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Newcastle Elementary Charter School

It's a Good Day to be a Knight!

NECS Parent Week Ahead 8/4/25

Posted Date: 8/03/25 (4:00 PM)

Newcastle Knights News

Every Knight, Every Day
Week of  August 4, 2025



Colorful 'Welcome Back to School' graphic with school-themed doodles.

Welcome Back, Knights!

Welcome to the 2025–26 school year! We hope your summer was filled with laughter, adventure, and meaningful time with those you love. As we open the doors to a brand-new school year, we do so with great anticipation, optimism, and joy.

This year, we continue to embrace our school motto: Every Knight, Every Day - a reminder of our shared commitment to showing up for each other and creating a school community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired.

We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with our families. Together, we form a community that values connection, kindness, and the belief that every day holds an opportunity for growth and discovery.

We can't wait to welcome our Knights back to campus and begin another incredible year filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Mrs. Giove, Principal

A group of Minions, with the text 'WELCOME TO THE TEAM!' above them.

Welcome to our new staff members:

Marie Hanna - Art Teacher

Sarah Arnold - Classroom Aide & Support

Angela Augustine - PE & Classroom Aide

Tracie Colamartino - Classroom Aide & Support 

Jennifer San Paolo - Classroom Aide & Support 

Sarah Thomas - TK Aide

Kris McBride - Facilities Coordinator

Jorge Guzman - District Technician

Samantha Olson is moving from 3rd grade to TK. 

Please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome our newest Knights!


August 2025             
 

Monday, 8/4

  • Summer vacation continues

Tuesday, 8/5

  • Summer vacation continues for students

  • All Staff Professional Development Day / Office Closed from 7:30 - 1:00

Wednesday, 8/6

  • Last day of summer vacation for students - Make it great!

  • Teachers' Professional Development Day

  • Student medications are due in the office with a completed physician form

Thursday, 8/7

  • First Day of School! 

  • TK Orientation from 8:30 - 10:00 am on the TK playground - students will go home with parents at 10 am

  • K Orientation from 8:30 - 10:00 am in Kinder courtyard - students will go home with parents at 10 am

  • Grades 1-8 First Bell @ 7:55 / Release at 2:30

Friday, 8/8

  • ASB Candidates Meeting for leadership positions @ lunch in room 601

  • Grades 6-8 Electives Forms OUT


Knights Cafe - August Menu


Upcoming Events:


A calendar with the words 'Upcoming Events' highlighted in green.

Click HERE for all important school events



News:

Data Confirmation - By now, you should have completed the required Data Confirmation forms and received your child’s teacher assignment. Click HERE for assistance or contact Tami in the school office. 

2025-26 Grade level supply lists HERE


Let’s Sell It Out - Support 6th Grade Science Camp!


A red and white poster advertises a fundraiser dinner with a chef illustration.

Help our 6th graders get to science camp by showing up hungry and ready for fun! Join us on Friday, August 15th, at 5 pm for an unforgettable evening at the beautiful Newcastle Wedding Gardens. 


Enjoy gourmet pasta selections, fresh salads, homemade focaccia bread, incredible raffle baskets, an amazing dessert auction, and a variety of beverages, including local beer, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options.


Tickets are on sale NOW - let’s pack the house and show our support! Grab your tickets HERE before they are gone!


Back to School Night - Back to School Night - Save the Date!
Join us on Thursday, August 14th, from 5:30–6:30 pm to meet your child’s teacher(s) and kick off a great school year together!

This year, based on thoughtful feedback from both parents and staff, we’re shifting to a parents-only event. We recognize that this is a change, and we understand that arranging childcare may be challenging for some families. Our goal is to provide a setting where parents can focus on the information shared and connect with teachers without distraction.

To support all families, whether or not you're able to attend in person, we will be sharing each grade level’s slide presentation along with a “Things to Know” overview from Mrs. Giove, so you don’t miss any important information through the school website, and also connected to the August 18 Parent Week Ahead. 

We appreciate your flexibility and partnership as we try out this new format, and we look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Back to School Night SCHEDULE

Missing Immunizations - All students with missing immunizations must complete them by August 1st. The office has contacted those families who are missing the required shots. Unfortunately, students will not be able to start school on August 7th if they have not cleared their required immunizations. If you have not already done so, please turn in a copy of your child’s current immunization report to the school office.


Athletics - The league is still finalizing schedules; more information will be coming soon.

  • Cross Country - The Cross Country season will run (pun intended) from approximately September 8 - October 24 with Coach Eagleton

  • Girls Basketball - The season will be from approximately September 1 through October 24th with Coach Young.


Site Council - If you are interested in serving on the Newcastle Site Council for the 2025–26 and 2026-27 school years (two-year commitment), please contact Cindy Giove by August 22nd. We have one opening. Meetings are in-person on the first Thursday of each month at 3 pm. 


After School Enrichment Experiences - We are beginning to build our Fall After School Enrichment offerings. If you or anyone you know is interested in teaching a class, please contact Cindy Giove. Students are interested in a variety of activities, including but not limited to flag football, soccer, games, art, music (both instrumental and vocal), ukulele, origami, coding, STEAM, and so much more. Don’t be shy with your talents and passions.


Band - We would love to revive our after-school band program. If you or anyone you know would like to teach band, apply HERE or contact Cindy Giove. You do not need to be a credentialed music teacher to apply. 


Ongoing:

  • Every Monday we wear Kindness shirts; Every Friday we wear spirit wear and/or Newcastle Green

  • Every Monday is early release - 1:10 for K and 1:30 for grades 1-8

  • School Site Council/DAC/LCAP Advisory Committee Meeting 1st Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) - All meetings are open to the public

  • PTC 1st Tuesday of the month


Castle Connections - This newsletter is created by students, for students. Share the cool things your child does outside of school or interesting community activities with our Castle Connections Crew at baddision@newcastle.k12.ca.us or 2026ibrenesjones@newcastle.k12.ca.us


Dads on Duty  We’re looking for dads, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures interested in volunteering during lunchtime to provide extra supervision, engage with students, and help create a safe, fun environment. For more information and to sign up, use the link Dads on Duty Sign-Up Form or contact Brendan Hogan at brendan.hogan33@gmail.com or 530-613-1579. 


Newcastle Service Club Opportunities - Our 6-8 Service Club seeks opportunities to serve our Newcastle school and extended community. If you know of any service opportunities for students aged 10-14, please contact Mrs. Giove at cgiove@newcastle.k12.ca.us.


Library Wish List - If you would like to donate or support our library, please check out their Amazon wish list HERE.  


Community Partners:


Washington DC Club - This club is for 8th grade students. For more information contact Whitney Bell at whitneyjbell@yahoo.com


Scout programs are available for all ages. Contact Sarah Gillmore – sarahgillmore@gmail.com 


California State Parks Pass - Free entry for 4th graders and their families at 19 amazing state parks throughout the state. Mountains, deserts, forests, rivers … the choice of where to visit is yours.


Placer County Library - Resources and activities for adults and children. 


*The Newcastle Elementary School District neither endorses nor sponsors the organizations or activities represented in these documents. The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.


Links:


2025-2026 School Calendar

2025-2026 Student Schedule 

2025-2026 Student/Parent Handbook

PTC Important Dates

Independent Study/Attendance 

Online Student Safety Apps Information 



GO KNIGHTS!