A message to our high school community

January 27, 2025

Dear NFA families, faculty, and staff,

This afternoon, the district learned of a shooting in our community. We are in the process of learning more information and as with any law enforcement investigation, the district will defer to the City of Newburgh to release specific details. However, we recognize that a second shooting in our community in as many weeks is alarming and may have an impact on our children, educators, and our extended school community. 

We know that our students may need additional support processing this news and may still need support from the events that occurred at dismissal two weeks ago. Students who feel the need to process their emotions should visit the Guidance and Career Center in their building and ask to speak with a School Counselor, School Social Worker, or School Psychologist. 

We recognize that there are children who are struggling to manage their emotions and express their frustrations appropriately and responsibly. The gravity of this type of behavior requires action from our entire community. We recently met with local clergy and community-based organizations that specialize in community violence prevention to collaborate on approaches to support children as they navigate adolescence into young adulthood. We are thankful for their willingness to join together to support the children in our shared community and are planning similar partnerships with additional community organizations.

As always, we encourage students and their families to contact the City of Newburgh Police Department with any information that can assist in their investigation and/or school or district administrators with information that may disrupt student learning. Very often, members of our community are aware of helpful information that never reaches the school district. 

We recognize that dismissal has been a concern. The district has requested additional support from law enforcement and has connected with a private security firm to provide additional support during our high school dismissal protocols. These steps are in addition to our already established partnership with the Orange County School Sheriff's Deputy who is present daily and our district security personnel. 

We have compiled a list of resources that may be helpful for our families and students to review and reflect on as we navigate this difficult time together. 

Sincerely,

Ms. Onyx Peterson
Deputy Superintendent

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!