The Herald
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS
April 18, 2024
Dear Nova Classical Academy Upper School Families,
I hope that you had a rejuvenating and delightful spring break! As we have moved into the fourth quarter, let's continue to encourage our students to stay focused and work diligently to finish strong, ensuring their success in the remaining weeks ahead. Together, we can support them in achieving their goals and celebrating their accomplishments. Your support and collaboration throughout this journey are deeply appreciated.
- Thursday, April 18: SoL Choir Concert, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- Saturday, April 20: Earth Day Cleanup at Nova Classical and Victoria Park, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Friday, April 26: No School
- Friday, May 3: No School
- Friday, May 10: SoL Boosterthon Color Run
For additional news and updates from the Upper School, please continue reading below.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Paschall
The following students were recognized at the Upper School Assembly on Friday, April 12.
February Students of the Month: These students demonstrated excellence in Prudence.
Congratulations to Niko Farganis, Jasmine Her, Victor Hansen, Josh Galope, Louisa Conlin, Elizabeth Golnik, Tahari Conrad, Ansel Nestingen, Tamrin Solomon, Waverly Lawrence, Caleb Swecker, William Shepard, Mary Beth Winter, Penelope Hafner, Fuad Kadir, Abdelghani Siyad, Fern Fisher, and Rhianwyn Hage.
March Students of the Month: These students were models of Temperance.
Congratulations to Hayden Yang, Venus Winsworldsi, Nadia Choi, Benaiah Mathews, and Mahini Balasubramanian
FTC/Robotics
Good luck to the FTC/Robotics team as they travel to the world competition on April 17-20 in Houston, Texas. Way to Go Knights!!
St. Paul Athena Award
Fern Fisher has been selected as a St. Paul Area Athena Award winner. This award honors female athletes for their dedication and excellence in sports and her outstanding achievement in athletics for the 2023-2024 school year. Fern is the first student from Nova to earn this award. We are proud of you, Fern!
Speech Team
Nova Classical's first speech team competed in the section tournament held over spring break. Naomi Tesfaye, grade 11, placed 4th in the Drama category. Amber Hayton, grade 12, placed 5th in the Extemporaneous Reading category. Congratulations to Naomi and Amber as well as the rest of the team on the completion of a very fun inaugural season. If you are interested in learning more about Speech, please contact Mr. O'Hara.
Mock Trial
Three cheers for Sonja Schweser, who was awarded first place in the first ever MN Courtroom Artist in the State Mock Trial Meet. She has qualified for the National Mock Trial Competition in May. Best wishes Sonja!
Science Olympiad
Congratulations to Nova Classical's first Middle School Science Olympiad Team for coming in 5th at States and to Eleanore Sample and Emily Fairbanks earning a silver medal for their award winning plane flight! We are proud of you!
World Quest
In March, three teams from Nova Classical competed against 30 teams in the annual Academic WorldQuest High School Current Events competition bowl, sponsored by Global Minnesota and held at the Mall of America on March 13. Nova Team A: Oliver Hungs, Marcos Odegard, Angelina Kabanuk, and Maya Tadmor placed 5th. Nova Team B: Alexander Hungs, Garrett Webb, Christine Ma, and James Garske placed 10th. Nova Team C: Rosalie Ramirez, Maria Odegard, Rachel Jeong, and Sophia Lee placed 11th.
Celebrate your Scholar
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.
MCA Testing-Upper School: April 19-25
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) annually administers statewide assessments. They are designed to provide the state, districts, and schools with a snapshot of student progress towards meeting the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards. At Nova Classical Academy, we will have MCA testing in the Lower School (grades 3-5) April 12-18 and in the Upper School (grades 6-11) April 19-25. If you have any questions about the MCAs, please contact our Academic Director, Dr. Johnson. Please make sure that your student has plenty of sleep and eats a nutritious breakfast each morning. We are so excited to see how our students continue to grow in their academics!
MDE has a site to promote student readiness for the MCAs if you'd like to take a look with your student prior to testing. Please make sure that your student has plenty of sleep and eats a nutritious breakfast each morning. We are so excited to see how our students continue to grow in their academics!
