Community Update

April 29, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

The 2021-22 school year has included a variety of challenges, but also plenty of achievement, growth, shared experiences and rewarding moments. We have faced obstacles and overcome them together! As we enter the final two months of the academic year, each of our schools will be hosting a number of events and students will have the opportunity to celebrate important milestones.

I am thankful for the commitment that staff and parents have demonstrated this year in supporting our students' academic and social-emotional needs. The strong partnership between the District and our school community is very evident. When we work together, our children benefit!

As May begins, bringing with it the warm weather, we are taking every opportunity to get our students outside. Experts believe one of the best things we can do for a child's mental health is provide them with opportunities to play. Children need time to express their creativity, use their imaginations, be physically active and interact with friends. We have introduced new exciting offerings in physical education, as well as in our core curriculum to increase opportunities for students to be physically active and learn through play.

As a District, we embrace the continuous cycle of improvement because we are a learning organization. The District will be completing capital improvements to our schools in the upcoming months. The projects we have planned are innovative, exciting and will provide students with permanent outdoor learning spaces.

We are excited about the benefits that these projects will bring to our classrooms at no additional cost to taxpayers. The District will be able to embark on these improvements without asking the community for additional funds or by increasing the tax levy. The District also receives 80% state aid for capital improvement projects.

Our leadership team and Board of Education are pleased to be proposing a budget that has a 0% tax levy increase for the third consecutive year. On May 17th the community can vote for the budget, Proposition 2 (which allows the District to use previously saved money to do capital improvements at no additional cost to the taxpayer), and to vote for Board of Education candidates seeking election. We encourage you to have your voice heard by casting your vote on May17th!

We are looking forward to the next two months that will be filled with District events, celebrations, and opportunities to make memories and finish the school year with Raider Pride!

The latest 2022-23 Budget Presentation can be found linked here.

On April 19, the North Rockland Central School District Board of Education approved a $253 million spending plan that enhances current programs and services and increases efforts to support the social and emotional health of our students.

The 2022-23 proposed budget ensures a 0% tax levy increase for a third consecutive year— remaining well below New York State’s property tax cap of 2%. Always mindful of the long-term interest of our school community, our fiscal plan does not include a tax increase for residents.

The 2022-23 NRCSD proposed $253,025,692 budget provides:

• Increased mental health and counseling supports

• New electives

• Movement toward a “Integrated Co-Teach Model” for special education

• Year one of our Dual Language Program

• Increase extra-curricular offerings

• Specialized support programs

• Additional field trips

• Addition of two school resource officers - for NRHS and FMS

• Implementation of work study program

The District has allocated $10 million in the 2022-23 budget to the capital line for a variety of facility improvements - without an additional cost to taxpayers while receiving state aid returns. Planned improvements include: HVAC upgrades at Farley Elementary School, roof replacement at Willow Grove Elementary School, electrical upgrades at Haverstraw Elementary School and district-wide maintenance and security upgrades.

Be on the lookout for the 2022-23 Budget Newsletter mailer arriving soon!

The North Rockland Central School District App is now available for download in the App Store or Google play! Just search North Rockland CSD and tap to download. Save time and find all the latest District information all in one convenient, easy use location.

For a tutorial and navigation overview on the NRCSD App check out the YouTube video linked here.

Student Sessions

• Steered Straight

On Monday, April 25, NRHS will welcome Mr. Michael DeLeon for an assembly program and community forum titled “Steered Straight.” Mr. DeLeon will discuss the dangers of drug use/abuse and inform his audiences about healthy lifestyle choices. During the day, 9th and 10th graders will attend assemblies. Then, at 6 PM, Mr. DeLeon will facilitate a community forum in the NRHS Auditorium. All parents and students are welcome to attend the community forum. Click the Flyer for more information.

FES

• Student assembly on social media safety - May 2
• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - April May 6, May 20, June 3

  
  

WGES

• Tim Shoemaker for students assembly "Social Dilemma"- May 5
• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - May 4, May 19, June 1

  
  

HES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - May 5, May 18, June 2

TES

• BMX Anti-Bullying Assembly for students - May 2

Students will learn the 3Rs- Recognize, Refuse, React for how to deal with a bullying situation.

• Third grade trip to the "Boulders Against Bullying" at Boulder's Stadium - May 19

Teaches children the importance of standing up to bullies, what to do if you see a bully and how to prevent bullying.

Parent Sessions

WHES

In collaboration with Box Out Bullying a three part series will be held for parents virtually.

