Central Valley Elementary

Best wishes to Valedictorian Prasad Saha and Salutatorian Luka Joncic of the Monroe-Woodbury High School Class of 2026! Visit the district website www.mw.k12.ny.us to learn more about Prasad and Luka as they share their experiences at M-W, advice for younger students and their plans for the future. Congratulations to our Valedictorian and Salutatorian! 🎓

@monroewoodburyhs

As we continue to recognize Capabilities Week, Pine Tree elementary was delighted to host guests from the Winslow Therapeutic Center. Stacy Lenz and Elissa Velez visited the school with a unique companion, a horse affectionately named "Skunk." Despite the unusual name, this gentle giant proved to be incredibly sweet. Skunk and the rest of the herd at the center serve as "four-legged healers," providing vital support to individuals facing emotional challenges or physical impairments.

Central Valley also joined in the festivities by welcoming animal companions Harper and Twiggy from The Seeing Eye. While Harper is already a working guide dog, Twiggy is currently in training. Trainer Tricia Nussenbaum provided a demonstration of Twiggy's education, showing how she learns to ignore distractions, maintain focus, and navigate steadily on her owner's left side to provide a safe path for everyone.

These animal partners play a significant role in supporting people with disabilities. Throughout the week, our young Crusaders gained a deeper understanding that while some disabilities are easily seen, many others are not visible. 💜

From May 26 - June 1, North Main, Pine Tree and Central Valley Elementary will celebrate kindness and acceptance through its annual Capabilities Week celebration. Crusaders in grades 2-5 will participate in a variety of activities designed to highlight the strengths and unique challenges that people with disabilities may face. Throughout the week, students will participate in hands-on sensory and visual exhibits, hear from amazing motivational speakers, and even interact with therapy animals!

Second graders at Pine Tree kicked off the week with a special visit from Lola, of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause. Lola is a therapy dog who can make people smile bright whenever she enters a room. Accompanying Lola was her owner, Karl Seiter who answered many questions from eager young Crusaders. Mr. Seiter informed the students Lola visits schools, hospitals, and even greets morning workers at various supermarkets in the area. Students even got the chance to pet Lola— what a great way to start the day! 💜🐶

Members of the Transporation Department were glam ready as they attended their second annual awards ceremony. The bus garage was briefly transformed into a chic venue—red carpet included—where staff enjoyed a variety of delicious entrees and desserts prepared by their colleagues before the formal recognition began.

This new tradition gives team members the opportunity to nominate their peers across several categories including the Rookie of the Year, Best Communicator, and Best Team.

Jessie Lazar, Director of Transportation, highlighted the spirit of the department, stating, "Transportation works because it is a collaboration. Drivers, monitors, mechanics, dispatchers, secretaries, administrators—everyone plays a role. This department works because everybody brings something to the table."

Thank you to the entire M-W Transportation Team for everything they do! 🤩

The district is pleased to reintroduce Summer Enrichment programs, including multi-day courses in STEM, art and crochet, led by M-W teachers during July and August for students K-8. All skill levels are welcome! Stay tuned for more program details, pricing and schedules.🔬🧶🎨

Led by Art Teacher, Animah Wingfield, CVE Crusaders proudly showcased their projects during their art show! 🎨🖌️

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, District residents passed the $245,052,094 budget for the 2026-2027 school year by a vote of 1,023 yes votes to 395 no votes — an approval rating of 72.1 percent. Proposition 2 passed with 1,145 yes votes to 274 no votes — an approval rating of 80.7%.

Berny Vega was elected with 1,053 votes; Kiesha Tillman was elected with 923 votes; Bryan Bellino was elected with 901 votes and Monique Officer had 883 votes.

District officials would like to thank members of the M-W community for their continued support of our schools.

Happy School Transportation Appreciation Week! We are so grateful for everything you do to transport our Crusaders every day. From being the first face they see each morning to the last one to wave goodbye in the afternoon, your impact is felt. We also want to thank those working behind the scenes, managing routes and schedules to ensure every child is supported. Thank you! 🚌💜

REMINDER: All Monroe-Woodbury schools will be closed on Tuesday, May 19, for a Superintendent's Conference Day. The annual school district budget vote will also take place on this day in person at Central Valley Elementary School from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Missed the District Art Show? Enjoy a few photos from opening night! We have such creative Crusaders! 🖼️🎨

REMINDER! The Monroe-Woodbury Annual K-12 District Art Show begins tonight, May 8, at 5:30 p.m.
ADDITIONAL VIEWINGS at MWHS lobby:
Saturday, May 9 - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Great work by our Crusaders from CVE! These students earned achievement certificates in recognition of their dedication and effort throughout the before-school reading program. 📚

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the MWHS Student Government is excited to announce its third annual Color Run to raise awareness for mental health. Scan the QR code to learn more!

Teacher Appreciation week begins today and Monroe-Woodbury is proud to celebrate the remarkable individuals who invest their hearts, time and energy into our community. Beyond academics, our teachers serve as daily mentors, counselors and sources of encouragement for every student. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🤩

In honor of School Meal Hero Day, we want to thank the dedicated teams across all seven M-W schools. Every day, these professionals work tirelessly to prepare and provide nutritious meals for our Crusaders. We truly appreciate everything you do. Thank you for being our “super heroes!” 🦹🏼‍♂️🦸🏻

Hey, M-W! Spring concert season is officially underway! Check out the district’s website at www.mw.k12.ny.us for more information. 🎶🌸

Best of luck to our Special Olympians competing at the Hudson Valley Region - Regional Spring Games at West Point this weekend! Go, Crusaders! 💜🥰👟

The highly anticipated Monroe-Woodbury Annual K-12 District Art Show will be held from Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the Monroe-Woodbury High School lobby. The event features amazing artwork from talented Senior Art Major portfolios, many of whom were inspired by their early experiences in elementary and middle school. The show will also feature select projects from students of all grades.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

OPENING RECEPTION - Friday, May 8 - 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT - Friday, May 8 - 5:30 p.m. The “Empty Bowls” project is a favorite part of the Opening Reception. Ceramics students and staff have created a variety of hand-made ceramic bowls for guests to choose from and to keep as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world. Guests are asked to make a donation of $10. All proceeds support a local food bank.

ADDITIONAL VIEWINGS at MWHS lobby: Saturday, May 9 - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.