The Herald

Dear Nova Classical Families,

As we begin another school year, we look forward to welcoming our students and families back to campus and we are excited to see our hallways and classrooms filled once again with curiosity, learning, friendship, and the energy that makes Nova Classical such a special community. A warm welcome to our returning families and a special greeting to those joining us for the first time.

Please save the date for our Upper School Open House on Wednesday, August 26, from 5:30–7:30 PM. This will be a wonderful opportunity for families to meet teachers, learn more about their child’s courses, and connect with members of our Upper School faculty. We hope to see you there!

Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your child’s education. We are excited for the year ahead and all that our students will learn, accomplish, and experience together. Here’s to a wonderful 2026–27 school year!

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Paschall

We invite our community members and students to share their stories, achievements, and upcoming events for a chance to be featured in Nova News! Whether it's highlighting a student group, activity, or special event, we welcome your submissions.

To ensure a smooth process, we've developed some guidelines for coaches, advisors, teachers, staff, students, and parent volunteers. These guidelines are designed to help streamline submissions and ensure we capture the best of what Nova Classical has to offer.

Please see the attached guidelines for more details on how to submit your items. Remember, you can also have your events or activities considered for our social media channels by emailing them to socialmedia@novaclassical.org and contact@novaclassical.org.

We look forward to showcasing the amazing things happening in our community!

• Upper School Teachers: Mr. Sam Dahl (SoL Art), Ms. Jenna Elsen (SoL ELA), Mr. Luc Janssen (SoL Math), Profe. Luis Regalado (SoR Spanish), and Ms. Joanna Sire (SoL/SoR Music)
• K-12 In-House Substitutes: Mr. Chase Adelsman and Ms. Mary Kluznik
• Special Education Teacher: Mr. Anthony Zahradka
• Paraprofessionals: Mr. Matthew Brekke, Ms. Summer Holmes,

• Due Process Coordinator: Ms. Amy Lucker

Welcome to our 2026-27 school year! All the information you need is updated on our website including our back-to-school landing page, school supply lists, school uniform info, bus transportation app instructions, and silent dismissal procedures. We cannot wait to see you back on campus!

Quick Links:

• Educational Benefits
• School Supplies List
• School Uniform Guidelines Updated for 2026-2027
• Nova Bus Information
• Silent Dismissal Process (end of day dismissal for Grades 6-8)

Attendance Expectations

Arrival and Dismissal Hours, and School Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM. Please note, breakfast is available for all students beginning at 8:15 AM.

Students are expected to arrive at school and be seated, ready to learn, by 8:40 AM. Arriving after 8:40 AM is considered a tardy. Three unexcused tardies count as one unexcused absence. For more information, see page 26 of our Student and Family Handbook.

School Uniform Reminder

As part of our commitment to maintaining a focused and supportive school environment, Nova Classical Academy continues to uphold a uniform policy that supports both individual student success and our broader school community.

• We appreciate your support in helping students follow these expectations, such as wearing a polo or oxford shirt under sweaters and sweatshirts, keeping shirts tucked in, and ensuring uniform bottoms meet the required length and material standards. Your partnership helps uphold the high expectations we share at Nova.
• Students are expected to be in uniform every day unless it is a designated non-uniform day, such as Spirit Wear or a themed dress-up day. On those days, students are still expected to follow the Out of Uniform Guidelines, which can be found here.
• Fun Sock Friday: Upper School students and staff are invited to wear socks with patterns or fun colors every Friday. Show off your style and join in the fun as we continue this colorful tradition!
• If a student needs assistance meeting uniform requirements, please know that school administration is here to help. Our aim is always to support students while minimizing time out of class.

Spirit Wear Days

On Spirit Wear Days, students may wear Nova Classical Spirit Wear may wear jeans or uniform bottoms. Students who choose not to participate are expected to be in uniform.

Upcoming Dates:

• Friday, September 18: SoG/SoL/SoR Spirit Wear Day

• Wednesday, November 4: SoR Spirit Wear Day

• Thursday, November 5: SoL Spirit Wear Day

Academic Support for All Students

We are excited to begin this school year together and grateful for the strong partnership between home and school that helps our students thrive. As we settle into routines, please take some time to review your student’s class syllabi together. These documents outline course expectations, grading practices, and important information for each class. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to reach out directly to your student’s teacher.

At Nova Classical, we are committed to supporting every student’s academic and personal growth. Nova Classical offers a variety of academic supports to help all students stay on track:

• House Time

• Independent study, designated for academic work time, Monday-Thursday

• Time to meet with teachers for extra help, make up assessments

• Missing work list provided directly to students once a week

• House Activity (community building), Friday

• To help families stay informed, Nova sends monthly email updates:

• Weeks 1 and 3: Missing assignments

• Week 4: In-progress grades of D or F

Thank you for reviewing this information with your student and for continuing to support their learning at home. Together, we can ensure that students feel prepared, supported, and confident in their growth this year.

Starting on Tuesday, September 8, Homework Club will be offered for Upper School students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 PM, led by an Upper School Teacher and Education Assistant.

There is no fee for this academic support program and students are encouraged to register using this link.

• 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.

Current 8th students and their families who are interested in learning more about the June 2026 to Washington D.C. are invited to attend an information session at Nova Classical on Tuesday, September 22, at 6:00 PM.

Monday-Friday, September 14-18

• Homecoming House Activities, (SoR)
• SoR Spirit Week Dress Days, Monday-Thursday -- SoR Only Out of Uniform day guidelines apply
• Dress Days to be announced by SoR Senate
• Friday, September 18: SoG/SoL/SoR Spirit Wear Day
  
• Students wearing Nova Classical Spirit Wear may wear jeans or uniform bottoms
• Students who choose not participate are to be in uniform
• Parade at 2:00 PM. Parents/Guardians and Alumni are welcome to attend!
• Saturday, September 19: SoR Homecoming Dance, 7:00 to 10:00 PM (Grades 9-12)
• Guest Permission Slips are due Wednesday, September 16

Have any great summer adventures? Or just hanging with Nova Classical friends? Played softball, baseball or lacrosse this summer? We’d love to showcase that and more in the 2026-27 Nova Classical US Yearbook. We are also looking for Spring Prom photos and the 8th grade trip to Washington DC.

Submit photos to yearbook@novaclassical.org.

The Yearbook Club will begin mid September. Please listen for announcements and look for posted information soon.

Has your student accomplished something exceptional outside of the classroom? Have they earned a special award, been recognized with a medal, or made a significant impact in their community? We’d love to hear about their achievements! Please share the details by filling out and submitting this form. Your child might be featured in our morning announcements, celebrated during a student assembly, highlighted in our staff newsletter, or noted in The Herald.

Please complete the 2026-2027 Educational Benefits application which is now available in Infinite Campus. If you prefer, you may also download the application on Nova Classical's website. While you're there, please pay any outstanding balances in your student's food service account.

Why is completing an application still important?

Educational Benefits provide a variety of benefits to your student(s) and to our school, including important funds that provide programs and services to all of the students in our school community. Our school benefits only when applications are completed by the families of enrolled students, regardless of benefit status. Complete your application today!

Food Service at Nova Classical

Did you know? Breakfast and lunch are free for all students, K-12. Milk is included with meals served at school. Milk is .45¢ with meals sent from home.

Nova Classical continues to participate in Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. This means that all students are eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. No application, income verification, or preordering is required.

Meals are prepared and delivered by CKC Good Food. Please see the August menus at our Food Service Website.

The state of Minnesota requires that schools share the dates of their active shooter drills with parents and guardians. An active shooter drill is an emergency preparedness drill designed to teach students, teachers, school personnel, and staff how to respond in the event of an armed intruder on campus or an armed assailant in the immediate vicinity of the school. At Nova Classical Academy, we call these drills "Lockdown Drills."

Active shooter drills with PreK-12 students must be:

1. Accessible, developmentally appropriate, and age appropriate, including using appropriate safety language and vocabulary
2. Culturally aware
3. Trauma-informed
4. Inclusive of accommodations for students with mobility restrictions, sensory needs, developmental or physical disabilities, mental health needs, and auditory or visual limitations

Dates of Lockdown Drills:

Lock Down #1: September 29
Lock Down #2: October 22
Lock Down #3: November 10

School is starting soon and with that comes volleyball games, soccer games, and a host of exciting sports events to attend throughout the year!

REMINDER: Students in Grades K-8 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian to attend all home athletic events. This includes middle school games. 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.

Want to know what's happening after the school day ends? Check out the Extracurriculars page of the Nova website to find out about clubs and sports. Fall clubs are currently taking registration.

JOIN GIRLS SOCCER--IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

Calling all 8th–12th grade girls! We’re looking for more players to join our Girls Soccer program!

• Girls Soccer is happening this week, August 17–Friday, August 21, from 4:00–5:30 PM, and you can still come out and join us! If you’ve been thinking about playing, now is the perfect time.
• We’re excited to continue building and growing our Girls Soccer program, and we need YOU! Whether you have years of soccer experience or just love the game, bring your skills, energy, and enthusiasm and come be part of our team.
• One of the best parts about our program is getting the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends from different schools!
• You’ll get to play alongside athletes you may not have met otherwise, build new friendships and connections, and become part of one team working toward the same goals. Girls Soccer is fun, exciting, competitive, and a great way to grow as both a player and teammate. We want to build a strong, connected program together and have an awesome season!

Interested in joining or have questions? Reach out to Coach Linnea Bollum and Coach Allison Nelson or Activities Director, Chris Rovn

Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest growing youth sports in Minnesota, and Nova Classical offers two after-school opportunities for students in grades 3-8 to join in this fall! Both clubs will tie the Ultimate Frisbee Spirit of the Game principles to Nova Classical's virtue education, and interested students are encouraged to register, regardless of experience.

Want to know what's happening after the school day ends? Check out the Extracurriculars page of the Nova website to find out about clubs and sports. Fall clubs are currently taking registrations. Contact activities@novaclassical.org or athletics@novaclassical.org.

Families who qualify for Educational Benefits will be required to enter a code when registering in Bound to receive the discount on the registration fees. The code will be included in your benefits confirmation notice. It will be needed each time you register in our new system, so hang on to it.

SoR Lunch Clubs

Club Leaders - stop by the Activities Department (Office 201) and confirm your club details for the year with Mr. Rovn or Ms. Rogers. Details should include the following:

• Staff supervisor name
• Meeting room number
• All meeting dates for the first semester
• General list of initial attendees

Clubs may begin to meet the week of September 14, 2026, if all information has been received by the Activities Department. Club leaders and staff supervisors will receive an email with instructions for the new attendance procedure, after all information has been received and reviewed. Questions? Email activities@novaclassical.org.

Still have a question? You can email athletics@novaclassical.org or activities@novaclassical.org

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

2026 S.O.S. Dates:

(A) Monday. September 21

MEA Weekend

• (B) Thursday, October 15
• (C) Friday. October 16
• (D) Monday. October 19

(E) Friday. November 6

(F) Friday, December 18

2027 S.O.S. Dates:

(G) Monday. January 25

(H) Friday. March 5

(I) Wednesday. March 10

Spring Break

• (J) Friday. March 26
• (K) Monday. March 29
• (L) Tuesday. March 30
• (M) Wednesday, March 31
• (N) Thursday, April 1
• (O) Friday. April 2

(P) Friday. April 23

(Q) Friday. May 28

Nova PTO’s sole purpose is to provide resources to Nova Classical’s staff, students and their families in ways that the school cannot. Each family is encouraged to volunteer 20 hours per school year-what a fun way to help support our Nova Community!

Help needed!

NPTO is looking for a few awesome people to help:

• Spirit Wear Coordinator, to order, design, and manage spirit wear throughout the year
• Great Gatherings Event Planner (plan the event on 11/7)
• Vice-Chair, leadership role

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, 9/1, 7:30 PM-8:30 PM: Nova PTO Meeting via Zoom

• Wednesday, 9/2, 8:15 AM-9:30 AM: First Day of Kindergarten Coffee/Donuts--ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME.

• Saturday, 10/10: Book Fair at Barnes & Noble at HarMar Mall Roseville

• Saturday, 11/7: Great Gatherings Fundraiser Event

• Saturday, 5/8: Nova Family Carnival at Nova Classical 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Share your time and talents with Nova PTO, we are always looking for helpers. Single event, short term and long term roles, click here for a current list of volunteer opportunities.

Meetings:

The next PTO meeting is Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM via Zoom. Everyone is invited!

Meeting ID: 842 4045 9837 Passcode: enrich

Visit novapto.org for more about what Nova PTO does and SAVE THE DATE(s) for the fun we have planned!

Share your time and talents with Nova PTO, we are always looking for helpers. Single event, short term and long term roles, click here for a current list of volunteer opportunities.

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. 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, School Counselor, Grades 8-12, with questions or ideas.

Scholar Zone Volunteer Opportunity
Scholar Zone is looking for after SoR student volunteers to provide Homework Help. If you are interested in this opportunity, ​please fill out the Google form linked here. Please email scholarzone@novaclassical.org with any questions.

Many thanks to all the parents, guardians, and SoR volunteers who have contributed their time and energy this summer! Highlights include:

• Used Uniform Sale: Volunteers donated more than 60 hours to sort, stage, and run the event. Special thanks to our NPTO for fostering community among shoppers, coordinating carpool connections, and recruiting volunteers for future events.

• Community Service: SoR volunteers supported our school, local organizations, including zoos, animal shelters, summer camps, and Sholom Home, meeting a variety of community needs.

• Summer Academic Programming: Teachers hosted engaging and enriching programs, including our Summer Boost Program, helping students stay motivated and prepared for the school year.

Your dedication and service make a meaningful difference for our students and our community. Thank you for all that you do!

August:

24: Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 PM

26: Upper School Open House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

31: First day of school for Grades 1-12

September:

7: No School (Office Closed)

11: Student Picture Day

14-18: SoR Homecoming Week

19: SoR Homecoming Dance 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

21: No School (Staff Work Day)

28: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

October:

2: No School (PD, Office Closed)

10: K-12 Barnes & Noble Book Fair

14: Grandparents/Special Persons Day

15: No School (Staff Work Day)

16: No School (Office Closed)

19: No School (Office Closed)

21: Unity Day

23: Picture Retakes

26: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM

See Full Calendar

Athletics Calendar