Dear Monroe-Woodbury High School Families,
November is upon us! The clocks have turned back, and most of the leaves have fallen. October was a busy and exciting month at MWHS, filled with many accomplishments and celebrations. Be sure to check out the highlights below!
November 7th marks the end of our first marking period. Report cards will be available in the Parent Portal by mid-November. The first quarter represents the halfway point for semester-long classes and the quarter mark for full-year courses. Please take time to review grades with your student(s), celebrating their successes and identifying any areas where support may be helpful. Assistance is available to any student who needs it.
This month, we’re offering two opportunities for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Many families may have participated in our evening conferences on November 6th, and our next opportunity will be on November 21st. More information can be found here. I encourage families to take advantage of these sessions, especially for subjects where additional support could make a difference.
November is also a time for giving thanks. I want to extend my gratitude to our students, faculty/staff, and community for an amazing start to the 25/26 school year and for their continued support, flexibility, and cooperation.
Wishing you and your families a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!
Important dates & information to keep in mind (more info below):
November 4 - Superintendent's Conference Day (No School for Students)
November 5 - Board of Education Regular Meeting @ MS, 6:00pm
November 6 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Evening, 5:00pm)
November 7 - End of the First Quarter
November 7 & 8 - MWHS Drama Club presents Radium Girls - details below
November 8 - SAT Exam @ HS, 7:30am
November 11 - School Closed, Veterans Day
November 12 - FBLA Induction Ceremony @ HS, 6:00pm
November 17 - HS Chamber Orchestra, Voice Ensemble, Wind Ensemble Concert @ 7:00pm
November 19 - Board of Education Regular Meeting @ PT, 6:00pm
November 21 - Parent-Teacher Conferences / Half-Day Dismissal
November 26 - 28 - School Closed, Thanksgiving Break
Respectfully,
Jason McElroy
Principal
Monroe-Woodbury High School
DropTheVape Quitline
The New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Tobacco Control Program, in collaboration with the NYS Quitline, announced the launch of a free, confidential 6-week texting program called DropTheVape to help young people eliminate the use of tobacco products like vapes, pouches, and cigarettes.
The program provides participants with daily messages and interactive skill-building exercises to help manage stress, handle nicotine cravings, and maintain confidence in social situations.
Interested individuals may sign up at DropTheVape.
NYSDOH also has a variety of free promotional materials on vaping cessation and education, including posters, palm cards, and other promotional media available at DropTheVape Educational Materials.
For questions, please contact the NYSDOH Tobacco Control Program at tcp@health.ny.gov.
Starting Monday, 11/10, students entering MWHS for arrival without a phone will need to enter via the Music Wing Entrance to fill out the No Phone Agreement via the Google Form on the Chromebooks.
Wrestling season is underway and we no longer can utilize our Wrestling Room for our morning procedures.
We encourage all students to utilize their YONDR pouches for the most smooth and efficient entrance into the building.
Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation.
We are proud to announce that nominations are currently being accepted for inductees to the first-ever Monroe-Woodbury Hall of Distinction (HOD). The HOD was established in 2025 to celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District. This program recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the school community, as well as distinguished alumni who have excelled in their respective endeavors.
Nominations for 2025 are due Friday, November 14. Click here for more information.
The MWHS Drama Club is proud to present "Radium Girls" for their annual Fall production. In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.
Radium Girls showtimes:
November 7 @ 7:00PM
November 8 @ 11:00AM (Special Understudy Performance)
November 8 @ 3:00PM
Tickets are $8 for Adults, $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online or at the door. Please note that tickets are reserved seating, so we recommend purchasing online.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Monroe-Woodbury High School together with the Parent-Teacher-Student Association presented an honest and interactive conversation about Teens and Technology, a judgment-free space with real talk presented by Dr. Sona Dave of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
This was an open conversation about phone and network use, their impact on mental health, and healthy boundaries with technology. Practical strategies for families and teens to work together with real, applicable tools were provided.
Dr. Dave's presentation can be viewed here and resources for communicating with teens about technology and digital media can be accessed here.
Click here to Join the PTSA Today!
Orders can now be placed for your graduating senior's cap and gown! Further graduation information will be forthcoming in the days ahead, but we encourage you to start preparing early to ensure your senior is ready for the momentous occasion.
Click here to order your senior cap and gown from Jostens.
Additionally, yearbook pre-orders are open, and senior baby ads can be purchased at discounted rates until November 15. Click here for the yearbook ordering site, and enter order #4223.
The Music Department invites you to its 36th Annual Faculty and Friends Concert on Friday, November 14, at 6:00PM. Join us for a delightful night of music in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Pre-purchase your tickets here.
The MWHS Kids Changing the World Club (KCW) was formed to help kids learn the value of giving back to their community while participating in local events and learning valuable life lessons.
This fall, their activities included working with special needs kids in an adaptive sports program through the Beautiful People organization in Warwick. They also volunteered for the first time in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Montgomery, which took place on October 25.
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, members from the Kids Changing the World Club participated in the "Beautiful People's 7th Annual Fall Fun Walk, Run & Roll." This was a 5K Fundraiser organized through the Beautiful People Organization. All proceeds from this race support Beautiful People Adaptive Sports where their mission is to build bridges between individuals with disabilities and the broader community of Orange County.
Great job, Crusaders! 💜
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Fall fun was in full swing as the MWHS Outdoor Club took their third annual pumpkin picking trip to Soons Orchards. It was a picture perfect day to share laughs and make memories. 🎃
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, AV Technician Dana Kerstanski was among school district employees countywide who earned a 2025 Mid-Hudson School Study Council (MHSSC) Award for Excellence in Support Staff Services. Each year, the MHSSC recognizes individuals in the education field who display excellence in their work. Awards were presented to Kerstanski and other honorees at a celebratory event in Middletown.
Kerstanski plays a key role behind the scenes. Whether he’s setting up the audio visual components for a Board of Education meeting, supporting the Music and Art Departments with their performances and exhibits to collaborating on The M-Dubs Morning Show, he proves he is truly multifaceted.
Vice Principal Dr. Kelli Sciarra said, “Whether he is coordinating logistics for assemblies, collaborating and managing logistics for prom and homecoming, or supporting critical events like the mock accident and senior celebrations, Mr. Kerstanski brings insight, innovation and a can-do spirit to every project. He ensures that everything runs smoothly and safely, often anticipating challenges before they arise.” 💜⭐
Monroe-Woodbury High School senior Prasad Saha has been named a Semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship® Program. They are among the 16,000 academically talented Semifinalists from throughout the country who will compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships offered next spring worth more than $26 million.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
Good luck, Prasad! ✏️💜
About award recipient Mrs. Marino, the following teachers wrote:
Matt Hodges: "Kerri Marino is a shining star amidst the deep of night - I have never worked with someone so supportive, earnest, and bright. She has saved so many of our lessons, days, and students from disaster, and she always does so with a sincere smile and the care and consideration of a great mom. She's the best!"
Kait Rosenfeld: "Kerri Marino is a teacher who leads with compassion. She approaches all of her relationships with students from a place of genuine interest and care - students are thrilled to see her at their sporting events, update her on their weekend plans, and greet her with enthusiasm in the halls for years after they have left the physical space of her classroom. She is a teacher who is always seeking new and creative approaches to her craft. With a passion for innovation and also for creating the best possible learning environment for students, Kerri consistently comes up with new and brilliant ideas for engaging students in reading and writing. She is a beacon of happiness and she radiates positivity in every space she enters." 🌟💜
MWHS Celebrates Homecoming
The highly anticipated annual homecoming tradition was celebrated at Monroe-Woodbury High School during the week of October 20, 2025. Homecoming kicks off with Spirit Week. Each day, students enjoyed a different theme, which included Character Day, Sports Day, Favorite Holiday Day, Class Color Day, and, of course, Purple Pride Day. School spirit filled the hallways and classrooms throughout the week.
On a beautiful fall Friday afternoon, the entire student body celebrated #crusaderpride at the Pep Rally. Dr. Crone and the Voice Ensemble kicked-off the afternoon with our National Anthem. Principal Mr. McElroy welcomed students, and commended them for a tremendous week of spirit at the high school. The microphone was handed over to Student Council, who served as the emcees for the afternoon. Fall Varsity Athletes were recognized and celebrated during the annual athlete parade. The Varsity Cheerleaders lit up the field with a dynamic performance full of impressive stunts and high-energy dances. Student Council members in collaboration with their advisors, Ms. Karen Ahrens and Ms. Andrea Zomback, planned a fun-filled series of games on the football field with students, faculty, and staff.
On Friday night, the Crusaders hosted the Wizards from Washingtonville, and took home the win with a score of 73-0. Varsity Football and Cheerleaders also welcomed their families onto the field to celebrate senior night. Homecoming 2025 concluded on Saturday night at the homecoming dance. Sponsored by Student Council, students enjoyed the night dancing, taking photo booth photos, and making memories.
Thank you to everyone at MWHS for a wonderful week full of school spirit and celebrations! 💜🖤
📷 select photos provided by Matt Kellum, MVP Experience.
On Tuesday, October 21, the Class of 2026 gathered on the high school field for our annual Senior Sunrise event!
Students arrived early to watch the sunrise together and officially kick off the 2025–2026 Spirit Week.
It was a morning filled with reflection, laughter, and excitement as seniors celebrated how far they’ve come.
The event set a positive tone for the week ahead, with our seniors leading by example and showing the school what true spirit looks like.
Thank you, Class of 2026, for being such positive role models in our building! 💜☀️
On Friday, October 24th, the Class of 2026 gathered on the baseball field for their Senior BBQ! Students enjoyed great food, games, and plenty of fun before heading to the football field for their Senior Panoramic photo and the Pep Rally!
Student Activities are in full swing at MWHS!
On Thursday, October 30th, our Tri-M Music Honor Society inducted 28 new members! According to the national Tri-M website, the honor society recognizes students that have gone above and beyond both academically and musically. Tri-M focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy through leadership opportunities to make a difference in their community through music-based service projects. Tri-M advisors are Dr. David Crone and Ms. Lauren Bryne! 💜🎵
Congratulations to the 25/26 inductees!
Marelyn Agustin
William Calohan
Valeria Cano
Elijah Chacko
Timothy Ghali
Kaia Collins Glander
Julia Dorry
Madison Dorry
Meghan Escobar
Andrew Ferdico
Ethan Gordon
Susan Jiang
Maikah Joseph
Aislinn Kavanagh
River Luz
Ian Mayer
Max Mayer
Ava Mueller
Sophia Niederberger
Cole O'Reilly
Emily Pichardo
Lia Pisello
Zan Rahman
Lara Rubio
Prasad Saha
Tanay Shah
Yoojin Sung
Malaya Villanueva
Returning members include:
Ryan Chang
Gregory Grisar
Gerard Haber Jr.
Eunbii Jeon
Luka Joncic
Kyle Kawada
Mckayla Kim
Andrew Liang
Lauren Mueller
Celeste O’Grady
Jillian Portnoy
Sunny Stein
Valerie Taveras
Rachel Yap
The National Art Honor Society recently hosted a wonderful event at the Monroe Senior Center. Students traveled there to put on a painting and feast event, preparing all the canvases and art materials in advance. We paired lead student artists to lead instruction alongside the table artists to provide engaging, one-on-one guidance for our local senior citizens. Students painted, shared conversations, and enjoyed lunch with our very grateful community members. It was a heartfelt and truly fun day for everyone! 💜🎨👩🏼🎨
Ms. Drislane and Ms. Ansons's Twenty-two students visited St. Thomas Aquinas College last month. All 22 students applied and were ACCEPTED into the College! St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is a private liberal arts college located in Sparkill, New York, just about 15 miles north of New York City. Congratulations Crusaders!🎓💜
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Goshen Central School District hosted students and staff from across Orange County to launch Red Ribbon Week 2025, a national initiative promoting drug and alcohol prevention. In partnership with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), the event encouraged students to make positive, healthy, and drug-free choices.
