Community Update

May 6, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Earlier this week, the District announced the Top 5% of the North Rockland High School Class of 2022, held our seventh annual Sports Day for Charity, turned NRHS into an intergalactic space lab for STEM Night, and launched our new free North Rockland App. With everything that has been happening in our schools, there is still much more to come.

Although the school year is officially drawing to a close, there is still plenty of time left for making memories and sharing educational experiences. We encourage students and families to participate in our many upcoming end of year events. Let’s make the most of these last moments NRStrong and NRTogether.

Resuming our in-person activities and milestones has been wonderful after facing the challenges of the pandemic. As our COVID-19 case numbers continue to decrease, I am very optimistic about what lies ahead in North Rockland. While the 2021-2022 school year will be coming to a close next month, our sights are already set on a positive and exciting new school year.

- Key NRCSD Leadership Changes Announced -

The North Rockland Central School District is making changes to its administrative team as it strengthens momentum for the 2022-23 academic year and continues to build on its legacy of excellence. These leadership changes, effective July 1 2022, include administrators at North Rockland High School, Fieldstone Middle School, James A. Farley Elementary School and the NRCSD Remote Academy.

Dr. Michael Gill, Principal of North Rockland High School, will transition to a new District leadership position as Executive Supervisor of Secondary Education. Dr. Gill is a highly talented and accomplished administrator who possesses extensive knowledge of pedagogy, instruction and curriculum programs at the secondary level. His vast administrative experience and proven leadership skills make him an excellent fit for this new administrative role.

Ms. Lauren DaPonte will be recommended for appointment as Interim Principal of North Rockland High School for the 2022-23 academic year. Ms. DaPonte has served as an Assistant Principal at NRHS since 2018. Prior to joining the administrative team, Ms. DaPonte was a Science Teacher and Department Coordinator. She has also coordinated NRCSD’s Adult Education program for the last several years.

Mr. Alberto Martinez will continue in his current role as Interim Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School for the 2022-23 academic year. Mr. Martinez, who previously served as a Spanish Teacher at Fieldstone Middle School, has done an excellent job in his administrative role this year.

By all accounts, the innovative NRCSD Remote Academy program has yielded impressive results for the students and families it serves. Based on responses from parent surveys, the overwhelming majority of students enrolled in the program for the 2022-23 academic year will be at the elementary level. As a result, Ms. Avis Shelby will assume the role of principal of the successful Remote Academy. Having served as Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School since 2012, Ms. Shelby is an experienced elementary administrator. Along with her experience and knowledge of programs at the elementary level, Ms. Shelby also brings a high level of enthusiasm about the potential for increased learning opportunities for remote students to her new administrative assignment.

Mr. Jim Mulligan has been the Remote Academy Principal since its launch in August 2021. For the 2022-23 academic year, Mr. Mulligan will return to his previous administrative position as Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School. We thank Mr. Mulligan for his successful collaboration with administrators, faculty, staff and families, providing remote learners - kindergarten through grade 12 - an exceptional virtual learning experience this year.

With Ms. Shelby assuming the position of Remote Academy Principal in 2022-23, Dr. Alex Levine will serve as Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School starting in July. Dr. Levine has been Principal of Fieldstone Middle School since joining the District in 2020. His leadership has enabled Fieldstone to continue its success as a national “School to Watch” throughout the last two years. Dr. Levine’s educational background includes successful experience as a classroom teacher and building principal at the elementary level.

With Dr. Levine’s move to James A. Farley Elementary School, Ms. Natalie Santopietro will serve as Interim Principal of Fieldstone Middle School next year. Ms. Santopietro is an experienced building administrator who is very familiar with Fieldstone, having previously served as Assistant Principal at Fieldstone Secondary School/Fieldstone Middle School from 2009-2019. While she has done an outstanding job in the position of Instructional Data Specialist for the last three years, Ms. Santopietro is looking forward to rejoining the Fieldstone family.

Finally, Ms. Amanda Aiello will assume the position of Director of K-6 Curriculum and Programs on July 1. Prior to her current District administrative position, Ms. Aiello held leadership positions including Assistant Director of K-6 Curriculum, Reading Coordinator, Instructional Data Specialist and Assistant Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School. Ms. Aiello has demonstrated her extensive knowledge of curriculum and ability to successfully lead various academic initiatives within each of these roles.

We are excited for these dynamic leaders to take on the challenges of their new roles. The key administrative changes reflect NRCSD's deep educational expertise. Each of these leaders represent proven strategic thinking, strong execution and a dedicated commitment to our students and families.

- The Budget - VOTE May -17 -

Students are moving on, our District’s fiscal future is brighter than it’s been in years, and thanks to the advocacy and dedication of the Board of Education and our community, as well as continuous support from our lawmakers, we are able to present a budget we are very proud of that will continue to support our students and move the District forward. North Rockland is able to make significant improvements to our facilities and programmatic offerings without raising the tax levy for the third consecutive year or by asking for additional funds through a bond vote. This budget allows the District to give our students every opportunity they deserve and helps attract young hardworking families to our area while adding property value for our residents.

You are reminded that the community can have their voices heard on Tuesday, May 17th regarding the District Budget, Proposition 2 (which allows the District to use previously saved money to make capital improvements at no additional cost to the taxpayer), and the Board of Education candidates. We encourage everyone to vote on May 17th.

The latest 2022-23 Budget Presentation can be found linked here.

On April 19, the North Rockland Central School District Board of Education approved a $253 million spending plan that enhances current programs and services and increases efforts to support the social and emotional health of our students.

The 2022-23 proposed budget ensures a 0% tax levy increase for a third consecutive year— remaining well below New York State’s property tax cap of 2%. Always mindful of the long-term interest of our school community, our fiscal plan does not include a tax increase in the amount of money the District is asking from it's residents.

The 2022-23 NRCSD proposed $253,025,692 budget provides:

• Increased mental health and counseling supports

• New electives

• Movement toward a “Integrated Co-Teach Model” for special education

• Year one of our Dual Language Program roll out

• Increase extra-curricular offerings

• Specialized support programs

• Additional field trips

• Addition of two school resource officers - for NRHS and FMS

• Implementation of work study program

The District has allocated $10 million in the 2022-23 budget to the capital line for a variety of facility improvements - without an additional cost to taxpayers while receiving state aid returns.

Planned improvements include: HVAC upgrades at Farley Elementary School, roof replacement at Willow Grove Elementary School, electrical upgrades at Haverstraw Elementary School and district-wide maintenance and security upgrades.

Be on the lookout for the 2022-23 Budget Newsletter mailer arriving soon!

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.

For a tutorial and navigation overview on the NRCSD App check out the YouTube video linked here.

Stay connected on your mobile device. Download the NEW FREE district mobile app today!

 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

To download on your mobile:

 Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®

 Search North Rockland CSD

 Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download

The 2022-2023 District Calendar linked here, was formally approved at this week's Board of Education meeting.

Student Sessions

FES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - May 20 and June 3

  
  

WGES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - May 19 and June 1

  
  

HES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - May 18 and June 2

TES

• 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.

Parent Sessions

WHES

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

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

Summer in North Rockland is going to be full of engagement and education. The District is currently finalizing our 2022-23 Summer Program offerings which will be introducing new innovative activities and curriculum. A snapshot of our programs and their offerings can be found linked here and a video exploring Stepping Stones Summer Enrichment can be found linked here. Please be on the lookout for more information as we get closer to summertime on how to sign up.

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.

The most up to date information on all the upcoming year end events Districtwide can be found on the final months of the 2021-22 NRCSD Calendar linked here.

Below you will find a list of upcoming NR events now through June linked by school. Keep checking back on this section each week as school events continue to be updated.

Remote Academy

Stony Point Elementary School

West Haverstraw Elementary School

Thiells Elementary School

Haverstraw Elementary School

Farley Elementary School

Willow Grove Elementary School

Fieldstone Middle School

Senior Prom (June 21) is just around the corner!

Prom packet information is due Friday, May 13th. Seniors must submit their packets prior to purchasing a ticket. Tickets sales begin the week of May 23rd.

Please review the prom packet for more information linked here.

If you have any questions, please email your senior class advisors - Ms. McSharar - jmcsharar@northrockland.org or Ms. Westcott - lwestcott@northrockland.org.

The Fieldstone Middle School Spring Musical, Once On This Island debuts tonight! You do not want to miss the coming-of-age musical based on a true story, featuring music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the1985 novel My Love, My Love the auditorium stage has been transformed into the colorful French Antilles archipelago in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.

