On Wednesday, October 29, 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 an October 29 celebratory event in Middletown.

Kerstanski plays a key role behind the scenes. Whether heā€™s setting up the audio visual components for a Board of Education meeting, supporting the Music and Art Departments with their performances and exhibits, or collaborating on The M-Dub Morning Show, Kerstanski proves he is truly multifaceted.

Vice Principal Dr. Kelli Sciarra said, ā€œWhether 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 arrive.ā€

Congratulations, Mr. Kerstanski! šŸ’œšŸ†

6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
four people standing together
two people standing together
Don't forget, Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! Sunday, November 2, set your clock back one hour and enjoy the extra rest! ā° #Fallback
6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
blue and white clock with text that says daylight saving time
Apply today (see link to Employment Opportunities in bio). Application deadline is November 4, 2025. Don't miss the chance to be part of the Crusader family!ā­ļøšŸ’œ
6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
flyer for hiring senior food service helper
šŸ† M-Wā€™s FIRST Hall of Distinction is here! šŸŽ‰
Celebrate the Crusaders whoā€™ve made a lasting impact ā€” alumni, teachers, Board members, coaches, community partners and more. Submit nominations no later than November 14 to be part of this incredible recognition program for deserving Crusaders. Visit: www.mw.k12.ny.usšŸ‘ā­ļøšŸ’œ
6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
District launches its first ever Hall of Distinction and is seeking nominations by November 14. Visit website for more information.
October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week! Monroe-Woodbury students and staff will participate in activities, uniting to take a stand against drug use.

Red Ribbonā€™s 2025 theme ā€œLife is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free,ā€ encourages individuals to play their part in fostering safe, healthy and drug-free communities while helping students make positive decisions.

Stay tuned for fun activities from our schools as Red Ribbon Week continues!šŸ’Ŗ
6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
white text that says, Red Ribbon Week, Life is a Puzzle solve it drug free, with a red backgorund
Smiling faces, loud cheers and spontaneous dancing filled Sapphireā€™s auditorium as students were treated to a very special assembly by Beth & Scott and Friends. The duo sang catchy tunes to students about making good choices such as being kind to their friends, sharing, and cleaning up after playtime. Even the teachers joined in on the fun with some fancy dance moves on stage!šŸ’ƒšŸ»ā˜ŗļøšŸŽ¼


6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
a woman with a red sweater and a man with a black shirt standing in an auditorium
students sitting on the floor in an auditorium
students and teachers standing on a brown stage
students sitting in blue chairs staring a stage
Students sitting on floor staring at a stage
students standing with their hands up
Reminder: On Friday, October 17 M-W community will think PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. We will wear pink and denim to support survivors, fighters, and all those impacted by breast cancer. Letā€™s all join together and help build awareness!šŸ©·
6 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
Pink ribbon with black text that says, Friday, October 17, breast cancer awareness day
At the start of each school year, Orange County conducts an emergency early dismissal drill. This year the drill will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 and students will go home 15 minutes early. Parents and guardians should be prepared for students to arrive home 15 minutes earlier than usual. Thank you!

7 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
blue background with school bus and yellow post it note
Community Swim is canceled on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Thank you,
7 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
blue waters with white and purple text
Happy Friyay! May your weekend be filled with as much joy as these Sapphire cuties playing a spirited game of Red Light/Green Light. šŸ„°šŸš¦
7 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
students jumping and smiling in gym class
Reading buddies, exercising, and channeling your inner pirateā€“all part of balanced Crusader Summer! #Summer2025 šŸ“ššŸ“ā€ā˜ ļøšŸ„°
8 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
student with black sweater sitting in a black chair with teacher standing next to him
student with black sweater reading to students in classroom
student with purple shirt throwing a ball
Students standing with teacher in brown. hallway and students standing in lunchroom with blue floors
student wearing green shirt and shorts standing with teacher wearing grey shirt in a brown hallway
students with pirate patches over their eyes
student with a pirate hat and black and purple shirt
Adem, Logan and Bekim, of Pine Tree and Sapphire let their imaginations run wild at Legoland. Looks like their adventure was bricktastic! #Summer2025 šŸŗšŸ˜
8 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
boy in grey striped shirt petting a lego wolf
three students and a man standing beside a red lego car
Shout out to our SPELL (Summer Program for English Language Learners) participants! Crusaders from around the district are diving into art, physical education and read-a-longs, all while strengthening language skills and making new friends during the process! #Summer2025 šŸƒšŸ½ā€ā™€ļøā€āž”ļøšŸ“ššŸŽØ
9 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
student with blue shirt sitting in a blue chair
student with a yellow shirt running in gym with a yellow ball
students standing in a classroom
five students sitting at a table in a classroom
two students sitting at an art table
one student sitting at an art table painting a brown mosaic
two students sitting at a lunch table eating breakfast
students and teacher sitting at a table writing
Peyton B. future Pine Tree second grader and sister Keilani, one of our newest Crusaders entering UPK at Sapphire, spent 10 days exploring the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. The sisters visited family, swam in rivers and beaches, toured Old San Juan, and even went on an unexpected eight-mile hike in El Yunque rainforest! What an exciting trip! #Summer2025 šŸ‡µšŸ‡·šŸ¦œšŸ¤—
9 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
two girls wearing floral dresses with parrots on their head
two girls with colorful dresses and woman with a black hat and baby on her back
family of 5 sitting on giant chair with red white and blue paint.
two girls with colorful dresses and father with yellow shirt and white hat
Laith H. of MWMS and Adham H. of Pine Tree, spent two weeks visiting family in Utah. While out West, the brothers visited Kennecott Copper Mine. This is the largest human-made excavation site with the deepest open-pit mine in the world! They also saw a MLS soccer match featuring Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo. #Summer2025 āš½ļøšŸŒ„
9 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
two boys wearing grey and black shirts sitting in a soccer stadium
two boys, wearing blue and black shirts with white sneakers standing next to a mine
Apply today (see link to Employment Opportunities in bio) and visit the district website at www.mw.k12.ny.us. Application deadline is June 30, 2026. Don't miss the chance to be part of the Crusader family!ā­ļøšŸ’œ
9 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
purple background with yellow bus and yellow background with red stop sign
Apply today (see link to Employment Opportunities in bio) and visit the district website at www.mw.k12.ny.us. Application deadline is June 30, 2026. Don't miss the chance to be part of the Crusader family!ā­ļøšŸ’œ

9 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
yellow bus over purple background, yellow background with stop sign
Sapphire Elementary gave their UPK graduates a send-off to remember with a beach-themed celebration. In the blink of an eye, these little Crusaders will be walking across the big stage, so families took a moment to soak in the joy, smiles and these early milestones. šŸ’œ
10 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
student in a white robe waving
students in white robes standing in front of a man with a plaid shirt
student in a white robe wearing blue shoes
students in white robes holding sticks
students wearing white robes standing in playground
students wearing white robes standing in front of parents
student wearing white robe holding a pink toy with woman in a blue and white jumpsuit
student with a white robe and woman with a blue dress
four photos of students standing next to balloons
students with white robes standing in a playground
Mrs. LoBrutto and Mr. Nealon of Sapphire were recognized by their student Brianna B. Briannaā€™s message, ā€œMrs. LoBrutto is a great teacher and I love her because she is nice to me.ā€ Briannaā€™s message to Mr. Nealon, ā€œIf we get an answer wrong on math, he puts the correct answer on the smart board. He makes learning fun, like for writing he gives us little books where we can write about the books we read and that's fun for me.ā€šŸ’œ Thank you, Mrs. LoBrutto and Mr. Nealon! #atttudeofgratitude #mwfam
10 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
man with a plaid shirt, woman with a black shirt standing with student wearing a pink shirt
Mrs. Cahill of Sapphire Elementary was recognized by the family of Nahuel S. Nahuelā€™s family said, ā€œMrs. Cahill welcomed Nahuel as a new student to Sapphire with open arms. Her open communication with us and her support of his individual needs has been such a gift to our family. We are so grateful for her guidance and support throughout the year!ā€ Nahuelā€™s familyā€™s message, ā€œThank you, Mrs. Cahill for being so supportive of Nahuelā€™s needs in the classroom setting. We are tremendously grateful for your guidance and care this year.ā€ Thank you, Mrs. Cahill! #attitudeofgratitude #mwfam šŸ˜Š
11 months ago, Communications@mw.k12.ny.us
woman with black shirt and blue jeans sitting on a blue chair