This Year's Mantra...

This year’s mantra is Upward & Together.

This year, our students took the lead in selecting our mantra. Two separate students submitted Upward and Together. 

Allison Shapiro, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus shared with her submission, “I say Upward and Together because it is a reflection of our entire district working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. It is a vision that together we can bring each other up. Upward as a community, upward as a school, upward as people. Together.” Allison is a member of Youth in Government, Club SEL, is in National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, and National Foreign Language Society, and is on the Girls Varsity Tennis team and Competitive Cheerleading team.

Jillian Brand, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy North Campus shared, “As a school [and district] we need to come together and move forward as one. It creates a safe image that eliminates the feeling of being alone and is especially true after the past few years we’ve had.” Jillian has been part of the Debate and Mock Trial teams, is in National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, and National Foreign Language Society, and is on the Varsity Golf team. 

Each senior also submitted suggestions for the design that have been incorporated. Jillian suggested an arrow facing upward and Alison suggested colorful balloons similar to those found in the movie Up. 

“Student voice is a critical component to our success as a district. This is the first of many initiatives that will incorporate the thoughts, ideas, and actions of our students. I am thrilled with the submissions of Alison and Jillian. Through their idea, the essence of Upward and Together will be present throughout the year in each and every school and district building. The idea of a mantra is to embody the words and overall theme each and every day. Upward and Together is the perfect way to kick off a new school year with a meaning that will be embodied the whole year through.” Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell. An NECSD teacher recently shared an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This mantra reminds us of just that. It is only together, that we each move upward.

We often see balloons when our community comes together during celebratory occasions or to celebrate life. A single balloon can be easily held down, but it takes multiple balloons, bound together, to shift and move objects beyond their current state. The balloons in our mantra symbolize the power and impact that we can have when we work together. 

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!