SoL Spring Concert - Thursday, April 18
Please join us for our spring SoL Choir Concert on April 18, from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Students will perform a variety of music styles all having to do with the theme of water. We look forward to seeing you then! Questions should be directed to Jeanie Anderson at janderson@novaclassical.org
Earth Day Clean-Up: Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day 2024 and join the Victoria Park Cleanup! Nova Classical's Green Team and Office of Community Engagement have partnered with the St. Paul Parks and Rec to clean up Victoria Park, across the street from our front door. We'll supply gloves and trash bags. All are welcome, we need helpers and chaperones. Sign up as a family to help our community park. Required waivers are linked from the signup.
Junior/Senior Prom, Saturday, May 4
The SoR Student Senate will be hosting the Junior/Senior Prom at 413 on Wacouta from 7:30-11:00 PM on Saturday, May 4. Ticket cost is $55. Tickets are available for purchase for the Activities page on Nova Classical's website. Tickets may also be purchased during SoR lunch in Room 201 or during house/after school in Room 321.
Boosterthon Fundraiser & Color Run: Friday, May 10
Boosterthon is returning this year to help our SoL fundraise $10,000 towards our whole-school goal of $60,000 to help bring down the cost of our rising field trip fees! Boosterthon is Nova Classical's spring fundraiser during which SoL students are invited to gain pledges and SoL Houses compete for daily and overall prizes and then celebrate with a Color Run on May 10th. You can click here and search for "Nova Classical Academy" to register your student, please select your student's teacher for HOUSE, the study-hall at the end of the day as their teacher.
Registration opens TODAY and the excitement will start to build in classrooms with our in-school kickoff on May 2. Families will then begin gathering pledges towards your student's House prizes that will be awarded until May 10, the day of the Color Run!"
We need volunteers to make this event a success! You can read more about the event and sign up here!
Spring Drama Production - Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11
Nova Classical's Spring production of Macbeth will take the stage Friday and Saturday, May 10 & 11, 2024. Performances are held at the Neighborhood House in St. Paul. Online sales only! No cash sales! Tickets will not be available at the door. Be sure to get yours in advance for one or both shows! Online tickets are on sale here starting April 22.
Check out the Extracurriculars page of our website for more information!
Upcoming Senior Events
May 2: Senior Cap and Gown Pictures
- Students are welcome to wear a different top (school appropriate) under their gown during photos. Students will be in uniform for the remainder of the day.
May 10: Senior Cap and Gown Make Up Pictures
May 22: Decision Day
May 23: Ascot Day
May 31: Graduation Rehearsal
June 2: Graduation 2:00 PM. Order tickets here. Orders are due May 17.
June 3: Senior Picnic 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM at the Highland Park Pavilion
The end of the school year is fast approaching! Did you purchase your 2024 Nova Upper School Yearbook yet? Secure your yearbook now to ensure you have it in hand before they sell out in June! Yearbooks can be purchased HERE. Please contact yearbook@novaclassical.org with any questions
Spring Athletics and Clubs
Spring Clubs run Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Please visit the out the Extracurriculars page of our website for registration information.
Check out the spring basketball camps being offered. More information on the flyer and on the Extracurriculars page of Nova Classical's website. Click on the Camps/Clinics tab. Summer camp information coming soon!
NPTO Updates
- Sign up for the Nova Classical Family Directory at novapto.membershiptoolkit.com. This is a great resource for families to connect with each other!
- 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.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is coming soon, May 6-10th. Please check out the list of requested items for our NPTO to put on a week of appreciation events including breakfast buffets and afternoon treats to supplement their catered meals."
PTO Meetings
- Tuesday, May 7: Last PTO Meeting of the 2023-2024 School Year featuring Special Guests, Dinner, and Kid Activities (more details to come).
Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!
Volunteer to help support spring school and NPTO events including 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.
School Day
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.
Upcoming Events
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.
April:
18: SoL Spring Concert 7:00 - 8:30 PM
20: Earth Day Clean-up at Victoria Park 9:00 - 11:00 AM
26: No School (Staff Work Day)
29: Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM
May:
3: No School (Staff Work Day)
4: Junior/Senior Prom
6-10: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
10: Boosterthon Color Run
15: SoR Concert
20: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
22: Decision Day-Senior Class
23: Ascot
24: No School (Staff Work Day)
27: No School (Building Closed)
31: SoR Graduation Rehearsal
June:
2: SoR Graduation
5: 8th Grade Promotion
6: Last Day of School
7: No School (Staff Work Day)
19: Building Closed (Holiday)
24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM