Community Check-In

I am happy with all we have accomplished despite a short week and the weather challenges we faced. I understand winter weather can be stressful for students, staff and parents. Our team in North Rockland takes the decision to delay, release early or close schools very seriously. It is my goal to inform our school community of any changes to our school day as soon as a decision is made.

Whenever possible, I will notify the community the night before if it's necessary to close or delay. Unfortunately there are times, like this past week when the evening forecast is not definitive enough to make the call. When that happens, our team assesses road conditions, speaks to town officials, communicates with our bus company and ultimately makes an educated decision -- always with the safety of students and staff at the forefront of that decision.

January is a time for colder temperatures, which gives the unique opportunity in NRCSD to turn our focus towards creating new possibilities inside our buildings and beyond our classrooms, but also brings weather related challenges. I would like to take a moment to thank our buildings and grounds staff who work with pride to ensure our students are able to learn safely and comfortably. This week alone they managed a water main break at Willow Grove and teamed up with WGES staff to ensure there was minimal disruption to morning arrival, as well as dedicating countless hours to resolving heating and cooling issues at the High School.

In North Rockland we are proud to have such a wonderful team and a team that learns from and supports each other. One way to do this is through mentoring. January is National Mentoring Month and we are embracing and emphasizing the annual movement at all grade levels with NR Strong partnerships to educate and engage. Together with special guests, formal programs, collaboration with community organizations and customized professional development for staff, we have cultivated and expanded a mentoring culture in North Rockland schools. One in which students support each other.

Mentoring is such an important piece of the educational journey, as it fosters a sense of understanding, belonging and personal growth in our schools. Pairing programming and events with local entrepreneurs and experts in their fields helps forge important, lasting connections while learning in a relatable and productive way from someone who's in your corner. In addition to academic benefits, mentoring in North Rockland has a direct link to social and emotional well-being and can provide a safe space for students to express their thoughts, pitch ideas, practice interviewing, develop skills, expand their networks and navigate the path forward with successful individuals. We are grateful to have so many wonderful role models and leaders in our community that offer support to our students.

By linking high schoolers with middle schoolers, middle schoolers with elementary schoolers and all students with positive role models, we’re setting the stage for upskilling and mentee achievement. Hosting a variety of workshops and experiences where learners can receive support, guidance and encouragement in areas of interest enables them to unleash their full potential.

In closing I want to encourage everyone to get involved in our mentoring programs this school year or even just offer a word of advice, support or guidance to a person you can help achieve their goals. Whether you're a staff member, community member, parent, guardian or someone who is interested in sharing tools and knowledge, your contribution as mentor can make a significant difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders. I also encourage ALL NR students to take advantage of the supports, advice, best practices and useful insight mentors offer.

In North Rockland, we are always learning from and bettering one another.

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Recently during the North Rockland Academy of Finance (AoF) Mock Interviews, local entrepreneurs prepped members not only for college but for the real world. High schoolers were able to sit down with the experienced professionals of today’s competitive field of business for a valuable lesson that went beyond the classroom.

Participants shared that the mock interviews were exceptional this year and that they left the event with a greater understanding of how job interviews are structured. Mentoring experiences like this help students cultivate both their academic and professional skills, evaluate their own potential for success and build confidence. We are so grateful to have partners in the process of readying learners for the future. Full Story / More Photos.

Since the beginning of the year, Academy of Finance seniors have been working on turning a concept into a business. This week they presented their business plans to a panel of local business owners and the AoF board in a shark tank style event. Putting forth courage and ambition, students shared their vision while offering an opportunity for hometown moguls to witness the potential of our future leaders. This exchange of ideas creates a mutually beneficial relationship, where the students gain valuable feedback and support and the "sharks" hear inventive solutions.

The competition winners were seniors Kristen Stuart and Hannah Linhart with their business concept “Party Paradise,” a mobile entertainment. More Photos.

At the exhibit’s Winter Reception Night, students unveiled the accurate and intricate depiction of nature, objects or contemporary life splashed along the hallways of the NR Administration building. Throughout the second semester, the truthful style has been a core focus of NRCSD’s art classes curriculum spanning from historical importance to the major artists of today. Full Story/More Photos.

As part of NRCSD’s mentoring month workshops, NRHS World Language Honor Society members took a trip to each of our upper elementary schools to present to grade six students ahead of their decision day for middle school language selection.

The interactive sessions provided a unique opportunity for our younger students to learn about different languages offered like Italian, Spanish, American Sign Language and French, from high school juniors and seniors, who not only spoke about the classes they’ve taken and are currently completing but the experiences, lessons and knowledge they've gained along the way. Full Story/More Photos.

Dr. Richard Evans, MD returned to NRCSD for his fourth Mini Medical College session with our Academy of Health and Sciences students. Each workshop gets more in-depth and comprehensive in covering complex healthcare practices. This time the lesson was on the Medical History and Physical Exam (H&P), which is the most formal and complete assessment of the patient and the problem.

At the end of this program, which will continue throughout the school year, learners will have completed a hands-on college-level course focused specifically on their field of interest to add to their resume. Full Story / More Photos.

Starting from a field of 73, Alexis beat out the competition to be named school champ. The winning word was "overtly" and it was overtly obvious that she is brilliant! Farley will be sending seven students to the NRCSD Spelling Bee on February 13th. Congratulations to everyone who participated! More Photos.

It took ten rounds to declare Avi the Haverstraw Elementary Spelling Bee Champion. The winning word was antimony, which is the chemical element of atomic number 51 on the periodic table, which Avi spelled correctly without needing the definition.

Each year the bee has been growing at HES, and this was the largest turnout for the school with 65 participants. The school will be sending nine students to the District Bee on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Congratulations to all who participated. More Photos.

Ian Posillipo is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Ian is a senior at North Rockland High School on the varsity ice hockey team. Ian recently scored his first varsity goal, but more importantly, he brings great leadership to the team. Posillipo is known to always put the team's best interests first and display a great amount of maturity beyond his years. His fearless attitude on the rink is evident to anyone who watches him. Coach Dworkowitz said, “His ability to block out the negative and strive to be the best version of himself every single practice and game is inspiring and amazing. I have tremendous respect for what Ian has achieved and what he will accomplish in the future.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Ian!!!

Nya Thomas is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Nya is a junior captain on the North Rockland High School winter track team. Thomas is known to be an all-around athlete. When asking one of her coaches what event she participates in they said, “What event DOESN’T she participate in?” During the Marine Corps Holiday Classic, she had an 18-1 long jump and followed that up with a win at the Ocean Breeze Freedom Games. At that point, she had only competed in this event twice and was already close to the top ten all-time in Rockland County for the event. During the Suffern Invitational, she placed 2nd in the 55m Hurdles. She is having a stellar season in the 55m Dash as well. Her coach said, “Nya is a great athlete and a great teammate. We count on her to lead the team by example. She was named as a captain this winter season because of her commitment to success and the support she shows her fellow athletes.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Nya!

Photo Courtesy of: Tony Morales

This week against Clarkstown South varsity wrestler Justin Riello recorded his 100th win on a pin! Overall, the team won 42-21. Congratulate Justin here.

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.