NOVA NEWS - October 2023

October 5, 2023
UPDATE FROM DR. WEDLUND
Dear Nova Classical Community,
As October arrives, I am reminded of the changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and the vibrant spirit that fills our hallways. It's a month of significance, marked not only by the breathtaking autumn scenery but also by important observances such as Anti-Bullying Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. These themes underscore our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at our school.
Nova Classical Academy believes in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in which we are focused on ensuring every student has a sense of belonging within the school community. We stand united against bullying, affirming our dedication to creating a safe and respectful atmosphere for all.
As we embark on this month, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing an environment where every student feels valued and supported. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a place where everyone finds their sense of belonging.
It's a Great Day to Be a Knight!
Dr. Brett Wedlund
Board Update
During the September Board Meeting:
Board member Becky Lund and Upper School teacher Sara Seal, two of Nova Classical’s Pedagogical Leads, presented training on the Nova Classical mission including what the phrases stand for and what misconceptions have been attributed to them. The directors discussed the mission and how it connects to their role on the board.
The board heard committee reports and approved new members to the Finance and Budget Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Academic Excellence Committee.
The board approved board goals for the 2023-24 school year.
The board also approved a contract between Nova Classical and Hay Dobbs for a facility needs analysis.
For meeting minutes and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit the Board section of Nova Classical's website.
Community Reminders
Parent Education Night Tonight!
Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM!
Please join tonight's sessions at on Classical Education (grades K-12), Latin (grades 2-12), Literacy (K-5), and Math (K-5). We look forward to seeing you!
Spirit Wear Days!
Nova Classical is excited to announce the following Spirit Wear day(s).
11/7: Virtue Assembly (Grades K-5)
11/10: Upper School (Grades 6-12) Spirit Wear Day
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!
Grandparent & Special Person Day, October 13
Our Grandparent and Special Person day is next Friday, October 13, 2023. We still need parent volunteers to help host our guests, sign up here to help. The RSVP is in the principals' newsletters, the Grammar Gazette (LS) and The Herald (US).
Parent Night for the Minnesota Classical Education Conference
RSVP here to join us on Wednesday, October 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, at the Marriott Minneapolis Airport located at 2020 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425.
"Why Choose Classical Education?": Susan Wise Bauer, the author of The Well-Trained Mind, is our keynote speaker. This is an incredible opportunity to hear about classical education and interact with other families from metro area classical schools.
Picture Day: Retakes
Slow Road hosted our Picture Day this year on September 20, with retakes on November 2. Look for an email from Slow Road for instructions on ordering school photos.
Each family will receive a link to their gallery on October 18, 2023, from Slow Road Photo. If your have any questions or need anything related to your student's photo, please reach out to Slow Road by phone at (612) 293-6327 or by email at hello@slowroadphoto.com.
LibraryGo
Libraries open doors for reading, research, and resources! Through our LibraryGo partnership with the St. Paul Public Library (SPPL), all students have active library cards that can be used to check out up to 5 books and materials, and to access their online databases. Help your student use their account online or at checkout at one of the 14 SPPL branches. The account number is:
Nova Classical’s school number (2209190300) + (your child’s 4-digit lunch PIN number)
Password: Your child’s birthday written MMDDYY, for example, January 26, 2012 would be 01262012
If you have questions about this program, contact Ms. Gabor at vgabor@novaclassical.org.
Traffic Flow/Parking Reminders
Parking and traffic around Nova Classical can be tricky, particularly at morning drop off and afternoon pick up. For the safety of our students and everyone in the Nova Classical community, please follow the rules of all posted street signs and directions from staff, including if you are asked to move.
Volunteering
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 & 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 & COMMENDATIONS
Congratulations to our scholars for the hard work and achievements!
National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists
- Jonathan Brown
- Aedan Gallagher
- Gordon Olshanski
- Maya Tadmor
- Mara VanDyke
National Merit Scholar Commended Students
- Omeed Tabrizi
- Silas Revenaugh
AP National Hispanic Award Recognition
- Zenji Shiroma
NPTO UPDATES
November 4: Great Gatherings Kickoff Party from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Get your Kickoff Party tickets here!
Great Gatherings are a set of parties and gatherings that our community buy tickets to attend. The party is hosted by families or teachers and the ticket proceeds to to our NPTO. This is the NPTO’s biggest fundraiser and it is so much fun! The Kickoff Party on 11/4 is the first opportunity to buy tickets for the gatherings and is an awesome adult-only party at the school with excellent food trucks and treats included.
Learn more about our Great Gatherings, host a gathering, and join us to the Kickoff Party!
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!
CALENDAR & EVENTS
Subscribe to Our Calendar
Have you ever wondered if it is an A, B, or C Day? Can't remember when picture day is? Subscribe to our calendar to always be in the know!
Click the link below for instructions to add our calendar to your personal calendar.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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 (K-12)
30: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
November:
1: Enrollment Application Window for 2024-25 Opens (for new students only)
2: End of Quarter 1 (LS)/Midterms (US)
3: No School (Staff Work Day)
4: Great Gatherings Kickoff Party (NPTO)
9: Enrollment Open House @ 5:30 PM (for prospective new families)
14: NPTO @ 4:15 PM
14: SoR Concert @ 7:00 PM
16: GIVE TO THE MAX DAY!
16: K-12 Evening Conferences @ 4:30-8:00 PM (In-Person Only)
20: No School (Conferences K-12) (Online Only)
21: No School (Staff Professional Development Day)
22-24: No School (Building Closed)
27: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
December:
5: NPTO @ 4:15 PM
14: SoL Concert @ 7:00 PM
20-29: No School (Building Closed)
January:
1-2: No School (Building Closed)
3: No School (Staff Work Day)
15: No School (Building Closed)
22: No School (Staff Work Day)
25: SoL Information Night
29: Board of Directors Meeting @ 6:00 PM
Registration Information
Mark your calendars! Registration for winter sports opens October 2, 2023. Winter afterschool club registration opens October 30, 2023.
Fall Baseball Clinic Grade 5-8
Registration is open for the fall baseball clinic! Come work on skills, see friends and enjoy the fall weather! Clinic begins September 30, 2023. Click here to register.
New Boys Basketball Families
Do you have student in grades K-12 who is interested in learning more about our boys' basketball program?
Please contact Coach John Carrier at jcarrier@novaclassical.org to get on the mailing list. We have basketball offerings fall, winter, spring, and summer and are always looking to add hoopers to our program!
Nova Classical's Upper School is a National Blue Ribbon School!
Homecoming Parade
"Whenever you say 'yes' to something unimportant, you're saying 'no' to something important."
— Joshua Fields Milburn