NOVA NEWS - January 2025

Dear Nova Classical Families, Friends, and Community Members,

In light of continued media coverage surrounding charter schools in Minnesota, we want to take a moment to recognize the positive impact Nova Classical Academy continues to make as a leader in education. For over 20 years, we have provided a rigorous and inclusive educational experience, empowering students to excel academically, grow as individuals, and contribute to their communities.

At Nova Classical, our classical education model emphasizes critical thinking, clear communication, and strong character. Rooted in the trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—it connects subjects like literature, history, and science to foster a love of learning and a well-rounded foundation. Nova graduates often remind us that this approach has equipped them with the knowledge and virtues needed to excel in college, careers, and life.

Our commitment to education excellence is reflected in consistently outstanding results. Ranked among the top schools in Minnesota and Ramsey County by Niche and U.S. News & World Report, Nova stands out for its academic achievements. Our scholars consistently demonstrate some of the highest levels of reading and math proficiency in the state. In 2023, under the leadership of the current Executive Director, Nova was proudly recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, the prestigious award that celebrates high-performing schools and those making significant progress in closing achievement gaps.

In addition to our academic success, Nova Classical remains committed to responsible financial management, effective operations, and governance. We have consistently received successful financial audits, demonstrating sound fiscal stewardship. Furthermore, our authorizer, Friends of Education, is highly regarded for its rigorous oversight, ensuring that Nova meets high standards in academics, finance, operations, and governance. We are in good standing with our authorizer and, because of this, are operating under a 5-year charter contract, which is the longest allowed under Minnesota law.

Nova Classical continues to welcome scholars from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where every student is valued and empowered to succeed. While all schools face challenges like fluctuating enrollment and pandemic-related learning losses, Nova’s small class sizes, individualized attention, and focus on character development continue to help students thrive academically and socially.

By prioritizing strong academics, responsible financial management, and a classical education model, Nova Classical gives families educational stability, as evidenced by a consistently robust waiting list.

Thank you for being an important part of Nova Classical Academy’s journey and supporting the mission to deliver exceptional education. Together, we will continue to build on this success and ensure that Nova remains a beacon of quality and innovation for years to come.

It's a Great Day to be a Knight!

Suzanne McInroy, Board Chair, Board of Directors

Dr. Brett Wedlund, Executive Director

Did You Know You Can Contribute to Nova News & Social Media?

We invite our community members and students to share their stories, achievements, and upcoming events for a chance to be featured in Nova News and/or Social Media! Whether it's highlighting a student group, activity, or special event, we welcome your submissions.

To ensure a smooth process, we've developed some guidelines for coaches, advisors, teachers, staff, students, and parent volunteers. These guidelines are designed to help streamline submissions and ensure we capture the best of what Nova Classical has to offer.

Please see the attached guidelines for more details on how to submit your items. Remember, you can also have your events or activities considered for our social media channels by emailing them to socialmedia@novaclassical.org and contact@novaclassical.org.

We look forward to showcasing the amazing things happening in our community!

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 PM, Nova’s NHS and Equity Team will be hosting the third annual Family Multicultural Night. As we plan for this night of celebration, there are several ways to get involved early.

Sign up to:

• Host a cultural booth
• Share a performance
• Make a monetary donation

Information about RSVPing, volunteering, and contributing to the potluck will be coming soon! Questions or concerns? Please reach out to equitycoordinator@novaclassical.org.

The enrollment application for the 2025-2026 school year is open. Please visit our website for information. All applications submitted by January 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM, will be entered into the enrollment lottery in February 2025.

Current students do not need to reapply.

Congratulations to Nova Classical's Mock Trial top team for taking 1st place at the Golden Gavel Tournament on December 14! Good luck to all four teams as they head into regional rounds that began on 1/7 and continue on 1/14, 1/28 and 2/4. Go Knights!

Basketball Captain and Senior Varsity Guard, Mason Engelking, achieved 1,000 career points over our recent winter break. Way to go, Mason!

A HUGE thank you to our supporters as we closed out the year. We made our Give to the Max fundraising goal of $50,000! Our ability to consistently deliver excellent programming is thanks to your support. If you would like to donate to our school, please visit our support Nova Classical page.

Thank you to our School of Rhetoric Senate for organizing the SoR Talent Show before break and facilitating the sharing of astounding talents of our many students.

A BIG thank you to all the teachers, students, and families for your support in the best Lower School Book Week ever! The classroom doors transformed into books, the students and teachers into book characters. Teams of students in grades 3-5 dueled in book trivia for the first round of the Battle of the Books. Is there a better way to settle into the winter weather than to cozy up with a book?

Much gratitude to the parents and student volunteers who took time to spread Winter Break excitement with the NPTO's Winter Treats distribution!

Thank you to our NPTO for organizing the School-wide Ice Skating Party!

Parents and Community Members:

Apply to become an active volunteer to help support our scholars and school community! Click here to view the always-current list of opportunities and links to sign up. Sign up to help make our upcoming community events a success! Please contact Ms. Gabor, Community Engagement Manager, for any questions about volunteering or background checks.

SoR Volunteering Network:

Our School of Rhetoric Students (Grades 9-12) are required to log 80 hours of community service to graduate. Please help us connect our students with opportunities in the community. Please contact Ms. Voelker, School Counselor, Grades 8-12, with questions or ideas.

Highlights from the December 16 Board Retreat:

The Board held a Board Retreat on December 16 to hear a bi-annual update on Nova’s Strategic Plan and to participate in a guided conversation about the proposed Building Expansion Plan.

Executive Director Dr. Brett Wedlund presented on the progress with Nova Classical’s Strategic Plan focusing on the history of the strategic plan, the Board’s role in the plan (primarily according to the MSBA), and a review of the work done. In brief, the action plan includes 74 strategies to be completed over 5 years and 32 have been completed to date. 12 are currently in-progress.

During a Special Board meeting in November, the Board heard from Tom Dobbs and Adam Aalgaard from Hay Dobbs architecture firm, as well as from Nick Hagen and Anna Stark from Piper Sandler investment bank, regarding the proposed building expansion plan. During December’s Board Retreat, Nova Board Chair Suzanne McInroy led the Board through a guided conversation to determine Board member responses to what they have heard so far and what information is still needed.

Next Board Meeting: January 27, 2025

For meeting minutes and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit the Board section of Nova Classical's website.

The Nova Classical Board of Directors is seeking a Community Member candidate to serve through the remainder of this school year (through June 30, 2025). Community members cannot be a Nova employee or a parent/guardian of a student enrolled at Nova Classical, but could be the grandparent of a student. Community member candidates must reside in the state of Minnesota and be at least 21 years old.

Please contact Becky Lund, chair of the Governance Committee (governance@novaclassical.org), with questions or if you know of someone who might be interested in supporting Nova Classical at the board level.

Here are some upcoming Great Gatherings you don’t want to miss!

• Jan 11: Paper Roll Crafts for Nova First Graders. Ticket Required.
• Jan 17: Viva La France Wine Tasting Class. Ticket Required, Adults Only.
• Feb 1: Sourdough Starters. Ticket Required.
• Feb 14: Epic Nerf Battle! Nova Grades 5-12. Ticket Required.
• Feb 14: Chuck E. Cheese Gaming & Pizza Nova Grades K-8. Ticket Required.
• Date TBD: Oula Dance Fitness With Ms. Tousignant. Ticket Required, Adults Only.

Next PTO Meeting:

The next Nova PTO Meeting is on Tuesday, February 4, from 7:30-8:30p via Zoom.

• Meeting ID: 842 4045 9837
• Passcode: enrich

Lower School Advisory Council:

Save the date for the Lower School game night on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Volunteer Opportunities:

There are several ways you can volunteer with NovaPTO here.

Save the Date:

• All School Family Ski Day: February 14 at Welch Village Ski Area. Details and tickets coming soon.
• PTO Meeting: March 4, 7:30-8:30 PM via Zoom
• Lower School Game Night: Friday, March 14, 5:30-8:00 PM
• PTO Meeting: April 8, 7:30-8:30 PM via Zoom
• PTO Meeting: May 6, In person only with Pizza! Dinner 5:30-6:00 PM. Meeting 6:00-7:00 PM
• PTO Meeting: June 3, 7:30-8:30 PM via Zoom

Click here to see the many ways you can volunteer with NovaPTO.

Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information and get in touch with Nova Classical families when you sign up for the Family Directory!

January:

1-3: No School (Building Closed)

7: NPTO Meeting from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Zoom)

16: End of Quarter 2 (LS) / Semester 1 (US)

17: No School (Staff Work Day)

20: No School (Building Closed)

27: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

February:

4: NPTO Meeting from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Zoom)

6-7: One Act Play Festival

14: No School (Staff Professional Development Day)

17: No School (Building Closed)

24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

March:

4: NPTO Meeting from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Zoom)

7: No School (K-12 Conferences and Staff Work Day)

10: No School (Staff Work Day)

24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

28: No School (Staff Work Day)

31: No School (Building Closed)

Did you know that you can follow Nova Classical Academy on social media? Stay in the loop by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Nova Classical Academy is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy learning and work environment for all students and staff. In compliance with Minnesota Statute 121A.335, as well as guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education, Nova Classical Academy has implemented a Lead-in-Water Plan. This plan encompasses a comprehensive program of lead-in-water testing, related school policies, Minnesota statutes, and communication protocols.

Additionally, reports may be obtained by contacting Facilities Manager Jesse Prins at jprins@novaclassical.org.

The 2022 report is available here.