Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Zoe Winburn, Senior Editor

Zoe is a graduate of the Pelham Memorial High School class of 2021. Aside from her work at the Examiner, she competes in the high jump for the track and field team as a team captain. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading and baking. She served as executive editor from 2020-2021.

All content by Zoe Winburn
Pelham Memorial High School

2021-22 school year to feature traditional schedule; no virtual learning or half days

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
June 4, 2021

All Pelham students will return to full-time in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ announced in an email Friday. Fully-virtual learning will no longer be an option...

Rowe (left) and Owen-Michaane.

Rowe and Owen-Michaane elected to Pelham school board; $80.3 million budget approved

By Bella Caruso and Zoe Winburn
May 20, 2021

Ian Rowe and Dr. Michael Owen-Michaane were elected to three-year terms on the Pelham school board Tuesday, defeating incumbents Eileen Miller and Jessica Young and first-time candidate Janice Powers,...

Pelham Market returns, now on Michael Schwerner Way.

[Photo] Pelham Market is back and bustling with activity

By Mia Baccei, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2021

Pelham Market returns, now on Michael Schwerner Way.

Pelham Memorial High School

PMHS seniors to return to full in-person learning Monday

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
April 22, 2021

Seniors at Pelham Memorial High School will be able to attend classes full-time and in-person starting Monday, said Principal Mark Berkowitz in an email Wednesday. Seniors will no longer report to the...

Pelham Memorial High School

Parents of PMHS seniors demand return to full-time attendance during district forum

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
April 15, 2021

The high school administration held a forum Wednesday for seniors and their parents to discuss the new reopening plan, after many parents expressed their discontent following the announcement that high...

Village of Pelham police vehicles parked next to Town Hall, which houses the department.

Residents ask about police and schools during Village of Pelham’s third public forum on reform

By Zoe Winburn and Georgia Russello
February 26, 2021

The third public forum on police reform in the Village of Pelham Thursday covered issues involving the school district, including residency checks and officer patrols in schools, with Superintendent Dr....

Village of Pelham police vehicles parked next to Town Hall, which houses the department.

Village police chief details new body-cam technology, misconduct-inquiry process at second public forum

By Zoe Winburn and Georgia Russello
February 12, 2021

Village of Pelham Police Chief Jason Pallett detailed forthcoming body-cam technology and the process for an officer-misconduct investigation Thursday at the village’s second of three public forums addressing...

Middle school to remain virtual for rest of week

Middle school to remain virtual for rest of week

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
February 10, 2021

Pelham Middle School will continue to instruct remotely through the end of the week due to staff quarantines and vaccination absences, according to a Wednesday email from Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ. Pelham...

High schools shifts to remote learning due to staff quarantines, vaccine absences

High schools shifts to remote learning due to staff quarantines, vaccine absences

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
February 8, 2021

Pelham Memorial High School students will attend classes virtually Tuesday and Wednesday after an individual last in the building Thursday Feb 5 tested positive for Covid-19, according to a Monday email...

Village of Pelham police vehicles parked next to Town Hall, which houses the department.

Pelham mayor promises to research ending nightly Boulevard closure at first public forum on police reform

By Zoe Winburn and Georgia Russello
February 4, 2021

Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen said Tuesday he would “assign someone to research” the options for ending the nighttime closure of Boulevard. He spoke during the first of three public forums...

Pelham Manor GOP nominates incumbents for three open posts in village election; Democrats also running three

Pelham Manor GOP nominates incumbents for three open posts in village election; Democrats also running three

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
January 28, 2021

The Republican and Democratic parties will both field candidates for mayor and two trustee seats in the March 16 Village of Pelham Manor elections, with all three GOP incumbents seeking reelection. The...

GOP, Dem caucuses to be held Tuesday to pick candidates for Pelham Manor mayor, two trustee posts on March ballot

GOP, Dem caucuses to be held Tuesday to pick candidates for Pelham Manor mayor, two trustee posts on March ballot

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
January 25, 2021

The Democratic and Republican party caucuses will be held Tuesday to select candidates for the Village of Pelham Manor elections on March 16. The terms of Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey, Trustee Joseph...

One side of the flyer sent by former Pelham Town Supervisor Michael Treanor.

Mailing delivered to some in Pelham calls for merger of town’s two villages

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
January 22, 2021

Former Pelham Town Supervisor Michael Treanor said he mailed flyers advocating for the merger of the villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor in order to "enlighten people." The flyers arrived in some mailboxes...

Middle school remote for remainder of week due to staffing shortages

Middle school remote for remainder of week due to staffing shortages

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
January 20, 2021

Pelham Middle School students will attend classes virtually for the rest of the week, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cheryl Champ in a voicemail Wednesday. The decision to switch came as a result...

