North Rockland Weekly Update

Dear North Rockland Families,

Another wonderful summer is in the books, and now it is time for us to return to school on Tuesday, September 3. We have been hard at work this summer improving and updating our facilities in preparation for Tuesday’s return. From new doors throughout Haverstraw Elementary School to the completion of the auditorium renovation at Fieldstone Middle School, each of our campuses was improved in some way.

We are especially excited to be reopening the former Gerald F. Neary Elementary School, which then became known as the Hilltop School. The Neary Educational Center will be the new home for three special programs: The Little Panthers PreK Academy, The VISIONS Program, and the Pathways Center. We’ve assembled an outstanding team of new and returning educators, social workers and psychologists, and are pleased to be able to provide specialized services to the children who need them, right here in our community.

After the challenges our community has weathered together in the wake of the Mirant settlement, which included closing Neary Elementary, reopening it and being able to serve more of our children within the district also feels like turning the page into a new chapter in the story of our school district. This is possible in no small part due to years worth of effort by both our educators and our community to ensure we continued to provide an outstanding educational experience despite the challenges we faced. Thank you to everyone who has helped build the district back to a place of stability, and those who have supported us along the way.

As we prepare to return to school on Tuesday morning, I ask you to be mindful of the major road construction projects in town and the detours they have created. Remember that student pick up and drop off for North Rockland High School has been temporarily moved to the gate on Eastlake Drive. Take Suffern Lane and to Woodlake Drive, and use the second entrance for Eastlake Drive. Exit Eastlake on the other end to return to Suffern Lane.

Back-to-school is always a time of increased traffic, and this year we face additional challenges. Extra time and patience will be required for all of us during pick up and drop off times. Take the bus or carpool when possible. At the end of the congestion will be buildings full of loving educators who can’t wait to meet your children, and spend another outstanding school year with them.

-Dr. Felicello

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. Our administration and transportation team have been working closely with the construction companies, Haverstraw and Stony Point Police, and Haverstraw Transit, our bussing 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. Parents can find bus passes and other transportation information on the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus. Some bus routes may start up to 20 minutes earlier in order to accommodate expected delays. If you have any questions or concerns please email the transportation department for the quickest response.

The North Rockland School District hosted Open Houses in each of our schools this week. Students and families were able to tour facilities, meet new teachers, and see old friends. It was a fun day that made us all excited to return to school!

Our Parent Teacher Associations were also on hand for open houses. We encourage all our parents to become involved in their school's PTA. The PTA is a vital piece of our school-family partnership, and we are grateful for everything they do for our students, our teachers, and our community.

This week also saw our faculty and staff gather to celebrate Opening Day. We celebrated teachers who achieved tenure and recognized the many members of the North Rockland family who are entering their 25th, 30th and even 35th year of service to our schools. We also heard from our district and board leaders, and had the opportunity to meet new colleagues and plan for the year ahead. It was wonderful to have so much of our North Rockland family gathered together for this important day.

If your student hasn't had their back-to-school haircut yet, here is a coupon. Note the expiration date!

Schools Open

Sep. 3, 2024

Board of Education Meeting @ FMS

Sep. 3, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

HES PTA Meeting

Sep. 9, 2024

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

FES, HES & WGES Meet the Teacher

Sep. 9, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

FES & WGES Meet the Teacher

Sep. 10, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

9/11 Ceremony @ NRHS

Sep. 11, 2024

8:10 AM - 9:10 AM

SPES PTA Ice Cream Social

Sep. 12, 2024

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

NRHS Meet the Teacher

Sep. 12, 2024

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

FES Ice Cream Social

Sep. 13, 2024

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM