Community Check-In

The weather is turning colder, the leaves are changing colors and Halloween is right around the corner. Next week kicks off "all things spooky" in North Rockland and we’ve got a variety of haunted lessons, costume contests, trunk-r-treats and ghoulish activities planned.

While Halloween is a time for costumes, tricks and treats, please be reminded that activities should be good-natured and not pose real threats to our students, staff or schools. After all, the best Halloween is a safe Halloween. Here's a brief Safety Tips Checklist, drafted in collaboration with NRCSD's new School Resource Officers. (read on to learn more about these dedicated law enforcement officers)

In School Tips for a Great and Safe Halloween Season!

1. Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes or sticks as a costume accessory. Instead use soft props.

2. Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.

3. All candy bought, donated or distributed in our schools should be nut-free to ensure our students with allergies are safe.

4. Make sure that shoes and masks fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or sight impairment.

5. Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy.

Safety on the Trick-or-Treat Trail!

1. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

2. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

3. Make sure children stay in a group, communicate where they will be going and only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.

4. Never enter a home or car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity.

5. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency, become lost or are prone to wander. Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

Safety Tips for Drivers and Candy

1. Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

2. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

3. At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

4. If you don’t have to go out, avoid driving on Halloween.

5. Have an adult check candy to be sure the wrappings aren't torn or missing and that the treats look safe to eat.

Officer Bertolino joins our team with a long list of qualifications and credentials, having been a police officer for the last 24 years, 16 of which with the Haverstraw Police Department. In addition to being a patrol officer, Joe is also an instructor for the Youth Academy since 2007 run by Detective Spatta and Detective Kryger, a 33 year member of Volunteer Hose Co#2 of the West Haverstraw Fire Department and a 35 year member of Haverstraw Ambulance Corps.

Officer Bertolino joins our team with a long list of qualifications and credentials, having been a police officer for the last 24 years, 16 of which with the Haverstraw Police Department. In addition to being a patrol officer, Joe is also an instructor for the Youth Academy since 2007 run by Detective Spatta and Detective Kryger, a 33 year member of Volunteer Hose Co#2 of the West Haverstraw Fire Department and a 35 year member of Haverstraw Ambulance Corps.

To top it all off, Officer Bertolino is a Red Raider! He grew up in North Rockland, living in West Haverstraw before graduating from North Rockland High School; he currently resides in Stony Point. As Joe was being interviewed for his introduction to the community he couldn't help but share his vast knowledge of Fieldstone’s history and architecture. He explained he as well as all of Haverstraw PD’s officers have been patrolling our middle school and assisting the District for years. It’s clear he’s a man of the community who is dedicated to its service.

When asked what goals he wishes to accomplish for both our students and community, Joe said. “I want to bridge the gap between kids in the community and first responders. I want them to know that we are regular people, who do regular things when we are not at work.”

We are so excited to have SRO Joe Bertolino come aboard. Please help us welcome him in the comment section linked here!

Officer Lupo joins our team with a long list of qualifications and credentials, having been a police officer for the last 10 years with the Haverstraw Police Department. Prior to being a police officer Mike was a corrections officer with the Rockland County Sheriffs for 13 years. He explained although it was a tough job he learned how to really communicate with people in that environment. Prior to that he served our nation as an Infantry Marine.

In addition to being a patrol officer, Mike has taken extensive training courses and has certification as a NYS DCJS Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Firearms Instructor, NYS DCJS/FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, NYS DCJS Radar/Lidar Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Field Training Officer, NYS DCJS Physical Fitness Instructor, NYS DCJS Police Drill Instructor and Youth Academy Drill Instructor. The skills and knowledge from his certifications can and will be used and applied in different ways to assist him with his SRO duties.

To top it all off, Officer Lupo is a Red Raider! He grew up in North Rockland, living in Stony Point before graduating from North Rockland High School; he currently resides in Haverstraw. As Mike was being interviewed for his introduction to the community he couldn't help but share his love for his community and all the people that live here. He explained he has connections to so many of the students already from his time as a Haverstraw Police officer and local resident. It’s clear he’s a man of the community who is dedicated to its service.

When asked what goals he wishes to accomplish for both our students and community, Mike said he wants students, parents, families and staff to have an outlet to discuss problems and to help problems from occurring. “I have dealt with children of this age group for years and my approach is - come to me with anything, talk with me, above all I am always here to help and I promise I can help. You want students to feel like they can approach you at any time on or off duty. I’m the same as everyone when I take off this uniform ”

We are so excited to have SRO Mike Lupo come aboard. Please help us welcome him in the comment section linked here!

Mark your calendars for spooky season in NRCSD! More events will be added as they are finalized.

North Rockland High School

1. October 28 - NRHS Trunk or Treat 4 - 6:00 PM / NRHS PARKING LOT - Flyer
2. October 31 - Senior Halloween Costume Contest Period 5
   

Thiells Elementary

1. October 19 - PTA Sponsored Halloween Spookacular 6:30 - 8:00PM
2. October 31 - Thiells Halloween Parade 9:30AM (live streamed and parent viewing)

West Haverstraw Elementary

1. October 26 and 27 - Pumpkin Fest (PTA sponsored in school event)
2. October 26 - Trunk or Treat with HES
3. October 31 - Halloween Parade 2:30PM

Haverstraw Elementary

1. October 26 - Trunk or Treat with WHES

Willow Grove Elementary

1. October 31 - PTA is sponsoring a popcorn/water scary music/dance event during our recess periods. Students and staff will be wearing costumes.

Stony Point Elementary

1. October 31 - Kindergarten and 1st grade parade at 9:45AM - 2nd and 3rd grade parade will be at 2:20PM - Halloween Dance Party during the school day.

Farley Elementary

1. October 20 - Farley's Halloween Mash Up Event will be held 6:00PM
2. October 31 - Trunk or Treat will be held during the school day.

The District is asking all our students and staff to participate in the annual campaign by wearing pink to school Thursday, 10/20 to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year's Pink Out will be in honor of all those in our school community this terrible illness has affected.

Join us as we RISE together to help uplift women in need!

In North Rockland we are blessed that we can always count on our school community to rally together!

The 2022 Volley for a Cause volleyball game will be held on October 21 at NRHS vs. Clarkstown North starting at 4:30 pm. This year we are volleying for two incredible NR Teachers with life threatening illnesses that have incurred expenses not covered by medical insurance. The official Volley for a Cause store is now open, but for a limited time. Every purchase made in the next 10 days will go directly to benefitting our educators. This cause is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community. Let's show our support NR Strong and NR Together!

Our musically talented high schoolers brought down the house at this week's coffeehouse! We are so proud of every student who took the stage to perform. The District will be sharing a video reel of the night next week.

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!!!

"Brody is another one of Ho-Tor's longest residents. He is a handsome white pitbull mix who is only 2 years old. He is deaf but can still let our staff know exactly what he wants with his soulful and expressive eyes. Brody is a special boy and a shelter favorite. Email dogs@hitor.org to meet her."

"Fred came to us as a stray to be evaluated back in June. The person who brought him in

thought he was a feral cat but once out of the carrier he started nuzzling into the staff's arms.

Fred is estimated to be 4 years old and is nothing but a love bug. He just wants to give

headbutts and sleep along your side. If you are in need of a good cuddle buddy Fred is the cat

for you."

Last week's adoptable friends can be found linked here.