Community Update

April 1, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Today we welcome the month of April and the remaining 12 weeks of the 2021-22 academic year. Our classrooms, shops, labs, studios, gymnasiums, tracks and fields are beehives of activity - with learning, growth and achievement on full display.

We continue moving forward with District-wide commitments. As a school community, our partnerships with parents, law enforcement, local businesses and the NRCDAP are critical to our success. Drug and alcohol, social media and anti-bullying assemblies and workshops across all grade levels are underway, helping our students, staff and families understand the challenges facing our residents. As a school district, we are working together - not only for academic success, but to guide young people toward good decision-making, as well as respect and empathy for all.

We encourage you to participate in these “community building” events and also save the date for upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Two-way communication between schools and parents/caregivers is key to the growth of children. Information regarding these events may be found under the “Important Information” section of today’s update.

North Rockland also continues to offer interactive sessions, field trips and class discussions to support students as they navigate the difficulties, stresses and pressures of childhood and adolescence in 2022.

It’s been rewarding to see our learners enjoying in-person schooling with new elective options, challenging core classes and the integration of outdoor class time - all with the goal of enhancing the learning experience. Once again, our NRCSD athletic teams are competing and showcasing their skills, talents and love of victory!

As a reminder, all NRCSD schools will be closed on Friday, April 8 for Spring Recess. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, April 19. Enjoy a safe and healthy Passover and Easter.

Together, we will continue to succeed. Take care and stay safe!

As you know, the partnership between home and school is essential to students' success. Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences are being held on the following dates:

Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences

North Rockland High School

Thursday, April 21, 2022 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Fieldstone Middle School

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Farley Elementary, Haverstraw Elementary and Willow Grove Elementary Schools

Monday, April 4, 2022 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Stony Point Elementary, Thiells Elementary and West Haverstraw Elementary Schools

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Day Parent/Teacher Conferences - Friday, April 22, 2022 in All Buildings

North Rockland High School

7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Fieldstone Middle School

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Farley Elementary, Haverstraw Elementary and Willow Grove Elementary Schools

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Stony Point Elementary, Thiells Elementary and West Haverstraw Elementary Schools

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

During the Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences, parents will have the opportunity to meet and speak with their child’s teacher either in person or via telephone conference. Your child’s school will provide more specific details.

We look forward to working with you to help our students reach their full potential as learners and citizens.

Letter linked here.

To ensure that North Rockland Central School District complies with the New York State instruction time requirement Friday, part of the day on April 8th will now be dedicated to I-Learning for students. Students will not be expected to attend school in-person, nor will they be expected to attend a live virtual class. However, for your child to be considered present that day, they will need to complete the assignments posted by their teachers.

If you have any questions regarding completion of the assignments, please contact your child’s teacher.

The NRCSD Budget Public Input Session will be - Tuesday April, 5th. The latest 2022-23 school budget presentation can be found linked here.

Thanks to a history of strong fiscal decisions, advocacy by our BOE and community, as well as support for our lawmakers North Rockland is able to make significant improvements to our facilities and programmatic offerings without raising the tax levy for the 3rd straight year or by asking for additional funds through a bond vote.

Some of the Highlights:

• Increased mental health and counseling supports
• Exciting new electives
• HVAC upgrades
• Movement toward a "Integrated Co-Teach Model" for special education
• Year one of our Dual Language Program
• Athletic upgrades
• Outdoor learning spaces
• Increase extra curricular offerings
• Specialized support programs
• Additional field trips

2021 - 22: Voters approved the establishment of a capital reserve. This fund allows the District to utilize unused funds for capital improvements without additional tax payer dollars.

2022 - 23: The District is asking voters to approve a referendum to access those funds (14.6 Million Dollars). Voter approval will result in 80% return in State Aide for these projects.

Anticipated projects to be completed:

• Revamped weight room and PE stations.
• AC installed at grades 4-6 buildings - there are future plans for K-3 buildings.
• Roof, door and window replacement and general buildings repairs or maintenance.
• NRHS - Athletic fields upgrades

We’ll be sharing more specifics regarding our capital improvement projects shortly. Stay tuned!

Student Sessions

NRHS

• Assembly Program - Chris Herren

On Thursday, April 7 during the Periods 2 and 3, our 11th and 12th grade students will participate in an amazing assembly program provided by Mr. Chris Herren. Mr. Herren is a former NBA basketball player and will speak about his personal struggle with alcohol and drugs. His inspirational message will focus on making positive life choices, making the most out of life and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. We are looking forward to an amazing day filled with Raider Pride! Please check our school website for pictures of the assembly and contact information for Mr. Herren.

• Steered Straight

On Monday, April 25, NRHS will welcome Mr. Michael DeLeon for an assembly program and community forum titled “Steered Straight.” Mr. DeLeon will discuss the dangers of drug use/abuse and inform his audiences about healthy lifestyle choices. During the day, 9th and 10th graders will attend assemblies. Then, at 6 PM, Mr. DeLeon will facilitate a community forum in the NRHS Auditorium. All parents and students are welcome to attend the community forum. Click the Flyer for more information.

FMS

• StreetTalk with The "Amazing" Tei Street Student Assembly - April 7

FES

• Student assembly on social media safety - May 2
• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - April 20, May 6, May 20, June 3

  
  

WGES

• Tim Shoemaker for students assembly "Social Dilemma"- May 5
• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - April 19, May 4, May 19, June 1

  
  

HES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - April 21, May 5, May 18, June 2

TES

• BMX Anti-Bullying Assembly for students - May 2

Students will learn the 3Rs- Recognize, Refuse, React for how to deal with a bullying situation.

• Third grade trip to the "Boulders Against Bullying" at Boulder's Stadium - May 19

Teaches children the importance of standing up to bullies, what to do if you see a bully and how to prevent bullying.

• Monthly town halls for students K-3:

April - We'll be focusing on what makes a good friend

Parent Sessions

HES

• Anti-Bullying Parent Workshop - April 6 - Flyer

WHES

In collaboration with Box Out Bullying a three part series will be held for parents virtually.

Session 1 - Parents What To Do If... - April 26 7PM

• Gain key prevention practices if a child witnesses bullying, is being bullied, or is bullying.

Session 2 - Creating Peace At Home (between siblings...and spouses) - May 10 7PM

• Social Emotional Learning at home! Unlock the value of The Peace Table to effectively solve conflicts and create empathy

Session 3 - Keeping Children Safe Online Part I - May 24 7PM

• Hone in on best practices of cyber etiquette, cyber-bullying prevention strategies

Students who are currently enrolled in the North Rockland Remote Academy and would like to return to in-person schooling, and in-person students who would like to switch to attending school remotely should email Principal Jim Mulligan - jmulligan@northrockland.org. The enrollment changes will take place after the break.

Important reminder for the 2022/2023 school year. It is never too early to think ahead about what your child will need for the following school year, including immunizations.

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 can be found linked here.

We sat down for a Q & A with North Rockland Board of Education Vice President Peggy Zugibe to talk about her passion for education and her community!

Q: What do you admire most about the North Rockland Central School District?

“What I admire the most about the North Rockland Central School District is that it is like a family. What all families want is what is best for their children and that's how I've found the staff treats our students." Peggy said proudly. "It doesn't matter what the staff member's position is, they all approach their roles in our students' education the same way - with a commitment to making sure the children are happy and secure. This benefits our students by helping them to do their best."

Q: What inspired you most about the community before and during the pandemic?

"I've always been inspired by the willingness of the community to help, support and accept one another. This attribute was in full display during the pandemic. People were concerned about those who lost family members, and those who needed food or other essentials. It is usually during a crisis when you get a true picture and North Rockland shined brightly during the pandemic. Even though things were bleak, people tried to support the most vulnerable members of the community. I was raised in this community and chose to stay to raise my children. Now three of my four children live here and my grandchildren are attending the schools here. I can't imagine living anywhere else." Zugibe, who is a North Rockland graduate herself, as well as all her children, explained.

Peggy Zugibe was first elected to the North Rockland Board in 1993 and currently serves as Vice President. In addition to serving on our Board of Education, Peggy - a former special education teacher - also serves as Board of Education President for Rockland BOCES, Treasurer of the Rockland County School Boards Association, the Area 10 Director, President of the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), and the Mid-Hudson School Study Council. Thank you for your dedication!

In North Rockland we appreciate our mutually supportive relationships between local businesses and our buildings, sport teams and the district in which the partners commit themselves to specific goals and activities intended to benefit students and schools. Recently Jersey Mike's Subs of Stony Point collaborated with the NR Voice group to raise funds to support their projects. Owner Greg Gillmann presented our group with a check for $4,015 and discussed with the group how one of restaurants initiatives is to help support or hire high school students. For their generous contributions and close work with our district, Jersey Mike's Subs is our first Business of the Month! If you would like your business to be featured as a NRCSD Business of the Month please email jdodrill@northrockland.org for consideration.

NRCSD Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello was inducted as a Member by the North Rockland Club. "It's a tremendous honor to join this group of civic minded individuals who offer so much to our community!" said Felicello upon his induction while receiving his pin presented by NRCSD's former Superintendent Ileana Eckert. "I'm so proud to be a part of this amazing community." So are we Dr. Felicello! So are we, thanks for all you do.

Last Friday night Willow Grove and Thiells Elementary School staff, students and families gathered to face off in a faculty volleyball game in Michael Bosco's Honor. The event was organized by Jennifer Cunnane and Christine Calise with all raffles, tickets and concessions proceeds from the event being donated to the family. We will never forget Michael in North Rockland, we carry him with us each day in our hearts!

And the Red Raiders earn two of the coveted spots on the Girls Lacrosse 2022 lohud Elite 11!

Let's hear it for Madison Figueroa and Meg MacMillan who were selected as being among the area's best this season.

Madison is the varsity team's starting goalie. In a sport in which free shots are frequently awarded, Figueroa stood out last season. Making 82 saves, the all-section player stopped almost 54% of the shots she faced.

What makes Meg elite? An all-section honoree in 2021 who is also a standout in the classroom, MacMillan a midfield scored 60 goals and had 19 assists for the 13-4 Red Raiders.

Student athlete Sophia Corretjer was also named to the best of the rest. Click here to read more and congratulate them!

Red Raider Kevin Devine has been named to the Boys lacrosse 2022 lohud Elite 11.

Devine was selected for his drive, determination, and talent. Has any goalie in the region seen more shots in the last four years.. seriously? Devine took over between the pipes as a seventh-grader and led the region with a .740 save percentage last season.

There are six returning All-Americans on this list so the bar was exceptionally high. Click here to read more and congratulate them!

Red Raiders strike out two of the coveted spots on the Girls Softball 2022 lohud Nine Who Shine!

Let's hear it for Kristen Luzon and Delaney McGovern who were selected as being among the area's best this season.

Kristen shines at first base on the varsity team's starting line up. She is coming off of a stellar junior season that includes a .478 average, eight doubles, two home runs and 25 RBI. She also provides a sure glove at first base and only logged one error last spring..

What makes Delaney shine? In her first full varsity season, McGovern quickly emerged as arguably the top pitcher in Rockland County and one of the best in Section 1. She helped the Red Raiders reach the Section 1 Class AA finals, where they pushed eventual champion Mahopac into extra innings. McGovern posted an impressive 0.92 ERA, with 220 strikeouts and just 32 walks over 145 innings of action, also earning Class AA fifth-team all-state honors to top off her breakout year.

Student athlete Allison Murphy was also named to the best of the rest. Click here to read more and congratulate them!

#1 North Rockland — Despite having plenty of fresh faces and new starters, the Red Raiders became a true challenger to Mahopac, pushing the Indians to extra innings in last season's Section 1 Class AA title game. With many returners, including all-state standouts Delaney McGovern and Kristen Luzon, North Rockland won't sneak up on anyone and will be an early front-runner for the Section 1 title.

Read more linked here.

This year North Rockland brought home three state championships! The NRHS Varsity Cheerleading Team, Boys Bowling Team and Girls Bowling Team will be celebrated and honored with a traditional victory parade coordinated by the NR Athletics Department on April 7! Our athletes will visit all six elementary schools for a drive-by led by the local Fire and Police departments. Congratulations!

After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, NRCSD is proud to announce Sports Day is officially returning this spring!

Hosted at North Rockland High School on April 30, the event will be kicking off at 10am in front of Cordisco Stadium. The day is completely free for all North Rockland students and their loved ones with the first 250 families that sign up through the link below receiving a complimentary Red Raider swag bag! (So be sure to sign up ASAP!) The fun filled event featuring a wide variety of sports activities via specialized stations for adults and kids of all ages will be raising money and awareness for Stand Up To Cancer, Friends of Karen, the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the North Rockland Community. Look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up links

• NR Sports Day For Charity Sign Up
• NR Sports Day For Charity Sponsor Letter
• NR Sports Day Volunteer Sign Up

Let's work, grow, and shine together! The North Rockland Field Hockey Program is so excited to host our first ever Clinic and Camp this June for new and returning athletes of ALL LEVELS. We will also be at Sports Day April 30th! We look forward to meeting and working with your athlete!

Clinic Flyer

Camp Flyer

Following the nationwide and unfortunately countywide upwards trend in youth substance abuse, recently, there has been an increase in the number of instances involving student use of substances forbidden by the North Rockland Central School District’s Code of Conduct. The District is taking this very seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. Subsequently, the District has set forth measures to help inform students and parents of the inherent dangers of these substances, while also deploying measures to promote a healthy school environment.

Measures being implemented include:

• A search of North Rockland High School was conducted in late February by the K-9 units from Rockland and Orange County. 15 officers and their K-9 service dogs swept the facility. Future sweeps are planned in conjunction with the Haverstraw Police Department.

• Training for faculty and staff members is being scheduled to help detect the signs of student substance use and the recognition of various forms of paraphernalia.

• Increased security in areas of schools where student misbehavior is more likely to occur.

• Educational presentations on the dangers of controlled substances are being held for students. A parent information night will be scheduled for later this month.

• Adjustment of bathroom supervision protocols

• The District will continue our partnership with the North Rockland Coalition for Drug and Awareness Prevention to support our students and families in need of assistance.

• The District will add staff to provide substance abuse counseling.

• The District is working closely with the town of Haverstraw to bring two School Resource Officer Positions (SRO) to the District.

We recognize the potential dangers associated with the use of substances by our student body and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.

Substance abuse for families

Strategies parents can use to help their children:

• Look for signs

• Talk to your child and explain your concerns in detail.

• Seek help/resources from your family physician, school counselor or school social worker

• Get help

Helpful links:

• The Partnership For Safe and Healthy Youth

• RCADD
• Behavioral Health Response Team
• Haverstraw Reach Out Center: 845-429-5731
• High Focus Center: 1-800-877-3628
• Volunteer Counseling (VCS): 845-634-5729
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-622-HELP(4357)
• Samaritan Daytop Village: 845-353-2730
• Arms Acres: 845-208-0632
• Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (Nyack Hosp): 845-348-2075

Signs parents could look for that determine if their child may be using:

• Poor performance in school

• Emotional and behavioral problems

• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Dropping old friends for a new group

• Acting despondent, aggressive or angry

• Sleeping more than usual

• Breaking rules

• Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, bloody or watery eyes, or shakes and tremors

More detailed signs: Linked here

Informational Articles:

• Tips for Parents of Addicted Children
• Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking? A BRIEF GUIDE TO ACTION FOR PARENTS

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.

NRCSD has partnered with Montefiore Nyack Hospital and SNAP ed to provide a new FREE health and nutrition program for our school community. The fun education centered classes will be divided into weekly sessions by age group, and are open to all learners. The next segment of workshops are set for April 4, 7, and 21 and are available to all North Rockland first and second graders or parents. Please see the flyer below to sign up, and watch the community update for the announcement of next classes.

The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Tests will be administered to students over the next several months. Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students receive a quality education, no matter where they go to school, because they are measured to equal standards.

In North Rockland, we have had many families opt out of testing for their children and while we completely respect that decision, we do encourage students to take the exams. Their participation in the testing helps ensure our District shows we are on track with the state required curriculum and aids us in our efforts for program funding. Districts including North Rockland are adversely affected by New York State when participation rates do not meet their predetermined threshold.

Linked here you will find a letter that provides more detailed information about the NYS 3-8 testing program.

Pasos para traducir esta actualización

SCHOOL MENUS

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu

Red Raider Reminder

NR students who enroll in the free/reduced breakfast & lunch program qualify for college application fee waivers, free ACT and SAT exams and reduced AP exam registration fees! To qualify please complete the Free or Reduced Price Meal Application Form linked here as soon as possible.

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 further below in today’s update. Please click on the job image to apply through the District Form.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2021-2022 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Apply here

The North Rockland Central School District is also seeking candidates for Monitor positions at the elementary level for the 2021-2022 school year. These positions are 5.5 hours per day. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Interested candidates should apply here.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for School Nurse substitutes for the 2021-2022 school year. All candidates must be licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse. The starting rate of pay is $109 per day. Candidates can apply here.

Haverstraw Transit has informed us that they are currently seeking and accepting applications for: DRIVERS AND MONITORS. Apply here.