Community Update

December 16, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families:

One phrase can sum up this wonderful week and the first semester of the 2022-23 school year - #NR Strong! The last few days have been filled with family, community, kindness, giving, teamwork, music and collaborative festive celebrations in North Rockland.

Our holiday concerts, Winter Wonderlands and wondrous events get better year after year. While attending the various spectacles I was reminded that these school traditions give us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us. While we are all happy the worst of the Pandemic is behind us, it is great to see many new traditions have been established as a result of it. Next week we will continue with our final round of events, Spirit week fun and performances to close out 2022 NR Together.

Please be on the lookout as Report Cards will be coming out next week for all grade levels. Due to technical issues with Infinite Campus, our student management system, K-6 Report Cards will now be available on the Parent Portal on Tuesday, December 20 at 3PM. Students will be receiving copies of their Report Card to take home on Wednesday, December 21.

This season in North Rockland is about the joy of brightening others lives. That is the true magic of the holidays. Our students have made it their mission to fulfill as many wishes as possible, volunteering at local shelters, collecting toys, coats, hats and gloves as well as packing blessing bags for seniors, the homeless, veterans and our troops. If you have not already, please join us by donating to our various drives hosted at our school buildings or purchasing a meal for families in need (info linked here.)

The Red Raiders deeply thank everyone who has contributed to NRCSD's Holiday Helping Hands drives thus far. The generous outpouring of support has solidified what we already knew, that the one thing we can always count on here in North Rockland is each other!

In closing I would like to share a video from the members of The Rising Road Runners program at Thiells Elementary school, who want to remind our school community to build physical activity into your holiday plans! Bundle up, pour a cup of hot chocolate and go for a walk with your family to take in the local lights and displays.

Our top priority is always the safety of our students and staff.

NRCSD added three SROs this year after several years without any, but also saw a need for outdoor security. The district contracted with Allied Universal for 11 security guards to patrol outside of schools in nine four-wheelers the district purchased. The guards can also fill in where needed, like sporting events and graduation.

"We really wanted to expand our coverage," North Rockland Superintendent Kris Felicello said. "Really the school shooting in Uvalde was a trigger for that."

In North Rockland, one of only six districts that have all three security options − SROs, a private agency and its own security employees − the district requires its security guards to be former law enforcement or military or have previous security experience. Read more.

“For the homeless, seniors and individuals in nursing homes these Blessing Bags are the only gift they will receive this Christmas/Kwanza/Hanukkah.”

Remote Academy learners grade K-6 gathered in-person this week at the Haverstraw Community Center to write cards then assemble gift bags filled with treats, gloves, hats, socks and essentials for those in need. The collaboration with Haverstraw African American Connection also allowed our students to tour the homeless shelter trailer which serves as a place for 107 people in Rockland to regularly shower, warm themselves, do laundry and receive help getting back on their feet. More photos.

Last week, the Farley Student Government took a trip to the food pantry to drop off the donations they collected for their Thanksgiving food drive. In total, over 20 boxes of food were collected. As you can see by their faces, the group was so proud to be able to provide food to those in need. This student government group continues to have a positive impact on the school and community! More photos.

Did you know that only 50% of family dinners are eaten together? The holiday season sparks a time for families to gather and share a meal. The conversations had and memories made around the dinner table are truly some of the most cherished moments.

NRCSD has partnered with The Family Resource Center, NRHS G.O. and Deli Central 9W to provide local families with hot meals. $25 feeds a family of four! One thing we can always rely on in North Rockland is one another. Thank you in advance for your support and happy holidays!

Toys for Tots and the Hats, Scarfs, Gloves, Mitten & Sock Drive are happening now. The club will also continue collecting winter coats. The spirit of holiday cheer encourages us towards generosity, and drives are a great way to help kids get into the giving.

PANS/PANDAS is a medical condition that causes an autoimmune encephalopathy, resulting in varying degrees of psychiatric symptoms, learning issues and motor coordination disruptions. PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANS-Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. www.pandasnetwork.org. NR has joined forces with local families to participate in the PANDAS Network shoe fundraiser. The fundraiser is to increase awareness and provide support for PANDAS Research. Gently used or new shoes can be dropped off to our schools collection boxes like the on pictured below at Thiells Elementary.

NR will continue adding special celebration dates as they are finalized.

