The Herald
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS
June 18, 2026
Dear Nova Classical Families,
With the school year now behind us and summer break underway, I hope our students, families, and staff are settling into a season filled with rest, relaxation, and opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends.
The final days of the school year provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that our scholars accomplished throughout the year. Whether participating in end-of-year traditions, enjoying special activities with classmates, or simply spending time together as a school community, students embraced these moments with enthusiasm and joy. A special thank-you to our NPTO for helping make these celebrations even more memorable.
As the school year comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to another successful year. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to challenge, encourage, and support students each day. Our scholars have demonstrated perseverance, growth, and a commitment to learning. And our families have been invaluable partners in helping our students thrive.
I hope the summer months provide time for rest, adventure, and time with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our Nova community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great year this fall. Please review this month's Herald for information on upcoming events and school updates. Please reach out with any questions.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Paschall
Main Office Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, from June 5-August 14
Due to renovations, our main office will be closed June 15-July 7, 2026. The Main Office will reopen on July 8.
We are honored to celebrate our students for their achievements!
May Students of the Month
May Students of the Month were selected by their teachers for demonstrating excellence in wisdom. Congratulations to: Galiana Lynch (12), Isaac Smith (10), Ben Heidemann (7), Judah O'Hara (7), and Anya Solodin (7). We applaud your displays of wisdom!
Junior Book Award Winners
- Grace Bayne: Fredrick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award, University of Rochester
- Lyle Gerber: Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology, University of Rochester
- Natalie Heidemann: Yale University Book Award
- Katie Her: Brown University Book Award
- Annabelle Hooge: Eastman Young Leaders Award, University of Rochester
- Patrick O'Keefe: Dartmouth College Book Award
- Finn Penniman: Rensselaer Medal Award, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Tamarin Solomon: Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
- Mira West: Harvard University Book Award
- Zane Kealey: Fine Arts
- Luke Fadden: History
- Emma Kelly: Languages
- Franklin Zou: Mathematics
Track and Field
A big round of applause for our athletes, who had outstanding performances at the Skyline Conference Meet. Four school records were broken at the Sections meet and of the 51 entries, 29 student-athletes or relays achieved a season or personal record. The Boys Team came in 7th place. The Girls Team came in 5th place.
Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on an outstanding season and congratulations to our State Track Meet participants!
- Girls 800m Run: 6th Place, Maria Odegard
- Boys 4x800m Run: 2nd Place, Eli Andre, Benaiah Mathews, Lyle Gerber, Finn Penniman; Alternates: Patrick O'Keefe and Henry Page.
- Boys 1600 Run: 15th Place, Patrick O'Keefe
- Boys 800m Run: 6th Place, Eli Andre and 8th Place, Benaiah Mathews
We are incredibly proud of these outstanding student-athletes and all of their hard work this season.
8th Grade Promotion
On June 2, we celebrated our 8th-grade scholars as they were promoted to the School of Rhetoric. Awards were presented to students who demonstrated excellence in specific subjects. Additionally, the Macte Award, chosen by the staff, was given to the student who excels in all subject areas and consistently exhibits Nova Classical's virtues of fortitude, justice, temperance, prudence and wisdom.
Congratulations to our scholars!
- Art: Elliot DeMaster
- English & Language Arts: Vanessa Dohrer
- History: Zach Weber
- Latin: Vera Delgado
- Logic: Emerson Varghese
- The Macte Award: Eleanor Sample
- Mathematics: Evie Downs
- Music: Alice Reine
- Physical Education: Sam Biro
- Science: Liam Stafford
It is with much gratitude that we celebrate the retirement of Ms. Jeanie Anderson (Music, Schools of Logic and Rhetoric). We appreciate the significant contributions that she has made to Nova Classical's students, staff, and community throughout her time with us. We wish Ms. Anderson the very best in her new adventures! We are thankful for the difference she has made in the lives of so many.
School Supplies and Schedules
School of Rhetoric class schedules are now available via Infinite Campus. School of Logic class schedules will be shared with students and families in August. Please note that, while we make every effort to finalize schedules in advance, individual student schedules may still be subject to change.
For your child’s Upper School supplies, please refer to supply list link. If you’re purchasing supplies ahead of time and are unsure about specific classes, we recommend preparing by getting a folder and notebook for each class.
Report Cards for the 2026-2027 School Year
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, report cards will no longer be mailed home. Grading and classroom comments can be found in your student’s Infinite Campus portal. You can log in at any time to stay up-to-date on your student’s academic progress. For assistance with logging in or resetting your password, please contact Michelle Ingram at mingram@novaclassical.org.
Upper School Yearbooks
A limited supply of Upper School Yearbooks are available for purchase. If you forgot to reserve your student’s copy of the 2025-2026 Nova Classical Yearbook, you may purchase one at the Main Office for $30, while supplies last.