FMS Drama Club Presents

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Friday, May 6th at 7:00pm

Saturday, May 7th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Tickets available at the door of each performance!

Adults $10, Students/Seniors $5

Congratulations to all our impressive seniors who are graduating as North Rockland High School’s top ranking scholars! Each one of these students have worked tirelessly all year to achieve the highest grades while taking the most rigorous courses.

Our Valedictorian is Jessica Singh with a GPA of 102.1765 and the Salutatorian is Emma Linhart with GPA 102.

It was truly an honor to get to know each one of you during your NR journey to success. Remember graduation is not the end, it’s just the beginning and by the looks of the incredible colleges you've committed to, we know your futures are all just as bright as you are!

North Rockland’s NJROTC has received the Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) with Academic Honors for the 2021-2022 school year!

Congratulations to our cadets who recently received the the highest-possible distinction the Navy gives. The award is based on a point system recognizing participation and completion of various facets of the NJROTC program, including performance, drill, orienteering, physical fitness, academics, and community service. Read more

The fourth is strong in NR!

May 4th was a day of epic proportions at NRCSD! In the name of fun, intergalactic, hands on, and light speed learning, we fashioned a wide variety of STEM Night stations that turned everyday science experiments into Star Wars-infused adventures. North Rockland High School was transformed into an empire of space themed activities for students and families to take part in.

Designed to promote teamwork and collaboration while putting skills to the test, Red Raiders used force to balance Imperial Structures with spaghetti and marshmallows, built Starfighter Launchers, navigated Droid Drones, programmed R2D2 spheros, wired Lightsaber circuits, looped gravity with wind tunnels and so much more along the STEM Night power obstacle course! Read more/ More photos linked here.

In North Rockland our Educators do everything they can, to make sure our students become everything they can!

Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education. Teachers take on many different roles in our lives; they are great listeners, mentors, advocates, and leaders who tirelessly support the students in their care on a daily basis. These kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals help mold our children and guide them toward success.

Teacher AppreciationWeek (May 2-6) is a special time to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers you know. Thank a teacher, past and present through the link here.

The NRCSD paparazzi were out in full force to capture our NRHS juniors, who dazzled and stunned as they arrived to dance the night away at the Class of 2023 Junior Ball at Town and Country Friday night! NR Together the 260+ students in attendance enjoyed a fun evening full of good music, fun dance moves, delicious food and of course lots of photos! Smiles were abound all evening and countless sweet memories were made as students celebrated with friends. More photos.

Special thanks to the Stony Point Police Department, Haverstraw Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff Mounted Unit and Rockland County Sheriff's Office for the workshops and K9 Handling Show they provided for the kids! Attendees lined the Cordisco Stadium bleachers at NRHS to experience K-9 unit dog training activities, including multiple levels of agility, obedience, nose work, search and rescue, tracking, tricks, manners and targeting. It was a wonderful afternoon of learning, cheering and engaging with local officers NR Together! More photos.

It was a great day for Red Raiders to play!

North Rockland Sports Day For Charity 2022 wasn't just a fun way to get outdoors for activities. It was a community building event that brought everyone from local businesses, to police departments, to town leaders, and even a helicopter pilot, NR Together in one place for a great cause! Thanks to everyone who helped make today possible for our students, families and charities. NR Pride! More photos.

Congratulations to North Rockland's Kevin Devine, the Journal News/lohud Boys lacrosse Player of the week!

The junior goalie kept the Red Raiders' winning streak intact, delivering 20 saves in a 13-6 victory over rival Suffern. He finished with 18 saves in a win over Valley Central, marking the 10th victory in a row. Thanks to all who voted NR Strong!

North Rockland's Victoria Varano makes the All-USA TODAY HSSA Girls Bowling Team!

The Red Raider and State Champion is one of 24 standouts nationwide that will be honored as nominees for national Girls Bowler of the Year! The winner, along with three finalists, will be revealed July 31 during a broadcast.

- https://www.usatoday.com/.../2021-22-all-usa.../9613813002/

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

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

All families with children attending NRCSD’s six elementary schools are eligible to receive a discount of $30/month for home internet service, and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library is participating in the Hudson Valley Digital Navigators program (https://hvconnected.org/), paid for with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The library can connect families to the ACP to access the discounts they're entitled to. Call (845) 786-3800 and speak with a librarian for more information.

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.

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.