Hello North Rockland Families,

As we move into November, we give a standing ovation to our North Rockland High School Marching Band for placing FIRST in the USBands New York State Championships on Long Island last weekend! To our talented musicians, skilled colorguard and nimble twirlers, we recognize and applaud your dedication and hard work - we are incredibly proud of your success.

Additionally, congratulations are in order for the NRHS Robotics team, which made an impressive debut by placing well at the 2024 Brunswick Eruption Robotics Event. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy as it was the team's very first competition and the majority of its members are new. Our students’ enthusiasm and innovative spirit have established a solid foundation for future growth and recognition.

As we revel in music and STEM successes, NRCSD is also in the midst of an historic season for our athletics teams, with many earning league and conference championship titles, with several advancing to the playoffs. Best of luck to our NRHS football, girls volleyball and boys volleyball teams in their playoff games this weekend. Your energy, determination, spirit and teamwork inspire us all. We are cheering for you!

We also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rich Fernandez, a dedicated member of our North Rockland Central School District Board of Education, for receiving the prestigious Person of the Year Award from the Rockland County Hispanic Law Enforcement Organization. This honor is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community.

Halloween was celebrated throughout our schools with a spooky and festive energy. It’s always exciting to see the creativity and cleverness on display by students and staff. Several buildings hosted vibrant Fall Festivals, “Trunk or Treat” events, costume parades and competitions. Check out NRCSD’s official social media accounts for some great photos.If you’d like to donate your child’s Halloween costume for use by other students next year, please look for the collection boxes in the main lobby of each school. Your generosity will make a difference for those in need.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to read the 2024 NR Fall Wellness Newsletter, which provides valuable information on pedestrian safety, personal hygiene, community cleanups, illness prevention tips, digital citizenship and fun fall activities. It also includes recipes and tips for managing stress, which are especially helpful as we approach the holiday season.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our district.

-Dr. Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

We offer many thanks to New York State Senator Pete Harckham for his ongoing support of the North Rockland Central School District. Through his advocacy and leadership, Senator Harckham has been instrumental in securing well over $1 million in state funding for our schools - money that helps to ease the tax burden on local residents. The recent funding secured by Harckham includes $150,000 for new playground equipment at the Neary School in Haverstraw and $100,000 for HVAC improvements at Willow Grove Elementary. Additionally, the lawmaker secured $1 million from the Senate to help draw down the debt from the 2006 Mirant tax certiorari settlement. He also helped the district cut through regulatory “red tape” to help open our savings-driven solar array in Tomkins Cove. Thank you Senator Harckham for your dedication to our schools and our taxpayers!

Social Emotional Learning is the ongoing process through which young people and adults learn and apply the skills, knowledge and attitudes that help us develop a healthy sense of who we are, connect with others, achieve our goals and support our communities. Each month we’ll be spotlighting one of the five areas of SEL development along with an activity we invite you and your family to practice, develop and grow your skills together.

For October, NRCSD's Social Emotional Learning Office highlighted self-awareness.We encourage our school community to share with their families which character from the movie Inside Out best reflects how they’re feeling today.