Sapphire Elementary

On Tuesday, July 7, the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District celebrated the grand reopening of its Education Center at 278 Route 32 in Central Valley following a year of extensive renovations. The historic building, which has long served as the District's central administrative offices, was transformed as part of the voter-approved capital improvement program.

To mark the occasion, Board of Education trustees, district leaders and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included remarks from Superintendent of Schools Tracy Norman and Board of Education President Kaytlin Simmons, as well as the unveiling of the state-of-the-art auditorium where Board of Education meetings and other community events will be held.

The new windows, cutting-edge technology and bright, welcoming workspaces are immediately visible. Equally important, however, are the extensive behind-the-scenes improvements, including upgraded infrastructure and mechanical systems that will support the District for decades to come.

As part of the celebration, the District created a time capsule that captures both the rich history of this building and this exciting new chapter. The Board of Education Trustees signed a proclamation commemorating the building’s long history and its significance to the people of Monroe-Woodbury. The time capsule will be opened 50 years from now, offering future generations a glimpse into this moment in our district's story.

“The Education Center has a rich history. Built nearly 100 years ago, it originally served as our district's first high school and middle school, serving grades 6-12. As our community grew and enrollment increased, the building evolved to become the administrative heart of our district. Today, it continues that legacy—renewed, modernized and ready to support the important work that happens here every day,” remarked Superintendent of Schools Tracy Norman, Ed.D.

M-W welcomes HS senior Valery Canales as the 2026-27 Board of Education Representative! Valery will serve as the voice of the students and will provide reports at BoE meetings throughout the school year. Read more about Valery on the district website: www.mw.k12.ny.us. We look forward to a great school year! 💜

During the 2025-2026 school year, the Food Service Department proudly served more than 1,000,000 nutritious meals for the second year in a row! This incredible milestone reflects the dedication of the Food Service team and the continued support and participation of the students, families, administration, Board of Education members, and the entire Monroe-Woodbury school community.

MWCSD has also been approved to continue operating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) through June 2029, ensuring that all enrolled students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day at no cost to families.

If you have questions about the Monroe-Woodbury Food Service Program, meal benefits, menus, nutrition information, please reach out to the Monroe-Woodbury Food Service Department. The Food Services department remains committed to supporting students, families, and community partners as we continue providing high-quality, nutritious meals to our students each day.

Thank you, Lyn Prestia and the entire Food Services team!🥗🍎🥣

Crusaders, what does your summer look like? Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, diving into a new book, or catching up with your besties, we want to see your favorite moments!
Share your photos with us by emailing them to communications@mw.k12.ny.us. The deadline for submission is August 21. Remember to include your name, school and grade entering with your submission.

Have a great summer!😎🎨🏝️

Crusaders, what does your summer look like? Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, diving into a new book, or catching up with your besties, we want to see your favorite moments!
Share your photos with us by emailing them to communications@mw.k12.ny.us. The deadline for submission is August 21. Remember to include your name, school and grade entering with your submission.

Have a great summer! 😎🎨🏝️

Don't miss out on the summer enrichment program for incoming students grades 1-8 during July and August. M-W teachers are leading courses in the Arts and STEAM. Visit www.mw.k12.ny.us for a detailed schedule and online registration. It's a great way to extend student learning during the summer months! Registration ends June 24, so sign up today!🎨🔬🧶

Be sure to head over to the district website at www.mw.k12.ny.us to check out the full calendar for the end of the year, including exam dates and early dismissal times for our students!

Reminder: All Monroe-Woodbury schools and offices are closed on Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

It was a picture perfect day for a beach party as UPK students at Sapphire Elementary wore their best outfits and smiles for their families! Congratulations, little Crusaders! ⛱️😎

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

It was the perfect night for an art show. Students at Sapphire Elementary proudly displayed their work for their family and friends. 🎨😍

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. 💜

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.🔬🧶🎨

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.

Have you ever seen an octopus fly? What about a giant parachute held by tiny hands? No? Check out these bright smiles from Kindergartners during this year’s K-fest featuring Crusaders from Sapphire and Smith Clove Elementary! 😊💜

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! 🖼️🎨