trail’s Legends of LEGOS took two of the three top spots and earned an invitation to the regional competition in Buffalo this February. December 11, 2025
Penfield CSD Names New Communications Team The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Communications Team, following Board of Education approval at its Dec. 9 meeting. December 10, 2025
PHS Students Named to 1st Quarter Honor Rolls Congratulations to the PHS students who have been named to the High Honor and Honor rolls for the first quarter: High Honor Roll Grade 9 Zeynep Aktas, Lily Allmannsberger, Advaita Anish, December 5, 2025
Innovation & Preservation Capital Project Vote, Dec. 16th The District is holding a public vote on its proposed Innovation & Preservation Capital Project from 7 am to 7 pm Tuesday, Dec. 16th in the PHS Gym. Absentee and early voter ballots are available at December 1, 2025
Winter Sports Tryouts Begin Nov. 17th The winter sports season is just around the corner! JV and Varsity tryouts begin Monday, November 17, and Modified tryouts start December 1. All athletes must be registered in order to participate November 13, 2025
Capital Project Public Information Meeting, Nov. 12th The Penfield Schools Community is invited to join us for a Public Information Meeting on our proposed Innovation & Preservation Capital Project at 6 pm Tuesday, Nov. 12th in the PHS Commons. This October 31, 2025
PHS Drama Club to Present A New Style for Murder, Nov. 20-22 The Penfield High School Drama Department is presenting its fall play, A New Style for Murder, in performances at 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 20th through Saturday, Nov. 22nd in the PHS auditorium. Tickets October 30, 2025
Bay Trail to Present Shrek, Jr. Nov. 20-23 The Bay Trail Drama Club is presenting Shrek, Jr. The Musical in performances at 7 pm Thursday, Nov. 20th through Saturday, Nov. 22nd and 1 pm Sunday, Nov. 23rd in the Bay Trail Auditorium. Tickets October 21, 2025
Winter Sports Registration Opens Oct. 17 Winter sports season is quickly approaching! JV and Varsity tryouts begin on November 17. Registration will open on October 17. Modified sports begin on December 1, with registration opening on October 6, 2025
Halloween Concert Set for Oct. 29th The Bay Trail Music Collective is presenting a special Halloween Concert at 7 pm Wednesday, Oct. 29th in the PHS Auditorium! The concert will feature some spooky tunes from the Bay Trail 8th Grade October 6, 2025
Scribner Students Honored by Town Supervisor Congratulations to the students in the Scribner Road Environmental Club who were honored this week for completing the last two steps in creating a Penfield Pollinator Pathway garden. They added a September 25, 2025
Join us for our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations! Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! Don't miss our upcoming celebrations, including a performance by Europa from 7 to 8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 8th at PHS and our Family Celebration September 15, 2025
Homecoming Celebration Set for Sept. 12th The Penfield Schools Community is invited to join us for our K-12 Homecoming Celebration on Friday, Sept. 12th. The festivities begin at 5:30 pm with food trucks and the Family Fun Zone, followed by September 5, 2025
Suzuki Parent Meeting Location Changed Attention Families: The location for the Suzuki Program Parent Meeting scheduled for 7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 9th has been changed to the Penfield High School Chorus Room (Room September 5, 2025
Welcome Back! The First Day of School is Sept. 3rd! We are excited to welcome students back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd! Please be reminded that the district has purchased school supplies for all students in grades K-8. In addition, the new August 26, 2025
Laura Fitch Named Director of Student Services The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Laura Fitch as the new Director of Student Services, following Board of Education approval at its Aug. 19th August 20, 2025
Join Us for Our Transportation & Facilities Center Grand Opening! The Penfield Schools Community is cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening Celebration for our new Transprotation & Facilities Center, 1340 Jackson Road, at 5 pm Wednesday, August 20th. Join us August 1, 2025
Fall Sports Registration is Open Please note that registration is now open for the fall sports season. Parents and students can register online at Arbiter Sports. Tryouts/practices for JV/Varsity sports begin on Monday, Aug. 18. July 25, 2025
PHS Names 4th Quarter Honor Rolls Congratulations to the Penfield High School students who have been named to the High Honor and Honor Rolls for the 4th Quarter! HIGH HONOR Grade 9 Devan Agnitti, Alexis Akar, Jaelyn Albert, July 23, 2025
Davné McGee Named Assistant Director of Programs The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Davné McGee as the new Assistant Director of Programs, following Board approval at its July 15th meeting. Dr. McGee July 17, 2025
Board of Education Elects New Officers The Penfield Board of Education elected Dr. Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner as President and Mrs. Krista Khan as Vice President at its annual reorganizational meeting on July 15th. Dr. El-Amin-Turner joined July 16, 2025
District Office Relocating for Summer Dear Penfield Schools Community, We would like to make you aware that due to 2021 Capital Project work at the District Office, staff is being relocated to Bay Trail Middle School for the summer as June 26, 2025
PHS Graduation Ceremony, June 25th Penfield High School is holding its Graduation Ceremony at 7 pm Wednesday, June 25th in the Gordon Field House at RIT. For those who cannot attend, Penfield Television is live streaming the ceremony June 24, 2025
Gr. 12 Honors Convocation Awards Congratulations to the following PHS seniors who were recognized at the Grade 12 Honors Convocation: National Recognition United States Army Continuing Education Scholarship - Jacob June 3, 2025
Grades 9-11 Honors Convocation Awards Congratulations to the following PHS students who were recognized at the Grades 9-11 Honors Convocation: College and University Awards Alfred University Scholar Award - Adam June 3, 2025
Stephanie Marsh Named Director of Student Accountability, Data and Technology The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Marsh as the new Director of Student Accountability, Data and Technology, following Board approval at its May June 2, 2025
PHS Juniors Inducted into NHS Congratulations to the PHS students who were inducted into the National Honor Society during the Spring Induction Ceremony: Alfina Abidhananthar, Ryker Balash, Gracie Bao, Olivia May 22, 2025
Budget Vote Results Thank you, voters, for your patience and support! Budget Passed - 2,731 to 1,403 Bus Proposition Passed - 2,490 to 1,640 BOE Election – Wilson and Roberts elected to three-year terms; May 21, 2025
A Heartfelt Thank You! Dear Penfield Families,I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire school community for your participation in this year’s Budget Vote and Board Election. Your engagement and supp... May 21, 2025
Communication with the Board of Education and the District Dear Families, As we work to improve communication with our community, I would like to take a moment to clarify the appropriate channels of communication when reaching out to the Board of Edu... May 16, 2025
Budget Vote & Board Election is May 20th The annual Budget Vote & Board Election is being held from 6 am to 9 pm Tuesday, May 20th in the Penfield HIgh School Gym. For complete budget information, please visit our Budget Vote Information May 9, 2025
LaShara Evans Named Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of LaShara Evans as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, following Board of Education approval at its May May 2, 2025
UPK Application Open for 2025-26 School Year The application period for Penfield CSD’s Univeral Pre-K Program for the 2025-26 school year is open from Monday, April 28th through Friday, May 9th. The link for the application can be found here: April 28, 2025
Book Review Committee Determinations & Reports April 25, 2025 Dear Penfield Families, In February, the District received five Objection to Instructional Materials forms related to three library books. Specifically, the books in question April 25, 2025
Virtual UPK Information Night, April 23 We are excited to share the following Penfield Universal Pre-Kindergarten information for the 2025-26 school year with our families! Virtual UPK Community Night April 23rd at 6:00pm: Hosted by April 15, 2025
PHS Names 3rd Quarter Honor Rolls Congratulations to the following Penfield High School students who have been named to the High Honor and Honor rolls for the third quarter: HIGH HONOR Grade 9 Devan Agnitti, Alexis Akar, April 15, 2025
Theodore Wilson Named as Safety and Security Coordinator The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce that Theodore Wilson has been named as the district’s new Safety and Security Coordinator, following his appointment at the April 8 Board April 9, 2025
Meet the Candidates' Night, April 22 April 22 Update: The deadline for candidate petitions was Monday, April 21. There are six candidates running for three seats on the Board of Education. They are: James Ashby, Nate Chenenko, Susan April 7, 2025
