City School District of New Rochelle
News & Updates
Aug. 13, 2021
Greetings from Superintendent
Jonathan Raymond: Our Children Come First
Dear New Rochelle Families and Community:

A profound opportunity lies before us.
 
It is being powered by the City School District of New Rochelle’s inspiring culture of possibility. There is a clear hunger for continued and new levels of excellence – and a thirst for advanced success and achievement.

Those sentiments quickly embraced me, and impressed me, when I began as your Superintendent just a few weeks ago.

The essential prerequisites already are in place: Students ready to excel. A dedicated, talented corps of teachers and staff who prioritize the whole child. And a bold curriculum that’s indispensable in realizing our aspirations for every student, every day.

These are just some reasons why I am thrilled to join you on this educational journey. Thank you to the Board of Education for offering me this amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has been so welcoming.

The past few weeks have been a wonderful immersion into our District and community.

For instance, I was a guest at Jefferson Elementary School’s Summer School Program, and saw energetic youngsters becoming authors and writers as they studied sea life. I also toured District facilities, and learned about the breadth of improvements funded through community support in 2016. These renovations ensure that our facilities are modernized in needed areas and that student health, safety, and achievement are paramount.

In addition, at Trinity Elementary School, I saw students deeply engaged in yoga and spoke to parents about the importance of nutrition. Thank you to our District staff members who worked so diligently to demonstrate the power of summer and expanded learning opportunities for our children. My goal is to expand these offerings so every child has access to them throughout the school year. And it was gratifying to see more than 200 families served by the Mobile Food Pantry at Isaac E. Young Middle School, and a pleasure to greet City of New Rochelle and Westchester County officials there to offer their support. The District’s Pupil Personnel Services Department is proud to partner with Feeding Westchester in co-sponsoring the pantry.

We are methodically planning the opening of schools on Friday, Sept. 10 and the school year ahead. Our commitment to the whole child includes academic excellence, social and emotional well-being and instilling life-ready skills. We will advance this by listening to and learning from our community. These relationships will be crucial as we strategize our District’s vision and action plan, and honor New Rochelle’s values, traditions, and expectations.

Thank you, and thank you for your investment in our children. I excitedly look forward to meeting everyone who proudly embodies #NewRoStrong.

Sincerely,
Jonathan P. Raymond

Photos: Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond at Jefferson Elementary School's Summer School Program. At his left are Project Leader Holly Bruni (holding the student-created "Under The Sea" publication), Project Leader Lorraine Wetmore, and Principal Kimmerly Nieves. Raymond also met Kemesha Salmon, owner of TP Toys. She was honored by the State Senate for creating 600 bags of toys and helping lead backpack and school-supplies drives for children in need during the pandemic.
School Board Meeting Includes Hearing on District Safety Plan
The New Rochelle Board of Education invites you to join its next meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 515 North Ave., Second Floor. The meeting will include a public hearing on the District's Draft Safety Plan for 2021-2022. The plan is a key foundation of the District's initiative to prioritize the health and safety of all students and staff. To read the plan, click here. If you have questions or comments about the plan, please email [email protected].
Your Voice Counts:
Help Shape the District Website's Redesign
To better serve our community’s needs, the City School District of New Rochelle will soon relaunch its website, nred.org. It will feature easier navigation, a modern, advanced design and numerous new capabilities.

Your input, which will supplement insights already provided by District personnel and community members, can help shape the website so it becomes even more of a crucial communications tool. Thank you for completing this survey, and thank you for your investment in our students’ future. Click here to take the survey.
Dr. Reynolds Joins District as Asst. Supt. of Human Resources
The City School District of New Rochelle has hired Dr. Corey W. Reynolds as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Reynolds started on Aug. 2.

“I am excited by the opportunity to join the leadership team at the City School District of New Rochelle,” Reynolds said. “It is my goal to serve all members of the New Rochelle educational community, including our students, faculty and staff. I am honored by the trust placed in me by the New Rochelle Board of Education and Superintendent Jonathan Raymond.”

Reynolds offers well-rounded experience working in Westchester County school districts in a variety of roles. He started as an elementary school teacher in the Mount Vernon and Greenburgh school districts, and then rose through administrative ranks with the goal of helping students beyond the walls of his own classrooms.

He most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel in Greenburgh. He also has held the position of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the White Plains School District; was Assistant Superintendent for Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Administration in the Yonkers Public Schools; and was an Assistant Principal and Principal for a decade in the Ossining Union Free School District.

“We look forward to Dr. Reynolds bringing his extensive expertise to New Rochelle,” Raymond said. “His track record demonstrates his commitment to nurturing collaborative relationships, listening, learning, and framing strategies and decisions in the best interests of our students."
NRHS Grads Rice, Washington Join Sports Hall of Fame
From left, Ray Rice and Kent Washington.
Former New Rochelle High School athletic stars Ray Rice and Kent Washington will be inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame this fall. They will be honored on Nov. 17 at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle. Their plaques will be at the County Center in White Plains.

Rice, 34, a 2005 graduate, serves as a volunteer assistant football coach for his alma mater after a distinguished NFL career as a Baltimore Ravens running back. He rushed for 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns in six seasons; led the Ravens to the Super Bowl title following the 2012 season; made three Pro Bowls; and was honored twice as an All-Pro. He led New Rochelle to its first state football title in 2003.

Washington, 66, a 1973 graduate, was an exciting 5-foot-6 point guard who scored 1,082 points at Division II Southampton College. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, but never played in the NBA, instead recording a brilliant career in Europe that included becoming the first American to play professional basketball behind the Iron Curtain. Washington averaged 20 points in Poland from 1979-83, earning one MVP and two runners-up in MVP balloting. He followed that up with a fine 10-year career in Sweden.

Photo of Ray Rice courtesy of the Journal News, Lohud.com and photographer Frank Becerra Jr.
Mobile Food Pantry Visits Young Aug. 25
A lack of food means a lack of consistent nutrition, which can hinder students’ success. That’s one reason why the City School District of New Rochelle’s Pupil Personnel Services Department and Feeding Westchester team up to sponsor a Mobile Food Pantry, which provides assistance and healthy options. The Mobile Food Pantry will return to Isaac E. Young Middle School on Aug. 25 at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome. Click the flyer for more information.
Take a Survey: Frame the Future of the New Rochelle Public Library
Please share your vision for the future of the New Rochelle Public Library by filling out a brief survey. The library wants to hear from all New Rochelle residents. You do not need to have a New Rochelle Public Library card or be a current Library user to participate. Your input will be used to help shape the Library's goals for the next five years.
City Hall: Appointments Required for Access
In the interest of health and safety with COVID cases rising in our area, New Rochelle City Hall offices, including the City School District of New Rochelle, will move to appointment-only access Monday, Aug. 16. Appointments can be made by contacting departments 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Masks will be required of all visitors regardless of vaccination status. 
Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond congratulates one of the two dozen New Rochelle High School August graduates who are now members of the Class of 2021.
New Rochelle High Celebrates Additional Class of 2021 Graduates
Two dozen New Rochelle High School seniors were celebrated on Aug. 12 for persevering during unprecedented times and completing their academic requirements this summer to join the Class of 2021.

District administrators, family members and friends honored students’ accomplishments at a graduation ceremony, held at the high school. The event, while more intimate than the June graduation during which more than 675 diplomas were conferred, was equally inspiring and joyful.

Speakers included City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Jonathan Raymond, NRHS Interim Principal Steven Goldberg and Board of Education President Julia Muggia Ochs. All offered words of encouragement, praising the remarkable grit shown by the students as they overcame obstacles to cross the finish line and graduate.

Students graduated with the support of teachers, staff and administrators who led a robust summer program to help those in elementary through high school meet the academic, social and emotional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raymond acknowledged students’ hard work and the support given to them by their families. Expressing the District’s pride in graduates’ accomplishments, he urged them to “never give up” and to prioritize the importance of hope and opportunity. He also shared personal experiences that underscored the importance of energetically visioning and pursuing potential.

Goldberg encouraged students to confidently stand tall and seize opportunity. “As you continue on your life journey, find your voice and learn to use it,” he said. “Speak, express and let yourself be heard. And take the time to listen… try to understand others’ point of view.”

