NOVA NEWS - October 2025
October 2025
As the school year begins many of us find ourselves focused on schedules, routines, and academics. These are very important, but at Nova Classical, we also hold fast to something even more foundational: the development of virtue. Our mission reminds us that “Nova Classical Academy challenges its students…to live a virtuous life of duties and ideals.” We believe in the enduring value of justice, fortitude, prudence, temperance, and wisdom, not only as ideas but as daily habits that shape how our children grow into thoughtful and compassionate adults.
Students encounter these virtues differently as they progress through the stages of learning. In the grammar stage, they memorize and sing the definitions. In the logic stage, they begin to analyze them, for example by studying the actions of a character in a story. In the rhetoric stage, students apply virtue to new and personal situations: How can you show prudence in an argument with a friend? How do you show fortitude when schoolwork feels overwhelming? How do you show justice when someone is treated unfairly?
This ties closely to one of our core beliefs: we learn not for school but for life. Virtue, of course, is never finished. As the book Less is More: The Path to a Meaningful Life! reminds us: “Here’s the truth: there’s no finish line. There is no final level where you ‘arrive.’ Mastery is a loop. You revisit lessons at deeper levels. You get humbled, stretched, broken, and built again. That’s not failure. That’s growth.” Virtue is much like this. It is a lifelong practice, one that we as parents and educators continue to work on alongside our children.
This month, I encourage you to reflect with your child about how they are exhibiting virtue in their daily life. This may include how they interact with peers and others in the community, how they approach their schoolwork and activities, and even how they communicate through comments online or in text messages with friends. These conversations not only reinforce what they are learning at school but also help them see that virtue is lived out in the everyday choices they make.
It’s a Great Day to be a Knight!
Dr. Brett Wedlund
Knights Cross Country
Go Benaiah!
Upper School Homecoming Games students spike on staff!
NCA Homecoming Parade
Student Picture Retake Day - Tuesday, October 21
Kemmetmueller Photography will be conducting our student retake picture day on Tuesday, October 21. Click here for information on picture day preparation and ordering school photos!
Feel free to contact Kemmetmueller Photography by email at info@k-photography.com or by phone at (952) 473-2142 if you have any questions about your student's picture day, need help with ordering photos, or have any other concerns.
Important Parking & Traffic Reminders
Parking and traffic at Nova Classical can be challenging, especially during drop-off and pick-up. For everyone’s safety, follow posted street signs and staff directions, including when asked to move.
Parking and Traffic Guidelines
- Passenger loading zones are for quick drop-off and pick-up only. Drivers must stay in their cars. If your child needs extra time, park in a legal spot instead.
- Drop-off/Pick-up locations:
- Last names A–K: Mercer St. (back of building)
Last names L–Z: Victoria Way (front of building)
Kindergarten: Drop-off in person at the main entrance; pick-up at the Kindergarten entrance (Victoria Way side).
- Use the crosswalks. Follow directions from staff and crossing guards. Never cross between buses or parked cars.
Follow posted signs and never park in illegal areas, including bus zones, passenger loading zones, parking lot driveways, within 20 feet of crosswalks, or anywhere marked "No Parking".
Do not make U-turns on streets around Nova Classical—drive around the block instead.
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Stay off cell phones and other distractions while driving.
Click here for complete information on Nova Classical's Transportation & Silent Dismissal Procedures
Nova Classical Academy Parent Education Night - Tuesday, October 7
Please join us for Parent Education Night on Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We'll have mini-learning sessions on subjects such as classical education; how to help your child at home with Latin, math, and reading; why we teach Latin; best practices for studying and organization; and more!
To RSVP for this event, please click here.
This is an adults only in-person event that will begin on the 3rd floor Exhibition Hall at 5:30 PM and finish at 7:30 PM. Dr. Johnson will be available from 7:30-8:00 PM to answer any lingering questions you have!
Grandparent & Special Person Day - Wednesday, October 15
Nova Classical Academy is pleased to invite the special people in our students' lives so that they can experience the unique nature of our learning community. Grandparents and special persons will be greeted in the Great Room at a welcome table for check-in and refreshments and then escorted to classrooms.
