NECSD Launches My Brother’s Keeper Initiative

On Saturday, April 21, 2018, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District officially launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK). The district accepted the challenge earlier this year and students have been participating in MBK initiatives throughout the year. This event officially marked the occasion that Newburgh joined hundreds of cities nationwide in accepting President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper challenge. Aimed at improving life outcomes and opening up opportunities for all youth, especially young men of color, Newburgh’s MBK initiative is a partnership of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, local municipalities, and several community-based organizations.

“It is time to move from rhetoric to action. The MBK movement crystalizes our district’s efforts to better educate our scholars. The national and state MBK milestones serve to guide districts who are committed to equity and access,” stated Dr. Roberto Padilla the Superintendent of Schools.

Various dignitaries in attendance included:

Chancellor Betty Rosa, NYS Regents

Regent Judith Johnson

Dr. Anael Alston, Assistant Commission of Equity, Access and Community Engagement

Sue Prokosch, Vice President, NECSD BOE

Philip Howard, NECSD BOE

Mr. Harold Leath, Jr. Senior District Representative for U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney

Councilman Tom Basile

Michael Ciaravino, Manager, City of Newburgh

Torrance Harvey, Mayor, City of Newburgh

Anthony Grice, Councilman, City of Newburgh

Principal Baruti Kafele, Keynote Speaker

Ed Forgit, Deputy Superintendent, NECSD

Sara Feliz, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, NECSD

Christopher Bayer, Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Learners, NECSD

Dr. Pedro Roman, Executive Director, of Human Resources, NECSD

Dr. Ebony Green, Director, Equity and Access, NECSD

Various district leaders, building leaders, teachers, and school counselors. 

MBK Scholars from Newburgh Free Academy North, Excelsior Academy, Kameren King, and Jeremiah Palemon were introduced to attendees as MBK Fellows. MBK Scholars from NFA West, South Middle School, Balmville, Vails Gate, and Horizon on Hudson were also acknowledged. MBK Scholars King and Palemon were also recognized on April 27^th at the NYS MBK Symposium.

The day consisted of various speakers and breakout activities:

• Jahzeire Grant, a South Middle School MBK Scholar read a poem titled: “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” (poem below)
• Reverend Nelson McAllister offered an opening prayer
• Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District offered opening remarks and introduced key leaders of MBK, locally and throughout the state
• Principal Baruti Kafele was the Keynote speaker
• Edward Lawson, JD, MBA, President of FACES, Inc. gave the MBK: Newburgh Rationale and Overview
• Breakout sessions were held
• Ebony Green, Director of Equity and Access at NECSD gave closing remarks

Breakout sessions included:

Enter School Ready to Learn, facilitated by Mrs. Ann Pagliaro, Executive Director of Head Start of Eastern Orange County and Mrs. Janett Rodriguez, Education Coordinator of Head Start of Eastern Orange County

Read at Grade Level by Third Grade, facilitated by Ms. Sara Feliz, NECSD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Danny Dottin, Principal of Balmville School

Graduate from High School Ready for College and Career, facilitated by Dr. Lynne Pampel, Director of Pupil Personnel Services at NECSD and Dr. Ebony Green, Director of Equity and Access at NECSD.

Completing Postsecondary Education or Training, facilitated by Dr. Janine Bixler, Mount Saint Mary College, Chair of the Division of Education, and Mr. Kevin White, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh

Successfully Entering the Workforce, facilitated by Ms. Vera Best, Director BEST Resource Center, Inc. and Ms. Kori Rogers, Employment Service Coordinator, Employment Training Administration

Growing Up in a Safe Community and Get a Second Change if They Make A Mistake, facilitated by Mr. Edward Lawson, JD, MBA, President of FACES, Inc.

MBK Young Scholar Sessions, Facilitated by Mr. Torrance Harvey, Teacher at Newburgh Free Academy, North Campus and Mayor of the City of Newburgh

Translation services were available for those who were interested.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District accepted the My Brother’s Keeper Challenge on January 3, 2018. For more information on the national initiative being adopted in NYS, visit http://www.nysed.gov/mbk/my-brothers-keeper.

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Poem Reading by Jahzeire Grant, a South Middle School MBK Scholar

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his voice when he cannot speak

I am his strength when his is weak

I am his provider when he is in need

I am his arms when he cannot reach

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his justice when he is wronged

I am his friend when he is along

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his courage when he is afraid

I am his comforter when he is dismayed

I am his truth when he is deceived

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his guide when he has gone astray

I am his guide if he needs help along the way

Am I my brother’s keeper?

The answer is yes.

I am him, I am her

I am my brother’s keeper!

My Brother’s Keeper Initiatives and Events through the year so far:

SMS Students as Part of My Brother's Keeper Speak at MLK50 Community Event

B.A. STAR and MBK Unite at Horizons On The Hudson to Celebrate Black History Month!

Area Superintendents Discuss My Brother's Keeper and visit the Armory

Board member, Mr. Howard mentors students at NFA West

Goldbacks give back! Students from NFA West and Balmville learn together

Groups of Scholars Attend Black Panther Movie

Photos from the NECSD My Brother’s Keeper Launch.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!