Haverstraw Elementary School

12/23 - Winter Wonderland in school event for students

West Haverstraw Elementary School

12/19-23 - School Spirit Days - Link

12/22 - School Polar Express day.

12/21 - Winter Wonderland sing along event hosted with the PTA @ 6pm

North Rockland Music Department Presents

Our Holiday and Winter Concert Series:

Enjoy the sounds of the season, with holiday, classical, modern and patriot music from all levels of our Band, Orchestra and Choral program!

12/19 - WGES 5th Grade Winter Concert w/ 4th Grade Chorus @ FMS 7pm

12/21 - WGES 6th Grade Winter Concert @ FMS 7pm

12/22 - HES 5th/6th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert @ HES 7pm

1/10 - FES 5th Grade Winter Concert @ FMS 7pm

1/18 - FES 6th Grade Winter Concert w/ 4th Grade Chorus @ FMS 7pm

1/19 - WGES 4th Grade Band & Orchestra Concert @ WGES 7pm

2/8 - WHES Winter Concert (location TBD) 6:30pm

The New York State Department of Education ruled that School District’s are able to utilize the remote-learning technology implemented during the coronavirus pandemic to allow students to continue their studies on days when the snow is too heavy for them to commute to school. Some Districts across the state have adopted a policy that will eliminates traditional snow days all together, opting for a remote learning day During inclement weather. North Rockland will utilize traditional snow days until the three that are built into our calendar are exhausted. Once all of our traditional snow days have been used the District will utilize the remote option when possible.

Chromebook Care

Getting a Parent Portal account

• The November Issue has updated information on K-6 Report Card procedures and information about obtaining professional development.

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!

Did you know NRCSD now offers a FREE App?

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.

Steps to download:

1. Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®
2. Search North Rockland CSD
3. Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download
4. Open the App enable push notifications and select the school(s) you want to subscribe to.

Stay connected!

• Get the latest district and school news
• Select the schools you want to follow
• Get push notifications about breaking news, closures, weather, events, and more
• Tap to see school locations, phone numbers, and staff information, fast

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Thanks to the entire community, our NR Athletics store was a huge success last year and our store is back just in time for the holiday season!

Our unique online store offers athletic apparel totally dedicated to NR athletics with a share of the sale proceeds going to our dept.

Thank you all again for support and Happy Holidays from NR Athletics!

https://north-rockland-athletics-powered-by-fleet-fundraising.myshopify.com/

Please check the NR Athletics website for schedules, information and updates.

Follow us on Twitter @NRockathletics

Be sure to check NR Athletics Website for Schedules and information.

Click here for starting dates for: Winter Sports 2022-23, and Spring Sports 2023.

North Rockland has partner with Hi-Tor Animal Shelter to feature one dog and one cat to help them find a loving home each week. Check out the Shelter Wish List linked here. Red Raiders to the Rescue!!!

"Vulcan has been with us since april. He was found outside by the police and brought here.

Vulcan was very scared and apprehensive towards us but soon became comfortable. He is

estimated to be 3 years old and is FIV+. Vulcan loves head scratches and if you try to stop, he

quickly grabs your hand and pulls it towards his face. If you are interested in adopting please fill out an application on our website Hitor.org."

"Life was surrendered to us in May. He is a beautiful white pittie who has the most angelic face. He is a senior who loves his walks and his people. He deserves to be in a home where he can share his smile and love of "Life." If you are interested in adopting him please fill out an application on our website Hitor.org."

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.

The Academy of Law and Society along with the NRHS Girls' Basketball team is hosting a three-on-three tournament open to FMS and NRHS students and faculty on Saturday, November 12th from 9AM - 1PM.

Additionally, Erin Miller, the Chief Transformation Officer of the Center for Safety and Change will be in attendance with a table for educational purposes as they are our service outreach partners. Register here.

SCHOOL MENUS

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu

NRHS Seniors 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.

North Rockland is currently seeking candidates for full-time and part-time Security Aide positions for the 2022-2023 school year. School Security Aides are committed to ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive environment.

Full-time positions include - A regionally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Part-time positions are - 4.5 hours per day and starting pay is $19.83/hour.

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

Applications can be submitted on OLAS at olasjobs.org. Resumes can be submitted through our Facebook job posting linked here, sent to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community Relations Mr. Eric Baird, North Rockland CSD, 65 Chapel St., Garnerville, NY 10923 or emailed to ebaird@northrockland.org.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2022-2023 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.28/hour. 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 $150 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.