December 10, 2021

Hello North Rockland Families,

Week one of our Holiday Performances, food, toy and coat drives for our community, Winter Boutique and other spectacularly special events were an incredible success!

In addition to taking part in frosty curriculum, concerts and donation collections I'm proud to share that our students have been taking charge and getting themselves out there by volunteering. Caroling at town ceremonies, assisting in Toys for Tots collections and placing wreaths on the tombstones of our local veterans are just some of the actions learners have taken to help spread joy. It's part of North Rockland's family culture and dynamic to care about one another, especially this time of year. Seeing so many of our students taking up initiatives that will better this season for so many in our community is not only noble, it's inspiring.

Our wonderful students have clearly made it their mission to fulfill as many wishes as possible this holiday season. If you have not already please join us in making these wishes come true and adding to the magic of the holidays by donating to our various drives hosted at our school buildings.

The Red Raiders deeply thank everyone who has contributed to NRCSD's Holiday Helping Hands drives thus far. The generous outpouring of support has solidified what we already knew, that the one thing we can always count on here in North Rockland is each other!

In light of the recent tragedy in Michigan and threats that have been made Nationally through social media outlets such as "SnapChat" we ask that you speak to your children about the importance of reporting concerning information to an adult. North Rockland Central School District takes any threat very seriously. The District partners with our local police departments to thoroughly investigate whenever information of this nature is brought forward. It is also important for students to understand that when threats of violence are made, even if they are made in jest, there will be serious consequences.

Look at all we have accomplished together as a community this year. Regardless of the challenges that have been presented we have remained united in our goals. With your help we continue to have and build a safe and caring school environment in which students feel they can connect positively, are respected, supported and included. So much more is possible with kindness. We are all one in NR.

Here in the World Languages Department we are already getting excited about the New Year! Why is that you ask?

It's because we are already looking forward to seeing which language your sixth grader will choose to begin exploring in 7th grade.

We can't wait to meet your future 7th grader and guide them in their language learning journey. Check out this quick video to kick start your child's language learning experience right now!

Watch my video here, to see how to download and create a Duolingo account, Duolingo is free, fun and downloadable right to your phones.

When selecting your language to keep in mind we offer Spanish, French, Italian and American Sign Language here in North Rockland. Have Fun!

Academy learners are really having a blast this year. It's been so fun navigating our virtual school's first year by growing, adapting, and excelling academically and emotionally #NRTogether!

Throughout the first semester the Academy's online classes have helped to limit sensory overload for certain learners, let them re-watch lessons if needed, and provided opportunities for deep dives into their evolving interests -- all during regular school hours like their in person peers, which is when students are most productive. Many of them have discovered they can better focus on their education and extracurricular activities. We are so proud to be able to offer this remote option to the students and families of NRCSD!

Enrollment Announcement

If you're interested in obtaining information about enrolling your child for the second semester please email Principal Jim Mulligan - jmulligan@northrockland.org. The District will be accepting new students who are interested in February 2022.

December 15

TES

Winter Wonderland at Thiells Elementary School 5 - 6PM

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December 16

SPE & FES

Winter Wonderland at Farley Elementary School 5:30 - 6:30PM

December 22

HES & WHES

Winter Wonderland at Haverstraw Elementary School 5:30 - 6:30PM

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NRCSD students have made it their mission this to fulfill as many wishes as possible this holiday season by giving back, volunteering and supporting our community.

45 North Rockland NJROTC Cadets attended the US Military Academy at West Point, NY for the “Wreaths Across America” event on December 4, 2021.

Our cadets served as the Color Guard for the opening ceremony and then proceeded to carefully and thoughtfully place hundreds of commemorative wreaths on the graves of veterans, ensuring no hero if forgotten during this time of year.

Simultaneously that very same day, cadets tirelessly assisted the Marine Corps League Rockland County Detachment with their annual Toys for Tots collection at the Palisades Mall.

“It was a busy day for the North Rockland NJROTC... we were very engaged in helping the community” said cadet Brandon Rivera, unit Commanding Officer.

We are so proud to see these Red Raiders being so selfless NR Strong and NR Together!

Kudos to our wonderful and talented 3rd grade chorus at Stony Point Elementary School, who did their best to spread Christmas and holiday cheer by singing LOUD and NR Proud for all to hear!

Led by SPES music teacher Mr. Flores, our students were honored to join Town of Stony Point, New York Supervisor Jim Monaghan, Rudolph, Snoopy and Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Kirkbride Hall to open the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It was a joyous night celebrating and being merry NR Together!

It's no surprise that the Red Raiders took 4 of the 5 spots in the Journal News/lohud Fab 5!

Congratulations to North Rockland student bowling athletes: Victoria Jaslow, Ashley Puleo, Gianna Varano & Victoria Varano. They all worked hard to be the best and this recognition for their performance, talent, and projected development is well deserved.

Learn more about what makes these fierce ladies fabulous linked here

Just like the girls, the boys NR bowling athlete's took multiple spots on in the Journal News/lohud Fab 5!

Congratulations to student athletes: Dylan Bulusan, Kyle Murray, and Mikael Najarro on securing 3 of the 5 top spots and Emmanuel Ros on being named to the others to watch list.

