GRAMMAR GAZETTE
April 2026 Edition
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Dear Parents and Families,
As we move into April, I want to share a few important updates for our school community.
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) starting Friday, April 10, through Thursday, April 16. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will be taking the Reading and Math assessment, and fifth graders will also be taking the Science assessment. These assessments help us understand how students are progressing in the curriculum and where we can continue to support their learning. We ask that you ensure your child(ren) gets plenty of rest, arrives on time, and has a healthy breakfast on each testing day.
We are excited to host our annual Family Multicultural Night on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30–7:30 PM. This evening is always a highlight of the year with a celebration of the many cultures, traditions, and stories that make our school community so vibrant. We hope your family can join us for food, performances, and activities that honor the diversity of our students and families.
Visit this link to RSVP, volunteer, and contribute to the potluck!
Please note: This event is open to all members of the immediate Nova Classical community and their families! However, for the safety of the community, the event is not open to the general public. To ensure that attendees are members of the Nova community, families must RSVP to be allowed entry into the event.
Also, as part of Multicultural Month, the Lower School is featuring daily spotlights on important figures from diverse cultures. Students will share who these individuals are, the traditions they represent, and why their legacy matters today. These stories remind us that our world is shaped by many voices, histories, and perspectives. Our first student representatives, with the support of our morning announcers, are pictured below.
Read ahead for additional news and views!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Farrell
Student Proxeny-Helping Community Households
Spring Boosterthon Fundraiser
Get ready — our Spring Boosterthon Fundraiser is almost here! This year, we’re aiming to raise $60,000 schoolwide to help sustain the strong, enriching programs that make our school such a special place for every student. From classroom experiences to extracurricular opportunities, these funds play an important role in supporting the full scope of what we offer and we’re counting on our community to help us reach this goal.
Upcoming Dates:
- April 23: Boosterthon website opens for family signups
- May 7: Official kickoff
- May 15: Celebration Day
Fun Run Schedule May 15
Grades K and 1: 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
Grades 2 and 3: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Grades 4 and 5: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
This year’s theme is Star Quest 5: Space is the Place of Discovery! Students will enjoy exciting incentives along the way, all leading up to—a Fun Run for Lower School and a Color Run for our School of Logic—a joyful celebration of our community and all we make possible, together.
2026 Summer Boost and Kinder Academy
Summer Boost and Kinder Academy will be held Wednesday, July 8 - Thursday, July 30, 2026, for rising Kindergarten through 6th Graders. This program is for students needing extra support in the areas of math and reading. Teachers will be recommending students for participation as part of the Quarter 3 report card.
Happy Little Art Room Newsletter
Check out our art room newsletter to see all the creative learning we did last month! From, Ms. Juedes
Additionally, information on our art curriculum, grading policies, Amazon wishlist, past newsletters, and more can be found on the art class website.
🎶 K-5 Spring Vocal Concert
Save the Date for our K-5 Vocal Concert coming to you on May 7, 2026, hosted by Ms. Urbrock (1-5) Music and (K) Oratory School & Ms. Smoot (K) Music, in Room 130. Contact us at: rurbrock@novaclassical.org and msmoot@novaclassical.org
If your family could use extra support, there are caring local organizations ready to help.
Hennepin County Emergency General Assistance: Offers support for rent, utilities, and temporary shelter.
- Assists with food, clothing, or utility needs
- Call: (651) 437-7134
Dakota County Employment and Economic Assistance:
- Provides information about public aid and emergency help
- Call: (651) 554-5611
Ramsey County Keystone Community Food Center:
You can visit Keystone’s Community Food Center located at 1800 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The center is between the Wendy’s and Arby’s on the corner of Fairview and University. No appointment or advanced registration is required. Food shelf participants are served on a first come, first served basis during the hours listed below. Please call (651) 917-3792 if you have any questions.
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM & 4:00-6:00 PM
**Please note, there is no morning service on the following 2026 dates:
- Wednesdays: June 3, September 2, and December 2.
Ivy Camps is BACK!
We’re excited to announce that Summer Scholar Zone registration is now open — and even more excited to share that we’ve secured Ivy Camps once again, bringing back our favorite programs from last summer along with brand-new offerings your students will love!
Summer Scholar Zone is available to current Rising 1st–7th grade students. Please note that we are unable to accept incoming kindergarten students or students who did not attend Nova Classical Academy during the 2025–26 school year.
Families can register and manage payments online. We encourage you to select your desired days of care as soon as possible, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and some days may fill quickly. All registrations must be completed by May 26, 2026.
A $50 non-refundable registration fee per student is required and does not apply toward session fees. Day fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Enrollment in the regular before- and/or after-school Scholar Zone program is not required to participate in Summer Scholar Zone.
📅 Enrollment Options:
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Daily Rate (1–3 sessions per week): $70/day
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4 sessions per week: $65/day
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5 sessions per week: $60/day
We can’t wait to welcome your students for another fun-filled, enriching summer with Scholar Zone and Ivy Camps!
Volunteers - We Need You!
Parents and Community Members:
Apply to become an active volunteer to help support our staff and scholars! We're in need of volunteers for upcoming events, including:
- April 16: NCA Family Multicultural Night
- May 1: Supernova Music + Film Fest
- May 2: Prom Decorating Committee
- May 4-8: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
- May 11-15: Boosterton Fun Run and Prize Distribution
- May 31: Graduation Reception
Click here to view the always-current list of opportunities and links to sign up.
Summer is just around the corner! Registration for summer activities will open March 30, 2026. Information coming soon on the Extracurriculars page of the Nova website for Fiber Arts Camp, SoL and SoR Strength and Conditioning, Summer Youth Soccer, and more!
Save the Date for Upper School Drama's performance of Antigone
When: May 22 & 23, 2026
Where: Park Square Theater in St. Paul
REMINDER: Students in Grades K-8 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian to attend all home athletic events. This includes middle school games. Students in Grades 9-12 may attend events without a parent/guardian present, but must purchase an annual student pass for $10. The student pass will get an individual student into any regular season contest hosted on campus. Family passes are also available to purchase.
Passes and can be purchased online in advance, with a credit card at the door, or with Apple Pay on your mobile device. The ticketing site is located under "Tickets" in the bottom toolbar of the extracurriculars page.
Volunteers Needed
Check out the open positions, here. Short term, long term, and one time commitment opportunities are available.
In-Person PTO Meeting in April
Join us in person on Tuesday, April 7, from 6:00-7:00 PM, in the Great Room at Nova. Snacks will be provided. Topics of conversation include: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, Community Support Fund, and Family Carnival. All staff and parents are welcome.
2026 Teacher/Staff Appreciation
Nova PTO will show our appreciation and gratitude towards the teachers and staff May 4-9, 2026. We are accepting monetary donations here to help with the costs of the festivities.
Upcoming Gatherings & Events
Tuesday, 4/7: In-person PTO Meeting 6:00-7:00 PM
Sunday, 4/12: Mother-Daughter Afternoon Tea–Click here for tickets
Thursday, 4/30: Kindergarten Movie Night–Click here for tickets
Friday, 5/1: Super Nova Music and Film Festival–Click here for tickets
Monday-Friday, 5/4-5/9: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Nova PTO has established the Community Support Fund to raise separate funds to support members of our community in need. Click here to donate.
Find Gatherings Tickets, connect to the Family Directory, and get involved at novapto.org.
April:
16: Multicultural Night from 5:30-7:30 PM
17: No School (Staff Work Day)
27: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
29: Round 2 Battle of the Books 2:30 PM
May:
1: No School (Building Closed)
13: Final Round Battle of the books at 6:00 PM
15: Fun Run
18: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
22: No School (Staff Work Day)
25: No School (Building Closed)
June:
3: Last Day of School
19: No School (Building Closed)
Summer Office Hours:
M-Th, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, from June 5-August 14