Author Archive

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health and enjoying the beautiful weather we are having so far this summer. I also want to thank you for your support and trust in New Century Academy as a viable option for your child. My commitment to New Century Academy has spanned 13 years and it has afforded me a learned perspective. I have grown as a man, husband, father and educator right along with the school. I am forever in its debt and appreciative of the opportunities I’ve had and will continue to have in the years to come.

This message is an effort to reassure all of you that New Century Academy will continue to conduct public education for students in grades 7-12 for the upcoming school year of 2015-2016. I can also confidently say that we will continue our efforts well into the future.

New Century Academy and its authorizer Novation Education Opportunities are entering the third year of a five year contract. Every charter school in the state of Minnesota must have a contract with an authorizer and the length of that contract can vary. New Century Academy received the longest available contract from its authorizer because of the success we have had as a school. The authorizer is responsible for oversight of the school in all areas including academic and financial. Yes, the authorizer has the power to open or close the doors of our school. However, our authorizer has no intention of closing our doors. NEO did provide some areas of concern for our school board in its annual review and the school board is taking the necessary steps to ensure that we meet these challenges.

From a programmatic standpoint, the leadership and staff of New Century Academy are working hard to create an academic environment that is both welcoming and encouraging to your child. New Century has always been a school that has adapted and changed based on the needs of its students and families. We don’t always get it right, but we continue to work to achieve the right outcomes for the families we serve. I can say with confidence that I will do everything I can to help New Century Academy realize its potential. Those of us committed to New Century believe in its mission and vision and want to work with your family to create something special. My hope is that you will continue to trust New Century Academy as an option for your child’s education.

A Few Highlights from the End of This Year!

Great News – Preliminary MCA math results are in!  We are excited about what appears to be a 22% increase in math proficiency scores from school year 2013-2014.  Congratulations to the 7^th/8^th and 10^th grade students who took this year’s required Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and the math faculty for their constant efforts.

History Day Students advance to the Finals

On March 21^st, 4 New Century students competed in the National History Day competition at St. Cloud State University. Freshmen, Summer Nomeland and Sarah Puder, competed in the performance category with a new take on Sacagewea’s role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sophomores, Jaide Ehalt and Alexis Grack, based their performance on the leadership and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, the late Princess Margaret. Both groups did exceedingly well and earned a qualifying spot at the state competition which will be held on Saturday May 2^nd at the University of Minnesota. This an incredible opportunity for all of these ladies to represent NCA with pride at an elite level.

Seniors Recognized/Accomplishments

Josiah Kaminski and Joshua Draxton were recently acknowledged by KDUZ/KARP for outstanding educational efforts during the school year.

Also, congratulations to Alexus Grack for ZERO days of absence this school year.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Jason Becker, Interim Director New Century Academy

[email protected]
320-234-3660 ext. 2045

Summer Office Hours:
Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Wednesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 10 am – 1:00 pm

Wow, time is flying…. there are only 40 days of school remaining for school year 2014-2015, thus begins testing season.  We are currently administering and preparing for Multiple Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs), Northwest Evaluation Assessments (NWEAs) and the newly required ACT assessments.  The students and staff have worked extremely hard to learn and teach the MN State standards and so we are cautiously optimistic that testing results will show their hard work.

Senior Project Review

We have met several times as a committee to review the current NCA requirements of senior projects as it relates to graduation.  Upon extensive review, the committee remains steadfast that the Senior Project is a great educational experience for students and its requirement has become a cornerstone of the NCA experience.  The committee has recommended, however, that hourly requirements be reduced to 100 hours so students can commit to other things such as schooling and/or work.

Attendance Policy 2015-2016

We are seeking anyone that would like to participate on an attendance committee.  We will likely meet two times to review the current policy and perhaps suggest changes for the upcoming school year.  Please let me know if you would like to participate.  Our first meeting will be soon!

Electronic Payment Option for 2015-2016

NCA will be adding an electronic payment system beginning next school year.  It is our intention to have it completely operational for families in June or July of 2015.

Annual Meeting

NCA will be having its Annual Board Meeting on May 20, 2015 beginning at 5:00 PM.  This meeting will include board seat voting, a review of school year 2014-2015 and a S.T.E.A.M display.  We encourage all of our patrons, customers, stakeholders, and parents to attend this event.

Policy Review Cycle

The school board will be review a series of policies at our next board meeting and we would like to invite your feedback on any of the following:

PSEO

Retention and Promotion

Bullying Policy

Equal Access

Religious Accommodation

Data Practices

Crisis Management

Student Transportation

Testing Schedule

We have just finished the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in the area of math for 7^th, 8^th, and 11^th graders!  All of the students did a fine job on testing!  We have the Reading Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 7, 8, and 10 grade scheduled for April 23^rd and 24^th.  We have the Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 8 and 10 scheduled for April 30^th and May 1^st.  In addition, we have the mandatory ACT testing for all 11^th graders on April 28^th (make up day on May 12^th.)  Finally, the students will be partaking in the Norwest Evaluation Association Assessments on May 18^th and 19^th.  Reminder:  it is recommended that the students get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast on test day.  Again please let Julie Gesinger, District Assessment Coordinator, know if you have any further questions with testing.  She can be reached at [email protected] or (320)234-3660 ext 2062.

NHS

NCA Students Inducted into the National Honor Society

An honor such as induction to the National Honor Society is a wonderful way for our school to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices each student has made during their high school career.  Like most things, it is not the honor itself that makes all of us most proud, but what each student had to do to get it.

“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.  The staff at New Century Academy challenge each of these students to rest not on their laurels but to continue to strive towards even greater goals.  The four categories, scholarship, leadership, service, and character are the core of a fulfilled and fulfilling life.  They are the sum of many individual decisions and embody a positive attitude backed by purpose.”

Four students were inducted into the New Century Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society on Thursday evening, March 26, 2015.

Congratulations to Lydia Bedgood, Josh Draxten, Isabelle Gasser and Alexis Grack.  They have joined current members Malachi Bedgood, McKenzie Ebert, Katelyn Huls and Paige Richardson.