Community Update

January 7, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Welcome back!

We kicked off the first week of 2022 by resuming in-person instruction in all our school buildings NR Strong and NR Together.

I hope everyone got outside to enjoy our first official snow day of the 2021-22 school year! I understand that Wednesday morning's fast moving storm was an inconvenience, causing stress for our families and staff members. In retrospect, a two-hour delay would have helped us to better manage the storm. That being said, please know I take snow emergency decisions very seriously and strive to consistently make the "right call." It is always my intent to make decisions that best serve our school community.

Some may find the District's previously released color coded snow emergency plan confusing. A simplified explanation of our snow day plans can be found outlined below in the "Important Information" section of today's Update.

North Rockland has adopted new COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols to implement a quarantine reduction from ten days to five days, which will allow students and staff to return sooner after an exposure. The updated guidelines follow the recent updates by the CDC, New York State Department of Health, and Rockland Health Department. You can find more information on the guidance in the letter linked here.

The District is postponing in-person after school activities again next week. We will continue to monitor data and reevaluate the decision moving forward. This postponement only applies to after school activities. All winter sports practices and athletic contests are still continuing.

We are pleased to announce that the Rockland Department of Health (RCDOH), in cooperation with our partners at Rockland BOCES, has delivered free Rapid Home Antigen Tests to be distributed to all interested North Rockland families. The County has provided us with a supply of 1 kit (which includes two tests) per family. We will distribute these tests to help North Rockland residents maintain health and safety during the upcoming colder winter months.

***Please note these tests cannot be used as clearance to return to school or work if an individual is symptomatic. A student or staff member who was symptomatic can only return to school or work with a written report from a rapid antigen test, PCR test, or a doctor's note with an alternative diagnosis.

Free Rapid Test Kits will be available for pickup on Saturday, January 15th between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the sites below:

-North Rockland High School

-Haverstraw Elementary School

-Farley Elementary School

If students or parents cannot pick up testing kits, are ill, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are under quarantine or isolation, please contact the main office of your child's school to make alternative arrangements to receive the test kits. A letter will be sent shortly that will provide more detailed information regarding our test distribution plan.

In the months ahead, we will continue to carefully manage our way through this unprecedented pandemic, supporting one another and our students, remaining true to our core values, and ensuring that we achieve an even stronger NRCSD. This winter required extraordinary effort; time and time again, we are impressed and thankful for what our school community has accomplished.

I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to recognize the North Rockland staff for their incredible professionalism, determination, and talent during what has been a challenging start of 2022. We are able to keep our doors open when many districts throughout the state and country are shifting to a remote model thanks to the efforts of an incredible staff. I have never been more proud to serve with these special administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, and CSEA members!

This letter linked here outlines the adjustments that the Rockland County Health Department has made to the quarantine and isolation periods for COVID-19. The guidance from RCDOH was based on the recent CDC recommendations that the New York State Department of Health approve. The New York State updated guidance document can be found linked here. The chart below shows that North Rockland is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases consistent with data throughout our country due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. It is essential that parents keep children who are experiencing symptoms home and remind them of the importance of follow all school COVID protocols.

For the Board of Education and Administration, developing a budget that is both educationally sound and fiscally responsible is an important and comprehensive process. The 2022-23 budget continues our mission of providing a safe, caring, and positive learning environment in which all students can achieve their maximum potential and acquire the skills, attitudes, and abilities needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. It is the District's goal to provide our students with an exemplary experience while controlling taxes for our community. We understand the fiscal challenges that living in Rockland County pose.

As always, our budget fully supports the curriculum, instruction, and professional development that addresses the needs of all learners. Our budget also includes the expanded use of certain “green technologies” and facility improvements to enhance our learning and working environments while achieving real cost savings. View the Budget Presentation linked here.

• The District has used one of our three-day allotment of snow days.
• The District will utilize traditional snow days for significant storms until our three-day allotment is exhausted.
• The District will consider shifting to remote instruction during bad weather when our snow day allotment is exhausted.
• The District may call a remote instruction day following a snow day during a major storm if roads are still unsafe for a second day in a row.
• The District may utilize a 2 or 3-hour delay schedule during morning weather events.
• The District will provide the community with snow emergency information as soon as it becomes clear what our decision will be.

Academy learners are having a blast this year. It's been so fun navigating our virtual school's first year by growing, adapting, and excelling academically and emotionally #NRTogether!

The Academy's online classes helped limit sensory overload for particular learners throughout the first semester. Students have the option of re-watching lessons if they feel the need and provided opportunities for deep dives into their evolving interests—all during regular school hours like their in-person peers when students are most productive. Many have discovered they can better focus on their education and extracurricular activities. We are so proud to offer this remote option to the students and families of NRCSD!

Enrollment Announcement

If you're interested in obtaining information about enrolling your child for the second semester, please email Principal Jim Mulligan - jmulligan@northrockland.org. The District will be accepting new students into the Remote Academy until January 14th. 2022.

The District is postponing in-person events and holding meetings virtually for the time being.

Congratulations to North Rockland Board of Education Vice President and Rockland BOCES Board of Education President Peggy Zugibe! She took the gavel as President of the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) on January 1 - representing boards of education in all 731 public school districts in New York State!

Previously Peggy has served NYSSBA as the Area 10 Director and 1st Vice President. We are so proud of her for stepping into another important role where her leadership will continue to move education forward and our children toward excellence. Peggy has demonstrated the skills and experience needed to be an inspirational state leader, well-positioned to confront our educational system's challenges.

We are grateful for Peggy's continued dedication at North Rockland and across the state. Mrs. Zugibe has been a member of the Rockland BOCES Board of Education since 2008 and the North Rockland Central School District BOE since 1993. Additionally, Peggy serves as Treasurer of the Rockland County School Boards Association.

Last week North Rockland lost our head football coach, a dedicated educator, and mentor to many children. We share that Thomas Lynch Jr. has left us way too early with the heaviest of hearts.

Tom has been a trailblazer and beacon for youth for many generations, and his family wants to continue his legacy for years to come. Make donations to the Thomas Lynch Memorial Scholarship by following this link. All Funds will be used to set up an annual memorial scholarship at North Rockland High School in honor of our beloved Coach. It will be invested in the future of our community’s athletes so that Coach Lynch can continue to do what he cared most about--making a difference in kids’ lives.

Go Fund Me

Channel 12 Story

Lohud Article

Rockland athletic directors agreed to temporarily limit fan attendance for all high school sports contests and events due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Crowds will be limited to just two spectators per player for home and away teams until Jan. 17, when the athletic directors will meet again and reexamine the fan situation.

Congratulations to The Journal News/lohud's 2021 NRCSD Girls Swimming All-County student-athletes. In the water these Red Raiders made sure their moments of excellence did not go unnoticed NR Strong!

Second Team

50 freestyle — Jordan Barbosa

Honorable Mention

Ashley Barran, Angelina Florin, Kaylee Kolesar, Alyssa Leitner, Shanays Pelaez, & Nicole Ravo

Article Link

The NR Athletics Department wanted to offer everyone access to purchase our Athletics apparel and support our Red Raiders. The Athletics Department is proud to provide a unique online store that offers a variety of athletic apparel, with a portion of the proceeds of each sale going towards funding programs, equipment, and more for athletes. Even shipping is available, so please check it out. We appreciate you helping us get the store off the ground.

NR Athletics Online Store link - NOW OPEN!!!

• For more info on Athletics, visit the NR Athletics homepage linked here.

• Be sure to follow our Twitter @NRockathletics for all the latest sports action!

LocalLive

Want to watch remotely? No problem! The District has partnered with LocalLive, allowing most of our athletic contests to be live-streamed and recorded. Missed a game this week? Watch it on our LocalLive channel by clicking here.

There are a few different ways to conserve energy at home when temperatures become colder.

1. Keep drapes open during the day for rays of sunlight to warm the room and close them at night to keep out chilly drafts.

2. Appliances can still use electricity while switched off if they are plugged in. Make sure chargers, adapters, and small appliances are all unplugged before you head out for class or go to sleep to avoid extra energy consumption.

3. Turn down the heat at night and when you leave the house for more extended periods.

4. Stay warm with a reusable Mug! Hot cocoa or soup will stay warm longer in ceramic reusable bowls and mugs.

5. Don’t leave your car running longer. On cold days It sure feels good to step into a warm vehicle after “letting it heat up.” However, this practice unnecessarily increases emissions and pollution in the air. Limit idling your car to no more than three minutes at most.

Pasos para traducir esta actualización

On November 2, 2021, following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization (EUA) on October 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP’s) recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is the first authorized vaccine permitted in this age group. All children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a two-dose primary series of the pediatric formulation Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. Parents or guardians with questions about the vaccine are encouraged to talk to their child’s pediatrician or another trusted healthcare provider.

NYSDOH Pediatric Vaccine Guidance is linked here.

Upcoming Rockland County Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics that will offer Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric doses for 5- to 11-year-olds.

To make an appointment at an RCDOH clinic, visit http://rcklnd.us/covid19. Appointments are strongly encouraged. You may walk into any clinic without an appointment, but you may need to wait. See the attached for more details.

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the RCDOH Clinic, click here.

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is participating in New York State’s #VaxToSchool campaign! Starting October 19th, youth ages 12 to 17 will get a gift card with a first and/or second COVID-19 vaccine at a RCDOH COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Sun River has informed us that they are providing immunizations, COVID-19 vaccinations, physicals, and child health insurance assistance. All of these services are available for #NRCSD students and school community members. To make an appointment, please call (845) 659-2436 or visit https://www.sunriver.org/.

Project Hope

Free emotional-support service offered by NYS

Flyer

**Visit the New York State Am I Eligible webpage or Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine near you. For questions, more information, or if you need assistance scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call 845-238-1956 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

NR Weekly Positive Case Report

***NRCSD continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all health and safety protocols are working effectively. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to make sure all safety protocols are followed at all times—in and out of school— so we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We must work together in partnership—schools, families, and students—and be mindful of the great responsibility we all have to protect ourselves and those around us. This virus can be present without any symptoms. That fact alone can lead to the unintentional infection of others.

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Red Raider Reminder

NR students 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.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2021-2022 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Apply here

The North Rockland Central School District is also seeking candidates for Monitor positions at the elementary level for the 2021-2022 school year. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Interested candidates should 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 $109 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.