Community Check-In

Today begins the NRCSD Spring Recess (March 28-April 7).

We hope our students, staff and families take this time to rest, recharge and ready to finish the 2023-24 school year NR Strong!

The Monday we return from break, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. The unique eclipse will impact much of New York State including our local area in the late afternoon. North Rockland Schools will embrace the opportunity to experience the rare astrological movement together and dismiss students at their regular scheduled time. All transportation, YMCA programs and after-school activities including athletics and other special events – will proceed as originally scheduled.

NRCSD’s Science and STEM Department recognizes a solar eclipse of this magnitude provides a natural one-of-a-kind learning opportunity for students. This week all classrooms added celestial mechanics, orbits and the Sun’s energy into curriculum. On the morning of April 8, every learner will receive a pair of specialized solar safety glasses for optimized eye protection during the once-in-a-lifetime event. There is also a follow-along lesson for our school community to participate below.

We are excited for this dynamic teaching moment and want our students to come to school and have an authentic, memorable learning experience. Parental feedback factored in our decision to keep schools open during the eclipse to ensure that academic activities and schedules are not disrupted. This is based on educational goals, parental preferences and safety considerations.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The NRHS Planetarium using technology in partnership with NASA has tracked the celestial event down to the minute. Planets will begin to overlap at 2:11 pm, reach total cover at 3:25 pm and end at 4:36 pm. The total phase of the eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, will be brief (about 5 minutes) and our transportation team is prepared to ensure students arrive home safely.

We look forward to students and families enjoying the day as well as learning more about astronomy, physics and biology from it. The next total solar eclipse in the United States will be 2045. The next total solar eclipses in New York will be in 2079 and 2144.

NRCSD has used two of the three snow days that were built into our academic calendar. Unless we are struck by a late season weather event the Memorial Day Break will be extended with 5/22 becoming an early dismissal day and schools will be closed on 5/23. The official announcement of this adjustment will be made in mid-April.

Wishing everyone a wonderful break and blessed holiday.

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

The New York State Education Department continues to transition to computer-based testing (CBT) as part of its commitment to both meeting the needs of 21st century learners and improving test delivery, test integrity, scoring validity and turn-around time on testing results. While it is not required this year North Rockland will be shifting to CBT testing as we feel it is better option for our school community. The dates in which CBT testing will take place in North Rockland can be found below. More information regarding the NYS 3-8 testing program can be found linked here.

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 facility 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

The NRHS senior made major upgrades to a cherished community partner. For his recent Eagle Scout service project, McGuire cleared, leveled then installed pavers as a base for the new storable outdoor stable he constructed for hosting the seasonal life-size nativity at the St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish. William also planted new greenery and laid mulch down to beautify the front of the rectory. The outdoor space is already being used for displays and activities. The parish is thrilled with the skillfully designed stable and his careful work on their grounds. William 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.

Hosting a mental health fair in high school is crucial for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The event provided students with essential resources, information and tools to prioritize their mental well-being. By promoting awareness and destigmatizing mental health challenges, such events encourage open conversations and healthy habits. The fair also equips the students with stress management techniques and access to professional guidance. Students got to “kick it” and practice positive reinforcement techniques, take some nice deep breaths during yoga, express themselves with art projects, talk to professionals and take a PAWse with North Rockland’s favorite facility dog, Maybie.

This day has been in the works since the early fall, so we want to thank all the people involved in making this day a success. There were nearly 30 tables, comprised of students, staff and professionals! The fair brought different groups of people together, which is what being a part of the North Rockland Community is all about. More Photos.

Things were heating up last Thursday evening at Farley Elementary for their first-ever "March Kindness" Basketball Tournament. 200 students and family members were in attendance for the event. The name is an homage to FES’ Kindness Challenge occurring in the school this month kicked off by AP Reed! Every day during the last two weeks, students have been challenged to perform "acts of kindness" towards others. Full Story/More Photos.

622 Fieldstone Middle Schoolers attained Honor Status during the second marking period of the 2023-24 school year! Honor Roll recipients joined their teachers and FMS Assistant Principal Jim Mulligan for a special ceremony where they received certificates, honorary magnets and a Red Raider round of applause. These ceremonies are an important part of students' academic journey in North Rockland. This month awards were presented in a new series of class events during the school day where students and their peers were both present. Mr. Mulligan addressed the whole room of students, recognizing the achievements of those who made the grade and inspiring grades 7-8 that this achievement is not out of reach. Full Story/More Photos.

Farley Elementary K-Kids joined Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland on their North Rockland route to deliver food and handmade cards to clients, many of whom are homebound, disabled or live alone. The K-Kids is a Community Service club that meets twice a month with a shared goal of making a difference #NRStrong and #NRTogether. Community members were surprised and delighted to see upper elementary schoolers as volunteers making the rounds for their deliveries. Full Story/More Photos.

Last Friday, roughly 300 students belonging to ten different county high schools gathered at St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) for the 2024 Rockland P.L.U.S. Symposium. P.L.U.S. stands for Planning Land Use with Students and this year's objective was the Nanuet Train Station, where the students were tasked with revitalizing the local site, creatively planning to incorporate sustainability, efficiency and community satisfaction. Students are urged to link the past, present and future of the site, taking into account both the culture and infrastructure of each. The symposium brings local leaders to facilitate and judge the competition, with representatives from education, politics, engineers, contractors and many more! Full Story/More Photos.

Important reminder for the 2024/2025 school year. It is never too early to think ahead about what your child will need for the following school year, including immunizations.

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 can be found linked here.

Varsity:

Thursday, March 28

Boys Lacrosse vs. Arlington

5:00 PM

Boys Golf vs. Spring Valley

3:15 PM (Rotella)

Saturday, March 30

Baseball vs. Walton

12:00 PM

Wednesday, April 3

Flag Football vs. Brewster

T.O.H. Turf

1:00 PM

Thursday, April 4

Boys Lacrosse vs. New Rochelle

4:45 PM

Girls Lacrosse vs. Monroe Woodbury

6:45 PM

Softball vs. Harrison

4:30 PM

Friday, April 5

Softball vs. Nyack

T.O.H. Turf

JV:

Thursday, March 28

Softball Scrimmage vs. IHA

4:15 PM

Tuesday, April 2

Softball vs. Arlington

4:30 PM

Thursday, April 4

Girls Lacrosse vs. Monroe Woodbury

4:45 PM

Friday, April 5

Softball vs. Nyack

3:00 PM

Saturday, April 6

Baseball vs. New Rochelle

11:00 AM

Freshman:

Thursday, April 4

Baseball vs. Clarkstown South

10:30 AM

Come join us for the 2024 Family Charity and Law Enforcement Sports Day on April 27 at 10 AM. This year’s Sports Day will be held at the Town of Haverstraw Recreation Facility. Click these links to get involved as sponsor or volunteer. We can’t wait to have you at this FREE and INCREDIBLE event. See you there!

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.