May 6, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Earlier this week, the District announced the Top 5% of the North Rockland High School Class of 2022, held our seventh annual Sports Day for Charity, turned NRHS into an intergalactic space lab for STEM Night, and launched our new free North Rockland App. With everything that has been happening in our schools, there is still much more to come.

Although the school year is officially drawing to a close, there is still plenty of time left for making memories and sharing educational experiences. We encourage students and families to participate in our many upcoming end of year events. Let’s make the most of these last moments NRStrong and NRTogether.

Resuming our in-person activities and milestones has been wonderful after facing the challenges of the pandemic. As our COVID-19 case numbers continue to decrease, I am very optimistic about what lies ahead in North Rockland. While the 2021-2022 school year will be coming to a close next month, our sights are already set on a positive and exciting new school year.

- Key NRCSD Leadership Changes Announced -

The North Rockland Central School District is making changes to its administrative team as it strengthens momentum for the 2022-23 academic year and continues to build on its legacy of excellence. These leadership changes, effective July 1 2022, include administrators at North Rockland High School, Fieldstone Middle School, James A. Farley Elementary School and the NRCSD Remote Academy.

Dr. Michael Gill, Principal of North Rockland High School, will transition to a new District leadership position as Executive Supervisor of Secondary Education. Dr. Gill is a highly talented and accomplished administrator who possesses extensive knowledge of pedagogy, instruction and curriculum programs at the secondary level. His vast administrative experience and proven leadership skills make him an excellent fit for this new administrative role.

Ms. Lauren DaPonte will be recommended for appointment as Interim Principal of North Rockland High School for the 2022-23 academic year. Ms. DaPonte has served as an Assistant Principal at NRHS since 2018. Prior to joining the administrative team, Ms. DaPonte was a Science Teacher and Department Coordinator. She has also coordinated NRCSD’s Adult Education program for the last several years.

Mr. Alberto Martinez will continue in his current role as Interim Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School for the 2022-23 academic year. Mr. Martinez, who previously served as a Spanish Teacher at Fieldstone Middle School, has done an excellent job in his administrative role this year.

By all accounts, the innovative NRCSD Remote Academy program has yielded impressive results for the students and families it serves. Based on responses from parent surveys, the overwhelming majority of students enrolled in the program for the 2022-23 academic year will be at the elementary level. As a result, Ms. Avis Shelby will assume the role of principal of the successful Remote Academy. Having served as Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School since 2012, Ms. Shelby is an experienced elementary administrator. Along with her experience and knowledge of programs at the elementary level, Ms. Shelby also brings a high level of enthusiasm about the potential for increased learning opportunities for remote students to her new administrative assignment.

Mr. Jim Mulligan has been the Remote Academy Principal since its launch in August 2021. For the 2022-23 academic year, Mr. Mulligan will return to his previous administrative position as Assistant Principal at North Rockland High School. We thank Mr. Mulligan for his successful collaboration with administrators, faculty, staff and families, providing remote learners - kindergarten through grade 12 - an exceptional virtual learning experience this year.

With Ms. Shelby assuming the position of Remote Academy Principal in 2022-23, Dr. Alex Levine will serve as Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School starting in July. Dr. Levine has been Principal of Fieldstone Middle School since joining the District in 2020. His leadership has enabled Fieldstone to continue its success as a national “School to Watch” throughout the last two years. Dr. Levine’s educational background includes successful experience as a classroom teacher and building principal at the elementary level.

With Dr. Levine’s move to James A. Farley Elementary School, Ms. Natalie Santopietro will serve as Interim Principal of Fieldstone Middle School next year. Ms. Santopietro is an experienced building administrator who is very familiar with Fieldstone, having previously served as Assistant Principal at Fieldstone Secondary School/Fieldstone Middle School from 2009-2019. While she has done an outstanding job in the position of Instructional Data Specialist for the last three years, Ms. Santopietro is looking forward to rejoining the Fieldstone family.

Finally, Ms. Amanda Aiello will assume the position of Director of K-6 Curriculum and Programs on July 1. Prior to her current District administrative position, Ms. Aiello held leadership positions including Assistant Director of K-6 Curriculum, Reading Coordinator, Instructional Data Specialist and Assistant Principal of James A. Farley Elementary School. Ms. Aiello has demonstrated her extensive knowledge of curriculum and ability to successfully lead various academic initiatives within each of these roles.

We are excited for these dynamic leaders to take on the challenges of their new roles. The key administrative changes reflect NRCSD's deep educational expertise. Each of these leaders represent proven strategic thinking, strong execution and a dedicated commitment to our students and families.

- The Budget - VOTE May -17 -

Students are moving on, our District’s fiscal future is brighter than it’s been in years, and thanks to the advocacy and dedication of the Board of Education and our community, as well as continuous support from our lawmakers, we are able to present a budget we are very proud of that will continue to support our students and move the District forward. North Rockland is able to make significant improvements to our facilities and programmatic offerings without raising the tax levy for the third consecutive year or by asking for additional funds through a bond vote. This budget allows the District to give our students every opportunity they deserve and helps attract young hardworking families to our area while adding property value for our residents.

You are reminded that the community can have their voices heard on Tuesday, May 17th regarding the District Budget, Proposition 2 (which allows the District to use previously saved money to make capital improvements at no additional cost to the taxpayer), and the Board of Education candidates. We encourage everyone to vote on May 17th.

For a tutorial and navigation overview on the NRCSD App check out the YouTube video linked here.

Stay connected on your mobile device. Download the NEW FREE district mobile app today!

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 Select the schools you want to follow

 Get push notifications about breaking news, closures, weather, events, and more

 Tap to see school locations, phone numbers, and staff information, fast

To download on your mobile:

 Visit iTunes App Store ® or Google Play ®

 Search North Rockland CSD

 Then select North Rockland CSD App for FREE download

The Fieldstone Middle School Spring Musical, Once On This Island debuts tonight! You do not want to miss the coming-of-age musical based on a true story, featuring music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the1985 novel My Love, My Love the auditorium stage has been transformed into the colorful French Antilles archipelago in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.

FMS Drama Club Presents

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Friday, May 6th at 7:00pm

Saturday, May 7th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

Tickets available at the door of each performance!

Adults $10, Students/Seniors $5

Our Valedictorian is Jessica Singh with a GPA of 102.1765 and the Salutatorian is Emma Linhart with GPA 102.

It was truly an honor to get to know each one of you during your NR journey to success. Remember graduation is not the end, it’s just the beginning and by the looks of the incredible colleges you've committed to, we know your futures are all just as bright as you are!

North Rockland’s NJROTC has received the Distinguished Unit Award (DUA) with Academic Honors for the 2021-2022 school year!

Congratulations to our cadets who recently received the the highest-possible distinction the Navy gives. The award is based on a point system recognizing participation and completion of various facets of the NJROTC program, including performance, drill, orienteering, physical fitness, academics, and community service. Read more

In North Rockland our Educators do everything they can, to make sure our students become everything they can!

Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education. Teachers take on many different roles in our lives; they are great listeners, mentors, advocates, and leaders who tirelessly support the students in their care on a daily basis. These kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals help mold our children and guide them toward success.

Teacher AppreciationWeek (May 2-6) is a special time to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers you know. Thank a teacher, past and present through the link here.

Following the nationwide and unfortunately countywide upwards trend in youth substance abuse, recently, there has been an increase in the number of instances involving student use of substances forbidden by the North Rockland Central School District’s Code of Conduct. The District is taking this very seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. Subsequently, the District has set forth measures to help inform students and parents of the inherent dangers of these substances, while also deploying measures to promote a healthy school environment.

Measures being implemented include:

• A search of North Rockland High School was conducted in late February by the K-9 units from Rockland and Orange County. 15 officers and their K-9 service dogs swept the facility. Future sweeps are planned in conjunction with the Haverstraw Police Department.

• Training for faculty and staff members is being scheduled to help detect the signs of student substance use and the recognition of various forms of paraphernalia.

• Increased security in areas of schools where student misbehavior is more likely to occur.

• Educational presentations on the dangers of controlled substances are being held for students. A parent information night will be scheduled for later this month.

• Adjustment of bathroom supervision protocols

• The District will continue our partnership with the North Rockland Coalition for Drug and Awareness Prevention to support our students and families in need of assistance.

• The District will add staff to provide substance abuse counseling.

• The District is working closely with the town of Haverstraw to bring two School Resource Officer Positions (SRO) to the District.

We recognize the potential dangers associated with the use of substances by our student body and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.

Substance abuse for families

Strategies parents can use to help their children:

• Look for signs

• Talk to your child and explain your concerns in detail.

• Seek help/resources from your family physician, school counselor or school social worker

• Get help

Helpful links:

• The Partnership For Safe and Healthy Youth

• RCADD
• Behavioral Health Response Team
• Haverstraw Reach Out Center: 845-429-5731
• High Focus Center: 1-800-877-3628
• Volunteer Counseling (VCS): 845-634-5729
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-622-HELP(4357)
• Samaritan Daytop Village: 845-353-2730
• Arms Acres: 845-208-0632
• Adolescent Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (Nyack Hosp): 845-348-2075

Signs parents could look for that determine if their child may be using:

• Poor performance in school

• Emotional and behavioral problems

• Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Dropping old friends for a new group

• Acting despondent, aggressive or angry

• Sleeping more than usual

• Breaking rules

• Exhibiting physical changes like sudden weight loss, frequent nosebleeds, bloody or watery eyes, or shakes and tremors

More detailed signs: Linked here

Informational Articles:

• Tips for Parents of Addicted Children
• Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking? A BRIEF GUIDE TO ACTION FOR PARENTS

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Red Raider Reminder

NR students who enroll in the free/reduced breakfast & lunch program qualify for college application fee waivers, free ACT and SAT exams and reduced AP exam registration fees! To qualify please complete the Free or Reduced Price Meal Application Form linked here as soon as possible.

The North Rockland (Haverstraw-Stony Point) Central School District is seeking candidates for Food Service Helper positions at various school buildings for the 2021-2022 school year. The starting rate of pay is $14.00/hour. Apply here