RFK New Open World Academy

Dear NOW Families,

This year, our staff is taking on an important challenge: working together in new ways to better understand what our students need and how we can help every student grow.

We recently used a fun Spaghetti and Marshmallow Challenge to remind us that meaningful work does not always come with an easy or obvious solution. Sometimes we build something, test it, discover that it doesn't work the way we expected, and then try again. That process of building, learning, and trying again is an important part of growth.

As we begin our collaborative work as educators, we want to remember that our school's current challenges do not define us or determine our future. What matters is how we respond. By studying student learning, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and working together, we can discover new possibilities and create solutions that help our students thrive.

Most importantly, our students are worth the effort. They are worth taking risks, trying new approaches, and continuing to learn—even when the process is messy or uncomfortable.

Every day, we ask our students to believe they can learn something they don't yet know how to do. We encourage them to take risks, make mistakes, persevere, and trust that they can grow. As adults, we must be willing to do the same.

I am excited to take this journey alongside our teachers, staff, students, and families. We may not have every answer today, but I believe that by working together, listening to one another, and keeping our students at the center of our decisions, we can create the solutions our students deserve.

Together, we will keep building, learning, and growing.

RISE to our PRIME

C. Vela, Principal

We are RFK NOW Academy! Bobcat Pride!

This week the lowest attendance is registered with Kindergarten and 10th grade!

The best attendance is in 7th and 9th grade!

We offer the following college classes for our secondary students!

School Begins 8:30 am

Vela, ES, Lara Sec

Visual Arts Teacher Blasi

ES Dismissal 2:53 pm

Sec Dismissal 3:40 pm, ODD

Elementary Weekly Assembly-Zoom

• ALL-iReady Assessment Window Opens-ELA iReady Testing

School Begins 8:30 am

Vela, Sec, Lara ES

Theatre Arts Teacher Nichols, MPR

ES Dismissal 2:53 pm

Sec Dismissal 3:40 pm, EVEN

• CTE Meeting Vela & Corado 8:30-12:00 pm

Weather: 86º, 10% rain

School Begins 8:30 am

ES Dismissal 2:53 pm

Sec Dismissal 3:40 pm, ODD

ES Library

• Vela Principal Meeting (off campus)
• SEC: IEP - Harper, Lara 9:00 - 10:30 am

Weather: 86º, 1% rain

School Begins 8:30 am

Vela, Sec, Lara, ES

ES Dismissal 2:53 pm

Sec Dismissal 3:40 pm, EVEN

• Sec: Student Elections
• ES & SEC: Student Recognition Ceremony 3-8th Grade 4:30-5:15 pm-Students will receive a special invitation if they are receiving an award-Invitation Only Event
• ES: Back to School Night 5:30 pm-7pm-All elementary families are invited!

Unassigned day-School Closed!

Holiday-School Closed!

"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness-it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."

-Brene Brown

This year, I ask that we lean into hope.

Hope for our students.

Hope for one another.

Hope for our school.

Hope for the collective future we are building together.

Let us begin and end this year believing that what we do together can make a difference—and that the best is still ahead. Let these snapshots be proof of the strength of our community.

We are still accepting students! Visit our main office to learn more!

September

9/3-Grades 3-8th Recognition Ceremony

9/3-Elementary Back to School

9/3-Secondary 5-Week Progress Report Window

9/4-Admissions Day

9/7-Labor Day

9/8-College Classes begin w/Professors

9/9-Campus Protection Drill

9/11-LAUSD NORM DAY

9/14-High Dosage Tutoring Begins

9/17-25th Day of School

9/18-Club Rush

9/18-Initial Planning Sheets Due

9/22-Fire/Earthquake Drill

9/28-9/30-Canyon Creek Camp

9/29-Coffee with the Principal

10/1-HS Parent Night