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.
