Community Update

May 27, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

This has been a most difficult week for the NRCSD community. Perhaps we will all benefit from the Memorial Day weekend — a little breather before the final hectic weeks of the 2021-22 academic year.

The horrific violence in Uvalde, Texas and in Buffalo has reminded us that the evils caused by hatred are still present. These attacks on our beautiful children, our way of life and the values upon which our nation was founded were, unfortunately, only two of multiple acts of violence motivated by hate in recent days.

In the North Rockland Central School District, please be reassured that the safety of our students, staff and families is our number one priority. Our robust threat assessment plan is in place - and, reviewed and updated annually. Our relationships with the police departments in Stony Point and Haverstraw are strong, and we also collaborate regularly with the Rockland County Sheriff's Office.

Administrators in each of our schools are experienced in investigating concerns of safety and threats of harm to our students and are trained in the latest safety protocols. Our responses are not exactly the same for every student, nor for every comment made. The age of the child and the nature of the comments are considered, investigated and consequences determined based on various factors and particular circumstance, in accordance with our NRCSD Student Code of Conduct.

One of the greatest challenges for North Rockland administrators is sifting quickly through the incredible volume of information related to a potential threat. When parents and students are concerned, they sometimes post misinformation online through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. - social media that actually makes the job of the school administrators much more challenging.

It is the District's goal to be transparent and to provide families with accurate and timely information. Consistent with this philosophy, Principal Dr. Gill sent the communication Linked Here on Tuesday afternoon. The letter offered a detailed account of a serious physical altercation that occurred at North Rockland High School that day.

The timing of this incident could not have been worse, causing additional stress and trepidation in a school community and nation already reeling from the events in New York and Texas. I can assure that we have - and will - continue to review processes and protocols to ensure our schools are as safe as possible. The recent tragedies serve as a powerful reminder that each of our schools MUST continue to improve in the area of safety. It is disturbing that evil exists in our world. We are all concerned for the safety of our children in school, at the mall, at the supermarket and even at the ballfield. We cannot allow these troubling times and criminal behavior to divide our wonderful community. I feel from the bottom of my heart that the answer is to work together, build each other up, and use our anger and fear in a productive manner.

I can assure you that we are working hard to make adjustments and enhancements to our safety measures. Many adjustments have already been made, but many more are coming. We will share the action steps we plan to take with the support of local law enforcement officials. (so long as sharing specific information is appropriate and does not pose a safety risk)

You, as parents and caregivers, are part of the most effective resources we have for helping your children stay safe at school. These resources include strong two-way communication; reporting any threat of harm toward students to the school, law enforcement or both; and using reasonable protocols together to create an environment that reassures our students that they are safe to learn.

We know that a positive school climate promotes school safety, student self-esteem, emotional well-being, mental health and lower incidences of substance abuse, student absenteeism, and suspensions. The North Rockland Central School District continues to build initiatives to foster student engagement, thereby increasing student achievement, safety and wellness.

As a reminder all NRCSD schools are closed on Monday, 5/30 for Memorial Day.

• Try to keep routines as normal as possible. Kids gain security from the predictability of routine, including attending school.
• Limit exposure to television and the news.
• Be honest with kids and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to handle.
• Listen to kids’ fears and concerns.
• Reassure kids that the world is a good place to be, but that there are people who do bad things.
• Families and adults need to first deal with and assess their own responses to crisis and stress.
• Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships.

Article: Talking to Children about Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News

Texler, the Lead SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Teacher at NRCSD and 2021 recipient of the Marvin Maurer Award, shares her The RULER Approach journey and how fond memories of her 5th grade teacher led her to become just like the teacher she once had as a child. Leveraging her passion and creativity, she helps sustain RULER year after year.

We are so grateful and proud to have Reyna educating and changing the lives of countless students in our district. Congratulations on the distinguished and well-deserved recognition! Learn more about her inspiration to do this work here. >> http://ow.ly/KWGb50JfzT1

Congratulations are in order for 22 North Rockland High School Academy of Engineering members who were honored during their Graduation Dinner this week. It was an exciting night for our students as they showcased their incredibly innovative final projects. This year’s interactive and advanced displays, designed and built entirely by our high schoolers included functioning: Alternative Fuel Rockets, League Cars, Smart Mirrors, Persistence of Vision Holographic Displays, Auto Alarms, Electric and Hydroelectric Generators, Potato Launchers, 3D Printed Hydrating Lipsticks and Prosthetic Hands, Garden Irrigation Systems, Filament Recycling Machines, and a Planetarium Redesign.

During the awards ceremony, members who have all maintained a high average and taken advanced Math, Science and Technology courses, were each honored with certificates of achievement by Edward Hoffman and Ryan Armstrong. Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello and Board of Education Trustee Robert Masiello both spoke of how impressed they were with the students' work, the great pride they have brought to North Rockland and their bright futures. With many of our graduates majoring in Engineering in college next year, we know the sky's the limit.

Help us wish the 2022 NRCSD Spelling Bee Champion, David Fyffe, good luck in Washington DC!

The North Rockland Board of Education and Administration recently recognized our champion and the Havertstraw Elks Club for their generous donation of $2,500, which will help send David to the national stage. We are looking forward to watching him compete #NRStrong at the highest level.

David’s session during the Preliminary Competitions for the Spelling Bee is May 31, from 12:30 - 2:10 p.m at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. If you would like to tune in, the competition of 234 spellers will be broadcast live on Ion Plus. If he moves on to the next round, he will move to the Quarterfinals on June 1st from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go David!

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.

We are excited to share that thanks to our school communities overwhelming support, the Remote Academy will continue to be an option for families for the 22-23 school year. If you have not already completed the enrollment form and are interested in enrolling your child in the Remote Academy, please complete the form(s) below by Friday, May 27th.

Elementary Form (Grades 1-6)

Secondary Form (Grades 7-12)

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 - June 3

  
  

WGES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - June 1

  
  

HES

• Anti-Bullying with Stephane Matteau - June 2

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

SAVE THE DATES

NRHS Graduation is Friday, June 17, 2022.

Rain Dates are Wednesday, June 22 or Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Location: NRHS Football Stadium.

NRHS Prom is Tuesday, June 21, 2022

at the Rockleigh Country Club.

More information to follow as we get further into the year.

Save the date!

North Rockland Central School District will be hosting our 5th annual EdCamp Rockland on Saturday, June 11th from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Fieldstone Middle School!

• Edcamp is a free, participant-driven, shared educational experience open to all interested educators. Food and beverages will be provided and there'll be lots of swag and amazing sponsored prizes.

Click here to register.

Click here to follow EdCamp Rockland on Facebook!

The North Rockland Central School District Universal Pre-K program has only a few spots remaining. Registration is open to children who will be four years old by December 1, 2022

and live in the district! Sign up now through the link here.

Full circle moment. When the student becomes the teacher.

Eilen Castellano, a North Rockland High School NJROTC alumna, addressed our current cadets today. She explained to everyone how she graduated in the Class of 2017 Top 5%. By carrying her work ethic and academic excellence into college, earned two bachelors degrees simultaneously in three years. After working as a prosecutor for a year, realizing her passion, she entered law school at George Washington University and will graduate in 2024. The story of her journey really resonated with the class.

“We are always delighted to have successful alumni return to inspire our cadets” said Major Hooker, Senior Naval Science Instructor.

If you believe it, and work for it, you will make it happen.

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

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

• North Rockland Coalition /Drug Awareness & Prevention (website)

  NRC/DAP Parent Support

• 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.

This year the registration fee is only $10!

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 $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.