SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE: Governor Cuomo has announced an extended closure for all PreK-12 schools in New York State. Per his order, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District will now be closed until Wednesday, April 15th at which time the Governor will reassess and determine if a longer closure is necessary.
Please visit our NECSD Virtual Learning Hub, continue to sign in to Google Classrooms, and contact your teachers and principals for learning activities. We will continue to update you via robo call as well as on our website and social media pages.
This landing page for the district features important information for families, employees, and the community, during this unprecendented time. Any updates about the current situation will be posted on this page. You can use the link above to continue to the normal district website.
Thank you! We appreciate your partnership and understanding during these challenging times. I hope that you and your family are remaining physically healthy as a first priority. For those in our community who have been directly impacted by COVID-19, we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and try our best to assist your family. Please reach out if you or members of your family need support. We want to continue to be here for you in whatever ways we can. In our ongoing effort to provide our school community with accurate, timely and consistent messaging, I am sharing additional information relating to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis.
The Governor’s newest executive order (200.11), required the cancellation of Spring recess, scheduled for April 6-10. All schools in New York are mandated to continue online instruction without interruption. We, like you, are disappointed that we are unable to provide a much-needed and well-earned break for scholars, teachers, and families. As a result of this mandate, the following calendar will go into effect:
April 6 - April 10
This is an additional week to make up work and/or complete work that teachers assign. The last day to submit work for the 3rd quarter will be April 10th.
April 13th
The fourth quarter begins and new instruction/content will be taught.
April 20th
Report cards will be provided digitally.
While our buildings are closed, the spirit and the essence of our schools is very much alive. I am so grateful to be in a district with such dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to keeping our schools running - even if they are operating differently than we are used to.
A new NECSD Guidance Plan for continuity of instruction with enrichment and student services will be available by tomorrow. The guidance plan will include, but is not limited to:
Online schedules for students
Grading guidelines for the 4th quarter
Attendance requirements and procedures
Thank you again for your kind, supportive words. Together, we will get through this pandemic. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, principal, or myself. Best wishes for continued health and safety.
With Appreciation,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools
Queridas Familias del NECSD,
¡Gracias! Agradecemos su colaboración y comprensión durante estos tiempos difíciles. Espero que usted y su familia se mantengan físicamente saludables como primera prioridad. Para aquellos en nuestra comunidad que han sido directamente afectados por COVID-19, continuaremos manteniéndolo en nuestros pensamientos y haremos nuestro mejor esfuerzo para ayudar a su familia. No dude en comunicarse con nosotros si usted o los miembros de su familia necesitan apoyo. Queremos seguir estando aquí para usted de cualquier manera que podamos. En nuestro esfuerzo continuo por proporcionar a nuestra comunidad escolar mensajes precisos, oportunos y consistentes, comparto información adicional relacionada con la actual crisis de salud pública de Coronavirus (COVID-19).
La nueva orden ejecutiva del gobernador (200.11), requirió la cancelación del receso de primavera, programado del 6 al 10 de abril. Todas las escuelas en Nueva York tienen el mandato de continuar la instrucción en línea sin interrupción. Nosotros, como usted, estamos decepcionados de que no podamos proporcionar un descanso muy necesario y bien ganado para los estudiantes, maestros y familias. Como resultado de este mandato, entrará en vigencia el siguiente calendario:
6 de abril - 10 de abril
Esta es una semana adicional para recuperar el trabajo y / o completar el trabajo que los maestros asignan. El último día para enviar trabajos para el tercer trimestre será el 10 de abril.
13 de abril
Comienza el cuarto trimestre y se enseñará nueva instrucción / contenido.
20 de abril
Las boletas de calificaciones se proporcionarán digitalmente.
Mientras nuestros edificios están cerrados, el espíritu y la esencia de nuestras escuelas están muy vivos. Estoy muy agradecido de estar en un distrito con una facultad y personal tan dedicados que se comprometen a mantener nuestras escuelas funcionando, incluso aunque funcionan de manera diferente a lo que estamos acostumbrados.
Mañana estará disponible un nuevo Plan de Orientación NECSD para la continuidad de la instrucción con enriquecimiento y servicios estudiantiles. El plan de orientación incluirá, pero no se limitará a:
Horarios en línea para estudiantes
Pautas de calificaciones para el cuarto trimestre
Requisitos y procedimientos de asistencia.
Gracias nuevamente por sus amables palabras de apoyo. Juntos, superaremos esta pandemia. Si podemos brindarle más ayuda, no dude en comunicarse con el maestro, el director o yo mismo de su hijo. Los mejores deseos para la salud y seguridad de todos.
Con apreciación,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D
Superintendente de Escuelas
This communication serves several purposes. I can't say thank you enough. I sing your praises to other districts because you are models for others. You have demonstrated flexibility, patience, and great care for our scholars. We appreciate all that you are doing. The following information is the most recent guidance we have received from the Governor’s Office and the New York State Department of Education to date regarding school closures.
Based on the Governor’s newest executive order (200.11), Spring recess, scheduled for April 6-10, is cancelled. We are mandated to continue online instruction, from home, without interruption. We, like you, are disappointed that we are unable to provide a much-needed and well-earned break for scholars, teachers, and families. However, as a result of the latest Executive Order and clarification that we received from the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) today, all school districts are required to cancel spring break and continue virtual instruction. According to guidance issued by NYSED:
Districts must continue to provide remote instruction for students, meals for students, and child care for essential workers every weekday between April 1, 2020, and April 14, 2020.
Failure to comply with this Executive Order disqualifies Newburgh from receiving a waiver for completing the required 180 instructional days. Therefore, we must fully comply. The majority of our budget is comprised of state aid. The loss of state aid would result in a reduction of programs and staff. We cannot allow this to happen for failure to enforce the Executive Order. Accordingly, we all will continue to work remotely during the week of April 6th. We will extend makeup work opportunities for scholars all of next week that will be graded as part of the third quarter. The fourth quarter will begin April 13th.
A new NECSD Guidance Plan for continuity of instruction with enrichment and student services will be available by the end of this week. Beginning, April 13th, we will transition from skill review and reinforcement, to new instruction and content. The guidance plan will include, but is not limited to:
teaching and learning schedules
grading guidelines for the 4th quarter
permitted video conference platforms
faculty/staff start & end times
The Board of Education and I acknowledge, respect and understand how you consistently ShoulderUp when it is needed the most. While we are directed to continue distance learning, we are grateful that our scholars have you!
Goldack Nation is an incredibly resilient community. Let’s continue to stay positive. We will all get through this together.
Thank you.
Through the Work of All,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools
We regret to inform our community of the passing of Ms. Sue Prokosch.
Sue has been a member of the NECSD Board of Education for nearly 10 years, most recently serving as its Vice-President. Sue also taught in our district educating our scholars for over 40 years. Sue was a strong advocate for education in our community and a champion for underprivileged children and those with high needs. Her commitment to our scholars, faculty, and staff will be greatly missed for years to come.
Sue began teaching social studies at North Junior High in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District in 1970 and retired in 2003. During her time as a teacher, she also worked with students in the Student Assistance Center. After retiring, Sue was elected to serve on the Board of Education four times, beginning in July 2010. She served as Board Vice President for five of those years. Throughout her time on the board, she served on almost every board committee and was mostly recently the Chairperson for the Buildings & Grounds and Personnel committees.
Sue made an amazing impact in this community and we ask that you keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. During this tough time we will remember the service that Sue gave to our community, while continuing to be resilient during this difficult time as that is what Sue would have wanted.
HOTSPOT REQUESTS:
We are collecting requests for Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots and/or Chromebooks for scholars in grades 3-12 who are still in need of a Chromebook and/or Wi-Fi. If you already have a device, but need help signing on or need technical assistance, please visit our website NewburghSchools.org and click on the section titled: Technology Needs for Students.
Chromebook and Wi-Fi Hotspot distribution will be held on Wednesday, April 1st and Friday, April 3rd from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Newburgh Free Library/Board of Education (124 Grand Street, Newburgh).
If you need both a Chromebook and a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot, please complete both forms.
If you are unable to complete the form, please call the FACE helpdesk at 845-568-6533 and leave a message with what you need, your child's full name, your child's school, your name, and your phone number.
This is your one-stop location for all educational resources, choice boards, online resources and distance learning. Use the "For Our Community" for a list of everything available. Please check this site frequently as we will continue to add information.
We loved seeing your posts from #NECSDPRIDE Virtual Spirit Week so much that we've decided to continue celebrating our NECSD community with "The Arts" Virtual Spirit Week. We’re excited to see what you’ll share with us. Use the hashtag #NECSDARTS
Letters from the Superintendent
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
I miss you! I hope that you are in good spirits and good health. As we enter our second week of learning from home, I have been encouraged by the creativity and innovation of our entire school community. Day after day, I see a plethora of examples of our mantra in action, ShoulderUp. Our faculty and staff have approached this new reality of learning with excitement, energy and a true Goldback commitment to finding a rhythm and routine remotely.
I write in a time of extraordinary global crisis, but also in a time of extraordinary opportunity. In our district, like so many others, schools have been closed and we have moved to online education for the foreseeable future. The good news is that our faculty is doing the very best they can and deeply care about their students. This is evident in their actions.
Teachers are providing virtual office hours and organizing activities remotely. One teacher shared how she successfully flipped her classroom, another teacher highlighted how she got 90% of students online via Google Meet. She brimmed with excitement as students shared how much they missed each other. I recently watched a Kindergarten student from New Windsor School share the learning that was taking place at home and how much he missed his teachers and classmates. These stories and so many others are a few examples of how our community is coming together. It’s not perfect, but I know everyone is trying their best. Just think, Covid – 19 took hold quickly and school districts had to quickly adapt. I am proud of all of you.
As this week unfolds, administrators, teachers, staff and students are learning together, listening to one another, adjusting pace and workload. I encourage you to continue this level of collaboration. Collaboration is the “C” in our NECSD core values! Our faculty are spending endless hours communicating, planning, and innovating. The connection between teacher and student is stronger than ever.
Your principals, teachers, Board of Education and I appreciate every note, message, and email we receive from our parents and our scholars. Hang in there, we will get through this together.
Ongoing Communication
I will attempt to provide a weekly update to faculty, staff, and families about recent decisions made at state and/or federal levels. We will be mindful about how much information gets pushed out as everyone may become overloaded with information. We are committed to streamlining outreach. Except under extraordinary circumstances, you will receive two communications per week from me.
While schools are closed, I will send a districtwide update every Thursday. Your child’s principal may also communicate school-based information. We encourage you to regularly visit our district website and our social media pages are updated frequently. Two recently added resources are SAT tutoring, and updates from NYSED on state testing.
**NEW NECSD Virtual Learning Hub
Our District is committed to serving our community. Please refer to our NECSD Virtual Learning Hub for learning from home resources during this time of school closure. This will serve as the district’s go-to for academic support, best practices, training, and information for families.
Childcare and Supervision for Medical Professionals and First Responders
During this extraordinary crisis, the District is committed to serving our community. If you are a first responder; health care professional who has been deemed ‘essential staff’ by the governor, we can assist you in getting daycare. If you need assistance, please use our special hotline: 845-568-6533 and leave a message with as much detail as possible. You can also contact our Director of Family and Community Engagement, Ms. Pamela Peterson at ppeterson@necsd.net.
Social Distancing
Please adhere to and model social distancing. These requirements are meant to protect you. We know it may be hard, but the more we actually stay at home and follow these protocols, the sooner we can get back to school. This is for your protection and the protection of your family.
When we care for one another, we care for our entire community. I welcome your feedback and encourage you to reach out to me, your principal, or your child’s teacher. Be safe.
ShoulderUp,
Roberto Padilla
Superintendent
Dear Newburgh Enlarged City School District Families and Employees,
This afternoon, we were contacted by the Orange County Department of Health and were made aware that someone regularly at Heritage Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. March 13th is the last known date this individual was present at the school.
Anyone who was in Heritage Middle School on Friday, March 13th, 2020, and is symptomatic, should contact their healthcare provider.
Please understand, the person who has the infection will not be cleared to re-enter any district school buildings until the following occurs:
❑ Seven days has passed from the last test where the person has tested positive for the infection
and
❑ Two subsequent negative tests have occurred 24 hours apart.
There is no evidence that the disease is airborne. In order to be affected, all the evidence shows that the disease is droplet transmitted or transmitted by someone who, within hours after the infected person touched the same surface with some sort of bodily fluid (sneezing, runny nose, sweat) as the infected person caused that fluid to be on.
It has been emphasized for weeks that a community spread component is real and serious. In most cases of a community spread, symptomatic people are walking around and have no idea they are infected. Here on the other hand, we know of one person so people can at least be armed with the knowledge of what to look for.
The best way to prevent community spread of COVID-19 is to avoid groups, engage in social distancing, and be aware of anyone who appears sick. People who sense their own symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before just showing up at their doctor’s office.
During this time of extended closure, the District has been and will continue to actively assess and monitor all aspects of this rapidly changing situation in consultation with local, state and federal officials. We have been in regular contact with the Department of Health regarding any concerns that have been brought to our attention and we have followed their guidance throughout.
We understand this information is concerning. We are fully committed to our students, families, and thank all who have provided guidance and support to the district over the past week. This is a complex matter and we will continue to manage it with the same sense of purpose and sound leadership our students, staff and community deserve.
Be Safe,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Estimadas familias y empleados del Distrito escolar ampliado de la ciudad de Newburgh:
Esta tarde, fuimos contactados por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Orange y nos informaron que alguien regularmente en el campus de Heritage Middle School dio positivo a COVID-19. El 13 de marzo es la última fecha conocida que este individuo estuvo presente en la escuela.
Cualquier persona que estuvo en el campus de Heritage Middle School el viernes 13 de Marzo de 2020 y tiene síntomas, debe comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica.
Por favor comprenda, que la persona que tiene la infección no tendrá autorización para volver a ingresar a los edificios escolares del distrito hasta que ocurra lo siguiente:
Han pasado siete días desde la última prueba en la que la persona dio positivo por la infección.
Y
Dos pruebas negativas posteriores se produjeron con 24 horas de diferencia
No hay evidencia de que la enfermedad sea transmitida por el aire. Para ser afectado, toda la evidencia muestra que la enfermedad es transmitida por gotitas o transmitida por alguien que pocas horas después de que la persona infectada tocó la misma superficie con algún tipo de fluido corporal (estornudos, secreción nasal, sudor) ya que la persona infectada causó que ese líquido estuviera en esa superficie.
Se ha enfatizado durante semanas que un componente de difusión comunitaria es real y serio.En la mayoría de los casos de propagación comunitaria, las personas sintomáticas están caminando y no tienen idea de que están infectadas. Aquí, por un lado sabemos de una persona, y las personas pueden al menos estar armadas con el conocimiento de qué buscar.
La mejor manera de prevenir la propagación comunitaria de COVID-19 es evitar grupos, participar en el distanciamiento social y estar al tanto de cualquier persona que parezca enferma. Las personas que perciben sus propios síntomas deben comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica antes de presentarse en el consultorio de su médico.
Durante este tiempo de cierre prolongado, el Distrito ha estado y continuará evaluando y monitoreando activamente todos los aspectos de esta situación que cambia rápidamente en consulta con funcionarios locales, estatales y federales.Hemos estado en contacto regular con el Departamento de Salud con respecto a cualquier inquietud que se nos haya señalado y hemos seguido su orientación en todo momento.
Entendemos que esta información es preocupante, Estamos totalmente comprometidos con nuestros estudiantes, familias, y agradezco a todos los que han brindado orientación y apoyo al distrito durante la semana pasada. Este es un asunto complejo y continuaremos manejándolo con el mismo sentido de propósito y liderazgo sólido que nuestros estudiantes, el personal y la comunidad merecen.
Cuidese,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Newburgh Enlarged City School District Families and Employees,
This afternoon, we were contacted by the Orange County Department of Health and were made aware that someone regularly at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus tested positive for COVID-19. March 11th is the last known date this individual was present at the school.
Anyone who was in NFA North Campus on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020, and is symptomatic, should contact their healthcare provider.
Please understand, the person who has the infection will not be cleared to re-enter any district school buildings until the following occurs:
❑ Seven days has passed from the last test where the person has tested positive for the infection
and
❑ Two subsequent negative tests have occurred 24 hours apart.
There is no evidence that the disease is airborne. In order to be affected, all the evidence shows that the disease is droplet transmitted or transmitted by someone who, within hours after the infected person touched the same surface with some sort of bodily fluid (sneezing, runny nose, sweat) as the infected person caused that fluid to be on.
It has been emphasized for weeks that a community spread component is real and serious. In most cases of a community spread, symptomatic people are walking around and have no idea they are infected. Here on the other hand, we know of one person so people can at least be armed with the knowledge of what to look for.
The best way to prevent community spread of COVID-19 is to avoid groups, engage in social distancing, and be aware of anyone who appears sick. People who sense their own symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before just showing up at their doctor’s office.
During this time of extended closure, the District has been and will continue to actively assess and monitor all aspects of this rapidly changing situation in consultation with local, state and federal officials. We have been in regular contact with the Department of Health regarding any concerns that have been brought to our attention and we have followed their guidance throughout.
We understand this information is concerning. We are fully committed to our students, families,
and thank all who have provided guidance and support to the district over the past week. This is a complex matter and we will continue to manage it with the same sense of purpose and sound leadership our students, staff and community deserve.
