NECSD Celebrates New Year with Inaugural Ring the Bell Event

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District celebrated the first day of school with an inaugural Ring the Bell event. The event welcomed students to a new school year and celebrated community members who have had a positive impact on our children and our community.

To help generate excitement for the first day of school, Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent, said the district will start a new tradition of ringing the bell to start each school year. During the ceremony, the district also honored community members and organizations who make a lasting, positive impact on our students lives.

This year, the district honored the Kaplan Family for their continued dedication to our community youth through the Armory Unity Center & Kaplan Family Foundation. Mr. Bill Kaplan accepted the award on behalf of the Kaplan family. Maddalena Casabianca Reade for promoting healthy living and a passion for raising awareness for cancer research and organ donation through her local foundation, Lap4Life. New Windsor Councilwoman, Patricia Y. Mullarkey, for her dedication to NECSD students receiving the best education and facilities possible. Kevin White, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh for his vision and commitment to expanding opportunities for children and Joe Alvarez, leader of We Are Newburgh for his dedication and commitment to promoting Peace, Love, and Unity in our community. Kim Turner, founder of the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy accepted the award on behalf of Kevin White. Each honoree was recognized with a brief description of their impact on our community. Each celebrant then stepped up to ring the bell, followed by Board of Education member in attendance. Edwin Gregorio, a scholar at South Middle School was the final participant to ring the bell.

The event was celebrated by 6^th grade scholars at South Middle School, Board of Education members, district administrators, families, teachers and students across the district via Facebook live.

“We are so excited to welcome our students and staff back for a successful school year. This occasion is special because we will be ‘ringing in the new year’ by honoring leaders who do so much for our community. The inaugural Ring the Bell Ceremony will serve as a tradition for recognition and appreciation at the beginning of each school year.” – Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District

Photos from the inaugural Ring the Bell event can be found here.

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!