Community Update

January 5, 2024

Welcome back!

I hope everyone enjoyed the winter break and had a great start to the new year.

In North Rockland we hit the ground running as school resumed this week. The first few days of 2024 proved our students were recharged and ready to be back in the classroom.

January is traditionally a time in NRCSD where we see exponential growth from learners at all levels – because in the new year they are even more motivated to do well in class, they are better prepared to meet teacher expectations, have developed a routine of working at school and our educators prioritize their well-being as well as academics. Counselors and social workers are also checking in and offering additional supports to help every learner harness that new year, new me energy that will carry them to the next level.

We have tailored our curriculum during this timeframe specifically to allow the instructional pieces and mental health aspects of a fresh start fit together seamlessly. Looking ahead to the halfway point of the school year, which will arrive in just a few weeks with the start of the second semester, it is so important that students put forth their best effort to make progress, gain skills, earn passing grades and use the rest of this month to finish strong.

January is also the time NR conducts the first of our budget presentations and discussions with the School Committee, Town departments and residents. You can view the January 2, 2024 Budget Presentation along with a full schedule of presentation information linked below in the NRCSD Budget section of the update. That section will continue to be updated now through May 21, 2024 - the date of our Budget Vote.

In North Rockland, a student’s educational journey is a shared undertaking. I want to remind parents and community members that they can get involved in the new year by actively participating in a multitude of ways. Attending community meetings or events, joining committees or PTA’s, sharing time and skills with students, providing input or feedback and supporting class efforts are some great ways to take part. Additionally, staying informed through school/community newsletters, social media and district websites can help us all stay connected and engaged in evolving initiatives.

As we continue into the new year the district will begin capital improvement work to upgrade some of our school’s most cherished places, like the North Rockland High School Planetarium and the Library Media Center. We look forward to breaking ground on these projects and sharing the progression with our school community through our communication channels.

Our collective efforts over the first half of this school year have set a strong tone for the month ahead. I wish every Red Raider family all the best in the new year. I continue to be incredibly honored to serve as your Superintendent.

Here's to a year filled with partnership, growth, collaboration and success!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

For the Board of Education and Administration, developing a budget that is both educationally sound and fiscally responsible is an important and comprehensive process. The 2024-25 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 in an ever-changing world. 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.

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

View the January 2, 2024 Budget Presentation Linked Here.

Upcoming Budget Presentation Dates

January 16, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Budget Update

February 6, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update

February 27, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Budget Update

March 5, 2024 Tax Levy Limit to State

March 5, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update

March 19, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Budget Update

April 9, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update/Public Input

April 16, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Adoption of Budget

May 7, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Public Hearing/Final Budget

May 21, 2024 Budget Vote

Hometown: Stony Point, NY

NRHS Graduate: 1992

Profession: Police Officer/SRO

Time at North Rockland: Reflecting on his time at NRHS Mike shared, "To have the opportunity to be an SRO in a school that I attended and graduated from, where there are many former students who are now teachers and other staff is pretty awesome. Aside from the teachers and staff that I already know, forming new relationships with staff, having the ability to speak with staff and students, being able to mentor students about policing and how it works on a more personal level, bridging the gap if you will, is priceless."

College Career: Mike joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from NRHS in 1992. He is a fourth-generation service member. From there he went on to work for the Rockland County Sheriff's Dept Corrections for 13 years. He explained although it was a tough job he learned how to really communicate with people effectively. In 2013 he became a police officer with the Haverstraw Police Department and joined NRCSD as our SRO in 2022.

Career Now: In addition to being a patrol officer and SRO Mike has taken extensive training courses and has certification as a NYS DCJS General Topics Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Firearms Instructor, NYS DCJS/FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, NYS DCJS Radar/Lidar Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Field Training Officer, NYS DCJS Physical Fitness Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Drill Instructor and Youth Academy Drill Instructor. The skills and knowledge from his certifications assist him daily with his SRO duties. He currently resides in North Rockland and his children attend/graduated from NRHS.

Mike is living proof that you can achieve your WILDEST DREAMS. Never give up and never stop believing. Keep making us proud!

To nominate a North Rockland graduate to be spotlighted please click here to fill out this form.

The North Rockland Spelling Bees kicked off this week at Fieldstone Middle School with an unprecedented ending. The final two participants were so incredible that they exhausted the hundreds of words that were prepared for the bee, forcing judges to reach for another list with additional words. Full Story/More Photos

ACCESS-NR learners applied science, math, reading, vocabulary and listening skills while trying out the two-ingredient microwave chocolate funfetti cake bake craze hands-on today.

Students first read aloud the recipe’s directions and discussed terms like stirring, pouring, spraying and baking as well as heating factors based on altitude before prepping the kitchen station, all the while, taking turns completing each step. Full Story/More Photos

There's something poetic about a completed "Peaceful Playground" installation kicking off the new year in North Rockland. Our Grounds team thoughtfully fit freshly painted games outside Willow Grove Elementary to enhance and maximize learning, recess and play for all students. The upgraded activities along the back blacktop include schoolyard classics like hopscotch and four square as well as popular trends like pickleball, bean bag toss and a walking path. More Photos.

At NRHS, students gathered in the library throughout the day for the annual leadership retreat. The aim of the day was to ignite the passion for growth and involvement among students by showcasing a diverse array of club offerings. This dynamic event aims to empower young leaders to explore their interests and foster a sense of community within the school. Full Story/More Photos.

Jairo Martinez is our Red Raider of the Week!!! Jairo Martinez is a senior captain on the North Rockland High School varsity wrestling team. This season Jairo is 7-0 with 7 pins! He started in the 152 weight class but dropped to 145 to help his team create a more balanced and competitive lineup. His sacrifice has positively changed the trajectory of their season. Jairo has also been a part of the football team as a captain earning all county and all conference, and is a great student. His coach said, “Jairo is known to be a leader in the room and has been a valuable team member since his freshman year. He leads by example and the younger guys are following his lead showing the same effort in practice.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Jairo!!

Madelyn Moson is our Lady Raider of the Week!!! Madelyn is a North Rockland High School senior and is a member of the varsity cheer team. She has been with the NRCSD Cheer Program since 2021 as a flyer. Moson has been one of the main and center flyers who is capable of doing many flips, spins, and tricks in the air with impressive control and performance. She has always been a great student and is known to be a Scholar Athlete. Throughout her years on the team, she has been selected as a Section 1 All League and All Sections athlete. Her coach said, “Maddy has grown over the years to become a leader to her teammates and someone that they have been able to look up to.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Madelyn!!

Red and White Gear for the most wonderful time of the year!

New custom winter NR Athletics pieces just hit our shop. Use the link below to check out the latest Red Raider apparel and support our student-athletes at the same time. The signature #REDANDWHITE cold weather pieces are only available for a limited time and make the perfect gift for loved ones so be sure to grab all your favorites now!

🔗 - https://north-rockland-athletics-powered-by-fleet-fundraising.myshopify.com/

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools Closed

Monday January 15

North Rockland will utilize traditional snow days until the three that are built into our calendar are exhausted. If all snow days are used the District will consider remote days when there is inclement weather.

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

SCHOOL MENUS

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Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu