Director Update
Director Update Fall 2019
NCA Family,
Another school year is on the horizon for students who choose New Century Academy in Hutchinson, a 6th – 12th grade Public Charter School. The first day of school will be Monday, August 26th. As we start our 18th year serving the families of Hutchinson and surrounding communities we welcome, for the first time, 6th grade students to our campus located at 950 School Road SW. We are excited to offer a complete 6th – 8th grade middle school experience! New Century Academy continues to be a school of choice, serving students who enjoy a smaller environment and more personal attention. We offer a welcoming environment that seeks to help students become better people, learning from each other and embracing our differences. At New Century Academy we see each student as a unique opportunity and we work hard to make sure that students feel accepted, regardless of their situation in life. At New Century Academy, come as you are!
Continued Discovery with New Project Based Tools
Students will continue to refine their project and problem based skills this school year. A grant awarded last school year through the efforts of our winning Samsung for Tomorrow Team will allow us to provide a chromebook for every student in the classroom. Staff will also receive google training in August as we prepare to transition to a google classroom school. Also, staff will receive training to implement a new project based platform called ProjectPals. This is a real-time collaborative project based learning platform that meets students where they learn today, digitally. The platform allows students to work on projects alone or together, anytime and anywhere with teacher oversight. ProjectPals will allow students and teachers to archive their projects in order to look back upon, share with the community, and to see the impact being made within each project.
Collaboration That Teaches Real Work Skills
It has always been part of our mission and vision to help students learn to communicate and work together to achieve. Two years ago when we moved into our current location, we remodeled the building to allow for as many collaborative spaces as possible. Whether working in one of the two open project spaces, entertaining student center, conjoining humanities center or at the high tables in the cafeteria space the students have plenty of opportunity to learn together. Many of the classrooms are set up in a Socratic format in which students participate in cooperative discussion that stimulates critical thinking. Inside these collaborative environments you’ll often find educators learning along with students. Our approach encourages students to practice skills that will be more valuable to them in the work world of today in which businesses need people who can critically think and work with others to make their business stronger.
Students will also have the opportunity to learn in several real time, live work environments within the school. Students can learn work skills through our food service department, maintenance department, administrative offices and our very own coffee shop. The coffee shop is open all day and available to students, staff and parents of New Century Academy students. Our hope is to continue to find opportunities within the school where students can obtain real time work experience that will transfer to their first job or career during or after high school.
Leadership and Transition with a Purpose
Students will also have opportunities to connect with our community through volunteer or transition programming. Specifically, students in our Special Education programming will be connected with businesses in and around Hutchinson to learn work skills that could transition them to employment. These students will also learn valuable life skills that will help them transition to life on their own. Many of the students with learning challenges in our public school systems today are underserved and unprepared to transition to life on their own. It is our goal to support these students and provide as many valuable connections in and around Hutchinson.
As a Stillman Leadership School through the WE.org program, all students will have continued opportunity to serve the public through our volunteer efforts. This year our main focus areas will be Literacy, Poverty, Mental Health and Physical Health. We will continue to work with the City of Hutchinson to give back to our community through service projects. This also includes our continued work each year through the Hutchinson Leadership Institute, a long standing and successful program that has extended first to the youth at New Century Academy for the past several years.
Why We Do This Work
We believe that every child needs at least one caring adult to be successful. It is our job as public education to serve our students and families, not the other way around. This has often been lost in many traditional public schools as they continue to meet the needs of a certain type of student. While this might be an easier approach when attempting to educate a larger number of students in a big school, it may not meet the needs of students who are less traditional and maybe non-conforming. What if you don’t fit into that traditional mold? What if you’re looking for something different? Something that meets your needs as an individual. This is the advantage a small PUBLIC-TUITION FREE Charter School can offer. We have a smaller staff to student ratio on purpose. Our class sizes are designed to be small on purpose. We believe we can help those students who need to reconnect to their education. We also believe we can help those students who need more or who believe in having more control over their education. If you are a student who needs a place you can feel that you belong, are wanted and can find empowerment, then New Century Academy is the school for you! If you are a parent who wants their child to find excitement and curiosity again in their education, then New Century Academy is the school for you!
New Century Academy will host an open house on Thursday, August 22nd for students and families enrolling or interested in enrolling for the 2019-2020 school year. The open house will run from 6 – 8 pm. New and returning students can pick up their schedules, reconnect with classmates and meet the staff. Students and families interested in checking out what New Century Academy has to offer, please feel free to stop in anytime during our summer hours from 9 am to 2 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Director Update: September 2018
Parents & Families of New Century Academy,
New Century Academy has kicked off its seventeenth school year in Hutchinson with great anticipation. Located at 950 School Road SW in Hutchinson, New Century Academy is a PUBLIC-TUITION FREE Charter School serving grades 7-12. In 2002 the school was opened on the Hutchinson Technology campus and completed its first five years of education in the Learning Center building located on Bluff Street. In 2008 the school moved to 5th Avenue into a new building built by local investors. Last June (2017) the School Board was presented with an opportunity to move into a larger space on School Road. This opportunity included a remodel plan for a full gymnasium, upgraded kitchen, an improved science lab and several creative learning spaces. The New Century Academy School Board was in full support of the move and students, families and staff have all worked tirelessly to create a collaborative and creative learning space. We completed a full year of education in our new home, amidst construction and at times confusion, the students and staff did an amazing job adapting to our ever-changing environment. As a PUBLIC-TUITION FREE Charter School, our world is always changing and adapting. The very nature of our efforts is to adjust to the changes that take place amongst our students and families. As an educational institution, we believe that it is our duty to meet the students where they are at, rather than always expecting them to conform to an educational system that hasn’t truly changed in 100 years. This is a culture that we have fostered from our beginning and continue to construct as we move into the future. After all, you can change the outside appearance of the package but if the present inside is the same, it may not excite you!
Students and families who choose New Century Academy have much to look forward to in this new school year. We continue to expand our extra-curricular activity offerings and are excited about these opportunities for our students. Our goal is to learn, compete and most of all, have fun together! Our fall activities include Cross Country, 6-man Football and Volleyball. Our winter activities include Boys and Girls Basketball and Archery. Spring activities include Archery and Trap Shooting. With the construction of a regulation gymnasium this last school year, students can enjoy the indoor space during practices and competitions.
Along with our extra-curricular activities we continue to work to develop unique and creative clubs that students can participate in. Students will again provide a Gaming Club, Photography Club, Yearbook, Student Council, Reading Club and Art Club. Our hope is that more students will show interest in Speech, Knowledge Bowl, Math League and a Rock Climbing Club. We have completed the construction of one of the two rock walls within the gymnasium. Students, families, staff and community can look forward to challenging themselves on the only rock wall available in this community and surrounding communities.
Students can also look forward to the continued development of our Work Study program where students can enroll in an elective course that will teach them hands-on employability skills. Students may select from the Food Service, Office-Clerical, Maintenance and our very own Coffee Shop! Students will work along with a staff member to develop essential skills needed for the work environment. The Coffee Shop is a unique experience in which students develop menu items, the associated costs and marketing techniques to conduct their business. All of the profit goes back to the shop and to student activities. Our goal is to have this Coffee Shop open to the public!
In addition to our Work Study program, we will continue to provide the same required course work that all public schools must offer as well as electives like trigonometry, calculus, STEM, Careers, Fitness and Activity classes, Band & Choir and various levels of Art. At New Century Academy, students have the option to enroll in online elective courses through Edynamic Learning. The program offers over 50 online elective courses. Our Band program, directed by a St. Paul Orchestra Director, will be in its second year of development. The first year of Band saw great improvement and tons of excitement. We look forward to expanding our Band program and attracting new, talented musicians! In addition to a typical Band program we will continue the development of our Music and Video Production program. Students will have the opportunity to explore these artistic areas through blogs, podcasts, mixing and recording music and much more! Students will also have the opportunity to explore college courses through our PSEO program.
As a PUBLIC-TUITION FREE Charter School, we continue to provide our Project Based Learning program. This program allows students to obtain elective and core credit through the development of independent projects. These projects are chosen by the students and can be developed around any passion or interest they have. Once the idea is in place, student embark on a project development process with an advisor and other students. Students learn project management skills, resource development in both community and print, collaboration and teamwork as well as refining their skills in evidence based research and presentation skills. Through the recent remodel construction, we have created two unique Project Based Learning Spaces on either wing of the school building. These spaces allow for students to spread out and get to work whether it be by themselves, in partner groups or small groups.
