It says something about the dedication and commitment of our staff that they grow individually while remaining within our district. There is clearly truth to the slogan “Once a Crusader, always a Crusader.”
Matthew Kravatz, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction (PreK-5)
"I am looking forward to working alongside district leaders and staff to enhance the instructional opportunities for our students.”
Matthew Kravatz begins his latest Monroe-Woodbury role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction focused on students from PreKindergarten through Grade 5. After serving as Interim Principal at MWHS in 2016 and 2017 and five years as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, from 2017 through August of this year, Mr. Kravatz now returns to his roots in elementary education. Mr. Kravatz spent 11 years at North Main Elementary School, where he served as Principal and Assistant Principal. In his new role, Mr. Kravatzi directs all aspects of the elementary curriculum, including the development, evaluation and revision of curriculum and instruction and coordinating instructional plans between grade levels, Mr. Kravatz will also supervise the Director of Elementary Special Education and Director of Pupil Personnel Services. This opportunity gives him insight into the broad range of elementary programs. He is looking forward to being in the school buildings on a regular basis so he can meet with teachers and administrators to create plans, guide communication and assess and monitor the progress of our students. He will also be responsible for the professional learning experiences provided for M-W staff to continue to enrich their teaching experiences. His M-W Legacy: He wants his legacy to be one of continued service to this district and those within it. He hopes his leadership will impact others so they can help guide, support and teach our young minds.
Lori Hock, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
“Proud Monroe-Woodbury graduate, Class of ‘88”
Lori Hock has dedicated 22 years to students as a physical education teacher and coach, as well as six years as M-W’s Director of Athletics and Physical Education. By her report, she also spent a “short (but oh so rewarding) stint as Interim Principal at M-W High School. Her experiences have brought her a new challenge and she is excited by an opportunity to support students from a new perspective. “Although I will not be working directly with students in this new role, every decision will be made with our children’s best interest in mind. I’m excited to support our faculty and staff in their endeavor to provide all students with the comprehensive, quality education M-W is known for.”
Ms. Hock's M-W legacy: She has inspired in our students a sense of pride in our school and appreciation for our community.
Elisa Soto, Principal, Monroe-Woodbury High School
“I am excited to return to Monroe-Woodbury High School.”
Elisa Soto returns to Monroe-Woodbury High School as Principal having previously served as an Assistant Principal here. Her background includes classroom teacher, school counselor and principal in other districts, as well multiple academic degrees. She looks forward to continuing to interact with students in the classroom, but also to having a broader opportunity to make decisions that will create a positive and high-quality learning environment for all students and faculty.
She explained her motivation this way. “As much as I enjoy working with the professionals on my staff who are passionate about and committed to our students, it's the students themselves who provide a continual flood of blessings in my life. There simply is nothing more invigorating or humbling than to connect with a student in a way that changes that student's life.”
Mrs. Soto's M-W legacy: Creating a climate where everyone feels connected and valued, and cultivating leadership in others so that teachers and staff help realize our school’s vision of academic success for all students, one based on high standards.
Christopher Berger, Principal, Monroe-Woodbury Middle School
“I want students to be excited about school and to know that it is a safe place to learn and grow as individuals.”
After 21 years at Monroe-Woodbury, Christopher Berger is excited to serve as the new principal at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School. He spent 10 years teaching 5th grade at Central Valley Elementary preparing students to begin their secondary school career while also coaching baseball at both MWHS and MWMS. After two years as an Assistant Principal at Smith Clove Elementary School, he served the next eight years as its Principal.
Mr. Berger sees the Middle School as an opportunity to work collaboratively with staff and families to provide an enriching school experience for all students. He particularly looks forward to once again connecting with young adults and to seeing their successes not only in classrooms, but in their extra-curricular activities as well.
Principal Berger's M-W Legacy: Caring for students and seeing and celebrating their accomplishments, which can be different for each individual. To the Middle School staff, he promises his support so they can ensure a positive school experience for students. Parents and guardians should plan on a working partnership with Mr. Berger to do what is best for students so they enjoy success at the middle school while preparing them for their high school careers.
Nicole Cook, Principal, Smith Clove Elementary School
“I am one part of a fantastic team at Monroe-Woodbury. I am proud of everything we all do every day to impact the lives of the next generation.”
Nicole Cook is a familiar face at Monroe-Woodbury, and especially at Smith Clove Elementary School, where she served as Assistant Principal for 5 years before being named Principal in August. She has been in the district since 2003, teaching music at both Monroe-Woodbury Middle School and Central Valley Elementary School. She also presided over the district’s award-winning music program as the District Music Coordinator.
As principal, Ms. Cook says she is “excited to lead the fabulous staff and students at Smith Clove Elementary School.” She loves meeting the new students and families who are starting their educational journey at Monroe-Woodbury. To get a sense of the real Nicole Cook, you have only to visit Smith Clove’s YouTube Channel to enjoy her messages to students and families over the last few years. Watch for her many friends on the videos, including Smith Clove Bear, her cat named Clover, and an occasional guest superhero.
Ms. Cook's Monroe-Woodbury legacy: I was always smiling and happy to help wherever I could.
Christopher Vero, Director of Athletics & Physical Education
“I look forward to the opportunity to help our student athletes and families have the most enjoyable and rewarding athletic experiences that the school can offer.”
Christopher Vero, the new Director of Athletics and Physical Education, has taught Health Education at Monroe-Woodbury for 17 years. During that time, he also served as the head varsity coach of the Girls Tennis team, the Baseball team and the new Boys and Girls Bowling team. For the last year, Mr. Vero was also the assistant to the Athletic Program. He is pleased to be able to manage all facets of the athletic and physical education programs in the district in his new role.
Mr. Vero wants his Monroe-Woodbury legacy to be that he was a teacher, coach and administrator that cared deeply for all his students and helped in every way he could provide the best educational and athletic experiences possible for the children of the school district.
We wish them all great success as they continue their service to the students, staff and families of Monroe-Woodbury Central School District.