CRUSADER CONNECTION
A MESSAGE FROM MWHS PRINCIPAL ELISA SOTO
Greetings Crusader Family!
I hope you’re well and enjoying a fantastic start to the fall! This is my favorite season! The subtle shifts in season that create beautiful changes all around us. The leaves change and our entire environment gets a make-over! Sure, evening comes sooner and our yards need a good raking and iced coffee gets shelved (at least for me), but hot pumpkin spice coffee comes back into rotation. Change can be very good.
As we welcome the chilly fall outside, things are warming up at M-WHS. We’ve hit a fine balance of learning and laughing here. YES!- The rigor is starting to increase as teachers and students hit their stride and start to tackle new topics that will, at first, create mystery and will later create mastery, but being challenged is a good thing. That’s evidence of change. That’s evidence that we’re evolving and improving. Plus, there's lots of good stuff going on to ease those intellectual transitions. We look forward to Pep Rally Week!
Wishing the entire Monroe-Woodbury family a wonderful October, a happy Halloween and great shift into the fall!
Elisa
The Spotlight
September 11: A Day of Remembrance
Members of the High School Voice Ensemble and Strolling Strings performed at two separate 9/11 memorials (Woodbury and Monroe). Not everyone is pictured here, but these are some of the students who volunteered their time for these important events. We'd like to thank Mrs. Ciriello (Woodbury) and Mr. Dawson (Monroe) for providing performing opportunities for our dedicated students.
IMG_6468.MOVHISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
In Mrs. Saraceno's Spanish classes, they are learning about Hispanic Heritage and completing a project on one influential person from the Hispanic community. Students will interview each other and answer the questions as if they were the person. They will create a portrait or collage related to the person. The teacher is incorporating additional activities such as playing Hispanic music, sharing Latin American candies, and learning about the life and works of Spanish artists: Frida Kahlo, Botero, Dali, and Picasso.
Students will keep a record of their experiences and share pictures/videos of their experiences.
Music Department
Excellence in music is a long-standing tradition in Monroe-Woodbury. This coming December, NYSSMA will host its annual All-State music festival, for which 12 Monroe-Woodbury High School musicians have been named.
A special thank you to our dedicated teachers–Lauren Byrne, David Crone, and Richard Regan–who helped prepare and recommend these students for this honor.
Student musicians who have been named as part of the 2023-2024 All-State are (listed alphabetically):
Neena Bisconti - Alternate - Soprano I
Chase Cassidy - Alternate - Alto Saxophone
Chase Cassity - Alternate - Tenor Saxophone
Ashley Castillo - Alternate - Soprano II
Joshua Gorlin - Mixed Chorus - Tenor II
Joseph Grueiro - Alternate - Jazz Bass Voice
Julia Landres - Symphonic Band - French Horn
Tyler Landusky - Mixed Chorus - Tenor I
Zara Rahman - Alternate - Violin
Gabriel Ramos - Symphonic Band - Trombone
Alicia Scali - Alternate - Soprano I
Sophia Theokas - Mixed Chorus - Soprano II
Adam Yastion - Symphonic Band - Euphonium
Adam Yastion - Piano Showcase Winner
BRAVO!
Helium Hoop Activity
Teamwork & Communication Skills
Discussing communication that emphasizes the importance of assertive communication, where individuals can express their ideas and concerns effectively without being passive or aggressive. The activity can lead to insightful discussions about teamwork, effective communication, leadership, and cooperation, making it a valuable tool in team-building and communication skills workshops.
Information Corner
message from Boe student representative
Michael Martinez is serving as the voice of the students as Student Representative on the Board of Education during the 2023-2024 school year. Each month, we will share a video of Michael monthly report shared at a Board meeting. Make sure and reach out to Michael with any questions or concerns. martinezm021@stu.mw.k12.ny.us
cOLLEGE FAIR & fINANCIAL aID nIGHT OCTOBER 12TH @ 6:00 PM
NCAA Presentation
We will be having an NCAA workshop in conjunction with the college fair on October 12th in the high school auditorium. The workshop will be from 7 pm - 8 pm. This is important to have athletes attend because there will be a panel that consists of a motivational speaker, an associate athletic director who is part of the NCAA steering committee for athletic certification along with two guidance counselors from Monroe-Woodbury who are versed in the NCAA clearinghouse. This workshop will contain crucial recruiting information for student-athletes, parents, and coaches.
Spirit Week & Homecoming
Spirit Week is designed to unify the students and staff of MWHS. It is a week during which our students have an opportunity to walk through the halls united by a common theme, culminating in the Pep Rally and Homecoming Game on Thursday, October 19, and the Homecoming Dance on Friday, October 20.
The details of the week are as follows:
Monday, October 16, 2023 - Barbie Movie Monday: Think Pink or Barbie themed
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Turn Back Time Tuesday: 80's, 70's, 60's, 50's
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Versus Day: Rap vs Country
Thursday, October 19, 2023 - “Purple Pride Pep Rally”…Wear Purple
Friday, October 20, 2023 – “Class Color Day”
Friday, October 20, 2023 – “Homecoming Dance” @ 7:00PM
Students must be academically eligible for this event.
