 The Chamber of Commerce and High School host monthly gatherings with students from the class in which they participate in bonding activities with the local business owners.This public-private partnership with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce gives Poughkeepsie High School students access to a greater pool of resources and a chance for highly effective community outreach.Poughkeepsie High School opened in 1857 on the second floor of an elementary school; the first graduating class was 1863.