Community Update

January 6, 2023

Hello North Rockland Families:

Welcome back!

I hope you all had a joyful and restful break as well as a great start to the new year.

This week proved our students were recharged and ready to be back at school. January is traditionally a time in North Rockland where we see exponential growth from our students – because in the new year they are even more motivated to do well in class, they are better prepared to meet teacher expectations, have developed a routine of working at school and all the instructional pieces really start to fit together. This year will be no exception. I am looking forward to seeing how much our students grow between now and spring.

When the partnership approach between parents and teachers is strong, children's work habits, attitudes about school and grades improve. They demonstrate better social skills and a greater ability to adapt to situations. Let’s work together this month to ensure they really excel for the rest of the school year.

Some ways you can help your child begin 2023 on the right foot academically is by:

• Making sure they get a good night's sleep each night and daily exercise which both have a direct impact on concentration and focus.

• Consistency and organization are also key, setting up a calendar or planner will help so that your children keep track of activities planned and also feel settled because they know what to anticipate.

• Remind them they are officially midway through the school year. It’s time to stop procrastinating and start making progress when it comes to hitting their goals.

January is also the time NR conducts the first of our budget presentations and discussions with the School Committee, Town departments and residents. You can view the Jan 3, 2023 budget presentation linked below in the NRCSD Budget section of the update. That section will continue to be updated now through May 16 - the date of our budget vote.

A new year also brings new opportunities! You will see in the video below new after school programs that have been rolled out at Farley Elementary school that our students are already making the most of. As new program and opportunities roll out I encourage our students to step outside their comfort zone, take a chance and get involved this year.

In closing I just want to thank everyone, our students, families, educators, staff and community, for making the first week of 2023 exceptional!

For the Board of Education and Administration, developing a budget that is both educationally sound and fiscally responsible is an important and comprehensive process. The 2023-24 budget continues our mission of providing a safe, caring, and positive learning environment in which all students can achieve their maximum potential and acquire the skills, attitudes, and abilities needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. It is the District's goal to provide our students with an exemplary experience while controlling taxes for our community. We understand the fiscal challenges that living in Rockland County pose.

As always, our budget fully supports the curriculum, instruction, and professional development that addresses the needs of all learners. Our budget also includes the expanded use of certain “green technologies” and facility improvements to enhance our learning and working environments while achieving real cost savings. View the Budget Presentation linked here.

We are sharing some of the moments that made 2022 unforgettable.

Dave Espin, one of our ELA instructors, is also a licensed barber. Dozens of middle schoolers, nominated by their team leaders, stopped by his room - 128 The Holiday Haircut Barbershop just before break.

“You want a fade? And a little off the top? I’m gonna hook you up!” Espen explained as he and his 7th grade client (the thirteenth of the day) looked into the shop mirror. The whole classroom had been transformed and illuminated with professional lighting.

While Dave cut and trimmed during each appointment he answered many questions about the path that led him to becoming a teacher while still chasing his dream of being a barber. It resonated with students when he shared if he could do it, so could they. Set goals!

One impressed customer told us that his "fresh cut" was going to be a gift for his mom, who had family pictures scheduled for that weekend. Another shared that he would rate his experience and haircut a 10 out of 10!

We are thankful and truly blessed in NRCSD to have educators that always go the extra mile.

Heading into the new year, we wanted to look back at an amazing holiday season NR had. Check out our 2022-23 Holiday Recap!

PANS/PANDAS is a medical condition that causes an autoimmune encephalopathy, resulting in varying degrees of psychiatric symptoms, learning issues and motor coordination disruptions. PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANS-Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. www.pandasnetwork.org. NR has joined forces with local families to participate in the PANDAS Network shoe fundraiser. The fundraiser is to increase awareness and provide support for PANDAS Research. Gently used or new shoes can be dropped off to our schools collection boxes like the on pictured below at Thiells Elementary. We are up to over 900 pairs already and will continue the collection throughout the month of January!

North Rockland Music Department Presents

Our Winter Concert Series:

Enjoy the sounds of the season, with classical, modern and patriot music from all levels of our Band, Orchestra and Choral program!

1/10 - FES 5th Grade Winter Concert @ FMS 7pm

1/18 - FES 6th Grade Winter Concert w/ 4th Grade Chorus @ FMS 7pm

1/19 - WGES 4th Grade Band & Orchestra Concert @ WGES 7pm

2/8 - WHES Winter Concert (location TBD) 6:30pm

A digital version of the North Rockland 2022-23 Print Calendar you should receive in the mail can be found linked here.

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

The New York State Department of Education ruled that School District’s are able to utilize the remote-learning technology implemented during the coronavirus pandemic to allow students to continue their studies on days when the snow is too heavy for them to commute to school. Some Districts across the state have adopted a policy that will eliminates traditional snow days all together, opting for a remote learning day During inclement weather. North Rockland will utilize traditional snow days until the three that are built into our calendar are exhausted. Once all of our traditional snow days have been used the District will utilize the remote option when possible.

Chromebook Care

Getting a Parent Portal account

• The November Issue has updated information on K-6 Report Card procedures and information about obtaining professional development.

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!

Did you know NRCSD now offers a FREE App?

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.

Steps to download:

1. Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®
2. Search North Rockland CSD
3. Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download
4. Open the App enable push notifications and select the school(s) you want to subscribe to.

Stay connected!

• 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

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

Our unique online store offers athletic apparel totally dedicated to NR athletics with a share of the sale proceeds going to our dept. The store remains open this month for shopping.

Thank you all again for support of NR Athletics!

https://north-rockland-athletics-powered-by-fleet-fundraising.myshopify.com/

Please check the NR Athletics website for schedules, information and updates.

Follow us on Twitter @NRockathletics

Be sure to check NR Athletics Website for Schedules and information.

Click here for starting dates for: Winter Sports 2022-23, and Spring Sports 2023.

North Rockland has partner with Hi-Tor Animal Shelter to feature one dog and one cat to help them find a loving home each week. Check out the Shelter Wish List linked here. Red Raiders to the Rescue!!!

"Vulcan has been with us since april. He was found outside by the police and brought here.

Vulcan was very scared and apprehensive towards us but soon became comfortable. He is

estimated to be 3 years old and is FIV+. Vulcan loves head scratches and if you try to stop, he

quickly grabs your hand and pulls it towards his face. If you are interested in adopting please fill out an application on our website Hitor.org."

"Life was surrendered to us in May. He is a beautiful white pittie who has the most angelic face. He is a senior who loves his walks and his people. He deserves to be in a home where he can share his smile and love of "Life." If you are interested in adopting him please fill out an application on our website Hitor.org."

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 Academy of Law and Society along with the NRHS Girls' Basketball team is hosting a three-on-three tournament open to FMS and NRHS students and faculty on Saturday, November 12th from 9AM - 1PM.

Additionally, Erin Miller, the Chief Transformation Officer of the Center for Safety and Change will be in attendance with a table for educational purposes as they are our service outreach partners. Register here.

SCHOOL MENUS

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu

NRHS Seniors 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.

North Rockland is currently seeking candidates for full-time and part-time Security Aide positions for the 2022-2023 school year. School Security Aides are committed to ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive environment.

Full-time positions include - A regionally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Part-time positions are - 4.5 hours per day and starting pay is $19.83/hour.

**Candidates with prior law enforcement, security or military experience are preferred.**

Applications can be submitted on OLAS at olasjobs.org. Resumes can be submitted through our Facebook job posting linked here, sent to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community Relations Mr. Eric Baird, North Rockland CSD, 65 Chapel St., Garnerville, NY 10923 or emailed to ebaird@northrockland.org.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2022-2023 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.28/hour. 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 $150 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.