All guests must request classroom visits through this link, so we can be well prepared to welcome them. The last day to register to request a classroom visit is Friday, October 3, 2025. Due to space constraints, we may not be able to safely accommodate all requests for classroom visits. Visitors will receive a confirmation email and visit schedule prior to the event. Only registered and confirmed visitors will be allowed this year.
Please sign up for only one visit per scholar. Due to space issues in the classrooms and in the parking lot, we ask that only Grandparents and/or Special Persons (and not Parents) visit on this day. Parents, we also need help to run this event; please sign up here to volunteer.
Feel free to contact Ms. Gabor at vgabor@novaclassical.org with any questions.
MN Classical Education Conference (MCEC) Parent Night - Wednesday, October 15
Please visit the MN Classical Education Conference website to learn more about and be sure to RSVP for the event on Wednesday, October 15, from 6:00-7:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport.
The keynote speaker is Andrew Pudewa, the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. He will be sharing humorous experiences and painful lessons he has learned in his session "However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching". We are lifelong learners raising lifelong learners, and supporting the development of that skill is vital for our students' academic journey. Participants will leave with a fresh perspective on writing and its role in a child's education.
LibraryGo
Libraries open doors for reading, research, and resources! Nova Classical Student ID's double as Library Cards again this year! 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.
- Account number: Nova Classical’s school number (2209190300) + (the scholar's 4-digit lunch PIN number)
- Password: Your child’s birthday written MMDDYY, for example, January 26, 2012 would be 01262012
Contact Ms. Gabor at vgabor@novaclassical.org with any questions about the program.
Fall Activities
Winter sports are open for registration on the Extracurriculars page of the Nova website.
Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!
We are thrilled to announce that five Nova Classical Academy seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists! This prestigious honor is awarded to the highest-scoring students in each state on the PSAT/NMSQT, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Congratulations to James Garske, Chloe Brown, Omeed Church, Eli Andre. and Alexander Hungs.
Congratulations to our National Merit Commended Students!
We’re proud to celebrate our Nova Classical Academy seniors who have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship Commended Students! This honor is awarded to students whose PSAT/NMSQT scores place them among the top 50,000 high scorers nationwide, a remarkable academic accomplishment. Congratulations to Mary Beth Winter, Penelope Hafner, and Michi Liang.
Our boys and girls Varsity Cross Country teams competed in the prestigious Roy Griak races, hosted by the University of Minnesota. With nearly 100 schools from across the Midwest competing in three divisions, our Knights represented us with pride and excellence. Congratulations to all of our runners—what an outstanding performance! Keep up the amazing work!
- Boys Team – Finished 6th out of 54 teams in their division, with Benaiah Mathews earning an impressive 2nd place overall finish with a time of 17:13.2.
- Girls Team – Finished 35th out of 44 teams in their division, with Isabel Pass also taking 2nd place overall in her race with a time of 19:52.0.
This year is off to a great start in the lunchroom thanks to our amazing 5th grade helpers! Our 5th grade scholars have been working hard to help serve our Kindergarten scholars at lunchtime, and their efforts help make everything run smoothly. This opportunity is such a wonderful way to introduce our 5th graders to service and leadership by having them mentor the kindergarten while developing their own confidence and leadership skills. And, the Kindergarten scholars truly admire their 5th grade role models and look up to them with great respect.
Our SoR Senators did an amazing job organizing last week’s Homecoming festivities! From the parade to the staff-student volleyball games, and the Homecoming Dance, traditions stayed alive and made it a week to remember. Thank you, Senators!
A huge thank you to our NPTO for hosting a fun and successful adult-only community-building fundraiser last Friday! More than 200 parents and supporters came together to connect, enjoy the evening, and take part in exciting auction items and cash raffles. This incredible event also kicked off our series of smaller community-hosted gatherings and parties—click here for tickets!
Parents and Community Members:
Apply to become an active volunteer to help support our staff and scholars! Consider joining these teams:
- Help pull wish-list books and run the raffle for the October 11, B&N Bookfair
- Run a carnival game with other families from your student's grade at the November 8, NCA Family Carnival!
