The Herald

Dear Nova Classical Families,

With the Thanksgiving holiday and upcoming school break just around the corner, it’s a great time to reflect on the things we appreciate in our Nova community.

• Last week, our Upper School students took time to recognize the efforts of their teachers and peers, sharing notes of gratitude that highlight the thoughtfulness and respect they see in one another.
• We also want to recognize the tremendous efforts of our Nova PTO, whose work made the Nova Family Carnival such a joyful success. The energy, creativity, and behind-the-scenes coordination, from lively activities to special guests, created an event that brought our community together in the best way. We are grateful to every volunteer who played a part in making it happen.
• Finally, we want to express our deep appreciation for our teachers, educational assistants, paraprofessionals, support staff, and families. Your dedication, expertise, and partnership are invaluable and make Nova a place where students feel supported, challenged, and celebrated. Thank you for all you contribute to this community each and every day.

Wishing you a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break!

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Paschall

Important Dates:

• Monday, 11/24: No School (Building Closed/Staff Professional Development)

• Tuesday, 11/25: No School (Staff Workday)

• Wednesday 11/26- Friday, 11/28: No School (Building Closed)

We are honored to celebrate these students for their achievements!

October Students of the Month

Congratulations to our Students of the Month, recognized for their commitment to justice and nominated by their teachers for consistently demonstrating respect, kindness, and generosity.

✨Willem Obermueller (6), Lucy Bowden (8), Mary Geer (9), Abdelatif Siyad (9), Enzo Perzichilli (10), and Derin Aslan (11)

Cross-Country at the State Meet

✨Isabel Pass had an outstanding performance, finishing 4th overall.

✨Benaiah Mathews also had an impressive performance, finishing 10th overall. The Boys’ team finished 4th out of 16 teams, narrowly missing a team podium, with many athletes setting personal records on a challenging course. Team members: Eli Andre, Benaiah Mathews, Lyle Gerber, Henry Page, Patrick O’Keefe, Emiliano Ramirez-Regalado, Soren Wanless, Sam Biro, Calvin Cole.

✨Congratulations to our Knights!

Drama Club Shines in Annie Jr.

The Drama Club’s performance of Annie Jr. showcased our students’ talents and kept the audience fully mesmerized. With the cast’s energy and the tech crew’s seamless support, it was an excellent show enjoyed by all. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Nova Upper School Rowers

Congratulations to Emi Roberts and Greta Sample for their performances at the Head of the Rock Regatta in Rockford, Illinois on October 12, 2025! Both Nova scholars are members of the Minneapolis Rowing Club's Junior team. Emi's boat took first place in the Mixed Junior Quad event, and Greta's boat took second place in the Women's Junior Quad event. Way to go Knights!

The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes outstanding scholars for excellence in Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. We are holding Dimes for Disasters this year to support those impacted by the detrimental effects of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. The money raised will be donated to Direct Relief, who work to help those with medical issues either exacerbated or caused by the storm. The event will be held from 11/10 through 11/21.

The grade in SoL that donates the most money will be rewarded with a whole-grade recess. The grade in SoR that donates the most money will be rewarded with a whole-grade open gym time.

Please mark your calendar for the 2025-26 Upper School Spirit Wear Days!

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026: SoL Spirit Wear Day
• Thursday, January 15, 2026: SoR Spirit Wear Day
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026: SoL Spirit Wear Day
• Thursday, March 19, 2026: SoR Spirit Wear Day
• Wednesday, May 27, 2025: ALL Upper School Spirit Wear Day

To show their school pride, Upper School students are invited to wear Nova Classical Spirit Wear with uniform bottoms or jeans. Please note, ripped/torn clothing is not allowed. Out of uniform guidelines can be found on our school website. Students who choose not participate are to be in uniform.

All students and staff are invited to wear festive sweaters on the day before winter break, Thursday, December 18! Students should wear uniform bottoms. We will also have our annual all-school sing-a-long during morning arrival in the Great Room.

