Community Check-In

Happy spring, North Rockland! Whether you are traveling or remaining close to home next week, I hope you take time to relax and recharge. When we return from Spring Recess (March 28-April 7), NRCSD’s curriculum and programming will work toward a culture of health and wellness.

North Rockland schools are integrating time for movement into curriculum. As a district, we are committed to improving the academic, social-emotional and physical aspects of our students' lives. With the warmer weather upon us, our administrators and teachers are currently developing innovative lessons that provide additional opportunities for all grade levels to be creative and make healthy lifestyle choices. Opportunities for students include outdoor learning, mountain biking, group hikes and nature-based clubs and organizations.

On March 19, student-athletes stepped onto the freshly installed turf of the new Casarella Field at North Rockland High School. The revitalized sports complex is the future home of North Rockland Athletics and junior leagues - and, will become a hub of fitness, sportsmanship and memories for our school community for decades to come.

As our Board of Education continues to fine-tune the 2024-25 proposed school district budget, please know that our fiscal plan enhances current programs and services and sustains social, emotional and wellness supports for all students. The proposed budget ensures a 0% tax levy increase for a FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR - well below New York State's property tax cap of 2%. Our spending plan does NOT include a tax increase for residents.

Just a few days ago, I hosted New York State Senator Peter Harckham, who announced $100,000 in state funding for our district secured through the Local Community Assistance Program. The state dollars will go toward critical improvements to heating and air conditioning at Willow Grove Elementary School. Thanks to Assistant Superintendent for Business Kleo Girandola and her team, we continue to work closely with local elected officials to secure funding that shifts some of the burden away from Haverstraw and Stony Point taxpayers.

Upgrading our facilities, equipment and technology infrastructure to better support learning is at the heart of the NRCSD’s Five-Year Facilities Improvement Plan. Through a series of recent grant awards and prudent spending, we continue to maximize the impact of available resources - always keeping the taxpayer in mind.

Thanks for your continued support and trust in North Rockland. Before you know it you, we will be headed to the homestretch of the 2023-24 school year!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Capital Reserve Fund: Proposition #2

NRCSD will ask voters to approve a proposition to direct fund balances to a new 2024 Capital Reserve Line. The creation of this reserve fund will allow the District to make facilities improvements at no additional cost to taxpayers, subject to voter approval. Improvements will be outlined in the District’s Five-Year Facilities Improvement Plan. The district will receive state aid of 75-80% on all money used from this fund. If approved by voters, the reserve fund will be in place for 15 years and will be capped at $60 million.

View the March 19, 2024 Budget Presentation Linked Here.

Upcoming Budget Presentation Dates

**LOCATION CHANGE TO NRHS: April 9, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update/Public Input**

April 16, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Adoption of Budget

May 7, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Public Hearing/Final Budget

May 21, 2024 Budget Vote

NRCSD Alumni Evan has elevated enjoying the historic scenery at Stony Point Town Hall for all seasons. For his recent Eagle Scout service project, Gabari built a beaming wooden pavilion with six supports and roofing, leveled the area's concrete floor and resurfaced and repaired the masonry of the outer walls for patrons to enjoy, complete with a freshly power-washed picnic table. He shared he used the engineering concepts he learned during his time as an NRHS honor student on the technology track in the pavilion’s design to shield the restored structure and provide shade and weather protection. The outdoor space is already being used by employees for work breaks, by residents for social gatherings and has helped further beautify the cherished property. Stony Point Town Supervisor Jim Monaghan and town board members recently recognized Evan for the skill and care put into the project and shared that they have been utilizing the structure for spring meetings. They also plan to use the pavilion frequently for a multitude of town gatherings. Gabari was awarded for his dedication last month during the Eagle Court of Honor at the Haverstraw Elks Lodge 877. For his thoughtfulness, hard work, community-centered attitude and the difference he has made, we are NR Proud to share that he is our #RedRaiderRecognition! Send A Shoutout Here.

Thank you to New York State Senator Pete Harckham, who was able to secure a grant through the Local Community Assistance Program to upgrade Willow Grove Elementary. A comfortable classroom environment promotes concentration, productivity and overall well-being among students. Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello mirrored this sentiment when he said “The $100,000 in state funding for significant upgrades to Willow Grove's heating, ventilation and air conditioning will create a safer, more energy-efficient environment for students and staff: good for education, working and for the environment. North Rockland students and employees, as well as our taxpayers, are beyond grateful for the unwavering support of Senator Harckham.”

