Hello North Rockland Families:
We have reached the halfway point of the 2023-24 school year!
The start of February is a significant milestone in North Rockland and a great opportunity to plan for what’s ahead. As we collectively gear up for the second half of the school year, it’s important to keep focused on your goals and stay motivated to achieve them. Students and parents can find the "NRCSD Midway Map” further below to help provide a sense of direction to and navigation of the pathway to success now through June – NR Strong!
This week kicked off what will be a full month of collaborative curriculum, trips and new experiences for learners at all grade levels. With interactive lessons given by guest speakers from NASA and Cropsey Farms, to name a few, students get the chance to engage in discussion and gain insight into different careers while building knowledge and skills. The break in routine and change in instruction style is a refreshing way to enter the second month of 2024.
Continuing into the second semester of schooling, I want to remind everyone of the importance of a safe learning environment.
We are fully committed to North Rockland schools being safe, protected spaces where there is a healthy learning atmosphere. The District has implemented rigorous protocols that interlock with standard procedures, as it is of the utmost importance that staff are always prepared for any possible incident. That’s why our upgraded security measures, dedicated security team and close partnership with our local police departments/SROs are designed to not only keep our buildings secure, but contribute to the development of a positive school culture.
I want to continue to encourage our school community that if you see, hear or suspect something, please voice your concerns to your child’s Principal or a site administrator. As schools face a new wave of threats sent by social media and other electronic means, I want to reiterate that every situation involving these kinds of actions are taken very seriously and investigated with the appropriate authorities as part of our Safe Schools Policy.
As a learning organization, we champion our youth and celebrate achievements together as well as adjust or recalibrate when that is needed. As students grow, they may have missteps and it is our collective responsibility to steer our young people. One way North Rockland schools have made strides in promoting good behavior is through the addition of a comprehensive Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) framework where PBIS is bolstered through high expectations, support and accountability.
In keeping with the NR tradition of excellence, we also have sturdy peer-to-peer resources available at every school where all students can be heard, raise concerns, guide and encourage one another. Student Voice at the middle and high school levels, active student leadership programs and effective staff/student relationships are important outlets and integral enterprises in the process of maturing.
School counseling teams and social workers are also available to assist students in mutually maintaining supportive, engaging, respectful and progressing learning environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Education is a journey and every step counts. Thank you for your continued assistance as we keep pushing forward NR Together!
Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
A Demolition Saw and a Transformation
In response to the record rainfall hitting the Hudson Valley over the last 6+ months, North Rockland’s Grounds Department has been proactive in working on ways to address drainage in instances of flooding, rising waters and freezing temperatures – all in-house.
The team recently completed a new drain installation at Stony Point Elementary’s main playground with a reinforced retaining wall and freshly graded pavement.
“We excavated and added piping with two catch basins. The discharge is tied into an existing system so we have no problems with runoff.” the crew shared of the project's plan and execution.
The before and after shots of water ponding and icy build-up being reduced to nothing even after the most recent snow and rain showers speak for themselves. Another job well done!
Cropsey Farms Visits West Haverstraw Elementary! 👩🌾
West Haverstraw hosted Cropsey Farms as part of our ongoing partnership. The lesson learned was about soil composition, the physical stages of matter and the importance of a color diet. Students got to play different guessing games to further understand the world around them and how good dirt can lead to good food. Full Story/More Photos.
A Lesson From NASA 🚀
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist… or does it?
The sixth graders at Farley Elementary had a special guest speaker last week, NASA Scientist Keri Siegel. This all came about when sixth-grader Aiden designed and presented a solution to help save the polar ice caps. His teacher, Mr. Hirsch decided to use his “phone a friend” lifeline, calling in his friend Siegel to speak to the sixth-grade classes, where she hosted a Q&A for all the curious minds. More Photos.
#FieldTripFriday to West Point! 🏀
All NRCSD grade 6 learners traveled to West Point - The U.S. Military Academy this week to cheer on the Educational Woman's College Basketball game. Our upper elementary schoolers had a front-row seat to an exciting Women's NCAA Division 1 match as the Lady Knights defeated Colgate University 55 to 52 - extending their winning streak to 5 games. Full Story/More Photos.
Whether the first half of the school year was a great success or perhaps your child wants to push themselves to reach higher, the checklist route will help you get there.
1. Highlights.
What has your child accomplished that they are proud of? Was it completing an art project, a good grade or a successful performance? Listing the achievements that mean the most can be a great opportunity to acknowledge the special skills and qualities that are unique to your child as well as identify plans for progress going forward.
2. It’s Not Too Late.
There’s still half a school year remaining! Approach the next six months of schooling with a mindset and motivation to experience new things. Thinking of trying out for the spring performance? Start practicing now. Treat the start of the second semester like a new beginning.
3. Power of Praise.
Show your child you're watching for progress. Small improvements when celebrated can motivate big achievements. Recognizing and supporting growth will enhance your child's self-esteem and happiness and in turn provide solid footing for years to come.
4. Personal Mission Statements.
Ask your child: What do they enjoy about school the most? Why do they want to do the things they’ve set out to do this year? What do they want out of schooling? How do they want to feel? What matters to them? The answers are your child’s personal mission that drives goals and where they should focus their time and energy.
5. Fuel the Hunger to do Better.
It feels good to accomplish, to succeed and to do your best. Harness that hunger and challenge your child to give it all they’ve got. Making good nutritional choices about meals, taking breaks, scheduling ahead of time, planning and staying positive are all important school fuels that will help lead them to their destination.
Upcoming Home Games
Varsity:
Girls Basketball vs. Suffern (Senior Day)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 6 PM
Ice Hockey vs. Rivertowns
Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 4:10 PM
Sport O Rama
Boys Basketball vs. Clarkstown North (Senior Day)
Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6 PM
JV:
Girls Basketball vs. Suffern
Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 PM
Boys Basketball vs. Clarkstown North
Thursday, Feb. 8 at 4:30 PM
Freshmen:
Boys Basketball vs. New Rochelle
Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4:15 PM
