Community

North Rockland Facility Dog Maybie Becomes First in U.S. to Receive Teacher Tenure Recognition

Published

1 month ago

June 4, 2026

On June 2, 2026, Maybie made history when the North Rockland Central School District awarded the beloved facility dog a special tenure recognition, making her the first full-time classroom-based facility dog in the United States to receive the honor.

Working alongside her handler, special education teacher Michael Morlino, Maybie supports students with emotional, behavioral, and therapeutic needs at Fieldstone Middle School. After completing two years of advanced training through Canine Companions, she became a vital part of the district’s student support services.

Capable of performing more than 40 commands, Maybie helps students cope with anxiety, stress, emotional regulation challenges, PTSD, sensory needs, school avoidance, and behavioral difficulties. Her calming presence has helped countless students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Each day begins with early morning training and exercise before Maybie reports to school, where she participates in counseling sessions, classroom activities, safety drills, therapeutic walks, and outdoor learning opportunities in “Maybie’s Meadow,” a dedicated wellness space designed to promote emotional regulation.

The success of Maybie’s program has inspired seven neighboring schools to launch similar facility dog initiatives, highlighting the growing role of specially trained dogs in supporting student mental health and well-being.

Maybie also serves as an ambassador for the WONDER GIRLS empowerment program, helping raise awareness about mental health resources and therapeutic supports available to students.

District officials say the tenure recognition celebrates Maybie’s extraordinary contributions to the school community and underscores the importance of innovative approaches to supporting students’ emotional and academic success.

For many students, Maybie is far more than a facility dog — she is a trusted companion, a source of comfort, and now, a history-making member of the North Rockland school community.

Photo courtesy of Fieldstone Middle School.

Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As blood supplies remain critically low, the Orangeburg Fire Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangeburg Fire House, located at 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg.

Hosted in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the event comes as a blood emergency has been declared, highlighting the urgent need for donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer treatments and others facing medical emergencies.

Appointments are preferred and can be made through the New York Blood Center at NYBC.org, although walk-in donors will be welcomed as space permits.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, meet minimum weight requirements, be feeling healthy and symptom-free, and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.

Organizers also encourage donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, making each donor’s contribution an important step in ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need when emergencies arise.

Community

Rockland Residents Urged to Donate Blood as Regional Supply Faces Ongoing Need

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With only about 2% of eligible New Yorkers donating blood, maintaining an adequate blood supply remains an ongoing challenge for hospitals in Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and across the state.

Unlike many medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured, and because blood products have a limited shelf life, the need for donors never ends. Red blood cells can be stored for about 42 days, while platelets remain usable for only five to seven days, requiring a constant supply of new donations to meet patient needs.

Blood transfusions play a critical role in treating trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer patients and others facing life-threatening medical emergencies. According to the New York Blood Center, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

To help strengthen the regional blood supply, Rockland Paramedic Services is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RPS headquarters in New City as part of NYBC’s “Blood for a Brew” campaign.

As first responders, paramedics witness firsthand the importance of having blood readily available before an emergency occurs. Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness of the region’s ongoing need for blood donors while encouraging eligible residents to make a donation that could benefit patients throughout the Hudson Valley.

Officials emphasize that maintaining a strong local and regional blood supply depends on regular donors. Because blood products expire quickly and demand remains constant, every donation helps ensure hospitals have lifesaving blood available when it is needed most.

Residents who are eligible to donate are encouraged to participate in the Aug. 6 blood drive and help support hospitals and patients across the region.