Community Check-In

Our end of the year events and activities are underway NR Strong!

Just like the 2022-23 school year, 2023-24 promises to be a GREAT year full of innovation, exploration, expansion and new opportunities in NRCSD. Please click the link here or on the video below to view this week's Superintendent's Message.

North Rockland’s Academy of Education and Leadership is a program of study for students in grades 11-12 who wish to broaden their knowledge in the field of education and leadership. This program is designed to give students an authentic look at the rigors of teaching while providing students with fundamental teaching practices and communication skills. Students will take their first step on the path to becoming an educator.

The North Rockland High School Academy of Education and Leadership is looking for partnering companies and organizations to provide summer and after-school employment or internship opportunities for North Rockland students. The students have excellent academic and interpersonal skills that could benefit any employer. Have a student intern start that project you never have time to get to! For additional information, please contact Laura Green at lgreen@northrockland.org.

Be on the lookout for the 2023-24 Budget Newsletter mailer arriving in all residents mailboxes this week!

The Board of Education and Administration, District and Superintendent have a shared goal to provide our students with an exemplary educational experience, while controlling taxes for our community. We understand the fiscal challenges that living in Rockland County pose which is why they are collaboratively working to ensure the amount of money we ask from our tax payers does not increase for the fourth consecutive year. The latest 2023-24 school budget presentation can be found linked here.

Budget Highlights:

1. The BOE of Education has indicated the 2023-24 budget will NOT include an increase in our tax levy for the fourth consecutive year.

2. Expanded high-level programs and services customized for every learner.

3. Upgrades will be accomplished without asking the taxpayers for any additional funds. The District will utilize funds awarded through grants and secured through state aid.

Specifics on the projects will be forthcoming stay tuned!

We are thankful that North Rockland Board of Education trustee Debbie Gatti shares her passion for education, specialized programing and her community with our school community!

Her Friday Fact for our students is: Every student can learn, just not in the same day and not in the same way.

“My municipal budgeting experience and understanding of municipal finance has helped me navigate our budget. Having relationships with our state leaders has provided North Rockland a lens into what’s really going on. It’s allowed us to determine how the changes at the state level will affect us locally” The longtime board member and North Rockland graduate explained. “We will continue to put what is best for children first. The district will continue to change, grow and provide excellent opportunities for our kids.”

Debbie believes that every child is capable of learning no matter their circumstances and works tirelessly to ensure every student has every opportunity to excel to their full potential. She is truly a voice for our District in Albany and Washington and remains active in advocacy efforts on both the state and federal levels.

Gatti was first elected to Board in 2005 and currently serves as Trustee. She previously worked for 13 years as Village Clerk for the Village of Haverstraw, is a former President of the Rockland County School Boards Association, former President of the Haverstraw-Stony Point School Board of Education and Haverstraw-Stony Point PTA Council President. All her children are graduates of NR.

Presently she serves as the Vice President of the Rockland BOCES Board and as a member of the Rockland County School Boards Association. Each of these organizations supports our learners’ needs through specialized programs, opportunities and assistance for better education. Thank you for your dedication!

We are thankful that North Rockland Board of Education trustee Mary Romano shares her passion for education, trades and her community with our school community!

Her thoughts for our students is: The pathway to success can take many routes!

“Our best accomplishment is keeping our District completely community-centered.” Mary, a longtime board member and Stony Point resident, explained,”I love my community. It’s truly a team effort to ensure our students are not only educationally, but socially prepared to enter society and the workforce confidently.”

Mary is completely dedicated to supporting students' choices about their futures. College isn't the only option for success. She is a DRIVING FORCE in ensuring ALL NRCSD students have access to experiencing and applying for trade schools, apprenticeships, service, union work or exploring other options. Learners in our district are afforded every opportunity when it comes to educational standards thanks to her advocacy at the state and local level.

Romano was first elected to the North Rockland Board in 2009. In addition to serving on our BOE, she has always been very involved in NR, working locally, volunteering and serving on the St. Greg’s Cornerstone Committee and as a Cub Scout Leader for many years. Before joining the BOE, she was active on the District’s PTA, serving as president and on the council for many years while all four of her children are graduated from North Rockland Central School District. Thank you for your dedication!

NRCSD is excited to announce that Edcamp Rockland (the unconference) will be held on June 3, 2023 at Fieldstone Middle School from 9:30 am - 1 pm. This year's theme is "Educators are ONE-IN A-MELON!" All interested Rockland educators and beyond are invited to attend the free day of collaborative shared educational experiences for K-12 teachers led by teachers.

• 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.

Join us on Saturday, June 3rd for an exciting, shared learning experience!

To register for Edcamp Rockland visit our Eventbrite page.

NRCSD Honor Flight

Run, Skip, Walk-A-Thon!

Help us support and honor local veterans!

Our mission is one of gratitude. For their service, sacrifice and selflessness. Join us as we proudly celebrate and raise funds for Hudson Valley's Veterans day of honor in our nation’s capital. From May 1-12 all K-12 PE classes will start running, skipping and walking laps to "Help a veteran get a flight” to Washington D.C. on May 20, 2023.

We are asking our school community and parents to sponsor students PE laps to support our local veterans on www.mybooster.com. You can donate per lap or do a flat donation. You can register on the Booster website. Thank you in advance for your donation!

Please nominate ANY U.S. Veteran from any branch of the military on www.hvhonorflight.com.

