Community Update
Community Update
October 27, 2023
It was a great and memorable pre-halloween week in NR filled with Trunk-or-Treats, Scary SPIRIT Week Activities, Slimy Science, Festive Fall Field Trips and epic wins for our athletes and Marching Band!
When we return Monday, we will conclude the month of October NR Strong with a unique assortment of fright night and traditional Halloween festivities as well as adding a ghoulish touch to curriculum District wide.
The NRHS Drama Society will be helping welcome the start of the month of November with the fall production of “The Death of a Salesman.” The play is going to be an incredible show you surely do not want to miss! More information can be found below in today’s update.
Over the next month we plan to maximize outdoor learning lessons, color-changing leaf studies, trips, garden harvests, feasts, turkey trots, clothing/food drives and opportunities for learning outside the classroom. In North Rockland our strategy is to make the most of each day of cool, crisp autumn before the winter weather rolls in.
It’s important that students have the chance to frequently experience schooling and play outside. The time spent out in our outdoor learning pavilions is not only good for their overall health, but development. We recognize that when students are cooped up they can have difficulty focusing, may feel tired, groggy or have low energy. Sunlight, fresh air and exciting lessons with caring educators can help with all of these issues.
Wishing everyone a fun and safe weekend and Haunted Halloween!
Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
👻 Trick or Treat Safety 🎃
Halloween Safety Checklist
While Halloween is a time for costumes, tricks and treats, please be reminded that activities should be good-natured and not pose real threats to our students, staff or schools. After all, the best Halloween is a safe Halloween. Here's a brief Safety Tips Checklist, drafted in collaboration with NRCSD's School Resource Officers.
In School Tips for a Great and Safe Halloween Season!
Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes or sticks as a costume accessory. Instead use soft props.
Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.
All candy bought, donated or distributed in our schools should be nut-free to ensure our students with allergies are safe.
Make sure that shoes and masks fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or sight impairment.
Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy.
Safety on the Trick-or-Treat Trail!
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
Make sure children stay in a group, communicate where they will be going and only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.
Never enter a home or car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity.
Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency, become lost or are prone to wander. Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Candy
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
If you don’t have to go out, avoid driving on Halloween.
Have an adult check candy to be sure the wrappings aren't torn or missing and that the treats look safe to eat.
Referendum Vote
NRCSD Referendum Vote - 12/4
Mark your calendars: The District will hold a public hearing on the upcoming referendum during the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 7PM, at Fieldstone Middle School.
NRCSD is asking voters to consider a referendum which would allow the District to access $17 million from its existing Capital Reserve Fund at no additional cost to taxpayers for upgrades to the building and athletics facilities at North Rockland High School. Detailed information is posted here.
We’re so proud of keeping the tax levy increase at 0% for the past four years. Accessing these funds will not only benefit our students, but will benefit district taxpayers in the form of an approximately 80% return of revenue in the form of New York State building aid.
Remarkable Red Raiders - Alumni Spotlight 🐾
Remarkable Red Raiders Alumni Spotlight: Derrick Lassic
Hometown: Haverstraw NY
NRHS Graduate: 1988
Profession: NFL Running Back, Superbowl XXVIII Champion
Time at North Rockland: During his time at North Rockland High School, Lassic scored a county-record 194 points and fifth-best in New York State for Red Raider Varsity football. He helped NR gain three consecutive Class A bowl wins in section 1. He also set state records with 1,719 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, was named New York State's large school Player of the Year, All-state and was a USA Today's High School All-American. He also played baseball and track.
College Career: Lassic earned a football scholarship from the University of Alabama. He joined the Alabama Crimson Tide and enrolled in the fall of 1988. As a senior, he was named the starter at running back, registering 905 rushing yards (fifth in the SEC) on 178 carries (5.1 yards per carry), 10 rushing touchdowns, 129 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He was named the 1993 Sugar Bowl MVP after Alabama beat Miami 34–13 to win the National Championship. He finished his college career 11th on the school's all-time rushing list (1,696 yards).
Career Now: Lassic was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He became the first rookie running back in league history to start a season opener for a defending Super Bowl champion and the third rookie running back in franchise history to start a season opener. He earned a Superbowl ring in 1994 when the Cowboys championed the Buffalo Bills. Derrick went on to play for Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers and Toronto Argonauts before retiring. Later he went on to appear in the movie "Any Given Sunday" and several other features. He still makes appearances at Alabama State games, on sports commentary shows and now lives in Atlanta where he has worked for more than 15 years for a bio-tech firm.
Derrick is living proof that you can achieve your wildest dreams. Never give up and never stop believing. Keep making us proud!
To nominate a North Rockland graduate to be spotlighted please click here to fill out this form.
School Leader Spotlight
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗮 "𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘" 𝗹𝗼𝘁!
