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Community Update
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Community Update - Year End Issue
June 26, 2024
Hello North Rockland Community,
Today marks the end of the 2023-24 academic year in North Rockland. I wish our entire school community a fantastic summer! While school is out, remember to stay safe, stay curious and stay connected. We will have plenty to celebrate and share over the next two months.
The North Rockland High School Class of 2024 graduated yesterday and we are incredibly proud of their achievements along their educational journey from kindergarten to commencement day. As our seniors left the halls of North Rockland High School as graduates, they took with them the same persistence, preservation and remarkable determination that brought them to this landmark moment. To our graduates, keep believing in yourself as you pursue your dreams and don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing them. Take the world by storm, Red Raiders!
I must also congratulate all North Rockland learners for their hard work and determination throughout the year. Your progress and ability to tackle new challenges have been amazing to watch unfold. That curious nature, thirst for knowledge and fire for learning is going to take you so many places. Well done and kudos to you!
Families, educators and staff who have supported and cheered for our students along the way, you are a major part of their success. To our parents, thank you for your continuous involvement in your child's education. As summer begins, I hope everyone has the chance to relax and enjoy family time.
Finally, thank you to our incredible community members for your strong partnership and constant collaboration. From businesses hosting educational field trips to offering windows for our Academy of Art students to paint every season, there is no place like North Rockland. Together, we have established another strong year of extended learning for students well beyond the school building.
As we now say goodbye to this school year, let's welcome the summer ahead with open minds. While the long recess is always a nice break for students, I do encourage them to use this time to experience the local historic places, community opportunities and events around them. Use these warmer months to your advantage. You have the chance to explore your interests, follow your passions and embrace personal growth. Remember, education isn’t limited to school; the world is your classroom. Seize the opportunities summer offers to embark on exciting adventures, volunteer, read, pursue creative endeavors, learn and make a positive impact.
Before we break until September, let’s look back on the journey that led us to the finish line and take a moment to reflect on our growth and accomplishments. Looking forward to seeing you all back for the new school year, brimming with fresh ideas and endless possibilities.
Have a great summer!
Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
NRCSD Secures Senate Funding
A LOOK BACK ON THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
New Year, New Focus - The Beginning.
The 2023-24 school year was one of excellence! North Rockland continued the tradition of providing diverse educational experiences, opportunities and services for our students at every grade level, in every building. The four key areas we worked on extensively over the last ten months included:
Academics - Providing students with additional opportunities, support and resources for learning helped them achieve their academic potential and make all of their goals and dreams possible.
Wellbeing - NR enhanced student experiences and support services. This included providing additional counseling, social-emotional learning resources, facility animals and programs, establishing an innovative behavior center and offering diverse opportunities for all students to excel. We also unveiled programs to empower student voices and foster a sense of responsibility and leadership among our young learners.
Service - NR has implemented a comprehensive district-wide upgrade plan to support every student based on their specific needs. This includes hiring additional classified staff, expanding Integrated Co-Teach Models (ICT) and Dual-Language, creating of PAES labs and enhancing specialized VISIONS programs.
NR Behavior Center & Mental Health Made Headlines
Programming
New Programs and Activities
In North Rockland, we are committed to inclusivity, opportunity, skill-building, confidence-building and the end goal of employment based on interests. These upgraded programs not only provide real-life school-to-work possibilities for students but also support for lifelong success. You will find links to the videos on some of our amazing new academic expansions, launches and rejuvenations for 2023-24 below. We look forward to highlighting even more in 2025!
Programs and Activities
Sports
Partnerships
Capital Improvements
Careful Planning and Budgeting
This year's capital improvement projects included new state-of-the-art playgrounds, roof work, HVAC upgrades and more. The renovations which were made possible through careful and responsible budgeting for the 2023-24 school year. I am so grateful that together, with our Board of Education, we can provide our students and school community with the facilities they truly deserve, all while not raising the tax levy or asking for additional funds. Our budget for the 2024-25 school year is once again planned to effectively and equitably use financial resources to provide more cutting-edge technologies to improve our school's opportunities for growth and overall excellence.
The Behind the Budget Ballot Spotlight caught up with our seven NRCSD Board of Education Members to learn more about projects the District has allocated to the capital line for improvements at no additional cost to the taxpayers while receiving state aid returns of approximately 75-80%.
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Year End
Budget Passes!
On May 21 our community unanimously approved the District’s $284 million spending plan and Proposition 2. The budget and proposition passed with a 79% majority (2,877 ‘yes’ votes) letting us know that you recognize the good work we are doing on behalf of the children of NR.
With the approval of the budget and Proposition 2, we will fund important projects such as capital improvements and technological upgrades that will greatly benefit our schools and help us continue to provide a high-quality education for students. These investments will also aid in program expansion and ensure our students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
It was the Board of Education and Central Administration’s priority to create a fiscally responsible 2024-25 budget that guaranteed our students not only the same level of service next school year, but more - without adding to the fiscal burden on residents. Keeping the tax levy at 0% while seeking alternative funding sources, NR will expand the state-leading Dual-Language, School-to-Work and Pre-K Programs, increase services for special education students, expand and extend summer programming, develop new outdoor learning opportunities and increase supports such as tutoring, mentoring and career counseling to help students academically and with their future. We are excited to share more renovations of our buildings with the community as we delve deeper into the District's 5-year Facilities Improvement Plan.
Moving Up!
Graduation/Moving Up Ceremonies!
All of these significant milestones we accomplished throughout the year have led us to the final week of school and it's now time for graduation! Congratulations to our NRHS Class of 2024 graduates and all students who are advancing. You deserve this!
Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremonies
Third Grade Moving Up Ceremonies
Sixth Grade Moving Up Ceremonies
Grade Eight Moving Up Ceremony
NRHS Commencement
Summer Reminders
What to Expect this Summer
- A Mid-Summer Update will go out the first or second week of August so please be on the lookout for that as it will contain important information for the 2024-25 School Year.
- The District's 2024-25 Calendar will be mailed at the end of August.
- Summer mailing - Expect to see it in your mailbox mid to late August.
- First day of School - Sept 3, 2024
- Open Houses -Tuesday, August 27 from 1-3 PM.
Check out the Mid-Summer Update or the District Calendar as we finalize dates for:
- When parents will find their child's assigned teachers.
- Meet the Teacher Nights.
District Highlights
The NRHS Class of 2024 Graduates! 🎓
Congratulations to our graduates. Raider Pride!
Commencement Ceremony
“Wherever we go, whatever we face, whatever awaits us, always remember, WE ARE N.R.” -Valedictorian Hannah Linhart
With the sun shining and the stands filled with proud family and friends, the graduates stepped onto Casarella Field at Cordisco Stadium. The Class of 2024 was special in every sense of the word. Aside from all the amazing accolades and record-breaking scholarship recipients, these students have persevered through a new and ever-changing world. Not only have they excelled in academics, but they have also grown into remarkable individuals and community members. As the students walked across the field to receive their diplomas, it symbolized the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
This was the first class to graduate in the newly renovated stadium, which provided the perfect background for the ceremony, with the vibrant colors matching the emotions and spirit of the North Rockland Community. The Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Class Presidents all rose to the podium with speeches filled with the class’ triumphs, obstacles and memories. Wise beyond their years, they all recognized that it takes a strong support system to be successful, recognizing the different people who have helped them on their academic journey. With that said, we would also like to thank the Board of Education, administration, teachers, faculty, staff, families and community for supporting our students every step of the way.
It is with great pleasure that we present the 2024 Graduates of North Rockland High School!
From The Nurses Office 💉
NR ATHLETICS
2024 Senior Banquet
In Our Senior Year Era 🥺🐾
Our senior fall, winter, and spring student-athletes surrounded by their families, senior teammates, and coaches gathered at the Elks Lodge to reminisce on the tremendous year our Raiders had together. Each season had a video presentation full of videos, pictures, and stats for everyone to look back on fondly.
NR had a surprise visit from New York State Assembly member Chris Eachus who represents Haverstraw and Stony Point to present the 2024 Youth Leadership Award to senior basketball and lacrosse player Katie Picarello at the banquet after she was unable to attend the awards ceremony last month due to her commitment with the lacrosse team. She was nominated by Coach Metcalf (her basketball coach), for her contributions to the North Rockland community and her role as co-captain of the girls’ basketball team. Congratulations Katie!
Overall, the 2023-24 season was a great one with tons of achievements, new records, and championships. Here is the overview of our athlete's successes this year:
🏆9 Section One Champion titles
🏆15 League Champion titles
🏆27 Students Recruited to play college sports
🏆24 Scholar Athlete Team Awards
🏆Broke the school, County, Section, and State record in the Boy's 4x100m Relay
🏆1st female wrestler and rower from NRHS to compete at the collegiate level
🏆Highest amount of football student-athletes committed to compete at the collegiate level
We would also like to recognize three coaches retiring this year; JV girls soccer Coach Pena, JV cheerleading Coach Chip, and varsity cheerleading Coach Tanya. We thank all three of you for your time, dedication, and commitment to our Raiders and you all will be greatly missed.
Finally, NRockAthletics would like to take this moment to wish ALL of our senior student-athletes the best of luck in their future endeavors. We hope you take all of the lessons taught to you on the field, court, course, pool, and/or track to your next chapter in life. Remember, 36 sports, one team. More Photos.✨
Community Opportunity
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Parent Portal and Chromebook Care 💻
Getting a Parent Portal account
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!
Internet Safety Materials
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:
Common Sense Media - click here
Connect Safely - click here
- Internet Safety Tips - click here
Peachjar Flyers
JOIN OUR TEAM
We're hiring!
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.
Connect with us
School Times
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
North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM