Embedded Files
to the 2025-2026 school year!
to the 2025-2026 school year!
A MESSAGE FROM Mr. Jason McElroy, MWHS Principal
A MESSAGE FROM Mr. Jason McElroy, MWHS Principal
Dear Monroe-Woodbury High School Families,
The second semester is underway, with the third-quarter midpoint approaching quickly on February 27. This is a great opportunity for students to reset, refocus, and set new goals. There is still plenty of time to make this year a success!
February 2 - 6 is School Counselor Appreciation Week. We thank our school counselors for their guidance and the important role they play in supporting our students’ academic success, personal growth, and well-being. Thank you, Counselors!!💜
With winter upon us, we currently have three remaining snow days. Should additional closures be necessary beyond those days, we will transition to remote learning. More information will be shared if needed.
February also brings several exciting events, including the High School Blood Drive, sporting events, and the annual Prism Concert on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm.
Important dates & information to keep in mind (more info below):
2/2 - 2/6: School Counselor Appreciation Week
2/10: HS BLC Meeting @ 2:00pm
2/11 - 8th Grade Parent Orientation/Curriculum Night @ 6:00
2/13: Go Red for Heart Health Day
2/16 - 2/18: School Closed, Mid-Winter Break
2/20: FBLA Blood Drive @ HS
2/24: HS PRISM Concert @ HS, 7:00pm
2/25: Board of Education Regular Meeting @ EC, 6:00pm
2/27: Third Quarter Mid-Point
Respectfully,
Jason McElroy
Principal
Monroe-Woodbury High School
Information Corner
Information Corner
RSS Internet Safety for Parents (2) (1).pdf2025 - 2026 Internet Safety for Parents
2025 - 2026 Internet Safety for Parents
PNW BOCES - Free Virtual Event
February 9, 2026: 7:00 - 8:30PM
*Preregistration is required.
For more information, please contact:
Frank Guglieri
DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SAFETY SERVICES, PNW BOCES
(914) 248-2457 | FGuglieri@PNWBOCES.org
The Anxious Generation Speaker,
The Anxious Generation Speaker,
Katherine Martinko
Katherine Martinko
On Monday, February 2, MWHS welcomed Anxious Generation Speaker Katherine Martinko; Writer, Editor and Author of Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance (2023) and creator of a fast-growing Substack newsletter called The Analog Family.
View the presentation here!
Click here for a Parent Toolkit provided by Yondr.
In collaboration with the Monroe-Woodbury PTSA, this event kicks off The Anxious Generation book club. As a community, we will come together to read the book and engage in meaningful discussions on how its themes impact our students, families, and school community, while exploring ways to better support the well-being of our children in today’s digital age.
The Anxious Generation book club will meet on the following dates:
February 23
March 16
April 6
April 20
**The book club will meet at 6:00PM at the HS in Computer Lab A.
***Please CLICK HERE if you are interested in participating!***
School Closed -
Mid-winter Break
School Closed -
Mid-winter Break
Reminder, all Monroe-Woodbury schools will be closed on Monday, February 16 through Wednesday, February 18 for Mid-Winter Break.❄️
Grab & Go Bags
Grab & Go Bags
In an effort to ensure students are arriving to class on time in the morning while still being able to have breakfast, we are working with Food Services to offer a Grab and Go option.
Cafeteria lines with be shut at 7:05AM, with Grab and Go being the option from 7:05AM on.
In the event students arrive later than period 1, Grab and Go bags will be available in the Nurses Office.
Early Morning Communications
Early Morning Communications
As we head into the winter months, we are reminding all M-W families to please have arrangements in place for your child in the event of a 2-hour delay, early dismissal or school closure, and to make sure your child is aware of these alternative plans.
SchoolMessenger is the district’s primary parent/guardian notification system. As always, parents and guardians may receive important notifications from the if there is a change to the student schedule or if school is closed, we will notify families by 5 a.m. via email, phone or text (if opted in, see instructions), based on preferences selected on the Parent/Student Portal. Information will also be posted on the district’s website, Facebook page and Instagram account.
Stay warm and Happy February, Crusaders! 📲☃️💜
Senior Prom
Senior Prom
Save the date! Senior Prom will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in the Grand Ballroom at Eisenhower Hall, West Point. The Class of 2026 is excited to present this year's Senior Prom theme, "Twilight Tides."
Stay tuned for more information in the coming days. 💟
The Spotlight
The Spotlight
FBLA Regional Competition Wins
FBLA Regional Competition Wins
Monroe-Woodbury is proud to recognize the students from the middle school and high school who represented the district at the regional Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) business competitions. Through their preparation and hard work, our students earned multiple top-five finishes across several competitive categories:
High School:
Impromptu Speaking
Connor Santaiti – 3rd Place
Intro to Decision Making
Shakti Kublall – 1st Place
Intro to Public Speaking
Whitley Kwok – 4th Place
Job Interview
Tanay Shah – 2nd Place
Public Speaking
Anthony Lanari – 5th Place
Business Law
Mia Jimenez – 1st Place
Intro to FBLA
Anjali Deola – 5th Place
Personal Finance
Prasad Saha– 2nd Place
Sports Management
Jackson Wernli – 2nd Place
Middle Level:
Exploring Leadership
Nathan Torres – 3rd Place
Christopher Vasquez – 4th Place
Matthew Campbell – 5th Place
Exploring Finance
Matthew Campbell – 2nd Place
Krish Malhotra – 3rd Place
Nathan Grey Torres – 5th Place
Exploring Job Interview
Matthew Campbell – 3rd Place
Christopher Vasquez – 4th Place
Exploring Customer Service
Ayan Gilani – 2nd Place
Exploring Public Speaking
Krish Malhotra – 1st Place
Exploring Professionalism
Krish Malhotra – 1st Place
Christopher Vasquez – 3rd Place
Ayan Gilani – 5th Place
Exploring FBLA
Ayan Gilani – 3rd Place
We wish Kiah Mehta good luck in placing for Vice President District 3N State Officer for 2026-2027. Congratulations to our FBLA competitors on an outstanding performance as we get ready for the state leadership conference in April! 💼💜
International Foods & Culinary Creations
"Chopped" Competitions
International Foods & Culinary Creations
"Chopped" Competitions
Mrs. Lee’s International Foods and Mrs. Pirraglia’s Culinary Creations classes recently took part in an exciting “Chopped”-style competition that put students’ creativity and teamwork to the test. Each kitchen group selected either chicken or shrimp as the star ingredient and worked together to design and prepare an original recipe from start to finish. Members of the administration, faculty, and staff served as judges, sampling the dishes and offering enthusiastic feedback.
The judges were truly impressed by the flavor, presentation, and imagination displayed in every entry. The students showcased outstanding culinary talent, demonstrating skill, confidence, and collaboration - and they did an amazing job rising to the challenge. Congratulations to the winners who took home a golden spoon! 🧑🍳🥄🔥
L.E.A.D. Mentors hold study session for Midterms
L.E.A.D. Mentors hold study session for Midterms
LEAD, which stands for "Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Dedication," is our organization of student mentors that provides peer guidance for academic and social success to underclassmen and students newer to the high school. In preparation for midterms and Regents week in January, our LEAD mentors lead a tutoring session for students preparing for exams. Having done a fantastic job in getting the word out to our student body, the study session had a record turn out! 📚💜
National Honor society welcomes new inductees
National Honor society welcomes new inductees
Congratulations to the hardworking students who were inducted into the Monroe-Woodbury High School Chapter of the National Honor Society on Tuesday, January 13. The ceremony was held in the HS auditorium where students, family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate students' accomplishments.
The NHS empowers, champions, and recognizes well-rounded students who demonstrate their commitment to leadership and service in the school and community, as well as personal qualities of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The new members are a combination of juniors and seniors who have fulfilled 50 hours of community service and maintained a 92.0 cumulative grade point average.
Dr. Matt Silverman and Ms. Liz Barbulean proudly serve as NHS advisors.
Congratulations to all the new members! 🌟💜
Student Activities are in full swing at MWHS!
Athletic Club for OuR Father's Food Pantry
Athletic Club for OuR Father's Food Pantry
The Athletic Club ran a co-ed 4 vs. 4 volleyball tournament and collected donations for the food pantry. The students brought in over 80 items which will be donated to Our Father's Pantry in Monroe. Great job, Crusaders! 🏐🥫
Hudson Valley PAWS
Hudson Valley PAWS
In collaboration with the MWHS PTSA, we welcomed King and his handler, Ms. Julie Bengyak to MWHS on Thursday, January 15, 2026. King spent time with students (and adults!) during lunch periods the week before midterms and Regents Exams. We look forward to welcoming them back to our school in the spring. 🐾💜
🏊♀️🏃♀️➡️🤼♀️⛷️📣🏋️🏀 ATHLETICS 🏀🎳🏒⛷️🤼🏃🏊♂️
MWHS Winter sports celebrate section IX championships & MOre!
