MILLBROOK — Superintendent of Schools Philip D’Angelo of the Millbrook Central School District announced on Wednesday, Feb. 27, that the Millbrook Middle School received designation as a 2019 Essential Elements School to Watch. The designation was made by the New York State Education Department, the New York State Middle School Association and the entire Essential Elements Schools to Watch Leadership Team. All involved congratulated to Steven Cabello, principal of the middle school.
“You have developed a model educational program in New York state that is consistent with the Regents Policy Statement on Middle Level Education, the Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle Level School and the National Forum’s Schools to Watch criteria,” said D’Angelo. “Through this rigorous application process and your successful endeavors, the Millbrook Middle School will be recognized as both a State and National School to Watch.”
Some of the items included in the guidelines check list include student performance, collaboration, curriculum integration and youth development, in addition to administrative support, scheduling and student access, instructional technology, facilities and equipment and resources and collections.
D’Angelo said, “I thank Steven Cabello, principal, and the entire Millbrook Middle School staff, for their dedication to and commitment in providing our middle school students with an educational environment that fosters learning and student achievement. Our students deserve the best.”
The school will be formally recognized at the National Schools to Watch conference in Washington, D.C., in June.
On behalf of the Millbrook Board of Education, President Perry Hartswick spoke of the achievement.
“Being named an Essential Element School to Watch is a tremendous honor for the middle school, but it is also a true recognition of the potential and excellence of the entire Millbrook Central School District,” he said. “The Board of Education extends their sincere thanks and congratulations to all the district teachers, staff, students, parents and administrators.”
“In the Millbrook Central School District we look to provide the best possible instruction for our students on a daily basis,” stated Cabello. “The Schools-To-Watch program has provided a framework for Millbrook Middle School to gauge where we are in our goal to educate students at the highest level.”
Cabello joined the Millbrook district as assistant principal, at both Millbrook High School and Millbrook Middle School, in 2016. In 2018, he became principal of the middle school.
He added, “[This] validates the hard work and commitment to excellence that our faculty and staff have provided to our educational community. I am so proud of our team and am just so happy to be a part of it. Go Blazers!”


Pay Bill for Robin Starr’s service in the Continental Army.Courtesy the Alex Breanne Corporation
John Mills speaking at Quinnipiac University.Courtesy the Alex Breanne Corporation
Stephanie Saetta,with her rescue dog George and Blue (left), a shepherd mix awaiting his forever home.Madi Long
Blue, a 7 year-old Shepard mix, is waiting for his forever home. Madi Long









