Community Check-In

It’s been a wonderful week coming together as a school community for student celebrations, Class of 2024 athletes senior nights and meaningful causes.

So many exciting things are taking place in North Rockland: Trips to the historic Stony Point Battlefield and Bowline in partnership with the DEC and A Day in the Life on the Hudson are underway. Our high school drama society is preparing to host their coffee houses and fall productions, while the NRHS Art Honor Society ushers in the autumn seasons across Haverstraw and Stony Point’s recreation and shop windows. Thanks to the community who rallied NR Strong, once again, to support our schools and causes at our first PinkTober fundraising games/events. With so many offerings and opportunities for our students we understand that some events may conflict, which can be frustrating. Our team is committed to offering as much we can for our school community, while looking to reduce overlap.

This year’s strategy of learning in innovative, hands-on ways through experiences or in spaces beyond the classroom is tied directly into the district’s larger implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in 23-24. The evidence-based, multi-tiered framework for supporting students' behavioral, social, emotional and mental health makes our schools more effective places. It establishes a well built, more welcoming social culture and promotes the behavior supports needed to improve academic outcomes for ALL students.

To ensure learners become socially-minded individuals at every stage in life, NR’s PBIS structure is flexible enough to support not only students but family and community needs. Utilizing its foundation, we will be building/hosting various family nights, workshops, food and clothing drives, fundraisers and events going forward. When you are doing good for yourself, your family and others, it enforces positive character and unlocks a natural sense of accomplishment.

Play, especially when incorporated into lessons, gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. More outdoor classroom time as well as field trips and guest speakers or special assemblies will give students a place to apply the kindness, empathy, care, inclusion and understanding being taught inside our classrooms.

As a reminder all NRCSD schools are CLOSED Monday, October 9. We return Tuesday, October 10 for another week of valuable instruction as well as kicking off fall festivities, spooky events and diving deeper into time for PBIS activities.

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

A sixth grader at Farley Elementary, represented the Down Syndrome Community in the unique annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Video Presentation last month. NR’s own Sydney Duesing appeared in the bright lights of Broadway NYC September 9, as part of the annual NDSS Times Square video campaign that was live streamed. Her photo was selected from more than 2,400 entries in the worldwide search.

Duesing, who loves to model, perform, fashion and has big dreams for her future in the industry, also walked in her 10th annual Buddy Walk which through peer-to-peer fundraising promotes value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in a very visible way. Last week Sydney shared her inspirational story and was honored by her principals and peers during their first Huddle Up Ceremony. This week she is NRCSD’s Red Raider Recognition. Go Sydney!

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October 21 2023 - Save the date!

In honor of National Custodian Appreciation Day, West Haverstraw Elementary surprised the crew with a token of their appreciation. Different classes made posters for the custodians, thanking them for everything they do. It was a great to give back to the people who do so much behind the scenes and necessary jobs! Thank them here.

The NRHS RCC Environmental Science classes took a field trip down to Haverstraw Bowline Park. It was an amazing hands on learning experience, that actually helped the DEC. Full story.

NRHS hosted the first of three, day long, career fairs in the auditorium lobby for high schoolers this week. The annual events through our Guidance Dept/College and Career Center, offer students grades 9-12 an NR Strong start in their search, skill building, valuable information and resources for future decision making. The next two NRHS fairs will be held: Weds October 11 & Weds October 18. More photos.

As we all know, NR is rich in history. We still travel on routes that date back to Revolutionary times. There are many houses and buildings that are centuries old. One of the long standing attractions is the Stony Point Battlefield. Full story.

As the season transitions so must North Rockland’s windows. Our favorite places around town are having their windows transformed into stunning autumn community murals this month. The paint is dry on the first installment at the Stony Point Kirkbride Building. Full story/More photos.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The District is asking all our students and staff to participate in the annual campaign by wearing pink to school Friday, 10/20 to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year's NR Pink Out will be in honor of all those in our school community this terrible illness has affected. There are a number of curriculum based PinkTober lessons, fundraising events and athletic contests kicking off this month to raise awareness and promote early detection. Join us as we take action, support one another and help women NR Together.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Girls Varsity Volleyball Volley For A Cause game against Clarkstown South to kick off PinkTober. All of the money made will go directly to benefitting a North Rockland teacher and a family from our community with expenses that are not covered by medical insurance. Your support makes a huge difference. We as a community are always NR Strong and NR Together! More photos.

The District is looking for more great employees to work with our students. If you are looking for a rewarding position, please consider applying with NRCSD.

The North Rockland Central School District is currently seeking candidates for several full-time School Nurse positions for the 2023-2024 school year. Salary and benefits are regionally competitive.

** Candidates must have their Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Apply online at olasjobs.org and/or send a copy of your resume and cover letter to Mr. Eric Baird, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Community Relations at the address below.

North Rockland Central School District

Attn: Personnel Office

65 Chapel Street

Garnerville, NY 10923

The North Rockland Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2023-2024 school year. Candidates who are interested in these positions should contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.

The North Rockland Central School District is seeking candidates for part-time and full-time 10-month security aide positions for the 2023-2024 school year. Candidates who are interested in these positions are encouraged to apply via OLAS at olasjobs.org and/or contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.

**Candidates with prior law enforcement, security and/or military experience are preferred.

Lauren Vallabhaneni is our Lady Raider of the Week! Lauren is a senior captain on the Girls Varsity Tennis team and an all-around student-athlete. She is involved in numerous clubs and activities and is also the co-president of the senior class. Vallabhaneni plays first singles and has gone up against some of the best in the county and has played with determination and perseverance despite all odds being against her. When playing Clarkstown South’s number-one singles player and after losing the first set 6-0, Lauren never backed down. She changed her strategy and stayed consistent to take the second set after a long battle to tie and later win the match in a nerve racking tiebreaker. “During the season Lauren's positive attitude, willingness to improve, and overall commitment to the tennis team serve as shining examples to the younger players on the team. She will be missed next year!”, said her coach. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Lauren!!

Tristen Veit is our Red Raider of the Week! Tristen is a senior linebacker on the Varsity Football team. Veit has been playing football since he was young playing at Pop Warner Football and then playing throughout middle school into high school. Tristen has been a huge asset to the team where he has had 31 tackles in the two games against Mamaroneck and Ossining, and is a workhorse on defense and special teams. At the game against Suffer, number 5 had an interception. Tristen is currently leading New York State for the most amount of tackles. As a student, he is carrying a 90 overall average and works for the state in the parks department as a lifeguard. He is currently not looking to play in college. “He’s been a leader through this season and an integral part of this program”, said Coach Gizzi. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Tristen!

The NRAC “Splash and Swim” Program started this month and is available year-round at the North Rockland High School Pool.

A “premier” USA Swimming Club established in 1987, it is the oldest, most successful swim program in the district. Our mission is to unify all the North Rockland swimming programs together, over a variety of skill levels, for a better, more inclusive educational experience.

The school district understands the importance of learning to swim for the community and has always been a great supporter of competitive swimming. NRAC has decades of experience and offers exemplary learn-to-swim programs including:

• New youth swim programs for younger children

• Opportunities to learn for late starters in the sport.

• Potential to advance into Varsity swimming or year-round USA Swimming.

Please visit SwimNrac.org soon for details and how to enroll.