NRHS students will be joining vets May 20 at Westchester Airport to send them off with handwritten letters to share in D.C.

Let’s give them a flight to remember #NRTogether and #NRStrong!

This week is Teacher Appreciation week! Our students and new teachers helped us put together this video to not only show our appreciation for the outstanding educators across NRCSD but as a tribute to all of those making a difference. Because of a teacher North Rockland is able to change the lives of countless students. Because of a teacher we are able to share the success stories of the past to inspire the future of education. And because of a teacher we are raising the next generation of teachers.

What have you accomplished because of a teacher? Remember those who encouraged your love of learning, have advocated for you, championed your career. Share with us here!

In an educational setting and especially in NR, our “Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.”

School Nurses perform a specialized practice of nursing that protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development and advances academic success. They have a critical role in bridging health care and education, providing and advocating for quality student-centered care and helping students and their families get access to health insurance.

Their reach extends beyond school buildings walls as they coordinate care by communicating between the family and health care providers and customize services to fit the needs of every child. NR Nurses important work also includes administering preventive and screening services, physicals, health education, assistance with health decision-making, immunization against preventable diseases, constant care and endless support. Not only are our nurses tops in their field, they are kind and compassionate and they are loved by the children of the district they serve.

Anytime, Anywhere we need them, these lovely individuals ALWAYS help us NR Together and NR Strong! We appreciate you. Thank you all for all you do and for being you!

Four local high school students will have their new plays read on May 30 by professional actors as part of the Stephen H. Grant Student Playwrights Festival conducted by Penguin Rep Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. The event, featuring the readings of four 10-minute plays followed by a discussion with the young writers, honors the memory of the late long-time Penguin Rep board member and Rockland County civic leader, Stephen H. Grant.

Among the students feted our very own NRHS student Emersen Armida! Her play will be read by professional actors, Craig Anthony Bannister, Amelia Fowler, Josh Tyson, Wesli Spenser, Elise Stone, Zoe Watkins, and Myla Zimbler in front of a live audience. In addition to the readings, her playwright will be awarded a certificate acknowledging her artistic accomplishment, a monetary stipend, and a copy of the how-to book Playwriting for Dummies written by Penguin Literary Manager, Angelo Parra. In addition, each of the students’ high schools will receive a copy of this resource for the school library.

This event, co-sponsored by Orange and Rockland Utilities, takes place on Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at Penguin Rep Theatre, 7 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, and includes light refreshments. Admission is free but reservations are required (845-786-2873).

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.

New York State Testing

The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Tests will be administered to students over the next several months. These tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction. Below you will find testing date information:

Upcoming Dates:

1. Grade 8 Science: May 31st - June 1st & June 5th

Please read the full letter on testing from Dr. Felicello linked here.

As the American Cancer Society’s childhood cancer initiative, Gold Together empowers individuals to help raise funds to directly support research, education, advocacy, and services, as well as promote cancer prevention efforts that could reduce children’s risk for cancer later in life. Jelien celebrated as a 7yr old on April 16, 2023 her 2nd year being cancer free! She has also continued doing fundraisers.

Michael Doret is our #REDRAIDEROFTHEWEEK! Micheal is a senior serving up shots on the North Rockland Unified Basketball Team. He is very dedicated to the team and encourages everyone on and off the court every chance he gets. His coach shared that "He demonstrated great sportsmanship and looked to get all his teammates involved in a big win against Hendrick Hudson on Monday." Not only does this #REDRAIDER take pride in his love for the game, he make his teammates better through his sheer determination and drive. It is for all these reasons that he is our Red Raider to watch this week. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITE noise for Michael!

Jillian Fullick is #LADYRAIDEROFTHEWEEK! The senior midfielder scored 13 times as the Red Raiders won two of three games last week. Playing on the circle, she also secured 10 draw controls and 8 forced turnovers. The Varsity team captain, who runs midfield, was a selected as section 1 pre season player to watch. She is coming off an all league and all section (HM) award junior year for lacrosse and all league as team captain for our varsity Field Hockey team. In addition to her accomplishments on the field, character and good sportsmanship, Jillian is also a member of numerous honor societies, posts a 4.0 GPA (Top 5% in the Class of 2023) and will attend the University of Georgia in the fall. She leads NR into post season play as the #2 seed, starting next week. It is for all these reasons that she is our Red Raider to watch this week. Let's make some #REDANDWHITE noise for Jillian!

Athletics Update

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

NORTH ROCKLAND ATHLETICS

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS (MODIFIED GRADES 7-8)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS- GRADES 9-12

JULY 21, 2023 ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FOR FALL SPORTS

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/

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

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!!!

Meet Kya

Kya is less than 2 years old, she’s an absolute LOVEBUG! She needs a minute to warm up to people but has lived with children and did great with another dog! She would benefit from a home that has Husky experience and definitely would love a brother to play with daily. Kya, as most huskies, do have a higher prey drive, so she would not do well with cats or any type of livestock or small critters. She’s sweet, fun, loving and loves long walks. If you are interested in adopting Kya, please go to www.hitor.org to fill out an adoption application.

Meet Mary Ellen!

Mary Ellen is as cute as can be! She is about 14 years old, so she definitely is an old soul. If you’re looking for a cuddle bug that follows you everywhere, Mary Ellen is your girl! She loves to hang around your neck and get all the love and scratches you could possibly give her! She is a cat that will be your best friend for life. If you are interested in adopting her, please go to www.hitor.org to fill out an application.