Community Update

June 7, 2024

Hello North Rockland Community,

As we start wrapping up the school year, excitement and anticipation for what's ahead are palpable across all our school campuses.

There are so many NR Traditions taking place, such as kindergarten graduations, field days, trips, BBQ's and the grand kickoff of our moving up ceremonies next week. You will find a schedule of all that’s to come in the next three weeks by building further below to keep you in the know.

The week’s theme was great gratitude and pride. From daily celebrations graciously hosted at Bowline park and Kruckers to high school award events being filled with not only proud students and parents but everyone from local business owners, to historic organizations and alumni. I am so proud to be a part of the North Rockland Community, a community that values education, shows up and invests in the future of our youth. Thank you for your involvement, for all the opportunities, experiences, efforts and record number of scholarships provided to our learners in 2023-24. Your generous contributions and donations towards awards have opened doors for students to further their educations, pursue their dreams and help carve a brighter future for our community as a whole.

Not only are we privileged with the best of the best when it comes to our community members, but also our staff. Keeping in tone with great pride and gratitude, North Rockland recognized those educators who have worked tirelessly to earn tenure and bid “ see you later” to our wonderful retirees this week. Stories were shared in both ceremony settings, highlighting the hard work and dedication of those who are now embarking on the next chapter and the many ways they have had a positive impact on our students, families, district and each other.

There is a profound influence that dedicated teachers and staff have on their students, which was evident at the NRTA Scholarship Tea. Seniors wrote essays about the ways and the depths at which educators changed their lives. Hearing high schoolers recall the moment their kindergarten teacher told them they believed in them and to never give up was powerful. It’s clear that tenure is indeed an honor and one that comes with responsibility in North Rockland.

On that note and as summer approaches I encourage families to take a moment to share your thoughts, experiences and kind words with the teachers and staff who have positively impacted your child's life over the past 10 months. In NR we believe in staying connected with our students throughout their entire educational journey and we recognize that the influence of our educators and employees extends beyond the classroom and the end of the school year. We are fortunate to have exceptional educators and staff in NRCSD shaping minds and hearts and I know they always appreciate hearing your positive feedback.

As we head into the weekend, three weeks are left in the school year and two more Weekly Updates left before welcoming summer.

The best is still yet to come!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED JUNE 19

Fieldstone Middle

• June 7 - 8th Grade Dance at 7-10PM
• June 14 - Last Day for Period 9 Activities
• June 17 - Yearbook Distribution, 8th Grade Awards Ceremony at 7PM FMS Auditorium
• June 18 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Kruckers at 8:30AM, 7th Grade Field Day 10AM – Noon
• June 21 - Math 7x Final - During Classes
• June 24 - Science 7X Final - During Classes
• June 24 - Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony at 9AM Clover Field Stadium

Farley Elementary

• June 5 - 4th and 5th Grade Field Day
• June 6 - FES 6th Grade Dance
• June 7 - FES 6th Grade Field Day & BBQ
• June 13 - FES Moving Up Ceremony at 10AM at Fieldstone
• June 20 - FES Art Walk Show at 6PM

Haverstraw Elementary

• June 6 - 5th Grade Bowline

• June 7 - 6th Grade Field Day Rain Date

• June 11 - 6th Grade Bowline Trip

• June 12 - Ice Cream Truck for Winning House

• June 13 - Grade 6 Moving up Ceremony 9AM (Beckerle, Anderson, Tracey, Royster, Bello) & 4th Grade Bowline Trip

• June 14 - Grade 6 Moving up Ceremony 9AM (Metress, Gonzalez, Pentimone, Arvidson, Feliz)

• June 21 - HES Talent Show

Stony Point Elementary

• June 10 - Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM Masterson, Rodriguez & M.Murphy
• June 11 - Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM B. Flores, E. Dollopac, Librizzi
• June 12 - Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM Gavan, Kennelly & Moss
• June 14 - Kindergarten Prom - During School, students & staff only
• June 17 - Grade 3 Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM Clarke, LaBier & Osberg
• June 18 - Grade 3 Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM Reiss, Strieter, Hilliard
• June 20 - Grade 3 Moving-Up Ceremonies 9:30-10:30AM Accetta, Dittman & Dominguez
• June 21 - 3rd Grade PTA Fun Day
• June 24 - Kindergarten Sing-a -Long w/ Mr. Kurt & Grade 2 Spring Fun Day
• June 25 - Grade 1 Bubble Bus 9:30-11:00AM, Lloyd & Fiorentino Animal Show - 9:30-10:30AM & Grade 3 Yearbook signing 10AM-12PM Pavilion
• June 26 - ICT classes Forever Friends End Of Year Celebration student only event

Thiells Elementary

• June 7 - K celebration 9:30 AM
• June 11 - Gr 3 Moving Up 9:45AM
• June 12 - Gr 3 Moving Up 9:45AM
• June 13 - Gr 3 Moving Up 9:45AM
• June 14 - Gr 3 Picnic 1PM (rain date June 18)
• June 25 - Gr 3 Clap out 11:15AM

West Haverstraw Elementary

• June 11 - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Cropsey Farm student only event
• June 18 - 3rd Grade Moving Up Ceremony 9:30AM (Ms. Hoyt, Mrs. Verrino, Ms. Marciano, Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Guzman) 3rd Grade Moving Up Ceremony 11:15AM (Mrs. DelValle, Mrs. Violetti, Mr. Tillman, Mrs. O’Keefe, Mrs. Amodeo)
• June 20 - Kindergarten End of Year Celebration 9:45AM (Mrs. Flores, Ms. Diliberto, Mrs. Dillon, Mrs. Iarocci)
• June 21 - Kindergarten End of Year Celebration 9:45AM (Mrs. Zivec, Mrs. Golio, Mrs. Woodhead, Mrs. Wallace)
• June 24 - Kindergarten End of Year Celebration 9:45AM (Mrs. Bipat and Mrs. Honrbeck (Long term sub: Ms. Mazariego)
• June 25 - 3rd Grade Yearbook Signing (pavilion and back playground) 10:30AM Student only event
• June 25 - Kindergarten Splash Day (Fish Playground) 10AM Student only event

A second grader at West Haverstraw Elementary represented strength in “The Subaru Loves to Care” campaign in partnership with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society taking place during June, cancer survivor month.

Jelien, a leukemia survivor, has been chosen as the face of hope for the campaign due to her impactful contributions to the cancer community, her school and her local area. Her story, characterized by resilience and inspiration, was selected from numerous entries. She is a familiar face on our feed as she constantly dedicates her time to raising money for various organizations like Friends of Karen or NR Family Sports Day. She even launched the First Gold Together Team for the American Cancer Society for Rockland County which focuses on raising funds for Childhood Cancer and regularly donates to caregivers and children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, where she battled and beat cancer. Inspired by scholarships given to seniors every year at NR Awards Night, this year was the first year she and her family awarded two North Rockland students with the new Warrior Princess scholarship. Recently the eight-year-old was also awarded the Hispanic Heritage Award by Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the Community Service Award from West Haverstraw Mayor, Robert D’Amelio.

For all the advocacy, hard work, bravery, the difference she made and the shining example she sets, this week Jelien is our Red Raider Recognition! Congratulate her here!

The North Rockland Central School District was awarded over $2.4 million in state funding to expand opportunities for local families to access free UPK programs. The competitive grant award - among the largest of 64 NYSED awards across the state - will allow North Rockland to convert 200 half-day UPK seats into full-day seats as well as add 150 full-day Universal Prekindergarten placements. Register Here.

NRCSD celebrated our educators who were recommended and approved for tenure in Fieldstone Middle School's Courtyard this week. The ceremony, which was hosted by Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello, the NR Administration Team, our Principals and the NR Board of Education, celebrated all the unique activities and programs these bright professionals have implemented during their careers.

"North Rockland is the kind of place where we support each other on our paths to success. Everyone here brings something different to the classroom," Dr. Felicello explained as he opened the celebration. "Tonight, we are going to talk about the excellence and strides each recipient has made since starting in North Rockland as we honor them for tenure."

Stories of collaboration to expand programming, start new clubs, launch learning labs and implement a facility dog, as well as taking on coaching Red Raiders with NR Athletics, followed as each honoree was presented with their "NRCSD Tenure Apple." The token of appreciation, made by our engineering department and students, is a daily reminder to teach from "the core."

We congratulate the 21 2024 recipients who have achieved this significant milestone. We thank them for dedicating their very best to North Rockland children and education. Use this experience as fuel for the future! More Photos.

A good educator never really retires, since their work lives on in the hearts of their students.

Last night, we celebrated the 2023-2024 North. Rockland Retirees during a special Recognition Ceremony event at Fieldstone Middle School. Despite stormy skies, the retirees' presence shone brightly. The energy in the courtyard was heartfelt as we honored the District's retiring teachers, aides, assistants, principals, administrators, buildings and grounds staff, custodians, security personnel, food service staff and special services staff, as well as clerical workers and social workers.

Principals of each school individually recognized their retirees with tributes, sharing inside jokes, accomplishments, admiration and thanks for the profound impact each retiree had on the students, community and their colleagues. So many educators are mentors for other teachers in NR Schools. One principal began by acknowledging an educator who was once her ninth-grade teacher and was now retiring as her colleague. The moment beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the evening.

The parting gift was a Raider Red cooler filled with goodies such as visors and koozies for upcoming seven-day weekends, spent at the pool or perhaps along a beach. Our retirees also received a book full of personalized messages and best wishes for the future, along with memories of cherished times with staff and students. We have a feeling you all will continue to be lifelong learners in this next chapter. Help Us Send Them Off Here!

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. The first-year program at FMS fosters a collaborative culture with high expectations for teachers and students and innovative teaching styles in the classroom. AVID students hone their academic skills, including note-taking, organization, time management and critical thinking. They engage in peer tutoring, collaborative study groups and student-centered activities. With AVID’s help, students gain the soft skills and confidence to take on a college-and career-ready path.

The NRHS cafeteria was packed with proud veterans, cadets, friends, family and BOE Member Rich Fernandez for the annual event. This is Chief Michael Duncan’s first year at the helm of North Rockland’s NJROTC program and the program hasn’t missed a step. The guest speaker was Command Master Chief Jason Richardson of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New England. CMC Richardson shared words of wisdom with the cadets, emphasizing the importance of preparation and routine. Shortly after, many cadets were recognized with awards, medals and scholarships, which they earned for their outstanding actions, behaviors and determination. More Photos.

The Academy of Engineering recently hosted a showcase event, inviting parents to witness the innovative projects their students have been diligently working on and to highlight the seniors. The event featured the “Senior Projects,” in which each student picked their own avenue of interest, and then brought it from concept to reality. The event featured a variety of impressive creations, from robotics to renewable energy models. More Photos.

As always, the NR Community came together for a great cause at the 19th Annual North Rockland Community 5k Fun Run Event to raising funds for local community members in need. Over the 19-year span the race has been held, the community has raised over $300k! The run is hosted by Town of Haverstraw Superintendent Howard Phillips, Town of Stony Point Superintendent Jim Monaghan and our very own NR Athletics Director & NR Legend, Joe Casarella. Contestants, volunteers and community members meet at The Point at Bowline Park for a 5k Fun Run/Walk. The North Rockland Marching Band drumline played at the event, pumping up the runners, walkers and crowd. All of our NRCSD participants were winners but we had a bunch of podium placements. NRHS’ Sean Fyffe took third overall! Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event successful! More Photos.

The district's Green Team met at Thiells Elementary to highlight all the green goodness going on. The TES Garden and Greenhouse is cultivating both plants and life skills. Gardening provides a hands-on learning experience in science, math and environmental studies. Student can learn about plant biology, the life cycle of plants and the importance of ecosystems. It is also good for mental and emotional well-being! We can’t wait to see the harvest! More Photos.

Our student have been having a blast at kindergarteners first ever field days Field Days, Sixth-Grade BBQs at Bowline Park and at the HES Carnival. More to come all month long!

Joe Alvarez is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!!Joe is a senior on North Rockland’s boys varsity lacrosse team. Joe has been a four-year starter and throughout his career has been a major part of any success they had including County and League Championships. This year he led the team in scoring as one of the captains with 32 goals and 22 assists for an overall 54 points.During both games against White Plains and Pearl River, number sixteen made the game-winning goal in overtime. So far this year Alvarez has won All League. Joe will be continuing his lacrosse career at SUNY DELHI. His coach said “He has only scratched the surface as far as his playmaking and scoring goes. Joe will be missed next season and our program wishes him the best in the future! Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Joe!

Rianne Vijaya Kumar is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Rianne is a senior on the North Rockland High School’s crew team. She has been a part of the team for three years and is on the girls varsity four boat. Rianne is known for her exceptional contribution to the team’s morale and motivation. Her constant positivity and infectious smile create an uplifting atmosphere encouraging her teammates to perform at their best. Her coach said, “Rianne leads by example, through hard work and dedication. She was a great person to coach and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors!” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Rianne!

NRCSD has partnered with the United States Tennis Association - USTA CTA (Official) to host a FREE Community Tennis Day on Saturday, June 15, from 9-12pm with professionally trained tennis coaches for all ages and abilities, helping kids build friendships and learn skills they’ll use for life. No sign-up is required.

During the event the USTA and its partners like CTA help children not just learn the sport, but self-confidence, sportsmanship and the habits of an active healthy lifestyle. The USTA has been working closely with #NRSchools in 2023-24. We thank them for organizing this day for our community.

**A signed waiver is required upon arrival.**

Sessions:

1. 9am-10am - Cardio Tennis Ages 14+ Cardio tennis is a high-energy group fitness class that combines tennis with cardiovascular exercise. It's a fun and social activity that's suitable for players of all ages and abilities. Cardio tennis can help you improve your tennis skills, get fit, and burn more calories than singles or doubles tennis.
2. 10am-12pm - Tennis Clinics Ages 5-17 First hour instructional. The second hour will consist of fun tennis games like pancakes, fireworks, jailbreak, snakes in the alley and relay races etc.

Chromebook Care

Getting a Parent Portal account

Click here for the Flocabulary One-Pager!

• Want to see tutorials, make an appointment with a technology coach, and see available tech courses Click Here!

At North Rockland Central School District we take internet safety very seriously. It is important that we all have access to information on how to keep our students safe. Here are a few web resources:

1. Common Sense Media - click here

2. Connect Safely - click here

3. Internet Safety Tips - click here

The NRCSD has partnered with Peachjar. This new platform will enable us to send important school and community flyers to parents/guardians digitally, saving our schools time, money, and paper. School-approved digital flyers will be sent to your email inbox. Please click here for more information.

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.

2022-23 School Start, End and Bell Times ⏰

Grades K-3: 9:05AM - 3:44PM

Stony Point Elementary

Thiells Elementary

West Haverstraw Elementary

Grades 4-6: 8:42AM - 3:21PM

Farley Elementary

Haverstraw Elementary

Willow Grove Elementary

Fieldstone Middle School: 8:00AM-2:46PM

Bell Schedule

North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM

Bell Schedule

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