One of many great things about our staff is that many of them have worked in other professional capacities before coming to education. For example, we have employees on staff who have worked as an EMT, Orchestra Director, Athletic Trainer, Apparel Business Owner, Cable/Satellite Installer, Lawyer, Parks and Recreation, Early Childhood, Nursing Home Worker, Childcare, Military Personnel, Restaurant and Food Service Worker and many more! All of these employees share these experiences with students and use their past skill development to help students discover their potential career interests. Our staff knows that education is more than just teaching and learning, it’s about connecting with students and families and connecting them to the community.
It is our job as public education to serve our students and families, not the other way around. This has often been lost in many traditional public schools as they continue to meet the needs of a certain type of student. While this might be an easier approach when attempting to educate a larger number of students in a big school, it may not meet the needs of students who are less traditional and maybe non-conforming. What if you don’t fit into that traditional mold? What if you’re looking for something different? Something that meets your needs as an individual. This is the advantage a small PUBLIC-TUITION FREE Charter School can offer. We have a better staff to student ratio on purpose. Our class sizes are designed to be small on purpose. We believe we can help those students who need to reconnect to their education. We also believe we can help those students who need more or who believe in having more control over their education. If you are a student who needs a place you can feel that you belong, are wanted and can find empowerment, then New Century Academy is the school for you! If you are a parent who wants their child to find excitement and curiosity again in their education, then New Century Academy is the school for you!
Jason Becker, Director
New Century Academy
Director Update: April 2018
Dear parents and families of New Century Academy:
Spring and warm weather is finally here! I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the success of our school year. I will speak to you about some of our successes and some of our challenges. I will also take time to share our future plans and possibilities.
New Century Academy started this journey 16 years ago with the hopes of providing an educational environment that made students the center of their own learning. The vision for the school included students working together with their peers, teachers, family members and community to solve problems and discover confidence and ownership in their learning. This included the development of a Project Based Curriculum combined with the traditional methods of education.
Throughout New Century Academy’s existence this approach has evolved and changed with the leadership, teaching and learning styles of our students. This student involvement and choice in the learning model has always been a staple of our program. This choice extends to the enrollment of all our students as we are a public school of choice. This means that all students are open enrolling, by choice, from their home districts. We celebrate the choice families make each year to entrust our staff and programming with the education of their children.
I would like to take a few moments to reflect on the successes we’ve had this year and the plans for the future. It has been a busy year to say the least. At the close of last year we were presented with an opportunity from the ownership of our then building on 5th avenue, which we’ve occupied since 2008. That opportunity involved a well-known facility on School Road. Did you read that? ON SCHOOL ROAD! It had long been a frustration of mine that we always, from our inception, seemed to be tucked behind the industrial areas of town. From our first building on the Hutchinson Technology campus to our most recent building just down the road from 3M and the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Although these were good neighbors, it always felt like we were somewhere we didn’t belong. It felt isolated and although the building itself was sufficient, the opportunity to grow and expand was limited. I believe students never quite felt like they owned the space. This obscurity was made clear to me over the course of the last couple of years as Director. As I worked through the community more and more about the opportunity New Century Academy could make available to students, I observed three misconceptions by citizens who have lived in the community for decades. First, that we were a private school and charged tuition. Secondly, that we were a school but people were not sure of where we were located as they had spent very little time driving down 5th avenue. And third, that some citizens had no idea we even existed.
I’m not sure what more motivation we needed than what I’ve just explained. The opportunity to have a Public Charter School of choice located on School Road, right in the middle of the education sector of the community – was a no-brainer. The school board and staff took immediate action to explore our options and decide a course of action. Through the months of April, May and June we worked tirelessly to explore our options. Finally, we made the decision to move and realize the potential. This new location allows us 10,000 more square feet, a full regulation gymnasium, additional science lab space, property and much more.
I would like to thank staff, students and families for their patience this year as we worked through the series of construction phases. We recently finished the interior phase of construction and have only one item remaining pertaining to the exterior of the building. Although this process has had its challenges, the overall scope of the project has been a success and students and staff have enjoyed their new home.
There have been several new opportunities this year at New Century Academy. Our new home has allowed us additional space to expand our activities. We were very proud to host our first ever home basketball competition! We look forward to future basketball games as well as volleyball in the fall. This new gym space allowed us to add a rock climbing wall and stage with a connected shower room. This will allow for increased activity opportunities for students within their physical education classes and future performing arts. With the help of our Activities Director Josh Krych, we have continued our archery program and added a trap shooting team. Students are very excited about these opportunities and we all look forward to watching them compete. Next school year we will be competing in 6 man football and are very excited to offer this activity.
