Construction and Traffic Update
Make sure you leave extra time!
We are all aware of the major construction projects that are underway in our two towns. From the new traffic circle at Hammond Road, Suffern Lane and Letchworth Village Road to the Park Road and Route 9W closures for the Champlain Hudson Express power line, these projects will be ongoing through the end of summer and into the start of our new school year. The good and bad news is we hear the Dunkin’ Donuts on Willow Grove Road is reopening soon, as well.
Our administration and transportation team have been working closely with the construction companies, Haverstraw and Stony Point Police, and Haverstraw Transit, our bus provider, to develop plans to keep students safe while minimizing delays and disruptions. We have altered and split some bus routes and added others to help shorten bus rides for affected students. Some routes may start up to 20 minutes earlier in order to accommodate expected delays.
Parents can expect bus passes and detailed information about their routes when they receive the Welcome Packet. These packets were mailed August 22. Parents of private, parochial and out of district students have also been mailed this information.
Of particular concern is morning drop off for North Rockland High School, which will look different this year compared to years past. For the duration of the traffic circle project, vehicle access to the school is limited to Hammond Road from Willow Grove Road.
We have altered the maintenance entrance so staff entering there can access the side lots. That and the main entrance of the school are restricted to faculty and staff vehicles only. Students will continue down Hammond and enter the student lot via the last entrance on Hammond Road.
It is important to note that there will be NO student drop off on Hammond for any reason.
Those wishing to drop students off to North Rockland High School should do so at the gate on Eastlake Drive. Take Suffern Lane to Woodlake Drive, use the second entrance to access Eastlake, and exit the other end. We will have additional safety and school personnel in place to ensure all students walk safely to the building. We will of course monitor and evaluate this plan for its efficacy and make adjustments as needed to minimize disruption and ensure everyone's safety.
We know that back to school is generally a time of increased traffic on our roads, and this year will be no exception. We urge you to allow plenty of extra time in the morning to account for these delays, and to use the bus and carpool whenever possible to ease congestion. If parents have any questions or concerns, we urge you to email the transportation department instead of calling. Email allows for a more efficient and timely response.
With plenty of time and patience, we can work together to ensure everyone arrives at school on time and ready to start the day.
-Dr. Felicello