For More Information, CLICK HERE
Military Recruitment Opt-Out:
The federal law, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, gives recruiters from the armed services access to contact information of high school students. The names of juniors and seniors will be provided to recruiters upon request. If either a student or their parent/guardian do not want their name included on the listing, parents/guardians should complete the “Military Recruiter Opt-Out Form” in the parent portal by Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
To access the form, please login to your parent portal. On the left navigation menu, you will see “Forms.” Select this menu item and choose the “Military Recruiter Opt-Out Form.” Type your “Parent Name” in the cell provided, the date is pre-populated and select “Submit” in the bottom right corner.
college fair & financial aid night
october 12th @ 6:00pm
think pink for cancer awareness - Friday, October 20th
Every year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Monroe-Woodbury community wears PINK to help increase recognition for breast cancer. Monroe-Woodbury High School will THINK PINK on Friday, October 20th, in honor of all the individuals and families in our community who have been impacted by this disease.
Principal Month
Assistant principals play a vital role in the smooth functioning of our schools. Their hard work, dedication, and constant support provide the backbone upon which our school's success is built. Their ability to balance various responsibilities, offer guidance to both students and staff, and ensure the effective operation of our school is truly commendable.
In celebrating Principal's Month, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
Wishing you a wonderful Principal's Month filled with appreciation, joy, and a sense of pride for all that you do.
The PE Corner
Bell Schedule
Daily Schedule
Period 1 - 7:08 a.m. to 7:49 a.m.
Period 2 - 7:53 a.m. to 8:34 a.m.
Period 3 - 8:38 a.m. to 9:26 a.m.
Period 4 - 9:30 a.m. to 10:11 a.m. Period 5 - 10:15 a.m. to 10:56 a.m.
Period 6 - 11:00 a.m. to 11:41 a.m.
Period 7 - 11:45 a.m. to 12:26 p.m.
Period 8 - 12:30 p.m. to 1:11 p.m.
Period 9 - 1:15 p.m. to 1:58 p.m.
Period 2 - 7:53 a.m. to 8:34 a.m.
Period 3 - 8:38 a.m. to 9:26 a.m.
Period 4 - 9:30 a.m. to 10:11 a.m. Period 5 - 10:15 a.m. to 10:56 a.m.
Period 6 - 11:00 a.m. to 11:41 a.m.
Period 7 - 11:45 a.m. to 12:26 p.m.
Period 8 - 12:30 p.m. to 1:11 p.m.
Period 9 - 1:15 p.m. to 1:58 p.m.
Class periods are 41 minutes long. Passing time to next class is 4 minutes.
Half a Day Bell Schedule
swipe system
We are excited to share that we will be introducing a student ID swipe system during the 2023-24 school year. SwipeK12 Introduction Letter
Your teachers are here to support you! Take advantage of their help!!
student Assembly
Anthony Valentine, a dedicated youth motivational speaker, presented to MWHS students on Sept. 7 & 8. Anthony's presentation focused on positively impacting students' lives. His mission is to uplift, inspire, and guide students as they shape their identities and aspirations.
Through storytelling and live demonstrations, Anthony encouraged students to understand the power of their stories and how their choices influence friendships, communities and well-being.
St. Thomas University visit
Our student welcomed college representatives from St. Thomas Aquinas College -Mrs. Mary Vota and Mr. Vinny Vazquez.
Our students were excited and engaged. The students are looking forward to our follow trip to STAC on October 17th.
Community partnerships
Highland Mills Police Department for their back-to-school and holiday assistance for our families and students - Chief Watson, Lieutenant Kevin Phillips, and all of the members of the Highland Mills Police Department
Back-to-school supplies from collections done by Mayor Lou Medina (Harriman) and Harriman Police Chief Patrick Tenaglia
Heritage Financial Federal Credit Union with branch manager Martha Soto coordinating back-to-school supplies
Staples Harriman Store
The Woodbury Commons, Simon Outlets - Back to school supplies along with continuing the Crusader Closet to help students in need of clothing or footwear items.
Coordinating manager David Mistretta, along with Shannon McSweeney, Alyssa Bitts
Sacred Heart for supporting our community with food pantries, both at the church and mobile, furniture assistance, baby and infant needs along with many other areas of support.
Target Corporation for back-to-school supplies and holiday assistance
Other Community Support Programs For Our Families
First Presbyterian Church of Monroe - Food Distribution Center
142 Stage Rd, Monroe, NY · (845) 783-1632
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
Monroe United Methodist Church
47 Maple Ave, Monroe, NY · (845) 783-6371
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
Highland Mills Methodist Church
654 NY-32, Highland Mills, NY 10930
(845) 928-6177
What's Coming Up
