PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
What an exciting start to the new year for the Knights! We had New Knights Orientation and got to meet all our new students and parents and show them the ways of the Academy. We got to meet our teachers and enjoy Experience the Academy to hear all about the exciting learning opportunities coming this year. The PTO held our Back-to-School event at Fat Cats where we all had fun! Clubs like Drama, Chordify, Robotics, and Chess have started up and we have started earning our I AM IB tickets for demonstrating the IB Learner Profile Traits. September is sure to bring more fun and Fall Break will be here before we know it!- Nikki Wilfert, Principal
A new school year!
We were able to catch up with some of our teachers before theyear started and this is what they said they are looking forward to:
STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATES
This year your Student Council leaders are, President- Liam Zappone; Vice President- Eliud Kuria; Secretary- Emma Hirsch; Treasurer- Sydney Mitchel. Student council has been busy approving clubs and fieldtrips. If your representative did not ask your homeroom for Spirit Day ideas, make sure you ask them. Here are some important dates and activities to keep in mind
Experience the Academy
Experience the Academy or otherwise known as Curriculum Night is a way for parents to see what students have been up to. Parents get to come in and look at all the work that has been done in class. It gives an opportunity for students to impress their parents with projects that they have been doing. This year we welcomed our Mesa Academy families to meet our teachers and learn about our classes on August 17th. The evening was fun, engaging and included a quick Monsoon storm. Thank you to all the families that made it!
Battle of the Books
Do you have a love of reading? 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to sign up for Battle of the Books! Battle of the Books is a unique chance to indulge your love of reading by competing with other teams at our school, seeing who can get the most points from answering questions about the books! There are three battles; each with four books in them. The first battle has the books Danger in the Desert by Terri Fields, El Deafo by Cece Bell, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, and The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. The second battle books include Bunnicula by Deborah Howe, Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. And the final battle includes The Borrowers by Mary Norton, Eleven by Paricia Reilly Giff, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, and Rules by Cynthia Lord. Battle of the Books is a very fun way to engage your mind and incorporate your love of reading. It starts September fifth and the winning team with the most points at the end goes on to district Battle of the Books. If you have any questions do not hesitate to go ask our librarian.
NJHS
National Junior Honor Society membership is an outstanding opportunity to develop the habits and standards important to succeed in high school, college, and a career. Chapters in secondary schools across the nation strive to give practical meaning to society’s goals of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. NJHS is sponsored by Mrs. S. Brown and Mrs. Sandoval. NJHS held its first meeting and elected officers. Congratulations to: Saraphina Zhao- President; Emma Vickery - Vice President; and Lowell Badouin- Treasurer. During the meeting, 8th grade returning members brainstormed ideas that will guarantee they execute the club's goals. Going forwars, NJHS will meet the 3rd Monday from 3:55-4:40 p.m. in room 12. Our 2023-24 Induction is scheduled for September 14th. All applications are due on August 30th. Potential members were contacted the first week of school.
A Word from the Nurse
Keep in mind for all students to eat healthy and exercise. Don’t be afraid to ask the counselor if you need help with anything or if you’re just feeling depressed. Keep your mind and body healthy and do your best mentally and physically. Make sure to study and try to do well in your classes.
Mesa Academy Knights at Fremont and Poston
The Close Up trip to Washington DC and Philadelphia is a great opportunity for our 8th graders to learn about U.S. History and Civics. They will leave on May 12th and arrive home on May 17th. Close Up Capital Experience is a study visit to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia that gives students a short, active course in U.S. history and civics that is specifically designed for the interests and curricular needs of middle school IB students.
August 2023 Student of the Month
This school year, each homeroom teacher will pick a student that reflects a specific IB Trait. For the month of August, teachers were asked to pick a student that reflects the traits of a Thinker.
Thinkers exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems and make reasoned ethical decisions.
Thelo Lehart, Ryker Proffitt, Connor Zameska, Ugo Ubosi, Jane King, Hazel Cardall, Sienna Harris, Jacob Hidalgo, Hugo Ortiz Diaz, Marshall Moore, Alia Cluff, Rose Balck, Amanda Hinze, Lorelai Baudouin and Evelyn Karnos
PTO
One of the first PTO events/fundraisers to happen was Fat Cats! This took place on Wednesday, August 9th, and included multiple packs you could choose from, with activities such as glow golf, bowling, and arcade games. Near the entrance, you were also allowed to enter into a drawing for a $25 Fat Cats gift card. Fat Cats was overall a day of all-out fun for all grades who went. Thank you PTO for putting on a great back to school night!
PTO is asking for any staff Ttreat/snack Donations. PTO has a great selection of treats for our staff in the lounge. If you would like to donate pre-packaged items or fresh fruit, please feel free to drop it offandn let the front office know that it is a donation for the staff treat/snack area. Thank you for all you do to motivate our staff.