Representing Monroe-Woodbury, six high school students and five middle school students proudly took part in the kickoff celebration!
On Monday, October 27, 2025, MWHS wore red to show our support for Red Ribbon Week! ♥️💜
🏊♀️🏈🎾🏐🏃♀️➡️⚽️ ATHLETICS ⚽️🏃🏐🎾🏈🏊♂️
What a great Fall Season for Monroe-Woodbury Athletics! Congratulations to all the student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication.
Girls Soccer: OCIAA Division Champions, Section 9 Champions—awesome job on both the league and sectional titles!
Boys Cross Country: OCIAA Division Champions (six in a row and 21 in school history, tying Warwick for MOST ever!), Section 9 Champions—another stellar season for the team! Good luck at the state level competition!
Girls Cross Country: 2025 Section 9 Champion Girls XC team! Good luck at the state level competition!
Football: OCIAA Division Champions, Headed to the Section 9 Playoffs as the #1 Seed—Good luck!
Swim and Dive: OCIAA Division Champions; big shoutout to Molly Connolly for her 1st place in Section 9 Diving and breaking the Monroe-Woodbury 11 Dive Pool Record—stellar individual performance! Good luck at the state level competition!
This kind of success speaks volumes about the commitment of everyone involved. It’s a season for the history books! 💜
📷 select photos provided by Matt Kellum, MVP Experience.
Check out the news from the School Counseling Department!
Newsletter
The SAT will be administered in a digital format at MWHS on 11/8/25.
Check out the November Newsletter from the Physical Education Department!
Free Meals for all students during the 2025-2026 school year!
All students enrolled at Monroe-Woodbury Central School District are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch in school at no charge to your household each day of the 2025-2026 school year.
All students will be able to participate in these meal programs on the first day of school without having to pay a fee or submit an application. All schools provide a breakfast program for students upon entry into school and a lunch program for students in the cafeteria.
School meal programs offer breakfast and lunch meals that meet strict federal nutrition standards, aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are planned with student preferences in mind. If packing food from home, students can add to their home brought lunch at no cost by choosing at least three of the five items offered, (e.g., low fat milk, proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits), one of which must be a vegetable or fruit. We invite students to show their support for their school food service program through participation.
View message for families regarding 2025-26 school year
View message for families regarding 2025-26 school year (en español!)
It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school attendance office within at least 24 hours following the absence of their student and to provide a written excuse within five (5) school days upon the student’s return to school.
Meet our new attendance clerical, Arlene Kelly! Please email hsattend@mw.k12.ny.us regarding attendance.
The New York State Department of Education requires that all 9th and 11th grade students have a physical exam. A valid physical for this school year is one performed on or after September 1st, 2024.
Additionally, per NYS law, we will be screening all 11th grade students' vision and hearing if not done and documented on their physical exam and we will be screening all 9th grade male students for scoliosis if not documented on their physical.
There is also a new New York State mandate for all 12th graders to receive a booster dose of the Meningococcal A, C, W, Y vaccine. To be valid for 12th grade, the vaccine must have been received at 16 years or older.
When you are scheduling your child's 11th grade physical exam appointment, please ask the provider if your child is due for a Meningitis A vaccine..
If your student has had a physical, please ask the provider's office to either:
Fax: (845) 460-6078 or
Email: esassi@mw.k12.ny.us or ldimas@mw.k12.ny.us
If you have any questions regarding this information, please don't hesitate to contact us at (845) 460-7000 ext. 7030.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sassi SNT and Leslie Dimas RN
Class periods are 41 minutes long. Passing time between periods is four minutes.
Visit the Parent Portal to view transportation information.
As of August 20, 2024, School Messenger has replaced Swift K12 as the district’s parent notification system. As always, parents and guardians may receive important notifications from the district via email, phone call, or text.
NEW with School Messenger:
Parents and guardians must “OPT IN” to receive text messages via School Messenger. It’s easy and quick! Please take care of it right away!
How to OPT IN to receive text messages:
Text “Y” to the number: 67587 from the phone number you have registered to your Student’s Profile as a contact.
You will receive a text message confirming you have registered to receive text notifications: “You’re registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.”
Please note: If you DO NOT “OPT IN” for text notifications, you will NOT receive text notifications. You will only receive phone calls or emails. We encourage you to make your selection as soon as possible to ensure smooth communication with no interruptions.
Recordatorio de School Messenger (padres/tutores):
A partir del 20 de agosto de 2024, School Messenger ha reemplazado a Swift K12 como el sistema de notificación para padres del distrito. Como siempre, los padres y tutores pueden recibir notificaciones importantes del distrito por correo electrónico, llamada telefónica o mensaje de texto.
NOVEDADES CON SM:
Los padres y tutores deben “OPTAR” para recibir mensajes de texto a través de School Messenger. ¡Es fácil y rápido! ¡Por favor, ocúpese de ello de inmediato!
Cómo OPTAR para recibir mensajes de texto:
Envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “Y” al número: 67587 desde el número de teléfono que haya registrado en su perfil de estudiante como contacto.
Recibirá un mensaje de texto que confirmará que se ha registrado para recibir notificaciones de texto: “Está registrado para recibir 4 notificaciones de SchoolMessenger. Responda PARE para cancelar, para recibir ayuda”.
Tenga en cuenta: si NO “OPTA” para recibir notificaciones de texto, NO recibirá notificaciones de texto. Solo recibirá llamadas telefónicas o correos electrónicos. Le recomendamos que haga su selección lo antes posible para garantizar una comunicación fluida y sin interrupciones.
Recordatorio de School Messenger (personal):
A partir del 20 de agosto de 2024, School Messenger ha reemplazado a Swift K12 como el sistema de notificación del distrito. Como siempre, puede recibir notificaciones importantes del distrito por correo electrónico, llamada telefónica o mensaje de texto.
NUEVO CON SM:
Debe “OPTAR” para recibir mensajes de texto a través de School Messenger. ¡Es fácil y rápido! ¡Por favor, ocúpese de ello de inmediato!
Cómo OPTAR para recibir mensajes de texto:
Envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “Y” al número: 67587 desde el número de teléfono que haya registrado en su Perfil de estudiante como contacto.
Recibirá un mensaje de texto que confirmará que se ha registrado para recibir notificaciones de texto: “Está registrado para recibir 4 notificaciones de SchoolMessenger. Responda STOP para cancelar, HELP para recibir ayuda”.
Tenga en cuenta: si NO “OPTA” para recibir notificaciones de texto, NO recibirá notificaciones de texto. Solo recibirás llamadas telefónicas o correos electrónicos. Te recomendamos que hagas tu selección lo antes posible para garantizar una comunicación fluida y sin interrupciones.
Comidas gratis - Recordatorio -Todos los estudiantes, en el año escolar 2025-2026
Todos los estudiantes inscritos en el Distrito Escolar Central Monroe-Woodbury son elegibles para recibir un desayuno y almuerzo saludables en la escuela sin costo para su hogar todos los días del año escolar 2025-2026.
Todos los estudiantes podrán participar en estos programas de comidas el primer día de clases sin tener que pagar una tarifa o presentar una solicitud. Todas las escuelas ofrecen un programa de desayuno para los estudiantes al ingresar a la escuela y un programa de almuerzo para los estudiantes en la cafetería.
