YONKERS, NY — October 28, 2026 — It’s a common apocryphal claim: George Washington slept here. It’s not known for certain if General Washington rested his head at the present-day site of Westchester Hills School 29, but soldiers in the Continental Army camped there ahead of the Battle of White Plains. On the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of White Plains, School 29 students recreated a Revolutionary War encampment complete with tents, costumes, campfire stories and provisions (apple cider).
“This is history coming to life for our students,” said Principal Steven Murphy, who presided as General Washington in a blue military coat with gold epaulettes, powdered wig and tricorne hat. Assistant Principal Yvette Rivera-Diaz portrayed Martha Washington in a long, flowing red and white gown.
Middle school social studies teacher Domini Pisculli recruited students and teachers from each grade to help outfit the encampment.
“There’s a tent for each grade,” Pisculli said. “This is hands-on learning. The students chose the different topics for each station.”
At the medical tent, students demonstrated how nurses triaged battle wounds. At the post office students used quills to pen notes to soldiers. The haberdasher explained how Continental soldiers were outfitted. The quartermaster displayed a list of food supplies which included biscuits, beans, corn meal, salted meat, molasses, butter, beer and cider. At the spy station, students used invisible ink to conceal secret messages. Students played drums to demonstrate battlefield communication. Other students sang Yankee Doodle Dandy and explained the origin of the song: It started as a British military tune that mocked the crude manners and appearance of American colonial soldiers.
On this date, 250 years ago, Continental soldiers woke up on the hill that is now home to School 29, they marched to White Plains, fought the British army and retreated so they could live to fight another day. This was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. In August, The Continental Army nearly lost it all at the Battle of Long Island. General Washington ordered a retreat north through Manhattan to Westchester. By eventually escaping to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Washington preserved the Continental Army and kept the Revolution alive.
“History has to be brought to life in order for our students to gain a better understanding,” said Principal Murphy. “If they see it in action, now they know what an encampment looks like.”
Ms. Pisculli sums up the experience with a simple wish. “I want them to learn that people fought for freedom and Independence,” she said. “They got it; we have to protect it.”
