December 17, 2021

Hello North Rockland Families,

Season's greetings and happy holidays!

I would like to remind everyone that next week there is no school on Friday, December 24, 2021, as we begin our Winter Break, and buildings will reopen for classes on January 3, 2022. On behalf on the North Rockland Board of Education and Administration, we wish everyone in our school community a wonderful season of celebration, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Las Posadas, Happy Kwanza and a Peaceful and Joyous New Year.

One phrase can sum up this incredible week and the unprecedented first part of the year - NR Strong! The last few days have been filled with family, community, kindness, giving, teamwork and collaborative festive celebrations at North Rockland. Our holiday concerts, Winter Wonderland Spectaculars, toy drives and wondrous events were all an incredible success. While attending the various spectacles I was reminded that the spirit of this season is something you feel. Next week we will continue with our final round of events, performances and spectaculars to close out 2021 NR Together.

As we say goodbye to 2021 and prepare to begin 2022 we ask for patience, understanding and support given the unique circumstances we are facing. The North Rockland School District's plan is for all our schools to remain open (we will not be transitioning to virtual learning at this time), however due to the rise in cases in our area we are temporarily limiting indoor in-person events. Effective Monday December 20, the District will be limiting spectators at athletic contests. Each NR athlete will have the opportunity to invite two guests at each of their home contests. In an effort to reduce any further disruptions as our COVID-19 case numbers align with the current national upwards trend during the colder months, I want to remind everyone of the importance of keeping your children home if they are sick or exhibit symptoms of being sick.

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Wearing a mask, hand washing, making good decisions and keeping children home if they may be sick or have been exposed is essential, crucial and vital to the success of in-person instruction. Our custodial team is constantly, rigorously and carefully cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, high traffic areas, and high contact points daily to further reduce any risk of infection.

When we return the District will also be providing opportunities for families to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing on-site in our schools in an effort to make the winter months as convenient and stress free as possible for our students, staff, and families. More information regarding the scheduling process with be forthcoming.

As always the health and safety of students and staff is and remains our top priority. We truly appreciate and thank you for continuing to follow the guidance and helping to keep our school community healthy for all.

NRCSD also remains committed to providing our families with the choice of in-person or remote learning for the remainder of the school year. The District's Remote Academy is open for enrollment to all grade levels for the second semester. Please utilize this option if it makes more sense for your children at this time. As of now, we are expediting the process for families who wish to enroll in the academy. Registration instructions can be found in the Important Information section of today’s update. To better accommodate those in our community who wish to register, we are implementing the option to return to in-person schooling this spring for all remote learners. The deadline for enrollment for the second semester is January 14, 2022.

The North Rockland Central School District has been monitoring the nationwide rise in school threats made on social media platforms. In response to the recent uptick, schools have been experiencing since September, we have assembled and established a Threat Assessment Team that works closely with our local police departments to determine the credibility of such instances, the proper precautions or actions to take, and a both swift and effective communication plan to families. With the partnership of the Haverstraw and Stony Point police Departments we have prepared emergency action plans and have them in place to prevent any harm to our students or staff and maintain a safe and secure learning environment.

As we enter the new year, we will continue to provide updates regularly and while we expect 2022 will bring with it some new challenges, I am confident that our NRCSD family is prepared and will get through whatever new hurdles come our way, because we are stronger together.

Enjoy your break, rest and rejuvenate, and we will see you all next year!

The North Rockland Central School District is dismissing students on a minimum day schedule on Thursday, December 23 to test our Emergency Response Drill. This drill is only a test. New York State regulations require each school district to test its emergency preparedness procedures.

On December 23rd there will be no Group Home Instruction (3-5PM) or PM BOCES at the High School, no district-wide after school activities or YMCA After-School Program. There will be no alarms, special instructions or other activities for the children that day. Therefore, it is important for parents to make whatever arrangements are necessary for youngsters in light of the early dismissal.

• There will be no activity buses that day for high school students who may opt to return to the school, after the drill, for interscholastic activities.

• In compliance with the drill, no office or school telephones will be answered after 3:30PM that day.

North Rockland High School dismissing at 1:51PM.

Fieldstone Middle School dismissing at 2:31PM.

James A. Farley, Haverstraw and Willow Grove Elementary Schools dismissing at 3:06PM.

Stony Point, Thiells and West Haverstraw Elementary Schools dismissing at 3:29PM.

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 Deadline Announcement

If you're interested in enrolling your child for the second semester please email Principal Jim Mulligan - jmulligan@northrockland.org. The deadline for enrollment for the second semester is January 14, 2022.

The District is adjusting the time commitment for all students who enrolled in the Remote Academy . Families can choose to either stay with the Remote Academy for the entire year or return to in-person schooling after the District's Spring Recess.

Symptoms of Covid 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

Students will be sent home for any one of the above symptoms, and will not be permitted to return without a negative Covid test or a letter from their Healthcare provider stating an alternative diagnosis. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated students.

Please do not send your child to school if you are awaiting the results of a PCR Covid test. Students should remain home until results are received.

If your child has been exposed, or has tested positive, please let their school know as soon as possible.

If your child has tested positive, they will need a clearance note from their Healthcare Provider in order to return to school after their isolation period is over. A follow up negative test, or release letter from the Department of Health is not acceptable.

If your child is fully vaccinated (greater than 2 weeks after their second vaccine), they are not required to quarantine if they are exposed to Covid. However, please continue to monitor them closely for symptoms. If any symptoms develop, please keep them home and follow up with their Healthcare Provider.

Please remind your children to follow safety protocols in school, which include mask wearing and social distancing.

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!

December 22

HES & WHES

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

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Rockin' around #NRCSD

Welcome to the next Winter Wonderland hop

Twinkling lights hung for all to see

Even Santa and the Grinch had to stop

Rockin' around NRCSD

We sure let our school spirit ring

Later we'll sip some hot cocoa

After a night full of caroling

We all got a sentimental feeling as we steered

Through the #SPE and #FES joint jolly

Where rows of cars were decked

With boughs of holly

Rockin' around NRCSD

Have a happy holiday

We all celebrated tonight #NRMerrily

In the new old-fashioned way!

There was so much to see, that we made sure to drive through Farley and Stony Point Elementary's joined drive through #WinterWonderland extravaganza slow. Learners shared happy, healthy, holiday wishes, warm waves, cheerful smiles and laughter with principals, teachers, friends and all their favorite festive characters as they rode along the North Pole's glistening trail. It was the most magical start to the season of wonder!

Thank you to everyone who made tonight's drive through unforgettable and to the Stony Point Police Department and Wayne Hose Company #1 Stony Point Fire Dept for their help in ensuring the event was a success #NRTogether!

Click here to take a drive through.

Welcome to Winter Wonderland!

Scroll through and take a "Virtual Tour" of tonight's glistening spectacular to be dazzled and delighted. Our team at Thiells Elementary transformed the school parking lot into an enchanted drive-thru experience filled with caroling and thousands of lights!

Frosty character favorites greeted and led the sleighs full of learners and their families through the celebration. Windows of classrooms were all decorated and glowing with wishes for a magical holiday season.

Hot cocoa had been flown in from the North Pole by sleigh after being specially ordered by the #TES Elves for the occasion and Mr. and Mrs. Claus made quite the entrance as they arrived via firetruck. They promised to deliver the toys collected during the drive (which was so many they needed to call for back up reindeer) on Christmas Eve to #NR children.

The entire school community from principals, teachers, staff and custodians to firemen and policemen all came #NRTogether to make the night one of wonderment and success!

Click here to take a drive through

Effective Monday December 20, the District will be limiting spectators at athletic contests. Each NR athlete will have the opportunity to invite two guests at each of their home contests.

NR Proud our Red Raiders signed on the dotted line!

SIGNING DAY: Congratulations to NRCSD’s varsity athletes who signed to play collegiate sports with their respective schools. It was so rewarding to see each of our dedicated student athletes, many who have been playing for #NR since childhood, put pen to paper and officially commit to continuing their athletic career by signing their National Letter of Intent.

As Coach Joe Casarella said "These colleges are so lucky to be receiving Red Raiders, whose work ethic, discipline and sense of community is simply unmatched."

Celebrating these incredibly driven individuals together, surrounded by coaches, principals, our superintendent and with parents in attendance is a North Rockland tradition. We honor each athlete as they begin their new journey.

Signing Seniors

• Nicole Aherne - Oswego Lacrosse
• Madison Figueroa - Muhlenberg Lacrosse
• Kristen Luzon - Delware Softball
• Dylan Rich - Dean College Baseball
• Victoria Varano - Vanderbilt Bowling

Looking forward to watching all of you play at the next level and carry in your hearts RED AND WHITE for life!

More photos

Watch the ceremony

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.

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.

1. Recycle & Reuse More

Besides recycling through your curbside recycling bin, think outside the box! Try repurposing or reusing items you would normally discard like holiday cards! you can cut the cover off and reuse again!

2. Use the Re-Usable Shopping Bags

In order for the reusable shopping bags to do any good, they have to be used! Keep them in the trunk of your car to use whenever you need.

3. Think Local
Doing business locally not only helps our local economy to bloom, but also reduces the carbon footprint we are making on Mother Earth. Lessening your commute can save money, as well as provide more opportunities for walking or biking and getting in touch with the outdoors.

5. Try Second-Hand
Instead of buying books, borrow them from a friend, use the library or try out books swap. Second-hand clothes are money-savers and earth-friendly, especially for growing kids. When your kids outgrow their clothes, pass them on to a family in need, a thrift store, or find another way to recycle the clothing and textiles.

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?

If you are interested 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.

SCHOOL MENUS

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Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

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.