- 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. Voelker, School Counselor, Grades 8-12, with questions or ideas.
Highlights from the September 29 Nova Classical Board Meeting:
- Anne Pass received this month’s Spotlight Award. She is an incredible example of positivity and community. Anne greets students by name as they enter the building, she cheers for everyone, willingly steps in to help with all kinds of activities like Multicultural Night, Playworks, and anything that needs doing during the school day. She models our virtues daily and transforms our community. The Board recognizes Mrs. Pass’ achievements and service to Nova Classical and congratulates her on receiving the Spotlight Award!
- We are excited to welcome our Student Representative for this academic year. Tomi gave an update on Homecoming and Upper School Academic Achievements by students.
- The Board had a training and review of finances by Joe Aliperto (Dieci Finance) as they approach making bonding decisions for our building project.
- The Board approved:
- Charter School Assurances
- Employer Sponsored Benefits for 2026
- The Board reviewed and discussed:
- Our authorizer, Friends of Education Academic Goal Review – Part One. This was a review on MCA test results for Nova students. Dr. Johnson presented the data and discussed our Tier 1-3 interventions and the importance of Parent Education. Discussion about the value of family engagement in our children’s reading in particular.
- Jesse Prins provided an Expansion Update. Variance approvals are making progress with only 1 outstanding. Construction bids are in and in the process of negotiations. The school is continuing to work towards bonding options. Bonding decisions likely to be made in the next month.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 27, 2025.
For meeting minutes and agendas for upcoming meetings, visit the Board section of Nova Classical's website.
Board meetings are open to the public. All are welcome to attend meetings. We are also open to having Nova family members join our work groups. If you are interested in attending or joining a board committee those can be found here.
Nova PTO’s sole purpose is to provide resources to Nova Classical’s staff, students and their families in ways that the school cannot.
Visit www.novapto.org for more about what Nova PTO does and SAVE THE DATE(s) for the fun we have planned!
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday, 10/7: Join us in-person from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM for the Nova PTO Board Meeting at Nova
- Saturday, 10/11: Book Fair at Barnes & Noble at HarMar Mall Roseville
- Saturday, 11/8: Nova Family Carnival at Nova Classical
Get involved at novapto.org. View open volunteer spots, connect to the family directory, and more.
The Nova Family Carnival is on Saturday, 11/8, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, with festivities for the whole family. This whirlwind of fun is your chance to mingle with school families and enjoy family-friendly games. RSVP for timed entry and sign up to volunteer.
Click the links below for specific grade-level volunteering opportunities.
- Kindergarten: Fishing Game
- First Grade: Duck Pond
- Second Grade: Plinko
- Third Grade: Bean Bag Toss
- Fourth Grade: Giant Dice Roll
- Fifth Grade: Cake Walk
- Sixth Grade: Soda Ring Toss
- Seventh Grade: Tetris Tumble
- Eighth Grade: Prize Wheel
SOR Grades 9-12 can join in the fun, as well as earn volunteer hours.
Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!
DATES TO REMEMBER
October:
2: No School (Staff Work Day)
3: No School (Building Closed, Staff Professional Development Day)
7: NPTO Meeting
7: Classical Parent Education Night
11: K-12 Barnes & Noble Book Fair
15: Grandparent/Special Person Day
16: No School (Staff Work Day)
17: No School (Building Closed)
20: No School (Building Closed)
22: Unity Day (K-12 students may wear an orange top with uniform bottoms)
21: Picture Retake Day
27: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
31: End of Q1 (LS) / Midterms (US)
November:
1: Enrollment Application Window for 2026-2027 Opens (new students only)
6: Evening Conferences (In person from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
7: No School (Virtual K-12 Conferences from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
8: NPTO Family Carnival
13: Enrollment Open House from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
20: Give to the Max Day
24: Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 PM
24-28: No School (Building Closed 11/24, 26-28)
December:
2: NPTO Meeting at 7:30 PM on Zoom
18: NPTO treats and Festive Sweater Day
19-31: No School (Building Closed)
January:
1-2: No School (Building Closed)
5: Classes resume