Updated Upper School Uniform Guidelines for 2026-27 School Year
We’re pleased to share the updated Upper School Uniform Guidelines, which will go into effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year. The updates were informed in part by student focus groups, whose input helped shape a policy that balances consistency with student voice.
Please click here to view the updated guidelines. These updates reflect clarifications to existing expectations. No new clothing items have been added.
For your convenience, the Donald's Uniform website can be found here. We appreciate your support in helping students come to school dressed for success!
Nova Classical's Annual Used Uniform Sale
Our Annual Used Uniform Sale will be held on July 30, 2026. Please sign up to volunteer. We will accept laundered, gently used uniform pieces—no holes or stains—to sell at our Used Uniform Sale.
Donations may be dropped off at the Main Office during the summer, Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, through July 28. 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.
Due to construction in the existing building, the Main Office at Nova Classical will be closed from June 15-30. The building is also closed July 1-7. We will reopen on July 8, for regular summer hours, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Track and Field State Qualifiers
7th Grade MN Zoo Field Trip
Antigone
Drama Club Performance
Action Required: Confirm Returning Students for 2026-2027
Returning Students: Complete your Online Registration Portal Update in the Infinite Campus parent/guardian portal. This step is required for all families to register for the upcoming school year. To start, select "More" in your portal menu. The deadline to complete your Online Registration is June 30.
If your student will not be returning, please email enrollment@novaclassical.org to begin the withdrawal process. Timely notice is important—late summer withdrawals are difficult to fill. Early communication helps ensure a smooth transition for your student and allows us to offer the spot to a family on the waitlist.
Summer Scholar Zone Registration
Registration opens on July 27, for the 2026-2027 Scholar Zone before and after school care program to all NCA families with students in grades K-6.
Scholar Zone offers:
- Morning Care: 6:30 AM - 8:15 AM
- Afternoon Care: 3:40 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration for S.O.S. (School Out of Session) Days will also be released at that time, allowing families to plan for care on non-school days throughout the year.
We look forward to another great year of providing a safe, engaging, and fun environment for your students!
Fall Varsity/JV/C Sport Registration opens July 13.
Middle School Fall Sport Registration opens August 1.
Summer Activities Offerings--Registration is open for the following summer activities offerings!
- Fiber Arts Camp Rising 4-7 - Registration ends July 1 at 4:00 PM
Session One: July 13-16, from 1:00-3:30 PM
Session One: July 20-23, from 1:00-3:30 PM
- Summer Strength and Conditioning - Registration ends July 10 at 4:00 PM
Rising 6-8: Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30-9:30 AM
Rising 9-12: Tuesday-Thursday from 7:30-8:30 AM
- Free Basketball Open Gym Times Rising 1-6 ONLY
Wednesdays beginning June 10, from 12:05-1:20 PM
Thursdays beginning June 11, from 5:00-6:00 PM (1-2) and 6:00-7:15 PM (3-6)
Summer Activities CANCELLED - The following summer activities have been cancelled due to low enrollment.
- Coed Summer Youth Camp
This year's awesome NPTO was led by this all-star board, to whom we are so thankful for all of the support and community building that you've provided all year long: Joshkin Sezer (Chair), Clint Hoberg (Vice-Chair), Mark Steele (Treasurer), Crystal Schuweiler (Board Liaison), Anne Marks (Dine to Donate), Petra Kohler Riedi (Great Gatherings), and Siiri Davidson (Family Carnival).
Volunteers Needed! Check out the open positions open positions here. Choose from short-term, long-term or one-time commitment.
Upcoming Gatherings & Events.
Thursday, 7/16: Historic Hill Garden Party & History Walk (adults only). Click here for tickets.
Find Gatherings Tickets, connect to the Family Directory, and get involved at novapto.org.
Volunteers - We Need You!
Parents and Community Members:
Apply to become an active volunteer to help support our staff and scholars!
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.
Community Resources for Families
If your family could use extra support, there are caring local organizations ready to help.
Hennepin County Emergency General Assistance: Offers support for rent, utilities, and temporary shelter.
- 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 2026 dates:
- Wednesdays: September 2 and December 2.
Upcoming Events
Due to construction in the existing building, the Main Office at Nova Classical will be closed from June 15-30. The building is also closed July 1-7. We will reopen on July 8, for regular summer hours, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
June:
19: Building Closed
29: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
July:
1-7: Building Closed
27: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
30: Used Uniform Sale
August:
24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
26: Upper School Open House from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
27: Lower School Open House from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
31: First Day of School for grades 1-12
Summer Hours:
M-Th, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, from June 5-August 14
*Please note the Main Office will be closed from June 15-30 due to construction