I hope everyone is surviving the early cold and snow that we have been receiving. It could always be worse, i.e., Buffalo, NY! At any rate, it’s been another good month of student learning at New Century Academy.
E-terms
Our recent E-terms were once again a success. I witnessed the criminology and forensics e-term in which students were elbow deep in fake-blood and enjoying every minute of it. I watched several students in the charcoal drawing e-term and saw many great artistic photos produced. I was also in the sewing class, watching boys and girls alike as they were making hats, gloves and aprons. These were only a couple of the e-terms that I observed, but I know most students and staff really enjoyed the first e-term of 2014-2015. Our next e-term will be March 3-6, 2015.
NCA’s 1st Annual All-School Choral Performance
Just an exciting reminder to add this event to your planners and calendars. We encourage all parents, grandparents, family, relatives, and friends to join us on this inaugural event. Participants will be expected to dress-up wearing black dresses or pants with red or black blouses, shirts, etc…. Encourage your student to dress up extra special for this event. Personally, we think the boys would look awesome wearing ties. Again, this is a required event for students if they wish to receive art credit. Students need to arrive no later than 6:15 PM to prepare for the concert.
Thursday, December 4 Maplewood Academy 7:00 PM
Innovative and Responsive
Did you know that we are utilizing the following to support our curriculum and instruction?
MPCC – Minnesota Partners of Collaborative Curriculum. This is a digital on-line curricular support system generated by a consortium of MN schools. There are so many options today in the world of on-line curriculum, but most come with a steep price to participate. This collaborative was designed to more cost-effectively help MN districts that are looking for some blended learning supplements. The other tremendous benefit of this local effort is that it embraces Minnesota’s standards and common core standards.
In the next monthly addition, I will talk about NWEA and Odyssey.
Students Needing Extra Help?
Did you know that you can ask for extra help with your child’s learning challenges? Yes, yes, yes! I encourage families and students to arrange extra time with our teachers to either meet before or after school to get extra help. These are sometimes the best learning opportunities with students. Do not be afraid to ask for extra help. We are here to assist.
Parent Volunteers Needed
We have recently established (2) new committees called FOCUS and S.T.E.A.M. We are seeking a couple willing parents to serve as members on either committee. The FOCUS committee’s focus is to develop a continuous improvement plan aimed at elevating student academic achievement. The S.T.E.A.M. committee will work to meet the accreditation requirements and generate ideas to support a community-based S.T.E.A.M program to include internal and external learning activities. Please give me a call or email me at your convenience if you are interested or if you have questions. Our next S.T.E.A.M. meeting is Monday December 1, beginning at 3:15-4:15 PM. The next FOCUS meeting is Monday, December 8, beginning at 3:15-4:15 PM. FOCUS Meets on every 2nd and 4th Monday while S.T.E.A.M meets on every 1st and 3rd Monday. Please join us whenever works for you.
Dance Team
The dance season is in full swing! Our first meet is at “home” at Hutchinson High School on Saturday, December 6th. We will be dancing in the Jazz competition that starts at 3pm. Our girls would love to see some NCA support in the stands. On Saturday, December 13th we will travel to Fridley for our second meet of the season. The Dance Team will be hosting a bake sale fundraiser before the choir concert on Thursday, December 4th starting at 6:15pm…come pick up some goodies and support the Spartanettes!
