Happy March to everyone!
I have always considered the month of March to be the most interesting. The temperatures can range from bitter cold to pleasantly warm with precipitation in all of its forms. March is also a transition month for educational operations. Administration begins to turn its sights on programming and budgets for 2015-2016.
We are beginning the work of prioritizing our S.T.E.A.M. focus to include resources, instruction, and the pursuit of educational relevance. We will also review our handbooks and procedures to best align with our mission and expectations for another year. March is a whirlwind!
Programming Discussions for 2015-2016
- Requiring career planning and diversified occupation classes
- Required student S.T.E.A.M Portfolios
- Activities Portfolio to include: Cross Country, Robotics, DECA, Mock Trial, Archery, Lacrosse, and Musical.
School Calendar – Board Approved
Everyone should soon have access to the newly adopted school calendar for 2015-2016. It should appear on NCA’s website.
Grade Reduction Revival Opportunities:
Students with 3 or more unexcused absences have the following assigned dates to earn their grades back:
- March E-term – (March 3:00-6:00 PM)
- April 9th – after school (3:00-5:00 PM)
- May 16 – Saturday – (8:00-12:00)
- Or, on any arranged day with the approval of faculty
Work-Based Learning
With registration coming up, it would be good to mention that we have a Work-Based Learning program where students take a Diversified Occupations Seminar. If a student completes the seminar successfully, he or she can be placed in an internship and earn high school credit.
Operation Glass Slipper
OGS was founded in 2007 by a local mother and daughter to distribute prom dresses and accessories to area girls who would otherwise not be able to afford this milestone event. This event is open to juniors and seniors and will be held on March 14 & 15 at Southdale Center in Edina. Students will have the opportunity to ‘shop’ for everything they need for prom at no cost to them!
If students are interested, they should pick up a registration form from Ms. Gohman. Students must make an appointment by completing the registration form.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Gohman.
Learning and Testing
Testing is right around the corner for students at New Century Academy. Testing is a way that NCA is assessed with the state. We need to take the testing seriously and ensure that students are prepared and ready on testing day.
- Seventh and eighth grade students will take the MCA Math and Reading tests.
- Eighth graders will also take the MCA Science test.
- Students in 10th grade will take the MCA Reading test and the MCA Science test.
- Eleventh grade students will take the MCA Math test.
The MCA Reading tests will be administered on April 23 and 24. The MCA Science tests will be administered on April 30 and May 1. The MCA Math tests will be administered on March 31 and April 1.
The eleventh graders take the ACT Plus Writing test on April 28.
In addition, the students will be taking another round of NWEA testing in April/May. Some test tips for the day of the test include: getting a good night sleep and eating a well-balanced breakfast. Let’s knock the testing out of the park! Please contact Julie Gesinger, District Assessment Coordinator, with any further questions at (320)234-3660 ext. 2062 or [email protected].
