• The Lights Initiative was developed as a partnership between dedicated staff and community members to provide PCSD youth with an extended learning environment where they can develop positively as youth. "The Lights Initiative began as a school and community response to the uptick of violence in the City of Poughkeepsie on the weekends. We wanted to offer the children a safe space to learn, socialize and just be a kid outside the school day,” Natasha Brown, Executive Director of Community schools, said. “Together with a team of volunteers who included Gully Stanford, James Watson, Tamoya Norwood, Gabriella Fryer, Debra Long, Matthew Tether, Mary Ellen Iatropoulos from the Art Effect, Pool Manager Galen Franchek and PMS teachers Julie Hayen and Jennifer Burke we started hosting Friday Night Lights at PMS.”

    Saturday Morning Lights – is the Poughkeepsie City School District Community Schools flagship initiative that provides PCSD students in grades PreK-12 and their families the opportunity to engage in academic enrichment, positive youth development, and family bonding experiences.

    Summer Lights – is a summer program for students grades 2 – 7 providing positive youth development opportunities for students in grades 2 -7. Summer Lights is unique in that its programmatic facilities are outside the school environment, taking place in Bartlett Park summer of 20’ and 21’ and most recently at Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley, NY in partnership with Dutchess County Youth Services.

    Friday Night Lights – We are beyond excited to announce the return of Friday Night Lights in 2025! This fun and dynamic youth development program gives PCSD students the opportunity to engage in afterschool activities that extend beyond the classroom. While the program was originally held on Friday nights, it will continue to take place on Fridays, offering even more chances for students to enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities. This change also encourages greater involvement from parents and caregivers, while ensuring our students' safety, especially during the darker winter months. We can’t wait to bring the excitement back and look forward to all the fun and energy this program will bring to our students!