Community Update
February 6, 2026

Community Update
Hello North Rockland Families,
With the 2026 Winter Olympics underway, Physical Education teachers at our lower elementary schools are generating excitement among our K-3 students by introducing them to Olympic-inspired sports! At Thiells and Stony Point Elementary, students explored simplified versions of curling, slalom skiing, bob sledding and more. When students and staff return from February Recess (Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20), West Haverstraw Elementary will join the fun by trying out the sports and hosting a closing ceremony to wrap up the games.
February features other inspiring moments for students across the North Rockland Central School District. Next Friday, students will participate in the Rockland Read-In, an annual, countywide competition which encourages recreational reading in support of literacy and New York State Learning Standards. Schools with the most minutes read win, so let’s pick up those books, Red Raiders! At the end of the month, students will celebrate the 100th day of school, marking the midpoint of the 2025-26 academic year. I’m already hearing about fun ways our staff will center learning around the number 100 that day.
As mentioned in last week’s Community Update, the district is seeking feedback, should the district need more than the three allocated snow days this year. Please see the “Emergency/Snow Day Update” section below and share your opinion in our brief survey.
The NRCSD is looking forward to hosting its Instructional Job Fair tomorrow, February 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Rockland High School. It’ll be a great opportunity for job-seeking teachers, teaching assistants and substitute teachers to learn about careers in our district. Interested candidates should bring copies of their resume and teaching certification.
Finally, the District Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, February, 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Fieldstone Middle School. For 40 third- through eighth-grade students, this is the moment they have prepared for all year! Families can watch the competition live on our YouTube channel.
Dr. Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
Around the District
Sea Raiders making Waves
Good luck to NJROTC cadet Vanessa, who has advanced to represent the 9th District this Saturday, February 7, in Mt. Kisco, moving one step closer to the American Legion National Contest.
National School Counseling Week
Curiosity Across Cultures
Emergency/Snow Day Update
The 2025-26 academic calendar includes three built-in emergency/snow days. So far, the North Rockland Central School District has used two of these days. Under the adopted 2025-26 school calendar, if more than three snow days are needed:
A fourth snow day would require students and staff to attend school on March 30.
A fifth snow day would require attendance on March 31.
A sixth snow day would require attendance on April 1.
As always, the district’s priority is to inform families of any school closures or delays as early as possible, based on the weather forecast. Safety for our students, staff and families remains our top priority. At the same time, we recognize the impact that lost instructional time can have on learning.
For this reason, we want to hear from our school community about preferences for handling significant inclement weather events, should the district exceed its three allocated snow days this year.
Options under consideration are:
Option 1: Remote Learning Days instead of Traditional Snow Days
This option would preserve March 30, March 31 and April 1 as part of Spring Recess.
We have developed a tentative Remote Snow Day plan that includes a two-hour delayed start for all buildings to give families and staff additional time to prepare. Students will use district-issued devices and follow the delayed schedule via Google Meet, with instruction focused on reinforcing current classroom concepts and skills through a mix of synchronous and independent learning.
Option 2: Traditional Snow Days (no instruction)
This option would reduce the length of Spring Recess by requiring students to attend school in-person on March 30 (if a fourth day is used), March 31 (if a fifth day is used) and April 1 (if a sixth day is used).
Please share your thoughts via the survey link.
2026-27 Budget Updates
As in prior years, the budget development process will prioritize support for curriculum, instruction and professional development that meet the needs of all learners, while also considering facility improvements that enhance our learning and working environments and promote long-term cost efficiencies.
Job Fair - February 7
Join the Team!
The North Rockland Central School District will be hosting an Instructional Job Fair for teaching positions for the 2026-27 school year, as well as Teaching Assistant and Substitute Teacher positions for the 2025-26 school year.
When: Saturday, February 7
Where: North Rockland High School (106 Hammond Road Thiells, NY 10984)
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Candidates who are interested in attending the job fair should bring copies of their professional resume and certification information with them on Saturday, February 7. Additional information regarding the North Rockland Central School District can be found on our District website at northrockland.org.
Open Positions
The North Rockland Central School District is seeking candidates for the following positions:
Maintenance Mechanic I (HVAC)
The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for the position of Maintenance Mechanic I with prior HVAC experience and knowledge. This is a full-time 12-month position which includes a regionally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. All candidates must meet the Rockland County Civil Service minimum requirements. View more information about this position.
Security Aide (Part-Time)
The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for a 10-month security aide position. This part-time position is 5.5 hours per day with a starting salary of $27.77/hour. Candidates with prior law enforcement, security and/or military experience are preferred. View more information about this position.