Pelham Memorial High School

Pelham schools to switch to all-virtual learning for week after holiday recess

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
December 22, 2020

All Pelham schools will shift to full-remote instruction Jan. 4 to Jan. 8 because of Covid-19 infections that are expected to occur during the holiday break, said Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ. "Following...

Pelham Memorial High School

High school to continue all-virtual learning through Dec. 9 after more Covid-19 cases

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
December 4, 2020

Pelham Memorial High School will continue fully virtual instruction through Dec. 9, Principal Mark Berkowitz announced in an email on Friday. According to Berkowitz, after new Covid-19 cases were detected,...

Citizens give Pelham school board mixed reviews on banning staff from wearing political symbols

Citizens give Pelham school board mixed reviews on banning staff from wearing political symbols

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
November 19, 2020

After a week of controversy surrounding Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ’s decision to ban all political clothing for staff, many Pelham residents and citizens of other towns attended the Pelham Board...

The Pelham school board  met in the middle school gym Nov. 4.

Pelham school district receives favorable bids in recent bond sale due to low interest rates

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
November 6, 2020

The Pelham Union Free School District received favorable bids on bonds it sold last week due to extremely low interest rates in the market, representatives of Capital Market Advisors told the school board...

Village of Pelham voters enter the Daronco Town House after waiting an hour to vote before midday.

Foto Feature: Midday lines for Pelham voters, cars in OLPH lot in Pelham Manor

By Margot Phillips and Zoe Winburn
November 3, 2020

Before midday, Village of Pelham residents waited to vote in a line that ran from polling place Daronco Town House down 5th Avenue, wrapped along Schwerner Way and up Harmon Avenue. Voters at the front...

Board of Education hears results of internal audit, gives update on fall sports

Board of Education hears results of internal audit, gives update on fall sports

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
October 9, 2020

After a brief power outage which resulted in the temporary loss of internet at the high school, the Board of Education met virtually to hear the results of an internal audit and updates on the status of...

Board of Education provides health guidance, details on Covid dashboard

Board of Education provides health guidance, details on Covid dashboard

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
September 24, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education provided a number of updates on health information for district families at its Wednesday meeting. In her report, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ said that children with...

Pelham Memorial High School

High school Covid-19 testing finds two students with infection, says superintendent

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
September 21, 2020

Pelham Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ said in a Sunday email to parents that two high school students have tested positive for Covid-19. All high school students were required to get tested at the beginning...

Foto Feature: High schoolers return to the halls

Foto Feature: High schoolers return to the halls

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
September 17, 2020

High school to return to hybrid learning Thursday after school-provided testing; K-8 to return to hybrid Monday

High school to return to hybrid learning Thursday after school-provided testing; K-8 to return to hybrid Monday

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
September 11, 2020

Pelham public schools will be opening with the hybrid learning plan on Monday at the elementary and middle school levels, and high school students will continue to learning remotely through Wednesday....

School board reviews virtual switch: Get guidance to determine what an appropriate length of closure might be

School board reviews virtual switch: Get ‘guidance to determine what an appropriate length of closure might be’

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
September 11, 2020

Less than two hours after Pelham Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ’s Wednesday announcement that Pelham schools would delay in-person instruction by at least two days, the board of education met to discuss...

Pelham Memorial High School

Pelham schools to start year in hybrid mode that includes required daily health form, altered schedules

By Margot Phillips and Zoe Winburn
August 30, 2020

Pelham's school will start classes on Sept. 10 using the hybrid model, according to emails sent Friday to elementary, middle and high school families in the Pelham Union Free School District. Students...

Champ offers details on hybrid schedule; first day of classes moved back to Sept. 10

Champ offers details on hybrid schedule; first day of classes moved back to Sept. 10

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
August 19, 2020

Pelham Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ provided details on how the first days of school will look across the district along with more information on a potential hybrid school schedule at Monday's board...

Pelham Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ presented the districts three plans on YouTube.

Champ outlines three plans for reopening schools without saying which she would prefer

By Zoe Winburn, Executive Editor
July 29, 2020

With the July 31 state deadline for school reopening plans fast approaching, the Pelham Board of Education met for a widely anticipated work session to outline the various options facing the district....

Pelham Memorial High School

School board honors 15 retirees in last meeting of 2019-20 school year

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
June 25, 2020

The Board of Education honored 15 retirees in the district during their final meeting for the fiscal year on Tuesday. The list of retiring faculty and staff included Custodian Phil Chopak, Nurse Michelle...

Pelham Memorial High School

2020-2021 school budget passes 1,388 to 691; DeDomenico and Childs reelected

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
June 19, 2020

The 2020-21 school budget passed in the all mail-in vote which ended on June 16, the results of which were unanimously accepted by the board on Wednesday. The budget proposition received 1,388 yes votes...