Estimadas familias y empleados del Distrito escolar ampliado de la ciudad de Newburgh:
Esta tarde, fuimos contactados por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Orange y nos informaron que alguien regularmente en el campus de Newburgh Free Academy North dio positivo a COVID-19. El 11 de marzo es la última fecha conocida que este individuo estuvo presente en la escuela.
Cualquier persona que estuvo en el campus de NFA North el miércoles 11 de Marzo de 2020 y tiene síntomas, debe comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica.
Por favor comprenda, que la persona que tiene la infección no tendrá autorización para volver a ingresar a los edificios escolares del distrito hasta que ocurra lo siguiente:
Han pasado siete días desde la última prueba en la que la persona dio positivo por la infección.
Y
Dos pruebas negativas posteriores se produjeron con 24 horas de diferencia
No hay evidencia de que la enfermedad sea transmitida por el aire. Para ser afectado, toda la evidencia muestra que la enfermedad es transmitida por gotitas o transmitida por alguien que pocas horas después de que la persona infectada tocó la misma superficie con algún tipo de fluido corporal (estornudos, secreción nasal, sudor) ya que la persona infectada causó que ese líquido estuviera en esa superficie.
Se ha enfatizado durante semanas que un componente de difusión comunitaria es real y serio.En la mayoría de los casos de propagación comunitaria, las personas sintomáticas están caminando y no tienen idea de que están infectadas. Aquí, por un lado sabemos de una persona, y las personas pueden al menos estar armadas con el conocimiento de qué buscar.
La mejor manera de prevenir la propagación comunitaria de COVID-19 es evitar grupos, participar en el distanciamiento social y estar al tanto de cualquier persona que parezca enferma. Las personas que perciben sus propios síntomas deben comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica antes de presentarse en el consultorio de su médico.
Durante este tiempo de cierre prolongado, el Distrito ha estado y continuará evaluando y monitoreando activamente todos los aspectos de esta situación que cambia rápidamente en consulta con funcionarios locales, estatales y federales.Hemos estado en contacto regular con el Departamento de Salud con respecto a cualquier inquietud que se nos haya señalado y hemos seguido su orientación en todo momento.
Entendemos que esta información es preocupante, Estamos totalmente comprometidos con nuestros estudiantes, familias, y agradezco a todos los que han brindado orientación y apoyo al distrito durante la semana pasada. Este es un asunto complejo y continuaremos manejándolo con el mismo sentido de propósito y liderazgo sólido que nuestros estudiantes, el personal y la comunidad merecen.
Cuidese,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Newburgh Enlarged City School District Families,
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to close all NYS schools for 14 days starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18th through Tuesday, March 31st. Schools are expected to open on April 1st, however, this may change when the state reassesses whether the mandated closure should be extended. The intention of this closure is to help mitigate the spread of the virus in our schools and community. As we navigate this uncertain and challenging situation, please take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 school buildings will be open from 9am – 1pm for students, faculty, and staff to pick up personal belongings if necessary. You must contact your building principal via email ahead of time to receive an appointment time.
Starting Thursday, March 19, 2020, you should be receiving additional information about learning opportunities. Also, starting Thursday, teachers will begin offering virtual office hours from 9am - 1pm daily. Scholars should use email and/or Google Meet to correspond with their teachers.
All IEP meetings have been cancelled until further notice and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Through the work of all,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Dear Newburgh School District Families and Staff,
We greatly appreciate your continued flexibility and support in light of this national health pandemic. Please continue to take the essential precautions for you and your family. Today, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, through executive order the continuation of school closures. The intention of this closure is to help mitigate the spread of the virus in our schools and wider communities.
Additionally, as the details of the State and Federal strategy addressing the Coronavirus continue to emerge, their recommendations are likely to change. Therefore, families should prepare for the potential of longer school closures. As a result of this, we ask for your continued flexibility. Some of this flexibility will come in the form of calendar revisions. More information regarding any such changes will be shared in the future as our current priority is to focus on providing on-going learning opportunities, and supporting the well-being of our school community.
In the Newburgh Schools, we developed the plans outlined below to support our students’ learning while they are at home. Please be reminded that during the school closures, all athletic and extracurricular activities are canceled.
Our administrators, teachers and staff have been diligently preparing for school closures during this rapidly changing reality. The following information will help you plan as our District awaits additional guidance from New York State Governor’s office, New York State Department of Education, and the New York State Department of Health.
Continued Learning Opportunities: When visiting our District's website, NewburghSchools.org, you will notice our homepage is now a landing page with important information for students and their families. Specific Continued Learning Opportunities will be available on our homepage in the near future.
Additional Educational Resources for Parents Please see the 'Additional Educational Resources'' section on our District's homepage for educational resources students can access from home. These resources are provided by outside organizations.
Technology Resources
Chromebooks - Devices will be available for students who have requested one via the district online form (http://bit.ly/nfadevice). Distribution will occur on:
Tuesday, March 17th from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at NFA-Main (lower lobby parking lot)
Wednesday, March 18th from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at Heritage Middle School and South Middle School (front parking lot)
Verizon Hotspots - Hotspots will be available to students who indicated on the Chromebook request form that they do not have access to the Internet at home. Students who took home a Chromebook already and don’t have Internet access can request a Verizon Hotspot via this form (http://bit.ly/necsdhotspot). Please check the district website for updates; distribution plan will be available soon.
Internet Access - For families who do not have internet access in the home, you may wish to contact local cable providers to determine if they are offering free wifi service or other options.
Spectrum: to offer free high-speed internet to households with students. Families can call (844) 488-8395 to enroll. For those who "see" the Spectrum municipal WiFi on their device, it's now free.
Books An organization called “First Book” is trying to deliver 6 million books to students who don’t have access to books or the internet.
Free Meals: “Grab and Go” Breakfast and Lunch bags will be provided during the school’s closure starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See times and locations on our website or social media pages. Please contact Caitlin Lazarski at clazarski@necsd.net if you have questions.
Committee on Special Education: Click here for the parent/guardian letter regarding Special Education/504 Services.
Board of Education Meetings: Board Committee meetings will be cancelled until further notice. Our regularly scheduled Board meetings will continue with the designated dates and times, but will not happen in person. Instead, we will conduct Board Meetings via phone conference. The public will have access to listen to these Board meetings. Please see our website for access information by the end of the week. The law regarding open meetings has recently changed due to the current public health emergency, therefore all on-site Board meetings will be closed to the public until further notice.
Tech support for students and parents: To receive technical support, please call the NECSD helpdesk at 845-568-6532. If no one answers please leave a detailed message. Someone will contact you to provide assistance. Another option is to send an email to helpdesk@necsd.net. The helpdesk and email will be monitored daily from Monday - Friday, 8:00-am - 4:00pm while schools are not opened and students are learning online.
PreK Registration: At this time, we are postponing PreK registration. Once the school district opens again, we will send out registration dates. In the interim, please visit, NewburghSchools.org/Registration, to review, download, print, and complete necessary forms, so you are prepared when new dates are announced.
This is an unprecedented time that has caused disruptions throughout every level of our community. We understand that many of you may have questions which is why we encourage you to frequently visit the District’s website and social media sites. We will continue to update the sites with valuable information and resources. Also, I encourage you to please check your emails.
As we receive more guidance from the Governor, Health Department and other Education officials, we will keep you informed. We thank you again for your patience during these challenging times. As always, we sincerely appreciate your continued support and understanding. Together we will get through this challenging time due to the strength of our partnership as a Goldback Nation. We appreciate you!
ShoulderUp, Dr. Roberto Padilla Superintendent
Dear NECSD families,
Together, we are facing an unprecedented health crisis in our communities. For weeks, we have been following the explicit guidance of the Orange County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Education, by implementing preventative and responsive strategies to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The departments of health have been in daily contact with us, providing important guidance on decisions to help ensure the health and well-being of our scholars, employees, and community.
At this time, the Orange County Department of Health has not informed our district of any diagnosed cases of the coronavirus within our district, however, to prevent the further spread of this global pandemic and per the recommendation of Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, all schools within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District will be closed for a two week period, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.
Our administrators and several groups of teachers have been working to prepare plans for the potential of an extended school closure. Please find some initial information below. More information will be forthcoming as we continue to navigate this unique time.
Meals:
A plan has been created for distribution of meals to our scholars. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, breakfast and lunch will be provided to each child under 18. If the student is enrolled in our schools and is over 19 they should bring their school ID. The locations and schedule are:
Meadow Hill School 10AM-10:15AM
Balmville School 10:30AM-10:45AM
GAMS 11AM-11:15AM
Newburgh Free Library 11:30-11:45AM
South Middle School 12PM-12:15PM
New Windsor School 12:30-12:45PM
Vails Gate STEAM Academy 1PM-1:15PM
Temple Hill Academy 1:30-1:45PM
Plan for Continued Instruction:
Earlier today, Chromebooks and chargers were sent home with scholars in grades 3-12 in anticipation of a potential extended school closing. Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 scholars will not have Chromebooks. More information regarding instructional materials for grades Pre-K-2 will be available on our district website and at the meal locations.
Our administrators, directors, and lead teachers have been working to create instructional resources and lessons that will be available for our scholars. Additionally, our Technology Department has been working to acquire 1,000 hotspots for those who do not have internet access at home. Additional information about that distribution process will be forthcoming.
Additional Support:
The Family and Community Engagement team has been working to create a toolkit of documents for families that will be distributed at meal sites. Additionally, a hotline has been set up with information regarding food distribution, online or hardcopy academic resources, information for our McKinney-Vento families, and general information.
The phone number for the Family and Community Engagement hotline is: 845-568-6533.
Through the work of all,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Newburgh Enlarged City School District
School Meals Program
The NECSD will be distributing meals from the refrigerated meal truck in the front of several of our schools and the Newburgh Free Library. The schedule places the food truck at each facility for 15 minutes in a grab and go style format. School buildings will not be open. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to each child under 18. If a student is enrolled in our schools and is over 19, they can show a district ID to receive their meals.
Students can pick up their meals from any location site. They do not have to attend that specific school.
Meal Distribution Schedule, Monday – Friday:
Meadow Hill School 10:00AM-10:15AM
124 Meadow Hill Road, Newburgh, NY 12550
Balmville School 10:30AM-10:45AM
5144 Rte. 9W, Newburgh, NY 12550
GAMS 11:00AM-11:15AM
300 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
Newburgh Free Library 11:30AM-11:45AM
124 Grand St, Newburgh, NY 12550
*Sacred Heart School 11:30-11:50AM
24 South Robinson Ave. (Ann Street entrance), Newburgh, NY 12550
South Middle School 12:00PM-12:15PM
33-63 Monument Street, Newburgh, NY 12550
*Newburgh Armory Unity Center 12:00PM-12:20PM
21 South Williams Street, Newburgh, NY 12550
*Lake Street Apartments 12:30PM-12:50PM
3 Lake Drive (parking lot for the office), Newburgh, NY 12550
New Windsor School 12:30PM-12:45PM
175 Quassaick Avenue, New Windsor, NY 12553
Vails Gate STEAM Academy 1:00PM-1:15PM
400 Old Forge Hill Road, New Windsor, NY 12553
Temple Hill Academy 1:30PM-1:45PM
525 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY 12553
*Additional location beginning Monday, March 30th. Look for a school bus (other locations look for the white Newburgh Schools Meal truck)
Backpack Nutrition Program
The NECSD will continue to distribute food items to students participating in its Backpack Program during the closing of our schools. Parents will need to accompany students in grades K-6.
On Thursday, March 26th from 1 to 4 pm. The Food Bank of Hudson Valley and the NECSD will partner for a mass food distribution for anyone in need. The distribution will take place in the old Sacred Heart School Parking lot. The old Sacred Heart School is located at 24 S Robinson Avenue, Newburgh NY. Please use the Ann Street side to access the distribution. Fresh and non-perishable goods will be offered.
Social-Emotional Toolkit
In response to recent events regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the district has prepared an online toolbox to support students and families in coping with social and environmental stress. The toolkit contains useful information, tools, and resources to support your children in understanding and managing difficult emotions that may arise during this time.
CHROMEBOOK and HOTSPOT REQUESTS:
We are collecting requests for Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots and/or Chromebooks for scholars in grades 3-12 who are still in need of a Chromebook and/or Wi-Fi. If you already have a device, but need help signing on or need technical assistance, please visit our website NewburghSchools.org and click on the section titled: Technology Needs for Students.
Chromebook and wifi hotspot distribution will be held on Wednesday, April 1st and Friday, April 3rd from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the Newburgh Free Library/Board of Education (124 Grand Street, Newburgh).
If you need both a Chromebook and a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot, please complete both forms.
If you are unable to complete the form, please call the FACE helpdesk at 845-568-6533 and leave a message with what you need, your child's full name, your child's school, your name, and your phone number.
If your child has a Chromebook but needs help logging in please click here
Emails
E-mails for grades 3-5 have been activated. Scholars can log into those e-mails to receive important information for their families using the same password they would to log into their Chromebook. This is a "walled garden," meaning students in grades 3-5 will only be able to send and receive email with teachers within @necsd.net, but not other students or anyone outside of the @necsd.net domain.
Testing Updates
The following buttons contain information on Grades 3-8 Testing, Advanced Placement (AP) Testing, and SAT Testing. If we are made aware of any new information about testing, it will be posted here.
The school closures caused by Novel Coronavirus are unprecedented and so, the NYS Education Department has had to make unprecedented decisions for students across the state. The administrations of the 2020 elementary- and intermediate-level State assessments have been suspended for the remainder of this school year. This suspension for the remainder of the school year applies to the following New York State testing programs:
New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test;
New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;
New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;
New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;
New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12; and
New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.
The health and safety of students and educators is our top priority. The College Board is closely monitoring the updates and guidance about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading health organizations. On Friday, March 13, 2020, The College Board launched a web page on AP Central to provide information about flexible testing options for schools experiencing substantial disruption or closure and guidance for schools that plan to maintain AP instruction while students are at home.
The AP Program has developing resources to help schools support student learning during extended closures, as well as a solution that would allow students to test at home, depending on the situation in May. Additionally, they have announced portfolio submission deadline extensions for AP 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design, Computer Science Principles, Drawing, Research, and Seminar courses by March 20. Schools do not need to call AP Services for Educators to request these extensions. This information can be found at: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update
Designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools.
Will be recorded and available on-demand so teachers and students can access them any time.
Not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction. We know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible.
Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. There will also be some supplementary lessons including topics from the final 25% of the course.
In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), the College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020, SAT administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled March 28) are also canceled. Registered students will receive refunds.
The College Board will provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as feasible in place of canceled administrations. We’ll be as flexible as possible to give students the best chance to show their skills and stay on the path to college. We have not yet canceled the June 6, 2020, SAT administration and will continue to assess its status with the health and safety of students and educators as our top priority. The College Board is working with local partners, and we’ll soon share information about weekday school-based administrations this spring of the SAT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9.
To help students keep their college readiness skills sharp when many schools are closed, the College Board and Khan Academy will continue to provide free resources online, including full-length practice tests and personalized learning tools at khanacademy.org/sat. As a reminder, you can set up coaching tools in Khan for teachers to monitor student work. For more information on the coaching tools, visit satpractice.org/k12. If you need assistance setting this up, please reach out.
Together with our member schools and colleges, we will be flexible, thoughtful, and collaborative in exploring ways to continue to support student learning and provide opportunities to test during this challenging time.
In the coming days, the College Board will share additional information and details directly with registered students and test centers. A webpage with regularly posted information about the impact of the virus on the SAT can be found here.
Tax Information for the Community
The Tax Office is closed.
The last day for payment to the school tax office is Tuesday, March 31st. We encourage you to use our online payment portal at www.infotaxonline.com. Electronic check (e-check) is $1.50 per transaction. Credit/debit cards have a 2.65% convenience fee ($3 minimum).
If you normally make a cash payment at our office, you will need to get a money order or bank check made payable to NECSD. Mail it to NECSD Tax Office, 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550.
The last day for payment to the school tax office is Tuesday, March 31st. We encourage you to use our online payment portal at www.infotaxonline.com. Electronic check (e-check) is $1.50 per transaction. Credit/debit cards have a 2.65% convenience fee ($3 minimum).
At the search screen enter in ONLY your BILL NUMBER
If you do not know your bill number, enter in the STREET NUMBER and NAME ONLY - do NOT enter in the type of street.
If the search fails, please clear the search criteria before trying again. All fields in blue can be clicked for instructions regarding that field.
Click "Pay Balance" tab, then choose "Pay Installment Due" or "Pay Taxes in Full" Payment defaults to credit/debit card, you must click the "Pay with e-check" tab for electronic checks. Continue by providing your card or banking information. Click "Next" to submit your payment.
Payments can still be mailed to the tax office but must be legally postmarked on or before March 31st. We recommend a hand-stamp at a local post office if possible.
All unpaid installments have penalties due, please add the appropriate amount when remitting your payment.
1st installment has a 6% penalty
2nd installment has a 4% penalty
3rd installment has a 1% penalty.
However, we encourage you to use our website – www.infotaxonline.com to see the exact amount due. At your parcel information screen, click the "Payment Schedule" tab.
If you normally make a cash payment at our office, you will need to get a money order or bank check made payable to NECSD. Mail it to NECSD Tax Office, 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550.
If you need further assistance, you can email the tax collector at cpinter@necsd.net.
We regret to inform our community of the passing of Ms. Sue Prokosch. 