MWHS Winter sports celebrate section IX championships & MOre!
An amazing winter season for Monroe-Woodbury Athletics! Congratulations to all the student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication during this winter athletics season. And, there's still more to come home! Here are a few highlights:
Girls Indoor Track & Field OCIAA Division I Champions and Section IX Champions
Boys Indoor Track & Field OCIAA Division I Champions
Boys Swimming & Diving OCIAA Division II Regular Season Champions
Girls Varsity Cheerleading 1st Place at the Battle of the Bows Cheerleading Competition
Boys Varsity Alpine Ski Congratulations, Anthony DeVenuto, on first place in the Boys Slalom on 1/27/26
Varsity Ice Hockey Congratulations to seniors Matt Skarkas (captain), Anthony Main (captain), Colin Holbrook, and James Romano
Congratulations, Crusaders! 🎉💜
HS Spring Sports registration
HS Spring Sports registration
Although we are in the midst of winter, warmer weather is right around the corner and that means spring sports will be here soon. The information included in this email is for our high school students who are interested in participating in spring sports. JV and Varsity spring sports begin on Monday, March 9, 2026. Registration will open at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 and will close at midnight on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The following “sign up” process is designed to make sure all students have access to spring athletic team information. There are three important things that need to be done prior to the start of the spring season:
Join the Google Classroom: Your child should use the codes below to join the Google Classroom for the sport he/she intends to try out for. These Google Classrooms are currently open and students can join now.
Students must have an updated physical on file in the school health office or be able to provide one. Physicals must be dated March 1, 2025 or later.
On February 2, 2026, parents/guardians may begin registering their child for spring sports via our online registration program. All necessary forms will be completed within this program, including an opportunity to upload a current physical. Each child may only register for one spring sport. This is the only way to register and be eligible to participate.
Here is the link for registration. It will also be posted in Google Classrooms and on the district website under “Athletics.” Go Crusaders!
DEPARTMENT UPDATES, INFO AND MORE!
DEPARTMENT UPDATES, INFO AND MORE!
School Counseling office
School Counseling office
Check out the news from the School Counseling Department!
ACT
ACT
The ACT will be administered at MWHS on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
PE newsletter
PE newsletter
Check out the December Newsletter from the Physical Education Department!
food services
food services
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!)
Attendance
Attendance
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 Nurse's Corner
The Nurse's Corner
We hope you enjoyed the winter break and are ready for a healthy & happy 2026!
We are continuing to see the flu, norovirus, rsv and pneumonia; please continue to keep your child home with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea and associated symptoms - see link below
Link: When to keep your child home
The New York State Department of Education requires that all 9th and 11th grade students and New Entrants have a physical exam. A valid physical for this school year is one performed on or after September 1, 2024.
Additionally, per NYS law, we will be screening all 11th grade and new entrant 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 (Meningitis A). 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: Lisa Sassi or Leslie Dimas
Link for Forms and more info from the Nurse’s Office
If you have any questions regarding this information, please don't hesitate to contact us at (845) 460-7000 ext. 20801.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sassi, SNT and Leslie Dimas, RN
HS Bell ScheduleS
HS Bell ScheduleS
Class periods are 41 minutes long. Passing time between periods is four minutes.
Transportation
Transportation
Visit the Parent Portal to view transportation information.
Library report
Library report
Click here to view January's Library report!
School messenger
School messenger
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.
INformacion Importante
INformacion Importante
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)
NYS Distraction-free learning
NYS Distraction-free learning
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!
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
February 2 - 6 - School Counselor Appreciation Week
February 10 - HS BLC Meeting @ 2:00pm
February 11 - 8th Grade Parent Orientation/Curriculum Night
February 13 - Go Red for Heart Health Day
February 16 - 18 - School Closed, Mid-Winter Break
February 20 - FBLA Blood Drive @ HS
February 24 - HS PRISM Concert @ HS, 7:00pm
February 25 - Board of Education Regular Meeting @ HS, 6:00pm
February 27 - Third Quarter Mid-Point
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