Another highlight is the cafeteria space and kitchen which provides unique sitting areas and, with the help of our amazing food service director, unique opportunities to learn food service job skills and provide a service back to the school. I believe those of us who have eaten the food would all agree that it is amazing! In addition, students are realizing new job skill learning through our coffee shop, office and maintenance work study program. During second semester, students and staff have been working in our new science lab and I’ve heard many compliments on the design and equipment available for learning. I can honestly say that students and staff have embraced our new building and feel a larger sense of ownership in our new home.
The school has also realized new programming and the addition of several new staff members. We hired a new math teacher, Mrs. Stansbury, and a new instructional coach for students, Ms. Mumford. These efforts centered around our declining performance in the area of math. Both of these individuals have been great additions and have worked hard with students to help them improve. It will take some time to reach our goals and I feel very confident that the teaching and learning in this department will make that happen. In the area of reading, Mrs. Haugen continues to be influential in our continuous improvement and her efforts along with the students resulted in an increase in our academic performance. Mrs. Haugen, along with teachers and support staff across the curriculum, will continue to find ways to collaborate and combine our efforts in reading to help students realize their full potential.
Another first for New Century Academy was the addition of a music teacher who specializes in band and orchestra. Mr. Carvell has done an amazing job in cultivating interest and starting our first band! I have been very pleased to see the interest and talent of our students in this area. Again, this will take time to develop this program and I’m confident this will be an area of interest for our students as we move forward.
All of our teachers and support staff work hard each day to create a welcoming environment that supports students mental health, confidence, sense of belonging and progress toward the purpose of secondary education which is a well-rounded person, able to graduate and move into the community as a contributing member.
I would like to share my gratitude for taking the time to read this update and for all that you do to support us during the year. This is the time to celebrate a year that is coming to a close, and expectations of a new year rapidly approaching. Our staff eagerly anticipates the challenges, growth, successes, lessons learned, and triumphs that will occur in the next school year. We look forward to serving families and students for many years to come. Thank you.
Jason Becker, Director
Kathy Prellwitz, School Board Chair
Director Update: School Start Date Change
August 29, 2017
Dear Valued Parents and Families of New Century Academy:
Welcome all of you to a new school year and a new horizon for New Century Academy! I, Jason Becker and Board Chair, Kathy Prellwitz, would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we move forward in our new building with exciting possibilities. We are writing this email to inform all of you of the progress we have made as we approach the start of a new school year at New Century Academy.
We have all been working very diligently to execute the remodeling and construction of our new building. This process involves the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, including the plumbing and mechanical departments. These departments are involved in the approval of our construction plans. Once approved, the City of Hutchinson issues permits to allow the various levels of construction.
The original plans were submitted for approval in early June. Unfortunately, it took until August 11th to receive approval for construction from the state. At that time, the state had not approved certain pieces of the mechanical and plumbing plans. It took several resubmissions before the state would approve the mechanical and plumbing plans. We received approval of these remaining pieces today, August 29th. While I’m confident we will receive a Certificate of Occupancy soon, we will not have enough time to complete critical pieces of construction needed before the original calendar start date of September 5th.
For these reasons, we feel, in the interest of student safety, that it is necessary to move the school start date to Monday, September 11th. This would then mean that we would move the school end date to June 1st. However, please know, these decisions are being made in the best interest of the students: we want them to start a new year in a steady and structured environment, as proud and excited as we are! I understand that this may change plans for some families, and I apologize for any inconvenience this will cause. Please understand that it is in our highest interest to start the year off conveniently with as much access to the building as possible. We value every day that we have with your children and will work tirelessly to prepare.
There will be a Special School Board Meeting held tomorrow night, Wednesday August 30th, at 6:00pm at the new school site on 950 School Road SW in Hutchinson. This meeting will be to approve a move of the school start date from Tuesday, September 5th to Monday, September 11th. This change in start date will be to accommodate the construction and acquisition of a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City of Hutchinson.
We invite all of you to join us for the special board meeting on Wednesday night, particularly if you have any questions or concerns. We truly appreciate your patience as we make this tremendous and exciting transition into a new spectacular location, and we truly appreciate your patience and commitment to NCA. We are so excited to be a part of your child’s future!
The Open House and Ice Cream Social will remain for this Thursday, August 31st. Student schedules will be available as well as the opportunity to meet new and returning staff. Please join us for a social and preview of the construction project. We look forward to seeing all of you!
Jason Becker, Director
Kathy Prellwitz, School Board Chair
March 2017
Parents and Families of NCA Students,
Happy Spring New Century Academy families! As we move away from another winter and into a beautiful spring season I hope this letter finds you all well rested and healthy. Students and staff have been working very hard to prepare for our upcoming spring assessments and the end to another successful year at NCA. All of us at New Century Academy thank you for your choice to attend our school and the privilege we have to help your students achieve their goals. It is hard to believe that Graduation is only a few short months away!
Conferences
Conferences for Quarter 3 will occur on Thursday, March 9th from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Friday, March 10th from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm. Teachers are allowed a one hour lunch between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm and will be unavailable at this time on Friday. Your child’s advisor should be scheduling a conference with you. This may be done through an email, phone call or through your child. Our goal is to have 100% attendance at conferences. Staying connected to your child’s education is critical to their success. Your child’s advisor is the point person and your first contact for conferences. All teachers are available during conferences, however you may have to wait to speak to a specific classroom teacher. For this reason, please check our website and reach out to your child’s classroom teachers if you have questions before or after conferences. Your child’s advisor will work to answer questions you may have.
Parent Portal
Please remember that you can set up access to the parent portal for updates on academic progress. Once set up, you can receive these updates through email, phone or other device. You can also adjust the settings to receive notifications about attendance, grades, missing assignments and other important information. This is a great way to stay connected to your child’s education and can be critical in helping us hold your child accountable.
Art Exhibit
New Century Academy students have submitted their art work to the Hutchinson Center for the Arts exhibit. The exhibition is open for viewing until March 9th. The Hutchinson Center for the Arts building is located next to the police station and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. There will be a reception on March 9th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Please attend the exhibit and support New Century Academy Art students!
Choir Concert
Tonight, Thursday March 2nd at 6:00 pm the New Century Academy MS and HS Choir groups will be performing songs in our second concert of the year. Everyone is invited. Please show up to support Mr. Sood and his students in their efforts. They have been working very hard.
All School Field Trip
This Friday, March 3rd all of the students and staff will be at the Minnesota Science Museum for a day of learning. This field trip is not optional and will count as our day of school. Any student who chooses to stay home will be considered absent unexcused. All students were given a permission form to bring home for you to sign. Please return this form before Friday if you have not already done so. The cost of the trip is $10.
MCA Testing
March 6th through March 9th the 7th, 8th and 10th grade students will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment along with all other students in the state. This is an opportunity for our students to show what they can do! We are confident that if the students put the best effort into this test, the results will reflect how awesome we already know they are! Please help improve your child’s chances by getting them plenty of rest and good nutrition. A healthy brain is a successful one. It is very important that your child takes the assessment seriously and performs at the best of their ability. Please have a conversation with your child about their approach to this assessment.
Future MCA tests will occur in Math and Science during the months of April and May.
Spring Break
There will be no school from March 10th through March 17th. Hopefully this will be a time of rest and relaxation for our students and staff.
Eterm
Our third Eterm will occur immediately following Spring Break. This is a great time where we get to know our students outside the typical classroom, learning things that may seem non-traditional but have enormous value in the development of the complete student.
Your child should bring home a packet March 3rd with all the details. Please review this document with your child and help them pick a seminar for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Students also have a chance to sign up for an all-day seminar as well. Your signature is required on the document so that we know that you approve of their choices. Some of the seminars cost money. Please know that we do work with payment plans that work for you.
We will also be offering a Driver’s Education course for the second time this school year. We need a minimum of six students to sign up for this seminar. The cost is broken up into three payments: $50 down at sign-up, $99 by the end of class, and $149 when the behind the wheel portion is completed. This has been a great seminar to offer our families. You get all the course work done in one week.
Family Nights
We had our second Family Night on December 12th at the school. Students, staff and their family members enjoyed an evening of free food and entertainment. Those who attended participated in a free game of bingo with prizes. We are so thankful to all of the businesses in Hutchinson and surrounding communities who helped supply the prizes. Thank you to all that attended.
Our next Family Night is scheduled for April 3rd from 6:00-7:30 pm. The free supper begins at 6:00 pm with activities to follow. Please join us for the festivities!
Annual Meeting
The 2017 Annual Meeting for New Century Academy will be held on Wednesday, April 19th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the school. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate our school year and to elect new school board members. Please let the school know if you are interested in a school board position. Everyone is invited to learn about the successes of our students and staff and to see what lies ahead for NCA.
Graduation
Graduation will be held on May 19th at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at the Hutchinson Event Center. A senior student picnic is also scheduled that day at 12:00 noon at Northwoods Park in Hutchinson. If you have questions about cap and gown or anything else related to this event please contact the school office.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message.
Jason Becker, Director
New Century Academy
October 2016 Director Update
Parents and Families of NCA Students,
Welcome back to a beautiful fall and another school year at New Century Academy! I hope this message finds your family in good health. New and exciting things are happening at New Century! We are working hard to help your children become positive leaders and productive citizens. Thank you for your trust in our efforts.
Conferences
Conferences for Quarter 1 will occur on Tuesday, October 18th from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Wednesday, October 19th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Teachers are allowed a one hour lunch between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm and will be unavailable at this time on Wednesday. Your child’s advisor should be scheduling a conference with you. This may be done through an email, phone call or through your child. Our goal is to have 100% attendance at conferences. Staying connected to your child’s education is critical to their success. Your child’s advisor is the point person and your first contact for conferences. All teachers are available during conferences, however you may have to wait to speak to a specific classroom teacher. For this reason, please check our website and reach out to your child’s classroom teachers if you have questions before or after conferences. Your child’s advisor will work to answer questions you may have.
Parent Portal
We will have someone available in the computer lab during conferences to assist you with the Parent Portal access for grades and attendance updates. Once set up, you can receive these updates through email, phone or other device. This is a great way to stay connected to your child’s education.
Choir Concert and Flag Football Game
This Thursday, October 13th the staff will be playing a friendly game of flag football with the students who have been participating in this extracurricular. The game starts at 3:30 pm. Please show up and support your students and staff!
At 6:00 pm the New Century Academy MS and HS Choir groups will be performing three songs in our first concert of the year. Everyone is invited. Please show up to support Mr. Sood and his students in their efforts. They have been working very hard.
NWEA Testing
This Thursday and Friday students at NCA will be taking the NWEA test. This is a computer assessment that allows us to track progress and growth in the areas of math, reading and language usage. This information is used to provide students with supplemental support and targeted services to help them improve their academic skills. Please help improve your child’s chances by getting them plenty of rest and good nutrition. A healthy brain is a successful one. It is very important that your child takes the assessment seriously and performs at the best of their ability. Please have a conversation with your child about their approach to this assessment.
Eterm
At the end of each quarter this school year students will be participating in something that makes New Century unique and a great place to learn. Our Eterms (Exploratory Terms) have become a great part of the education at our school. Students and staff participate in all types of learning opportunities! This is a great time where we get to know our students outside the typical classroom, learning things that may seem non-traditional but have enormous value in the development of the complete student.
Your child should be bringing home a packet this weekend with all the details. Please review this document with your child and help them pick a seminar for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Students also have a chance to sign up for an all-day seminar as well. Your signature is required on the document so that we know that you approve of their choices. Some of the seminars cost money. Please know that we will work with you with payment plans that work for you.
This year we will be offering supplemental reading support to our 7th, 8th and 10th grade students based on both NWEA and MCA standardized assessment scores. Each Eterm, students that are selected will have the choice of either a morning or afternoon seminar designed to help them improve their reading abilities as we lead up to the MCA assessment this Spring. Our goal is to have everyone reading at grade level. Please encourage your children to do their best if they are selected for this seminar.
We will also be offering a Driver’s Education course. We need a minimum of six students to sign up for this seminar. The cost is broken up into three payments: $50 down at sign-up, $99 by the end of class, and $149 when the behind the wheel portion is completed. This has been a great seminar to offer our families. You get all the course work done in one week.
Family Nights
We had our first Family Night on September 26th at the school. Students, staff and their family members enjoyed an evening of free food and entertainment. Those who attended faced off in a friendly game of Family Feud with the winners receiving prizes. We finished the evening with a prize drawing. Thank you to all that attended.
Our next Family Night is scheduled for December 12th from 6:00-7:30 pm. The free supper begins at 6:00 pm with activities to follow. Staff are working hard to receive and gather donations for prize drawings and a bingo competition. Please join us for the festivities!
Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Enjoy the few days we have left of beautiful weather.
Jason Becker, Director
New Century Academy
