May 3, 2024

Hello North Rockland Community,

May marks the beginning of the final stretch of this school year. With only eight weeks left, our students are fully engaged in both learning and end-of-year activities.

For parents, I know these weeks can feel like a marathon. We're balancing celebrations with ongoing learning through initiatives like “No Empty Chair,” CPR certifications in PE, CNC machine projects and educational field trips. These activities are crucial as they help students apply what they've learned throughout the year.

I appreciate how our families manage to support and participate in school events despite busy schedules. Our ninth annual North Rockland Sports and Law Enforcement Day last weekend was a success, showcasing NR Athletics and connecting students with local law enforcement through activities that promote safety and community engagement. The event raised over $80,000 for Stand Up to Cancer, Friends of Karen and the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

May is also the Month of the Military Child. We started with our district-wide “Purple Up” day and I encourage everyone to participate in upcoming events that support our military families including our annual Memorial Day celebration held at Farley Elementary School which is led by special education teacher Michelle Henshaw. This touching event is a highlight for staff, students and the Veterans who are honored.

Thanks to all alumni and guest speakers who contributed this year and to our College and Career Center staff who facilitated these visits. The Spring Career Fairs have had a lasting impact.

NRCSD is now deep into planning the 2024-25 calendar year. Many of you are making plans to have your child participate in our summer learning programs. These extension programs are designed to be enriching and active as they strengthen the foundational skills and concepts that lead to success. If interested, please complete the survey below for NRCSD’s “Camp Adventure” to register.

Let’s enjoy and make the most of the final weeks of the 2023-24 year and as always remain NR Strong!

Kris Felicello

Superintendent of Schools

Budget Highlights:

1. The 2024-25 budget will NOT include an increase in our tax levy for the fifth consecutive year.

2. Sustained mental health supports and expanded high-level programs and services customized for every learner.

3. Capital Improvements: Pavilions, Electrical Upgrades, Roof Replacement, Boiler Replacement and HVAC Updates, Kitchen Updates and Districtwide Paving and Masonry.

4. Upgrades will be accomplished without asking the taxpayers for any additional funds. These improvements are state-aided at approximately 80% based on our current ratio. The District will also utilize funds awarded through grants.

5. 2020-2025 Tax Levy Income savings for taxpayers is approximately $52 million.

View the April 16, 2024 Budget Presentation Linked Here.

Upcoming Budget Presentation Dates

May 7, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Public Hearing/Final Budget

May 21, 2024 Budget Vote

Capital Improvements are underway or starting this summer if approved as part of the 2024-25 budget. We caught up with our seven NRCSD Board of Education Members to learn more about projects the District has allocated to the capital line for improvements at no additional cost to the taxpayers while receiving state aid returns of approximately 75-80%.

First up is Playgrounds with Trustee Rich Fernandez.

Our school's playgrounds are a treasured place. This was the first year NR had a specifically designated Accessible Playground newly installed at Willow Grove Elementary School. Students and staff have spent countless hours making sweet memories on the swings, slides and other activity structures for all.

"Quality playground equipment at upper elementary schools nurtures healthy student development and enhances community cohesion and pride in our shared spaces." Fernandez, a longtime BOE member, retired New York City Police Sergeant and Stony Point resident shared of the important benefits to upgrading the outdoor spaces.

Full Story.

Hometown: Stony Point, NY

NRHS Graduate: 1999

Profession: Owner, President and Lead Financial Planner

Time at North Rockland: During his schooling, Clement always had a love of numbers. Though the NRHS Academy of Finance did not launch until a year after he graduated, Matthew is an advocate and supporter of the program as a longtime member of the advisory board. Each year, his Emerald offices offer NR high schoolers job shadowing opportunities, giving insight into the field as well as the day-to-day operation of small, local, independent financial services businesses. His advice to high school students always starts the same way, by asking a question: “How do you want to spend your day?” The answer to that question is always most valuable in choosing a career path. It's important students visualize not just the industry they might work in, but the actual environment that they prefer to work in. Inside or outside? Big city or small town? Managing people, managing projects or working solo? Those factors matter even more than the choice of industry.

College Career: After graduation, Matthew went on to attend Fordham University Rose Hill earning a B.S. in Business and Finance as well as a Certificate in Financial Planning from Fordham Lincoln Center. Finance was his niche and he started his career as a financial planner 20 years ago --- out of his parent's basement in Stony Point. He did NOT generate net profit until his fourth year in business! Something he wanted to share with our students and community.

Career Now: After years of building the business, including multiple Stony Point office moves due to employee expansion, Matthew now owns two thriving businesses in Liberty Square Mall -- Emerald Retirement Planning Group and Emerald Medicare. He leads a full team of 11 employees, 4 of whom are also North Rockland graduates (#RAIDERPRIDE). His second piece of advice is a quote from Mike Rowe, as it relates to how we all approach the work that we do: "You don’t find your passion—you bring it with you.” Matthew believes ingraining his passion in every part of his work as an advisor and business owner is the reason he was able to make it through not just a few lean years, but a lean decade. Things worth doing often take time and he’s grateful that he grew up in a public school environment and family environment, that supported that possibility.

If it wasn’t for the support of Matthew’s family, friends, colleagues and an outstanding referral business he would not be where he is today. Matthew’s wife Gail is also a lifetime North Rockland resident and their children, Andrew (8) and Colin (4) attend school in the North Rockland School District. They currently reside in Tomkins Cove. Matthew’s parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law and family all continue to live in North Rockland, as do most of the staff at Emerald.

Matthew is living proof that you can achieve your WILDEST DREAMS. Never give up and never stop believing. Keep making us proud!

In collaboration with NRCSD's Arts Department, the new NR Creatives Spotlight series will showcase grades K-12 students who excel in the subject. Nominated by their teachers for their accomplishments, drive and visual art creations the District will select art students on a bi-weekly basis. "Drawing" attention to our remarkably talented student body here in NR, each school will have a chance to highlight its creatives.

First up to receive the award is Isabelle Graham! Isabelle is an NRHS senior and Academy of Art student who will be attending the University of New Haven in the fall. Of her future plans Isabelle shared “Throughout my high school years, my focus on art has been a culmination of a lifelong passion and a desire for personal growth. As I transition to college, my plans diverge slightly from my artistic roots. Despite not pursuing a career in art, I am drawn to the field of forensic psychology. The critical thinking, creativity and attention to detail fostered through my artistic pursuits will be undoubtedly helpful to tackle the complexities of human behavior and criminal justice.” We are so proud of the future grad and wish her all the best! Congratulate her here.

In honor of National Month Of The Military Child, launched with Tuesday's Purple Up and in collaboration with our NJROTC - North Rockland is designating every Tuesday this month to celebrate service and sacrifice.

Join us by rocking your Raider Red, white & blue, supporting your favorite service branches and donning camouflage NR Together and NR Strong!

Peter Zecchin’s ACCESS Level 1, Kristina Siddi’s ACCESS Level 2 and Ellen Sasso's SPIRIT class took the ultimate trip to local favorite Playa Cancun to celebrate Mexico’s national holiday coming this weekend #NRTogether. Before the outing students prepped and learned etiquette skills in the NRHS PAES lab to use in the restaurant setting. Learners practiced reading menus, setting tables, rolling silverware, calculating tips, and collaborating with their speech teacher before calling to reserve a table for the class luncheon. Full Story.

NR went purple to recognize some of the military’s most unsung heroes-their children. When you blend all the colors of the different military branches, you get purple. Many of us in NR know of the sacrifice and resilience of military children and North Rockland stands behind them. All the donations and proceeds collected over the past few weeks are going towards Honor Flights for Veterans, which takes place on May 18. More Photos.

The Industrial Revolution was one of the most pivotal eras in human history and Ms. Bertrand’s seventh grade American History class got to explore the roots of this change. Seventh graders delved into the cause and effect of the Industrial Revolution, with an eye-opening and inspiring activity. There were nine different stations, each having its own topic. One of the more popular stations was about child labor during this time, as students found it fascinating that children younger than them were working full-time in factories. Full Story/More Photos.

Every seat in the NRHS Auditorium was filled as our students, staff, Board of Education and school community gathered to celebrate the newest members of the Arts, Business, English, Mathematics, Music, NJROTC, Science, Social Studies, Technology and World Language Honor Societies. The Induction Ceremony MC'd by Chris Paid kicked off with remarks from Principal Lauren Daponte and NRCSD Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello about our newest member's community service, dedication, commitment and character. Full Story/More Photos.

