April 12, 2024

Hello North Rockland Community,

This week's return from Spring Recess was eased by a once-in-lifetime event: Monday's total solar eclipse. Throughout the winter, our students prepared for this historic occasion through dynamic curriculum and hands-on lessons across all grade levels. As the moon's orbit briefly darkened the skies above our community, I was excited to watch as our students and teachers enjoyed this rare phenomenon together.

Now in the home stretch of the 2023-24 academic year, our classrooms, labs, stages and fields are alive with activity. At North Rockland High School, students continue to explore coursework focused on fiscal literacy and personal finance. Informed budgeting and "dollars and cents" skills are critical for success in life. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) also sees the value and is poised to add fiscal literacy as a core graduation requirement. Once again, North Rockland is ahead of the curve.

On Monday, we were honored to host NYSED and U.S. Department of Education officials during a visit to West Haverstraw Elementary School to observe our Dual Language program. This new effort was designated as a "Bright Spot" by the state and federal administrators. Our educators, parents and students were excited to showcase the program as a model for other school districts nationwide. It was an especially proud moment as New York State Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa met our teachers and parents involved in the Dual Language program.

Finally, Phase I of construction at NRHS is nearing completion. As a result, the Class of 2023-24 Commencement is scheduled for June 25 at 6 pm at the newly renovated Cordisco Stadium on Casarella field. Should we come across any unforeseen delays, we have reserved Clover Stadium in Pomona as an alternate on June 26 at 6:30 pm. More specifics will be communicated by Principal DaPonte as we get closer to graduation.

Because NRCSD was only required to use two of the three snow days that were built into our academic calendar the Memorial Day Break will be extended with 5/22 becoming an early dismissal day and schools closed on 5/23.

We eagerly anticipate all the great things happening in North Rockland this Spring and look forward to a great finish to 2023-24!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Budget Highlights:

1. The 2024-25 budget will NOT include an increase in our tax levy for the fifth consecutive year.

2. Sustained mental health supports and expanded high-level programs and services customized for every learner.

3. Capital Improvements: Pavilions, Electrical Upgrades, Roof Replacement, Boiler Replacement and HVAC Updates, Kitchen Updates and Districtwide Paving and Masonry.

4. Upgrades will be accomplished without asking the taxpayers for any additional funds. These improvements are state-aided at approximately 80% based on our current ratio. The District will also utilize funds awarded through grants.

5. 2020-2025 Tax Levy Income savings for taxpayers is approximately $52 million.

View the April 9, 2024 Budget Presentation Linked Here.

Upcoming Budget Presentation Dates

April 16, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Adoption of Budget

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

May 21, 2024 Budget Vote

Your input matters! Please take a few minutes to complete our Family Culture and Climate Survey for the North Rockland Central School District. Your feedback will help us understand your perspectives and priorities, allowing us to improve our school district to better meet the needs of our community. The survey is anonymous and your responses are confidential. Thank you for your participation and support in making our district even better!

Hometown: Stony Point, NY

NRHS Graduate: 2020

Profession: Heartbreak Manager & Boston College Student-Athlete

Time at North Rockland: During her schooling, Haleigh carried a 4.0 grade-point average and was a member of five honor societies, a five-time All-American in track and began running for the Red Raiders track team in seventh grade. She even ran in the NXN National Finals as an eighth-grader when North Rockland qualified as a team. She was twice honored by Rockland Community College with its academically-based Hispanic Heritage Award. Her coach Brian Diglio shared "She is the same type of student as she is an athlete — hard working and passionate. Fiery, she loved to debate." In her senior year when she was recognized by Lohud as a Rockland Scholar Athlete she talked about how she balanced school work and competitive running "I think being driven athletically helped drive me academically. Becoming a more competitive athlete seemed to transfer over to academics." She also credited part of her drive to her teammate, neighbor and lifelong best friend Katelyn Tuohy for supporting and pushing her in the sport.

College Career: Morales went on to Boston College on an athletic scholarship and is currently a three-season Division 1 athlete on Women's XC and Track and Field teams. Due to an injury she is not competing but continues to work with the teams. As a freshman, in Cross Country she finished 32nd at the Battle in Beantown and ran for 5K at the Florida State Invitational. In Indoor Track she set a Personal Record in the 3000m at the Army vs. Boston College meet and competed in the 3000m at the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championship. In outdoor Track she Competed in the 2,000m steeplechase, placing sixth at the Yellow Jacket Invite, fourth in the 1,500m at the Holy Cross meet, finished fourth in the 3,000m steeplechase in the Quad Meet at UMass and placed 23rd in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2021 ACC Championship. As a sophomore Haleigh completed the five-kilometer course at the Ken O'Brien Minuteman Invitational and finished ninth in the Open 5K in the Battle in Beantown. Her Personal Records (PR) include: 1500m: 4:53.40 - vs. Holy Cross (4/7/21), 3000m: 10:21.24 - Army vs. Boston College (2/20/21), 3000m steeplechase: 11:07.20 - ACC Championship (5/13/21) and 5K (XC): 18:59.1. She is currently a senior and a three-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and an active member of The Sport’s Business Society pursuing a bachelor's degree in both Marketing and Accounting for Finance and Consulting. “With an affinity for marketing and a passion for all things sports, I am eager to one day work among marketing professionals in the sports industry,” she explained.

Career Now: Morales was working for Heartbreak Hill Running Company as a Sales Associate, and now, has taken on the role of Manager across all stores. “I will also be diving into the realm of marketing, operations and assisting with the Nike Sports Research Lab as a specialist.” Heartbreak and Adidas recently collaborated on a video showing Morales and her bestie Katelyn Tuohy returning to Red Raider Country for spring break and running together in preparation for the Boston Marathon this weekend. We wish them all the best and are looking forward to seeing them there!

Haleigh 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- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyCzgHqVshrhbYfJN0mCTUtTeeMjHy0-37nLmF7cVzFxFBHQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Attribution: Lohud

Fieldstone Middle School proudly presents The Little Mermaid. The cast and production team have put their heart into making this special play a "part of our world." Stop by this weekend to see your favorite sea creatures and characters make a splash on stage.

"We got no troubles, life is the bubbles, under the sea"

Showtimes:

Friday, April 12 at 7pm.

Saturday, April 13 at 2pm & 7pm.

Special Character Meet & Greet on Saturday after the 2pm show.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://fmsdrama.booktix.net/

NRCSD Dual Language Program had the honor of hosting representatives from New York State and the U.S. Department of Education on Monday. West Haverstraw Elementary is one of three schools being visited in the state. Dr. Betty Rosa, the Commissioner of Education & President of the University of the State of New York, and Melissa Castillo, Senior Advisor in the Office of English Language (OELA) at the U.S. Department received an in-depth look at the program and its benefits. Full Story.

Check out the second round of Haverstraw Elementary School "The Amazing Shake" competition.

As the solar eclipse approached, students eagerly prepared to witness the celestial event. Armed with protective eyewear and scientific curiosity, students around the district gathered outside to witness the rare spectacle. Teachers seized the opportunity to turn the event into a unique educational experience, discussing the science behind eclipses, the importance of eye safety and the cultural significance behind these phenomena throughout history. More More Photos.

April 9 was National Library Workers Day! NRCSD recognizes and celebrates the important role of School Libraries and Library Workers in supporting student success and enriching the educational experience. Our library staff's diverse skills, expertise and #NRStrong support ensure students always have full access to quality information and valuable resources that extend far beyond each building's walls. Thank you for making our libraries a place we LOVE. It's a great month to check out your local libraries.

Mr. Layton’s science class at FMS was visited by Doctor Jinay Daniel, who taught our students about her specialization of sickle cell. Daniel is the Executive Medical Director and NHM Lead at Novartis and also a very proud parent of a seventh-grade Red Raider. Learners dove into the intricacies of human biology as well as new cutting-edge research and technologies. She also brought in virtual reality goggles for participants to visualize the subject matter. The VR goggles allowed middle schoolers to travel through the bloodstream to explore different parts of the body and experience how sickle cell affects it. It was amazing to see the students so immersed in science! More Photos.

View the sessions via the video linked above. Thank you to all who attended and Guest Speaker Executive Director of New Fronteras Behavior Consulting Services Dr. Edwardo J. Rodriguez, LMHS, PCC.

Time Stamps:

The English session starts at 9:27.

The Spanish session starts at 59:00.

Link.

This school year, NRCSD has rolled out several new business and finance courses, events and workshops for high schoolers to build financial literacy, understand personal finance and prepare students for their future. Inside Stephanie Brown’s new Business Math class at the NRHSE this week, learners participated in an interactive investment session from an industry leader. Nick Arthur from Northwestern Mutual spent the day in North Rockland presenting and breaking down all the important aspects of finances. Full Story.

The Academy of Finance has filed 140 free tax returns over eight weeks of Tax Return Wednesdays. The students of the Academy utilized TaxSlayer Pro and worked as an IRS VITA Site at North Rockland High School to provide free income tax assistance to as many community members as possible. Through the appointments, our volunteers learned practical financial skills and gained a better understanding of the tax system, including how to gather necessary documents, calculate income, deductions and credits and understand the filing process. The Academy of Finance is proud to offer this service to the North Rockland community year after year.

Elijah Abrahams is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Elijah is a freshman at North Rockland High School on the freshman boys baseball team. Despite the recent passing of his father, Elijah has exemplified extraordinary commitment, dedication, and love for the game of baseball and his teammates. The day after the passing of his father, Elijah was back on the field for practice. Before practice, Coach Reyes checked in on Elijah to make sure he was ok and to inform him that it was ok if he needed some time away from baseball. Elijah shared with Coach Reyes that his father would not want it any other way; Elijah was on the baseball field enjoying the game that he and his father shared a love for.Since then, in memory of Vincent Abrahams (Elijah’s father) Coach Reyes named him the third coach of the Freshman Baseball Team. Elijah picked out jersey #20 in memory of his father’s favorite number to be hung in the dugout for every game.He is truly an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and peers. His story made the team #NRStrong[er] than before. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Elijah!!

Mia Caba is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Mia is a senior at North Rockland High School in the ACCESS-NR Program and a part of the Unified Bowling team. This is Mia’s second year on the team and her cheerful nature and positive spirit truly symbolizes what it means to be a Raider! She has an energetic, exuberant personality and brings out the best in her team. Mia comes to practices and matches always ready to do her best. Mia loves representing the Raiders and displays a great sense of RAIDER PRIDE. Her coach said, "She creates a positive atmosphere and is a positive example for everyone. We are proud of all she has accomplished as a Raider!" Let's make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Mia!!

Varsity:

Monday, April 1

Boys Golf vs. Nyack

3:15 PM at Rotella

Softball vs. Ursuline

4:45 PM

Tuesday, April 16

Girls Golf vs. Nyack

3:00 PM at Rotella

Softball vs. Nanuet

4:30 PM

Flag Football vs. New Rochelle

5:00 PM at TOH Turf

Thursday, April 18

Girls Golf vs. Tappan Zee

3:00 PM at Rotella

Baseball vs. Clarkstown North

4:30 PM

Girls Lacrosse vs. Clarkstown North

4:30 PM

Softball vs. Clarkstown North

4:30 PM

Boys Lacrosse vs. Valley Central

5:00 PM

Friday, April 19

Boys Tennis vs. Clarkstown North

4:30 PM

Flag Football vs. Mahopac

4:30 PM at TOH Turf

Saturday, April 20

Track - Red Raider Relays

9:00 AM at Spring Valley High School

Softball County Champs vs. Tappan Zee

4:15 PM at TOH Turf

Sunday, April 21

Baseball vs. Tappan Zee

1:00 PM at Clover Stadium (Boulders)

JV:

Monday, April 15

Baseball vs. Clarkstown North

4:15 PM

Boys Lacrosse vs. Pearl River

4:30 PM

Tuesday, April 16

Baseball vs. Clarkstown North

4:30 PM

Boys Tennis vs. Tappan Zee

4:30 PM

Thursday, April 18

Boys Tennis vs. Clarkstown South

4:30 PM

Girls Lacrosse vs. Clarkstown North

5:45 PM

Freshman:

Wednesday. April 17

Baseball vs. Clarkstown South

4:30 PM

No school, all buildings closed.

April 22, 23 & 24.

Come join us for the 2024 Family Charity and Law Enforcement Sports Day on April 27 at 10 AM. This year’s Sports Day will be held at the Town of Haverstraw Recreation Facility. Click these links to get involved as sponsor or volunteer. We can’t wait to have you at this FREE and INCREDIBLE event. See you there!

Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library Babysitting Workshop

• Saturday, April 20, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
• Grades 7-12
• Learn vital skills for the safe and responsible care of children. Please bring a notebook, pen and bagged lunch.
• Link to Register: https://haverstraw.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/babysitting-workshop-teens-25280

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

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu