NOVA NEWS - August 2023
UPDATE FROM DR. WEDLUND
Dear Nova Classical Academy Community,
Greetings! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones enjoying a wonderful summer break, cherishing the moments, and making lasting memories together. As we approach the start of the 2023-2024 school year, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some exciting projects and initiatives that we will be undertaking during the upcoming school year.
Each of these projects is aligned with the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan, which the Board of Directors approved last winter. This plan serves as a guiding light, propelling Nova Classical towards an even brighter future.
Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in the upcoming academic year:
Fairness Analysis: We will be collaborating with a third party to conduct an in-depth analysis of our policies, practices, and procedures, ensuring that we maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our students.
Facilities Needs Analysis: A comprehensive assessment of our educational and extracurricular facilities will be carried out to identify any current and future needs. This will allow us to plan in a way that ensures our facilities meet our needs moving forward.
Extracurricular Offerings Comparison: We are committed to providing a diverse range of opportunities for our students. To achieve this, we will be comparing the arts, athletics, and other extracurricular offerings of our Upper School and Lower School, with those at similar-sized institutions.
Multiple-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework: Ensuring the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of our students are met is crucial. Hence, we will be designing an MTSS Framework which will be ready for implementation at the beginning of the following school year.
Clarifying Classical Education: As an institution rooted in classical education, we understand the importance of continuous improvement. Thus, we will be revising Nova Classical's definition of classical education, providing an accessible version in plain English, creating examples showcasing each stage of the Trivium in learning, and developing a resource for our staff to ensure instructional practices are aligned with our classical education model.
Embarking on a new school year brings a sense of joy and satisfaction, and this year is no exception. From students participating in new courses to forming meaningful connections with students, teachers, and families, there is so much to look forward to. This year, we have the added excitement of working towards the vision of our strategic plan, ensuring that Nova Classical continues to thrive and provide the best possible education for your children.
With your support and engagement, I have no doubt that 2023-2024 will be our best school year yet. Let us embrace the new beginnings, celebrate our achievements, and work together to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for every student at Nova Classical.
If you have any questions about any of these initiatives, please don't hesitate to reach out. I value your partnership and look forward to another remarkable year of growth and success.
Wishing you a fantastic end to your summer break and a fantastic start to the school year!
It’s a Great Day to be a Knight!
Dr. Brett Wedlund
Board Update
During the July Board Meeting:
Five new board members were introduced and began their terms.
The board approved the Executive Director goals for the 2023-24 school year.
Board member Becky Lund led a board training session on the role of a board member, Open Meeting Law, and Robert’s Rules of Order for conducting board meetings.
The board reviewed enrollment numbers for the upcoming academic year as well as progress and timelines on Nova Classical’s Strategic Plan.
For meeting minutes and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit the Board section of Nova Classical's website.
Food Service Updates
Please complete the 2023-2024 Educational Benefits application which is now available in Infinite Campus. If you prefer, you may also download the application on Nova Classical's website. While you're there, please pay any outstanding balances in your student's food service account.
Did you know? Starting this year, breakfast and lunch are free for all students, K-12 (milk is included with meals served at school. Milk is .45¢ with meals sent from home).
Why is completing an application still important?
Educational Benefits provide a variety of benefits to your student(s) and to our school, including important funds that provide programs and services to all of the students in our school community. Our school benefits only when applications are completed by the families of enrolled students, regardless of benefit status. So, complete your application today!
Annual Update Reminder
Please complete our annual update process, if you have not already done so. This helps us to ensure a smooth transition to the new school year. Follow the steps here to complete your update.
Nova Classical's Annual Used Uniform Sale
Thursday, August 3, 4:00-7:00 PM
All items are $3.00 and purchases will be with cash and credit card only.
Donations: We are no longer accepting used uniform pieces for tonight's sale. Please hold on to your items until next summer. Thank you for your support of our used uniform sale through your donations and volunteering!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Help make our Used Uniform Sale event a success and get first dibs on purchasing items! Time slots are listed on the volunteer signup form.
Apply today to volunteer with us. Already approved to volunteer? Please click here to browse and sign up for opportunities!
Sign up for the Nova Family Directory at novapto.membershiptoolkit.com/
Community Outing: $12 Tickets to the Twins vs Mets on Sunday September 10, at 1:10 PM
RSVP Deadline August 18 to Heather at hboehnen@gmail.com
PTO Sponsored Ice Cream @ Open Houses on August 23 and 24.
First Day of Kindergarten Coffee & Treats on August 30, from 8:15-9:15 AM, outside the Kindergarten doors
Nova Nights @ A-Side on Tuesday, September 12, from 4:00-9:00 PM
Enjoy 15% back on all purchases! Reservations strongly suggested, but not required.
PTO Meeting on Tuesday, September 5, at 4:15pm in the Exhibition Hall with Special Guest, Ms. Cranberg
More dates and information here!
Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!
DATES TO REMEMBER
August:
3: Used Uniform Sale @ 4:00 PM
14: Fall Activities Registration Opens
15: Rising 6th Grade Orientation @ 8:30 AM
15: Rising 9th Grade Orientation @ 12:30 PM
21: Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM
22: Kindergarten Picnic @ 5:00 PM
23: Upper School Open House @ 5:30 PM
24: Lower School Open House @ 5:30 PM
28: First Day of School for Grades 1-12
30: First Day of School for Kindergarten
September:
4: No School (Building Closed)
5: Fall Activities Start
5: NPTO Meeting @ 4:15 PM
18: Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM
19: Upper School Back to School Night @ 5:30 PM
20: Student Picture Day
20: Lower School Back to School Night @ 5:30 PM
25: No School (Staff Work Day)
26-29: Homecoming
29: Homecoming Parade
30: Homecoming Dance
October:
2: Winter Athletics Registration Opens
3: NPTO @ 4:15 PM
7: NPTO Book Fair
13: Grandparent and Special Person Day
18: Unity Day
19: No School (Staff Work Day)
20: No School (Building Closed)
23: No School (Building Closed)
26: Lower School Math Night @ 6:30 PM
30: Winter Activities Registration Opens
30: Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM
"Whenever you say 'yes' to something unimportant, you're saying 'no' to something important."
— Joshua Fields Milburn