Penfield Jazz Fundraiser Concerts Set for April 25 & 26 Tickets are now on sale for the 54th Annual Penfield Jazz Fundraiser Concerts featuring saxophonist Sharel Cassity! Ms. Cassity will perform with our school vocal and instrumental jazz groups in April 3, 2025
District Announces Safety & Security Changes The District has announced changes that will impact the safety and security infrastructure of our schools and future Board of Education meetings, given the unfortunate local and national attention March 18, 2025
Three Open Seats on Penfield Board of Education There are three seats on the Penfield Board of Education up for vote at the annual School Budget Vote & Board Election on May 20, 2025. Qualified voters of the district will elect two members of the March 11, 2025
Penfield Oncoming Storm FTC 6996 is Heading to NYS Regionals! We are thrilled to announce that Penfield Oncoming Storm FTC 6996 has qualified for the New York State Regionals in Utica, NY! On March 8th and 9th, our team will compete for a chance to advance to March 7, 2025
PHS Drama Club to Present Mean Girls The Penfield High School Drama Club is presenting the musical, “Mean Girls,” in performances at 7 pm Thursday, March 20 through Saturday, March 22 in the PHS auditorium. A matinee performance is February 26, 2025
A Message from the Superintendent Dear Families and Caregivers,I am writing to address a concern that has been brought to our attention regarding the display of the American flag at Cobbles Elementary School. It was recently notice... February 21, 2025
Board Approves 2025-26 School Calendar The Penfield Board of Education approved the 2025-26 School Calendar at a special meeting on Feb. 13: Click here to review the calendar: PCSD 2025-26 School February 14, 2025
A Message from the Superintendent Dear Families and Caregivers, It is with deep concern that I address an incident that occurred on our campus recently. On February 11, 2025, during the Board of Education meeting, a pers... February 13, 2025
A Message from the Board President Dear Penfield Schools Community, On behalf of the Penfield Board of Education, I would like to address the events that occurred during our Tuesday, Feb. 11th Board meeting.First, I would like ... February 13, 2025
PHS Announces 2nd Quarter Honor Rolls Congratulations to the PHS students who have been named to the High Honor and Honor rolls for the second quarter: High Honor Roll Grade 9 Devan Agnitti, Alexis Akar, Jaelyn Albert, Adelyn February 5, 2025
BT Robotics Team Wins Award! Bay Trail’s Robotics Team 6996, known as "Oncoming Storm," recently participated in the Buffalo Qualifier held at the Buffalo Academy of Science. Demonstrating exceptional performance, they secured January 24, 2025
Kindergarten Registration is Open! Penfield families who have children who will be age 5 by Dec. 1, 2025 are invited to register for Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year using the following process: Complete the online January 15, 2025
PHS Students Named Youth Ambassadors Congratulations to Penfield High School Students Mya DiMarco, Aubrey Pietzold, and Ava Porter, who have been selected as Youth Ambassadors by the Levine Center for Hate at the Jewish Federation of January 14, 2025
Holiday Recess, Dec. 23-Jan. 3 There is no school beginning Monday, Dec. 23rd through Friday, Jan. 3rd for the holiday recess. Enjoy the two-week break! School reopens on Monday, Jan. December 18, 2024
PHS Students Co-Host ROC2Change Summit Penfield High School served as a co-host, along with RCSD’s Edison Tech and World of Inquiry schools, for the ROC2Change Summit. Students from more than 30 schools throughout the greater Rochester December 3, 2024
PHS Students Selected for RPYO Congratulations to the Penfield High School Students who have been selected to participate in the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for the 2024-25 school year! Students compete annually for a November 20, 2024
Penfield High School Announces 1st Quarter Honor Rolls Congratulations to the following PHS students who have been named to the High Honor and Honor rolls for the first quarter: HIGH HONOR ROLL Grade 9 Devan Agnitti, Alexis Akar, Muhaymin Alam, November 18, 2024
Winter Sports Registration Please note that Winter Sports Registration is currently underway. Varsity and JV sports start practices on Monday, Nov. 18th. Modified sports start practicies on Monday, Dec. 2nd. Click here to November 13, 2024
PHS Named to AP School Honor Roll Penfield High School has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program School Honor Roll, earning silver distinction! PHS had 176 students and 2024 grads who were named as AP Scholars based on their November 12, 2024
