Community Update
May 29, 2026

Community Update
Hello North Rockland Families,
Moving-up ceremonies, final spring concerts and end-of-year events across the North Rockland Central School District begin next week! Please see the “End of Year Events” and “Spring Concert Schedule” sections below for details. Join us in celebrating and recognizing student achievements and milestones!
At the 79th Annual Rockland County School Boards Association (RCSBA) Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent for Information Systems Edward Maltbie, North Rockland High School Ex Officio Student Board of Education Member Crisbel Narvaez and Board Trustee Richard Fernandez were recognized for their dedication and service to the district. Rich Fernandez received the RCSBA Annual Outstanding Service Award, known as the “EDDY,” which honors exceptional commitment and leadership by Board of Education members in support of public education and the children of Rockland County.
That same evening, NRHS seniors read essays they wrote honoring teachers who made a meaningful difference in their lives during their time in the district as part of the annual NRTA Scholarship Tea Essay Night at the high school. In a surprise presentation, educators were recognized through touching student reflections about the lessons, encouragement and inspiration that shaped their journeys. This is one of my favorite nights each year and it is also special for administration, as it reflects the strong connections between students and teachers and reminds us of the lasting influence of educators.
On Thursday, fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Willow Grove Elementary School took part in the second annual Academic Bowl. In this buzzer-style trivia contest, student teams competed with classmates in their own grades, answering questions about math, science, social studies and language arts. This friendly competition gave students a fun way to review what they learned this year and reinforce skills that will support them next year.
As postseason play continues, NRHS student-athletes continue to add to an impressive spring season. Boys golf captured the Rockland County Championship, with Stevie Hartenfels qualifying for the New York State Championships for the first time for the program since 2009. Softball advanced to the Section 1 Class AAA finals earlier today and track and field earned another Rockland County Championship with several standout individual and relay performances. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Good luck to girls varsity lacrosse as they travel to face Roy C. Ketcham High School in the Section 1 Class A semifinals on Saturday and to our track and field athletes competing in the Section 1 Class AA Championships at Arlington High School. Go Red Raiders!
Dr. Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
Around the District
NRTA Essay Night
Seniors earned scholarships by writing an essay that honored the teachers who changed their lives through heartfelt essays, surprise tributes and unforgettable moments of gratitude. On Wednesday evening, they surprised these teachers by reading their essays aloud.
WHES Field Day
Pursuing Passions at FES
Thiells Elementary's Got Talent
College and Career Center
This week, the College & Career Center hosted, in partnership with STAC, a LinkedIn Workshop for our Juniors & Seniors. Students were introduced to the importance of LinkedIn, the benefits of a professional online presence and best practices when connecting with future employers, teachers and more! We were also lucky to have the United States Marine Corps here to speak with our students about life in the service after high school.
As we begin looking ahead to next school year, we are excited to once again offer the NRHS Summer College Workshop Series for our rising seniors. These free workshops are designed to help students get an early start on the college application process by providing support with the Common Application, college essays and resumes. Students who participate will have the opportunity to enter senior year feeling more prepared, confident, and organized as they begin planning for their future. Students can learn more and register for a workshop session HERE. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Driscoll (mdriscoll@northrockland.org) or Mrs. Skrine (sskrine@northrockland.org) for more information!
NRCSD School Community Cyber Security Reminders
At North Rockland, cyber security is a primary focus because technology is essential to our daily operations. Safeguarding our network and platforms requires a collective effort from both students and staff. To help keep our school environment and your home safe, please review the following security tips.
Spring Concert Schedule
Music is in the air...
Wednesday, June 3
WGES Grade 4 Band, Orchestra & Chorus Concert @ FMS - 7 PM
Thursday, June 4
District Jazz Night @ NRHS Auditorium - 7 PM
NRHS Graduation and Final Exam Schedule
End of Year Events
Neary Educational Center
- June 5 | NEC Kindergarten Graduation – 9:00 to 10:00 AM
- June 5 | NEC Pre-K Graduation – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Stony Point Elementary School
- June 8 | SPES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
- June 9 | SPES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
- June 15 | SPES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
- June 16 | SPES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
- June 17 | SPES Kindergarten Moving up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
Thiells Elementary School
- June 3 | - TES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
- June 4 |TES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
- June 8 | TES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
- June 9 | TES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
- June 10 | TES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
West Haverstraw Elementary School
- June 17 | WHES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
- June 18 | WHES Grade 3 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 & 11:15 AM
- June 22 | WHES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony – 9:45 AM
Farley Elementary School
- June 11 | FES Grade 6 Moving Up Ceremony – 10:00 AM
Haverstraw Elementary School
- June 15 | HES Grade 6 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
- June 16 | HES Grade 6 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:30 AM
Willow Grove Elementary School
- June 11 | WGES Grade 6 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:00 AM
- June 12 | WGES Grade 6 Moving Up Ceremony – 9:00 AM
Fieldstone Middle School
- June 5 | FMS Grade 8 Dance - 7:00 PM
- June 15 | Grade 8 Awards Night by Invitation - 7:00 PM
- June 24 | FMS Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony at Clover Stadium – 10:00 AM
North Rockland High School
- June 23 | NRHS Graduation Ceremony @ Cordisco Field – 8:00 PM (rain date 6/24)
Local Business Spotlight
Tacos Marianita
Tacos Marianita is a local favorite in Haverstraw, serving authentic Mexican cuisine packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Known for its delicious tacos, homemade specialties and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has become a go-to spot for community members craving traditional Mexican dishes made with care.
📍 Visit 10 West Street in Haverstraw or call (845) 942-1295 and support a local business in our community!
Tommy Cahill
Annie Whelan
Athletics
Haverstraw Elementary Try's Hockey!
This month, fifth graders from Haverstraw Elementary had the opportunity of a lifetime to try ice hockey with the New York Rangers! To help grow the game, varsity ice hockey head coach Gary Dworkowitz organized a field trip for fifth graders from all three elementary schools to visit Sport-O-Rama, learn all about hockey from NY Rangers staff and hit the ice for a skating session with players from the Rangers! They even had a guest appearance from legendary player Brian Mullen!
Missing Freshmen Baseball
Varsity Softball are Finals Bounds
Atheltes of the Season
Tommy Cahill-Winter Athlete of the Season
An important piece on the ice, Tommy has been an integral part of the team’s success. He earned numerous honors this season, including League 3 MVP, All-League, All-Section, All-County First Team and the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award. He also became a 100-point career scorer, placing him on the New York State record list among the top 20 scorers in NYS history. A five-year member of the program,Tommy was also recognized as Raider of the Week and served as a team captain for two consecutive years. Throughout the season, he came up with clutch goals and key defensive plays that helped lead the team to the Section One semifinals. In addition to hockey, Tommy is a two-sport student-athlete who also competes in golf during the spring season. In the classroom, he has maintained a strong GPA while earning membership in multiple honor societies and participating in advanced coursework and selective academic programs.
Kiersten Daly-Winter Athlete of the Season
A historic scorer, Kiki has made her mark on the North Rockland basketball court. She finishes her career second all-time in scoring in school history with 1,252 points, becoming just the fifth player at North Rockland to surpass the 1,000-point milestone for both boys and girls. Throughout her career, Kiki earned All-League honors for three consecutive years, was a two-time All-Section selection and received Honorable Mention All-State recognition this season from the New York State Sportswriters Association. She was also named All-BCANY for two consecutive years. A member of the varsity program since her freshman year, Kiki served as a co-captain during her senior season. She was named Raider of the Week and has been recognized by local news outlets for her outstanding performances on the court. She will continue her basketball career at SUNY Oneonta.
Sections Schedule
Senior Student-Atheltes
Senior student-athletes from the fall, winter and spring seasons will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the Haverstraw Elks Lodge. Please download, print and fill out the form to give to the athletics office before THURSDAY, JUNE 4. CASH ONLY.