Los programas de comidas escolares ofrecen desayunos y almuerzos que cumplen con estrictos estándares federales de nutrición, están alineados con las Pautas dietéticas para estadounidenses y se planifican teniendo en cuenta las preferencias de los estudiantes. Si traen comida de casa, los estudiantes pueden agregarla a su almuerzo traído a casa sin costo alguno eligiendo al menos tres de los cinco artículos ofrecidos (por ejemplo, leche baja en grasa, proteínas, cereales integrales, verduras y frutas), uno de los cuales debe ser una verdura o una fruta. Invitamos a los estudiantes a mostrar su apoyo al programa de servicio de alimentos de su escuela mediante la participación.
Ver mensaje para familias sobre el año escolar 2025-26 (en espanol)
The Distraction-Free Schools New York State law, which was passed as part of the 2026 state budget, aims to promote student mental health and student success by prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices from the time students arrive at school until dismissal. This law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
The law applies to students in grades UPK-12 and bans the use of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, wireless headphones, and other internet-enabled devices. School-issued devices are exempt and will continue to be an important instructional tool in the classroom.
At the Board of Education meeting on July 23, the Board approved the Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy. This policy addresses how the law will be enforced in our schools, as well as exemptions and exceptions. Families may request an exemption under specific circumstances, such as for documented medical or disability reasons. If you believe your child qualifies for an exemption, please complete the online Exemption Request form. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the district's Exemption Review Committee. Submission of this form does not guarantee approval, but it is the first step in the review process.
For more information, visit our Distraction Free-Schools page.
Check out the demonstration video below for our building guidelines on how we are utilizing "Yondr" pouches for secure device storage during the school day.
In an effort to be fully transparent and keep all stakeholders informed, we want to clearly outline the consequences associated with this new policy. Please review our progressive discipline steps here:
YONDR
Damaged/Lost/Stolen Yondr Costs/Consequence(s)
Pouch 2: (Replacement #1) - No Cost + phone call home + device held for the day
Pouch 3: (Replacement #2) - $30 Fee + phone call home + device held daily until fee is paid
Yondr Vandalized Costs/Consequence(s)
Pouch 2: (Replacement #1) - No Cost + phone call home + device held for day + After-School Detention (Vandalism infraction)
Pouch 3: (Replacement #2) - $30 Fee + phone call home + device held daily until fee is paid + ISS 1 Day (Vandalism infraction)
No Pouch with a phone present upon on arrival
First Offense: Device held for day / Parent phone call
Second Offense: First offense consequence + Parent must pick up device
Third offense+: Second offense consequence + After-School Detention (Insubordination infraction)
Cell Phone During School Day - all offenses require a parent/guardian to pick up the device
First Offense: Parent phone call & Parent must pick up device
Second Offense: First offense consequence + After-School Detention (Insubordination infraction)
Third Offense+: First offense consequence + ISS 1 Day+ (Insubordination infraction)
**Device pick-up window for parents**
2:30pm - 5:00pm
Meet the MWHS Administration Team
What's Coming Up!
November 4 - Superintendent's Conference Day (No School for Students)
November 5 - Board of Education Regular Meeting @ MS, 6:00pm
November 6 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Evening, 5:00pm)
November 7 - End of the First Quarter
November 7 & 8 - MWHS Drama Club presents Radium Girls
November 8 - SAT Exam @ HS, 7:30am
November 11 - School Closed, Veterans Day
November 12 - FBLA Induction Ceremony @ HS, 6:00pm
November 17 - HS Chamber Orchestra, Voice Ensemble, Wind Ensemble Concert @ 7:00pm
November 19 - Board of Education Regular Meeting @ PT, 6:00pm
November 21 - Parent-Teacher Conferences / Half-Day Dismissal
November 26 - 28 - School Closed, Thanksgiving Break