Cuomo plans school budget revote date before July 31; Champ approves but wont say if Pelham will need second ballot

Cuomo plans school budget revote date before July 31; Champ approves but won’t say if Pelham will need second ballot

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
June 12, 2020

Following calls from state legislators and the threat of legislation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed last week he will schedule a school budget revote for district budgets rejected by voters so balloting...

Picture from www.pelhamschools.org

School board reads out student petition calling for steps to reduce racist incidents

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
June 12, 2020

At the final school board meeting of the academic year, Pelham Board of Education President Jessica DeDomenico Thursday read a petition started by a Pelham Memorial High School senior calling on the district...

Bethany Antonelli appointed PMHS assistant principal; last day of classes set for June 17

Bethany Antonelli appointed PMHS assistant principal; last day of classes set for June 17

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
May 29, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education appointed Bethany Antonelli as the next high school assistant principal and outlined how the school year will wrap up online for all grade levels at the regular meeting on...

The schedule of reserve funds from the 2020-21 Property Tax Report Card, with the Tax Certiorari line highlighted.

School budget hearing: Residents question reserves and spending as families are impacted by Covid-19

By Nick Lieggi and Zoe Winburn
May 28, 2020

During the public hearing on the proposed $77.6 million Pelham school district  budget, residents questioned why the district is adding to reserves, spending on pre-purchases and accelerating maintenance...

Champ provides overview of proposed $76.7 million budget at PTA forum; board candidates field questions

Champ provides overview of proposed $76.7 million budget at PTA forum; board candidates field questions

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
May 27, 2020

A YouTube forum hosted by the Pelham Council of PTAs  offered an overview Tuesday of the Pelham Union Free School District's proposed budget, as well as a chance for residents to ask questions of unopposed...

Board of education appoints Farid Johnson as Siwanoy principal

Board of education appoints Farid Johnson as Siwanoy principal

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
May 8, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education Tuesday appointed the new Siwanoy School principal, Farid Johnson, and discussed changes to the elementary schedule structure for the fall. Farid Johnson is currently the...

Districts distance schooling wins overall high marks, but large portion of parents say not enough work

District’s distance schooling wins overall high marks, but large portion of parents say not enough work

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
May 6, 2020

The majority of respondents to the Pelham school district's distance learning survey expressed overall satisfaction, with 60% of elementary parents, 68% of middle school parents and 61% of high school...

Mark Berkowitz, achieving goal with move to PMHS as principal, backs Pelhams vision

Mark Berkowitz, achieving goal with move to PMHS as principal, backs Pelham’s vision

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
May 1, 2020

Mark Berkowitz lives with his family in Hastings-on-Hudson and works in the city. He grew up in Westchester, graduating from Mamaroneck High School. One of his goals was to end up working nearer home. He...

School board appoints Mark Berkowitz as PMHS principal, rejects bids for Prospect Hill work

School board appoints Mark Berkowitz as PMHS principal, rejects bids for Prospect Hill work

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
April 24, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education Wednesday appointed a new high school principal, voted to reject all bids for the work at Prospect Hill and heard updates from the district’s financial advisor on the state...

Pelham Memorial High School

Board of Education discusses budget changes and construction progress in special meeting

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
April 17, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education met on Thursday in a special session to discuss new projections for the 2020-21 budget as well as updates on the district’s construction projects, with input from the district...

Pelham Board of Education discusses changes to calendar, grades, budget amid pandemic

Pelham Board of Education discusses changes to calendar, grades, budget amid pandemic

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
April 6, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education met via a video call on Wednesday to discuss the next phase of distance learning, new orders from the governor regarding spring break and district decisions regarding third...

Picture from www.pelhamschools.org

Pelham schools superintendent proposes 3.26% budget increase to $77.4 million

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
March 2, 2020

The Pelham Union Free School District's budget would rise 3.26% to $77.4 million in 2020-2021 under a proposed spending plan presented Wednesday by Superintendent Cheryl Champ to the board of education. Taxes...

Site preparation at the end of August at Hutchinson School.

Pelham school board awards construction contract for new Hutch, provides updates on other projects

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
February 18, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education met on Wednesday to award a contract for general construction of the new Hutchinson School and to hear updates concerning the district's other building projects. After...

Pelham Memorial High School

New bids for Hutchinson School come in lower; school board plans to move forward

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
February 3, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education Wednesday heard updates on many of the school district’s construction projects, including that the second group of bids for the construction of the new Hutchinson School...

School board votes 7-0 in favor of expected resolution honoring Anthony Senerchia Jr.; Glover Field is Glover Field

School board votes 7-0 in favor of expected resolution honoring Anthony Senerchia Jr.; Glover Field is Glover Field

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
January 30, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of a resolution honoring the late Anthony Senerchia Jr. through a plaque which will be placed at Glover Field, as well as a ceremony the...

