Community Update

December 23, 2021

Hello North Rockland Families,

We are only a few days away from a brand new year!

Today kicks off North Rockland’s winter break. I would like to remind everyone that there is no school tomorrow Friday, December 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022, with all our buildings reopening for classes on January 3, 2022.

Upon our return from break, I ask for your continued patience, understanding and support given the unpredictable nature of the ongoing pandemic. I would like to clarify any rumors that many of our families may be hearing. The North Rockland Central School District has no intention of a post-recess shift to remote learning or closure. The established plan is for our schools to remain open, we will not be transitioning to a “pause” or virtual learning.

With rising numbers some families may be more comfortable with a Remote learning option. I am very grateful and proud to be able to offer those families the District's Remote Academy. I urge anyone who is interested in this option to enroll their children for the second semester.

Families who wish to explore this opportunity should email Remote Academy Principal Mr. James Mulligan at jmulligan@northrockland.org for Remote Academy enrollment information. If you choose this option for your child the registration process will be expedited and your child will have the opportunity to return to their in person classes in the Spring. The deadline for enrollment for the second semester is January 14, 2022

Due to the uptick in reported COVID cases in our area, and as a result the increase in individuals quarantined, we will continue to temporarily limit indoor in-person events, increase safety precautions and reduce the number of spectators at athletic contests in the new year.

I want to reassure everyone that our District, as we have done successfully in the past, will continue to monitor and analyze the data in order to make informed decisions. As recently announced by County Executive Ed Day this week, Rockland County is continuing to see increases in active COVID-19 cases. Based on our experience through the winter of 2020-2021, this is seasonally expected as people gather regularly indoors with family and friends.

“We are talking about this and sharing information for your awareness, not to cause panic or incite fear. And in good news, Rockland continues to have the lowest 7-day average for percentage of positive tests in New York State standing at 4.3%. While active case numbers have increased, we are not seeing a corresponding increase in local hospitalizations.”

NR’s top priority is ensuring our schools are a safe place for students and staff. 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. I also commend our students and staff for their response, adherence to and enforcement of our robust safety protocols and procedures. Over the last two years we have learned a lot about this disease and have a far better understanding and experience on how to prevent the spread while at school.

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. Please fill out the attached form to authorize testing for your child. More information on booking appointments will be made available after the break and availability for appointments will be based upon the availability of test kits.

Finally the January 2022 administration of the High School Regents Examination Program is cancelled, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced this week. No decisions have been made regarding the June and August 2022 administrations of Regents Examinations or any other State assessment programs.

Over the course of the pandemic students have experienced the unimaginable during a time that is so precious in their development. Our goal for the 2021-22 school year is to surround each one of them with caring educators and social and emotional supports in safe and familiar school environments. Being there and offering them some sense of normalcy is a vital part of student wellness, success and helping them through these challenging times. We remain committed to keeping our school doors open throughout the new year and taking on any hurdles that have come our way just as we have done all along, NR Strong and NR Together.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday season! I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

New York’s high school Regents exams scheduled for January have been canceled because of the surge in coronavirus cases, the state Education Department said Tuesday.

The January 2022 administration of the High School Regents Examination Program is cancelled due to the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced Tuesday. This cancellation applies to all Regents Examinations that had been scheduled for the January 2022 Regents Examination period. No decisions have been made regarding the June and August 2022 administrations of Regents Examinations or any other State assessment programs. More Information Linked here

As we prepare to gather with family and friends this week and next the Rockland County Department of Health continues to urge everyone to follow the CDC’s recommended public health prevention measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin when indoors.

• Stay 6 feet away from others not within your household.

• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If the weather permits and it’s not too cold, open the windows and door for more ventilation.

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Stay home if you are sick.

And please, remember kindness and compassion as we navigate the holidays and the coming days of winter. The last 21 months have been difficult for us all and creating conflict with business owners or their employees that are just trying to follow New York State rules is not helpful.

Click here to read the latest statement on Rockland County's COVID data linked here.

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.

Please find the new Kindergarten Orientation dates linked here

Saturday January 26th North Rockland is hosting the All-County Music Festival

As of now it is still on but we’ll be analyzing data and speaking with local musical educators throughout the county should our plans change we will inform you shortly after the break.

Feliz Navidad! Feliz Navidad! Feliz Navidad!

Próspero año y felicidad

We hosted our final Winter Wonderland blitz

We've now completed our holiday wish list

We wished everyone a merry Christmas

From the bottom of our heart!

With a little help from the PAW Patrol -- who arrived via a brigade of firetrucks -- learner's climbed aboard the Polar Express tonight and caroled along at West Haverstraw and Haverstraw Elementary School's shared drive through Winter Wonderland celebration!

Inflatable frosty friends, twinkling lights, a merry choir and band of teachers and principals, and a sleigh full of lollipops, gumdrops and candy canes distributed by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, greeted students as they drove through the wonderland of snow. It was such a fun and bright night of celebrating filled with incredible music, laughter and cheer.

We loved spending the time and making wonderful memories #NRTogether at these events over the last two weeks. Special thanks to everyone involved in bringing our Winter Wonderland festivals to life!

Click here to take a drive through.

