Community Check-In

Today starts the mid-winter break in North Rockland schools. As a reminder all schools are closed from February 19 - 24 for the recess and will reopen Monday, Feb 26, 2024.

As we celebrate President’s Day this Monday leading into the break next week, I can’t help but also reflect on the strong leaders we have walking the hallways of North Rockland. After attending Honor Roll breakfasts this week, seeing successful student-led food collections, fundraisers, kindness challenges and causes for local and national organizations like Make-A-Wish, to our athletes YET AGAIN bringing home another round of section wins - I was reminded of the formidable ways every one of our Raiders have been able to make an impact at school.

Being a proud leader is about making a positive difference in the lives of others and creating a better school environment for all. It’s about empowerment, dedication, collaboration and keeping standards, expectations and goals high. I see that happening here. Our students are constantly showing up and setting an example for each other, as does our entire school community during the celebrations, but more importantly during those challenging times we all inevitable must face.

Through their academic work, their interactions with classmates and teachers, their open embrace of the Black History Month curriculum and experiences together and most importantly how they are always helping those who need it the most in our community, they lead. To say I am impressed with all of their efforts is an understatement. I truly believe we could have the next POTUS among us.

Traditionally the week before a break in NRCSD is a time for structured experiences that align with lessons, outside of the classroom. NRHS Student Voice and P.U.L.S.E. members took a special interest in Martin Luther King III during a trip to STAC this week for his Campfire Discussion session while elementary schoolers learned through play and guest performance experiences with groups like Chiku Awali African Dance and Culture Group.

Inching towards March, we truly have not missed a beat since September. Thanks to strong instruction, best practices teachers share and engaging lessons that motivate students to achieve, academically, NR students and faculty shine. We have the greatest educators and staff for making all of this happen each day.

NRCSD’s strategy of maximizing pre-break time to structure in important activities or fun kids and teachers love but do not regularly have time for like Valentine’s Day celebrations, Field Trips and assemblies continues to result in the perfect balance of novelty and predictability. Knowing what our students can handle and still maintaining standards of excellence is key.

In closing, I want to reiterate that in North Rockland we are one family. We Are NR! When tragedy happens to one of us as it did recently, it happens to everyone in NR. Our hearts go out to all the students, families, loved ones and friends who faced the loss of our beloved 9th grade student Aiden Knerr. We ask that you continue to rally around them and keep them in your thoughts in the coming days as we join them in mourning and remembering.

Staff and students will return for instruction on Monday, February 26.

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Since joining our district, our SROs have played a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within our schools, but the impact they have on our community is much greater than that. They serve as mentors, educators and liaisons between our students, faculty and the community. Lupo, Bertolino and Heath are all North Rockland graduates, which is why they understand the fabric of this community and can foster positive relationships with the students. We celebrated them during National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day this week. Send A Shoutout Here.

North Rockland Voice and P.U.L.S.E (People United Learning To Stand Equally) student groups along with their advisors Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello and Sherri McGill, took a collaborative trip to St. Thomas Aquinas College this week to attend a “Black History Month Fireside Chat” given by the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III(MLK III). MLK III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peacemaker and a negotiator on some of today’s most critical national and international platforms for social change. Amplifying the work of his father, Mr. King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and shepherding the healing of our nation and the world. Full Story/More Photos.

West Haverstraw Elementary hosted the Chiku Awali African Dance and Culture Group to teach the students about different African dances. Chiku Awali’s mission is to promote, encourage and project civic and cultural programs in Rockland County that are representative of African dance and culture. The group invited both students and staff up on stage to dance. A great time was had by all! More Photos.

NR classrooms buzzed with the sounds of students creating colorful cards, dance parties and Valentine’s Day themed curriculum this week. The air was filled with the sweet scent of candy and chocolate treats, while laughter and giggles echoed throughout the schools. It was a day of friendship, kindness and the joy of sharing love in its simplest form. More Photos.

NR participated in the annual BOCES sponsored Rockland Read-In, where students across the county delve into the magical world of reading. BOE Members, Administrators, Politicians, family members and community members all piled into the schools to read the students adventurous stories. SPE even had a book swap, allowing students to go home with two books each! The best reader award goes to Superintendent Felicello, who continually nails the voices of all the characters in a wide range of books. Full Story/More Photos.

The fierce Farley Elementary K-Kids who have successfully begun a feeding North Rockland “Backpack Program” in their school. After working to fundraise and collecting donations to stock their newly installed pantry, this week was the first official “Feeding Hearts and Bellies” packing and delivery day for all involved. The newly implemented food program offers local families free groceries for weekends and school breaks. Full Story/More Photos.

Joining the Make-A-Wish national hot chocolate fundraising event, the Trailblazers at Fieldstone Middle School, in conjunction with Assistant Principal James Mulligan set up hot chocolate cafes during lunch periods this week. A signature hot drink and sweet conversations with peers, all while supporting an organization close to the NR Community was just what learners needed to warm up this week. Full Story/More Photos.

Finally, Thiells Elementary School Kindness Club and Farley Elementary students in conjunction with our PTA make our Student Leaders Spotlight. Both school buildings' hallways were filled with kind words and special heartfelt messages this week thanks to learners' efforts. At TES, School Kindness Club members decorated, inscribed and delivered cards to spread kindness and "Warm Someone's Heart,” while at FES learners beautified the entire lobby with colorful “Messages-In-A-Heart”. Sharing and standing behind your considerate, thoughtful and caring words is one way our students lead by example. Full Story/More Photos.

Use this month's resource to enhance your ability to cultivate a curious mindset!

• February Activity

Tommy Cahill is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Tommy is a junior on the North Rockland High School Ice Hockey team. Tommy is known to be one of the most consistent players on their team this season making him one of their top players. During their recent game against Carmel Cahill had 2 goals and 2 assists to contribute to their win. Tommy has a 200 ft game, plays both ends of the ice, and contributes to the team in multiple ways regularly. Tommy also carries an A average in school and is on the golf team in the spring. His coach said, “Tommy comes to the rink every day with a great attitude & tremendous effort. He has been productive and continually displays a team first mentality. Terrific team player!” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Tommy!

Samantha Bender is our #LADYRAIDEROFTHEWEEK!!! Samantha is a junior on the girls track team at North Rockland High School. Bender participates in a number of events including the 1500 m RaceWalk, 1000 m, 1500 m, 1 Mile, and the 3000 m. Where she truly shines is during the 1500 m RaceWalk where she walked away this season as a Triple Crown Champion. That means she placed first in the League 1C Champion, Rockland County Champion, AND Section 1 Class AA Champion. Impressive! This Sunday she will be competing in the Section 1 State Qualifier to represent NR at the NY State Championships and is hoping to qualify for Nationals as well. Samantha is also a part of the cross country team in the fall. Her coach said, “Samantha has worked incredibly hard this season and is peaking at just the right time. She has shown tremendous toughness and consistency in each of her races this year. She’s been a vital part of our team’s success.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Samantha!

• Boys Basketball: 15-5

• Girls Basketball: 11-9
• Girls Bowling: Section Champions
• Boys Bowling: Section Champions
  
• Ice Hockey: 9-10-1
• Track: Triple Crown Champions (League, County, Section Champions)
• Wrestling: Second Place in Section One

Varsity:

Hockey vs Mamaroneck, Tonight (2/16/24) at 5:30 in Mamaroneck

Boys Basketball vs. Clarkstown North

Thursday, Feb. 8 at 4:30 PM

Freshmen:

Boys Basketball vs. New Rochelle

Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4:15 PM

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.