School board honors publisher Maggie Klein, postpones Senerchia field-naming decision

School board honors publisher Maggie Klein, postpones Senerchia field-naming decision

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
January 17, 2020

The Pelham Board of Education Wednesday recognized Maggie Klein, former board member and founder of the Pelham Weekly and Pelhams PLUS, in addition to discussing several other topics. The board passed...

School board explores ways to honor Senerchias memory without renaming Glover Field

School board explores ways to honor Senerchia’s memory without renaming Glover Field

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Poltics
December 9, 2019

Board of Education President Jessica DeDomenico told a regular meeting of school trustees Wednesday the board does not plan to rename Glover Field in memory of Anthony Senerchia Jr., but is instead considering...

Mayors of Village of Pelham and Pelham Manor disagree over whether taxpayers would gain from merging villages

Mayors of Village of Pelham and Pelham Manor disagree over whether taxpayers would gain from merging villages

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
November 25, 2019

The mayors of the Village of Pelham and Pelham Manor don't agree merging the two villages will save taxpayers money. Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen and Pelham Manor Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey...

Pelham Memorial High School

Cultural proficiency, which replaces diversity task force, explored by Pelham school board

By Zoe Winburn, Assistant Managing Editor/Politics
November 19, 2019

Cultural proficiency is the concept that replaced the diversity task force in the Pelham School District's new strategic plan, and the school board held a work session last Tuesday to explore the topic. According...

POLLS ARE OPEN: Check out statements, endorsements of Pelham town candidates before you go

POLLS ARE OPEN: Check out statements, endorsements of Pelham town candidates before you go

By Zoe Winburn, Politics Editor
November 5, 2019

Five Republicans are running for five offices in the Town of Pelham, and three Democrats are on the ballot. GOP Town Judge John DeChiaro is seeking his third consecutive term as judge, and Dan McLaughlin,...

School board work session covers whole child program; policy shift revealed in favor of mental health education

School board work session covers whole child program; policy shift revealed in favor of mental health education

By Zoe Winburn, Politics Editor
November 5, 2019

The Pelham School Board met for a work session last Tuesday on the whole child initiative. Julia Chung, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, gave a presentation on the goals and details...

School board addresses swastikas, provides updates on strategic plan and construction progress

School board addresses swastikas, provides updates on strategic plan and construction progress

By Zoe Winburn, Politics Editor
October 21, 2019

The Board of Education met on Tuesday for their regular meeting. Board President Jessica DeDomenico began the meeting by commenting on the swastikas which were recently found in the middle school. President...

SAM Party backs one Republican, three Democrats in town elections

SAM Party backs one Republican, three Democrats in town elections

By Zoe Winburn, Political Editor
October 8, 2019

The Serve America Movement (SAM) party last month nominated four candidates from Pelham to its ballot line in the town elections, including Republican Town Councilman Daniel McLaughlin for town supervisor,...

School board hears presentations on authentic learning

School board hears presentations on authentic learning

By Zoe Winburn, Political Editor
October 1, 2019

The Pelham Board of Education discussed Tuesday the district’s authentic learning initiative. The plan was to to clearly define what authentic learning is, how it affects students, outline the goals...

School board revisits renaming Glover Field without decision, renews Champs contract for five years, accepts auditors report

School board revisits renaming Glover Field without decision, renews Champ’s contract for five years, accepts auditor’s report

By Zoe Winburn, Politics Editor
September 13, 2019

The Pelham Board of Education met for its second regular meeting of the new school year on Tuesday. Major items covered included the auditors’ report, the renewal of Superintendent Cheryl Champ's contract...

Newly signed state gun law had beginnings in Village of Pelham and efforts of Progressive Women of Pelham

Newly signed state gun law had beginnings in Village of Pelham and efforts of Progressive Women of Pelham

By Zoe Winburn, Politics Editor
September 12, 2019

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed two new gun safety bills Sept. 3 that are aimed at increasing background checks and protecting the safety of law enforcement and New Yorkers. Both laws close loopholes in the 2013...

Picture from www.pelhamschools.org

School board reviews Hutch prep work, removal of plastic bottles at last meeting before school year

By Zoe Winburn, Staff Reporter
September 3, 2019

The Pelham Board of Education met for its regular public meeting last Wednesday in Alumni Hall in the Pelham Memorial High School, as opposed to the Pelham Middle School library. The board hopes to continue...

On right is a rendering of 163 Wolfs Lane, which would be built next to the Picture House.

Consulting report predicts 27 new students to join Pelham School District as result of new apartment developments

By Zoe Winburn, Staff Reporter
August 19, 2019

The eight apartment and condo developments under construction or proposed for the Village of Pelham are predicted to result in about 29 school-aged children joining the town population, according to a...

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