Full story feature in Mid Hudson News.

It was an honor for the NHRS’ Marching Band and Color Guard to be a part of the parade St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Pearl River. The Marching Band has grown a strong reputation in the community and represented us well! There was an extra burst of cheers as they played every note and marched every step with purpose. Full Story/More Photos.

NRCSD lower elementary schools hosted professionals from the dental field to discuss oral hygiene. Educating our students on dental hygiene early on can build lifelong healthy habits. Representatives from Sun River Health created fun and interactive ways to educate the students while teaching them healthy habits. The songs and dances about brushing techniques and flossing were a hit, but the fan favorite was the mascot! Full Story/More Photos.

The March NRCSD Gallery 65 Exhibition theme “Dream in Art” combines free-hand techniques and pure imagination. Upper elementary schooler's watercolor, shading and pointillism talents were on full display at the latest installation at the Administration Building. The collection by grades 4-6 was inspired by not only texture and depth but all the little aspects of life. Opening night reception guests shared that the pieces where small, distinct patterns of color optically blended to seamlessly form a larger image really spoke to them. Just like in life, when you step back and focus on the whole picture, you might be surprised by what you see. Full Story/More Photos.

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21. To mark the occasion in a fun and vibrant way students across North Rockland wore crazy or mismatched socks to school to show their support for peers. At Farley Elementary, learners took the advocacy initiative a step further, creating bulletin boards and decorating hallways to raise awareness, promote inclusion and celebrate #NRTogether. Worldwide and in NR Schools we recognize the unique abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome! Full Story/More Photos.

Liam Lin is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Liam is a freshman at North Rockland High School on the wrestling team. He is a first-year wrestler who competed on the varsity team in the 101 weight class. In the #SectionOne Wrestling Championship, he upset the number 1 seed in the quarterfinal then lost his semi-final. He won his next two to finish 3rd in the Section. He was 4-1 on the day. Overall, Liam had a great season with a final record of 19-5. His coach said, “Liam is great to coach and I’m looking forward to seeing his progression in the next couple of years.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Liam!

Miranda Duran is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Miranda is a senior at North Rockland High School and a manager for both the football and boys lacrosse teams. Miranda started working in the Athletics office her sophomore year helping out Ms. Sydnor, the Athletic Secretary with clerical work, going over schedules, labeling mailboxes, and assisting anyone in the office. Ms. Sydnor spoke about her great work ethic to Coach Rose and he asked Miranda if she would be interested in becoming the manager of the team her junior year. She accepted and ever since then has helped with doing the stats on the field, scheduling, and so much more. This year she became another manager for the football team doing filming, promotional work, and water on the sidelines. Ms. Sydnor said, “She’s a good kid who is a huge part of this school and I’m so proud of what she does to help our Raiders. She deserves to be recognized because she works so hard and I see her doing great things in the future.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Miranda!

The NY Giants and Section One held a "Girls Flag Football Jamboree" at Somers High School with clinics on their turf alongside New York Giants players Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Wide Reciever), Daniel Jones (Quarterback) and Jalin Hyatt (Wide Receiver). NR Girls Flag Football alongside fellow Section One teams listened to a panel from "Women in Sports" from women who work for the NY Giants. Our Lady Raiders went from station to station practicing different drills and gaining tips and tricks from various coaches and the NFL players. Full Story/More Photos.

Varsity:

Girls Lacrosse Scrimmage vs. Pelham

Monday, March 25 at 4:30 PM

Girls Golf vs. Pearl River

Wednesday, March 27 at 4:00 PM (Rotella)

Boys Lacrosse vs. Arlington

Thursday, March 28 at 5:00 PM

Boys Golf vs. Spring Valley

Thursday, March 28 at 3:15 PM (Rotella)

Softball Multi Team Scrimmage

Friday, March 29 at TBD at Town of Haverstraw Turf

Softball Multi Team Scrimmage

Saturday, March 30 at TBD at Town of Haverstraw Turf

Baseball vs. Walton

Saturday. March 30 at 12:00 PM

JV:

Girls Lacrosse Scrimmage vs. Pelham

Monday, March 25 at 4:30 PM at Town of Haverstraw Turf

Softball Scrimmage vs. IHA

Thursday, March 28 at 4:15 PM

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.