2025-2026 school year

Dear Monroe-Woodbury families,

I hope your extended break was filled with meaningful time with family, laughter, and moments that created lasting memories. As we begin the new year, I’ve enjoyed reflecting on all that we have accomplished together during the first half of the 2025–2026 school year. I am incredibly proud of our students, staff and families, and I’d like to share just a few highlights:

Distraction-Free Learning:
I cannot express enough how proud I am of our students for consistently following the guidelines of the state law and new district policy banning cell devices during school hours. Transitions that change long-standing routines are never easy, yet our M–W school community not only rose to the challenge, but truly embraced it. Both students and staff are already reporting stronger connections and deeper engagement in learning as a result.

Strategic Planning:
Our strategic planning team has been working diligently since the 2024–2025 school year to identify key focus areas and develop draft mission and vision statements that will serve as the foundation of a long-term strategic plan. Families and staff have received a message with links to online surveys, and I encourage you to share your input as we shape our 5-year strategic plan together. Please visit our website to learn more and to find information about upcoming community conversations—we would love to hear from you.

Hall of Distinction:
What better way to celebrate the Crusader legacy than with a permanent, interactive display in the MWHS lobby? Launching in February, this display will honor eight deserving individuals who exemplify loyalty, hard work, and a deep commitment to our community. Each honoree represents the very best of what it means to be a Crusader, having gone above and beyond through their unwavering support of our district.

These highlights represent just a small snapshot of the important and meaningful work happening every day in our schools and offices. As always, our students are the superstars—bright lights that bring encouragement, energy and creativity to our schools. We’re excited for all the months ahead have to offer—drama productions, athletic competitions, parent-teacher conferences, International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27), Black History Month, Heart Health Month and Go Red for Heart Health Day ❤️ (Feb. 13), Women’s History Month, and so much more! Our school community is at its best when our halls are humming with activity.

Our shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every student feels safe, supported and has a strong sense of belonging. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust and commitment to our students and our district.

Warm regards,

Tracy Norman, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Monroe-Woodbury Central School District proudly announces the Class of 2025 for its inaugural Hall of Distinction (HOD). The Hall of Distinction celebrates the district’s rich heritage and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the school community, as well as distinguished alumni who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

Nominations were accepted in two categories: Contributor—individuals who have supported MWCSD athletics, arts, or academics for at least five years; and Alumni—graduates who have achieved notable success, made meaningful contributions to society, or brought distinction to their alma mater through their accomplishments. A committee consisting of school community members and staff selected the following individuals as the first-ever HOD inductees.

Congratulations to:

• Noreen Farrell, Alumna: Noreen Farrell is a 1987 Monroe-Woodbury graduate whose academic, athletic and leadership excellence began as a state champion runner and highly-involved student and continued through Yale University and Hastings Law School. She is a nationally recognized civil rights leader, serving as Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates and President and CEO of its Action Fund, where she champions gender, racial and economic justice. Noreen has led groundbreaking litigation, policy reform and national campaigns that have resulted in transformative laws improving pay equity, family leave and workplace protections for tens of millions of workers. Widely published, honored and featured in major media outlets, she is both an influential advocate for social justice and a deeply committed family and community member.

• Steven Fischbein, Contributor & Alumnus: Steve Fischbein is a distinguished Monroe-Woodbury alumnus, educator and legendary wrestling coach whose impact spans decades. A former Section 9 champion and NYS medalist, he returned to Monroe-Woodbury as a physical education teacher and Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, leading two NYS championship teams and developing dozens of state champions, medalists and Division I athletes. His excellence has been recognized with induction into the NYS and National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

• Andy Grammer, Alumnus: Andy Grammer is a 2001 Monroe-Woodbury alumnus who was raised in a musical family to become a globally recognized, multiplatinum singer-songwriter known for music rooted in hope, resilience and positivity. From busking on the streets of Santa Monica to chart-topping hits like “Keep Your Head Up” and “Don’t Give Up on Me,” his work has inspired millions while raising awareness for critical causes such as cystic fibrosis and mental health. An Emmy Award winner and widely honored artist, Andy has used his platform to give back, donating over $500,000 to music education in underfunded schools through the Andy Grammer Foundation. His career exemplifies how talent, perseverance and compassion can create both artistic success and meaningful social impact.

• Lou Hall, Contributor: Coach Lou Hall, a longtime Monroe-Woodbury educator, dedicated his career from the mid-1960s until 2001 to teaching physical education and coaching multiple sports, including basketball, cross country, and track and field. He led teams to county, sectional, state and national championships while emphasizing life lessons in work ethic, perseverance and character, impacting countless athletes beyond their athletic achievements. Known for his personal care and mentorship, Coach Hall influenced students on and off the field, guiding them through both sports and life’s challenges. His legacy is remembered not only for victories, but for the profound, lasting connections he built with every student he coached.

• Jonathan Huberth, Contributor: Jon Huberth dedicated 15 years to the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education, including seven as President, where he led with integrity, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to students and families. Respected for his honesty, fairness and thoughtful leadership, he helped guide meaningful policy decisions that strengthened the district for years to come. Beyond public service, Jon was an accomplished artist and educator—an Amherst College and Yale School of Drama graduate—whose work in theater, film and education raised over $8 billion for educational and conservation causes. Remembered for his warmth, humor and principled leadership, his legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Monroe-Woodbury community.

• Ronald Johnson, Contributor: Ron Johnson served the Monroe-Woodbury School District from 1969 to 2004, leaving a lasting legacy as a music educator, mentor and leader whose influence lives on through generations of students and colleagues. As head of the high school music department, he created safe, welcoming spaces where students felt seen, supported and challenged to be their authentic selves. Ron taught far more than music—he instilled integrity, self-belief, compassion and confidence, helping countless individuals find their voice both on and off the stage. Known for his humanity, warmth and quiet wisdom, his impact continues through the thousands of lives he touched.

• Anthony Sorrentino, Contributor: Dr. Anthony Sorrentino dedicated 35 years to Monroe-Woodbury Central School District as a teacher, coach, administrator and community mentor, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Beginning as an eighth-grade Earth Science teacher, he developed the district’s curriculum, brought lessons to life through field experiences, and pioneered the integration of technology in education in his role as Monroe-Woodbury’s first Director of Computer Instruction. Beyond the classroom, he coached sports, led adult education programs, authored textbooks, and shared his passion for learning with the broader community. Dr. Sorrentino’s lifelong commitment to curiosity, education and mentorship exemplifies the qualities of a true educator and community contributor.

• John Trautmann, Alumnus: John Trautmann, a 1986 Monroe-Woodbury graduate, was a record-breaking distance runner who dominated county, section and state competitions, famously breaking Steve Prefontaine’s national high school 3000m record at the 1986 Penn Relays. He continued his success at Georgetown University, anchoring a world-record Distance Medley Relay team, and went on to win the 5000m at the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials, representing the United States at the Barcelona Olympics. Later, he set a world record for men over 45 in the 1500m and now shares his expertise as an assistant coach at NYU and with the Empire Elite Track Club. Mr. Trautmann’s athletic career exemplifies exceptional talent, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to excellence.

The inaugural class will be honored at an Induction Ceremony and Hall of Distinction display unveiling on Thursday, February 5, 2025. A permanent HOD interactive exhibit honoring inductees will be located in the main lobby of Monroe-Woodbury High School, 155 Dunderberg Road, Central Valley, NY.

For more information, visit the HOD web pages: https://www.mw.k12.ny.us/page/hall-of-distinction.

The Distraction-Free Schools New York State law, which was passed as part of the 2026 state budget, was implemented in Monroe-Woodbury schools at the start of the 2025-26 school year.  In October 2025, the district conducted a survey to gather feedback from students, staff and families to gather firsthand experiences related to distraction-free learning in our schools. 

Three hundred eighty-eight parents/guardians, 514 students and 133 staff members completed the survey. Survey results revealed a generally positive reception to the distraction-free learning policy implemented during school hours. 

Positive Trends:

• Many students and parents reported that the absence of phones during school has led to less pressure and increased face-to-face interaction, fostering a more conducive learning environment.

• Improved focus and academic performance were noted by some parents, with students feeling more present in class and less distracted.

• Teachers and staff observed noticeable reductions in distractions caused by phones, watches, and earbuds, leading to better engagement and fewer behavioral issues.

• There is a perception of improved socialization among students in hallways and common areas.

Challenges: 

• The Yondr pouch system was widely viewed as excessive, costly, and cumbersome, causing anxiety and logistical delays, especially during arrival and dismissal.

• Many parents and students expressed safety concerns about phones being inaccessible during emergencies or for necessary communication, such as changes in after-school plans.

• The policy's rigidity, including prohibiting phone use during lunch and study hall, was criticized as too extreme and negatively impacting students' ability to complete certain academic tasks.

• Issues with Chromebook restrictions and lack of phone access increased after-school device use and late-night work.

Overall, the data shows an appreciation for the educational benefits, alongside important concerns about safety, practicality and emotional impact. The transition appears successful in reducing in-class distractions, but highlights the need for balance and adaptability to diverse students needs and circumstances.