Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

This Friday, Elementary School students will have the chance to enjoy the fruits of their enthusiastic labor. Supporeted by the PTA and their teachers, students used pumpkins, sweets, spooks, and treats, to create their own small Halloween fest. It's Halloween, everyone's entitled to one good scare.   

Crepuscular Cinema in the Covid era- A Halloween themed Student Council Undertaking

To close off the week before the beginning of the long weekend, the NOVA Student Council, led by Co-presidents Jana Hristova and Jana Perusheshka, organized an evening film screening on Thursday evening (Oct 22nd). By watching the movie Corpse Bride, we agree with the famous quote from the director Tim Burton, “For some of us, Halloween is everyday.” Students arrived, braced for the chilly autumn air and prepared to follow health and safety protocols. Thanks to the audience, we were able to collect a donation for future projects. With it's first successful event of the year behind it, the Student Council is looking forward to tking on even bigger challenges.  

Donations for Special Needs School “Idnina”

Despite going virtual, this year's NOVA Family Bazaar, showcased admirable volunteerism through music and performances, and of course the cooking talents of our community. We are excited to share how donations from our Nova community following the 2020 Virtual Family Bazaar made a difference on another campus, Special Needs School “Idnina.” During our NOVA Family Bazaar we were able to collect funds which were used for upgrading four classrooms. Now the students of Idnina are using new furniture which will meet their needs. Big thanks to our Parent and Teachers Association for supporting the realization of the bazaar. We couldn't have done it without you, thank you!  

Meet Sara Milenkovska our new Communications and Alumni Coordinator

Hi Nova community! My name is Sara Milenkovska, and I will be joining Nova as the Communications and Alumni Coordinator. After studying political science, I enrolled at the Institute for Communication Studies for a degree in Management of Strategic Communications. As the co-founder for Stella, a women’s mentorship network, I firmly believe in solidarity and equal opportunities for all. Shifting my main focus to education, for me, is a way to contribute to long-term change.

AlumniTalks - Elena & Sare

Dear Nova community, today we share with you the sixth episode from our AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In this episode we are focusing on the education and career path of Elena Petrevska, who studied at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences in Germany (electrical engineering) and continued working in the years after, as an embedded engineer in Pepperl+Fuchs, a company for factory and process automation.

SuperNOVA Athletic Program

Even in these challenging and uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are committed to offering organized athletic opportunities to our students.Please take a look at the impressions from the start of ourSuperNOVA soccer individual skills and cross country session for our students in grades 6 through 12. (link)

Community Meet 5 - Assessment in the MYP program

We are organizing the fifth Nova CommunityMeet, this time focused on assessment in the MYP program. Join us on the 21st of October on Zoom for the discussion.

Canceled - SAT test session on 07.11.2020

Dear SAT test takers please be informed that the SAT test session scheduled for November 7th, 2020 is cancelled.

Teachers' Appreciation Day

Nova Faculty and Administration had an opportunity to reconnect, recharge and enjoy the nice fall weather over some coffee and pancakes in the City Park.This event was a part of our Teachers Appreciation Day activities in the school. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Nova Runs, 2020

It is a proud tradition in #Nova International Schools that we participate as a team in the Skopje Marathon. This year was no different, our colleagues: Ivan, Vale, Kimberly, Sasho, and Marjan took part in the Marathon and participated in the 42km relay race. They won 7th place, had loads of fun, and shared these quotes about the experience: “In the midst of all this uncertainty, running the 42km relay and taking part in a team activity, provided a semblance of normality. The ability to partake in the Skopje marathon with my colleagues was a great honor. I’m happy that we were able to keep the tradition going, and am confident many more will join us in May 2021.” – Ivan Novakovski The highlight of my first experience running on the Nova relay marathon team was feeling the support of my teammates; I was running not just for myself, but for my team. As the last leg of the relay I knew I had to finish in order to earn the medals for all of my teammates! I was excited to learn that our relay team improved our time from last year's mixed relay time.  – Kimberly Fry Together Everyone Achieves More. The reason behind this is that a lovely team, as I am lucky to have it, inspires and motivates you, and at the same time, you are more than happy to do that for them. – Valentina Joshevska Being part of 1500 participants is a great pleasure. This year was a special year. I didn't train enough; the weather was hot and I just was focused to finish the race. In the end we finished seventh which is not bad. That inspires and motivates us so I hope next year we will have time to prepare and fight for the first three places. Thank you, runners! – Saso Kostikj Despite the new conditions we are placed into, in regards to COVID, NOVA created a positive yet strong and competitive team for the relay marathon of Skopje 2020.  We all ran as one and deserved our medals in the end on a very warm October day.  The team feels great about finishing in the top ten teams on this marathon and it looks forward to running the Skopje Marathon 2021.- Marjan Peovski

Donate a device - NOVA PTA Charity Action

Dear Nova community, In partnership with Project Happiness Skopje and Nova, the Nova PTA is launching the initiative "Donate a Device" to support underprivileged children around Macedonia who are in need of devices for their virtual education. Project Happiness has identified 40 single parent families across the country who need our help to enable their children to participate in online learning. All donated devices will be checked by a technician who will make sure that the devices are ready for student use. In cases where the donated device has some technical issues, parts from several used devices can be combined to make one or more devices ready for use. As an organization, company or individual, if you have a smartphone, desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet that you aren't using, you can donate them through this humanitarian initiative that will make the education process easier for these children in need.  What to donate: NEW or USED -Smartphones -Desktop computers -Laptop computers -Tablets -Monitors -Keyboards Specifications:  -2010 models or newer -Laptops and Computers should have at least 2 GB RAM memory and possibility to install at  minimum OS Windows 7.0  -If possible please include power cords All donations should be dropped off at the Nova High School Security desk from now through October 20th. Nova will also accept online donations towards the purchase of new devices for these students in need. Please use this link to the Nova website where you can donate any amount to make a difference. Whether you donate a new or used device, or money towards the purchase of one, you are influencing the future of these young people from 40 families and their path to become educated members of our society. Let's do it together! Thanks for your consideration. Please email any questions to pta@nova.edu.mk. Your Nova PTA

Nova students learned about the life and work of Konstantin Miladinov

Nova students learned about the life and work of Konstantin Miladinov, through reciting his poems and drawing work inspired by them. This is some of their work.

AlumniTalks - Simeon and Elena

Dear Nova community, today we share with you the fifth episode from our AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In this episode we are focusing on the education and career path of Simeon Dukic, a Nova graduate, and a 'Boris Trajkovski' scholar, who holds an MA in Intelligence and International Security from King's College London. He also currently works as the manager for the Strong Cities Network for the Balkans and Central Asia, Institute for Strategic Dialogue, London UK. The student interviewing Simeon is Elena Karchicka.

Community Meet 4 IBDP Induction Presentation

Nova Community Days, volume 3

The Nova Community Days are created to welcome back students on campus. Yesterday, we had a wide range of events planned for our students, including: a morning hike up the Vodno mountain, outdoor artwork, IB students coming to campus for individual meetings with our faculty members, students coming to campus for three different Science Lab experiments, as well as meetings of the Nova (Newspaper) Club and the Student Council.In addition, Grade six students were welcomed on campus in preparation for the Secondary School's switch to Blended Learning, which begins with the sixth grade on October 5th. Over 60% of the grade level attended the walkthrough, learning how to safely move through the campus, and how to adapt to the new Blended Learning timetable. Based on the feedback from students, all are excited to return to campus to spend time with their friends and teachers. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Third Community Meet

Mark your calendars for our 3rd Community Meet, this time dedicated to our MYP programme. Tune in on our Facebook and YouTube on the 1st of October at 6pm to watch this event online.

Secondary School Students Community Feedback

Community Feedback from our secondary school students for weeks two and three of our distance learning program.

AlumniTalks - Giacomo and Luka

Dear Nova community, today we share with you the fourth episode from our AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In this episode we are focusing on the education and career path of Giacomo Bagarella, who graduated from Nova in 2009 and then attended Harvard University, where he studied Government and Psychology. He works for HR&A Advisors, a U.S.-based consulting firm that advises governments, private companies, and nonprofit institutions about urban and economic development projects. There, he specializes in urban technology and innovation and in economic development. Giacomo has also worked in government in Massachusetts, New York City, and London, and has a joint Master of Public Policy from the London School of Economics and National University of Singapore.

