Today kicks off North Rockland’s Winter Break. There is no school Monday, December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024. Schools will reopen Tuesday, January 2, 2024

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I want to wish our students, teachers and staff, parents and guardians, families and community a joyous and rejuvenating holiday season. North Rockland is a special place and the holiday season is a chance for me to reflect and rejoice on how lucky I feel to serve our school community.

The new year symbolizes a fresh start and finish line in one single moment. It allows us to evaluate the past year, the accomplishments, lessons, successes as well as the challenges while offering the chance to make positive shifts to our pathway.

Looking to the future, I would like to remind students that their personal goals often go hand-in-hand with effective academic progress. Make those impactful resolutions, get clear on your targets and set goals. The goal-setting piece can be whatever you need it or want it to be. A New Year, New Me checklist for learners to help with planning ahead, clarity and identifying next steps can be found below.

Over the last week North Rockland students of all ages joined forces with local agencies to give back to the community and spread cheer. Through those holiday experiences, our children had the opportunity to see first-hand just how much their work can have an impact on the world.

The strength of our community truly lies in our collaborative efforts and I am grateful for the teamwork that defines our school district. Let’s carry that momentum, kindness and attitude with us as we approach the close of another year together.

Also please see our December Community SEL Brain Balance Activity which shares daily exercises for how to take care of yourself and your family this winter break. Finding balance, reducing stress and caring for our mental, physical and emotional health can be as simple as taking one intentional breath. When we listen to and meet our own needs, we can better understand and be aware of the needs of others.

I am honored to be your superintendent and look forward to all the great things 2024 has in store for NR. As we prepare to usher in a new year, we are firmly committed to empowering our students to reach new heights of achievement and personal growth.

Happy holidays!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Upon arrival each day this week, learners have looked outside to find, a very special Elf on the shelf (Karen Tran). Who says it's "Cool to be Kind!"

With a little help from the incredible Thiells Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Coordinator Christopher Jensen and Helicopter Pilot Ed Weireter, we upgraded her flight back to the North Pole this year. Thanks to all involved in making some real-life holiday magic for our students!

Welcome to the NRHS Art Department's 35th Arts Day! The holiday exhibit, set up in the high school’s library and lobby, features the captivating work created by talented NRHS art students from our Studio, D&PI, D&PII, Ceramics I and II, Fashion Illustration and Design, STAC Art and AP-2D classes. Full Story/More Photos.

Farley Elementary schoolers participated in the annual science lab of dissecting owl pellets. While the initial reaction is typically a mix of shock and awe, learners quickly gain interest as they dissect the (sanitized & sterile) owl pellets. This is a valuable educational activity that provides students with experience in biology and ecology. Full Story/More Photos.

Twin Day, Grinch Day, Holiday Hats Day, Ugly Sweater Day, Scrabble Competition Day and countless elves have been rocking our schools district wide for Holiday SPIRIT Week 2023! Sharing some of our favorite snaps and get ups from the festive fun we've been having #NRTogether and #NRStrong! More Photos.

Let the musical performances of the Red Raiders help you celebrate during winter break!

Ashley Puleo is our #LADYRAIDEROFTHEWEEK!!! Ashley is a North Rockland High School senior and co-captain on the girls bowling team. Puelo has been bowling for the #RedRaiders since the seventh grade and has always been a key component of the team. Last year she had her best season ending with a 190 average and helped her team win their 18th straight section-one championship. This year is no different as she is off to a great start. Alongside being a great bowling player, Puelo is in the NRHS National Honor Society, the Italian Club, the Key Club, and Best Buddies. In her spare time, she also helps with the instructional bowling program at Break Point Bowl. Her coach said, “Ashley is a natural competitor on the lanes and is always looking for ways to improve her game and help her teammates. She encourages the younger girls and makes them feel part of the team. She demonstrates team leadership and a strong sense of #RAIDERPRIDE.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Ashley!!!

James Kilduff is our #REDRAIDEROFTHEWEEK!!! James is a senior at North Rockland High School and one of the captains of the varsity ice hockey team!!! James has been playing varsity hockey for the past four years and has always been known to be a great team player and well-respected by his teammates. During their game against Rye, he had one goal in a 4-3 loss and followed up with four goals and one assist game against White Plains. Kilduff is also known to be an Honor Roll student who takes pride in his schoolwork. His coach said, “James has been consistently one of our best players on the ice day in and day out. He is a good leader and is very unselfish. James leads by example as he displays great effort & tenacity while playing the game respectfully.”!!! Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for James!!!

Check out our immaculate weight room showcased in the Advantage Sports and Fitness newsletter sent out nationwide. The article highlights the collaboration between NRCSD and Advantage and how the design came to life. Thank you Advantage for choosing to feature our weight room, we appreciate everything you have done to help us bring our vision to North Rockland High School! Full Story/More Photos.

Let us approach the coming year with a renewed sense of purpose, creativity, compassion and progression. Here are few tips to help you start 2024 on the right foot.

1. Goal Setting. Connect educational goals with the rest of your new year resolutions. You can work on them together.

2. Prioritize Well-Being. Use breaks as time to slow down and maintain that school-life balance. Stay motivated, prioritize self-care, work on mental health and you'll see a great end result.

3. Embrace Change. Change is inevitable, embrace the opportunity for the growth it provides with an open mind.

4. Foster Resilience. Resilience is a vital skill. Encourage it. Don't give up. Keep trying. Remember setbacks are often stepping stones to success. Approach school with the attitude of "I can!".

5. One Step At A Time. To help keep resolutions and goals realistic, try breaking them into smaller, more manageable chunks. Create short-term objectives that will lead you towards your ultimate goal with a clear mind. Making a little progress each week is a good pace to set.

High Schoolers - Get Ahead During Break!

1. Apply for Scholarships, Internships or Jobs. If there was ever a time to apply, it’s now! You don’t have to spend the entire break applying for scholarships, pick a day and devote yourself to applications or make a list of the scholarships, internships or jobs you’d like to apply for before the end of break and work toward that goal.

2. Volunteer. The holidays are a great time to volunteer. You can use your volunteer work as experience on resumes or applications.

3. Refresh your resume, cover letter and/or essays. Updated job, internship and college application resumes, cover letters and essays are always good to have on hand prepped and ready. Use a little time over your break to work on all your important documents and add any new information you have had since you last updated them.

This holiday season we invite you and your family to try this mindful breathing practice, so we can choose to act with compassion even in the most challenging times.

• December Activity

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.