Candidates may apply for these positions via our Google form, online via OLAS Jobs or by completing the employment application located in the Human Resources section of the District website. Candidates may submit their resumes or completed District applications to:
New Positions in NR
MTSS Coordinator - Tiffany Bergen
Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, the NRCSD introduced a new leadership role, MTSS Coordinator, to strengthen how we support every student’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional growth. MTSS Coordinator Tiffany Bergen oversees the district wide Multi-Tiered System of Supports, a data-driven framework that provides layered support and enrichment for all students based on their needs. Building on more than a decade of work evolving from Response to Intervention (RTI) to a comprehensive MTSS model, this role ensures consistency across schools, guide problem-solving and intervention planning, support staff professional learning and promote effective use of tools such as the MTSS handbook and Branching Minds platform. The addition of this position reflects the district’s continued commitment to equity, collaboration and student success.
What are your goals for this role?
Tiffanys says, "This year, my focus is on working closely with WHES and HES staff to conduct comprehensive reviews of our current intervention resources to ensure every building has the tools they need to support student growth. I also facilitated core team, collaborative team and student team meetings to refine how we look at data at the building level and identify students who need extra support or advanced enrichment. Looking ahead to next year, a primary focus will be empowering classroom teachers across K-7 to deliver high-impact, small-group instruction and optimizing WIN (What I Need) periods."
North Rockland Food Pantry and Boutique
Want to join our Bilingual Village?
The Bilingual Village is a network of schools and community businesses that provides students with real‑world opportunities to practice a new language in welcoming, everyday settings. Businesses agree to welcome language learners and allow brief, authentic interactions in the language students are learning.
Have questions? Please contact Amaris Scalia with questions at ascalia@northrockland.org or 845-942-3048
Local Business Spotlight
Vilma's Bakery
Located on Main Street in Haverstraw, Vilma’s Bakery is a beloved local business known for its expertly crafted Dominican cakes, savory pastries and sweet treats made with care and tradition. Beyond the bakery case, Vilma’s is a constant supporter of our school district, generously donating treats and sharing their time and talents with students. From teaching students about running a small business to demonstrating cake decorating during Career Days and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, their team is committed to inspiring the next generation.
📍 Visit 29 Main Street in Haverstraw, NY or call (845) 942-8200 and support a local business in our community!
Athletics
Mya Baker
Mya is a sophomore on the girls track and field team. Over the weekend, Mya cleared six feet for the first time during Leagues at Rockland Community College! This is her first year trying out pole vaulting and she is becoming one of the better girl vaulters in the league. Coach Palushi said, “Mya continues to show determination, a positive attitude and perseverance. Her willingness to try a new event is admirable.”
Tommy Swick
Tommy is an eighth grader on the modified NR-White. This season, he is 5-0, with two wins by decision and three by fall! This is his second year wrestling on the team. Coach Lent said, “Tommy has shown a lot of confidence on the mat and that has translated into him becoming a leader on the team.”
Published on USA Lacrosse Website
Modified Wrestling NR-Red vs. Suffern/East Ramapo
modified wrestling NR-Red team had a dual meet against Suffern and East Ramapo at Fieldstone Middle School! Check out some awesome photos of the meet.
Once a Raider, always a Raider
Boys and Girls Track & Field County Champions
Boys and Girls Bowling are County Champions
Our BOYS AND GIRLS BOWLING TEAMS are officially COUNTY CHAMPIONS after an incredible showing at Montvale Lanes!! Both teams rolled into counties as the #1 SEED and proved exactly why, taking home the county title in a huge way! Congratulations to Sophia Vinci, who bowled the top series of the day with an unreal 716! Girls head to SECTIONS on MONDAY, February 9 at Fishkill Bowl and Boys take on SECTIONS on TUESDAY, February 10 at Fishkill Bowl. Raider Pride!
Spring Sports Registration Opens on February 9
Upcoming Athletic Events
Upcoming Events
- Feb. 9 | WGES Grade 4 OWN IT Character Breakfast - 9:15 a.m.
- Feb. 9 | District Wide Spelling Bee @ FMS (snow date 2/10) - 6:30 p.m.
- Feb . 9 | FMS Virtual PTA Meeting - 7 p.m.
- Feb. 10 | WGES Grade 4 OWN IT Character Breakfast - 9:15 a.m.
- Feb. 10 | NRHS PTSA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
- Feb. 10 | PTA Council Meeting @ NRHS - 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 11 | NEC Family Game Night - 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 12 | TES PTA Sports/Wellness Night - 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 12 | SPES Sweetheart Dance (snow date 2/13) - 6 p.m.
- Feb. 12 | WHES PTA Meeting - 6 p.m.
- Feb. 12 | TES PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
- Feb. 13 | WGES Grade 4 OWN IT Character Breakfast - 9:15 a.m.