Learn more about what makes these NRStrong competitors fabulous linked here

The NR Athletics Department wanted to offer a way for everyone to have access to purchase our Athletics apparel and support our Red Raiders. The Athletics Department is proud to offer a unique online store that offers a variety of athletic apparel with a portion of each sales proceeds going towards funding programs, equipment and more for athletes. Even shipping is available so please check it out. We appreciate you helping us get the store off the ground. After all who doesn't love sporting red and white for the holidays?!

NR Athletics Online Store link - NOW OPEN!!!

• For more info on Athletics visit the NR Athletics homepage linked here.

• Be sure to follow our Twitter @NRockathletics for all the latest sports action!

LocalLive

Want to watch remotely? No problem! The District has continued to partner with LocalLive, allowing most of our athletic contests to be live-streamed and recorded. Missed a game this week? Watch it on our LocalLive channel by clicking here.

This holiday season the Red Raider challenge you to help them in their mission to better care for our environment! For every live or faux Christmas tree purchased this year let's plant a new tree in it's place. simply cut one of the live tree's branches and follow the steps below to grow a new tree.

HOW TO PLANT A CHRISTMAS TREE FROM CUTTINGS:

1. To propagate your Christmas tree, get a branch shortly after you cut down your tree and no more than a few days later.
2. For best results, try this with several stems since not all will successfully develop roots.
3. Using shears, cut a branch that is about 6-10 inches long and has the thickness of a pencil.
4. Remove needles from the bottom half of the stem.
5. Fill a pot with potting soil and moisten so that it’s damp to the touch. Then make a small hole in the soil.
6. Cut a few vertical slits into the bottom of the branch, then dip into water and fertilizer if avail. Finally, push the stem into the soil.
7. Put the pot in a sheltered location without too much sunlight.
8. Lightly mist the needles with water a few times a day. Only water it if the soil is dry to the touch.
9. Continue spritzing the needles and tending the soil as the roots develop. Roots take roughly three months to form.
10. Once roots have developed, move the tree to a larger container with potting soil and add a little fertilizer. The young tree should be large enough to move outdoors after a few months.

Quarantine requirements/procedures

For fully vaccinated individuals there is no quarantine requirement. It is considered a direct exposure if an individual is within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period unless they experience symptoms.

*One exception that NYS has made to this rule: Students who are spaced at a distance of 3 feet in their classrooms and who have properly fitted masks are not considered a direct contact if a positive student is also wearing a properly fitted mask.

Distancing

• Students are asked to keep the appropriate distance when moving through hallways when possible.

• Students will continue travel this year at all grades to specials, lunch, etc.

• Students are spaced at a distance of 3 feet or more feet in their classrooms.

• Students who are singing and/or playing a wind instrument must distance 6 feet when performing indoors.

• Physical education classes will be held outside whenever possible. Students who have appropriate gear will not be required to change for class.

• When waiting in lines students and staff are distanced at 6 feet when possible.

• While there is no distancing requirement on school buses, masks must be worn at all times to limit quarantines and exposures.

Mealtime Procedures

• The distribution process allows students to remain distanced at 3-6 feet when meals are distributed.

• Students will continue to eat outdoors whenever possible.

• When students are eating indoors they are distanced at 3 feet or more. This is however not always possible and may results in quarantines.

• Schools continue utilizing seating charts and limit those who are within 3 feet of each other to reduce quarantine requirements.

• Playground equipment and “lunchtime fun” items are rigorously disinfected throughout the day.

• Recess will continue to be held daily and students are encouraged to safely play with their classmates.

Preventative Measures

• We remind students and staff that they should not attend school if they are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea

• Handwashing and proper hygiene is required. Signage is displayed throughout the buildings and students will be reminded of proper handwashing techniques.

• One flow of traffic in hallways is encouraged whenever possible.

• Bathrooms will remain at limited capacity and be sanitized periodically throughout the school day.

Facilities

• Airflow has been tested, improved, and continuously monitored throughout the school year.

• All District air filters are at merv15 which is above the OSHA requirement of merv13.

• Windows will be opened frequently to increase airflow.

• Increased disinfection protocols are being practiced, particularly in high-traffic areas.

• Disinfection wipes are available for all classrooms.

• Deep cleaning protocols were enacted in areas where an infected individual was located.

• Air filtration devices have been placed in large spaces and classrooms that have limited windows.

FAQ's

What is the District's face covering policy for the 2021-22 school year?

Masks are required for all students and staff at all times indoors except for mealtime and during mask breaks as is required by NYS and Governor Hochul.

What are the safety procedures regarding positive cases and quarantining?

Currently, vaccinated individuals and those who have been COVID-19 positive within the last 3 months (90 days) are not required to quarantine as long as they are non-symptomatic.

Unvaccinated individuals who have been in close contact (six feet or less) with an infected individual for more than 10 minutes within a 24 hour period are required to quarantine.

“Added recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, regardless of whether they have symptoms.”

Guidance link

Will remote days or a hybrid learning model be an option?

