Community Update

April 25, 2025

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Hello North Rockland Families,

As we head into the home stretch of the 2024-25 school year, I am reminded that the most hectic time for students, staff and families typically falls between Spring Recess and the final day of school in June. Along with final projects and final exams, we prepare for dozens of NRCSD celebrations, from music concerts and art shows to recognition ceremonies and proms. I want to encourage our Red Raiders to stay sharp and focused to ensure a successful academic year.

We kicked off this week at North Rockland High School with the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee “No Empty Chair” campaign. This important initiative aims to prevent tragedies caused by impaired and distracted driving, especially during prom and graduation season. Throughout the day, students engaged in impactful activities designed to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving. These included realistic crash reenactments, a rollover demonstration emphasizing seatbelt safety, impaired-driving simulations and the “Battle of the Belts” challenge.

The day ended on a creative note with our talented high school students taking the stage for the third and final Coffeehouse event of the year. The evening was filled with impressive spoken word performances, slam poetry, live music, creativity and community spirit - a real display of our homegrown talent.

Later in the week, NRCSD was proud to highlight its continued participation in the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Grant, a five-year initiative funded by the Rockland County Department of Health. This grant funding supports expanded access to physical activity in our schools and aligns with the New York State Prevention Agenda - a comprehensive strategy to improve health outcomes and promote well-being for all New Yorkers. On Thursday, West Haverstraw Elementary welcomed members of the Rockland County Department of Health and other local officials for a special Creating Healthy Schools showcase. Led by Physical Education instructors Teresa Wargo and Jennifer Pattwell, the interactive event demonstrated how this funding continues to enhance physical activity for our students every day.

That same evening, we proudly celebrated the academic achievements of our high school juniors during the annual Honor Societies Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to the students who were inducted into the Art, Business, English, Math, Music, NJROTC, Science, Social Studies, Technology and World Language honor societies. We’re so proud of their hard work, community service, leadership and commitment to excellence.

And don’t miss the return of Rockfest - tonight at 6 p.m.! Now in its second year, this exciting (and free) event features five talented student bands rocking out to crowd-favorite hits and debuting original songs. Come out, bring your friends and family and support the incredible musical talents of our students. It’s sure to be a night to remember!

Wishing everyone a strong and successful return to the final stretch of the school year!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

#PointsofPride - NRHS Honor Societies Induction

North Rockland High School celebrated the academic achievements of its Class of 2026 during a special induction ceremony for the Art, Business, English, Math, Music, NJROTC, Science, Social Studies, Technology and World Language honor societies. The event featured motivational messages from Assistant Principal Jim Walter, Principal Lauren DaPonte, Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello, and NRHS graduate and Village of West Haverstraw Judge Roselina D’Annucci, who each commended the students for their dedication and success. Congratulations to all our inductees. - we are incredibly proud of you!

View more pictures

Inside Maybie's World

Join FMS’ beloved facility dog, Maybie, as she helped throw a festive bash in honor of Canine Company’s 50th birthday.

Meet the Board

This week, meet Debbie Gatti and Ida Mannine, passionate and committed members of our BOE who are deeply invested in shaping the future of our students. Learn more about Debbie HERE and Ida HERE!

Debbie Gatti

Ida Mannine

Around the District

Earth B.E.A.T. at SPES

Through a series of interactive eco-stations, students explored important environmental topics such as energy and water conservation, biodiversity and climate change. View more pictures HERE!

Administrative Professionals Day

We are deeply grateful for the commitment and skill of the administrative professionals in NRCSD. From managing schedules and handling communications to providing vital assistance, their work is crucial to our success. View more pictures HERE!

No Empty Chair at NRHS

With the strong backing of state and local officials, North Rockland students took part in the “No Empty Chair” campaign - a powerful teen driving safety initiative aimed at preventing tragedies during prom and graduation season. View more pictures HERE!

2025-26 Budget Updates

May 20, 2025 | Polls Open 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Polling Locations

Polling District No. 1 – Haverstraw Elementary School, 16 Grant Street, Haverstraw, New York 10927

Residents of the Town of Haverstraw and Village of Haverstraw living east of Route 9W (located on the east side of 9W are: Short Clove Road, New Main Street, McDonalds and Walnut Hill). This polling district’s northernmost point is Stony Point Industrial Park.

Polling District No. 2 – North Rockland High School Extension, 63 Chapel Street, Garnerville, New York 10923

Residents of the Town and Village of Haverstraw and West Haverstraw living west of Route 9W (Samsondale Plaza and Helen Hayes Hospital), residents of Garnerville, Thiells and Pomona. The northernmost point of this district is Major Andre Drive.

Polling District No. 3 – Farley Elementary School, 140 Route 210, Stony Point, New York 10980

All residents of Town of Stony Point (including Tomkins Cove).

For more details about the proposed 2025–26 budget, including polling information and how to request an absentee ballot, please visit northrockland.org.

View the April 1, 2025 Budget Presentation HERE.

Immunization Notice for 2025-26

In compliance with New York State immunization laws, please see the attached 2025-26 Immunization Notice from NRCSD Health Services Facilitator Kathy Varieur. For additional information, visit our Health Services web page.

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College and Career Center News

Click here for upcoming Events from the College and Career Center.

Reminder for senior families to complete the FAFSA application. See the directions and information for completing the FAFSA below. If you need any assistance, contact Tonianne DeSimone in the College and Career Center at 845-942-3523 or tdesimone@northrockland.org.

FAFSA Information Flyer (in English)

FAFSA Information Flyer (in Spanish)

North Rockland Purple Up!

In the North Rockland School District, we recognize the strength and resilience of military children. To honor them and show our support, we invite all staff and students to wear purple on Wednesday, April 30, for NRCSD’s official PURPLE UP Day. The 2025 shirts with new military graphics are available ($20 cash only and purple youth shirts from last year for $10 each.) through the school building's main offices. All proceeds raised go toward Hudson Valley Honor Flight's Mission 36 for Veterans taking place May 31.

To our community members who want to join our mission, please tag us in your photos and use #NRPurpleUp2025!

Sponsored by: NRCSD Honor Flight Committee

Brain Balancers

For May, NRCSD's Social Emotional Learning Office highlighted self-management. In honor of Earth Day, we invite you to take a few moments to practice some mindful breathing. View the activity HERE.

Athletics

Weekend Wins!

Varsity Baseball made the most of this beautiful weekend with two solid victories at the Port Jervis Tournament! Game 1: Defeated Chatham 12-5; Jacob Herrera 2 for 3, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 6 SB; Jaden Quezada 1 for 2, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 BB; Michael Bakr 2 for 3, 1 run, 2 RBI. Championship: Won 10-7 against Nanuet; Gabe Reyes 2 for 4, 2 runs, 3 RBI; Michael Bakr 2 for 2, 1 run, 1 RBI. Check out more pictures HERE!

Red Raider Relays Recap

Over the weekend, ERCSD hosted our annual Red Raider Relays at Spring Valley High School as we wait for our athletic facilities to be fully completed! The major highlight was Desirae Hernandez who earned the meet’s prestigious award of “Outstanding Field Athlete” for her performance in the pentathlon. She set a new Section 1 Record in the event and set a new school record in the high jump along with personal bests in the hurdles and long jump.See more accolades and pictures of our amazing Raiders HERE!

Action Shots of Flag Football

Check out some of our favorite shots HERE from Varsity Flag Football’s game vs. Carmel during break!

Varsity Softball Secures the Win

Last week, Varsity Softball played against Nyack at the TOH Softball Field! Final score was 16-0! Tara Murphy - 5 IP, 0BB, 3H, 8K, 2 RBIs, 2 runs; Ava Jacobs - 3-3, 1B, 2B, 3B, 2RBI; Hannah Leon - 1-2, 2B, 3RBI; Maddie Sweeney - 2RBI 2B; Emily Murphy - 1-2, RBI. See more pictures HERE!

