MBK’s annual Thanksgiving dinner brings the community together

On Monday, Nov. 25 more than 120 members of the Monticello community gathered for the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Families, friends and businesses enjoyed a free Thanksgiving meal and a night of fun and friendship complete with giveaways, games and a turkey to bring home. The event was made possible by …

STREAM fall newsletter is live

The fall edition of the STREAM newsletter is live! Read the newsletter to learn how STREAM is enhancing student learning throughout the district. 

Cooke kindergarten students treat community helpers to a Thanksgiving meal

When you’re a first responder, there’s really no such thing as a guaranteed day off. Emergencies happen every day, even on holidays, and these brave men and women stand ready to sacrifice their own family time to serve others. Because of this, community helpers often are not home to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their …

Dana Taylor named CCE’s 2019 Friend of Extension recipient

Monticello CSD’s Executive Director for Special, Summer and After-School Programs, Dana Taylor, received the 2019 School-Based Friend of Extension award from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC). The award highlights a Sullivan County school district or district staff member who partners with CCE Sullivan to involve young people in making changes in their schools to promote health, wellness …

Cooke students perform “The Sisters Grinn” – a new take on some classic stories

You may have heard of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, but unless you’re part of the George L. Cooke Elementary School community, chances are you’ve never heard of The Sisters Grinn: Hanselle Hood and Gretelle Locks. It’s an original play penned by Monticello alumna Noel Komatz that takes the characters from three of the most …

Update on Superintendent search

A message from Monticello Board of Education President, Lori Orestano-James  One of the few explicit responsibilities of a school board is the hiring and evaluation of a superintendent. We take that responsibility very seriously.  In early fall, the District issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), seeking responses from individuals or firms interested in assisting with …

Cooke Planting Power

Mrs. Prestianni’s third grade students at George L. Cooke Elementary School got a special treat on Oct. 22. Social Emotional Wellness Teacher, and Cooke Garden Coordinator Elisa Mendels visited their classroom to teach them about garlic and how it is planted. After that, the students all got to go into the garden and plant garlic …

Touch-A-Truck Day at the Cooke school brings community together

Students at the George L. Cooke Elementary School had the opportunity to learn more about the many people and organizations that work together to keep the Monticello community safe and running during the school’s Touch-A-Truck Day on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Representatives from a host of local agencies brought themselves and their trucks to the school, …