Hello North Rockland Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable holiday recess. As we move into 2025, it's a perfect time to reflect on our many accomplishments and look ahead to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

In 2024, the safety and wellness of our school community remained our top priority. NRCSD expanded its School Resource Officer (SRO) program in partnership with the Town of Haverstraw and the Haverstraw Police Department, ensuring that every school in North Rockland has an SRO present for a portion of the school day. We thank both the Haverstraw and Stony Point police departments for their efforts - every day - to keep our schools safe.

With the use of new technology, we’ve also added new digital security cameras to many locations, both indoors and outside. These additional “watchful eyes” are critical in our network of security enhancements all across the district.

In October, our professional development efforts were highlighted by the seventh annual Ed Camp at Fieldstone Middle School, where educators came together for a collaborative, participant-driven learning experience. Great teachers help create great students. Here in North Rockland, we continually train and support both new and experienced educators - with the belief that inspired teachers have a direct influence on student achievement.

Academically, we are incredibly proud of the 148 inductees into the North Rockland High School National Honor Society and the 111 students recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Fieldstone Middle School. These students have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, character and service - shining examples of what our learners can achieve.

On the athletic field, we celebrated an historic season, with Section One titles in Varsity Football, Girls Swimming, Boys Volleyball and Boys Cross Country. We also celebrated the grand opening of Casarella Field at Cordisco Stadium, a new facility that will provide even greater opportunities for student success.

Our Marching Band placed first in the USBands New York State Championships and our Robotics Team made a strong showing at the Brunswick Eruption Robotics Event. Our NJROTC also had a fantastic year, passing their Area Manager Inspection with flying colors.

In the Arts, we were thrilled to host the 37th Annual Arts Day, which showcased the incredible musical, artistic and literary talents of our students. We also enjoyed a series of beautiful winter concerts, where students demonstrated their musical skills. Additionally, the North Rockland High School Drama Society delivered a captivating fall production of She Kills Monsters.

On the music stage, we celebrated our students’ participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Annual Winter Conference. We are also excited to host the Senior All-County Music Festival on Saturday, January 11 at North Rockland High School. Congratulations to all the musicians selected to participate!

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to providing the best possible experience for every student. We will continue to prioritize student growth - both academic and personal - and invest in upgrading our facilities to meet the evolving needs of our students and staff. We are also dedicated to attracting and retaining exceptional educators who will continue to inspire and challenge our students.

As we enter the 2025-26 budget season, the NRCSD Board of Education and Administration aims to maintain a stable tax levy while making thoughtful investments that support our students, staff and community. Having sustained a zero-percent tax levy increase for the past five years, we remain committed to fiscal responsibility as we plan for the future.

As we move toward the midpoint of the 2024-25 school year, I encourage families to remind students to set new goals for themselves. Whether academic, personal or extracurricular, goal-setting is a powerful way to stay motivated and focused on growth.

Finally, I want to take a moment to congratulate all of us - students, staff and the community - on the remarkable achievements of 2024. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2025.

-Dr. Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

This week, Fieldstone Middle School proudly inducted 111 eighth graders into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), an esteemed organization recognizing excellence in Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship. These dedicated students maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher and contributed numerous community service hours. NJHS membership highlights both academic achievement and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. The induction ceremony was a memorable celebration of these outstanding students. Congratulations to all the new members - your dedication and leadership make us #NRProud!

Did you know? For the past five years, the North Rockland Central School District has maintained a 0% tax levy increase for local taxpayers.

For the NRCSD Board of Education and Administration, developing a budget that is both educationally sound and fiscally responsible is an important and comprehensive process. This is the first presentation of the budget for the 2025-26 school year and as we move forward, updates will be shared at each month's Board of Education meeting and included in this section.

The 2025-26 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. 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 and are committed to addressing these through strategic planning.

As always, our budget fully supports the curriculum, instruction and professional development that address the needs of all learners. In addition, it includes significant facility improvements to enhance our learning and working environments while achieving real cost savings.

View the January 7, 2025 Budget Presentation HERE.

We're excited to share some exciting facility upgrades at Neary Educational Center! Brand-new, state-of-the-art Pathways and Pre-K (pictured) playgrounds are being installed, offering a dynamic and safe space for students to enjoy outdoor play and connect with their peers. Alongside these exciting additions, we’ve also completed paving repairs to improve accessibility, ensuring smoother pathways for both students and staff. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to create a more welcoming and functional environment for learning and recreation. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to enhance our district's facilities!

We are pleased to announce that North Rockland Central School District has secured several key funding sources to enhance educational programs, support infrastructure and improve student services. These financial resources will significantly strengthen our district’s capacity and help us continue our commitment to delivering high-quality education and services. Stay tuned for updates on how these funds will be allocated and the positive impact they will have!

Rockland County Youth Grant - $100,000 (Student worker program)

Inflation Reduction Act - $800,000 (IRS credit for solar field)

21C Family Resource Center - $12,000 (Supporting our Family Resource Coordinators)

Bullet Aid Tax Certiorari - $1,000,000 (Targeted funding given as state aid)

Bullet Aid Senator Harckham - $50,000 (Targeted funding given as state aid)

Visions Playground Neary Support from Senator Harckham - $150,000

Radio Repeater FMS - Sheriff's Department Grant - $180,000 (Radio system upgrade for first responders at Fieldstone Middle School)

Clean Green Schools Track 1 - $950,000 (Architectural design fees of energy efficient projects)

EPA Round 3 with partnership First Student - $2,000,000 (Electric bus mandate)

NYSERDA NYSBIP with partnership First Student - $1,900,000 (Electric bus mandate)

Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles - $4,430,000 (Electric bus mandate)

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) and Statewide Full-Day Prekindergarten are special early childhood programs established by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and contracted by School Districts to provide an early learning experience for the children of eligible families. Eligible families are those who live in the North Rockland Central School District and have children who will be four years old by December 1, 2025. UPK and Statewide Full-Day Pre-K are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. There is a qualified teacher and teaching assistant in every class. Universal Pre Kindergarten students attend for five (5) half days for 2½ hours each day; the children in Statewide Full-Day Prekindergarten attend five (5) days a week for 5 hours each day for 180 days per school year, at no cost to you. Apply for NRCSD's Pre-K program HERE!

This week, the varsity ice hockey team recognized their five seniors before their game against Rivertowns at Sport-O-Rama. Surrounded by banners, custom hockey pucks, their jerseys, and family the Red Raider seniors had a beautiful ceremony. Check out the pictures HERE!

The varsity girls basketball team hosted their annual Rich Korn Holiday Tournament at NRHS, honoring the legendary coach Rich Korn, who led the program from 1976 to 2003. They placed third in the two-day tournament after clinching the win against Newburgh in a close game. Check out more pictures HERE!

Varsity wrestling versed New Rochelle in a highly competitive matchup! Our Raiders were losing by a few points before junior class wrestler Chaim Fountain came back from being down in his own match and pinned his opponent to clinch the overall win for the Red Raiders! Check out his final pin HERE!

This week, two of our Raiders on the Section One Girls Varsity Ice Hockey team experienced the opportunity of a lifetime: playing on the legendary ice of Madison Square Garden against the North Avalanche. The girls had an absolute blast skating where some of the greatest hockey players in the world have played, creating memories they’ll cherish forever. Check out the post HERE!

Huge congratulations to senior varsity football player Jaquan Johnson on being named NYS Section One Class AA Offensive Player of the Year AND Overall Player of the Year! This season has truly been one for the books, and #7 has been an integral piece of the Red Raiders incredible journey! With 1600 total yards, 25 touchdowns, 32 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 1 interception, he’s absolutely OWNED the field this year. Check out the post HERE!

Huge congratulations to senior varsity football player Javon Lawrence on being named NYS Section One Class AA Defensive Back of the Year! His impact on the team has been immeasurable, delivering yardage and blocks that set him apart. Defensively, he’s racked up 52 tackles, 2 interceptions and a defensive touchdown. On offense, he’s added 300 yards and 3 touchdowns to the scoreboard. Check out the post HERE!

Check out our Raider Rundowns with Boys Swimming and Skiing where they discuss their upcoming season!

Check out the boys cross country accolades HERE!

Check out the boys volleyball accolades HERE!

Save the date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

Elks Lodge #877

6:00 PM

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open. See the directions and information for completing the FAFSA below. If you need any assistance, contact Tonianne DeSimone in the College and Career Center at 845-942-3523 or tdesimone@northrockland.org.

FAFSA Information Flyer (in English)

FAFSA Information Flyer (in Spanish)