Community Update

March 4, 2022

March is an active and engaging month in the North Rockland Central School District! Across all of our school buildings, students are diving into Women’s History Month lessons, taking on fitness challenges for March Forward, preparing for upcoming performances and boldly facing competition at Section 1 and NYS Championships.

This week marked a major turning point in the pandemic. It was a big moment, similar to the first day of school, coming into the classroom on Wednesday. Smiles were definitely the theme, as New York State’s school mask mandate officially came to an end.

We are elated to see the happiness and expressions on the faces of our students, faculty and staff. Despite the revealed smiles, laughter, and increased connection, our educators were prepared for other feelings too. I am so proud of how our school community respected and accepted each other during this transition. Whether continuing to wear a mask or not, learners were reassured that it is a personal choice that we all make in order to feel safe. Please know that if you decide to have your child(ren) wear a mask, we will continue to support your decision.

New COVID-19 cases continue to be at record lows across the District. This past week we are reporting the least amount of positive cases we have seen since the pandemic began two years ago. Optimistically, I hope to see this number dwindle down to zero sometime soon!

As a North Rockland family, we continue to navigate protocol changes, adjustments and strides towards normalcy NR Together and NR Strong!

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!

1. Masks are now optional in all NRCSD Buildings and Facilities.

• An overview of the mask policy with Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello can be found linked here.

2. When are masks required?

• Individuals who test positive for COVID can return to school five days after the onset of symptoms or their positive diagnosis. However, they must wear a face covering on days six - ten.

3. What are the new guidance requirements?

• The latest COVID-19 guidance from NYS can be found linked here.

• Please note as per the new guidance requirements, parents may receive more communication from their schools when/if another student/staff in close quarters test positive.

4. If I am uncomfortable, could I still enroll in the NR Remote Academy?

• Yes, if you're interested in obtaining information about enrolling your child for the Remote Academy please email Principal Jim Mulligan - jmulligan@northrockland.org

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

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

“I admire the youngest of our students.” He explained. “The ones who started Kindergarten just prior to the pandemic and the ones who started during the pandemic. They carry the heaviest burden. Not understanding really what is going on, yet they listen and work hard to keep up. I can’t wait to see their genuine smiles now that they can choose to take off their masks. In turn they will now see the smiles of their teachers that reward them with expressions that speak from their hearts.”

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

“More than any other community I believe NR demonstrates courage, cooperation, and character, that is unmatched and through many adversities.” Robert who is a lifelong resident of Haverstraw explained. “The way parents entrust our staff with the safety of their loved ones, it really inspires me. It’s been a collaborative effort, as they help from home when they can to meet the objective of educating and seeking our goal of returning to normal.

Robert and his three sons are graduates of the North Rockland Central School District. He was first elected to the BOE in 2007 and also serves on the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Thiells Roseville Fire District, as a member of St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish, Knights of Columbus, Italian American Social Club, Rockland County Historical Society Preservation Committee and is a Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Police Auxiliary Officer and New York State Peace Officer. He also currently serves as a Commissioner of the Haverstraw Water Recovery Facility. Thank you for your dedication!

NRCSD is spotlighting our incredible quarantine instruction team this Flashback Friday!

Through the new Elementary Express video series, we are sharing important and innovative education programs that revolve around our school curriculum. During their time at home, students found a way to connect, support, and acceptance – inside the virtual classroom communities created by our quarantine teachers. Take a behind the scenes look at the North Rockland Remote Academy's Quarantine Headquarters where our educators keep grades K-6 engaged, and learning each day!

Being physically active helps us make friends, relieve stress, move our bodies and grow our brains!

This week kicks off 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. During PE as well as in the classroom kids will be challenged to take brain breaks, try yoga, compete in games, learn new exercises and even tackle obstacle courses – all designed to focus on making fitness a fun part of their daily routine. Watch some activities at Thiells Elementary including Battleship and Spaghetti and Meatballs Tag linked here! It’s going to be a fun month celebrating wellness and working on our fitness.

The Rambling Raider is here and ready to spread some love and cheer! Dive head first into our irresistible and lovely articles to get a taste! "Editor-in-Chief Gabby Ceconi"

https://sites.google.com/northrockland.org/news/home

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.

It's the ultimate undefeated showdown you do not want to miss!

After beating the third-seeded Foxes 47-44 in the Class AA semifinals North Rockland's Varsity Boys Basketball team will face top-seeded Mount Vernon at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 6, at Yorktown High School for the Class AA championship. The Knights (19-0) also remained unbeaten after defeating Arlington in Wednesday's other semifinal game.

Purchase tickets through the link here

*** If tickets are sold out check back on Sunday morning as other district’s unused allocation will become available for NR.

Read more through the link here

The North Rockland girls’ varsity basketball team completed another successful season, going undefeated in League play and capturing the league title for the 6th time in 8 years.

The squad, which posted an overall record of 14-8 advanced to the Section 1 Elite 8 this season, before bowing out to #1 seeded Ursuline.

In addition to their success on the court, the team achieved a team Grade Point Average of 96.8%, thereby being recognized as a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) scholar-athlete team. This is the 13th straight year that the team has been honored for their scholastic achievement.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) recognizes scholar-athlete teams and individuals. To achieve this honor, varsity teams are required that 75% of their roster carry a GPA of 90.00 or higher when averaged together. The students with a 90.00 GPA or above will receive a recognition pin.

The boys and girls track and field program is 24 hours away from competing in the 2022 New York State Indoor Championships. The program looks to take home some hardware with 8 athletes or relays being ranked within the top 10. Jade Pazmino, the top ranked athlete(5th), will battle it out against New York State’s best in the 1500 meters!

Heading to States

Girls

1. Jade Pazmino 1500, 4:43.7 - Ranked 5th

2. Esther St. Fort 300, 40.54 - Ranked 10th

3. Dami Modupe 55, 7.37 - Ranked 17th

4. Deborah Estabine Shot Put, 38.0.5 - Ranked 8th

5. Gabby Gonzalez Race Walk, 7:49.45 - Ranked 10th

6. Girls 4x200, 45.93 - Ranked 8th

St fort, Modupe, Cabrera, Lewis, and Zamor

Boys

1. David Joseph 55HH, 7.85 - Ranked 9th

2. Boys 4x200 meter relay, 1:32.29 - Ranked 8th

Joseph, David 12, Italiano, Tyler 11, LaCour, Michael 11, Farrar, Sebastian 12, Sanchez, Manuel 12, Ceasar, Zack 13. Zack Ceasar 11

3. Zack Ceasar Triple Jump, 41’8” - Ranked 17th

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.

Going way back, back even before the current high school was built in the 1960s, North Rockland's football program has had just three head coaches: Ralph Cordisco, Joe Casarella and Tom Lynch.

Filling those big shoes was nothing more than a pipe dream to players, although that never stopped them from imagining it — James Hickey included.

"As kids, we used to mess around and say you would one day take over the program," Hickey said, "but you don't actually think it's realistic."

For Hickey, a 2004 North Rockland graduate, the dream has now become a reality. Read more linked 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, over the next several weeks our students will be celebrating how physical activity can enhance learning.

After being active hydrating is so important. Getting enough water every day is essential for your health. Drinking water gives your body energy while delivering important nutrients to all of our cells, especially muscle cells, postponing muscle fatigue.

There is incredible benefits for the environment and otherwise, when using water bottle filling stations in larger buildings, such as schools. They lessen the chance of contamination, increase the quality of taste and reduce waste.

Our students at Thiells Elementary School are reminding us all this week to keep our bodies hydrated and the environment clean by using reusable water bottles and refilling stations instead of single use bottled beverages!

North Rockland Voice is a group of diverse North Rockland high schoolers who wish to amplify the thoughts and ideas of the student body. Our group hopes to raise awareness by educating the school community and community at large to embrace diversity and inclusion. Their initiative is to get everybody, everywhere to a point where they feel valued because of their uniqueness, which requires teaching people to look for commonalities.

This year the voice group educated staff members through a book distribution project where each teacher was able to choose one book from a researched selection provided by the group. During the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Book Tasting hosted in each school building, group members presented, spoke and showed this video to NRCSD staff members as part of their initiative. We are so NR Proud of these NR Strong student leaders for the impact their project had on uniting us all as one community. #WER1NR

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. 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.

The District continues to be afforded an extensive supply of free Rapid Home Antigen test kits that the Rockland Department of Health (RCDOH), in cooperation with our partners at Rockland BOCES, has delivered to be distributed to all interested North Rockland families.

Requested test kits can be picked up with photos id at our testing site at 65 Chapel Street, Garnerville on Mondays and Wednesdays 7am - 10am and Thursdays from 2pm - 5pm. You will see signs for COVID testing. Please pull up to that area and a security guard will assist you. Test kits will also be available at various District events.

***Please note these tests cannot be used as clearance to return to school or work if an individual is symptomatic. A student or staff member who was symptomatic can only return to school or work with a written report from a rapid antigen test, PCR test, or a doctor's note with an alternative diagnosis.

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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.