Happy Senior Day!

Congratulations to our nine Varsity Baseball seniors who were honored before taking the field Suffern at Clover Stadium. Each senior made their way through a tunnel of teammates, received heartfelt gifts from their coaches and shared special moments with their families. The sun was shining, the energy was high and the love was felt all around. Check our more pictures HERE!

Action Shots of Varsity Boys Lax

Take a look at some awesome action shots HERE of our Varsity Boys Lacrosse team from their game against Pearl River.

First Unified Win of the Season!

Unified Basketball had their first win against Minisink at NRHS and we couldn’t be more Raider Proud! Everyone had an absolute blast playing and cheering each other on. Check out action shots HERE!

200 Club

Congratulations to senior Varsity Boys Lacrosse player James Devine on an incredible milestone of achieving 200 career goals! James was honored after the Red Raiders victory over Clarkstown North at Casarella Field and the team brought the energy for this unforgettable moment! Check out the team picture HERE!

Volunteer Month with Varsity Softball

Our Varsity Softball team hosted a skills clinic for young athletes in the North Rockland community and it was a huge success! From grounders to glove work, it was all about sharing knowledge, building confidence and inspiring the next generation of Red Raiders! Keep up the good work and giving back to our beloved community. Check out more pictures HERE!

First Win of the Season!!

Congratulations to Flag Football on achieving their first win of the season at Casarella Field against Mount Vernon! Final score was 22-0! Nice work ladies!! Very well deserved. Check out action shots HERE!

Baseball with a View

Underneath a sky painted with sunset colors, Varsity Baseball took the field at Clover Stadium for an unforgettable evening leaving with the Crotty Cup! Check out some more incredible photos HERE and stats HERE!

Modified Officially Starts

This week, Modified Girls Lacrosse had their first game of the season versus Felix Festa Gold! Check out some of our favorite shots from the game HERE!

Fan Feature Friday

Check out our fans (and furry friend) who have been supporting our Red Raiders at tons of games over the past couple weeks including boys and girls lacrosse, softball and baseball! Check out more pictures HERE!

Athletic Department Accolades

Coach of the Year - Jamie Ryan

Join us in congratulating Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Jamie Ryan on being named Rockland County’s Coach of the Year!

This season, he led our Red Raiders all the way to the Section One Finals against New Rochelle, adding another incredible chapter to his already impressive resume, including a past trip to the NYS Basketball Tournament. We are SO Raider Proud of you, Coach! This honor is more than deserved!

National Administrative Professionals Day!

This week, we celebrated our amazing Athletic Directors, Mike Castaldo and Joe Casarella, for everything they do to support North Rockland Athletics! Your dedication and leadership make a lasting impact and we’re so grateful to have you leading the way! Thank you for all that you do, today and every day!

National Administrative Secretary Day!

This week, we shone a spotlight on the heart of our athletics office, Sheila Sydnor! Ms. Sydnor is the friendly face that keeps our athletics office running seamlessly behind the scenes. Whether it’s the everyday tasks or those big moments, she brings incredible problem-solving skills, unwavering kindness and true dedication to our department day in and day out! Thank you, Ms. Sydnor, for all that you do! We’re so lucky to have you!

Raider Rundown

Girls Golf

North Rockland Athletics caught up with our Varsity Girls Golf team to talk about their season goals, their unique tradition and more! From focus to fairways, this group is swinging with confidence and growing stronger every match. Keep it up Red Raiders!

Athletics Events

Wounded Warrior Tournament

Due to weather related concerns, we have adjusted dates and times for the Wounded Warrior Tournament at Warwick High School! See updated details below:

Friday, April 25

Boys Golf

Warwick Country Club

4:20 PM

Boys Tennis

Warwick High School

2:00 PM

Saturday, April 26

Warwick High School

Opening ceremony begins at 9:30 AM

Games start at 10:30 AM

Baseball