Homework Club is offered for Upper School students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 PM, led by an Upper School Teacher and Educational Assistant. There is no fee for this academic support program.

• Students should arrive by 4:00 PM, and be picked up promptly at 5:00 PM.

• Supervision is not available for SoG siblings; please consider registering for Scholar Zone if needed.

Although students are not required to attend every session in order to participate, this is a great way for students to receive extra support and stay on top of their school work! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Paschall.

Today is Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s biggest day of giving—and it takes place, today, on November 20!

This year, Nova Classical Academy is raising funds to keep our programs steady, strong, and uncompromised amid rising costs, new state requirements, and the expiration of temporary relief funding. Your support helps us continue delivering the exceptional classical education our students deserve.

Follow us on social media, share our campaign, and help spread the word about our thriving public charter school. Together, we can keep excellence thriving through challenge.

Click here to Give to the Max!

Mark your calendars! This year's Family Multicultural Night is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We hope to see everyone there as we come together for this wonderful celebration of Nova Classical's community!

Scholar Zone is offering S.O.S activities for students in Grades K-6.

Click the photo below to select your days. Each day is hyperlinked to RevTrack for easy signup. You can also see what we have planned for each day. Please email scholarzone@novaclassical.org with any questions.

Basketball game season is almost here! Come out and support your classmates at any of the upcoming events. Events are found here.

Reminder: Students in Grades K-8 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to attend all home athletic events. 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.

Carnival Goals & What We Achieved

Goal #1: Join Together as a Community

Result: Approximately 1,100 attendees of all ages came together to celebrate—what a turnout!

Goal #2: Have Fun

Result: Smiles, laughter, and memories galore! Share your photos to the gallery

Goal #3: Raise Money

Result: We brought in $15,000 in revenue on carnival day—thank you for your incredible support. Proceeds provide resources to Nova Classical staff, students and their families in ways that the school cannot.

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday 12/2: Virtual NPTO Meeting 7:30-8:30 PM
• Meeting ID: 842 4045 9837
• Passcode: enrich
• Friday 12/5: Great Gathering for Adults Only, Shake, Strengthen & Fundraise - Pure Barre Night Out. Purchase tickets here
• Thursday 12/18: Winter Treat Day! Volunteers sign ups are here

Get involved at novapto.org. View open volunteer opportunities, connect to the family directory, and more.

🌐Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!

Parents and Community Members:

Apply to become an active volunteer to help support our staff and scholars! Once you're active in our volunteer system, sign up for opportunities such as helping out NPTO Carnival in November. Click here to view the always-current list of opportunities and links to sign up.

SoR Volunteering Network:

Nova Classical Families, do you know of a non-profit that needs help in our community? Do you need help in your research lab or hospital this summer? Do you have a connection with an animal shelter, museum, or park cleanup group? SoR Students 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. Landrum (Voelker), School Counselor, Grades 8-12, with questions or ideas.

If your family could use extra support this month, there are caring local organizations ready to help.

Open Door Pantry and 360 Communities Food Shelves

• Offers free groceries and household items
• Located in Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, and Rosemount
• Call: (651) 686-0787

Hastings Family Service

• 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 dates:

• Wednesday: December 3, 2025
• Wednesdays: March 4, June 3, September 2, 2026, and December 2, 2026.

November:

20: Give to the Max Day

24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

24-28: No School (Building Closed 11/24, 26-28)

December:

2: NPTO Meeting at 7:30 PM on Zoom

16: SoL Choir Concert at 7:00 PM

18: NPTO treats and Festive Sweater Day

19-31: No School (Building Closed)

January:

1-2: No School (Building Closed)

5: Classes resume

6: NPTO Meeting at 7:30 PM on Zoom

14: SoL Assembly during House

15: SoR Assembly during House

16: No School (Staff Work Day)

19: No School (Building Closed)

26: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

30: SoL Black and White Dance 7:00 - 9:00 PM

See Full Calendar

Athletics Calendar