Community Update
Community Update
September 29, 2023
Although this week was a short one, in true NR fashion we made the most of it. We’re closing out the productive month of September with a new district wide curriculum implemented, our first educational trips started, stellar competitions heating up and learning.
When we return to school on Monday, it will be October – a time for spooky events, as well as a time for students to check-in on their progress. We’re shifting from “back to school” to the middle of the first marking period - a period of deep instruction and exploration that truly engages student interests.
Now is a good time to set yourself up to end October and the marking period strongly. A good way to set students up for success is to self-assess and self-advocate. The first place to start for parents and caregivers is by going over progress reports, available via the portal, together.
Taking note of your child’s strengths and areas for improvement and reflecting on progress constructively, can help them better understand what strategies/plans to keep using and what areas to target for improvement for the rest of the quarter.
Please know our educators are here to help every step of the way to make students' best work even better.
As we enter this new phase of the school year, I encourage students and families to get involved. There are so many extracurricular offerings, clubs, programs, academies, youth programs and even adult education/classes opportunities kicking off this month. We feel it’s important in North Rockland to provide as many Community Education & Services with a wide variety of recreational and educational programs for district residents of all ages as possible. Please visit our website www.northrockland.org for more information.
Looking forward to another great month in NRCSD.
Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
Remarkable Red Raiders - Alumni Spotlight 🐾
Remarkable Red Raiders - a North Rockland Alumni Spotlight
If you're a North Rockland graduate, then you know, you’re a Red Raider for life. Stories of outstanding NRCSD alumni succeeding in their careers post-graduation inspire students, teachers and the community. The new series showcases the accomplishments and work of alumni who are using their talents to make a difference. Remarkable Alumni can be featured in a variety of different ways including a highlight story on the District website, social media, newsletter and print media. To nominate a North Rockland graduate to be spotlighted please click here to fill out this form.
Remarkable Red Raiders Alumni Spotlight: Joe Bertolino
Hometown: Stony Point NY
NRHS Graduate: 1991
Profession: Police Officer - Fieldstone SRO.
Time at North Rockland: Of his time in schooling he shared that "Many of the people he met while attending NRCSD many moons ago are now my colleagues and friends as I work in the schools."
Career Now: Joe has worked for 25 years as a Police Officer. 18 of those years Between Haverstraw Village & Haverstraw Town Police Departments. This September he started his second year as the School Resource Officer at Fieldstone Middle School where he makes a difference in kid's lives daily.
Joe is living proof that you can achieve your wildest dreams. Never give up and never stop believing. Keep making us proud!
District Highlights
Hispanic Heritage Month
In the continued celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, NR high schoolers got to jam out during their lunch period. Mr. Bjorkman and Mr. McHugh had guest performances and rocked the stage with the band. The clear stars of the show were the high schoolers who got up on stage to dance!
A Lesson on Hope
NR Together we discovered the yellow ribbon does much more than just increase awareness, it leads to advocacy and action.
While National Childhood Cancer awareness month is ending tomorrow, the lesson our students are taking with them is that they can do something to honor the cause any time. No matter how big or small, it could just be sharing positive thoughts or simply being there for someone, every action has a ripple effect.
AP Jim Mulligan during the District’s Going Gold initiative spoke to Fieldstone middle school classes about his son Joe, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer when he was just 9 years old. He shared with the classes that through his battle Joe has become an advocate and educator about his illness and works to raise funds for research year round. With the help of Principal Natalie Santopietro and AP Ed Garcia the school raised close to $1000 last week for research to help Joe on his mission. Students and staff were so inspired by Joes strength that the Trailblazer’s team surprised Jim with banner they had all signed, fist bumps and applause, to show that he and his family always have the support of the NR Family.
Childhood cancer is not a one-month endeavor. We don’t simply wear yellow during September, but rather, we remember the illness and those we’ve lost, those we’re fighting to save, and those who will be diagnosed in the future, each and every day. For many, childhood cancer awareness begins on September 1st and ends on September 30th. But for NR and those touched by the illness, it never ends!
