Community Update
October 30, 2026
Over the Rainbow
Happy Halloween from the NRCSD!
Fieldstone students and staff showed off their spooky, silly and seriously creative looks. These Red Raiders definitely understood the assignment! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more photos from our schools.
NJROTC Area Manager Inspection
Natalie Santopietro, Fieldstone Middle School
Lauren DaPonte, North Rockland High School
Francisco Ovalles, Haverstraw Elementary
With 22 years in North Rockland and four years as Principal of Haverstraw Elementary School, Francisco Ovalles believes that when students feel loved, learning will follow. Creating a welcoming environment where students feel cared for and supported is central to their approach to leadership. Students have also shared a few lessons with him along the way, including a strategy for solving a Rubik’s Cube!
Edward Coffey, Farley Elementary School
Madison Agovino
Alexandra Behn
Kayleigh Cockburn
Meagan Collins
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from Ramapo College, Meagan Collins went on to earn a Master of Science in Teaching in Childhood and Special Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Her connection to North Rockland began long before her time as a teacher’s aide and teaching assistant in the Visions Program at Neary Educational Center. Meagan grew up in the NRCSD and graduated in 2015.
She is looking forward to getting to know her students and creating a classroom family. One way she’s bringing that idea to life is through a “Class Family Tree,” where students and staff can share family photos and bring a piece of home into the classroom. The project celebrates the families and backgrounds that make each student unique while creating a classroom community built on inclusion and acceptance.
Jennifer Lee
Megan McGuiness
Jane Porter
Jane Porter earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Manhattan College before earning her Master of Science in School Psychology from Mercy University. She began gaining experience in the field as a school psychologist intern with the Clarkstown Central School District.
Now, she’s excited to begin her first year in North Rockland and become part of the Neary Educational Center community as a School Psychologist. She’s especially looking forward to working in a supportive and positive school environment and getting to know the students, staff and families who make Neary such a special place.
Sandra Todoric
Joseph Toomey
Brendan Bernsley
Brendan Bernsley brings a background in social work and experience as a substitute teacher with North Rockland to his new role as a School Social Worker at Fieldstone Middle School. Mr. Bernsley earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Saint Leo University and Master of Social Work from Sacred Heart University. Before stepping into his new role, he also completed internships with Camelot Community Care and the Rye Youth Council. At Camelot, he worked alongside case managers supporting children in foster care and young adults aging out of foster care. At the Rye Youth Council, he served as an intern clinician, organized community events and provided individual and group counseling.
As Brendan begins this new chapter, he is most excited about becoming more involved in the North Rockland community and participating in the many community events the district has to offer. “I look forward to meeting and connecting with people throughout the community, building meaningful relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of the community I am now proud to be a part of,” he said.
Liam Horan
Briana Peralta
Peyton Powell
Library Media Specialist Peyton Powell holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ramapo College and a Master of Science in Education degree, a Master of Library and Information Science degree and a Library Media Specialist certification from Long Island University. Ms. Powell previously taught science and special education in the East Ramapo Central School District, teaching Biology, Living Environment and Life Science to students in grades 9-12. She is excited to fulfill her dream of running a school library, collaborating with teachers across the building and sharing their passion for reading with the entire school community.
Valery Rosas
After graduating from NRHS in 2019, Valery Rosas earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Teaching from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Before coming back to North Rockland, Ms. Rosas spent a year as a special education teacher at Nyack Public Schools, where she taught eleventh and twelfth grade students in Social Studies, including Economics and U.S. Government, English, including Creative Writing and Journalism and Consumer Math.
As she begins her new role at Fieldstone, Valery is excited to experience Raider Assemblies, join her students on trips and, most of all, see how much they grow throughout the school year. Having grown up in a similar home environment to many of her students, she hopes to serve as a role model and offer the same support and encouragement she received from her own North Rockland teachers.
Alex F.
Alex is an eighth grader on the modified NR-Red boys soccer team. Alex’s hard work has been paying off this season! He is the team’s starting goalie and his skills have saved their team many times this season. He has kept the team in the game and remains humble and focused. Coach Apicella said, “Alex supports his teammates both on and off the field. He’s always striving to be a better player than the day before.”
Chloe L. M.
Chloe is a junior on the varsity gameday cheerleading team. She is known as someone who is everything a coach wants in a student-athlete. As a flyer, who recently learned to base, she has proven just how flexible and versatile she can be. Chloe defines dedication, hard work and consistency. She’s the type of athlete who doesn’t stop until she gets it right. Chloe was recently named as an All League recipient for the 2026 Fall Game Day season and will be moving on to All Section tryout’s. Even on a bad day, she continues to exude positivity and encouragement to her teammates. Coach Kelsch said, “It’s been a pleasure to watch Chloe experience so much growth throughout this program. We appreciate her dedication and the leadership qualities she brings to the mat.”
Boys Cross Country are Rockland County Champions
Congratulations to the JV and varsity boys cross country teams who took the first place title at the Rockland County Championships at Darlington Park!! This is varsity's sixth consecutive year of being Rockland County Champions. We are so Raider Proud of this group of boys who continue to impress us year after year! Special shoutout to Cooper C. on being THE Rockland County Champion and to James M. following right behind him getting second place in the varsity boys race.
Football and Cheer Senior Day
Before the last game of the regular season, varsity football and cheer as well as the marching band celebrated all 41 seniors on the field surrounded by family, friends and teammates! The Red Raiders went on to win the game against Scarsdale to make the senior game even more special. We wish our seniors the best of luck in their next chapters!
Happy Halloween from JV Field Hockey
Volley for Vets
This week, JV and varsity boys volleyball held their annual Volley for Vets games at North Rockland High School! The Red Raiders raise money to support veterans in need within our community. This special tradition is now in its third year and holds a special place in our hearts, as so many members of our community have served or are currently serving our country.
The Winning Moments x North Rockland Athletics
In partnership with The Winning Moments, North Rockland Athletics created individual photo albums for each varsity fall sport earlier this season, giving parents access to photos of their student-athletes. Now, families can take those memories a step further with our new keepsake store, featuring personalized items such as magnets, coasters and more!
The best part? Simply double-tap your keepsake with your phone to access your student-athlete’s photo album and relive their favorite moments throughout the season. Visit the store to explore the available keepsakes and find a special way to preserve your Red Raider memories! Every purchase gives back to North Rockland Athletics and to the No Kid Hungry organization.
If you are a fall varsity sports parent and have not received a link for your child's album, please reach out to mgirandola@northrockland.org.
