Hello North Rockland Families,

With temperatures expected to soar past 90 degrees next week, NRCSD is prepared to keep our students cool and safe. All of our school buildings are air conditioned, with the exception of our K-3 elementary schools. In these buildings, we will rotate students through cooled areas as needed to ensure their comfort. At Farley and Willow Grove Elementary, newly installed air conditioning systems are now running. While we continue working through a few start-up kinks, we expect these spaces to remain cool and safe.

We ask families to help by reminding students to stay hydrated, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and carry a refillable water bottle each day. Individual schools will share any location-specific adjustments as needed. With scheduled half days on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, we also understand if parents choose to keep children home due to the heat - students will not be penalized. And we are very grateful for the hard work of NRCSD staff - including teachers, office staff, custodians and maintenance workers - during this early summer hot spell.

This penultimate week of the 2024-25 school year was filled with proud moments and powerful sendoffs as we honored our students’ achievements and recognized excellence in academics and athletics.

This past weekend, our North Rockland High School student-athletes competed at the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships at Orange County’s Middletown High School and brought home the gold. Darwin Almonte, Jaquan Johnson, Javon Lawrence and Naji Mosley were crowned 4x100 Class A State and Federation Champions, holding on to their New York State Champion titles in dominant fashion. Congratulations to this foursome and to all our Red Raiders who competed and made our district proud!

To celebrate our student-athletes who earned New York State Championship titles this year, students across the district gathered for a special Parade of Champions on Monday afternoon. The award-winners made visits to each of our lower elementary schools, as the younger students lined the sidewalks with homemade signs, pom-poms and cheers of support. A huge thank you to the Thiells, Stony Point and West Haverstraw fire departments, along with the Stony Point and Haverstraw police departments for supporting this special event with lights, sirens and additional safeguards.

On Tuesday evening, we had the privilege of recognizing 48 North Rockland Central School District retirees. These dedicated administrators, teachers and staff were honored for their years of service, commitment and impact on generations of NRCSD students. While we will certainly miss them, we send them off to their next life adventure with heartfelt gratitude and best wishes.

We also closed out our final Moving Up Ceremonies this week. Stony Point Elementary’s kindergarteners and West Haverstraw Elementary’s third graders proudly marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. These moments are joyful reminders of how much our students have grown and the bright futures ahead.

Looking forward to next week, NRHS seniors will dance into Prom on Monday evening before stepping onto Casarella Field on Tuesday to receive diplomas. Commencement is a powerful milestone. While it may evoke emotions, it’s also a moment of pride and promise. To help make the celebration smooth and safe for all, we encourage families to review the Graduation Q&A section below. For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of home (and the air conditioning), the ceremony will also be streamed live here. To the Class of 2025: as you take this next step, remember, “Once a Raider, always a Raider.” Your North Rockland family will always be here for you.

Please note that Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, June 27 will be half days for all students. Friday marks the official last day of school for the 2024-25 academic year.

Let’s finish strong, Red Raiders - we’re so proud of how far you’ve come and we’re excited to see where life takes you!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Residents living near Stony Point Elementary School (SPES) next week will notice the staging of construction equipment as the district prepares to start the summertime project to improve safety on the property. The work will address three critical areas: (1) pedestrian safety for students during parent pick-up and drop-off times; (2) adequate access for first responders and emergency vehicles; and (3) additional parking for faculty, staff and visitors.

While surface work is taking place, contractors will also focus much attention on infrastructure improvements below ground at SPES. Following several productive meetings with Town of Stony Point officials, NRCSD has decided to make a significant investment in upgrading the storm water drainage system beneath the elementary school campus immediately adjacent to several homes on Jay Street. Part of the district's engineering blueprints include a new stormwater retention system designed for a 25-year weather event that will connect to the town's existing storm water network. NRCSD's thoughtful planning is designed to alleviate future runoff and drainage issues for our neighbors while linking seamlessly into the municipal water infrastructure.

Work on the extensive Stony Point Elementary site improvement project will continue throughout the summer, with an anticipated substantial completion before the first day of school in September - weather permitting. The result will be greater safety, improved traffic flow, more parking, fewer drainage issues for our neighbors - and a beautiful, manicured aesthetic that will include new trees and shrubs. We thank SPES neighbors, families and staff for your patience as we work through July and August.