The District currently has no plans to offer a hybrid model. North Rockland will continue to be open for full-day schooling five days a week. The remote option is available and enrollment is open for families who choose to sign up for remote learning.

Will the District require vaccination or vaccination status disclosure?

No. The District is not requiring children to be vaccinated or disclosure of vaccination status to attend school. We encourage all those who are eligible to get vaccinated. Please find current vaccination appointments and back-to-school wellness information below under Health. Students who have direct exposure to a positive individual may be asked to disclose their vaccination status to determine if they need to quarantine.

Protocols be regarding social distancing and classroom capacity?

Distancing: The District has distanced students and staff three feet or more whenever possible.

Classroom capacity: The District has implemented smaller class sizes to help spread students and allow our teachers to provide more individual attention to our students.

Can virtual learners continue to have full access to all classes?

We have found simultaneous teaching to be a challenge that should be utilized if no other logical option is available. Therefore, students who wish to enroll in our remote academy will access school with a specialized remote teacher and not be participating in classes with in-person students. In-person students will be required to attend school in-person to participate in daily lessons.

What if my child is required to quarantine due to exposure at school?

Instructors have been secured who will be providing live instruction and support students who are required to quarantine.

• NRHS students are able to receive their work via Google Classroom and work with teachers as part of 3-5 program.

• Middle school students follow the same model as the high school and teachers available for addition support if needed by reaching out to their school counselors.

• Elementary school students will be assigned to a quarantine teacher that will provide live instruction via Google Meets.

What parts of my child's day cause the highest risk of being placed on quarantine?

Most student quarantines have been a result of a direct contact on the bus or during meal time.

If I choose remote instruction for my child, will there be an option later on for in-person if we desire?

Parents who enroll their child in the Remote Academy will be committed to that program for the entire second semester. If you are intersted in finding out more information regarding the Remote Academy please email the principal Mr. James Mulligan at jmulligan@northrockland.org

District Events, Trips and Parents Protocols

At NRCSD we price ourselves on our community and in person events and will continue to hold them as often as we can safely do so. Field trips are allowed and we are working closely with the Field Trips Team to provide valuable authentic trips throughout the rest of the school year, which students can safely participate in.

Parents and Events

Masks are required indoors and at all indoor school events. Mask breaks are allowed outdoors and mask wearing outdoors is not required but urged at your own discretion. Please remember that people have varied comfort levels in regards to the methods of COVID-19 safety protocols, masks, and procedure to please be sure to respectful of everyone when in attendance.

Travel

When traveling out of state - while there are no longer travel restrictions when you are traveling and celebrating this holiday season please be cognizant of distancing, masking, and testing. Let's all be mindful and considerate of our North Rockland community together this holiday season. The CDC announced today that effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one (1) day before travel to the United States. All employees will be expected to take this into consideration when making any international travel arrangements so that you will be able to return to work when scheduled.

This year has been particularly hard for many families, and the need in our communities is greater than ever. We are making it our mission to fulfill as many wishes as possible this holiday season. Please join us in making these wishes come true and adding to the magic of the holidays by donating to our Holiday Helping Hands drives hosted at our school buildings.

Fieldstone Middle School Drives linked here

North Rockland High School Drives linked here

North Rockland High School Extension Drives linked here

Haverstraw Elementary School Drives linked here

West Haverstraw Elementary School Drives linked here

Farley Elementary School Drives linked here

Willow Grove Elementary School Drives linked here

Pasos para traducir esta actualización

On November 2, 2021, following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization (EUA) on October 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP’s) recommendation for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This is the first authorized vaccine to be permitted for use in this age group. All children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a two-dose primary series of the pediatric formulation Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. Parents or guardians with questions about the vaccine are encouraged to talk to their child’s pediatrician or another trusted healthcare provider.

NYSDOH Pediatric Vaccine Guidance linked here.

Upcoming Rockland County Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics that will offer Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric doses for 5- to 11-year-olds.

To make an appointment at an RCDOH clinic, visit http://rcklnd.us/covid19. Appointments are strongly encouraged. You may walk into any clinic without an appointment, but you may need to wait. See the attached for more details.

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the RCDOH Clinic, click here.

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is participating in New York State’s #VaxToSchool campaign! Starting October 19th, youth ages 12 to 17 will get a gift card with a first and/or second COVID-19 vaccine at a RCDOH COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Sun River has informed us that they are providing immunizations, COVID-19 vaccinations, physicals, and child health insurance assistance. All of these services are available for #NRCSD students and school community members. To make an appointment, please call (845) 659-2436 or visit https://www.sunriver.org/.

Project Hope

Free emotional-support service offered by NYS

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**Visit the New York State Am I Eligible webpage or Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine near you. For questions, more information, or if you need assistance scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call 845-238-1956 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

NR Weekly Positive Case Report

***NRCSD continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all health and safety protocols are working effectively. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to make sure all safety protocols are followed at all times—in and out of school— so we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We must work together in partnership—schools, families, and students—and be mindful of the great responsibility we all have to protect ourselves and those around us. This virus can be present without any symptoms. That fact alone can lead to the unintentional infection of others.

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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 $109 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.