Award-winning author and illustrator John Parra visits Cooke students

On a memorable day at George L. Cooke Elementary School, award-winning author and illustrator John Parra captivated students with an engaging presentation. An accomplished illustrator, fine artist, designer, author, and educator, Parra is celebrated for his vibrant, Latino-themed children’s picture books and has received numerous prestigious accolades, including three Pura Belpré Honors from the American …

Cooke’s spirit assembly honors team players!

At its monthly spirit assembly, the George L. Cooke Elementary School recognized students who had gone above and beyond in demonstrating the April character trait of “teamwork.” Students selected for the award were chosen for consistently following the rules, listening, helping others, showing patience, using kind words and working together with their classmates. Kindergarten Teamwork …

S’mores, stories and smiles at Cooke’s Literacy Night

Students and families gathered at the George L. Cooke Elementary School on May 6 for a fun-filled Literacy Night that brought reading to life through a camping theme and hands-on activities. Families kicked off the night making (and of course, eating) s’mores around campfires in the school’s outdoor learning center.  Indoors, the library was transformed …

Performing arts department announces spring concert series

As we welcome back the warm weather of spring, students in the Monticello Performing Arts Department are feverishly preparing for the upcoming Spring Concerts! The students and faculty of The Performing Arts Department would like to cordially invite you to our upcoming events that showcase the hard work of our students throughout the year. This year’s …

Cooke students give Firefighter Wayne VanderMeulen a retirement send-off to remember

Firefighter Wayne VanderMeulen’s final walk through the halls of George L. Cooke Elementary School as an active firefighter was one to remember. Mr. VanderMeulen is retiring after 20 years of dedicated service to the community. Over the years, he has made a lasting impact on the students at the Cooke school, especially the students in …

Cooke kindergartners create “Liebmanville” — an intentional community

Welcome to Liebmanville, where the residents are cute, the community is intentional, and there’s even a puppy store! In units 5 and 6 of Open Court — “Home Sweet Home” and “Our Country, Our Culture” — students explored homes from around the world as part of the social studies curriculum. To close out the unit, …

Congratulations to the George L. Cooke Elementary School Spirit Assembly winners!

Congratulations to all of the students honored at George L. Cooke Elementary School’s most recent School Spirit Assembly, which coincided with the 100th day of school!  Attendance Shining Stars (Perfect Attendance) Bernard Brownridge  Nasir Brownridge  Yanelis Cabreja  Yanibel Cabreja  Jayden Casanovas  Landon Castellanos   Jahnae Fillmore  Luke Kingsbury  Atarah Mitchell  Marianna Pavon  Zachary Price  Ameera Thompson  …

Healthy Kids Extended Day Program still enrolling for 2025-26 school year

Healthy Kids Extended Day Program Still Enrolling for 2025-26 School Year  Families in the Monticello Central School District can still register for the Healthy Kids Before & After School Program for the 2025-26 school year. Operated by Healthy Kids Programs, this extended day program provides safe, engaging childcare before and after the school day for …