Community Update

March 17, 2023

Hello North Rockland Families:

In North Rockland our students are not just learning curriculum, they are pioneering and participating in new technology, offerings and career-ready experiences as well as building character.

One initiative unique to our district we have really strived to implement this year is opening up our schools to expansive partnerships with local organizations who are experts, trailblazers or the best of the best in their fields.

Some of these collaborative programs include, a safety and security education network with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department, - of which we had a Gun and School Safety Workshop for students and parents last night - the Cornell University Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement (PRYDE) now available to high schoolers and a hands on, first of its kind, honors level Health Careers Exploration Program with Westchester Medical.

We will be showcasing all these high-level and innovative applications to the community at large over the next few months. The first of which, you will find via a video linked below in today’s update about North Rockland’s new partnership with Westchester Medical through 4D Motion Technology and all the benefits it brings.

Our students are also given every opportunity to shape themselves into the people they want to become. We believe good character education provides balance in life for adults and young people, and it stresses the importance of helping children learn and practice behaviors that reflect universal ethical values and positivity.

I was reminded of just how successful and conscious learners have become in doing the right thing this week. From the stacks of donations put together by Sherry McGill and her class for the families of East Ramapo who lost everything in a tragic fire to students lining the hallways to clap our our Boys Basketball team as they boarded busses to the final four and our drama society on and behind the stage supporting one another as they put on one of the best performances NR has ever seen, one this is certain – Our schools are fostering leadership values.

In North Rockland we are developing a high level of excellence through challenging academic environments, experiences exclusively offered here and through educators developing self-motivation in students every day.

The 2023-24 budget ensures a 0% tax levy increase for the fourth 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 levy increase for residents.

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.

The PACE Program is our lucky charm! Learners coordinated their green outfits and hats to perform a special St. Patrick's Day musical set for the community (and Maybie!) led by David Azarow at Fieldstone Middle School. May your clovers have leaves of four and your luck last forevermore! Watch their performance.

Last Friday, the faculty of NR gathered for Staff Development Day. Good educators form the foundation of good schools, and improving their skills and knowledge is one of the most important investments a district can make. The more professional development educators get, the more likely students are to succeed. Our staff spent the first half of their day concentrating on training and responsibilities within their respective department, discussing the curriculum, best practices, where they have found success, where they have encountered obstacles and how to overcome those obstacles.

The afternoon was filled with a wide variety of different sessions, ranging from emergency preparedness to technology solutions, which aims to help NR adapt and optimize the class room for the ever changing educational landscape. There were also sessions on de-escalation strategies and the science of stress, so that our staff can be their best selves for the students. More photos.

NR in partnership with our PTA and the Rockland County Sheriff's Office hosted a Gun and School Safety Workshop for students and parents last night at Fieldstone Middle School.

Rockland County Sheriff Lou Falco led his officers and members of the prevention and response team, who went in-depth with families as well as our staff members and leadership on local data on gun violence, types of gun violence, prevention, firearms storage, ways to talk with your children, see something, hear something, say something and other essential training tactics and issues. More Information.

The North Rockland Central School District will be hosting a job fair on Saturday, March 25 at North Rockland High School for various positions. This is a great chance to meet directly with the departments who are hiring and discuss joining the NR Family.

Calling all:

*Teaching Assistants
*Teacher's Aides
*Monitors
*Food Service
*Security Aides
*Building & Grounds
*Office Support

*Nurses

*Substitutes (All positions)

There will be tables set up in the main lobby for candidates to apply, learn more about positions and speak to some of our administrators about the jobs.

**Refreshments will be served**

Please bring:

- A copy of your resume/cover letter if possible.

Please Register by:

- March 17 on FB here or on olas.org.

Stop in, come and go, attendance for the duration of the event is not required. We look forward to meeting you!

Various colleges and universities will be visiting North Rockland High School to provide information sessions for students. These sessions will be great opportunities to connect with admissions representatives and learn about program offerings. Scan the QR codes on the flyer to register to attend the sessions. Flyer link.

Scholarship Bulletin #4 is now available!

After completing the google form application, students will receive an email confirmation. Please keep this for your records.Scholarship recommendation letters from teachers are submitted electronically or dropped at the Campus Life office. NR staff members have access to that information.

It is recommended that you keep a personal record of all the scholarships you have applied to with the confirmation that they were submitted.

Any additional questions, please contact:

• Mrs. O’Sullivan @ posullivan@northrockland.org

• Mrs. Herrmann @ kherrmann@northrockland.org

Budding writers in Rockland high schools are invited to compose and submit a 10-minute play for a competition co-sponsored by two professional theaters, Penguin Rep Theatre and Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. Five plays will then be selected for a public reading by professional actors at Penguin Rep in Stony Point later this spring. This competition is named in honor of the late Stephen H. Grant, a pillar of the community in Rockland County and a long-time member of Penguin’s Board of Trustees. Application link.

During difficult times one thing we can always rely on here in Rockland, is EACH OTHER.