It was a "lavender haze" of excitement inside both of the recent NR traditions. Our students were dressed to impress at the formal events where they spent the night socializing, dancing, reflecting on all they've accomplished this school year and enjoying a one-of-a-kind moment with their classmates. Complete with music, refreshments and laughter among friends the 2024 balls were simply unforgettable! Next up --- Senior Prom! More Photos.

Ben Smith is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!! Ben is a senior at North Rockland High School on Spring Track. Ben is new to track this season but has quickly impressed his coaches with his strong work ethic and his willingness to try any event. He has started training as a pentathlete which requires him to compete in the hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put, and the 1500m run. He is looking to score at the Rockland County and Section 1 Class AA Championships later this season. Smith is a multi-athlete, in the fall he was a part of the varsity football team. Outside of sports, Ben volunteers his time as a fireman at the Thiells Fire Department. Very impressive! Let's make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Ben!!

Melody Nardone is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK! Melody is a freshman on the JV softball team as a pitcher. During their game against Arlington, she threw a Perfect Game with 23 straight strikes to start the game, 17 balls the whole game, and 15 K's. They ended the game with a total score of 9-0. Her coach said, "Melody is a great addition and has been an integral part of this team. I look forward to seeing her continue to excel the rest of the season." Awesome job Melody! Let's make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Melody!!

Varsity:

Monday, May 6

Flag Football Senior Day vs. Tappan Zee

4:00 PM at TOH Turf

Girls Lacrosse vs. Pearl River

4:15 PM

Tuesday, May 7

Girls Golf vs. Suffern

3:30 PM at Rotella

Softball Senior Day vs. Harrison

4:00 PM

Baseball vs. Mamaroneck

4:30 PM

Boys Tennis Senior Day vs. Tappan Zee

4:00 PM

Wednesday, May 8

Boys Golf vs. Clarkstown South

3:15 PM at Rotella

Thursday, May 9

Girls Golf vs. Clarkstown

3:00 PM at Rotella

Boys Tennis vs. Clarkstown South

4:30 PM

Friday, May 10

Baseball vs. Roy C Ketcham

4:30 PM

Saturday, May 11

Boys Lacrosse vs. Horace Greeley

11:00 AM

JV:

Monday, May 6

Boys Golf vs. Suffern

3:30 PM at Rotella

Boys Lacrosse vs. Tappan Zee

4:30 PM

Softball vs. Suffern

4:30 PM

Girls Lacrosse vs. Pearl River

5:45 PM

Friday, May 10

Baseball vs. Roy C Ketcham

4:30 PM

Boys Lacrosse vs. Nanuet

4:30 PM

Saturday, May 11

Softball vs. Eastchester

12:00 PM

Modified:

Monday, May 6

Baseball NR White vs. Nanuet

4:30 PM at Willow Grove

Softball NR Red vs. Pomona

4:30 PM at Fieldstone

Tuesday, May 7

Girls Lacrosse vs. Suffern

4:30 PM

Wednesday, May 8

Baseball NR Red vs. Suffern

4:30 PM at Fieldstone

Softball NR White vs. Nyack

4:30 PM at Willow Grove

Friday, May 10

Boys Lacrosse vs. Nanuet

4:30 PM

Girls Lacrosse vs. Nanuet

4:30 PM

No school, all buildings closed.

Memorial Day Break extended with 5/22 becoming an early dismissal day and schools closed on 5/23 - 5/27.

Chromebook Care

Getting a Parent Portal account

Click here for the Flocabulary One-Pager!

• Want to see tutorials, make an appointment with a technology coach, and see available tech courses Click Here!

At North Rockland Central School District we take internet safety very seriously. It is important that we all have access to information on how to keep our students safe. Here are a few web resources:

1. Common Sense Media - click here

2. Connect Safely - click here

3. Internet Safety Tips - click here

The NRCSD has partnered with Peachjar. This new platform will enable us to send important school and community flyers to parents/guardians digitally, saving our schools time, money, and paper. School-approved digital flyers will be sent to your email inbox. Please click here for more information.

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.

2022-23 School Start, End and Bell Times ⏰

Grades K-3: 9:05AM - 3:44PM

Stony Point Elementary

Thiells Elementary

West Haverstraw Elementary

Grades 4-6: 8:42AM - 3:21PM

Farley Elementary

Haverstraw Elementary

Willow Grove Elementary

Fieldstone Middle School: 8:00AM-2:46PM

Bell Schedule

North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM

Bell Schedule

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