Community Update

September 9, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Tuesday we welcomed students back into our buildings for a new year of learning. Every North Rockland school eagerly greeted its new and returning learners. After going through so many challenges together during this pandemic, it felt remarkable to have a normal first day of school. A strong start to what will undeniably be an incredible year.

The week was full of a lot of emotions, positive feelings and kind, wonderful and warm feedback from our community. As Superintendent of Schools, it was an honor and a privilege to be able to visit our nine schools and spend time with students, faculty, educators and parents to begin new school year. Walking around our buildings each day I saw teachers, staff and administrators providing a welcoming, nurturing, supportive and friendly atmosphere for our learners. Seeing the genuine excitement our children displayed to be back in the classroom environment is something I will never forget.

Our successful start to the 2022-23 school year would not have been possible without every one of NR’s amazing teachers, staff and employees. They truly went above and beyond decorating hallways, classrooms and desks to be engaging, warm, and comfortable for students when they showed up on our first day. Thanks also go out to the amazing buildings and grounds crew and security team for their tireless efforts day in and day out. Our schools are once again the cleanest and safest they have ever been.

Working with our additional security team - Allied, ensured and showed that this school year will be one of the utmost safety and security. NRCSD is also working with Sheriff Lou Falco and the Rockland County Sheriff's Department to ensure we are prepared for any situation that may come our way. Security updates that can be shared will be in the coming weeks.

We are also grateful for the support provided by our local law force officers. Under the direction of Haverstraw Chief Peter Murphy and Stony Point Chief Ed Finn officers have been assigned to monitor our schools until permanent School Resource Officers are selected. We are thankful to have such talented and caring officers in our school buildings. Bringing SRO’s to the hallways of North Rockland schools has been a top priority for not only district leadership but for our communities, led by Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard T. Phillps Jr. and Town of Stony Point Supervisor Jim Monaghan. This initiative will certainly prove to be an asset for our entire school community!

With the return of school comes first-day bumps to smooth out. There was an issue with the distribution center in Monsey resulting in a number of bus passes not making it to our residents homes. I apologize for any inconvenience delays in bussing and bus pass distribution may have caused and thank you for your patience. To better serve our community next school year the district already has begun careful planning for next year to ensure that these outside factors can hinder our opening days. It is our goal to make improvements in all we do each year.

There’s a lot ahead - Please keep on the lookout for our variety clubs and activities as they begin, our athletic teams games schedules as they kick off their seasons and specialized parent events that are coming starting next week. Let’s continue our #NRStrong partnership to collaboratively ensure that our children's needs are met.

Congratulations on a great and safe first week of school everyone - the first of many in the incredible year ahead! Let’s keep it up and get back to it all again next week.

In closing, I ask you to pause for a moment this weekend to remember the families and loved ones we lost, as well as the brave first responders and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others in the terrorist attacks on our nation 21 years ago this Sunday - September 11, 2001. Especially here in North Rockland, we will never forget.

We honor the victims. We will never forget.

Janet Alonso

John Coughlin

Patricia McAneny

Robert McCarthy

Michael McHugh

Luke Nee

Dennis O'Connor

Gerald O'Leary

Thomas Schoales

Arthur Simon

Kenneth Simon

Cathy Smith

Michael Wholey

First Day of School - Sept. 6

Meet the Teacher Nights - Flyer/Print out

Sept. 15 - 6:30PM - NRHS

Sept. 19 - 6PM - SPES, TES and WHES

Sept. 20 - 6PM - SPES, TES and WHES

Sept. 21 - 7PM - FES, HES and WGES

Sept. 22 - 7PM - FES and WGES

Sept. 28 - 7PM- FMS

Sept. 29 - 7PM - FMS

Ice Cream Socials

Sept. 12 - 6:45PM - HES Grade 4

Sept. 13 - 6:30PM - WGES Grade 4

Sept. 14 - 5:30PM - FES Grade 4

Sept. 16 - 6PM - SPES

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: 8:07AM-2:46PM

Bell Schedule

North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM

Bell Schedule

A digital version of the North Rockland 2022-23 Print Calendar you should receive in the mail can be found linked here.

All the official days linked here were formally approved by the Board of Education.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Gold Ribbon is the international awareness symbol of Childhood Cancer. The color gold represents how precious children are and the resiliency of childhood cancer heroes. The Pediatric Cancer Foundation hopes that going gold this month will help send a message to policymakers that pediatric cancer research deserves more funding than it currently receives. Right now, only 4% of federal funds are going toward pediatric cancer research.

Many of us in North Rockland unfortunately have felt or dealt with the pain of this terrible illness. In their honor, we ask all our staff and students to wear gold to school next Friday September 23 in an effort to raise awareness and demonstrate support for this worthy cause.

View what the latest news is from our school buildings though the link here.

***Remember to charge your device before the first day of school!***

Chromebook Care

Getting a Parent Portal account

1. Parents can retrieve their child's schedule via the Parent Portal at Fieldstone and North Rockland High School.

2. Kindergarten students will receive their chromebook during the month of September.

As a reminder NR’s school bus passes have gone out.

Bus stop information can also be found linked here or on the home page of the district and all school sites.

More information can be found on the Registration and Transportation websites.

Our nurses are so excited to welcome students back next week!

As a reminder: If you have received notification that your child is missing a vaccination, please contact your child's Healthcare Provider as soon as possible to get them caught up.

If you need further assistance please contact North Rockland Central School District Health Services Facilitator Kathy Varieur, MST, BSN, RN, NCSN at (845) 942-3418.

Through NR's Elementary Report Card Committee the district has overhauled how report cards are structured.

Key shifts beginning in 2022-23:

• We are now reporting three times a year - trimesters.
• We are reporting on behaviors that support student learning.
• Simplified language for a better universal understanding.

Specific changes by level:

• Numeric Key for Kindergarten

Did you know NRCSD now offers a FREE App?

The North Rockland Central School District App is now available for download in the App Store or Google play! Just search North Rockland CSD and tap to download. Save time and find all the latest District information all in one convenient, easy use location.

Steps to download:

1. Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®
2. Search North Rockland CSD
3. Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download
4. Open the App enable push notifications and select the school(s) you want to subscribe to.

Stay connected!

• Get the latest district and school news
• Select the schools you want to follow
• Get push notifications about breaking news, closures, weather, events, and more
• Tap to see school locations, phone numbers, and staff information, fast

For a tutorial and navigation overview on the NRCSD App check out the YouTube video linked here.

Thank you to Journal News/lohud Reporter Nancy Cutler for checking in with NRCSD Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello and our team at Stony Point Elementary on our virtual and in-person students first of school!

A '2.0' version of the District’s Remote Academy is being offered and restructured for the future. This year, Superintendent Kris Felicello said, COVID concerns have eased for many families, and their kids are back in class. "But other families found it better," he said of remote learning. "It's really evolving." Read more.

Introducing the newest and cutest member of the NR Team at Fieldstone Middle School Maybie!!

Maybie (May for short) graduated from Canine Companions Skilled Companion/Facility Program in July 2022. Our newest friend has been on an educational journey herself, as her first year was dedicated to nurturing, socializing, foundational training and even a trip to The Museum of Natural History. From there, May and her FMS handler worked together for weeks, both getting to know each other and training together. On July 22, the pink bow on her collar was moved from right to left as she graduated to her new setting at Fieldstone. Much like our own staff, her education doesn't stop there, as she will continue graduate classes throughout her life.

With over a years worth of preparation, she is eager to take on Maybies Mission of enhancing the lives of the students. A Canine Companions facility dog is trained to perform service dog commands including picking up items, opening doors and providing calming pressure. As a facility dog in a school setting, she is well equipped to build and strengthen the community. Her trained skills can be utilized to enhance therapies, promote participation and reduce anxiety in academic environments. Maybie is highly trained for specific settings, such as special education, although she is already a fan favorite for the whole school and adored by everyone that meets her!

NR Proud to introduce our new Principals for the 2022-23 School Year. After all, behind every great school is a caring Principal! It’s an exciting time for our district and we want our school community to get to know our building leaders a little better. First up is Remote Academy Principal Avis Shelby!

What makes Principal Shelby’s school so unique to our district is that grades K-6 students enrolled in our virtual curriculum will have their educational experiences on an online platform in the Remote Academy.

Avis shared that in her new role she is most excited to be a part of an innovative, unconventional way of teaching. “Learning excites me to no end after working in education for over 38 years.” explained Shelby who’s fun energy will most definitely be felt by students and staff no matter the setting. “I am also excited and inspired by the incredibly motivated Remote Academy staff.”

For her intro photo Principal Shelby chose to take her picture in one of the many online learning spaces now dedicated to the Remote Academy’s home base inside Willow Grove Elementary that teachers will utilize to connect their with students – ultimately unlocking possibilities.

Welcome Avis through the link here!

Next up is Farley Elementary Principal Dr. Alex Levine!

What makes Principal Levine’s school so unique to our district is the Farley Strong culture there. Alex shared that FES students have already demonstrated their incredible kindness and warmth as they welcomed him to the school.

Dr. Levine explained that in his new role he is most excited for the opportunity to return to the elementary setting where he began his career in education. We know his kind hearted, fun and supportive nature will help students rise to achieve their goals and instill a love of learning.

For his intro photo Principal Levine chose to take his picture in the Farley Garden. “It is a beautiful outdoor space our school community truly enjoys.” Alex explained. “In August, we already had families join us there for a Meet and Greet as well as our new teachers!”

Welcome Alex through the link here!

Click here for starting dates for: Fall Sports 2022, Winter Sports 2022-23, and Spring Sports 2023.

Fieldstone Middle School

**Registration is open!**

2022-23 Fall Sports Start Dates:

September 7, 2022: Football, Boys and Girls Soccer

September 8, 2022: Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Swimming (dry land at FMS)

NOTE: Please pay attention to the Fieldstone Loud speaker announcements for more information on meetings and dates.

2022-23 Winter Sports Start Dates

November 14, 2022: High School Winter Sports Start

November 28, 2022: Modified Teams Start

2023 Spring Sports Start Dates

March 13, 2023: High School Spring Sports Start

March 20, 2023: Modified Teams Start

Use the link below to check out the latest sports apparel just in time for the fall season and support our student-athletes at the same time. The shops are only available for a limited time so be sure to grab all your favorites now!

NR Girls Volleyball 2022 - Team Apparel Store

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.

📢Attention NR Community🎗

Join the North Rockland Central School District and show your support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September.

Jelien is a 6 year old Childhood Cancer Survivor, North Rockland resident and a student at West Haverstraw Elementary that fought and beat childhood cancer. She rang the bell in March 2021 and ended all of her treatments in April 2021, bravely beating childhood cancer! This shirt was created to show support for Jelien and all of the childhood cancer survivors, and all those fighting today.

The NR community will be wearing gold in September 2022 to commemorate this cause, get your limited edition shirt today! $10.00 from every purchase of this shirt will be donated to Friends of Karen, an amazing organization that helps families with children that have been diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in our local area.

Adult and child sizes available! Get yours & let’s GO GOLD this September🎗

Shop - https://1791nation.com/products/north-rockland-childhood-cancer-awareness-fundraiser-t-shirt

Shop - https://1791nation.com/collections/kids/products/north-rockland-childhood-cancer-awareness-fundraiser-t-shirt-youth

The Penguin Rep Theatre is set to premiere on Friday a new comedy with music titled "The Virtuous Life of Joseph Andrews." As CBS2's Dave Carlin reported Wednesday, the world premiere inspired by the classic novel by Henry Fielding."Eighteenth century English countryside, a farce, a romp," actor and musical director Jonathan Randell Silver said, describing the show. Read more on the CBS feature linked here.

SCHOOL MENUS

Elementary Lunch Menu

Upper Elementary Lunch Menu

Fieldstone Middle School Lunch Menu

North Rockland High School Lunch Menu

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 State Department of Health has released Updated Guidance for K-12 Schools this week linked here.

For the 2022-2023 School Year

Quarantine

• The CDC no longer recommends quarantine except in high-risk congregate settings.
• The CDC recommends that all people with a known or suspected COVID-19 exposure regardless of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection follow current CDC exposure recommendations which include wearing a mask or respirator for a full 10-day period and getting tested at least 5 days after close contact or sooner if symptoms develop.

Staying Home When Sick or Symptomatic

• The CDC continues to recommend that people stay home when sick. Any student or staff member who has symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home.
• Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. Those who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 who test positive should consult with a healthcare provider right away for possible treatment, even if their symptoms are mild.
• If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 and do not have a regular health care provider, you can be evaluated for treatment by either calling 1-888-TREAT-NY or visiting the New York State COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access Website.

• People who are symptomatic and awaiting COVID-19 test results or have tested positive for COVID-19 should follow CDC's Isolation Guidance.

Isolation

• People who have tested positive or are awaiting COVID-19 test results should remain home and follow the CDC's Isolation Guidance. Isolation may end based on how serious someone's COVID-19 symptoms were.

-If someone had no symptoms, isolation may end after day five.

-If someone had symptoms, isolation may end after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.

-People should wear a mask through day 10 after ending isolation when they are feeling better (no fever without use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms improving).

-Antigen testing is not required to end isolation; however, some schools may allow use of the "test-based strategy" to potentially shorten the length of time for post-isolation mask use.

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.

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.

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

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 $150 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.