Important Dates
October 2023
TES
TES PTA Halloween Event 10/19 at 6:30PM and Halloween Parade 10/31 at 9:30AM
WHES
WHES Fun Run 10/23, WHES and HES Trunk or Treat 10/26 at 6PM @ HES
WHES Fall Pumpkin Festival and Parade 10/31
HES
HES Entertainment Night @ HES on 10/12 from 5-7PM
HES Trunk or Treat on 10/26 at 6:30PM
NRHS
NRHS Trunk or Treat 10/27 from 4 - 6pm in the NRHS parking lot
Causes
Together We Fight!
The NR Girls Volleyball Team will be hosting its Annual Cancer/Life Threatening Illness Fundraiser ~ “Volley For A Cause” games with Clarkstown South on Thursday, October 5 in North Rockland High School's Main Gym - Varsity 5pm and JV 6:30pm. the event will feature raffles, tricky trays, food and a serving contest.
The official Volley for a Cause store is now open, but for a limited time. Every purchase made in the next 4 days will go directly to benefitting a North Rockland teacher and a family from our community with expenses that are not covered by medical insurance.
Link to shop - https://nrhsgvb23.itemorder.com/shop/home/
This cause is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community. Let's show our support #NRStrong and #NRTogether!
Community Opportunity
NR ATHLETICS
Coaches Corner Feature
Raiders of the Week
Red Raider of the Week
Kenny Koehler is our Red Raider of the Week! Kenny is a junior on the Varsity Volleyball team at North Rockland High School. As one of the setters on the team, Kenny is an integral part of the program. This is his second year playing volleyball for the high school where he started on JV and made his way up to Varsity. In addition to playing here, Koehler also plays travel volleyball for Downstate Volleyball Club which is a highly competitive team dedicated to the professional development of volleyball players. Koehler is a part of the National Honor Society and is known to be a dedicated student. Number 33 is considerate of his teammates and coaches and is known to always give 110% on the court with a positive outlook and a smile on his face. We would also like to congratulate Kenny on passing the road test for his license this past weekend! Coach Stead and Coach Denmead said, “We are proud to nominate Kenny for Red Raider of the Week.” Let's make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Kenny!
Lady Raider of the Week
Isabella Guerra is our Lady Raider of the Week! Bella is a junior Varsity Field Hockey player at North Rockland High School. She plays sweeper and is a powerhouse on defense. Guerra is known to always lead the defense by her constant hustle, and support her teammates on and off the field. During the two games against Nyack and Mahopac number seven had several changing stops which contributed to a final 2-0 against Nyack and a tie with Mahopac. Her coach said, “Bella is a true force of nature and a great asset to the team!” Let's make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Isabella!
Red and White News
Athletics Update
Be sure to follow nrockathletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all of the latest athletic information.
NR Athletics is looking forward to a successful 2023-24 year in sports. Go Raiders!
Athletics Store
New custom #NRAthletics gear just hit our shop. Use the link below to check out the latest sports apparel just in time for the fall season and support our student-athletes at the same time. The signature #REDANDWHITE pieces are only available for a limited time to be sure to grab all your favorites now!
🔗 - https://north-rockland-athletics-powered-by-fleet-fundraising.myshopify.com/
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Health 🏥
Parent Portal and Chromebook Care 💻
Getting a Parent Portal account
Click here for the Flocabulary One-Pager!
- Want to see tutorials, make an appointment with a technology coach, and see available tech courses Click Here!
Internet Safety Materials
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:
Common Sense Media - click here
Connect Safely - click here
- Internet Safety Tips - click here
Peachjar Flyers
JOIN THE NRCSD FAMILY
Food Service Helpers
The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2023-2024 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.57/hour. Candidates who are interested in these positions should contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.
Monitor
North Rockland is seeking candidates for several Monitor positions at various school buildings for the 2023-2024 school year. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. The starting rate of pay is $14.57 per hour. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. Candidates who are interested in these positions should contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.
DRIVERS AND MONITORS
Connect with us
School Times
2022-23 School Start, End and Bell Times ⏰
Grades K-3: 9:05AM - 3:44PM
Stony Point Elementary
Thiells Elementary
West Haverstraw Elementary
Grades 4-6: 8:42AM - 3:21PM
Farley Elementary
Haverstraw Elementary
Willow Grove Elementary
Fieldstone Middle School: 8:00AM-2:46PM
North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM