NVCS Frequently Asked Questions
Is NVCS a public school?
NVCS is chartered by the
Does NVCS have a religious affiliation?
As a public school, there is no religious affiliation.
How many teachers and students do you have?
NVCS has five full time, certified teachers, three specialists, and three paraprofessionals. They get to know each of the forty-eight students very well. We are a close community, and everyone feels at home at NVCS.
What grades do you serve and how many students are in a classroom?
We have approximately six students in each grade from 1 to 8. Two grades are usually combined in each of our four classrooms with class sizes of ten to thirteen students. Students go to classrooms other than their own to do work appropriate for their abilities and frequently participate in activities with students of all grades who share their interests.
What do you mean by “individualized instruction?”
To meet the needs of the student, we listen to the student and allow choices within a framework designed to help them master the process of learning. Would they like a music class where they perform with mixed ages? Would they like beginning keyboard instruction? Would they prefer to learn about the history of musicals in the 20th century? Enrichment activities and independent studies are available for students who have special interests or talents.
How are the children graded/evaluated?
The students at NVCS are continually being evaluated to help shape further instruction and practice. Some evaluation is formal testing; other times teachers evaluate their students by observing their participation and work. Parents receive notes every Friday highlighting the successes and challenges of the individual student. Three times a year, lengthy reports are sent home to parents and conferences are held to discuss student’s progress.
Does NVCS welcome special education students?
All students are welcome at NVCS. Our individualized program provides the challenge and enrichment needed for gifted students, as well as the learning support needed for students with learning disabilities. We have a cross section of the community’s students. Our diversity enriches our school. The learning support department of our school has a fulltime certified special education teacher and part time paraprofessionals to assist students as needed. Please refer to our Student Services link to learn more.
How do you determine what needs a child has?
Teachers spend the first two weeks of each year getting to know their students, using formal and informal evaluation methods. Throughout the year, further evaluation is completed as indicated by student needs or parent’s requests. See the section on Student Services to learn more about the evaluation process for students in need of extra support.
How do you meet children’s emotional and social needs?
The small, safe environment at NVCS with many adults who care about each child allows us to meet the emotional and social needs of our students. Taking long hikes together on Environmental Outing Days, joining enrichment programs with students with similar interests, participating in all-school activities are all opportunities to develop socially and emotionally. Counseling and direct social skills training is available when needed, too.
What about health and physical education?
Physical education, health class, healthy snack break, outdoor recess twice a day, outdoor activities during environmental education, and after school sports clubs are all designed to improve fitness levels of our students. In addition, we realize that some students learn best when involved in gross motor activities. Playing Renaissance football, for instance, teaches about the society of the historical period and helps students recognize the importance of teamwork.
What is environmental education?
Using the state’s standards for Environment and Ecology, we integrate learning about our environment into social studies and science lessons. In addition, we have weekly classes and fieldtrips during the fall and the spring to actually go into the environment we are learning about. Topics range from learning about our watershed to the endangered animals of
Do the children have other learning opportunities outside of the school?
Living in
What do you mean by “parental involvement?”
As a parent, you must agree with the mission statement of NVCS and participate in the mandatory volunteer parent program at the school. Parents of NVCS students volunteer 36 hours a year for one child and 18 for each additional child. Our parents’ contributions, such as serving on the board of directors, making snacks, assisting with teaching in the classroom, chaperoning a field trip, fixing the plumbing, doing carpentry work, or photocopying for teachers, make a big difference in the education our students receive. Attending parent/teacher conferences and helping with homework can count as half of a parent’s required hours.
Does NVCS have bus service?
Students in the SCASD are picked up at their neighborhood bus stops and delivered to the high school to be shuttled to NVCS in the morning. In the afternoon, they are picked up at NVCS and dropped off at their neighborhood bus stops. Students outside of the district may have transportation provided depending upon the distance between NVCS and their homes.
Is lunch service also provided?
No lunch service is currently provided. Students bring a packed lunch from home
Do you offer an after school program?
Each day after school, students are offered a snack, some outdoor recess, and a special activity. Activities have included such things as Irish Dance, drawing animation, RPG Maker, keyboarding, and active games. The activities change three times a year and are geared to the interests of the students participating. Students may sign up for one day or the entire week. There is a fee for this program.
My child is having difficulties in his/her current academic setting. Would this be the right place for my child?
No one school can provide all of the answers for everyone. However, our small numbers help us to identify student’s needs and then provide support. (See the Child Find policy on the Student Services link.) For students who have had a previous unpleasant educational experience, NVCS often provides the reassuring environment that they need. Be sure to get to know the school and the teachers before making a decision. It is up to you to decide if we are the right place for you.
What if I live out of the
Students from other districts may apply, but the law requires that students from SCASD receive priority in the lottery process.
What do I do if NVCS sounds right for my child?
The open enrollment period for the following school year is April. During that month, three open houses will be held for parents and children to visit the school and meet with teachers and parents. All applications are entered into a lottery in the first week of May. Students are offered positions in the school based on their number in the lottery. The application is on the website and may be downloaded and submitted at any time. To be in the lottery for the following year, applications must be received by April 30.
