As we close the chapter on the 2024–2025 school year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible accomplishments across our schools. From academic milestones to championship wins, our students, staff, and families have shown what it means to be one team, one district. Whether it was the success of student-led initiatives or the unwavering dedication of our educators, this year has been a testament to our shared commitment to excellence. Thank you for making this a year to remember!
Valley Central’s Mission
At Valley Central we champion curiosity and set high expectations. Our mission is to empower every member to achieve at high levels and embrace the joy of continuous learning.
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Students, Families, Administrators, Staff, and Community Members,
As we come to the end of a productive school year, we reflect with great pride and joy upon the journey we have shared together. This year we focused on our three priorities: Priority 1: Elevating Student Success, Priority 2: Community Belonging & VC Pride and Priority 3: Clear & Transparent Communication, we implemented year 1 of our new strategic plan (View the District Strategic Plan). I want to take a moment to celebrate our achievements and extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment and dedication.
I could not be prouder of our remarkable students. Their perseverance, curiosity, and daily effort serve as a continuous source of inspiration. Watching them learn, adapt, and achieve has been one of the greatest privileges of this year. They have demonstrated their talents in performances, art shows and athletic competitions. Our FCCLA team competed at the New York State FCCLA Conference in Competitive STAR events, and many of our students earned top honors.
Once again the District was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for “outstanding support of music education.” Our athletic teams participated in Section IX Finals and State Championships.
Our FCCLA team competed at the New York State FCCLA Conference in Competitive STAR events, and many of our students earned top honors.
Our girls varsity lacrosse team become Section IX Champs!
To our dedicated administrators and staff, the countless hours you spent supporting a nurturing learning environment for each student’s journey shaped their VC experience and future. Your willingness to extend yourself does not go unnoticed. The tireless efforts to keep our students at the center of our work enhanced our students’ success. To our staff moving on to new endeavors, we thank you for your years of dedicated service and commitment to the students and families at Valley Central. We wish you the very best in your future.
To the VC families and community members, your support and partnership have been instrumental in our success. Your involvement, encouragement, and contributions have enriched the educational experience of our students. We are grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this essential collaboration as we move forward together.
As we conclude this school year, let us remember that education is a lifelong journey of growth and adaptation. The world is ever-changing, and we can truly thrive through continuous learning, embracing new challenges, and cultivating a spirit of innovation. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence, foster inclusivity, and create a better future for all.
In closing, please encourage our students to read daily, and stay physically, and socially engaged throughout the summer break. I extend my sincere gratitude, and well wishes to all of you. Take time to relax, rejuvenate and spend time with family and friends.
Thank you all for your invaluable contributions. We eagerly anticipate a new year filled with enriching experiences and incredible accomplishments achieved together as One Team, One District.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Superintendent Avila
Arts at Valley Central
The VCHS Music Dept. brought three ensembles to the NYSSMA Majors Adjudication. The Wind Ensemble earned a Level 6 Gold rating, the Symphonic Band earned a Level 4 Silver rating, our Chamber Choir earned a level 5 Gold with Distinction.
Berea students preparing to perform at the winter concert.
East Coldenham students perform at the winter concert.
Students got creative at Walden Elementary School’s Art Expo.
Artwork produced by our talented middle school students.
Three VCMS groups participated at the NYSSMA Major Ensembles Festival held at Wallkill High School. The Select Chorus was rated Bronze, the Chamber Music Ensemble received Silver, and the Jazz Band was rated Gold!
Drama at Valley Central
Walden Elementary students performed in
“The Jungle Book.”
EC students performed in the Drama Production “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Montgomery Elementary students performed in “Shrek.”
VCHS Drama Club performs “Cinderella”.
VCHS gives a modern spin to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
VCMS performs “Once Upon An Island, Jr.”
Athletics at VC
Clubs at VC
The Valley Central High School Cultural Diversity Club and The SPOMA Committee hosted our first ever Juneteenth Dance Party.
The WES Girls on the Run Team wanted their Community Impact Project to have a lasting effect on their school, so they designed an anti-bullying mural that is now proudly hung in the WES cafeteria.
Members of the VCHS Environmental Club joined the Conservation Advisory Council in building bird houses in honor of world migratory bird day. These houses will be added to the bird trail at the Benedict Farm Park.
Mrs. Menendez and the English Honor Society hosted a Revelation magazine release party on June 4 in the library. The magazine editors and staff, as well as the literary and artwork contributors were invited to celebrate the magazine.
Montgomery Elementary students, including the Nature Club, had an amazing opportunity to learn about Hudson Valley’s indigenous birds of prey thanks to a generous grant from the Valley Central Education Foundation.
The VCHS club ‘For the Animals’ walked in the Wallkill St. Patrick’s Day parade with the Humane Society of Walden and advisor Mrs. Morris.
Academics
This year, Mrs. Morales’ fourth grade class got together with their first grade buddies in Mrs. Ardito’s class to learn all about Biomimicry. Students explored inventions that are inspired by nature, using recyclable items to create items inspired by animals and things in nature.
Montgomery Elementary fourth graders took part in the school’s very first Invention Convention. Students took a deep dive into history, researching famous inventions and their creators. Each student chose an invention, studied its inventor, wrote about its impact and even built a model of it.
Students and staff at ALC held a cultural festival featuring, popular foods, languages spoken, music, dances, and more.
Sixth graders at Valley Central Middle School participated in team building activities, working on how to communicate with one another, problem solve and persevere through a challenge.
Recognitions
VCMS Student Recognition Night on April 29, 2025
JROTC Awards
National Junior Honor Society Induction
Sarah Samuelson and Lucas Daubel were recognized as scholar athletes at the OCIAA Senior Scholar Athlete Breakfast
Montgomery Elementary School’s Student Appreciation Night
East Coldenham Student Recognition Night
Class of 2025
Destination Day 2025 was an great day where seniors represented their future destination, whether it’s college, a future career, trade school, or the military. Some seniors volunteered to speak with students from their elementary school and the middle school about their plans post high school. Good luck to our seniors in your future endeavors, we know you will make us all proud!
The Senior Ball- May 2, 2025
Senior Dinner- June 3, 2025