Session 2 - Creating Peace At Home (between siblings...and spouses) - May 10 7PM

• Social Emotional Learning at home! Unlock the value of The Peace Table to effectively solve conflicts and create empathy

Session 3 - Keeping Children Safe Online Part I - May 24 7PM

• Hone in on best practices of cyber etiquette, cyber-bullying prevention strategies

Summer in North Rockland is going to be full of engagement and education. The District is currently finalizing our 2022-23 Summer Program offerings which will be introducing new innovative activities and curriculum. A snapshot of our programs and their offerings can be found linked here and a video exploring Stepping Stones Summer Enrichment can be found linked here. Please be on the lookout for more information as we get closer to summertime on how to sign up.

Important reminder for the 2022/2023 school year. It is never too early to think ahead about what your child will need for the following school year, including immunizations.

The North Rockland Central School District maintains strict compliance with New York State Immunization laws. New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164 requires that schools will not permit a child to attend school unless the parent provides the school with a certificate of immunization or proof from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant that the child is in the process of receiving the required immunizations. More information can be found linked here.

Below you will find a list of upcoming NR events now through June linked by school. Keep checking back this section each week as the school events continue to be updated as dates are solidified.

Remote Academy

Stony Point Elementary School

West Haverstraw Elementary School

Thiells Elementary School

Haverstraw Elementary School

Farley Elementary School

Willow Grove Elementary School

Fieldstone Middle School

May the 4th be you!

North Rockland welcome all students and their families to attend our annual NR STEM Expo May from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at North Rockland High School. showcasing the wonderful activities our classes have been engaged in this year!

Come check out some of the vendors for free samples, giveaways and information about how their business promotes STEM related professions. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Fieldstone Middle School Spring Musical, Once On This Island debuts next weekend! You do not want to miss the coming-of-age musical based on a true story, featuring music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the1985 novel My Love, My Love the auditorium stage has been transformed into the colorful French Antilles archipelago in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.

FMS Drama Club Presents

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Friday, May 6th at 7:00pm

Saturday, May 7th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Tickets available at the door of each performance!

Adults $10, Students/Seniors $5

Red Raiders have been helping to "green" and add a little spring scenery the neighborhood!

Over the last week Farley Elementary learners as well as the the North Rockland High School Environmental Club took part in separate full day community clean-ups in partnership with Keep Rockland Beautiful, Inc., Keep America Beautiful and Town of Stony Point, New York. Our student-volunteers have made a big difference by removing pollution, trash and other contaminants from the streets, streams, side walks, woods and fields, leaving our hometown cleaner and healthier. The final touches to our area's springtime beautification were painted on local shop windows by NRHS Academy of Art students NR Together and NR Strong! More photos linked here.

Six North Rockland high schoolers left for Syracuse this week to compete during the three-day event, New York State Skills USA Leadership and Skills Championship!

Ambar Jimenez - Allied Health Basic Health Care Skills

Gabrielle Chambers - Allied Health Medical Terminology

Blaundie Eugene - Allied Health Delegate

Faith Baisley - Cosmetology II

Zeila Germosen Criminal Justice CSI

Narelin Cerda Vasquez - Nurse Assisting Employment Application Basic

Joined by top technical students representing school districts from across Rockland County, they're prepared to showcase their industry talents in trades ranging from culinary arts to cyber technology to digital design to auto repair to criminal justice to welding to carpentry to plumbing to cosmetology!

Good luck and congratulations to all!

During the first day of the two-day, 35-school Red Raider Relays track and field meet, NR's David Joseph got out of the blocks with lightening speed. He crossed the finish line of 110-hurdles faster than anyone else at the high school level in the state this spring. At a time of 14.63 seconds he leads the season as state-best! Way to go David!

Read more about the meet linked here.

After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, NRCSD is proud to announce Sports Day is officially returning this spring!

Hosted at North Rockland High School on April 30, the event will be kicking off at 9:45-10a.m. in front of Cordisco Stadium. The day is completely free for all North Rockland students and their loved ones with the first 250 families that sign up through the link below receiving a complimentary Red Raider swag bag! The fun filled event featuring a wide variety of sports activities via specialized stations for adults and kids of all ages will be raising money and awareness for Stand Up To Cancer, Friends of Karen, the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the North Rockland Community. Look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up links

• NR Sports Day For Charity Sign Up
• NR Sports Day For Charity Sponsor Letter
• NR Sports Day Volunteer Sign Up
• NR Sports Day Kid Power Book benefitting charity

North Rockland Football Family, friends, and fans; Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page linked here. Your support will help us offer the RED RAIDERS the best high school football experience. Raising dollars for team activities, camps, meals and services is very difficult to do but is vital for our program. Your time and effort to PROTECT THE STANDARD and TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE at North Rockland is greatly appreciated.