Our NRCSD community is sending thoughts and prayers to our friends in the East Ramapo Central School District When our students heard of the tragic loss the district is dealing with stemming from a house fire last week, they quickly banned NR Together to help. Along with North Rockland High School Educator Sherry McGill, our high schoolers collected clothing, food, toiletries and other essential items for the families who lost everything in the blaze.

Family Resource Coordinators from the East Ramapo School District are currently collecting items to support the families involved. They are asking for size 2 and 4 diapers, socks and underwear for men, women and children, toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, gift cards to Target or Walmart would also be helpful. The donations can be dropped off at the East Ramapo School’s Central Registration office at 105 South Madison Avenue or Spring Valley High School on Route 59. For more information, please call the Family Resource Coordinators at 845-577-6371.

We want to recognize our #NRStrong, selfless students for organizing this collection and their contributions: Javier Viscaino, Ronny Cespedes, Felipe Gaitan Hernandez, Richenna Princivil, Scarlett Llano, AnaLisa Osei, Christin Tacuri-Vasquez, Kylie Fausten, Charlotte Fernandez, Victoria Levasseur, Isabelle Hernandez and Ismaelithe Jean Mary.

NRCSD is proud to share that our outstanding educator Colleen Pine has been chosen to be a part of the National Hockey League Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) program!

She's one of the only 20 nominees across North America chosen for March’s Future Goals MVT! Please visit www.NHL.com/MVT and vote for her to be selected to win a $10,000 donation towards Environmental Sustainability Resources from SAP for our school district.

The poll is open from March 1 - 31 and you can vote once per day. The teacher with the most votes will take home the title and the donation so every vote counts! Vote Now! - www.nhl.com/mvt

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!

Important reminder for the 2023/2024 school year.

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.

Robert DePolito is our #REDRAIDEROFTHEWEEK for an incredible winter Varsity Wrestling season! This year Robert became NRVW's fifth wrestler ever to win 4 county titles. There is a very good chance he would have been NRVW's first ever 5 time county champion if the 2021 county tournament was not canceled due to COVID. Beside winning the county 4 times, Robert was also a 3 time All-Section wrestler and 2 time sectional finalist. He is also a well rounded person, excellent team mate and leader as team captain. Make some noise for Robert!

Dami Modupe is our #LADYRAIDEROFTHEWEEK! Track is a true passion of hers that she has been competing in since seventh grade. "Track has been something that I’ve progressively getting better at since I have started. Some of my best events are 55 meters, 4 by 200 meter relay 4 by 100 meter relay, 100 meter dash and 300 meter dash." Modupe writes in her athletic profile. This season she was the League, County, Section champion in the 55 meter dash and hurdles, the Purple Invitational Champion, and was part of the 4x2 League, County and Section team. Dami is also the 2022-23 state title holder for the 55-meter hurdles. she took home the gold at the The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Indoor Track & Field Championships a few week ago to close out her season. Let's make some noise for Dami!

Watch the game winning basket in overtime as North Rockland took the 57-55 win in an exciting state semifinals game vs. Liverpool in Glens Falls this afternoon. North Rockland Boys Basketball will officially be appearing tomorrow in the State Championship match for the first time in NR Athletics history. Let's make some #REDANDWHITE noise in the comment section for our athletes and coaches! #NRProud! Wish them luck here!

Red and White News

Athletics Update - Spring Sports

1. Fieldstone Spring Sports will start March 20, 2023
   

NR Athletic Online Registration for Spring sports is open.

Our unique online store offers athletic apparel totally dedicated to NR athletics with a share of the sale proceeds going to our dept.

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!!!

"Hi! My name is Little Kitty. I am a golden girl, around 7- 8 years old. Although, I am an old lady, I still have some spice left in me! I am super sweet and love to talk. I love attention and cuddling. I also love a good treat every now and again. If you are interested in adopting me, please go to www.hitor.org and fill out an application."

"Jack is a sweet fun loving happy go lucky type of pupper! He’s energetic smart and loves to play! Jack is in training every weekend and has been doing amazing with his handlers! Jack would love a fenced in yard to show off his zoomies! So far Jack has done great with playful females & even a few playful males here at the shelter. He is very treat motivated and would make a great hiking partner. He is full of life and love just waiting for someone to come scoop him up and give him his forever home! (Jack prefers a home with no cats) - Apply at 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 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 Central School District is seeking candidates for several Teaching Assistant positions for the 2022-2023 school year. These are full-time positions which include a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Valid NYS teaching or teaching assistant certification is required.

Apply now on https://www.olasjobs.org/

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.

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

SCHOOL MENUS

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu

School Breakfast and Lunch Remains FREE in NR!

***Each child is entitled to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch meal per day in NR. No sign up is required.

For the past two years, every student has been eligible for free school meals, regardless of how much their parents made in Rockland County. That program expired at the end of the summer and has created confusion. In North Rockland we are proud to share that all our schools qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Our dedicated Food Service Department has worked to get all our schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the next four years.

- For additional meals students are encouraged to use My School Bucks.

School Meal Sign Up! 🍽️

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.