NCS Family Newsletter
November, 2026
11/6/2026 - 4/5 Outdoor Learning to the Water Treatment Plant
11/7/2026 - Girls on the Run 5k in Waunakee
11/7/2026 - VAFFY Kids Expo 9am-12pm
11/7/2026 - STEAMFest 10am-1pm
11/10/2026 - Picture retakes 8am-10am
11/13/2026 - Paint and Sip night for caregivers 6:30-8:30pm
11/15/2026 - Governance Council meeting in library, 5:30-7:30pm
11/19/2026 - Parents Night Out deadline to sign up
11/20/2026 - 4/5 Outdoor Learning to Blue Mounds State Park
11/25/2026 - Family newsletter items due to Miss Amelia by 3pm
11/25 - 11/27/2026 - No School
12/1/2026 - Giving Tuesday
K/1 Field Trip the Verona Public Library
Mrs. Bastien and Mrs. Gleiter's homerooms went on a walking field trip to the Verona Public Library this month.
They learned about all the library has to offer, and we appreciate the parents who were able to walk with us and help out!
New Addition to the Gym
Mr. Dresen has a new and shiny addition... to the gym! This disco ball will help grace our darkened gym during the rollerblading unit. Maybe we will enjoy this shine during school dances and the dance unit, too?
The sparkle is incredible and kids loved it while they were dance-rolling along.
Fun Run was a success!
$13,922 raised together!
540+ Laps Completed
188+ Miles Run
$8,700 in Family Gathered Pledges
Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural NCS Family Fun Run! Together we ran over 188 miles, which is the equivalent of running to the Brewers Stadium and back!
VASD Learning Series webinar: AI 101 – Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life
You're invited to join us for the next VASD Learning Series webinar: AI 101 – Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life! Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of our everyday lives, including the tools and technology students use at school and at home. This introductory session will help participants better understand AI, how it works, and why learning about AI is important for every student.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Two virtual sessions are available. Please choose the time that works best for you:
- 12:30–1:15 p.m. - meet.google.com/kto-nacj-xpi
- 6:30–7:15 p.m. - meet.google.com/nur-oiuz-mqi
What will participants learn?
- What artificial intelligence is and how it works
- Common AI tools students may already be using
- What AI can do well and where it makes mistakes
- How to recognize AI-generated content
- Why AI literacy matters for every student
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, this session offers an opportunity to build your understanding of AI and explore how it is shaping students' learning and everyday experiences.
Cold Weather Gear Checklist
As our weather starts to turn cooler, please send your child(ren) to school with the following:
- Warm winter coat
- Snow pants
- Snow boots
- Hat or hood
- Mittens or gloves
- Labels with your child's name on every item
Winter recess in Wisconsin is fun...and can be very cold. All students who are healthy enough to attend school are expected to participate in recess, and all students go outside for recess each day. The VASD’s elementary and middle schools follow recommendations by the National Weather Service: unless the temperature or wind chill is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, recess is held outside. Students are to wear outer clothing appropriate to the weather, which during the winter months means boots, hats, mittens, scarves and water repellent snow pants/double pants. Please label all winter clothing. If you are in need of any winter clothing, please contact your school’s office for assistance.
The Verona Area School District's Winter Weather Information can be found at this LINK. Thank you for your collaboration to support our Wildcats in their time outside!
Herb Kohl Nominations Open
It’s time to celebrate our incredible educators! Nominations are now open for the Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership Awards. Teacher nominations due: Nov. 13
Help us recognize the leaders who inspire and make a difference every day. Nominate a teacher here:
Verona Area Food Drive - October 29 - December 17
We’re excited to kick off the Verona Area Food Drive, organized by the High School Food Drive Club, from October 29–December 17! Each week, students will receive a list of needed food items and also in parent square. Donations can be dropped off at your students' school, where high school students will collect them. Donations will support Badger Prairie Needs Network and Allied Drive Food Pantry and help our community during the holiday season. Our goal this year is 55,000 pounds, by donating you can help reach our goal.
Thank you for supporting our students and our community!
Questions? Contact vahsfooddrive@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Verona Area High School Food Drive Club
Cap Collection
We are doing a project next spring in which we will create a large mosaic or 2 using only plastic caps. They can be from any marker, dry erase, etc. OR milk, juice, applesauce, laundry, etc. It just needs to be a plastic cap of container or writing tool. If you keep a little ziploc baggie on hand, that will fill up fast.
You can turn plastic caps into the office through March 1st. Thanks!
