Community Update
Community Update - Back-to-School
September 1, 2023
Hello and welcome North Rockland students and families to the 2023-24 calendar school year!
The theme for the new year is excellence! This year will continue the tradition in North Rockland of new, diverse, in-class, extracurricular and community oriented educational experiences, opportunities and possibilities for our students— at every grade level, in every building.
There are four key areas we have worked on extensively in order to provide an NR Strong start to the year. Our priorities for the year include:
- Academics: To provide students with opportunities and supports for learning that will help them fulfill their academic potential and make all of their goals and dreams possible.
Wellbeing: To better support our students' mental health and pandemic effects, NR has increased unique student experiences and supports including: additional counseling, SEL resources, facility animals and programming, creation of an innovative behavior center and expansive opportunities for excellence for every learner, all while teaching our students to be responsible young people by empowering student voice.
Service: NR is implementing a rigorous systemic district-wide upgrade plan to support every student by name, by need. This approach includes additional classified staff to support our classrooms, the expansion of Integrated Co-Teach Models (ICT) and specialized VISIONS programs.
Athletics: NR has worked closely with Section 1 to add more sports teams like Unified, Girl’s Flag Football and Modified Field Hockey to our rosters to give every athlete the chance to join in. We look forward to utilizing the Town of Haverstraw Recreation Center fields for our games until we can welcome our student-athletes, sports teams, physical education programs, community-based athletic programs and pop warner to their “new home” via a school community unveiling of our turf fields, track and training facilities in the familiar location - with a brand new look and feel in 2023-24 school year!
The first day of school kicks off Tuesday, September 5. Starting the year positively will help students excel throughout its entirety. Please take the opportunity this Labor Day weekend to recharge, refresh and ready as we prepare to embark on another yearlong journey of learning together.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back into the halls of North Rockland next week. See you soon Red Raiders!
Administrative Updates
As we kick off the new year, please help me welcome our new administrators at NRCSD and familiar faces that have moved into different administrative positions. Our newest members to our leadership team start with an eagerness to create school environments that promote student
and staff success.
Haverstraw Elementary Principal - Francisco Ovalles
Farley Elementary Principal - Edward Coffey
Farley Elementary Assistant Principal - Ryan Reed
NRHS Assistant Principal - Martenz Williams
NRHS Assistant Principal - Rebekah Bambling
FMS Assistant Principal - Jim Mulligan
Farley Elementary Interim Assistant Principal - Ryan Reed
Haverstraw Elementary Assistant Principal - Tiffany Bergen
Assistant Superintendent for Business - Kleo Girandola
Central Office Administrator - Michael Senno
Welcome to North Rockland
New to North Rockland High School
Help us welcome our new NRHS team members here.
New to Fieldstone Middle School and the North Rockland Behavior Center
Help us welcome our new FMS and NRBC team members here.
New to North Rockland Elementary and Remote Academy
Help us welcome our new SPES, FES, HES, WHES, WGES, TES and RA team members here.
2023 - 24 School Year Information! 🍎
Programming
NRCSD Behavior Center
The NR Behavior Center will officially open next week and serve students in grades K-12. The center is major part of the district's 2023-24 priorities to provide more specialized services that address what kids need, post-pandemic, to be ready to learn. Utilizing a unique blend of mental health and academic services through a fully integrated, individualized program in an actual physical space, kids will get the supports they need, while still keeping connected their school, teachers and academics.
To answer some questions about the behavior center and it's offerings please see the FAQ's.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Where is the NR Behavior Center located?
The center is located behind Willow Grove Elementary School. While it is physically connected to WGES, the Behavior Center is a stand-alone school campus with its own entrance, parking, protocols, transportation, security, staff and administration.
- What are the school hours at the NR Behavior Center?
The Behavior Center follows the same schedule as NRCSD Lower Elementary, 9:05 am - 3:44 pm.
- Will the Behavior Center have its own transportation or do children report to their homeschool?
The Center has its own transportation; schedules will be communicated to staff, students, and families after admission into the program.
- Will students in the Behavior Center receive school lunch?
Yes, all students attending will receive lunch at Behavior Center campus.
- Can NR Behavior Center students participate in sports and extracurricular activities?
