Greetings From The School President
Hello Wonderful Families,

I would like to take a few minutes to honor Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and say that this a very special holiday for me, personally. Having lived through the turmoil and strife in our country in the 60’s while living in the Washington, D.C. area, his courage and message impacted me greatly. It informed the founding of World Academy in 1980 and has continued to burn brightly through the many of us who share his message today. It is my hope that his memory will live on through us all and be seen in every act of service that we do.

Have a safe weekend,
Kathy
Kathleen Nelson, School President
A Note From The Head of School
Greetings World Academy Families,

On Thursday morning, our Preschool Fours and Emergent Kindergarten classes performed for families and friends at their wonderful winter celebration and art display. The children have been rehearsing throughout the past few weeks working on important skills as they learned about following directions, collaborating as a group towards one goal, expressing themselves creatively and how to conduct themselves in front of an audience. 

We closed out the week with a recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Throughout the day, classes engaged in a variety of learning experiences which focused on strengthening communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, important 21st century skills, while recognizing the life and work of Dr. King.

The celebration kicked off with a collaborative activity as students in different grades discussed the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how students at World Academy can extend his dream of tolerance and acceptance among the world. Elementary students read the book All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman, and made connections with Dr. King’s message of tolerance and inclusion. Fifth Grade students read a stanza of the poem “My Own Two Hands”, inspired by the song by Ben Harper and discussed how they could be an influence in the world and help everyone to be treated equally. These are just a few examples of today’s activities, with additional highlights and photos below for families to enjoy.  

Have a restful weekend.     
Best,
  Lisa
Dr. Lisa Dias, Head of School
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Upcoming Weeks' Events:
  • Friday, January 18th
  • Grades 2-8 Lunch Program Order forms due for February
  • World Academy Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
  • Basketball Game at Hampstead
  • Boys: 3:00pm
  • Girls: 4:30pm
  • Saturday, January 19th
  • Chess Tournament at World Academy 9:00am-4:00pm - Checkmate!
  • Week of January 21st - No Dance This Week, National School Choice Week 
  • Monday, January 21 
  • World Academy CLOSED In Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Wednesday, January 23rd 
  • Recognition and Award Assembly 8:45am - "Tolerance" – Ms. Hill & Mrs. Novak’s Third Grades 
  • Future Kindergarten Open House Night 4:30-6:00pm 
  • Thursday, January 24th 
  • Future Grades 5-8 Step Up Day 9:00-11:00am
  • Staff Paint & Sip Night 6:15pm 
  • Basketball Game vs. Deering 
  • Boys @ 3:30
  • Girls @ 5:00

The Next Week Preview: Safety Committee Meeting, BOKS, Coffee and Conversations 
Chess Club Upcoming Event 
World Academy will be hosting a NH Scholastic Chess Tournament on Saturday, January 19th from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Best of luck to Mr. Kilgour and some of his Chess Club members who will be participating in this event! Go, NorthStars!
To Our Preschool Fours/EK Parents...

You're invited to our “Future Kindergarten Open House” on  Wednesday, January 23rd from 4:30 to 6:00pm in our Middle School Core area. This event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our school’s educational programs and the intentional “Roadmap to Success” that each World Academy student follows. You will also have the chance to connect with our passionate teachers who provide our students with personalized curriculum to individually challenge each student to learn and grow to his/her maximum potential. There will be a short presentation during the event that will begin promptly at 5:00pm. Please address any questions to Marie Kirk, Principal at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on the twenty-third of January.

Check out our video invite for why continuing a World Academy education for Kindergarten through Grade 8 is the right choice for your child!
We also have another special Open Houses for our Entering K to Grade 4 families to learn more about the next level on Wednesday, February 6th from 4:30-6:00pm in the Middle School Core!

Both of these Open Houses take place during our operating hours, so your child can remain in care while you get a chance to speak with the teachers and administration! We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Middle School students will get to experience their next class level on Thursday, January 24th on Middle School Step Up Day! Our students Entering K to Grade 4 will have their own Step Up Day on February 21st!
2019 RE-REGISTRATION NOTE
Information Regarding Re-Registration For The 2019-2020 School Year
As we unveil the next phase of our RenWeb/FACTS system, our re-registration will be taking place ONLINE, making it easier for families to complete. This process is something that many families have been asking for, and we are excited to be moving our systems and processes into the 21st century. We are currently working behind the scenes with RenWeb/FACTS to get the registration portal ready to launch the second week of February. Going digital will streamline the process, allowing us to shorten the re-registration period to two weeks. More details to follow in the next few weeks.
To our ECE families in preparation for re-registration...

Our K-8 families have had access to a ParentsWeb via the internet or RenWeb app. RenWeb’s ParentsWeb is a private and secure parents’ portal that allows parents to view information specific to their child, while protecting their child’s information from others. Using this portal, parents may view the school calendar, school announcements, teacher email addresses, class information, as well as other useful school information.

We will be using RenWeb for re-registration, which requires parents to create an account.

Here’s how to access our easy-to-use RenWeb ParentsWeb:
  • Make sure that the school has your email address in RenWeb
  • In your web browser, go to www.renweb.com and click “Logins”
  • Type the school’s District Code: wa-nh
  • Click “Create New ParentsWeb Account”.
  • Type your email address and click “Create Account”. An email will be sent which includes a link to create your ParentsWeb login. The link is active for 6 hours.
  • Select the “Click to Create your ParentsWeb Login” link.
  • A web browser displays your Name and RenWeb Person ID.
  • Type a User Name, Password, and Confirm the password.
  • Click “Save User Name and/or Password”. A message displays at the top of the browser, “Username/Password successfully updated.” You may now log in to ParentsWeb using your new Username and Password.

The RenWeb/FACTS app is available via the Apple App Store or Google Play for download. We are always available to help if you need it! Please contact [email protected] with any questions!
Reminders & Requests
From The PTO
The PTO is seeking any parent/person with expertise in the sport of cricket to help us coordinate a Cricket Fellowship Event at World Academy this spring. If you have any interest, or know of anyone who might be able to help, please email the PTO at [email protected]. Thank you!
Uniform Store
In the next few weeks we will be launching our online uniform store via Red Brick which will carry many new items that will become part of our Middle School Uniform Policy for the 2019-2020 school year. We have had some interest from students for items, such as our plaid skirt and comfortable gym uniforms. These items will be available for purchase this month for any student who would like to incorporate them into their wardrobe this year and before they become required next year. More details regarding the updated Middle School Uniform Policy for 2019-2020 will be available with re-registration.   
NorthStars Nation
Basketball Update
Our NorthStars Basketball Teams both won against Weare yesterday and Hampstead this afternoon! We look forward to our last home game is next Thursday against Deering (Boys at 3:30, Girls at 5pm). Please join us to cheer on our NorthStars!! Our next games after that will be the playoffs! Yeah!! Go, NorthStars!!
We ask that families attending the home games to PLEASE park at the top of the Grace Lutheran parking lot to leave the front and side lots as temporary parking for our families that are picking up their students from our Early Childhood and Afterschool programs. Thank you for your cooperation with this!!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations
Our celebration kicked off with a number of collaborative activities among the students. Each Middle School class reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful message of equality and human potential through some of his most inspirational quotes. With this activity, they had the opportunity through a collaborative and engaging discussion to compose a paragraph with the meaning of each quote. To end this celebratory week, Mrs. Hulfachor led a presentation with a video on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and invited all students to continue to carry on and act on Dr. King’s message for a better world.
Mrs. Hulfachor read the Elementary students the book All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman, which makes connections with Dr. King’s message of tolerance and inclusion.  
Finally, all World Academy students collaborated on a “I Have A Dream” wall poster that included students’ words and phrases inspired by Dr. King’s famous speech on August 28, 1963, in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.
Miss Danielle and Miss Paula's Preschool Threes class read two age-appropriate books about Martin Luther King, Jr., which opened up the discussion to being kind and inclusive to others, followed by singing Jack Hartmann's "Rise Up: MLK Day", and coloring a hand that had a poem next to it. 
Kindergarten
Mrs. Tully students read the stories "Amazing Grace" and “Martin’s Big Words”. Students discussed how they can be anything they want to be, as well as, how to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of everyone being friends. Students viewed “MLK: The King and His Dream” and completed a non-fictional piece of writing. The students wrapped up their day with writing about their dreams and reading a poem about Dr. King to put into their Interactive Notebooks.
Mrs. Spaulding’s class was introduced to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by reading stories and discussing why MLK Day is celebrated. Students engaged in discussion about the importance of treating others with respect. As Kindergarten students learning how to express wants and needs with their peers, students thought about the difference between being a peacemaker and a peacebreaker. Students voiced how they could make the world a better place by writing about something they could do at school, at home or in the community.   
First Grade 
Mrs. Tucker’s First Graders have been reading books that discuss peace and kindness in preparation for MLK day. As it approached, the class read specifically about Martin Luther King Jr. and how his life decisions have impacted so many others. Students enjoyed an age-appropriate video and had a class discussion on being kind when it may not be easy and standing up for what you believe in. Students worked collaboratively to complete Scholastic News centered around Dr. King and then individually completed a writing piece on what they learned from the discussions.

Mrs. Guidoboni’s class read Martin Luther King by David Adler, and discussed solving problems peacefully and fairly. The students made paper plate doves as a sign of peace and wrote letters to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Second Grade
Mrs. Stone’s and Mrs. Chiccarelli’s classes participated in an egg experiment that focused on how two different color eggs looked the same inside. The classes discussed how it doesn’t matter what the outside looks like, we are all the same inside and should all be treated equally. The students also read a Scholastic News: A Hero in the Family, based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Third Grade
Both Third Grade classes discussed Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech. The students talked about what it means to be equal and the importance of treating all people fairly. Using the Epic Books digital library, students did some research about Martin Luther King, Jr. and collaborated to come up with ideas about ways they could make a difference. The students also learned and performed a play, "The Story of a Dream", based on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. 
Fourth Grade
The Fourth Grade read some informational articles and watched some video clips about Martin Luther King Jr. related to his famous "I Have A Dream" speech. After watching, students brainstormed some of the words that stood out to them and that were important to Dr. King. The classes also read Martin’s Big Words and discussed how one person can make a difference in the world-and added words to a classroom brainstorm list, where each student then chose a word and wrote about their hope for the world on a card, which was attached to a mini world the students each made for a class mobile that illustrated the group's hopes and dreams for the world.
Fifth Grade
During ELA with Miss Bishop, the Fifth Graders read a stanza of the poem “My Own Two Hands”, inspired by the song by Ben Harper. They discussed how the could be an influence on the world and help everyone to be treated equally. The students then mixed paint combinations with the hands of a partner to demonstrate that no matter how different the people working together are, the outcome can be the same positive result. The paint-covered hands of the students were pressed on a large piece of poster board to create the shape of a heart. Outside of the heart, the students wrote words of encouragement for peace and how to create equality in their world.
Mrs. Arling's Social Studies class listened to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s “All Life is Interrelated” speech from the Global Oneness Project and examined and reflected on the content as part of the Colonial Period rise of slavery in the colonies. The students reacted in picture form to the theme, and chose two prompts to work with: "We must learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to perish together as fools." and "What affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
WIth Miss Ramapriya and Mrs. St Lawrence, the students worked in groups to each research a different iconic picture of the Civil Rights movement and presented their findings to the class.
Sixth Grade
Mrs. Arling's Social Studies class watched the TED talk, "Martin Luther King, a 5 Minute Biography" by Ben Dial to help guide students through open-ended questions relating to social studies themes in World History. The students worked to make connections to the similarities and differences between the cultures and time periods from Dr. King compared to the other ancient empires they have studied recently and their great leaders and movements.

Mrs. Hulfachor led a discussion about Martin Luther King, Jr. and shared the following quote from Dr. King, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." She asked students to reflect on this quote and explain in their own words, what the quote means to them. After a discussion, she asked each student to choose a word that they thought of when they reflected on the quote. These words and reflections are part of the large mural displayed in the Middle School.

During ELA with Miss Bishop, the Sixth Graders read a stanza of the poem “My Own Two Hands”, inspired by the song by Ben Harper. They discussed how the could be an influence on the world and help everyone to be treated equally. The students then mixed paint combinations with the hands of a partner to demonstrate that no matter how different the people working together are, the outcome can be the same positive result. The paint-covered hands of the students were pressed on a large piece of poster board to create the shape of a heart. Outside of the heart, the students wrote words of encouragement for peace and how to create equality in their world
Seventh Grade
Mrs. Arling and Mrs. Rubino's math groups worked on "MatHistory - Spotlight on Martin Luther King Jr." and in World History examined how Mohandas Gandhi, a philosopher from India, influenced the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.

Mrs. Hulfachor led a discussion about Martin Luther King, Jr. and shared the following quote from Dr. King, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." She asked students to reflect on this quote and explain in their own words, what the quote means to them. After a discussion, she asked each student to choose a word that they thought of when they reflected on the quote. These words and reflections are part of the large mural displayed in the Middle School.
Eighth Grade
In American Studies, students were divided up into groups and given a copy of Dr. King’s “The Other Americans” speech. After reading it in groups, students were asked to discuss what the speech was about and who Dr. King was talking about when he referred to "the Other Americans" and each group shared their thoughts on what it meant.

In ELA, students examined how Martin Luther King Jr. continues to influence literature today, and focused on U2’s song “Pride (In the Name of Love)” as a base for instruction.
Seen Around Our 'World'
We love to know what our students and families are up to outside of school! If you have something you would like to share, please don't hesitate to share it with us! Click here to email us your photos with details for us to post! We especially love to hear (and brag!) about student extracurricular accomplishments out of school! We love sharing ALL about each of our students!
Our Older Infants worked very intently on their painting creations this week! These very focused one year olds....
We had a wonderful Admissions Open House this past weekend! Our awesome Student Ambassadors represented the school so well that some of the prospective families wanted to take them home! We are so proud of this group of students and how well they represent what it is to be a NorthStar! The pictures below are of some of our these awesome students in the Entrance Hall, while others were already busy on tours!
We love how fun the members of our WA community are! Our Spirit Squad was working on team building exercises, when some parents and teachers joined in!
The Cooking Around The World elective learned about Cuba this week and prepared a traditional beans and rice dish! This awesome geography-based class exposes students to other cultures, traditions, and dishes while teaching hands-on cooking skills. It's always a delicious favorite of our Middle Schoolers!
Mrs. Tully's Kindergarten students and Mrs. Novak's Third Graders had Robotics sessions this week! The students loved collaborating on their robots and learning to code their movements!
The Middle School Ski/Ride Program for the 2019 Season has been off to a great start!! Check out these awesome shots from the slopes!
The students in the Middle School participating in the non-ski program took part in a team building exercise to build structures to help hold our friend "Harry the Puff Ball". There were winners for tallest and most structurally sound.
Students also tried out the rock climbing wall, complete with participation from Mrs. Collins and a Preschool Fours cheering section!
Our Second Graders practiced their paleontology skills this week as they carefully excavated the chocolate chips out of cookies using a toothpick and a paint brush. Students tried really hard not to break a chocolate chip as they uncovered them, with the same caution used when digging up dinosaur bones!
Our Preschool Fours and Emergent Kindergarten students did an awesome job with their Winter Celebration performances on Thursday! Students' beautiful artwork is also displayed in the Entrance Hall to showcase the winter-themed curricula the classes have also been working on. These projects demonstrate how literacy, mathematics, and creative expression activities are fostered in the pre-Kindergarten level at World Academy!
We love when different levels collaborate! Mrs. Tucker’s First Graders are book buddies with Miss Hill’s Third Graders, which helps expose the younger students to a positive peer role model demonstrate reading fluency with more complex stories, while the older students have the opportunity to develop social and emotional skills like patience and empathy as they work with their littler buddies.
We love that our school community ties deepen as classes across campus work and share together!
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