Community Trivia Night - We need YOU
Planning is underway for our second annual Community Trivia Night, and we need your help to make it our best one yet! We are currently collecting silent auction items and accepting event sponsors. If you, your business, or a local business you know might be a good fit to contribute, you can view all the details in our Sponsorship Package or get in touch with us at newcenturyschoolcommunityinc@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting our school!
Paint and Sip Parent Meetup - November 13
NCS parents are invited to create, connect and enjoy adult beverages together at the Verona Maker Space on Friday 11/13 from 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets are $25 and include a pre-sketched canvas and wine. Tickets must be purchased in advance at this link - TICKETS.
For questions please contact Melissa at melriegerix@gmail.com.
Giving Tuesday - December 1
As the season of giving approaches, please consider supporting New Century School on Giving Tuesday! Every dollar donated directly benefits our students, and all contributions are tax-deductible. You can view or donate to our live campaign here, and keep an eye out for even more details coming at the end of the month!
Parent’s Night Out at Gymfinity - December 5
Need a few hours to tackle holiday shopping, wrap gifts, or enjoy a quiet date night? Drop your kids off on Saturday, December 5, from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM for an evening of open gym fun and a pizza dinner. Best of all, proceeds from this event go directly to support our school!
Who: Kids ages 4 (independently potty trained) to 12 years old. Invite friends whose parents could use a break, too!
Cost: $35 per child (ticket sales end 11/19)
Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/parents-night-out-at-gymfinity
It's Butter Burger, Cheese Curds, & Ice Cream Time! - January 27, 2027
Plan to take the evening off from cooking and save the date for our NCS Culver's Night on Wednesday, January 27, 2027, from 5 - 8 PM. You can go through the *NEW* double drive thru and grab food to go (consider placing your order right away when the fundraiser night event starts or using the app) or join us in the dining room for fun with NCS classmates.
Please spread the word to family and friends - we raised over $900 last year and would love to set a new record! We do need adult volunteers to make this event successful. Volunteer to deliver orders inside the restaurant and run orders outside to cars by signing up using this link.
Box Tops for Education
Did you know that New Century participates in the Box Tops for Education program? It’s an easy, tap-of-a-button way to support our students and staff with everyday grocery purchases!
How to get started:
Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
Select New Century School, Verona, WI as your school.
Use referral code UTRL9BBF when signing up so our school earns bonus tops right away!
Simply scan your store receipts in the app within 14 days of purchase.
Every box top adds up quickly—thank you for supporting NCS!
The Ultimate GC One-Stop Shop!
Looking for the latest Governance Council updates? Our website is your primary hub for everything GC! In addition to meeting agendas and minutes, you can easily find upcoming events, fundraiser details, volunteer signups, and more—all in one convenient place.
Scan the QR code or click here to learn more and stay in the loop!
NCS Governance Council Facebook Group
Have you joined the New Century School Parent Community Facebook Group? Current and incoming families are welcome to join “New Century School Parent Community” on Facebook. This is a great place to post events and pop-up playdates. This is also a great resource for new parents/guardians to ask any questions they may have.
Sora Provides Free Access to 1000s of e-Books and Audio Books from Home
Your school library is happy to provide Sora, a reading app for students that offers age-appropriate e-books and audio books, for all NCS/VAIS students and staff! K-5 students are able to access their Sora accounts all year long on any home device (phone, iPad, laptop, etc.).
Here are the instructions for downloading Sora to a home device. Students will use their school email addresses and five-letter passwords (they should know these - if not, Ms. Roltgen can help) to log in.
In library classes, 2-5 students have learned how to borrow e-books and audio books, place holds, browse the collections, search for titles of interest, check their bookshelf, and personalize their profile. K-1 learners have been enjoying the "Read Along" collections which allow them to see the pictures and watch the highlighted words as a narrator reads the book to them.
Going on a road trip? Sora titles can be checked out and downloaded ahead of time so no internet access is required while using the app. If you have any questions or trouble accessing Sora, please contact our Library Director, Ms. Roltgen, at roltgent@verona.k12.wi.us. Happy e-reading and listening this school year!
Bookflix Provides Free Access to 100s of Paired Fiction and Nonfiction Books
Your school library is happy to provide Bookflix, a digital reading subscription that pairs animated fiction storybooks with nonfiction e-books across 9 curriculum-connected themes. It is available to all NCS students and staff.
Bookflix - Click on the link and enter the following:
Username: nccs
Password: flix
Lunchroom Volunteers
Are you looking for a way to help out? Is your time flexible enough that you can come every other week? We would love to have you volunteer in our lunchroom. We are looking for 1 volunteer every other Thursday from 11:15am-12:50pm starting November 11. This is a fantastic way to get to know the students of both schools and help in building our fabulously welcoming community.
Please complete this form and reach out to reach out to Miss Jenni at: gumienyj@verona.k12.wi.us with questions.
Remember all volunteers will need to be background checked through the district here.
NCS Volunteer Opportunities
Please save this single volunteer link and check it regularly to see how you can help; we suggest bookmarking it so you don’t have to search through past emails! We are now using Sign Up for all volunteer information—including descriptions for fundraising, social events, and providing meals for teacher appreciation and conferences—which you can access by clicking here or scanning the QR code below.
Two Schools - One Community Sunshine Committee
The Sunshine Committee is made up of amazing NCS and VAIS families whose mission is to spread kindness and support for families and school staff. They do this by providing assistance in the form of cards, meals, gift cards, and other resources to families and staff in need of a little pick-me-up. Interested in signing up to help or nominating a family or individual? Please contact Mrs. Merryfield at merryfih@verona.k12.wi.us
Attendance
If your student is ill, has an early morning appointment, or will be late arriving to school for another reason, in addition to notifying their classroom teacher please make sure that you one of the following PRIOR TO THE START OF THE SCHOOL DAY:
1) EMAIL NCS Attendance: ncs-attendance@verona.k12.wi.us
2) CALL the office at (608) 845-4500
Please do not email the school secretaries directly, we appreciate it! The attendance line/email is the best way to communicate with school.
Background Check for Volunteers
To ensure student safety, all chaperones for off-site events and trips must have an approved VASD Volunteer Background Check. It's never too early to complete one of these forms for trips next year, even if you might only be able to help out once or twice!
If you are considering chaperoning field trips or any off-site events, please ensure your background check is approved in advance. This process is completed online using this link, and approval typically takes 7–10 days. However, there have been instances where processing takes longer, so we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible if needed. Please reach out to reach out to Miss Jenni at: gumienyj@verona.k12.wi.us with questions.
Follow us on Facebook
Our social media is a great resource to find information in real time. We post upcoming events, special spirit days, Sign Up Genius links and more. We especially love to share happy faces and creativity happening here at school. Please help us increase our engagement with following our page, liking a post or two, and even leaving a comment. Each of those steps helps our school to pop to the top of your feed and help you reach the information you need.
And bookmark our school website, which tells you more about school closures, menus and more.
First View Bus Tracking App - Code U6P2Q
FirstView, a bus tracking and family communications app for your smartphone or desktop, features:
- Live Tracking
- Customizable Bus Proximity Notifications
- Custom Alerts and Messages
- Multi-Stop View
- Secure and Easy Access
- Dedicated Customer Support
Contact FirstView Monday – Friday:
o Calling the toll-free phone number 888-889-8920 from 7:00 a.m. EST to 5:00 p.m. EST
o Emailing Customer Support at support@firstviewapp.com
o Using the in-app envelope button to provide feedback
For more information and to download the app, please go to www.firstviewapp.com.
For questions related to bus routing, comments/concerns, or general transportation questions, please reach out to the First Student Verona Terminal Dispatch at 608-341-2799. Additional information can also be found on the VASD Bus Transportation website.
Need assistance with lunch costs?
Parent Square - Direct Two Way Communication
ParentSquare is VASD’s primary communication system for connecting schools, scholars, and families. Families may receive important messages through text, email, the ParentSquare app, or voice, helping everyone stay informed and connected throughout the school year.
If you previously used Remind, you may recognize ParentSquare. Remind was our former messaging platform and was acquired by ParentSquare as part of this transition.
An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information in our student information system. We encourage families to activate their account and download the free ParentSquare app to set language preferences and customize when and how you receive messages.
Learn more about ParentSquare and on the VASD District Communication Tools page.
Check out our online NCS Google Public Calendar
Here is the link to a Google Public Calendar with this year’s updated NCS events: NCS Google Public Calendar
This calendar will be updated continually throughout the year with school events, such as swim, Picture Day, Back to School Night, field trips, parent/teacher conferences, days off of school, Governance Council meetings, and so much more! We hope that this will make things easier for you!
Is your child well enough to be in school?
It is not always easy to decide if your child is sick enough to stay home or well enough to be in school. Children who come to school are expected to participate fully in school activities including recess and physical education. A doctor’s note is required for any activity restriction.