NOVA NEWS - September 2023
UPDATE FROM DR. WEDLUND
In August, I shared with you a list outlining work Nova Classical Academy would be focusing on in 2023-2024 to help move us closer to achieving the goals of our Strategic Plan. Now that the school year is in full swing and tasks like purchasing school supplies are behind us, I'd like to provide you with more details on how you can actively participate in these initiatives.
You may have noticed that many of the projects we are tackling this year are not final steps in themselves, but rather the crucial first steps in more extensive processes. For instance, one of our key endeavors this year involves conducting a facilities needs analysis. This analysis will examine how efficiently our current facilities are utilized and how well they align with our present and future needs. Completing this work serves as a foundational step, offering us both qualitative and quantitative data on which to base future decisions regarding our facilities. In essence, much of the work we are undertaking this year is akin to the Grammar stage of the Trivium, ensuring we have a solid foundation of accurate facts upon which to build.
Since I shared our plans with the community over the summer, several individuals have expressed interest in getting involved in these upcoming projects. The Facilities Needs Analysis, Fairness Analysis, and Extracurricular Comparisons all incorporate opportunities for gathering feedback from stakeholders. This feedback will play a pivotal role in guiding the development of our strategic plan. We anticipate seeking your input first for the Fairness Analysis. Staff, families, and students in 8th grade and above will have the chance to participate in a survey, scheduled to open in late September.
When you receive additional information regarding providing feedback for these projects, I strongly encourage your participation. Your feedback will be instrumental in steering our progress toward the objectives outlined in Nova Classical Academy's strategic plan. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with you to achieve the goals we've set for our school.
It's a Great Day to Be a Knight!
Dr. Brett Wedlund
Board Update: Governance Committee Meeting
The meeting is held in-person at Nova Classical in room 107 or via Zoom (passcode: Governance). You are welcome to attend, in person or online, to learn more; or, watch a recording of the meeting which will be shared later.
For meeting minutes and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit the Board section of Nova Classical's website.
Food Service Updates
Please complete the 2023-2024 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.
Did you know? Starting this year, 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).
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. So, complete your application today!
Spirit Wear Days!
Nova Classical is excited to announce upcoming Spirit Wear days.
9/29: Homecoming (Grades K-12)
10/3: Virtue Assembly (Grades K-5)
Need spirit wear? Nova Classical works with the following vendors:
Watch for the Grammar Gazette (LS) and The Herald (US) for more dates when students can wear Spirit Wear!
LibraryGo
Nova Classical partners with the Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) for access to their online and in-library collections, for all our scholars regardless of where they live, through the LibraryGo! program. Library accounts will be activated after September 21, 2023.
Nova Classical provides the necessary directory information to SPPL to ensure all students have access. The information includes the student's address and the parent/guardian email(s). If you would like your student to opt-out, please complete this form by September 21, 2023.
If you have questions about this program, contact Ms. Gabor at vgabor@novaclassical.org.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer to help in the classroom, as a room parent, or at school and NPTO events such as the B&N Bookfair, Grandparent and Special Person Day, or Fall Conference meals for teachers! Please click here to browse and sign up for opportunities.
All volunteers must have an up-to-date background check on file. Apply to volunteer with us, today!
Kudos to our scholars who participated in a variety of State Fair competitions. Many won ribbons and recognition. We are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Maria Odegaard (SoR) on her published article on Student Mental Health, which appears in MINNPOST!
Our athletic and competitive teams are enjoying an amazing start to the season! We are excited to celebrate them all during the homecoming parade at 2:00 PM on Friday, 9/29.
Hooray for Norton the Knight! It is so much fun to see the warm welcome our new mascot has received from everyone our community. Keep an eye out for Norton at upcoming events.
Sign up for the Nova Family Directory at novapto.membershiptoolkit.com/
Check out all of NPTO's dates and information here!
Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!
DATES TO REMEMBER
September:
4: No School (Building Closed)
5: Fall Activities Start
5: NPTO Meeting @ 4:15 PM
18: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
19: Upper School Back to School Night @ 5:30 PM
20: Student Picture Day
20: Lower School Back to School Night @ 5:30 PM
25: No School (Staff Work Day)
26-29: Homecoming
29: Homecoming Parade @ 2:00 PM (Parents Welcome!)
30: Homecoming Dance
October:
2: Winter Athletics Registration Opens
3: NPTO @ 4:15 PM
5: Parent Education Night (K-12) @ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
7: NPTO Book Fair
13: Grandparent & Special Person Day
18: Unity Day (K-12 wear orange to support anti-bullying)
19: No School (Staff Work Day)
20: No School (Building Closed)
23: No School (Building Closed)
30: Winter Activities Registration Opens
30: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
November:
2: End of Quarter 1 (LS)/Midterms (US)
3: No School (Staff Work Day)
4: Great Gatherings Kickoff Party (NPTO)
7: NPTO @ 4:15 PM
9: Enrollment Open House @ 5:30 PM (For prospective new families)
14: SoR Concert @ 7:00 PM
16: GIVE TO THE MAX DAY!
16: K-12 Evening Conferences @ 4:30-8:00 PM
20: No School (Conferences K-12)
21: No School (Staff Professional Development Day)
22-24: No School (Building Closed)
27: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
"Whenever you say 'yes' to something unimportant, you're saying 'no' to something important."
— Joshua Fields Milburn