May 13, 2022

Hello North Rockland Families,

Our end of the year events are underway NR Strong! The most up to date information on all our celebrations and milestones can be found under the Events section below. Please click the link here or on the video below to view this week's message.

This year, we're asking voters to approve Proposition 2: Referendum accessing the capital reserve fund which allows us to utilize more than $14 million to start capital improvement projects - at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Funds will pay for improvements to North Rockland High School's athletics fields, phys. ed spaces and building, including heating, cooling, ventilation, and rooftop units. All the funds spent to complete the anticipated project work generate building aid. NR's building aid ratio is about 80% with voter approval. We estimate building aid of approximately $11 million that will be paid over a period of time.

The North Rockland Central School District PTA Council will be hosting Meet the Candidate on Monday May 16 at 7PM in the North Rockland High School Library where each candidate running for a seat on the school board will introduce themselves.

Audience members may submit questions to the candidates via question cards which will be available between 6:45 PM and 7:15 PM. Note: Questions should be applicable to all candidates. Questions can also be submitted prior to the event to the PTA Council President Suzanne Tiso at suzannetiso3@gmail.com.

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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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

Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski joined Superintendent Kris Felicello, The North Rockland Board of Education, Administration, and local officials to announce, for the second year in a row, special state aid of $1 million to offset the effects of the Mirant debt crisis on local property owners. The legislators also announced a total increase of $14.6 million in state school funding over last year for North Rockland. The additional funding and hard work of our business office has resulted in a 0% increase in school property taxes for local homeowners. Keeping the tax levy at 0%, the District has saved local taxpayers a cumulative $23.7 million over the last three consecutive years.

These two key provisions from the recently enacted state budget will provide substantial relief to local families while improving educational outcomes and holding the line on property taxes for the year ahead. North Rockland will receive a total of $67.22 million in core school aid this year, a 28% increase over last, which will enhance classroom instruction and support educators and students alike. The school district will also receive special funding to create 45 first-ever universal pre-kindergarten seats in addition to their existing capacity.

Superintendent Dr. Kris Felicello said: “We are grateful to Senator Skoufis and Assemblyman Zebrowski for following through on their commitment to fully fund Foundation Aid by 2023-24. Our district currently receives about 64% of our full Foundation Aid funding, representing a gap of more than $29 million. The state’s budget for next school year makes up a little more than half of that gap, providing the district with a more than $14 million increase. We also thank Senator Skoufis and Assembly Member Zebrowski for - again - delivering $1 million in special tax certiorari aid. This support will go a long way to easing the district’s ongoing Mirant debt and associated tax burden. With this additional state funding, our 2022-23 proposed budget advances NRCSD's mission to prepare our students for their futures, while protecting the community’s investment in our schools, and honoring our fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.”

LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE 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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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