"It's not what's under the Christmas tree that matters, it's who's around it" - Charlie Brown

NRCSD's Academy of Art student's annual winter lawn displays are bringing the magic of the holidays to our community!

Just like years past, our gifted artist's involved the local NR community in the beloved display’s theme selection process. The children at the Haverstraw Community Center voted to choose "The Peanuts" as this year’s muses to be displayed on their front lawn.

They were all truly inspired by what the story of Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree teaches us.. that if you treat even the worst looking, scrawny, sickly, rejected, most annoying tree (or person) with a little bit of tender love, care, and kindness that they can blossom into something really beautiful.

Bringing each character from imagination into being was no small feat for our incredible artists! The vibrant masterpieces have all been cut out, brought to life with dazzling lights and are currently set up front and center at the Haverstraw Community Center.

Stop by and catch a glimpse for yourself with those who really matter to you. For as you will find as you get older Red Raiders, the most cherished holiday gifts and memories do not come from a store -- and that's the true meaning of the season.

Click here for more photos

NRCSD's youngest students are navigating a new world.

"We have a lot of support," Miguelina Lopez said, pointing to programs in the district's three K-3 schools. "From the beginning of school year, we begin to orient students to the business of doing school."

A kinesthetic learning lab, a special room full of activities that help polish motor development, brain breaks, integrating physical activity, perception surveys and adding additional developmental measures are some of the ways #NorthRockland is helping and supporting our kindergarteners to get them on track.

Thank you to Journal News/lohud reporter Nancy Cutler for speaking with our District about how pandemic-interrupted early childhood experiences have impacted kindergarten readiness.

Read more linked here

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

157 North Rockland Central School District English Language Learners (ENL) just completed an important step towards laying the groundwork for the rest of their academic career.

Through hard work and determination each of these students has now officially reached the highest level of English proficiency in the 2021 New York State Assessment for ENL!

In small and intimate ceremonies, learners, their families and teachers were invited to breakfast celebration ceremonies where NR's Administration Team recognized the student's milestones in Willow Grove, Farley and Haverstraw Elementary Schools with honorary certificates.

"We appreciate the unwavering support that our families, teachers, support staff, and administrators provide our students on their learning journey!" said Exec Director of K-6 Curriculum & ELL Services Miguelina Lopez. "We are so very proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them reach new academic accomplishments!"

Congratulations to all! Keep believing and you'll keep achieving Red Raiders. There's so much we can accomplish NR Together.

More photos linked here.

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.

Girls Cross Country

Jade Pazmino, Savannah Pezzementi (First Team) Gianna Dellamedaglia (Second Team) & Sophonie Michel (Honorable Mention).

Boys Cross Country

Michael Niero (First Team) Claudel Chery, Giuseppe Colella, Ryan Tuohy (Second Team) & Eduardo Nava (Honorable Mention).

Link to articles

Red Raiders prove that everyday is a chance to get better!

Congratulations to our NRCSD All-County Girls Soccer athletes Megan MacMillan (First Team), Gillian Alessi, Sydney Saponaro, Caroline Tomas (Second Team), Allie Dwyer & Megan McGovern (Honorable Mention)! Way to go ladies, Raider Pride!!

Link to articles

Raiders Rumble! Congratulations to The Journal News/lohud's 2021 NRCSD Football All-County student-athletes. All out, all game, all season and now All-County, Congratulations!

First Team - Offense:

Eze Frazier

First Team - Defense:

Jefferson Vargas

Second Team - Offense:

Lennyn Fulgencio & Sebastian Farrar

Second Team - Defense:

Krystof Lee

Honorable Mention:

Brian Hernandez, Jaicer Javier Visciano, & Montana Veit, Jr.

Link to article

Congratulations to The Journal News/lohud's 2021 NRCSD Girls Volleyball All-County student-athletes.

First Team

Neive Fausel & Kayla Nicholas

Second Team

Angelyse Picado

Honorable Mention

Olivia Abrams, Gabby Colon & Yamaris Guzman

Link to article

Congratulations to The Journal News/lohud's 2021 NRCSD Boys Soccer All-County student-athletes. On the field these athletes developed the skill of turning limitation into virtues NRStrong! Congratulations!

First Team

Robert Pesantez & Gabe Garcia

Second Team

Bernardo Carrera & Melvin Guanga

Link to article

This year's Journal News/lohud Rockland Field Hockey Player of the Year is Red Raider Maddie Figueroa! Congratulations Maddie and to NRCSD's All-County student Athletes. Well deserved ladies!

First Team:

Julia Gill

Honorable Mention:

Nicole Aherne

Link to article

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.

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.

Heading into the holidays this year US Toy makers sounded the alarm about the global shipping crisis and labor shortages limiting their ability to keep stores stocked throughout the shopping season and in turn reducing the amount of toys available for donation. But we proved this could not stop the giving at NRCSD!

Hundreds upon hundreds of toys were collected at North Rockland High School and Fieldstone Middle School to be donated to Marine Corps League Rockland County Detachment Toys for Tots by our students and school community for those in need in NR! Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year merry and bright for the children of our community NR Strong. We are always amazed at the things we can accomplish NR Together!

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

Flyer

**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

Elementary Lunch Menu

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.