Community Update
September 13th, 2024
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Hello North Rockland!
The start of a new school year is always filled with new energy and excitement. Our 2024-25 academic year kicked off with enthusiasm on August 29, as administrators, faculty and staff gathered for NRCSD"s annual Opening Day event. Our 800 employees were motivated by keynote speaker Oz Pearlman’s performance and the promising districtwide outlook from our North Rockland leadership team. On Tuesday, September 3, students dove right into their academic routines, supported by our dedicated teachers, who are here to guide them through an engaging and innovative curriculum. New, creative learning experiences will inspire our students to think critically, collaborate and grow in new ways throughout the year.
This week, our district shines a spotlight on the themes of service and gratitude. On Wednesday, North Rockland High School hosted its annual September 11th memorial ceremony, a solemn reminder of the deep impact that dark day had on our community. Many of our families and staff were directly affected, and the ripples from that time are still felt today. As we honor those lost, we’re reminded of the importance of service—whether through protecting our nation, our community, or each other. During tonight’s football game, we'll have a moment of silence as a tribute to those who lost their lives, ensuring their memories remain a central part of our shared North Rockland story.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Stony Point and Haverstraw Police Departments and the Rockland County Sheriff's Office. Their commitment to keeping our schools safe is invaluable, and their presence during peak traffic times is helping to ensure smooth and secure student arrival and dismissal. Road construction all across North Rockland is certainly impacting motorists - and, our partners in law enforcement are helping to ease the temporary pain. When you see a police officer, please thank them! Their service to our district and dedication to our community’s well-being is deeply appreciated.
Let’s keep the spirit of service alive as we embark on this incredible school year together. Go Red Raiders!
-Dr. Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
#PointsOfPride for Local Law Enforcement
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Stony Point and Haverstraw Police Departments for their invaluable assistance with traffic control during school dismissals. With ongoing construction around the district creating additional traffic challenges, their dedication and support have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of our students and staff. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to keeping our community safe. They exemplify the spirit of 2 towns, 1 family!
Remembering 9/11
NRHS 9/11 Ceremony
At North Rockland, 9/11 is an important day that we never forget. We reminisce on the courage, unity, and resilience that emerged from that day. At the high school's 9/11 Ceremony, Principal DaPonte opened with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the lives lost and the lasting impact that day had on our community. The NJROTC presented the color guard, and Seany led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of reflection. NRHS student Milan's moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” set a reflective tone as the 13 community members who perished on 9/11 were honored. NRHS Drum Major Britney’s stirring performance of “Taps” echoed through the crowd, and the ceremony concluded with the chorus leading a graceful rendition of “America the Beautiful,” with the crowd joining in. Year after year, NRHS continues to host a beautiful ceremony that honors all the lives lost on that fateful day.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial
As part of the Academy of Finance’s yearly trip to the New York Stock Exchange, Mr. Teglas always makes it a point to bring the students to the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan last school year. It is one thing to learn through history books, but another to visit the site. It allows the students, who weren’t yet born on September 11th, 2001 to feel that day’s impact and the loss of the 13 people inside this community. Thank you to the Academy of Finance for providing these Red Raiders with that opportunity and we look forward to our Red Raiders this year who will have that same opportunity.
Patriot Day at Stony Point Elementary
Around the District
SPES H.E.A.R.T. Around our School
HES House Sorting Ceremony
Meet The Teachers
Athletics
Introducing our Strength and Conditioning Coaches to NRCSD
Meet Coach John Sardos and Coach Brendan Sullivan who have joined our team here at NRCSD. Watch and see all of the work they are already putting in for our student-athletes to understand the importance of strength and conditioning.
Fall Sports Begin!
Fall sports are kicking off at North Rockland, and our student-athletes are ready to hit the field! Be sure to check out the full game schedule on our website and come support our athletes!
Fan Feature Picture Frame
Keep an eye out for the #NRockAthletics picture frame this season! It’ll be making the rounds at all our games—be sure to snap a pic with it and you might just be featured on our social media!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Casarella Field at Ralph Cordisco Stadium
We warmly welcome alumni, community members, and fans to the grand opening of Casarella Field at Ralph Cordisco Stadium on October 5. The ceremony begins at 1:45 PM, followed by the North Rockland football game against Carmel at 3:00 PM. Come be a part of history and cheer on the Red Raiders! If you are an student-athlete state champion alumni, please click here to fill out the form.
Red Raider Apparel Shop Now Open!
Have you gotten your Red Raider apparel yet? Our shop is open with tons of new apparel including an awesome collaboration with NRCSD x Carhartt. We also have cool accessories like an NR Flag and different types of hats. We even have a fleece poncho! Click here to shop!
First Win on Casarella Field
Congratulations to the girls varsity soccer team for getting their first win on Casarella Field against Ossining. Final score was 3-1!
Varsity
Rankings as of 9/12
Football: 0-1
Field Hockey: 0-1
Boys Soccer: 2-0
Girls Soccer: 2-0
Girls Swimming: 1-0
Boys Volleyball: 1-1
Girls Volleyball:0-2