Community Update

March 11, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

We are now entering the second half of the 2021-22 school year! The next five months will be a busy time in North Rockland filled with many milestones, productions, events, competitions, extracurricular activities, learning, testing and engagement.

​​Since there will be so much going on in the coming weeks it's important to regroup now and develop focus for the goals students wish to accomplish before June. The half-way point in the school year grants a perfect opportunity to assess, talk with children about their progress, refocus and reset. Some tips for a successful second semester include:

1. Reviewing your student’s first-semester report cards together and asking them to identify the achievements they are most proud of or areas for improvement.

2. Find out what they are hoping and aiming for in the remainder of the school year.

3. Help students adopt a positive attitude towards their school work. It will lead them to attaining their academic goals from now until the end of the school year.

4. It’s important to create a healthy daily routine that incorporates being organized, good nutrition, exercise, a good night’s sleep and study time to ensure not only a healthy brain but that students are sticking to their programs.

5. Set school as a priority. Set your goals for the second half of the year and then put your schoolwork first. This will help students stay focused.

Establishing student-led initiative in their education is key and can help your children take ownership, stay motivated and improve performance as they finish out the school year.

As we near the end of the ongoing Pandemic, it is concerning to see an increase in substance abuse nationwide among young people. Many young people are turning to substances to cope with their increased stressors brought on by the Pandemic. North Rockland is unfortunately not immune to this trend. While there is no easy solution, here in NR we are taking steps to combat this concerning issue. Speaking to our kids about the dangers and the negative effect drugs, alcohol, vaping and bullying can have on their lives is a first step.

Under the Community Information section of today’s update you will find resources and information from our counselors and District partners on behavioral health, social services and educational support for Rockland County children and teenagers who are struggling academically, socially and emotionally. The focus is on healing children, adolescents and their families, with the goal of creating a stronger, stable support system.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we make this school year one of tradition and excellence.

The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Tests will be administered to students over the next several months. Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students receive a quality education, no matter where they go to school, because they are measured to equal standards.

In North Rockland we have had many families opt out of testing for their children and while we completely respect that decision we do encourage students to take the exams. Their participation in the testing helps ensure our District shows we are on track with the state required curriculum and aids us in our efforts for program funding. Districts including North Rockland are adversely affected by New York State when participation rates do not meet their predetermined threshold.

Linked here you will find a letter that provides more detailed information about the NYS 3-8 testing program.

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 third consecutive year. The latest 2022-23 school budget presentation can be found linked here. An in depth explanation of the presentation by Superintendent Kris Felicello can be found linked here: Begin at Time Stamp 1:07:00 -

Budget Highlights:

1. The BOE of Education has indicated the 2022-23 budget will not include an increase in our tax levy for the 3rd consecutive year.

2. The District plans to utilize reserves to improve District facilities.The improvements include: Phase one of a plan that will eventually provide air conditioned classrooms in each of our schools, athletic fields upgrades, outdoor learning spaces and more.

3. Upgrades will be accomplished without asking the taxpayers for any additional funds. The District will utilize the Capitol Reserve Fund which was approved by voters May of 2021.

***The district receives 80% reimbursement of the cost of capital improvement projects.

Specifics on the projects will be forthcoming stay tuned!

Students residing in the North Rockland Central School District who are planning to attend non-public schools for the September 2022 – June 2023 school year, must submit applications for bus transportation and registration to the District by April 1, 2022. Even if the child will not require transportation to their non-public school the application is still required for registration.

Applications are required, reports Sandra Katt, North Rockland's Transportation Coordinator, for all students who are attending a non-public school for the first time in September 2022. This stipulation also includes children who will reach school age by September and are planning to attend a non-public school.

The applications are available at non-public schools and the Transportation Office at the District Administration Building, 65 Chapel Street in Garnerville or by calling the Transportation Office at 845-942-3050.“The District is asking anyone who may be considering non-public education to please submit their application by April 1st,” states Ms. Katt. “If plans should change and the student will not require transportation to a non-public school for the upcoming school year, the application can be rescinded, but all applications must be in to the Transportation Department by April 1, 2022.”

By law, stipulations regarding bus transportation to non-public schools include the requirement that the student's home be located 15 miles or less from the non-public

school. The District measures all distances for each child from their home to the school

of choice.

Application link

We sat down for a Q & A with North Rockland Board of Education Trustee James Kraus to talk about his passion for education and his community!

Q: What do you admire most about the North Rockland Central School District?

“What I admire most about our district is that it is always changing in an extremely positive way.” James explained. “Some of the things I admire most are its diverse student body, its continual effort to advance the creativity and effectiveness of its broad array of courses, focused on academics and academies at the high school level so students can explore their post-graduation studies and career choices. The specialized focus on a strong ESL program, student mental and physical health, safety, and citizenship awareness is admirable. Just as important are the variety of extra-curricular activities including strong sports, art, music, varied clubs, and theater. Last, but certainly not least, I am impressed by the administrative team, teachers, staff, and school board members who continually focus the NRCSD on improving our programs and the functioning of the District.”

Q: What inspired you most about the community before and during the pandemic?

“My family has lived in Stony Point for 100 years: I have lived here for 50 years. I have seen it grow, become more diverse, and more varied culturally, while protecting its beautiful Hudson Valley location and access to nature.” said Kraus. “Indicative of our strong community is how we came together during the pandemic to modulate access to our schools as the NRCSD helped feed the community and provide a variety of educational forms for our students and their parents.”

James was first elected to the North Rockland Board in 2008 and currently serves as Trustee. He works with local environmental preservation groups to protect parks and the riverfront, ensuring our kids have access to great places to explore. Before joining the BOE, he was active on SIPT (School Improvement Planning Team) and other school activities, which he still encourages. Thank you for your dedication!

Presenting the Top 5% of the North Rockland Class of 2022!

Our unstoppable seniors were recognized this week during North Rockland High School’s in-person Top 5% Ceremony! It was a big moment, as 36 future graduates were called and recognized on the auditorium stage for their academic excellence.

NR Together we celebrated the top of the class, acknowledged their achievement, applauded their excellence, cheered for their successes and wished them all the best on their future endeavors. Our Principal's and Honor roll students all stood to be recognized by name as well.

“I know how very competitive your class is and that’s why I am extra proud of your top performance.” explained NRHS Principal Dr. Mike Gill. “Out of 660 future graduates, 81 seniors or 13% of the class closed out the second quarter with an average of 95 or higher - making Principal’s List. 108 seniors or 29% of the class earned a 90 or higher - making honor roll. Almost 45% of the class of 2022 are on track to graduate with 85% or higher. This is an impressive group! The 36 students that comprise our top 5% have really worked so hard for this, congratulations to you!

Each one of these students have worked tirelessly all year to achieve the highest grades while taking the most rigorous courses. NR meet the Top 5%:

1: Valedictorian: Jessica Singh - GPA 102.1765

2: Salutatorian: Emma Linhart - GPA 102.0000

Agne Adomauskaite, Danielle Baisley, Kaitlyn Brezosky, John Cahill, Elena Campisi, Jenna Castaldo, Gabrielle Ceconi, Anna Esposito, Emily Esposito, Grace Forlenza, Samyra Guerrier, Victoria Jaslow, Ryan Landayan, Krystof Lee, Helen Lee, Yaritza Lopez, Olivia LoPresti, Sravanth Malla, Grace Mallozzi, Joel Manoj, Briana Martinez, Kevin Mathew, Irene Maurer, Liam McCarthy, Christopher McGeown, Daniella Palamaro, Vincent Ret, Indirah Ridore Jean-Baptiste, Kieran Serra, Meghan Stuart, Gianluca Tiso, Victoria Varano, Gianna Vasti, and Kevin Wren.

Kudos on topping your class NR Strong! Raider Pride!!! More photos linked here.

And the 2022 NRCSD Spelling Bee Champion heading to compete Washington D.C. this summer is…. David Fyffe!

Fyffe was crowned the winner Tuesday after making it through numerous challenging rounds of competition against the top spellers and building level Bee Winners from all our elementary schools and middle school. The Fieldstone Middle Schooler’s triumph marks the return of one of our favorite annual North Rockland in-person events to hold after nearly two years – when the pandemic first began.

Organizers steadily made the words more difficult each round to really challenge NR’s best of the best. While many of us in the audience were unsure or scratching our heads at the spelling or even meaning of some of the words, our well prepared students consistently matched them. The energy in the room was one of great pride as principals, teachers, family and peers all cheered on each contestant that took the stage. We are so impressed with the skill, courage and determination shown by all our Bee competitors!

Special thanks goes out to Kerry Luzon and Jennifer Taylor for their vision and dedication in creating this wonderful program for our students. – We also would like to thank our fantastic Bee Announcers, Catherine Cazzari and Nicole Jessie – our fair Bee Judges, and Sarah Miller, Lisa Oslacky and Eileen Robusto – our wonderful Bee Student Helpers!

Congratulations to all who earned their spot in this week's Bee and to David on his big win. We are looking forward to watching him compete NR Strong at the national level next on June 2 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center!

ICYMI: You can watch the District Bee through the link here.

More photos are linked here.

It’s National School Social Work Week - March 6-12!

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In NRCSD we are celebrating as well as recognizing our incredible team of social workers across our school buildings this week for the vital role that they provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents, and the community!

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The theme for NSSWW 2022 is “Time to Shine.” School Social Workers shine brightly for their students, families, and school communities. Shining hope. Shining understanding. Shining respect.

“We shine brightly by showing heart to all of our students and by offering our support to students as well as any staff that needs assistance. Whether it be social, emotional, behavioral, resources etc.” explained Lindsay Amitrani, one of our Social Workers stationed in Willow Grove and Stony Point Elementary schools. “We try to support everyone as much as possible and we truly love what we do! Being able to be a part of students' lives is one of the most rewarding things you can do in this profession!”

These caring individuals help students deal with mental health, behavioral challenges, build social confidence and provide academic and classroom support. They also assist in developing education policies, work with crisis interventions, and identify and report child neglect and abuse. They have touched so many children in our district with their light. This spotlight on their effort this week is so well deserved. Let’s show our appreciation in the comments section below!

NR's SSW Lineup: Louise Albertson, Lindsay Amitrani, Terri-Ann Anfang, Shaquan Belizaire

Carmen Diaz, Peter Eckert, Dana Levine, Sheila Lopez, Carmen Lopez-Torres, Rosalby Namnum

Catherine Ramirez, Mitzi Tharp and Mary Velez-Torres.

Show your appreciation by leaving a comment through the link here.

Today, March 11th is International SEL Day! We invite you to celebrate with "North Rockland's March Madness: SEL Edition!" Check out this playful and interactive way to engage with some of our past and current social-emotional learning activities. Click on the link and download the printable version to record your favorites as your class votes each winner to the next round. Which activity will be your 2022 favorite? North Rockland's March Madness: SEL Edition 2022

The Red Raiders came, saw, and conquered... Allow us to reintroduce the reigning Section 1 title holders as: The 2022 STATE CHAMPIONS!

Over the weekend the New York State Public High School Athletic Association state competition was held at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Led by Head Coach Tanya Kelsch, our Varsity Cheerleading team fiercely competed and defeated 13 other top NYS squads in the large school co-ed division, taking home the trophy NR Strong. We are so proud of our student-athletes who bring their all to the mat year after year. They are truly the best of the best and now they have the title to prove it! Congratulations!

This weekend our Boys and Girls Bowling teams making their way to Syracuse for the NYS Championship. Under Coach Joan Nelson, the Red Raiders take to the lanes on Friday March 11, with the final round slated for Sunday March 13. All of the action will be held at the Strike N Spare Lanes. For tickets and information visit...https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAA.

The Red Raider Boys Basketball team's magical season came to an end on Sunday. Mount Vernon bested North Rockland in the Section I Class AA Championship game at Yorktown High School. Under Head Coach Jamie Ryan, North Rockland won their first League I B championship since 2011 and finished with the best record in school history - 23-1. What an incredible season these dedicated young men had and we could not be prouder!

Spring Sports Registration is open!

The spring season at NRHS begins 3/14 & at Fieldstone MS it begins 3/21. Online registration is now open. Student-athletes should register online and check in with a nurse.

Visit NR Athletics website for more info.

NR Athletics Limited Edition apparel has arrived! Just like the lucky clover printed across the front, these sweatshirts are rare and only available for a limited time. Make sure you order soon to have them in time for St. Patrick's Day. Proceeds from every sale supports our Red Raiders programs, equipment, and more. Even shipping is available! Shop here.

At this time the Section is increasing athletic capacity. The amount of spectators that are allowed to attend our athletic contests will increase. Your child's coach will be providing you more specifics regarding your sport.

During the District’s March Forward campaign in collaboration with Rockland County Government. During the next several weeks our students will be celebrating how physical activity can enhance learning.

We're sharing three easy steps to make your workout better for the planet!

1. Add an environmental cause to your workout. Ex. If you are going hiking bring a bag to pick up trash you may see littered about. For an added bonus challenge friends, whoever brings back the most trash has to buy dinner!
2. Green your workout gear. There's so many sneakers, yoga pants and other work out attire available made from organics, recycled materials or repurposed ocean plastic. Purchasing second hand is an even more eco friendly! Research before you buy to better the planet and your fitness routine.
3. Walk, jog or exercise outside the gym! Eliminate automobile transportation whenever possible, and even then, strive to carpool with a workout buddy. If you prefer exercising at a specific location, walk there and add it that to your workout routine! With spring coming it's the perfect time to create an outdoor routine.
   

In this new section of the NR Update we will feature the works and activities of our talented art students! They are so active in creating each week through the District's Art Education Department's variety of classes and programs that we wanted to give them their own column to share the top projects.

Take a walk with us through North Rockland's Gallery 65 Exhibit located in the Central Administration Building linked here!

During Art Reception Night the North Rockland High School Art Department unveiled the Gallery's latest and greatest selection of artwork from 100 students NR Together. Each artist stood by their hung or displayed masterpiece to showcase it, explain how it was made, and their inspiration behind it. The pieces were crafted over the last month during class time in Studio-in-Art, Drawing & Painting I & II, STAC Intro to Art, AP-2D Art & Design, Ceramic I & II, Sculpture and Fashion Illustration. The art program and incredible talent in our District is always a source of great pride!

Following the nationwide and unfortunately countywide upwards trend in youth substance abuse, recently, there has been an increase in the number of instances involving student use of substances forbidden by the North Rockland Central School District’s Code of Conduct. The District is taking this very seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. Subsequently, the District has set forth measures to help inform students and parents of the inherent dangers of these substances, while also deploying measures to promote a healthy school environment.

Measures being implemented include:

• A search of North Rockland High School was conducted in late February by the K-9 units from Rockland and Orange County. 15 officers and their K-9 service dogs swept the facility. Future sweeps are planned in conjunction with the Haverstraw Police Department.

• Training for faculty and staff members is being scheduled to help detect the signs of student substance use and the recognition of various forms of paraphernalia.

• Increased security in areas of schools where student misbehavior is more likely to occur.

• Educational presentations on the dangers of controlled substances are being held for students. A parent information night will be scheduled for later this month.

• Adjustment of bathroom supervision protocols

• The District will continue our partnership with the North Rockland Coalition for Drug and Awareness Prevention to support our students and families in need of assistance.

• The District will add staff to provide substance abuse counseling.

• The District is working closely with the town of Haverstraw to bring two School Resource Officer Positions (SRO) to the District.

We recognize the potential dangers associated with the use of substances by our student body and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.

Substance abuse for families

Strategies parents can use to help their children:

• Look for signs

• Talk to your child and explain your concerns in detail.

• Seek help/resources from your family physician, school counselor or school social worker

• Get help

Helpful links:

• The Partnership For Safe and Healthy Youth

• RCADD
• Behavioral Health Response Team
• Haverstraw Reach Out Center: 845-429-5731
• High Focus Center: 1-800-877-3628
• Volunteer Counseling (VCS): 845-634-5729
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-622-HELP(4357)
• Samaritan Daytop Village: 845-353-2730
• Arms Acres: 845-208-0632
• Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (Nyack Hosp): 845-348-2075

Signs parents could look for that determine if their child may be using:

• Poor performance in school

• Emotional and behavioral problems

• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Dropping old friends for a new group

• Acting despondent, aggressive or angry

• Sleeping more than usual

• Breaking rules

• Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, bloody or watery eyes, or shakes and tremors

More detailed signs: Linked here

Informational Articles:

• Tips for Parents of Addicted Children
• Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking? A BRIEF GUIDE TO ACTION FOR PARENTS

North Rockland CSD joins the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and 100.7 WHUD to present “Dressed Down For Leukemia 2022” on Thursday, March 17th, 2022. This community-wide effort will raise important funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Staff and students are invited on March 17th to “Dress Down” for a $5 or greater donation that go towards LLS’s programs of research and help local patient services. All contributors will receive an official “Dressed Down For Leukemia” sticker.

Students who dress down for the cause should ask their principal for a sticker. A limited number of stickers supplied by the District will be available at each school building's main office.

Here's the North Rockland School District donation link: https://pages.lls.org/ltn/ctwhv/Wstchstr21/NorthRocklandCentralSchoolDistrict

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:

1. Common Sense Media - click here

2. Connect Safely - click here

3. Internet Safety Tips - click here

The NRCSD has partnered with Peachjar. This new platform will enable us to send important school and community flyers to parents/guardians digitally, saving our schools time, money, and paper. School-approved digital flyers will be sent to your email inbox. Please click here for more information.

Be on the lookout for the 22-23 Universal Pre-K Program and the Full Day Pre-K program applications that will be posted on northrockland.org starting next week and will be accepted from January 31 - Mach 31. The program begins in September for children who will be four years old by December 1, 2022, and live in district. Children in UPK attend five (5) half days for 2½ hours each day; Children in Statewide Full-Day Prekindergarten attend five (5) days a week for 5 hours each day for 180 days per school year, at no cost to you. Parents have a choice of several center locations throughout the county. Please note that transportation is not provided. There are limited slots.

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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.