Yes. Students who attend the Behavior Center will be accommodated for extracurricular opportunities at their main campus.
- How long will attending students stay at the Behavior Center?
A customized plan developed by a homeschool and Behavior Center team will range between 2 week and 8 week programs.
*** Learn more about the NR Behavior Center, it's programming, offerings and launch in the 2023-24 Therapeutic Support Program Brochure.
Dual Language Program Expansion
The NR Dual Language Program’s enrichment will now be available in kindergartens in all our lower elementary schools as well as to first graders in West Haverstraw Elementary school. The class provides our students grades K-6 the opportunity to learn academic content (Math, Science, Social Studies and English) while also learning to speak, read and write at a high academic level in Spanish. Students follow the same curriculum as their peers in the English instruction classroom with equal time spent learning both languages. Enrolling kids in language school can cost upwards of $40,000. Through this important integrated model our learners are receiving an advanced educational experience for a fraction of the cost expertly implemented by skilled, experienced staff and Exec Director of K-6 Curriculum & ELL Services Miguelina Lopez. Our goal is to give as many students as possible the option to participate in the program and become bilingual, bicultural and thriving in terms of their academics.
Transportation and Registration
Bus Passes
- Bus Passes have been sent to homes. Bus passes look like a postcard. In the event you do not receive a bus pass you can also find bus stop locations by visiting our district website.
A video message and directions on accessing bus stop information is linked below.
Website
Important Dates
September 2023
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Sept 5, 2023
ICE CREAM SOCIALS
SPES - Fri 9/15 at PM, FES - Tues 9/26 at 6 PM, WGES Fri 9/29 at 6:30 PM, TES Thurs 9/14 at 5:30PM, HES Tues 9/26 at 6PM
Calendar
2023-24 North Rockland Calendar
School Meals
School Breakfast/Lunch Remain Free in NR 🥪
In North Rockland we are proud to share that all our schools qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Our dedicated Food Service Department has worked to get all our schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the next three years.
***Each child is entitled to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch meal per day. For additional meals students are encouraged to use My School Bucks.
Food Service Overhaul and Revamp
North Rockland brought in a consultant to help us make positive changes to our school meal offerings including: increased choice, expanded healthy options, addition of a Boar's Head panini station, a pizza stromboli/station and daily hot breakfast. A district meal team is being put in place as we look to make our food offerings some of the best in the Hudson Valley!
LUNCH FORMS / Sign Up
Why is applying for free & reduced-price meals important to your child and the district?
Click here for more information and a direct link to the application.
Online Lunch Application and Information K-12 - English
Printable pdf Lunch Application and Information K-12 - English
District Highlights
Opening Day
What an Amazing Way to Start the School Year!
Check out some highlights from #NR Opening Day 2023-24. We will be diving deep into the many important elements involved in opening our schools for a new year of learning. Stay tuned.
Newsworthy Open House
North Rockland hosts Districtwide Open House
Thank you to Diane Caruso and News 12 Hudson Valley for spending some time with the NR Family during our 2023-24 Open Houses! The event offered families a chance to attend the first unofficial day of school together, which ensures everyone gets to know the new classroom, teacher(s), staff and routine as well as the resources available.
“It’s just as important for that high school senior as it is for our kindergarten students to come into school and to feel comfortable, to start off on the right foot.” Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello shared when asked why the District provides the opportunity to all 8,000+ NR students, across every building. Full story linked here.
District Spotlight
12 Month Employees Prepare for 2023-24
NRCSD is so grateful for our dedicated and hardworking 12 month employees who have ensured our operations continued smoothly and efficiently throughout the school year and this summer. It's been a very busy time for our district with the launch of new initiatives, programs and learning spaces for the 2023-24 school year. Thanks to these individuals our buildings are ready for the first day of school next week. To show our appreciation a delicious luncheon was put together by the Administration team to honor all their hard work. Thank them here.
Thank you for your service!
North Rockland educators and staff who hit major milestones in their time working with district were honored during the Opening Day Ceremony at North Rockland High School. It takes dedication, effort, commitment and heart to build a lasting career and we have truly been blessed with the best. Congratulate them here.
Join Our Cause
North Rockland is Going Gold 🎗️
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The Gold Ribbon is the international awareness symbol of Childhood Cancer. The color gold represents how precious children are and the resiliency of childhood cancer heroes. The Pediatric Cancer Foundation hopes that going gold this month will help send a message to policymakers that pediatric cancer research deserves more funding than it currently receives. Right now, only 4% of federal funds are going toward pediatric cancer research.
Many of us in NR unfortunately have felt or dealt with the pain of this terrible illness. In their honor, we ask all our staff and students to wear gold to school Friday September 22 in an effort to raise awareness and demonstrate support for this worthy cause.
Community Opportunity
Get Ready for Back to School with Sport Clips Haircuts!
Students visiting Sport Clips Haircuts of West Haverstraw for the first time receive $5 off Any Service! Just show the below coupon at the time of your visit to receive the discount. And make sure to ask for the Sport Clips signature MVP service which includes a precision haircut, hot towel treatment, massaging shampoo, and neck and shoulder massage. Visit SportClips.com/NY306 to check wait times and reserve your space in the queue.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Technology
NRCSD FREE App! 📲
Did you know NRCSD offers a FREE App?
The North Rockland Central School District App is now available for download in the App Store or Google play! Just search North Rockland CSD and tap to download. Save time and find all the latest District information all in one convenient, easy use location.
Steps to download:
- Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®
- Search North Rockland CSD
- Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download
- Open the App enable push notifications and select the school(s) you want to subscribe to.
iTunes - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-rockland-csd/id1607537028
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackboard.community.nrcsd
Mobile Web App - https://nrcsd.parentlink.net/m
Stay connected!
- Get the latest district and school news
- Select the schools you want to follow
- Get push notifications about breaking news, closures, weather, events, and more
- Tap to see school locations, phone numbers, and staff information, fast
For a tutorial and navigation overview on the NRCSD App check out the YouTube video linked here.
Parent Portal and 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!
Health 🏥
Spring Immunizations Notice
Important communication for the 2023/2024 school year.
The North Rockland Central School District maintains strict compliance with New York State Immunization laws. New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164 requires that schools will not permit a child to attend school unless the parent provides the school with a certificate of immunization or proof from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant that the child is in the process of receiving the required immunizations. More Information.
NR ATHLETICS
Red and White News
Athletics Update
Fall Athletics is back in full swing at North Rockland Central School District with new and exciting additions to our program. For starters, the Varsity Football team got new uniforms which they will be sporting during their first game on Saturday, September 2 at 1PM at Monroe Woodbury.
On the high school campus, we have our new athletic facilities that are being worked on every day with our weight room getting the equipment in, the new ceiling training room, the progression of the concession stand at the new field and a fresh coat of paint on the wall outside of the tennis courts for “wall ball.”
This year we are excited to introduce a new sport to our Fall Athletics, Modified Field Hockey with Coach Victoria DeLucia. Coach DeLucia is an eighth grade math teacher at Fieldstone Middle School who graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2021 and was a part of their dance team. She has been an athlete all her life and is eager and excited to begin this new journey. Be sure to follow nrockathletics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for all of the latest athletic information.
NR Athletics is looking forward to a successful 2023-24 year in sports. Go Raiders!
Athletics Store
New custom #NRAthletics gear just hit our shop. Use the link below to check out the latest sports apparel just in time for the fall season and support our student-athletes at the same time. The signature #REDANDWHITE pieces are only available for a limited time to be sure to grab all your favorites now!
🔗 - https://north-rockland-athletics-powered-by-fleet-fundraising.myshopify.com/
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Internet Safety Materials
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:
Common Sense Media - click here
Connect Safely - click here
- Internet Safety Tips - click here
Peachjar Flyers
JOIN THE NRCSD FAMILY
Food Service Helpers
The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2023-2024 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.57/hour. Candidates who are interested in these positions should contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.
Monitor
North Rockland is seeking candidates for several Monitor positions at various school buildings for the 2023-2024 school year. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. The starting rate of pay is $14.57 per hour. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. Candidates who are interested in these positions should contact the Personnel Department at (845) 942-3017.
DRIVERS AND MONITORS
Connect with us
School Times
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
North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM