Community Update
Community Update
March 1, 2024
Students and staff returned from break refreshed, Raider Ready and with five new section title wins for NR Athletics!
This week in North Rockland we focused on American Heart Month, increasing awareness of Colorectal Cancer and a strong finish to Black History Month with legendary guest speakers and informative educational experiences.
Now more than ever it is essential that young people learn the value of being an engaged citizen. During Black History Month lessons focused on the importance of participation, knowledge and the value of civil discourse.
We are lucky in Rockland County to have so many wonderful community partners that can provide opportunities for students and families. NRCSD partnered with the County of Rockland for a series of student workshops in an effort to expose NR students to these resources.
Rockland County Elections held comprehensive sessions for high school students in the NRHS media center that helped eligible students register to vote and educate them on the importance of participating in this fundamental American right. Fieldstone Middle Schoolers traveled to the Rockland County District Attorney’s office to receive an introduction to the role and responsibilities of the office, meet District Attorney Tom Walsh, judges and other officials who explained the basics of the criminal justice system and importance of jury duty.
Two impressive North Rockland Central School District students, Mia Noelle Rock and Joel Addae, traveled to Haverstraw Town Hall to be honored by Supervisor Howard T. Phillips Jr., the Haverstraw Town Board and Senator Bill Weber for their achievements and contributions during a special Black History Month Ceremony.
Understanding how the government works helps us everyday citizens hold elected officials accountable and allows individuals to have say in decisions that affect their lives and future. Voting, knowledge, advocacy and active participation are essential tools for driving change and shaping the future of society. That is why in North Rockland we make participation in Government an interactive part of the curriculum.
Next week kicks off astounding Red Raider events including: the NRHS Class of 2023 Tops 5% Reveal, NRHS Academic Ice Cream Socials, Student Faculty Basketball Game and the Spring Play! We look forward to these traditions and celebrating our students' achievements.
With a busy Spring on the horizon, the District will continue to highlighting many of these memorable, milestone-worthy moments. I encourage everyone to follow along, share the good news with others and remember when our school district thrives, our community thrives!
Kris Felicello
Superintendent of Schools
Budget
2024-2025 School Year
For the Board of Education and Administration, developing a budget that is both educationally sound and fiscally responsible is an important and comprehensive process. The 2024-25 budget continues our mission of providing a safe, caring and positive learning environment in which all students can achieve their maximum potential and acquire the skills, attitudes and abilities needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. It is the District's goal to provide our students with an exemplary experience while controlling taxes for our community. We understand the fiscal challenges that living in Rockland County pose.
As always, our budget fully supports the curriculum, instruction and professional development that addresses the needs of all learners. Our budget also includes significant facility improvements to enhance our learning and working environments while achieving real cost savings.
***Breaking News! North Rockland announces a 0% Tax Levy increase for the 5th year in a row! With this unprecedented decision by the Board of Education to control taxes NR becomes the first District in NYS to forgo a tax levy increase for half of a decade!***
View February 27, 2024 Budget Presentation Linked Here.
Upcoming Budget Presentation Dates
March 5, 2024 Tax Levy Limit to State
March 5, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update
March 19, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Budget Update
April 9, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Budget Update/Public Input
April 16, 2024 (COTW Meeting) Adoption of Budget
May 7, 2024 (BOE Meeting) Public Hearing/Final Budget
May 21, 2024 Budget Vote
Remarkable Red Raiders - Alumni Spotlight 🐾
Remarkable Red Raiders Alumni Spotlight: Joseph Ardiri
Hometown: Pomona, NY
NRHS Graduate: 1989
Profession: Co-owner at Break Point Bowl & Entertainment
Time at North Rockland: During his schooling, Joe always had a love and true talent for bowling and dreamed of bringing it to the high school as a varsity sport. He shared "I have to say I was no doubt shaped by my time in NRCSD. In my perception, NR embodied a school that produced students of both grit and character. For me, it just oozed confidence no matter what career path you choose, you can be successful at anything." He explained a lot of his drive during schooling came from his family and teachers. "My parents didn't have the educational opportunity I had, they pushed me to do my best and preached hard work ethic. My teachers, friends and the overall culture at NR were incredibly helpful in that fashion. From memories of some of my favorites, Mrs. Delosa in math, to Mrs. Pacheco for Italian to name a few. They all contributed in their own ways."
College Career: After graduation, Ardiri went on to St Thomas Aquinas College where he earned a B.S. degree in Business before returning to the home of the Red Raiders to spearhead the start of the Varsity bowling program at NRHS with the help of Coach Cassarella. At the same time as NR Athletics bowling teams were headed to their first competitions, Joe was also starting a highly successful bowling program.
Career Now: After stepping down as head coach of NR Bowling, he became the Section 1 girl's bowling coordinator and pushed for and implemented many changes to Section 1 and NYS championship rules. "After leaving Section 1, I took on a position at RCC as head coach for several years until the college disbanded several sports programs. I then concentrated on my ever-changing business and took over a traditional family bowling enterprise, bringing it into a new era by updating it to a full family Entertainment center." Joe shared. The beloved Hi-Tor Bowling Alley became Breakpoint Entertainment. Ardiri remains a huge part of the bowling program of NR Schools as our teams - including Unified as of 2023 - call the location a second home. Our teachers (who have their own bowling league there) and students are always treated as family. Ardiri explained that of all he's accomplished his greatest achievement is his wife Kathleen, who works for the district, and their three beautiful kids. "I'm proud to have had my children educated through the NR school district." he explained. "RAIDER PRIDE RUNS DEEP!!"
Joseph is living proof that you can achieve your WILDEST DREAMS. Never give up and never stop believing. Keep making us proud!
To nominate a North Rockland graduate to be spotlighted please click here to fill out this form.
Survey
Remote Academy 2024-25 💻
The North Rockland Central School District (NRCSD) Remote Academy is a virtual program for eligible K-6 students offered through NRCSD’s K-6 Curriculum and Information Systems divisions. This program was established in 2021 to meet the increasing demand for an online learning program.
NRCSD’s Remote Academy features remote classrooms that include daily face-to-face instruction, while using the latest digital technology to provide a synchronous “in-class” online learning experience allowing students to learn and "POWER UP" from home.
If interested please complete the survey below.
NR College and Career Center
Check-In ☑️
The College and Career Center is open to all NRHS students and families to assist with post-high school planning, college applications, career and trade options, SchooLinks and financial aid as well as to plan and organize college fairs, information sessions and visits and career/trade fairs and events.
Mrs. DeSimone can be reached in Room 211, at tdesimone@northrockland.org, or by calling 845-942-3523. Click here for College and Career Center News to view upcoming events open to 10th and 11th grade students. Seniors who still need help applying to colleges, deciding on post-high school plans, or with financial aid should stop by Room 211 to make an appointment.
For additional information, go to the College and Career Center webpage. Check back weekly for updates
District Highlights
The Red Raiders went BLUE 🔵 🐾
To support and raise awareness for #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth the Red Raiders rocked blue today. The blue ribbon symbolizes colorectal cancer (CRC), those battling the disease and organizations whose mission is to support research, educate and encourage people to schedule regular screenings. More Photos.
Voter Registration
Representatives from the Rockland County Board of Elections hosted workshops in the NRHS Library Media Center this week to help eligible students register to vote and educate them on the importance of participation. While filling out the official form, learners had access to bipartisan assistance from County Outreach Staffers Delfia Marrero and Gianna DiMarsico. We thank our partners at the County of Rockland for the informative sign-up sessions and for supporting youth in civic engagement. More Photos.
February is American Heart Month! ♥️
In honor of the national campaign, NR partnered with Dr. Richard Evans, MD for the Academy of the Health and Sciences fifth Mini Medical College course session, all about – the heart.
Students learned that taking blood pressure (BP) is one of the best ways to listen to the heart, evaluate overall health and identify possible risk factors. Academy members, using the traditional method of sphygmomanometer cuffs and stethoscopes as well as newer technologies like digital blood pressure monitors, practiced the examination procedure on each other utilizing techniques that resulted in reliable readings. Full Story/More Photos.
Farley’s Heart Heroes are BALLIN! 🏀🐾❤️
Over the last month, Farley Elementary School has participated in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, raising nearly 6k in donations! The yearly event, spearheaded by fourth-grade teacher Mary Bishop, is a month-long challenge culminating with a good old-fashioned game of basketball knock-out. Before the games began, students and staff addressed the school on why they were participating, like close loved ones, prevention and overall healthy life choices. Full Story/More Photos.
Sweet as a PEACH(es) 🍑🐹
Peaches is the resident hamster and sweetheart in Mrs. Violetti’s class at West Haverstraw Elementary. Mrs. Violetti and STEM teacher Ms. Van Ryn teamed up to incorporate Peaches into the curriculum. For weeks the students have been engineering and constructing mazes for Peaches to go through. Full Story/More Photos.
A Q&A with Willie Worsley 🏀
Fieldstone Middle schoolers on the Fury team headed to the auditorium for class time this week. For the final unit of BlackHistoryMonth they watched the movie "Glory Road," the inspirational true story of the first basketball team to take the NCAA Championship title by starting five African American players, across the big screen.
When the screening concluded learners wrote down questions they would like to ask the brave athletes about their story and rise to the top in the face of adversity. As the credits rolled to our student’s surprise, one of those five players, Willie Worsley a 5’ 8’’ guard for the Miners who scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds in that championship game, walked on stage for a Q & A! Full Story/More Photos.
NR ATHLETICS
Raiders of the Week
Red Raider of the Week
Dylan Shelton is our RED RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Dylan is a junior on the North Rockland High School varsity wrestling team. Shelton won the Divisional Wrestling Tournament at Suffern High School and has a season record of 30-5. For the two day Section One Wrestling Championship Tournament he placed third overall for his 170 lbs weight class. He is known to be a hard worker both academically and athletically. His biggest strength on the mat is the ability to turn his opponents quickly to win on a pin. His coach said, “Dylan has improved greatly over the last couple years. He went from a good varsity wrestler to one of the top guys in the section.” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Dylan!
Lady Raider of the Week
Gianna Varano is our LADY RAIDER OF THE WEEK!!! Gianna is a Junior at North Rockland High School and Co-Captain on the Varsity Lady Raiders Bowling Team. Following in the footsteps of her siblings Danielle, Victoria, and Nick, Gianna embodies what it means to be a Raider by excelling as both a student and athlete since she joined the team in 7th grade. Varano continues to establish herself as one of the best bowlers within the county and section. She held the top average in Section One this year maintaining a season average of 205. Recently, Gianna bowled a perfect “300” game in the Saturday Morning Scholarship league at BreakPoint Bowl. Gianna had a high series of 693 and continues to post big scores for the Raiders. For the 2024 Section 1 Championships, Gianna was an instrumental player in helping the Raiders win, scoring a 1240 for the six game contest. Academically, Varano is a member of the National Honor Society VAASA, ASL Club, Italian Club, and NRHS Best Buddies. She has also volunteered her time to help with the Instructional Bowling Program at BreakPoint Bowl as well as the Bowling Buddies Program. As co-captain of the team she has demonstrated team leadership all season by ralling the girls during practices and helping her teammates with their bowling. She constantly encourages her teammates and fosters a strong team bond by organizing practices and pasta nights. Her coach said, “As a student-athlete, Gianna has demonstrated excellence all season. We are proud of all she has accomplished this season as a Raider!!” Let’s make some #REDANDWHITENOISE for Gianna!
Section One Champions 🏆
NR brought home FIVE Section One titles this winter season!
Over the past few weeks, our Raiders have competed against some of the top schools in our section and shown great teamwork, grit and skill to take home FIVE first-place titles. We are so incredibly proud of all the hard work our NRCSD athletes continuously put in, it has definitely paid off. Next stop, States!
Here are the following teams who brought home the gold and the dates for states:
- Cheerleading (Saturday, March 2nd at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena)
- Boys Bowling (Sunday, March 10th at AMF Strike N Spare Lanes)
- Girls Bowling (Sunday, March 10th at AMF Strike N Spare Lanes)
- Boys Track (Saturday, March 2nd at Ocean Breeze)
- Girls Track (Saturday, March 2nd at Ocean Breeze)
We would also like to recognize our varsity wrestling team for placing second in the Section after a hard-fought two days with six wrestlers individually placing in the top six of their brackets.
For more information on times, directions and tickets visit:
Student Faculty Game
March 7, NRHS Annex Gym
Faculty vs. Students
Raising money for the senior class
$5 entry
Important Dates
March
NRHS Spring Musical in Auditorium
March 8 & 9
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Community Opportunity
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Snow Day Policy
North Rockland will utilize traditional snow days until the three that are built into our calendar are exhausted. If all snow days are used the District will consider remote days when there is inclement weather.
Parent Portal and 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!
Internet Safety Materials
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:
Common Sense Media - click here
Connect Safely - click here
- Internet Safety Tips - click here
Peachjar Flyers
JOIN OUR TEAM
We're hiring!
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.
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School Times
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
North Rockland High School: 7:20AM-2:06AM