Community Update
Community Update
April 21, 2023
Hello North Rockland Families:
I am thankful for the commitment that staff and parents have demonstrated this year in supporting our students' academic and social-emotional needs. The strong partnership between the District and our school community is very evident. When we work NR Together, our children succeed!
On April 18, the North Rockland Central School District Board of Education approved a $272 million spending plan that adds critical student supports, extracurricular activities and offerings, maintains all staff and enhances or expands current programs, as well as implementing new ones. The steady annual increase in student needs, increased state and federal aid and awarded grants are the primary factors influencing budget growth. The philosophy of sound fiscal management, strategic use of resources and a continuing investment in public education will be at the heart of the 2023-24 school year.
As Superintendent of Schools for the past three years, I have worked collaboratively with our leadership team to develop budgets that provide ample resources to improve teaching and learning, facilitate innovation, promote authentic, relevant and rigorous educational experiences, meet the needs of all students and adhere to community expectations for fiscal responsibility.
As a District, we embrace the continuous cycle of improvement because we are a learning organization. As we move further along in the budget season, we want to share all that is coming to enhance our schools. North Rockland was featured this week in the Journal News for the grant funded behavioral center set to open this fall. Spear-headed by Nanuet Superintendent Kevin McCahill, the new center will be an important addition. The funding we have received for this new initiative will offset general fund costs in this critical area.
The District will also be completing capital improvements to our schools in the upcoming months including building upgrades, heating and cooling installations, window replacements, paving and new Auditorium improvements. We have already broken ground on the new sports facilities at North Rockland High school.
The budget’s educational projects we have planned are innovative, exciting and will provide students with new programming as well as expansions of Dual Language, School-to-Work, Interscholastic Esports, “Best Buddies” and ICT — Integrated Co-Teach Model programs.
We are excited about the benefits all these projects will bring to our classrooms at NO additional cost to taxpayers. The District will be able to embark on these improvements without asking the community for additional funds or by increasing the tax levy. The District also receives 80% state aid for capital improvement projects.
Students are moving on, our District’s fiscal future is brighter than it’s been in years, our budget allows the District to give our students every opportunity they deserve and helps attract young hardworking families to our area while adding property value for our residents. On May 16 the community can vote for the budget and for Board of Education candidates seeking election. We encourage you to have your voice heard!
Suddenly we are nearing the end of April. Time is moving toward the next phase and eventual conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. There is still much left to do, events to attend and celebrations to honor the successes occurring since we began in September. Let’s move forward, stay positive and work NR Strong as we enter “home stretch.” We are looking forward to the next two months of opportunities to make memories and finish the school year with Raider Pride!
North Rockland Unveils the 2023-24 Behavior Center with the Journal News
Superintendent Kris Felicello wanted to do more to address pandemic-induced trauma that schools all over were seeing. So Felicello envisioned establishing a behavioral center and special services for kids dealing with trauma. He shared the idea with Kevin McCahill, a mentor of his − including his hopes of finding a top-notch educator to shepherd the initiative.
That's when, McCahill said, "it crystallized."
McCahill last week gave the Nanuet school board notice that he'll step down as superintendent at the end of the school year to join North Rockland as administrator of the planned behavioral center. Read the full story here.
Testing Information
New York State Testing Begins in April
The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Tests has begun and 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:
- Grades 3-8 Math: May 2nd - 3rd
- Grade 8 Science: May 31st - June 1st & June 5th
Please read the full letter on testing from Dr. Felicello linked here.
NRCSD Budget
NRCSD Budget Information
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 approved 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!
District Spotlight
❤️ NR Coffee House Performances-Spring 🐾🎤
Check out our amazing Red Raiders performances during the NRHS Music Honor Society's Spring Performance
Red Raiders get inducted into the subject honor societies! 🐾📚🏅
Last night, a crowd gathered in the NRHS gym, to celebrate the newest members of the Mathematics, Science, Technology, Business and NJROTC Honor Societies. The Induction Ceremony kicked off with the Presentation of Colors by the NJROTC, Pledge of Allegiance and a wonderful rendition of The National Anthem. Mr. Pade welcomed everyone and each Honor Society’s student-president shared their experience and words of wisdom with the inductees. Principal DaPonte also spoke at the event, emphasizing the student’s dedication saying “By persevering in the classroom, volunteering in the community, working internships and more, these students now have the confidence and experience to thrive beyond high school.” More photos.