In honor of National Principals Month North Rockland’s Cabinet and Board of Education partnered with local Boxer Donut and Espresso Bar to recognize each of our wonderful campus leaders for the "DOZENS" of things they do for our students. After dropping off the "A-DOUGH-ABLE" treats we sat down to talk about what makes their school go "ROUND."
FES Principal: 𝗘𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝘆
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗴𝗼 "𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗"?
You are the HEART "BEE"AT of Farley." It is a connection with our Sister School (SPE) and Farley's PBIS. Stony Point has HEART and we have "BEE"AT. Full Story/Thank A Principal!
NRRA Principal: Avis Shelby
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 "𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗟𝗘" 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆?
The Remote Academy POWER's Up to Let our Best Selves Shine Through. Going hand in hand with that motto, I sprinkle purpose into my day by doing a personal and staff morning Wellness Check-In each morning. Full Story/Thank A Principal
NRHS Principal: Lauren DaPonte
"𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦" 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 "𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗘"?
Collaboration - Promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration among staff, students and parents, encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas. Innovation - Encouraging innovation and creativity in both teaching and administrative practices to keep the school dynamic and forward-thinking. At NRHS we are ALL IN. It signifies our dedication, commitment and willingness to give our full effort. Full Story/Thank A Principal
FMS Principal: Natalie Santopietro
𝗔𝗻𝘆 "𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗬" 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿?
Always be your best. Whether that is being the best student or person you can be - do what is right even when no one is watching you. That’s how you know you’ll come out on top! Full Story/Thank A Principal
TES Principal: Peter DiBernardi
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 "𝗗𝗢𝗭𝗘𝗡𝗦" 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀?
As an elementary principal, I find so much joy in seeing timid, silent little children evolving before my eyes into confident and empowered young learners. Full Story/Thank A Principal.
Fall Drama Production 🎭
Come one, come all!
NRHS Drama Society's Fall Production of "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller opens November 3.
Showtime is 7pm on: Nov 3, 4, 8, 9 & 11.
Get your tickets now at nrhsdrama.booktix.com
District Highlights
State Champions!
On Sunday, our Marching Band and Colorguard traveled to Lindenhurst, NY on Long Island and won the US Bands Class 2A Championship, taking all caption awards. This season's performances included Metlife Stadium and will culminate at the US Bands National Championships in Allentown, PA November 4.
“Our 2023 show is entitled "The Upside Down" based on the hit Netflix show Stranger Things.” Band Director, Dan Orban shared. Take a look!
Halloween Windows! 🎃👻🎨
SpoOoOoky Season may have already started, but it's not official in NR until the windows are painted. Our finest NRHS artists hit the streets of New Main Street in the Village of Haverstraw to add some much needed Halloween spirit. This years theme was a little twist on traditional fairy tales. More photos.
Cropsey Farms Trips!
NRCSD has partnered with Cropsey Farm in New City to bring the students a hands on learning experience. Each elementary school will visit the farm four times throughout the school year, with Cropsey Farms also visiting them! The program will connect the students to nature, educate the students in agriculture and science and teach life skills. Full Story/More Photos.
The fall 2023 Coffeehouse was a big hit!
Watch some of the smash hit performances.
Important Dates
October 2023
TES
TES PTA Halloween Event 10/19 at 6:30PM and Halloween Parade 10/31 at 9:30AM
SPES
Halloween Parades 10/31
Kindergarten and 1st grade classes’ parade 9:45am.
2nd and 3rd grade classes' parade 2:20pm.
WHES
WHES Fall Pumpkin Festival and Parade 10/31
Community Opportunity
NR ATHLETICS
Coaches Corner Feature
North Rockland Girls Varsity Field Hockey Coaches Corner
Raiders of the Week
Red Raider of the Week
David Louis is our Red Raider of the Week! DJ is a seventh grader on the boy’s soccer-white team at Fieldstone Middle School. As a first-year member of the team, he has been playing great on the field as a left striker. He scored 3 goals and had an assist in the 5-1 win over Nanuet and added the game-winning goal against Nyack. Academically, DJ holds straight A’s and is a part of an after school CYO program at St. Greg’s. His coach said, “DJ has been a solid contributor to our team all season!” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for DJ!
Lady Raider of the Week
Keira Harm is our Lady Raider of the Week!! Kiera is a seventh-grade field hockey player at Fieldstone Middle School. As a first-timer for the sport, Harm has been very impressive on the field as a center forward. As a natural athlete, she works hard every single day whether it’s in practice or games, and has been a great model to her teammates. During the game against Suffern, she was awarded Coach DeLucia’s MVP game balls for her excellent work during the game. To get deemed MVP of the game, you have to be receptive, attentive, and positive during the games and Kiera exemplified that. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Kiera!
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 OUR TEAM
We're hiring!
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.
School Nurses
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
Food Service Helpers
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.
Security Aides
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.
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