As another exciting Maine winter begins to lose its grip on us with the recent onset of Daylight Saving Time, we are now experiencing one of the milestones of every academic year: Spring Break. With this respite comes the associated reflection back upon all of the accomplishments of our students during these winter months of NYA’s 206th year. Second semester academic work is now nine weeks complete, postseason play was enjoyed by several of our athletic teams, the drama squad presented their impressive performances of Sister Act, and Studio Band completed yet another undefeated season with their Last Waltz (and a few bonus performances in Augusta). In addition, our seniors are inevitably beginning to envision their final six weeks of high school classes that remain before their service projects as they simultaneously finalize decisions about their collegiate plans for next fall.
As we all experience a well-deserved break, we commend our students for all they have accomplished thus far, knowing that the spring will bring even more excitement, learning, and growth.
Eric Austin
Head of Upper School
Here are some photos from Winter Carnival. Photo credit: Nate Smith. Enjoy!
COURSE REGISTRATION
A big thank you to all families who submitted their re-enrollments by February 29 to ensure inclusion in the upcoming course registration process. When we return from March break, these students will be working with their teachers and advisors to begin developing their preferred course selection for September. Soon afterwards, a schedule template will be designed to best accommodate the choices of all re-enrolled students. This will be an exciting time for students to begin thinking about next year’s opportunities!
SHOW YOUR LOVE
We are just a few gifts away from unlocking an extra $30,000 for NYA! If just 32 more people make a gift by midnight tonight, we will hit our goal of 500 and receive $30,000 from Board President Allen Bornheimer ’60, GP’30. Please Show Your Love and make a gift today https://give.nya.org/. Thank you for your support!
WINTER ATHLETIC RECOGNITION EVENING
At 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 25, we will come together to highlight and review our Upper School winter athletic season as well as recognize individual student-athletes who have been selected for awards by the athletic conference or their respective NYA coach(es). Winter coaching staff will notify you regarding other program specific end-of-season gatherings.
SPRING ATHLETIC SEASON
Spring season practices for baseball/softball pitchers and catchers begin the day we return from March Break, Monday, March 23. All other practices begin the following Monday, March 30. Please contact Athletic Director Kelsy Ross for more information and any questions in planning ahead for the spring season.
MARCH BREAK READING CHALLENGE
NYA will host its seventh annual March Break Photo Reading Challenge. To celebrate the new Learning Commons, which will no doubt be a favorite spot for many students, this year’s Reading Challenge theme is “My Favorite Place to Read.” Grab your favorite book and go read in your favorite place – a comfy chair, a tree house, a ski lift, a beach chair, wherever you like best! Take a photo or a selfie, and email it to Eliot Grady. All photo entries must be received by noon on Wednesday, March 25 to be considered. The pictures will be judged by a panel of faculty and staff, and a winner for each Division (Lower, Middle, Upper, and Faculty/Staff) will be announced on Friday, March 27 at Friday Forum and via newsletters. Get creative, have fun, and READ! ~ Eliot Grady
EXPERIENCE SUMMER AT NYA
Registration for Experience Summer at NYA is now open. NYA offers a host of summer programs for toddlers to age 15. Camps include a variety of sports, art, theater, dance, circus, magic, and more! Middle School students may be especially interested in the CIT (Counselor In Training) program. For those interested, we are offering a Safe Sitter course on Saturday, April 4 from 9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Sign-up on-line through camp registration. Register for camps by April 15 to receive the early bird discount!
NYA FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND ALUMNI OPEN SKATE
Alex Kloza and the arena staff have arranged for a series of open skates for NYA families and alumni . You are welcome to bring friends and neighbors. Helmets are required for everyone on the ice. No sticks, please. There are several options during our March break from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (see For Your Planning below).
CALENDAR RAFFLE FOR PROJECT GRADUATION
The senior class is selling raffle tickets for 31 different prizes, including cash, tickets to Chicago at Merrill Auditorium, and gift cards to local artisans. Tickets are $5 each or you can buy 5 tickets for $20. Prizes will be drawn each day during the month of April! You can purchase tickets from any senior or their family!
SEEKING HOMESTAY FAMILIES
NYA is always recruiting new families for its Homestay Program. If you are interested in hosting a student or learning more about the program, please contact homestay@nya.org. Here is a link to additional information about the program.
FOR YOUR PLANNING:
| 3/9-3/20 | March Break | |
| 3/10, 12, 17, & 19 | NYA Open Skate, NYA Travis Roy Ice Arena | 2:00-3:00 p.m. |
| 3/23 | Classes resume | |
| 3/25 | Deadline to submit photos for March Break Reading Challenge | |
| 3/25 | Winter Athletic Recognition Evening, Gym | 6:00 p.m. |
| 3/27 | End of third quarter (mid-semester) | |
| 3/30 | Spring Athletic Season Begins | |
| 4/1 | Dress Down Day for the Headway Foundation | $3 |
| 4/2 | Spring Parent-Advisor Conferences Begin | |
| 4/3 | Experience NYA Admission Event | |
| 4/8 | Dress Down Day for Tri for A Cure | $3 |
| 4/14 | Spring Strings Concert (grades 3-12), Safford | 6:00 p.m. |
| 4/17 | Spring Bring A Friend to School Day | |
| 4/20 | Patriots’ Day | NO SCHOOL |
| 4/21 | Spring In-Service/Lower School Parent Conferences | NO SCHOOL |
| 4/24 | Spring Choral Concert (grades 6-12), Greely Center for the Arts | 6:30 p.m. |
| 4/24 | Poetry Out Loud Presentations | |
| 4/28 | Spring Instrumental Concert (grades 6-12), NYA Gym | 6:30 p.m. |
| 5/15 | NYA Soiree! |
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook – North Yarmouth Academy Page, NYA Parents’ Association Group
YouTube – North Yarmouth Academy
Twitter – @NYAToday
Flickr – nyatoday
Instagram – Ben Jackson HOS
Instagram – northyarmouthacademy
