We always have a lot of activities happening around our district with important information to share to keep our community informed and updated. This newsletter will serve as a high-level overview, with links to allow our community to dive deeper into topics that are most important to them.
Upcoming Budget Vote and Board of Education Election
On Tuesday, May 19th, school districts across New York State will hold their annual budget vote and school board elections. Polls are open from 12pm (noon) - 9pm. Due to recent redistricting by the Orange County Board of Elections, your polling location may have changed from the past. Visit our Voter Registration/Voter Location Lookup page to make sure you are ready for this important vote in our community. View all budget information and details regarding the election on the district's budget information webpage.
Strategic Plan Development
Developing a comprehensive strategic plan is the cornerstone of a thriving K-12 organization, serving as both a roadmap for academic excellence and a pact with the community. By dedicating four days of intensive sessions to this process, we have moved beyond simple goal-setting to cultivate a shared vision that reflects the diverse voices of nearly 100 students, parents, teachers, support staff, community partners, and administrators. This inclusive approach ensures that our strategic priorities are not just administrative mandates, but are deeply rooted in the lived experiences and aspirations of everyone who calls our district home. Ultimately, this plan provides the essential framework for aligning our resources and instructional practices, ensuring that every decision we make is a purposeful step toward the long-term success of our scholars.
Scholarships
The NFA Scholarship Program is open and applications are being accepted. Over 40 scholarships are available and the deadline is Mid-April. NFA Seniors Apply Now!
As our seniors prepare for their next chapters, college scholarships serve as a vital bridge between their ambitious dreams and the reality of higher education. We are deeply moved by the local organizations and families who honor the memory of loved ones through these impactful, life-changing awards. These tributes transform personal legacies into a powerful investment, proving that the entire Newburgh community stands behind our scholars as they pursue their goals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to pour into the future of our graduates.
Literary Initiatives
The Board of Education is engaged in a Portrait of A Graduate Reading Initiative, visiting students once a month to read to different classrooms. Book selections are chosen around a theme for each month, connecting to New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate model. These read-alouds aim to connect our Board of Education members with our learners, as well as build vocabulary, make reading fun, and help students feel confident and curious. We will be highlighting this initiative more in the upcoming weeks!
The theme for the month of March is: Global Citizenship. Board members are reading Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, by Andrea Beaty to highlight this theme. While reading the story, Board members explore thinking and learning by asking students questions and prompting them to connect the characters’ journeys to their own lived experiences, specifically how they contribute to our community as productive citizens.
Featured below is Mrs. Letitia Politi, welcomed by Ms. Eitel’s class at Vails Gate STEAM Academy and Ms. Merril's class at New Windsor School.
This is a friendly reminder that the district will be closed for students on Friday, March 20th in observance of the religious holiday Eid al Fitr. All schools and district offices will be closed from Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 3rd for Spring Recess.
As we prepare for next school year, we’d love your feedback about our wall calendar! Please share your thoughts by clicking this link to complete a brief survey.
One wall calendar is distributed to the youngest or only student of each family in the fall. Families that would like to request an additional calendar should reach out to their child's school directly. Community members who would like to request a calendar should email Communications@necsd.net.
Newburgh to Chicago | Representing NECSD at the 55th Annual NABE Conference
Dr. Isabela Carias-Vazquez and Dr. Chastity Martinez-Morales took the stage at the 55th Annual National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference in Chicago. "Language is Power," the theme for this year’s conference, resonates deeply with the mission of our district. It is a philosophy we live every day in our classrooms, where multilingualism is celebrated as a superpower and equitable education is the standard, not the exception.
The presentation focused on the "best practices" that have made Newburgh a leader in bilingual education. From innovative instructional strategies to fostering a culture of belonging for every learner, the duo aimed to provide a blueprint that other districts across the country can use to support their own multilingual populations.
By sharing the successes found within our buildings and classrooms, they are ensuring that the hard work of our teachers and the achievements of our students help shape the future of bilingual education nationwide.
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Annual All-District Art Show
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District recently celebrated the vibrant creativity of our scholars at the annual All-District Art Show, an expansive exhibition featuring works from students in grades Pre-K through 12. More than just a gallery of images, this showcase highlights our scholars' sophisticated ability to create, present, respond, and connect with diverse artistic traditions using a vast array of mediums.
In a K–12 setting, the arts are a vital pillar of academic and personal development; they cultivate the critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and disciplined persistence that students carry into every other subject. This year’s exhibition was launched with a celebratory reception for student artists, their families, and the dedicated educators who consistently guide their students on a journey to uncover and refine their unique talents.
The All-District Art Show will remain on display in the Safe Harbors Lobby at the Ritz Theater throughout the month of March, serving as a testament to the power of artistic expression in our community.
ATHLETICS
Newburgh Free Academy Unveils Updated Locker Room for Athletes
The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated locker rooms at Newburgh Free Academy marks a significant milestone in our commitment to excellence for both our student-athletes and our physical education programs. These modernized facilities provide more than just updated infrastructure; they offer a professional, high-quality environment that fosters team pride and reinforces the dignity of our scholars' daily efforts. By investing in these essential spaces, we are sending a clear message to our students that their hard work, health, and athletic pursuits are valued by this community. This project stands as a shining example of how targeted improvements can revitalize the Goldback spirit and raise the Goldback standard, ensuring our facilities finally match the elite caliber of the students who use them. Athletics is more than what we see on the field, it teaches our scholars life-long skills of communication, teamwork, commitment, and endurance to face life challenges–skills that will act as a foundation in their pursuits beyond their respective playing fields.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Save the Date - Family Reading Day
Our Annual Family Reading Day will take place on April 25, 2026. It is a day to celebrate books with Food, free books, music, games, family learning stations, and more.
Newburgh City School District Hosts Safety, Security Forum
Building a bright future for our students requires a shared vision. We invite family and community members to join Superintendent, Dr. Jackie Manning Campbell and members of the NECSD Board of Education for open community conversations. This is an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and hear directly about the goals and initiatives shaping our schools. We value your perspective and hope to see you there. These events are designed to be casual, open-house style gatherings. There are no formal speeches or long slide decks—just an opportunity for us to connect as community members. Topics and times are selected based on feedback received from a survey about these events that was shared with our community in the fall. View Article and Video
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