GRAMMAR GAZETTE
JUNE 2024
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Dear Wonderful Nova Classical Lower School Families,
As we close out the school year and step into the summer slowdown of June, I find myself writing not just the final newsletter of the year—but my final newsletter as the Lower School Principal at Nova. What a whirlwind these last couple of weeks have been, filled with celebrations, laughter, more than a few tears, and so many meaningful goodbyes.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your incredible kindness, generosity, and support—not only in these final days—but throughout the past ten years. Your thoughtful group gift was truly appreciated (I just moved, so the gift cards will be especially helpful!), and the individual gifts, notes, and messages from students and families, both past and present, have meant a great deal to me.
Most importantly, thank you for entrusting us with your children every day. It has been the great honor of my career to serve this community and lead with love and kindness. I hope I’ve helped encourage your children to grow into their best selves, and I will always carry the joy, challenges, and rewarding nature of this work with me.
Though I won’t be at Nova Classical next year, I’ll always be cheering this community on. I will be working and available at my Nova email address until the end of June if there is anything you need!
I’d love to stay in touch—feel free to reach out at my new email, principalofknights@gmail.com.
Wishing you all a joyful summer and a bright future ahead.
With deepest gratitude and warmest wishes,
Brooke Tousignant
Lower School Principal
Retirements
It is with much gratitude that we celebrate the retirements of Ms. Diane Ruday (Math, School of Grammar), and Ms. Ann Antus (Special Education).
We appreciate the significant contributions that they have made to Nova Classical's students, staff, and community throughout their time with us and we wish them the very best in their new adventures! We are thankful for the difference they have made in the lives of so many.
Thank You!
Last week, we celebrated our staff who have been with Nova Classical for more than 20 years! We are grateful for their contributions throughout our history and their continued commitment to our students, school, and community. These staff are (left to right) Mr. Rovn, Ms. Lund, Mr. Foat, Ms. Marchand, Mr. Long, Ms. Urbrock, and Ms. Anderson.
Congratulations to our Battle of the Books Champions!
Each year, sponsored by our authorizer Friends of Education, Nova Classical participates in Battle of the Books. Teams of students read a list of 12 books and participate in a "battle" in which they answer questions about the books. Our first round had 27 teams of students, and our top 10 teams advanced to Round 2, where they read a new set of 12 books. Our winners are a team of 4th graders, Isla, Vera, Josie, Amelia, Miko, and Jillian, who competed in the final Battle of the Books against 6 other teams in May. Nova has always been represented well at the final battle, but after 8 years of participation, a team from Nova Classical finally took home the trophy! Congratulations are in order for this team and all of their hard work and preparation!
Boosterthon
Our Boosterthon Spring Fundraiser exceeded our goal! With the help of our amazing community of supporters, we surpassed our goal and raised more than $61,000 for our General Fund. Thank you!!! If you already contributed to our goal, please consider asking your employer for a matching contribution. We are still accepting donations by check or through our website, novaclassical.org/support.
Special thanks to our Boosterthon T-Shirt Sponsors that helped us to provide fun spirit wear to ALL K-8 students with this year’s Fun Run and Color Run design: Blue Ribbon Cleaning, Dieci School Finance, Junebird Creative Branding and Marketing, CKC Good Food, and Donald’s Uniform Store.
Summer Math & Reading Challenges!
Summer is a time for our scholars to have a break from school and spend more time outside and engaging in relaxing activities. It is worth noting that studies show that the summer is when our students are at risk to lose some of the academic skills they learned during the school year.
To that end, we are pleased to introduce a Summer Math Challenge and a Summer Reading Challenge! Upon successful completion of each of these challenges, students will earn a certificate for a non-uniform day when we return to school! This information was sent home with your child the last week of school, but here is it again for your reference.
There are many awesome resources included as well, from our very own Ms. Buri, Ms. Taylor, and Ms. Knowles, about the science of reading as well as different ways to foster a love for reading and books. Happy reading!
Annual Update Reminder!
Are your students returning for the 2025-2026 school year? Please complete the Annual Update in the Infinite Campus Parent/Guardian Portal to confirm/update contact and transportation information.
If your students are not returning, please email enrollment@novaclassical.org to begin the withdrawal process. We sincerely appreciate notice if your family intends to withdraw, allowing us to create a smooth transition for the withdrawing student. This also helps us to provide offers to students on the waitlist who are hoping to come to Nova Classical in the coming year.
Click here to get ready for 2025-2026 with the new Supply Lists!
School Uniform Guidelines Updated
Check out our updated Uniform Policy for the 2025-2026 school year.
Nova Classical's Annual Used Uniform Sale
Our Annual Used Uniform Sale will be held on July 31, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, in our Great Room, all pieces will be $3.00 each.
Donations of laundered, gently-used uniform pieces may be dropped off at the Main Office during the summer, Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, through July 29. If your donations do not have tags, please indicate size(s) to help us correctly label and organize donations for the sale. All proceeds benefit Nova Classical's Uniform Assistance Program.
Volunteer to help. SoR students welcome!
2025-26 School Supply Lists & Edukits
Lower School Supply Lists for the 2025-2026 school year can be found here!
Want a convenient option for supplies next year? Avoid the back-to-school shopping rush and stop running from store to store! Order your EduKit for the 2024-2025 school year by June 23.
Edukits will be distributed at our Lower School Open House on Thursday, August 21.
Summer Camps are open for registration on the Extracurriculars page of the Nova Classical website. Don't miss out!
Offerings include strength and conditioning, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and needlework.
Please visit our website to plan your cheering section and purchase tickets for home games and meets!
2025 - 2026 Scholar Zone
Scholar Zone registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Monday, July 7.
Before and After School details:
- Offered each day when school is in session
- AM Scholar Zone: TBD (20 student capacity)
- PM Scholar Zone: 3:40 PM - 5:30 PM (35 student capacity)
S.O.S. Day details:
- Offered on 19 non-school days throughout the 2025-2026 school year
- Hours: TBD (35 student capacity)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Estella Mangan at scholarzone@novaclassical.org.
A HUGE thank you to all of the people who donated time, goods, and money to the Teacher & Staff Appreciation! It was a huge success!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for helpers. Single event, short term and long term roles available. Check out more here.
Upcoming Events:
July 17: Historic Hill Party and Walking Tour purchase tickets. Adults Only
July 31: Spirit Wear for Sale at Used Uniform Sale from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE:
- 2025 Great Gatherings Kickoff Party Saturday September 27, 2025
- 2025 Nova Family Carnival is Saturday November 8, 2025
Follow NPTO on Facebook, sign up to volunteer, or visit our website for more information and get in touch with Nova Classical families when you sign up for the Family Directory!
Volunteers - We Need You!
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.
Our next event is the July 31, 2025, Used Uniform Sale. Volunteers who help organize and run the sale have first dibs on the items for purchase. Sign up to help here.
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.
Subscribe to Our Calendar
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.