With these key property improvements, plus the installation of new HVAC and hot water systems inside, Stony Point Elementary School will start the 2025-26 academic year with enhanced facilities for better health, safety, learning and working.

Neighbors with questions may reach out to me via email kfelicello@northrockland.org.

Read the full message here.

NRCSD gathered to celebrate 48 remarkable retirees who have given their time, talent and heart to our schools over the years. Surrounded by colleagues, loved ones, the Board of Education and district leadership, we honored their decades of dedication and the lasting impact they’ve made on generations of learners. These retirees are more than educators and staff - they are pillars of our community, mentors to many and champions of every student who walked through our doors. Their commitment has shaped not just classrooms, but lives. As they move on to well-deserved new chapters, we send them off with our deepest gratitude and admiration. Thank you for your service, passion and unwavering love for North Rockland. You will always be a part of our story. To see the full list of retirees, view the Retiree Program below!

Check out how our NRHS Business Department is getting students Raider Ready for their futures!

As graduation day approaches, excitement is building for the Class of 2025 and their families. We know how meaningful this milestone is and we want to help make the celebration as smooth, safe and joyful as possible. To support your planning and help you focus fully on your graduate’s special moment, we’ve put together a helpful Graduation Q&A. Please take a few moments to review it as you get ready for June 24 at Casarella Field at Cordisco Stadium.

With the forecast calling for temperatures in the 90s, NRCSD is taking additional measures to keep everyone as comfortable and safe as possible. The start time of the ceremony has been moved to 7:00 p.m. to take advantage of cooler evening temperatures. There will be water stations, EMTs on site, cooling tents and designated shaded areas for elderly guests and individuals with medical conditions. We also kindly ask that families avoid arriving too early, as early afternoon temperatures are expected to be especially high.

Please help us keep everyone safe by planning ahead: wear light, breathable clothing, bring water and stay hydrated throughout the evening. We’d also like to thank our generous district vendors for donating water to help keep everyone cool.

Be sure to follow the directions provided by Principal DaPonte in this letter to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

For those who prefer to watch the ceremony from the comfort of home (and the air conditioning), you can tune in live here: Commencement Livestream Link.

As we prepare to celebrate our amazing eighth grade students, excitement is growing for Fieldstone Middle School’s Class of 2025 and their families! This milestone marks a special moment in your child’s journey and we’re committed to making the day memorable and meaningful. To help you prepare, please take a moment to view this letter that Principal Santopietro shared with parents and families. It includes all the key details for the ceremony, which will take place on June 25 at Clover Stadium.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be relocated to Rockland Community College (RCC). Any changes will be communicated at least 24 hours in advance.

The new adaptive playground at the Neary Educational Center in Haverstraw provides a safe, comfortable environment for children of all abilities. The recreation area is designed to cater to a range of needs, including those related to mobility and cognitive differences, ensuring that no child feels excluded. The playground utilizes specialized equipment and sensory-friendly features specifically designed to accommodate the sensory sensitivities often associated with autism spectrum disorder. The fully accessible ADA structures include swings, a motorcycle seesaw and mounted drums - uniquely designed features that prioritize inclusion and accommodate children with a variety of challenges. Also included is special turf surfacing for child safety. Thanks to the generous funding of $150,000 from Senator Pete Harckham, the new adaptive playground allows the North Rockland Central School District to merge accessibility and inclusivity seamlessly into the play experience - both welcoming and functional for students and staff.

Class of 2026 students are invited to participate in Summer College Planning Workshops at NRHS to get a head start on the application process. Participants should bring a charged Chromebook. Topics covered will include: what to expect in the college application process, identifying colleges to apply to, college essay writing, resume building, completing the Common Application, how to navigate financial aid, and more! Click here for dates and registration information.

North Rockland Central School District's Summer Meal Program begins serving meals July 7 and will continue through August 15, 2025.

Free Summer Meals are provided from state funding. Summer Meals are Free for children 18 & under. No registration is needed.

There are 3 open sites offering Free Summer Meals. All sites will provide breakfast and lunch, and all meals must be consumed on-site. Summer Meals are served Monday through Friday. See location details below:

• North Rockland High School - Annex

• 106 Hammond Road, Thiells, NY 10984

• Fieldstone Middle School - Cafeteria B

• 100 Fieldstone Drive, Thiells, NY 10984

• Haverstraw Elementary School

• 16 Grant Street, Haverstraw, NY 10923

Interested in a job in Food Service? We're Hiring! Visit https://www.northrockland.org/departments/human-resources to learn more about these opportunities!

Relive an unforgettable weekend at Middletown High School through our favorite snapshots! From start lines to snaps on the sidelines, check out the sights from states HERE!

It was a day full of Raider Pride as we celebrated our State Champions, Girls Bowling and Varsity Track & Field stars Claudel and Jaquan for the NR State Champion parade! They visited TES, WHES and SPES where our young Red Raiders lined up to cheer, wave and celebrate these superstars! Check out the photos HERE!

From pumping up the crowd to snapping iconic moments, our Panther has been a staple in the athletic department, bringing the energy, capturing the action and spreading school spirit every step of the way! See the post HERE!

Congratulations to all of our student-athletes who competed over the weekend at the 2 day NYSPHSAA Track & Field Championships at Middletown High School We are especially Raider Proud of our Boys 4x100 relay who remain NYS Champions! See the final stats and more photos HERE!

A huge round of applause for our Varsity Girls Lacrosse Head Coach, Coach Borchers, who has officially reached an incredible milestone of 300 career wins! With over 20 years of dedication, leadership and passion for the game, he has inspired countless Red Raider student-athletes and built a legacy of excellence on and off the field.

Here’s to many more victories and unforgettable moments! Congratulations again Coach Borchers!

Round 4 is coming in strong with another baby-faced blast from the past! Can you guess which senior student-athlete this tiny Red Raider turned into?

We’re still going strong with the baby pic challenge! Can you name this senior student-athlete from their throwback photo? Does this little Red Raider surprise you?

Round 5 is here and the baby pics just keep getting cuter! Can you figure out which senior student-athlete this mini Red Raider grew up to be?

This little Red Raider has grown into one of our senior student-athletes, but can you guess who it is?

Another adorable throwback! Can you name this senior student-athlete from their baby pic? This little Red Raider grew up to be a star!

The baby pics just keep rolling in! Can you guess which senior student-athlete this tiny Red Raider turned out to be?

Another tiny Red Raider for you to figure out! Who’s the senior student-athlete behind this throwback?

Another adorable throwback just dropped! Can you spot which senior student-athlete this tiny Red Raider turned into?

We’ve got another baby pic ready to stump you! Can you figure out which senior student-athlete this adorable Red Raider grew up to be?

Online registration opens for Fall Sports on Friday, July 25, 2025! See the schedules below for middle school and high school tryouts. Times and locations are subject to change.

North Rockland is offering a limited number of Summer 2025 positions across the District, including:

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 & 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀/𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿

Assist with grounds work and athletic field maintenance.

June 30 – August 15 | 9AM – 3PM | District-wide

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 – 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Support students in areas like STEM, Drama, Art, Music, Culinary Arts & more.

July 7 – July 25 | 9:45AM – 3:45PM | Fieldstone Middle School

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝗲

Work directly with students in academic/enrichment activities in the following programs:

• Ready, Set, Go | July 7 – July 25 | 9AM – 12PM | NRHS Extension
• Project Discover | July 7 – July 25 | 9AM – 1PM | Haverstraw Elementary
• Language Explorers | July 28 – August 14 | 9AM – 1PM | NRHS Extension
• Bilingual AIS | July 28 – August 15 | 9AM – 1PM | Haverstraw Elementary

Applications available now - submit by email to ebaird@northrockland.org or return to the NRCSD Personnel Office. Spots are limited - apply early!

To help you stay informed, we’ve created a Breakdown of End-of-Year Events by School so you can easily find the activities relevant to your child(ren) and for our high school families, the High School Regents Exam Schedule is available as well.