Guess the Baby Raider Challenge
Guess the Baby Raider is back starting in June to countdown the days until graduation! We ask our senior student-athletes to submit photos of them playing their sport as a child for a chance to be featured on our social media page. If they don't have a baby photo of them playing their sport, they can still submit a baby photo. Up to five photos is allowed!
Individual Accolades
Stevie Hartenfels is Going to States!
Sophomore Stevie Hartenfels after an incredible two day Section One tournament, he secured 4th place and has qualified to compete at States! This is the first time since 2009 a boys golfer has gone to States. He shot 77 on the first day and 75 on the second day, with a total score of 152. He was also named 1st Team All Section. We wish Stevie the best of luck next weekend at States! Raider Pride!
Alumni Spotlight
Emanuel Joseph - Class of 2021
From the lanes of North Rockland High School to the track at Syracuse University, this #RedRaider has continued to hurdle his way to greatness. Emanuel Joseph, Class of 2021, recently graduated from Syracuse University after an incredible four-year career. A legendary hurdler, Manny broke multiple school, county and section records during his time at North Rockland. He ran the 55 hurdles in a record-setting 7.21, the 60 hurdles in 7.85, and the 110 hurdles in 13.91–a time that ranked among the top high school performances in the nation in 2021. Joseph also captured the 110 hurdles title at the Loucks Games with a 14.02, the second-fastest mark in meet history. He held the New York indoor state record in the 55 hurdles for five years after clocking a 7.21 in February 2020. His dominant senior season earned him national recognition, including being named the 2021 Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Player of the Year.
During his time at Syracuse on scholarship with the track and field team, Manny continued to elevate his performance, recording personal bests of 7.82 in the 60 hurdles and 13.74 in the 110 hurdles. He became a three-time ACC finalist, NCAA First Round qualifier, and earned All-ACC honors in the 110 hurdles. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics before continuing his education and earning his Master’s in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Upcoming Events
- June 1 | NRHS Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony in Auditorium - 7 p.m.
- June 1 | HES PTA Meeting - 6 p.m.
- June 2 | WHES Kindergarten Field Day
- June 2 | Board of Education Meeting @ FMS - 7 p.m.
- June 3 | WHES Grade 1 Field Day
- June 3 |TES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony - 9:45 a.m.
- June 3 | NRHS Academy of Finance Graduation Dinner - 6 p.m.
- June 3 | FES PTA Meeting - 6 p.m.
- June 3 | WGES Grade 4 Band, Orchestra & Chorus Concert @ FMS - 7 p.m.
- June 4 | TES Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony - 9:45 a.m.
- June 4 | FES Grade 6 Dance - 6 p.m.
- June 4 | WGES PTA Family Fun Night - 6 p.m.
- June 4 | District Jazz Night @ NRHS Auditorium - 7 p.m.
- June 5 | NEC Kindergarten Graduation - 9 a.m.
- June 5 | NEC Pre-K Graduation - 11 a.m.
- June 5 | WGES Grade 6 Dance - 6 p.m.
- June 5 | FMS Grade 8 Dance - 6 p.m.
Resources and Information
Shop NRockAthletics Apparel
The North Rockland Central School District Athletics Shop is now open! ACCESS CODE: u9qKHj97pE
21st Annual North Rockland 5k
Sign up for the 21st Annual North Rockland 5k on June 7 at 9:30 a.m. The proceeds will benefit three North Rockland families. Sign up at the link or download the "2026 Race Form" below.
Rockland County YMCA
Check out some upcoming events through the Rockland County YMCA!
Art Walk at Pecks Pond
North Rockland High School art student Avarie Messinger, working in collaboration with the NRHS Art Club, has organized an Art Walk at Pecks Pond as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The initiative aims to expand access to art while also promoting physical activity within the community. The Art Walk will be on display from June 5 through September 4, with an opening night celebration on June 5 at 6:30 p.m.