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.
Budget Vote and BOE Election This Tuesday!
Polls are open this Tuesday, May 19, from 12:00PM (Noon) until 9:00PM. You can find out where to vote and more information on our district website. You also should have received your Budget Notice in the mail, or should be receiving it any day now. The main highlights of this budget include
A 0% tax levy increase. (0% tax levy increase for 10 of the last 11 years)
An estimated tax rate decrease of approximately $1.93/$1,000 since 2023-2024
No Layoffs (any reduction in positions is due to vacant positions and retirements)
Your Voice Matters: Take the NECSD Panorama Family Survey
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District values your voice and your partnership. We invite you to take the Panorama Family Survey. It is an important opportunity to share your feedback about your child’s school.
The survey is confidential and only takes a few minutes to complete. Your responses will guide decisions, strengthen school-family partnerships, and create quality supports and services we provide to ensure student success and strong family engagement.
May 1st was Decision Day for our NFA Seniors. The video below gives a sampling of our students and their after graduation plans. Congrats to all our graduates! Check out the Decision Day Page
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Steven Yang has been named the Valedictorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s Class of 2026.
Steven Yang is a scholar, athlete, and mentor whose journey through the Newburgh Enlarged City School District has taken him from Gardnertown Elementary to Heritage Middle School and finally to NFA Main Campus.
Steven’s high school career is a masterclass in versatility and dedication. A standout on the water, he spent four years on the NFA Varsity Crew Team, while also competing for a year with the Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving team. His leadership extends far beyond athletics; Steven serves as the Game & VR Development Lead Teacher at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, where he shares his technical expertise with the next generation.
Madison Gravel is the Salutatorian for Newburgh Free Academy’s class of 2026.
Madison Gravel is a dedicated scholar and leader whose journey through Newburgh schools—from Fostertown Elementary to South Middle School and NFA Main Campus—has been defined by a deep passion for the arts, athletics, and service.
Madison’s resume is a testament to her versatility. On the field, she has played five years of Varsity Softball and spent four years as a "stat girl" for Varsity Boy's Wrestling, in addition to two years of Varsity Volleyball. Her leadership shines just as brightly in the fine arts; as the President of Madrigals and Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she has participated in eight NFA Music Department concerts as a singer and even performed a Piano Solo Recital.
Still Time to Sign Up For ROCK THE REGENTS Review Sessions
Get ready to Rock the Regents! Newburgh Free Academy is hosting its premier Saturday support program at the NFA North Campus to help students in grades 9–12 sharpen their skills and ace their upcoming New York State exams. This intensive review series offers expert guidance from certified teachers in a variety of core subjects, includingAlgebra I & II, ELA, Geometry, Chemistry, Earth Science, Living Environment, Global History, and US History.
Program Schedule
Sessions run on the following Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM:
Eligibility: Open to all NFA scholars (Main, North, and West) and 8th graders preparing for Regents exams.
Transportation: Please note that no busing is provided for these Saturday sessions; students must arrange their own transportation.
Focus Areas: Students will work on critical test-taking strategies, including reading comprehension, data summarization, mathematical formulas, and problem-solving.
Don't wait until the last minute—RSVP or register today by completing this form to secure your spot and start the road to graduation strong!
Thank you so much for your interest and for taking the time to register to the NECSD EMPIRE Rock the Regents Program.
Many school spring concerts are happening now and coming up. Please be sure to check your school's calendar and come out and support our students.
NFA’s Maxwell Vegliando To Be Honored at the Roger Rees Awards
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District is shining the spotlight on Newburgh Free Academy’s own Maxwell Vegliando, who has been recognized as one of the top high school musical theater performers in the region!
Out of over 1,000 students adjudicated this year, Max was selected as one of the Top 50 Outstanding Performers for the prestigious Roger Rees Awards. Max recently participated in regional adjudications, securing his spot among the elite group of student-artists representing the best of high school theater.
This recognition comes on the heels of a truly impressive theatrical career at NFA to date.
Next Level Goldbacks: NFA Celebrates 12 Athletic Spring Season Signings
The energy was electric in the NFA Gymnasium as family, coaches, and teammates gathered to celebrate a remarkable group of student-athletes. Twelve standout Goldbacks officially committed to continuing their academic and athletic journeys at the collegiate level this spring, spanning across Division I, II, and III programs. The group joins five student athletes who committed during previous seasons this year.
These scholars have balanced rigorous academics with elite-level competition, and their next chapters take them to prestigious institutions across the Northeast and beyond.
Division I Commits
Cooper Merli (Wrestling): Joined by parents Amanda and Peter, Cooper is headed to USMA West Point.
Amani Learry (Volleyball): Joined by Sheena Matthews and Prince Learry, Amani will take the court for Le Moyne College.
Division II Commits
John Mena Jr (Track and Field): Joined by Yessenia Mena, John has signed with St. Thomas Aquinas University.
Mateo Morell (Wrestling): Joining the mats at East Stroudsburg University.
Division III Commits
Softball
Madison Gravel (Salutatorian)*: A staple of NFA athletics who also served as a leader in the Madrigals and Tri-M Honor Society, Madison was joined by parents Chris and Barbara as she committed to SUNY New Paltz.
Liana Shaw*: Joined by Sumara Shaw, Liana is headed to SUNY Cobleskill.
Autumn Norton*: Joined by Jessica and Joseph Norton, Autumn will play for SUNY Delhi.
Wrestling & Lacrosse
William (Billy) Coughlin (Wrestling): Joined by Tina and Bill Coughlin, Billy committed to Western New England University.
Madison Coughlin (Lacrosse): Joined by Tina Coughlin, Madison is headed to Alfred State College.
Volleyball, Baseball & Swimming
Augustina White (Volleyball): Joined by Joselita and Craig White, Augustina will play for SUNY Plattsburgh.
Joseph Santo* (Baseball): Joined by Jonelle and Joseph Santo, Joseph is headed to Keystone College.
Vivian Piscitella (Swimming & Diving): Joined by Christine and John Piscitella, Vivian will compete for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Congratulations to all our student-athletes! Your dedication, discipline, and Goldback pride have paved the way for this incredible milestone. We look forward to cheering you on as you compete at the next level.
*Students will be recognized at a later date, due to games that took place during this signing date. The date on the signing was pre-determined. Games that conflicted were re-scheduled due to weather.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Friday Night Lights Remix - Early Ending Tonight
Friday Night Lights is a place for our students to hang out together on Friday evenings. The event runs from 5:00pm until 9:45pm most nights. (will end tonight (5/15) at 8:30pm)..
There is Open Gym Basketball and a Teen Night Social in the Black Box Theater. This experience was created by the students for the students. Open to NFA students. Different events and activities are planned for each Friday Night.
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