The Herald
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS
August 17, 2023
Dear Nova Classical Academy Upper School Families,
As we approach the start of the school year, I am eagerly anticipating welcoming all of our students and families back to campus.
This year we will be working on the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. In the focus area of Academic and Student Support, our work will be focused on the following:
- Fostering an environment that values structure and classical culture in the classroom as well as joy and connections between members of Nova Classical's learning community in and outside the classroom.
- Promoting conduct aligned with our classical academic culture in order to create connections in the learning community.
- Drawing on student voices to influence improvements to the school.
- Recognizing students regularly for their achievements.
Activities are in full swing, with the fall athletic teams beginning practices this week and Mock Trial hosting Suit Camp. Seeing and meeting students on campus has been energizing. Please join me in encouraging and celebrating our students as they strive in both their academic pursuits and extra-curricular activities. The Fall Athletics and Activities Calendar can be found HERE. We hope to see you cheering on our Nova Classical Knights!
I am excited to work with the Nova Classical staff in continuing to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment with a commitment to providing each student the resources, support, and academic challenge needed to reach the highest levels of academic excellence.
Wishing you all a wonderful school year ahead!
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Paschall
Ms. Aimee Gatti, Special Education Paraprofessional
I love the outdoors and nature. I enjoy hiking and spending time on the water. I am slowly transforming my yard into habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. I have been an educator for over 30 years and have always felt called to serve in this way. I particularly enjoy sharing my passion for our natural world with my students. I chose Nova because the leadership team is fantastic and I value the classical model.
Ms. Christina Gersch, Science
Ever since I was a little girl, I had a strong desire to pursue teaching. I grew up in a neighborhood full of teachers who are still are some of my greatest role models.
I was fortunate enough to be a long-term sub here at Nova this past Spring. I was immediately impressed by the students and staff and the persistent feel of a rigorous, supportive learning environment. My experience teaching has been in more traditional public high schools. As the year was coming to close, I felt a sense of sadness in leaving such a great place but thankfully, the chemistry position was posted. So of course, I applied, I was interviewed, and now here I am. I could not be more grateful and excited to be here.
During my free time I enjoy doing anything that involves being outside, rain or shine. I try to spend as much time as I can with family and friends. Animals of all types, but especially dogs, are my favorite to be around.
Ms. Sarah Lozano, School Counselor, Grades K-7
I love to read, bake, and hike with my husband and daughter. A fun fact about me is I have visited 48/50 states and 13 different countries. This is will be my 4th full year as a counselor, but I have worked as a special education EA for another school district while getting my Master's degree in School Counseling.
Mr. Jake Olson, Math
Ever since I was in 7th grade and found out how amazing the world of mathematics was, I was hooked. To be able to be in a position to show that world to other young students as a teacher is a great honor. From what I have learned about Nova up to this point, I think it will be a fantastic place to continue to work with students and hopefully get them hooked on math!
Summer consists of hanging with my kiddos (Nora 7, Matt 3, Grace 2). We love to go to Mattocks Park, the local splash pads, and ride bikes in the alley with all the neighbors. If I can sneak away, I like to play golf during the day or build a bonfire at night. Going to the family cabin is a favorite getaway on the weekends.
Ms. Mikayla Voelker, School Counselor, Grades 8-12
I have wanted to be a school counselor since I graduated high school! I am super passionate about being a resource for students as they are planning their high school experience and as they explore different paths for after high school. Some of my other interests include skiing, running, biking, reading, and knitting! During the summer and other breaks, I love to travel to visit new trails and explore new outdoor destinations.
Back to School Landing Page
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! Everything you need to know, including information about transportation, uniforms, school supplies, and more is updated on our website.
We can't wait to see you back on campus!
Annual Update Reminder
Please complete our annual update process, if you have not already done so. This helps us to ensure a smooth transition to the new school year. Follow the steps here to complete your update.
While we don't want to see anyone leave, we understand that circumstances may change and needing to do what is best for your family. If your child is not planning to return to Nova Classical for the 23-24 school year, we ask that you submit this Google Form to keep us updated.
NPTO Updates
Sign up for the Nova Family Directory at novapto.membershiptoolkit.com/
Community Outing: $12 Tickets to the Twins vs Mets on Sunday September 10, at 1:10 PM
RSVP Deadline August 18 to Heather at hboehnen@gmail.com
PTO Sponsored Ice Cream @ Open Houses on August 23 and 24
First Day of Kindergarten Coffee & Treats on August 30, from 8:15-9:15 AM, outside the Kindergarten doors
Nova Nights @ A-Side on Tuesday, September 12, from 4:00-9:00 PM
Enjoy 15% back on all purchases! Reservations strongly suggested, but not required.
PTO Meeting on Tuesday, September 5, at 4:15 PM in the Exhibition Hall with Special Guest, Ms. Cranberg
More dates and information here!
Follow NPTO on Facebook, Instagram, or visit their website for more information!
Volunteers - We Need You!
We love volunteers for school and community events! Model citizenship for our students by getting involved; we cannot run our events without you! All volunteers must be active in our system by having an up-to-date background check.
Apply to be an active volunteer
Check out our Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Contact our Community Engagement Manager, Ginger Gabor (vgabor@novaclassical.org), with any questions about volunteering.
Yearbook Photos Requested!
Have any great summer adventures? Or just hanging with Nova friends? Played softball, baseball or lacrosse this summer? We’d love to showcase that and more in the 23/24 Nova US Yearbook.
We are also looking for Spring Prom photos and the 8th grade trip to Washington DC. Submit photos to yearbook@novaclassical.org
Upcoming Events
August:
23: Upper School Open House 5:30 PM -7:30 PM28: First Day of School--Grades 1-12
29: Fall After School Clubs--Registration Closes at 4:00 PM
September
4: No School--Labor Day
5: Fall After School Clubs Begin
5: NPTO Meeting 4:15 PM
18: Mock Trial Registration Opens
19: Upper School Back to School Night 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
20: School Pictures
25: No School
26--30: Homecoming Week
26: Student Picture Re-takes
29: Homecoming Parade
30: SOR Homecoming Dance
