The Herald

Dear Nova Classical Academy Upper School Families,

It is exciting to recognize that the second half of the school year is now in full swing. By now, you should have received your child's report card in the mail. If you have not received your child's report card, please reach out to Mrs. Ruppert in the Upper School Office for assistance. If you have any questions regarding your child's grades or progress, please get in touch with your child's teacher.

Last week was National School Counseling Week. Please join me in celebrating our school counselors, Ms. Lozano (K-7) and Ms. Voelker (8-12). They do wonderful work supporting students both in and outside of the classroom. Thank you!

Please note that there will be no school on the following days:

• Friday, February 16 (Staff Development Day)
• Monday, February 19 (President's Day)
• Friday, March 8 (Conferences) -- Conferences will take place virtually and will be scheduled by teachers by the end of February. If you have any questions regarding conferences, please contact your child's teacher directly.

For additional news and updates from the Upper School, please continue reading below. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Paschall

Many thanks to the Nova Classical's Black Student Union and the AAPI Club (Asian American Pacific Islander Club) for creating engaging, informational slide shows that were showcased during the Upper School lunchtimes. Their dedication to promoting awareness and celebration within the Nova Classical community for Black History Month and the Lunar New Year is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your impactful work.

Congratulations to our SoR Senior scholars for the hard work and achievements! These students were National Merit Scholar Semifinalists who have met academic and other requirements based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments.

National Merit Scholar Finalists

Jonathan Brown

Aedan Gallagher

Gordon Olshanski

Maya Tadmor

Mara VanDyke

One-Act Play Festival

Kudos to our 6-12 Grade actors, directors and crew for their successful performances at the One Act Play Festival:

• The Little Prince directed by Iris Hernandez '24
• Sorry, Wrong Number directed by Amber Hayton '24
• The Nose directed by Mr. Chase Adelsman (Drama Club Advisor)

Spelling Bee Update

On January 25, we held our annual school spelling bee. 11 students in grades 3-7 (classroom and grade level winners) competed in an exciting competition! Congratulations to our amazing SoL contestants:

• 6th Grade: James Hayton
• 7th Grade: Josh Galope

History Bee Update

Before winter break, Grades 4-8 students completed a preliminary written test to qualify for the History Bee. Of the over 150 students that took the written test, the top scoring students (students who scored 30/50 or better) completed the Online Qualifying Exam a couple weeks ago to determine who will represent Nova Classical at the Regional History Bee. We are pleased to announce that ALL Nova Classical scholars who took the test qualified for the Regional Bee (to be held later this spring). These students will also be competing in our School Bee on Thursday, February 15 at 2:30 PM.

Congratulations to:

• 6th Grade: Sofian Bouzouina, Theodore Rauen, Niko Farganis, and Emir Arzamendia.
• 7th Grade: Josh Galope
  
• 8th Grade: Winston Zhang, Henry Page, James Olson, Ansel Nestingen, Reine Galope, Enzo Perzichilli, and Jason Waldman.

Nova Classical's 6th Grade Science Olympiad team, the "Experiment Gone Wrong," had a great time learning about 14 of the 20 STEM events in the February Regional Competition and are excited to proceed to States on March 2nd!

Has your student achieved something remarkable beyond the classroom? Have they been honored with a special medal or award? Have they made a positive impact in their community or achieved something else extraordinary?

Kindly provide us with the details by completing and submitting this form. Your student could be recognized in our morning announcements, student assembly, staff newsletter, or in The Herald.

SoR students will be celebrating Snow Daze from Tuesday, February, 20 - Friday, February 23.

SoR Student Dress Days:

• Tuesday, 2/20, Comfy Cozy Day (No PJs)
• Wednesday, 2/21, Country Club OR Cowboy Chic
• Thursday, 2/22, Twin/Squad Day
• Friday, 2/23, Salad Dressing Day

Please note, store bought costumes and masks are not permitted. Students who do not participate are to be in school uniform.

The SoR Snow Daze Dance will take place on Saturday, February 24 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

• Tickets will be available for purchase during lunch starting Tuesday, February 20.
• Ticket Prices:
• In advance: 1 ticket for $8 or 2 tickets for $15
• At the Door: 1 ticket for $10

Snow Daze is organized by the SoR Senate.

Senior Retreat, Saturday, March 16 & Sunday, March 17

The Class of 2024 will be going to Camp St. Croix from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 16, and returning to Nova Classical at approximately 8:30 PM. Then, they will be spending the night at Nova Classical. It will last until 8:00 AM on Sunday, March 17. The cost is $70 per student which includes busing, activities at Camp St. Croix, food, and fun overnight events at school. Permission slips were sent home with students February 15. They are due March 6.

Please consider supporting this exciting event in one of the following ways:

• Amazon wish list for Senior Retreat These items will be used for raffle and bingo prizes.
• Volunteering to chaperone overnight (8 PM to 8 AM--short shifts available)
• Link to Chaperone Sign-up or email Mrs. Paschall at tpaschall@novaclassical.org if you are interested

Save the Date! The Senior Picnic will be held on Monday , June 3 from 4 pm to 7:30 pm at the Highland Park Pavilion. More details coming soon!

ACT district testing for 11th grade students will take place during the school day. 11th graders will be registered for the ACT test by Nova Classical. There is no fee for 11th grade students who participate in district testing on March 26. 10th grade students who are interested in testing may register for an open site at www.act.org. Registration fees apply to open testing sites. Please contact Ms. Voelker with questions.

The SoR Student Senate will be hosting the Junior/Senior Prom at 413 on Wacouta. More information and times, TBD.

Auditions for the Upper School Drama's spring production of Shakespeare's Macbeth are on Tuesday, February 20. Call backs will take place on Wednesday, February 21. Sign up for auditions HERE.

Tech Week and performances will take place Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Please email Mr. Adelsman with any questions at cadelsman@novaclassical.org.

Summer Camp with Ms. J!

An exciting new Art Summer Camp is coming to the twin cities! Outside the Lines is all about kids following their creative bliss out in the fresh air, and Nova Classical's own Ms. J is leading the way. Campers will have 3 sessions every day to make art in the open-air studio of their choice, or join the theater crew and rehearse the weekly play!

Summer 2024 dates:

• June 24-28
• July 8-12
• July 15-19

More information about the camp can be found here.

Registration for Spring Clubs closes this Friday, February 16, 2024.

Spring Clubs run Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Spring sport registration is currently open but the closing time varies by sport.

Please visit the out the Extracurriculars page of our website for registration information.

• Those who sign up before February 23 will be automatically entered in a drawing to win prizes such as:
• Two tickets to a MN Orchestra performance
• Cold Front gift cards
• Spirit Wear for the whole family

• The directory is a great way to communicate directly with parents, alumni and community members.
  
• There are still lots of Great Gathering spots available! Connect with community by joining us at these fun events! You can view and purchase remaining gatherings here.

Check out all of NPTO's dates and information here! Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information.

Please remember to bring your State or Federal Photo ID when checking your students in and out. We ask that you wait in the Main Office for your student, rather than in the Great Room.

Traffic

Please remember to follow all road and parking signs around the school including no parking areas, as well as any instructions from Nova Classical staff. Please also be sure to follow the one-way traffic areas during drop off and pick up each day.

Please do not U-turn in front of out building's entrance. This is a safety hazard for pedestrians and other drivers.

Volunteer to help support spring school and NPTO events including Multicultural Night in April, Teacher Appreciation Week in May, 8th-Grade Promotion, and Graduation! Please click here to browse and sign up for opportunities. All adult volunteers must have an up-to-date background check on file. Apply to volunteer with us, today!

SoR Students who are working towards their 80-volunteer hours Graduation Requirement must complete this form and return it to Ms. Voelker. For tips on scouting out volunteering options, check out some resources linked here.

Have you ever wondered if it is an A, B, or C Day? Can't remember when picture day is? Subscribe to our calendar to always be in the know! Click the link here for instructions to add our calendar to your personal calendar.

February:

16: No School (Staff Professional Development Day)

19: No School (Building Closed)

20-23: SoR Snow Daze Week

Please note, costumes and masks are not permitted. Students who do not participate are to be in school uniform.

24: SoR Snow Daze Dance 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

26: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM

March:

5: NPTO Meeting @ 4:15 PM

8: K-12 Conferences (No School)

11: Staff Work Day (No School)

25: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM

26: ACT District Test (Junior Class)

28: Semester 2 Midterm (US)

29: Staff Work Day (No School)

April:

1-5: Building Closed (Spring Break, No School)

8: Start of Quarter 4

9: NPTO Meeting 4:15 - 5:15 PM

10: No School (Staff Work Day)

11: Multicultural Night 5:30 - 7:30 PM

12: SoL Spring Fling Dance 6:30 -8:30 PM

26: No School (Staff Work Day)

29: Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM

See Full Calendar