Community Update
Community Update - Year End Issue
June 23, 2023
Hello North Rockland Families:
2022-23 has been an incredible school year. A year where the strong, resilient and caring students of North Rockland succeeded. As we welcome summer, we have much to celebrate.
This week the senior Class of 2023 - a class full of doers, dreamers and achievers - graduated. To our now alumni of 2023, over the past 13 years of your K-12 education (a commitment you should be proud of) you have grown in so many ways and persevered through not only times of challenge but great change. Believe in yourself as you pursue your dreams, embark on new adventures and explore new pathways and keep taking opportunities to make a positive impact on those around you.
I know the classmates, teachers, principals, administrators and coaches you have crossed paths with in NR along the way continue to play important roles in your lives. I hope you will fondly remember your journey, lessons learned and always maintain a lifelong love of learning. North Rockland will always be a home for you. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all that you will achieve in the future. You are a part of our community and we will support you forever. Congratulations!
For all they have learned and achieved over the last 10 months, I must extend my congratulations to all grades of the entire student body. It gives me great pride to have witnessed and been a part of their accomplishments. I commend their dedication and perseverance when it came to not just their studies and schooling, but with each other. We really reconnected this year, built positive relationships with one another and got a strong schooling rhythm and culture established.
To our families, educators and staff, who are integral to student success, it is a privilege to be educational partners on the mission of learning and excellence for all learners. I am continually inspired by you all and grateful to lead this dynamic school district. I wish everyone a wonderful summer!
The conclusion of a school year contains many opportunities for moving forward, reflection and insight of the culmination of growth. Before we close out this school year, let’s take a look back on the journey that led us to graduation.
A LOOK BACK ON THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
New Year, New Opportunities - The Beginning.
The 2022-23 school year was a time of expansion and change in NR! There are three key areas we worked on extensively in order to provide an NR Strong year through implementing cost effective strategies that keep us educationally sound while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Security: An extensive safety and security review was completed in summer 2022 for our district. There are many new things now in place to assist in both situational prevention and response to protect our schools and ensure our students and parents feel secure. Campus Safety Officers, Security Vehicles and local School Resource Officers were seamlessly added to our daily routines to safeguard our schools.
Programming: The integration of quality programs with the latest teaching strategies supported and helped our students develop the necessary skills to grow and develop not only educationally, but socially - becoming the next generation of learners and citizens, thriving and succeeding. School support animals, an NR Athletics gaming team, The North Rockland High School College and Career Center, Dual-Language Program and Integrated Co-Teach Model (ICT) - are just some of the new additions to curriculum offerings that gave students more opportunities to partake and thrive.
Capital Improvements: At the heart of North Rockland's towns and villages, our beautiful and historic buildings have always been a sense of great pride, not only for our staff, students and families, but for our community. The many new spaces and upgrades completed and being worked on will ensure a safe, welcoming environment, optimize our facilities to enhance learning and provide a beautiful community-centered place for everyone from pop warner teams to residents to enjoy.
Security
Safety, Security and Security Vehicles 🚓
North Rockland kicked off the school year with new safety and security upgrades and precautions implemented and added safeguards structured into the NRCSD Safety Plan.
News 12 Hudson Valley Reporter Diane Caruso for spoke with the Superintendent of North Rockland Central School District, Dr. Kris Felicello about the Districts new security vehicles as well as our security team who utilizes the gators to patrol outside each school every day.
"Our kids today can't meet their learning goals. They can't reach their potential if they don't feel safe in school, and if their parents don't feel safe in school. So, it has been a priority of us, here at North Rockland, to address those concerns." said Dr. Felicello
Watch a video on the vehicles linked here.
NR Partners with Local Law Enforcment
The North Rockland Central School District in conjunction with the Haverstraw Police Department, Stony Point Police Department and Rockland County Sheriff's Office worked strategically to maximize building safety. Our leadership team in collaboration with local officers helped make our families, students, community and staff feel safe. Some steps the District took and activities we have participated in included:
- Live safety trainings.
- Table top and preparedness simulations.
- Securing an outdoor security firm that ensures the parameters of our buildings are secure as well as review and adjust safety procedures and protocols.
- Addition of Stony Point and Haverstraw Police Department SROs.
Programming
College and Career Center 🎓
The new North Rockland High School College and Career Counseling Center was launched this school year and it's impact was powerful!
The center provides a supportive environment where students can take part in career exploration activities and receive individualized guidance throughout the college application process. Students are able to visit a variety of colleges, trade schools and training programs and attend information sessions and college fairs. They also have opportunities to meet with representatives from a multitude of career pathways to expand their knowledge about post-secondary options. Families receive support from the center throughout the year by participating in workshops that address topics such as planning for the future, financial aid and navigating applications. This assists North Rockland High School students in developing the skills to find success in high school and in life after graduation. Watch a video about the center here.
New Programs and Activities
The theme of this academic year in North Rockland has been, above all, inclusion. From students of all ability levels receiving opportunities to learn and lead alongside their peers in the classroom, on the courts and on trips, to gamers beginning their ESports team, children enjoying cornhole or fishing, positive postcards home from SPE teachers, the ping ping club’s massive tournaments and so much more; There was an opportunity for every child to branch out and flourish, NR Together.
Over the last 10 months the District really expanded our horizons when it came to after school and trail blazed in terms of programming and partnerships. We took an uncharted path to a new direction, unrelenting and unafraid and it produced tremendous results.
You will find links to the videos on some of our amazing new expansions and launches for 2022-23 below. We look forward to highlighting even more in 2024!
Programs and Activities
- Cornhole, Drone and Fishing Clubs
- Dual Language Programs
- Integrated Co-Teach and Special Services Expansion
- Stony Point Elementary You Belong Initiative
Sports
Partnerships
Capital Improvements
Careful Planning and Budgeting
This year's capital improvement projects included new state of the art outdoor learning spaces and pavilions which were made possible through careful and responsible budgeting for the 2022-23 school year as well as new a new sports complex at NRHS. I am so grateful that together, with our Board of Education, we are able to provide our athletes, coaches, students and fans the facilities we truly deserve, all while not raising the tax levy or asking for additional funds through a referendum. Our budget for the 2023-24 school year is once again planned to effectively and equitably use financial resources to provide more cutting edge technologies to improve our schools opportunities for growth and overall excellence.
Outdoor Learning Pavillions
Spending time outside, encouraging curiosity and expanding learning from the classroom was a direct result of the District’s new Outdoor Learning Pavilions. With the addition of these innovative instruction structures, North Rockland was busy developing cross-curricular units, including lessons where students get to move about, be active or explore, engage in group work and nature-based programs, clean up our local environments and have additional opportunities to be creative and make choices about what they want to study.
New Sports Facilities
Phase 1 of our Capital Improvement Plan kicked off this March which includes new facilities, upgrades and renovations. This exciting and groundbreaking project includes the installation of a multi-purpose synthetic turf field at the High School, new hi-tech eight lane track, state of the art concession stand, surrounding lights and an upgraded, fully capable and live streaming able press box as well as new weight rooms. In addition to the new scoreboards installed last year at Cordisco Field, we anticipate new end zone nets, padding for fences and future sidewalk work. Everything will be installed to maximize safety and provide greater efficiency.
The new field project will accommodate our physical education programs, our athletic programs and house many, many of our future events like pep rallies and graduation ceremonies. NRCSD is committed to our community partners and the new field will also be available for our community-based athletic programs, pop warners, events and residential use - becoming a unique shared space for all of North Rockland to enjoy.
Our current facilities and fields have been in operation since the late 50's (when NRHS was built) with the last improvements to the Pressbox taking place in 1996, the Fieldhouse being built in 1970 and the Track being redone in 2009. I am so proud to be Superintendent as we usher in these beautiful upgrades and sport complex utilizing the latest and greatest that’s available for our kids. This project is so meaningful not only to me but to everyone from school leaders to faculty, staff, students and families. Soon the term “Friday Night Lights” will officially take on an incredibly special meaning in our District.
We look forward to welcoming our student-athletes and sports teams to their “new home” via a school community unveiling of the new turf fields, track and training facilities in the familiar location - with a brand new look and feel in 2023-24 school year!
Year End
Budget Passes!
On May 16 our community unanimously approved the district’s $272 million spending plan and Proposition 2. The budget passed this year with an 80 percent majority (2,973 ‘yes’ votes) letting us know that you recognize the great job we are doing on behalf of the children of NR.
The 2023-24 budget enhances or expands current academic programs, adds critical student supports and extracurricular activities and maintains all staff. Keeping the tax levy at 0%, the District has saved local taxpayers a cumulative $37 million over the last four years. You can read more in the Community Budget Letter.
The Board of Education and Central Administration worked diligently to create a fiscally responsible budget that guaranteed our students not only the same level of service next year as they received this year, but even more.
Secondary learners will once again benefit from a full offering of elective, college level and advanced placement courses at North Rockland High School. The programs will not only increase students' readiness for college and career opportunities, but they will provide students with college credit and those "21st Century Skills" sought after in the job markets of today and the future.
Graduations
All of these important milestones we achieved throughout the year brought us here to the final weeks of school, it's graduation time! Congratulations to our Class of 2023 and our students who are now moving up. You earned this!
Haverstraw Elementary - 6th Grade Moving Up Photos
Farley Elementary - 6th Grade Moving Up Photos
Willow Grove Elementary - 6th Grade Moving Up Photos
Thiells Elementary - 3rd Grade Moving Up Photos
West Haverstraw Elementary - 3rd Grade Moving Up Photos
Stony Point Elementary - 3rd Grade Moving Up Video
Remote Academy - Moving Up Photos
Fieldstone - Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony #1 Photos, Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony #2 Photos
North Rockland High School - Graduation Photos
Summer 2023 - 24 Reminders
What to Expect this Summer
- A Mid-Summer Update will out first or second week of August so please be on the look out for that it will contain important information for the 2023-24 School Year.
- The District's 2023-24 Calendar will be mailed at the end of August.
- Summer mailing - Expect to see in your mailbox mid to late August.
- First day of School - Sept 5, 2023
- Open Houses -Tuesday, August 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Check out the Mid-Summer Update or the District calendar as we finalize dates for:
- When Parents will find their child's assigned teachers.
- Meet the Teacher Nights.
NRCSD Remote Academy
Remote Academy
The North Rockland Central School District (NRCSD) Remote Academy is a virtual program for eligible K-6 students offered through NRCSD’s K-6 Curriculum and Information Systems divisions. This program was established in 2021 to meet the increasing demand for an online learning program.
NRCSD’s Remote Academy, now open to children from other districts, features remote classrooms that include daily face-to-face instruction, while using the latest digital technology to provide a synchronous “in-class” online learning experience allowing students to learn and "POWER UP" from home.
If interested please complete the survey below.
District Highlights
The North Rockland Class of 2023 GRADUATES!
It started in kindergarten, tonight it finished center field at Clover Stadium.
Among rows and rows of NR #REDANDWHITE caps and gowns, our now graduates celebrated all the hard work they have put into their education over the last 13 years.
There was no denying the NR Community was in attendance. The ballpark came alive with the roaring cheers and applause of loved ones, friends, classmates, educators and peers as each graduate was called up by name to receive their diploma. What a moment for the Class of 2023. More photos.
Senior Prom 23
A night that's memory will last - FOREVER!
The North Rockland Central School District Class of 2023 celebrated their Senior Prom in style at Rockleigh Country Club Tuesday evening. The occasion was a final toast to all that our future graduates have been through #NRTogether and all they will go on to achieve in the future #NRStrong. Turns out a lot of fun goes down when the RED RAIDERS dress up. The magical evening officially marked the last dance of high school. Up next - GRADUATION! More photos.
Senior Walk
Walk this way!
Emotions were high as North Rockland Seniors, donning their #REDANDWHITE caps and gowns, triumphantly returned to the place where it all began. To celebrate their whole educational journey, the NRCSD Graduation Walk was held at Stony Point, Thiells and West Haverstraw Elementary schools.
Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of our youngest learners the walk will be one to remember. Grades K-3 lined the hallways with homemade signs, streamers and finish lines to cheer on the Class of 2023 as they passed and waved. It was not just a meaningful moment for our soon to be graduates, it was also one of great pride for the educators who contributed to their success. Watch video.
Soldier surprise!
NRHS senior, Hannah Werzberger, was congratulated on her Graduation Walk by a very special guest! As she waved and exited the high school's entrance, to her surprise, she saw a familiar face in the crowd and started running. Her brother had arranged to come home from deployment overseas to be present for his little sisters big moment. The entire crowd cheered as they reunited. Thanks goes out to Senior Security Aide Ernest Cebrian and all who helped coordinate this for Hannah!
Summer College & Career Center Workshops
Hep an NR Family Member
Community Opportunity
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
Red and White News
Athletics Update
NORTH ROCKLAND ATHLETICS
Master list for Fall Sports Information
Information sheet of everything a fall athlete/parent needs to know.
Dates, registration, directions and more!
JULY 21, 2023 ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FOR FALL SPORTS
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!!!
Ebony! 😻
Meet Ebony!
Ebony is a 7 year old boy who is super friendly! He loves being pet and is a very chill and relaxed cat. Eating is his life so he would make the most perfect companion, he does however like his space too. Ebony is laid back and loves other cats and people. Please consider opening your hearts and homes and go to www.hitor.org to fill out an application.
Sugar and Pie! 🐹
Meet Sugar and Pie!
Sugar and Pie are two super sweet guinea pigs in need of a loving home. They are bonded sisters who are about 5-6 months old. They are a bit skittish and shy so they will need to be socialized daily with their new owner. Please consider opening your hearts and homes to foster or adopt. Contact
bunnies@hitor.org for more information.
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