Newburgh Free Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony Information

June 2022

Dear NFA Students and Families,

The Newburgh Free Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Academy Field at 5:30 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2022.  The rain date is Friday, June 24th at 5:30 PM.  In the event of inclement weather on Friday the ceremony will be held in the NFA Auditorium. Any update about weather will be provided by 2pm on Thursday, June 23rd. More information can be found below. To ensure this graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion, it is important for everyone to adhere to the following procedures:

High School Senior Device Collection:

Device collection will occur at all three campuses. Students should return chromebooks, chargers, hot spots and any other device that has been signed out when they are no longer being used. Please remind students of the collection dates and times to support the Technology Department. Please see below for the collection schedule for each campus. 

NFA Main:

Seniors only return devices to the Eagle’s Nest

• June 22 Prior to picking up a cap and gown

Cap Decoration:  

Graduates will be allowed to decorate their caps for the Class of 2022 NFA Graduation Ceremony. Click this link for cap decoration details: NFA 2022 Graduation Ceremony - Cap Decorations Details. If guidelines are not followed, students’ caps may be removed prior to the ceremony and students may graduate without a cap.

Graduation Tickets:  

*** When picking up Cap & Gown, Graduates will receive a packet of tickets as follows:

• Four (4) outdoor tickets and two (2) indoor tickets 
• The 4 outdoor tickets will be used for the outdoor graduation ceremony only (There will be no additional tickets given)
• The 2 indoor rain tickets will be used only if the graduation ceremony is moved inside due to inclement weather - only for Friday, June 24th at 5:30 pm (There will be no additional tickets given). Any update about weather will be provided by 2pm on Thursday, June 23rd.
• All ticket holders must enter through the Roe Street Entrance of Academy Field.

*** Handicapped Seating:   

• Handicapped seating is on the visitor side of Academy Field.  There are specific tickets for handicapped seating.  Families who have a disabled or elderly member(s) may request seating in this section.  All family members may sit in this section provided that each member has a handicapped ticket.  

• Handicapped ticket requests must be submitted in writing to Ms. McKnight at NFA Main or Ms. Grieco at NFA North by Thursday, June 16th. (email communication/correspondence will NOT be honored or responded to). 
• Please include the graduate's name, ID number and parent’s home/work/cell phone number. 

There will be no exceptions after this date. 

• All ticket holders are to enter through the Roe Street Entrance of Academy Field. 

• Please note that both home and visitor side bleachers will be used for the ceremony. Graduates will be seated so that each side will have equal ceremonial views.

Entrance to Graduation to Academy Field:

• Roe Street Entrance: Only one entrance to Academy Field - All ticket holders are to enter through the Roe Street Entrance of Academy Field. 

• All ticket holders must pass through security check (metal detectors)

 Prohibited Items: 

• Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses or bags larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags or binocular cases. 

• Attendees may continue to carry approved items without a bag (e.g., binoculars, cameras and smartphones) into the graduation venues. 

• Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, smoking devices, and drug paraphernalia are not allowed on school grounds. 

• Explosive devices or weapons of any kind are not allowed on school grounds.

• Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to maintain a safe environment to celebrate our graduates at their commencement ceremony.

Graduation rehearsal:

• Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 23rd promptly at 9:00 AM. Graduates should arrive at 8:30AM.
• (Any student who has not picked up their cap and gown may do so after rehearsal.)

Graduation Evening:   

The Academy Field Gates will open at 4:00pm for guests. The Ceremony begins at 5:30PM. Graduates must report to their assigned room location by 4:30pm. Students should enter the main building of NFA Main Campus. All guests should enter with their tickets at the Roe Street entrance of Academy Field. 

Parking:  Parking is available in the following parking lots:

There is no parking on South Street on Thursday, June 23rd.

• Handicapped parking - NFA Main Campus - Must have Handicapped Placard visible (access from Roe Street)
• NFA Main Campus - Student Parking lot (access from Gidney Avenue)
• Gidney Avenue Memorial Elementary School- Front and Rear Lots
• Inspire - Access from Fullerton Avenue

REMINDERS:

• Since Newburgh Free Academy is located in a residential community, please be cognizant of our neighbors.  If you park on city streets, please do not block driveways and park only in designated areas.

• Handicapped Parking: Vehicles that display a handicapped tag will be permitted to park in the Athletic Parking lot of NFA Main Campus - enter on Roe Street.

• Anyone driving a disabled elderly person(s) may drop them off at the Roe Street entrance and then park in recommended parking lots. Golf cart transportation will also be available.   

* South Street will be closed between West St. & Fullerton Ave. to vehicular traffic beginning at 2:00pm.

Inclement Weather Scenarios:

Any update about weather will be provided by 2pm on Thursday, June 23rd.

Thursday, June 23rd ceremony:

Rain in the morning/Clearing for the evening: 

• Graduation rehearsal will be held in the NFA Auditorium at 9:00 A.M. 
• Graduation will be held on Academy Field at 5:30pm.

Rain in the morning/ Rain for the evening:  

• Graduation ceremony will be postponed until Friday.
• If it rains, a decision will be made at the latest possible time.  Robo calls to all graduates will be made.

Friday, June 24th ceremony:

Rain in the morning/ Clearing for the evening: 

• Graduation rehearsal will be held in the NFA Auditorium at 9:00am
• Graduation will be held on Academy Field at 5:30pm
• If it rains, a decision will be made at the latest possible time.  Robo calls to all graduates will be made.

Evening rain: 

• You must present your rain date ticket to enter the auditorium. 
• There is a limit of two (2) tickets only. Additional tickets will not be permitted.

Additional Important Information regarding Graduation Day:

Live Streaming:

The graduation ceremony will be live-streamed to the NECSD website, NECSD Communications YouTube Channel, and the NECSD Facebook page. Please visit any of those channels or www.NewburghSchools.org/graduation to view the live event. 

We are looking forward to a wonderful and momentous graduation on Academy Field.

See you on Academy Field!  Congratulations Class of 2022!

Sincerely,

Matteo Doddo                 Susan Valentino

Co-Principal                    Acting Co-Principal

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!