Dear NCA Students and Families,
Happy Monday to all of you! I wish all of you health and happiness as we look to the end of the school year. Last week Governor Walz ordered all schools in MN to finish the school year in a distance learning format. Although this is sad news for all of us, this is an opportunity to be part of something that has never been done before! I know it is difficult, but we all have a choice to view this glass as half empty or half full and I’m choosing the optimistic approach. I challenge all of you to do the same. I know that with our dedicated staff and our resilient students, we can overcome any obstacle.
Distance Learning Transition
We will continue our distance learning plan until the last day of school on May 28th. We will continue to transition from a blended binder and online program to 100% online. This transition will happen by May 5th. As a staff we are discussing the possibility of repacking one final binder to be delivered with all materials for the remainder of the year. Families would then be responsible to get that binder and material back to the school by the end of the school year. Students with an IEP that require some form of accommodation in paper form will still receive materials in a binder form.
Internet Connection and Devices
We have done everything that we can do to assist students and families in securing a device and internet connection. If you still need a device or connection, please contact the school immediately and we will arrange a device or internet connection for you.
Graduation
There will be a graduation ceremony on May 29th. How this graduation ceremony will be conducted is still in the planning stages. Our initial thoughts are to have students and families of graduating seniors gather outside in the parking lot facing the building. A google meeting invite will be sent to all graduating seniors so that they can view the ceremony live from the parking lot in their car or designated space that would follow social distancing guidelines. Students will then, one at a time, enter the building with their immediate family and walk across the stage to receive their diploma. This will provide the opportunity to take pictures and see each graduate receive their diploma from a distance. Of course, during this ceremony all social distancing guidelines will be followed. More details will be shared with you as we finalize plans.
Days Off for Planning
Finally, MDE Commissioner Ricker and Governor Walz have ordered that Friday, May 1st and Monday, May 4th be used for planning days for school staff. This means that there will be NO SCHOOL on May 1st and May 4th. School staff will be planning and preparing materials for the remainder of the school year.
Thank you all for your patience and effort during these unprecedented times. Please know that we are working very hard to do our best for the students and families of New Century Academy. Stay healthy!
Jason Becker, Director
New Century Academy
