Community Check-In

The midway point of the first month of 2024 is now upon us. As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In North Rockland schools, the national holiday provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, historical curriculum and reflective educational activities that recognize Dr. King’s inspirational work as well as the civil rights movement. Across our buildings this week, students celebrated the life and legacy of the influential and legendary leader with knowledge and context to help them understand and appreciate the significance of this day in America.

Additionally in North Rockland, every year in his honor we take this week into next to reinforce our commitment to creating and upholding a respectful, conducive and welcoming learning environment where all students feel valued. We succeed because regardless of our differences we always prioritize accomplishing our goals together.

There is great importance in acknowledging the moments of the past that continue to shape our future. I encourage our school community to join our students this weekend in taking a moment to embody the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings through acts of service, kindness, selflessness and compassion. It can be as simple as saying thank you to a cashier at the supermarket or uplifting a peer in need. Each of us has the same power to make a positive difference.

A man dedicated to achieving equality, freedom and dignity for all people, Dr. King's “dream” was for every child to receive access to an inclusive, high-level and quality education. A moving message that's impact continues to resonate in our society today. NRCSD pledges to use this time to think of ways to provide even more equitable and accessible education programs and opportunities that fit every learners' needs at all levels, embraces the diversity of their identities and interests and equips them with the skills, qualities, character and values they need to thrive.

The early forecast for next week indicates that we may be affected by wintery weather. The District will monitor the forecast, roads and work with community partners to determine if school start/end times should be adjusted or if school should be closed. We will communicate with families as a decision has been made. Please check that your phone and email information is up to date with your child’s school to ensure you're receiving official NRCSD notifications.

The district also shares weather-related alerts on our website, northrockland.org, through our official social media channels and via News 12 Hudson Valley, WHUD Radio (100.7 FM) and WRCR Radio (1700 AM).

I wish everyone a reflective Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a restful long weekend.

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Following his example, our students demonstrate how NR Together we can apply education and an NR Strong sense of community to make the world a more caring and peaceful place rooted in mutual understanding.

NR Proud to share that Fieldstone Middle School inducted 119 eighth graders into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) this week.

The long-standing society in NRCSD elevates student commitment to the values of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship.

“New members were invited into the society based not only on their academic achievements but on essays written about their character and the valuable community service they’ve contributed to NR.” Advisors Jennifer Bodkin and Kelly Ann O'Sullivan shared. “Our 2024 inductees have volunteered over 300 hours of public and community service.”

Membership to the North Rockland NJHS provides many leadership opportunities which is great for both college and life experience. Generations of Red Raiders have excelled through the program.

Congratulations to all inducted. Each one of you is a shining point of NR Pride!

In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, West Haverstraw Elementary hosted the Haverstraw Police Department for a winter concert. Superintendent Felicello, Principal Scalia and AP Terry conveyed a message of appreciation and unity with the police department. Full Story.

Willow Grove Elementary was the second school to host the annual spelling bee. It was a fierce, yet friendly competition that started with 54 students. Round after round, word after word, the field was whittled down until Michael H. was crowned WGES Champ with the word “magistrates.” Although the word is associated with a judge presiding over more minor issues, we rule his victory as a major feat! Willow Grove will be sending five students to the NRCSD district spelling bee! More Photos.

During lunch periods Cheryl Rotella and Kathy Rogers’ savvy students sell a variety of sweet treats, baked from scratch with knowledge. Working the sweet tooth booth is a great way for grades 4-6 SPIRIT students to socialize and interact with one another as well as their peers and provide a perk to a Farley Elementary Favorite part of the day - lunchtime. Full Story/More Photos.

Through NRCSD’s Special Services Department, our Behaviorists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Dr. Stack, Ms. Crawford, Ms. Hill and Ms. McDonnell conducted a half-day training at the West Haverstraw Community Center. The collaborative information session familiarized NR Bus Drivers and Monitors with research-based guidelines and approaches to behavior and positive reinforcement, which can be strategically used on the buses to best support students. Full Story/More Photos.

“I never miss a FLEP Celebration because I know how big of an accomplishment it is.” -Superintendent Felicello.

Students and staff gathered in the NRHS auditorium to celebrate the high schoolers who achieved FLEP status. Superintendent Felicello and Executive Director of ELL Services Miggy Lopez conveyed messages about the student's hard work and dedication to achieve FLEP status and its impact on their success moving forward. Full Story/More Photos.

Sarai Gurley is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Sarai is a senior captain on the North Rockland High School varsity girls basketball team. Sarai scored 30 points against defending Section 4 champion Binghamton in the finals of the annual Coach Rich Korn Holiday tournament hosted at North Rockland. In the opening round of the tournament, Sarai had seven points, six assists and nine rebounds in the #RedRaiders win over Mt. Vernon, 60-30. This is the first time in 4 years that the Raiders won the 42 year old tournament! On average Gurley is 15.4 points per game, four assists per game, and seven rebounds. The shooting guard committed to playing at American International College. Sarai also belongs to the Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, and Student Government. Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Sarai!!!

Danny Higgins is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Danny is a sophomore at North Rockland High School on the JV boys basketball team. Higgins has been instrumental in leading the team to an 8-2 start. In the past few games, he scored 17 points, 19 points, and a season high 30 points in a huge win against Ossining! His commitment to the team and sharing the ball on the court does not go unnoticed. On the defensive end, Number 23 consistently guards the opposing teams’ more talented players, not shying away from a challenge. Danny is also a multi-sport athlete who was a standout wide receiver on the Red Raider Football team this past fall. Coach Castaldo states, "Danny has a quiet presence about him, but demonstrates great composure, skill, decision making and willingness to do what is best for the team." Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Danny!!!

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.