Let's work, grow, and shine together! The North Rockland Field Hockey Program is so excited to host our first ever Clinic and Camp this June for new and returning athletes of ALL LEVELS. We will also be at Sports Day April 30th! We look forward to meeting and working with your athlete!

Clinic Flyer

Camp Flyer

Following the nationwide and unfortunately countywide upwards trend in youth substance abuse, recently, there has been an increase in the number of instances involving student use of substances forbidden by the North Rockland Central School District’s Code of Conduct. The District is taking this very seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. Subsequently, the District has set forth measures to help inform students and parents of the inherent dangers of these substances, while also deploying measures to promote a healthy school environment.

Measures being implemented include:

• A search of North Rockland High School was conducted in late February by the K-9 units from Rockland and Orange County. 15 officers and their K-9 service dogs swept the facility. Future sweeps are planned in conjunction with the Haverstraw Police Department.

• Training for faculty and staff members is being scheduled to help detect the signs of student substance use and the recognition of various forms of paraphernalia.

• Increased security in areas of schools where student misbehavior is more likely to occur.

• Educational presentations on the dangers of controlled substances are being held for students. A parent information night will be scheduled for later this month.

• Adjustment of bathroom supervision protocols

• The District will continue our partnership with the North Rockland Coalition for Drug and Awareness Prevention to support our students and families in need of assistance.

• The District will add staff to provide substance abuse counseling.

• The District is working closely with the town of Haverstraw to bring two School Resource Officer Positions (SRO) to the District.

We recognize the potential dangers associated with the use of substances by our student body and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.

Substance abuse for families

Strategies parents can use to help their children:

• Look for signs

• Talk to your child and explain your concerns in detail.

• Seek help/resources from your family physician, school counselor or school social worker

• Get help

Helpful links:

• The Partnership For Safe and Healthy Youth

• RCADD
• Behavioral Health Response Team
• Haverstraw Reach Out Center: 845-429-5731
• High Focus Center: 1-800-877-3628
• Volunteer Counseling (VCS): 845-634-5729
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-622-HELP(4357)
• Samaritan Daytop Village: 845-353-2730
• Arms Acres: 845-208-0632
• Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (Nyack Hosp): 845-348-2075

Signs parents could look for that determine if their child may be using:

• Poor performance in school

• Emotional and behavioral problems

• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Dropping old friends for a new group

• Acting despondent, aggressive or angry

• Sleeping more than usual

• Breaking rules

• Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, bloody or watery eyes, or shakes and tremors

More detailed signs: Linked here

Informational Articles:

• Tips for Parents of Addicted Children
• Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking? A BRIEF GUIDE TO ACTION FOR PARENTS

At North Rockland Central School District we take internet safety very seriously. It is important that we all have access to information on how to keep our students safe. Here are a few web resources:

1. Common Sense Media - click here

2. Connect Safely - click here

3. Internet Safety Tips - click here

The NRCSD has partnered with Peachjar. This new platform will enable us to send important school and community flyers to parents/guardians digitally, saving our schools time, money, and paper. School-approved digital flyers will be sent to your email inbox. Please click here for more information.

Yes that's a photo of our Haverstraw Elementary students shooting hoops with a NY Ranger!

Stephane Matteau is back in NR this coming Sunday, May 1st from 10-11a.m. for a free ball hockey community clinic at Peck's Pond! He had a great time visiting with our students last week and would love to see them out for some fun and exercise.

In partnership with the North Rockland Community and New York Rangers, players will participate in a 1-hour introductory lesson without all of the barriers inherent in ice hockey. All learners age 5-10 are welcome join. Space is limited so please pre-register through the link here.

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Red Raider Reminder

NR students who enroll in the free/reduced breakfast & lunch program qualify for college application fee waivers, free ACT and SAT exams and reduced AP exam registration fees! To qualify please complete the Free or Reduced Price Meal Application Form linked here as soon as possible.

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 further below in today’s update. Please click on the job image to apply through the District Form.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2021-2022 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Apply here

The North Rockland Central School District is also seeking candidates for Monitor positions at the elementary level for the 2021-2022 school year. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Interested candidates should apply here.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for School Nurse substitutes for the 2021-2022 school year. All candidates must be licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse. The starting rate of pay is $109 per day. Candidates can apply here.

Haverstraw Transit has informed us that they are currently seeking and accepting applications for: DRIVERS AND MONITORS. Apply here.