Spring Windows Part 1
Spring is a lovely reminder in North Rockland of how beautiful change can be. World Art Day was April 15 and our students celebrated in full color! NRCSD's Art Honor Society (AHS) is brightening up our town by crafting - Part 1 - of their annual Spring Window murals. Our incredibly talented AHS members, led by K-12 District Art Coordinator Karen Baumann, brought spring sunshine into the NR Community through a variety of bold and original designs painted on the windows of local businesses. We have to say, our students have really outdone themselves this year! Stop by and check out the murals for yourself at the Town of Stony Point RHO and Kirkbride Buildings they will be on display for the next several weeks. Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon! More photos.
Fieldstone staff steps up in a big way!🐾❤️
Here in NR, family and community is at the forefront of everything we do. Last Friday, teachers, counselors and other staff members traded their lunch time and prep periods to serve lunch to the students, allowing the cafeteria workers to go attend the funeral of their beloved coworker’s daughter. It is the people and community that makes North Rockland such a special place. Full Channel 12 Story
Shrek the Musical
Shrek The Musical is taking place on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. Tickets can be purchased using the link below.
FIELDSTONE MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS: SHREK THE MUSICAL
FRIDAY APRIL 28 at 7pm, SATURDAY APRIL 29 at 2pm & 7pm
Tickets can be purchased at THIS LINK (fmsdrama.booktix.com) or at the door of performances!
Adults are $10 and Students/Seniors are $5
College and Career Sessions/Scholarships
NRHS College Information Sessions
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.
Scholarships Bulletin
Scholarship Bulletin #4 is now available!
After completing the google form application, students will receive an email confirmation. Please keep this for your records.Scholarship recommendation letters from teachers are submitted electronically or dropped at the Campus Life office. NR staff members have access to that information.
It is recommended that you keep a personal record of all the scholarships you have applied to with the confirmation that they were submitted.
Any additional questions, please contact:
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Mrs. O’Sullivan @ posullivan@northrockland.org
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Mrs. Herrmann @ kherrmann@northrockland.org
Community Opportunity
Game, Set, Match with the USTA!
NRCSD has partnered with the Rockland Community Tennis Association (RCTA) and the United States Tennis Association - USTA (Official) to host a series of FREE after school tennis programs with professionally trained tennis coaches for our K-6 students kicking off next week. All you need to do is sign up through the link below and wear sneakers!
Tennis is easy to learn and tailored for all ages and abilities, helping kids build friendships and learn skills they’ll use for life. The USTA and its partners like RCTA help the children not just learn the sport, but self-confidence, sportsmanship and the habits of an active healthy lifestyle. The USTA has also donated tennis equipment to all of our schools and provided training to our Physical Education teachers on their tennis curriculum.
Click on your child's school via the link below to access the elementary workshops sign up forms. https://www.northrockland.org/site/default.aspx?DomainID=1401
NR 2023 Family Charity and Law Enforcement Sports Day
Come join us at our *new location* for the 2023 Family Charity and Law Enforcement Sports Day on May 6 @ 10 AM. This year’s Sports Day will be held at the Town of Haverstraw Recreation Facility. We can’t wait to have you at this FREE and INCREDIBLE event. See you there!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Technology
Parent Portal and Chromebook Care 💻
Getting a Parent Portal account
- The November Issue has updated information on K-6 Report Card procedures and information about obtaining professional development.
Click here for the Flocabulary One-Pager!
- Want to see tutorials, make an appointment with a technology coach, and see available tech courses Click Here!
Health 🏥
Spring Immunizations Notice
Important reminder for the 2023/2024 school year.
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.
NR ATHLETICS
Introducing Unified Basketball
#FridayFacts: Take the shot!
Please help us welcome our newest team! This spring #NRAthletics has officially expanded our program to add a new (and bold!) Unified Basketball squad. Unified Basketball is a Section 1 sport in association with the Special Olympics, where high school student-athletes partner to compete. The #RedRaiders have been practicing regularly with Head Coaches Rebecca Miller and Charles Nardone in preparation for their #REDANDWHITE competitions kicking off this May. The team is gearing up for an incredible and memorable first season #NRTogether!
Special thanks goes out to all involved in this #NRStrong slam dunk! More photos.
Red Raider of the Week!
Logan Kapusinsky is our #REDRAIDEROFTHEWEEK! The NRHS senior Varsity Baseball player had a story book hit while playing against Clarkstown North Thursday night, with 2 outs in the bottom of the seventh, bases empty, he rocked a walk off home run to left field for a 2-1 Red Raider Victory. In true #NRATHLETICS fashion the teams' jug of gatorade was poured over Logan to celebrate his accomplishment #NRTogether moments after crossing home plate. He currently has a .440 batting average and his on base percentage is .643. Logan is not only thriving on the field as NR's starting short stop and pitcher this season, he also holds a 100.2% GPA and was honored as one of the top 5% in academics. He pitched a two hitter in a 2-1 thrilling victory over Albertus at Clover stadium, home of the NY Boulders and contributed two hits and two runs scored in the win over Scarsdale. Kapusinsky is a great athlete, student, classmate and teammate. It is for all these reason he is our Red Raider to watch this week! Let's make some #REDANDWHITE noise for Logan!
Lady Raider of the Week!
Sophia Corretjer is our #LADYRAIDEROFTHEWEEK! Sophia is a NRHS senior Varsity Lacrosse player who had a combined seven goals and six assists in big wins over Cornwall and Albertus Magnus. On the field Correrjer is always determined, cheering on her teammates, using her laser focus to score and putting forth her best effort. Her Coach shared with us that Sophia also became a member of our 200 point club this week , a high honor and incredible accomplishment, as she reached 200 career points here at NRHS. She will play for the Villanova Wildcats next year. For all these reasons we are so proud to share that she is our pick as Lady Raider to watch! Let's make some #REDANDWHITE noise for Sophia!
North Rockland High School Football
North Rockland Football Family, Friends, and Fans; Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page. Your support will help us offer the RED RAIDERS the best high school football experience. Raising dollars for team activities, camps, meals and services is very difficult to do but is vital for our program. Your time and effort to PROTECT THE STANDARD and TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE at North Rockland is greatly appreciated. Please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Email, Facebook and Twitter. Link
Red and White News
Red and White News
Athletics Store
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.
Raider Rescue 🐾
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!!!
Little Kitty!😻
"Hi! My name is Little Kitty. I am a golden girl, around 7- 8 years old. Although, I am an old lady, I still have some spice left in me! I am super sweet and love to talk. I love attention and cuddling. I also love a good treat every now and again. If you are interested in adopting me, please go to www.hitor.org and fill out an application."
Mickey! 🐶
"Mickey is a super senior, good boy that loves going on walks and being outside. He loves rotisserie chicken and his big comfy soft bed. Mickey would love to find a family to love him in his senior years.If you are interested in adopting Mickey, please visit www.hitor.org and fill out an application."
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Internet Safety Materials
At North Rockland Central School District we take internet safety very seriously. It is important that we all have access to information on how to keep our students safe. Here are a few web resources:
Common Sense Media - click here
Connect Safely - click here
- Internet Safety Tips - click here
Peachjar Flyers
JOIN THE NRCSD FAMILY
Join Our Team!
The North Rockland Central School District is seeking candidates for several Teaching Assistant positions for the 2022-2023 school year. These are full-time positions which include a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Valid NYS teaching or teaching assistant certification is required.
Apply now on https://www.olasjobs.org/
Security Aides
North Rockland is currently seeking candidates for full-time and part-time Security Aide positions for the 2022-2023 school year. School Security Aides are committed to ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive environment.
Full-time positions include - A regionally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Part-time positions are - 4.5 hours per day and starting pay is $19.83/hour.
**Candidates with prior law enforcement, security or military experience are preferred.**
Applications can be submitted on OLAS at olasjobs.org. Resumes can be submitted through our Facebook job posting linked here, sent to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Community Relations Mr. Eric Baird, North Rockland CSD, 65 Chapel St., Garnerville, NY 10923 or emailed to ebaird@northrockland.org.
Food Service Helpers
The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2022-2023 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.28/hour. Apply here
Substitute Nurses
DRIVERS AND MONITORS
Connect with us
School Times
2022-23 School Start, End and Bell Times ⏰
Grades K-3: 9:05AM - 3:44PM
Stony Point Elementary
Thiells Elementary
West Haverstraw Elementary
Grades 4-6: 8:42AM - 3:21PM
Farley Elementary
Haverstraw Elementary
Willow Grove Elementary
Fieldstone Middle School: 8:00AM-2:46PM
North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM
SCHOOL MEAL INFORMATION
School Breakfast and Lunch Remains FREE in NR!
School Breakfast and Lunch Remains FREE in NR!
***Each child is entitled to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch meal per day in NR. No sign up is required.
For the past two years, every student has been eligible for free school meals, regardless of how much their parents made in Rockland County. That program expired at the end of the summer and has created confusion. In North Rockland we are proud to share that all our schools qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Our dedicated Food Service Department has worked to get all our schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the next four years.
- For additional meals students are encouraged to use My School Bucks.
School Meal Sign Up! 🍽️
NRHS Seniors 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.