Muggia Ochs emphasized how new graduates’ persistence paid off – and resulted in the milestone of becoming high school graduates. “Each one of us experiences our own Mount Everest,” she said. “Your resilience will serve you well.” She also asked for a moment of silence for those lost to COVID-19.

The City School District of New Rochelle starts the fall semester with classes on Friday, Sept. 10.
District to Announce COVID-19 Safety Steps Next Week
The City School District of New Rochelle will announce COVID-19 health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year next week. Thank you.
Now Leading New Rochelle's Board of Education: Julia Muggia Ochs and Adina Berrios Brooks
From left to right, front row: Millie Bonilla (Clerk and Secretary to the Board of Education), Julia Muggia Ochs (President), Katie Castellano Minaya (Board Member), Adina Berrios Brooks (Vice President). Back row: Adam Cooper (Board Member), Roshanie Ross (Board Member), Valarie D. Williams (Board Member), Margaret E. Bavosa (Board Member) and William Iannuzzi (Board Member). Not pictured: Amy Moselhi (Board Member).
The City School District of New Rochelle Board of Education elected member Julia Muggia Ochs as President during the Board’s annual organizational meeting July 6. Adina Berrios Brooks was elected Vice President.

The pair succeeds Rachel Relkin and William Iannuzzi as President and Vice President.
 
“It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as president of the City School District of New Rochelle School Board,” Ochs said. “I look forward to fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and sound fiscal stewardship with my fellow board members that will strengthen and revitalize our district.”

The Board meeting also included the swearing-in of newly elected members Margaret E. Bavosa, Adam Cooper and Roshanie Ross.
 
Ochs was elected to the Board of Education in 2018, and has been heavily involved in Board activities during her tenure. She served as co-chair of the Advocacy and Community Outreach Committee, liaison to the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association and served on the Audit Committee.

Prior to her election to the Board, Ochs held the position of President of the Parent Teacher Association Council of the City School District of New Rochelle and Co-President of the New Rochelle Special Education Parent Teacher Association. This past year, Ochs participated in the New York Education Policy Fellowship Program, a unique professional-development opportunity that focuses on policy, leadership and networking.
 
Brooks was elected to the Board of Education in 2020. She was an integral member of the most recent superintendent search committee, and is the Board’s liaison to the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association.

She also serves as Assistant Provost for Faculty Advancement in the Office of the Provost at Columbia University. Her responsibilities include faculty-development programming, data analysis, communications and planning special events.
From New Rochelle to the Majors:
Gray Has 'A Lot More to Accomplish'
Josiah Gray kept believing when only one college offered him a baseball scholarship. He forged ahead when Division II Le Moyne College recruited him out of New Rochelle High School primarily as a shortstop, and he became one of the nation’s top big-league prospects… as a pitcher.

So, it figures that Gray, a proud 2015 New Rochelle graduate shrugged off his first pitching injury, a shoulder impingement costing him two months. He made his big-league debut in relief on July 20. In his major-league starting debut five days later vs. the Colorado Rockies, Gray allowed just two runs and three hits while striking out six in four innings of the team’s 3-2 win.

“Making my debut and getting my first start were both awesome experiences and something you dream of as a kid,’’ Gray said. “I’ve tried to enjoy every aspect of being at this level as best I can, and I just want to appreciate where I am at every day.’’

That attitude has helped Gray combat adversity throughout his career, including just recently getting traded for the second time as a pro. Gray was one of the prize prospects the Los Angeles Dodgers used to acquire all-stars Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals. 

Gray, 23, cleared his first hurdle this season by returning from the injury. He had just struck out 10 in five innings in his Class AAA starting debut on May 6 when, six days later, he was scratched from his next start and diagnosed with the impingement.

“Going through the injury certainly wasn’t easy,’’ Gray said. “My rehab process was long, but all of the dedicated work got me to the point where I know I can confidently throw with no issues. I have no lingering issues from the injury and feel as if my preparation to throw and recovery methods I use now are even better than before.’’

Monica Gray, a data entry clerk in the City School District of New Rochelle’s Human Resources Department, helps explain her son’s response to setbacks. Josiah was about 4 when he fell off his scooter while playing with his older brothers. He told his mom that he had “broken his face.’’ Scared and scratched, they paid a visit to the doctor, and the minute they returned home, Josiah did something his mom still remembers: He jumped back on his scooter.

Josiah’s mom and dad, Ronald Cheavers, helped instill that grit, passion and perseverance. Cheavers gave Josiah his nickname, Jojo, and, in Monica’s words, “was the entire influence for Josiah playing baseball.’’ Cheavers passed away from prostate cancer on Nov. 21, 2018, five months after Josiah was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, who traded him that year to the Dodgers.

“Every time I get on the mound, I know that he is with me,’’ Josiah Gray said. “It would have been easy to get down when schools weren’t interested in me, but I never took that mentality. I want to expand and open as many eyes as I can. I am ever so grateful that I had that work ethic instilled in me by my parents.’’

Gray takes to heart the text message he receives from mom before or after every start. “Do not be defeated,’’ it says.

Josiah refuses to be defeated. “I’ve shown I can compete and pitch at the big-league level,’’ he said, “so now it is all about fine-tuning my stuff and being that much better with my pitches to make sure I’m limiting my mistakes. There is a lot more for me to accomplish.’’
Here They Come! Fall Sports Preseason Prep Starts Soon
The sights and sounds of fall sports are almost here! The whistles of coaches... Teens counting the days toward football Fridays... The thud of soccer balls flying from feet... The sneaker-squeaks on volleyball and tennis courts... The intensity of cross-country runners... The cheering echo of swim natatoriums...And the enthusiastic voices and breathtaking routines of cheerleaders.

The City School District of New Rochelle is moving closer to the opening day of fall athletics, Aug. 23, with seven teams eager for action and hopes of COVID-free, or at least COVID-minimized, normalcy filling the air. The seasons of football, girls’ and boys’ soccer, volleyball, girls’ tennis, girls’ and boys’ cross country, girls’ swimming and cheerleading are around the corner. Below are the details that athletes will need to prepare for the big day.

NRHS Preseason Summer Conditioning Information
 
Varsity Football
Head Coach: Ray Rhett, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Players will meet in the Team Meeting Room at the High School.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 4: TBD
 
Junior Varsity Football
Head Coach: Tom Drago, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Players will meet in the Team Meeting Room at the High School.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
 
Freshman Football
Coach: Howard Golding, [email protected]
Start date: Monday, Aug. 30: 9 a.m.
 
Girls’ Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer
Head Coach: Francesco Notaristefano, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Players will meet at McKenna Field.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Voluntary workouts on Aug. 16, 17, 19 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on McKenna Field.
 
Girls’ Varsity and Junior Varsity Tennis
Head Coach: Mike Sgobbo, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Players meet at the high school tennis courts.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. for JV; 10 a.m.-noon for Varsity
 
Boys’ Varsity Soccer and Junior Varsity ‘A’
Head Coach: Jarohan Garcia, [email protected]          
Monday, Aug. 23: All practices are at the high school.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.; meetings 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.; 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 4: 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Voluntary workouts Monday, Aug. 16-Thursday, Aug. 19 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
 
Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer ‘B’
Monday, Aug. 23: All practices are at the high school.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday practices: TBA
Voluntary workouts Monday, Aug. 16-Thursday, Aug. 19 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
 
Girls’ Cross Country
Head Coach: Andy Capellan, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: All runners meet at the high school track.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Voluntary conditioning workouts started on July 12: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.
 
Boys’ Cross Country
Head Coach: Joe Intervallo, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: All runners meet at the high school track.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28: 10 a.m.-noon
Voluntary conditioning workouts: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
 
Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball
Head Coach: Meghan Flaherty, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Practices are at the high school gym.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Saturday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
 
Girls’ Varsity Swimming
Head Coach: Kip Fierro, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: Practices are at the high school pool.
Practice times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Saturday practices: TBA
 
Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading
Head Coach: Angela Trozzi, [email protected]
Monday, Aug. 23: All practices and workouts at the high school gym. Cheer Camp is off-site
Practice times: Monday-Thursday, Aug. 23-26: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 27-Monday, Aug. 30: Cheer Camp; contact Coach Trozzi for details
Voluntary workouts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
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