PTA, Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day

Last week at Nova the smell of popcorn was in the air. On behalf of parents and students, our Nova PTA shared their appreciation for faculty and staff for all their hard work and dedication over the first 4 weeks of school. You could see their smiles through their masks. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Opening of the photovoltaic plant in Nova

Yesterday, Nova International Schools hosted a small ceremony to mark the official opening of the photovoltaic plant installed on our campus rooftops. This project will lead the way for Nova to transition towards a more eco-friendly school. In the past several years, as a part of our Nova Green Initiative projects we have implemented: water filtration stations and renewable water containers, paper and plastic recycling, battery and e-waste management. We are doing our small part in lowering our carbon footprint, and educating our students to their own impact and contribution to overall sustainability. Check out the photo gallery from the event here

Opening of the photovoltaic plant in Nova in the Media

Benefits from installing a photovoltaic plant in #Nova

AlumniTalks - Nikola and Sara

Dear Nova community, today we share with you the third episode (a two-part video) from our AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In this episode we are focusing on the education and career path of Nikola Danev, a Nova alum with a BA in Biology from Columbia and currently a PhD student at Cornell in the field of Genetics, Genomics and Development. Nikola was also the Director and Chief of Operations of Columbia University's ambulance for 2 years, and as such was in charge of the emergency medical responses around Columbia and in the general Harlem area. The student interviewing Nikola is Sara Golakova, one of our 11th grade students. Part 1 of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h_IJpn8yfo&feature=youtu.be Part 2 of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_rH-FqGHtI&feature=youtu.be

Second Community Meet

Dear #Nova community, we proudly announce our second #CommunityMeet, this time on the topic of 'The role of SEL and Academic Counseling in Upper Secondary'. So make sure you join the presentation tomorrow, September 22nd from 3pm. The Google Meet links are available to the members of our community.

2.0 Nova Community Day

Dear Nova Community, this Wednesday (September 16), we organized our second School Community Day, this time around the concept of #Movement. Our grade 9-10 students were invited to take part in a hike to Middle Vodno, which began and ended at Nova. More than 60 students took part in this activity and enjoyed the hike/companionship. A second group of more than 70 students from our grades 6-8 students joined us on campus and participated in other Movement activities: a ping pong tournament, rope skipping, standing long jump, and going through an obstacle course. Our faculty and staff joined in on the activities, chaperoned the students, and made this day a reality. Big thanks to all on their involvement and participation.  Check out the photo gallery from the event here

[Suggestions] Tech tools for distance learning

Written by: Amanda Leavitt, Nova's MYP Coordinator.  Amanda is a professional educator with over 20 years of experience, teaching middle school students, on four different continents.  She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Tech tools for distance learning. 2020/2021 will prove to be a transformative year in education. One of the positive aspects of the current pandemic is that it has forced the global community to take a hard look at education. The current model, what can be termed the factory model, emerged in the late 18th century and hasn’t changed much since then. Our current model is focused on age based grouping, a top down management system, a schedule that mimics the adult working day, complete with factory bells signalling when breaks occur, and a focus on content rather than concepts. We have an opportunity to reimagine the current model and focus on how we can make education better. Distance learning provides us with that opportunity. Distance learning requires a different approach and work pattern for teachers. More time is spent planning and creating learning experiences than delivering content. For distance learning to be successful teachers need tools to create and deliver high quality experiences. These experiences do not have to be synchronous to be meaningful. Here are five great free tools that will support teachers in creating and delivering content. EdModo (new.edmodo.com) EdModo is a great, free, learning management system that goes beyond Google Classroom and is accessible even if your school doesn’t issue student emails through Gmail. Edmodo allows teachers to create an organized platform of resources, assignments and more. It has all of the features of Google Classroom and more. Edmodo has partnered with a wide variety of other apps to embed them into the digital classroom. You can easily assign Math and Science, and English content through the CK12 Edmodo app, Desmos, Jump Start Activity Center and 100’s of others. More importantly, EdModo created communities of practice, where teachers from around the world collaborate and share resources and ideas. They have a discovery section full of curated resources, discussion threads and resource banks. For teachers struggling with distance learning, EdModo has an entire collection of resources to support you, including schedules and workflow, professional development videos on tech tools and more. ThingLink (thinglink.com) Thinking link is a great tool for creating a rich multimedia experience. In a nutshell teachers can upload any image they want. From there they can embed additional video, audio, and visual explanations. It is a great tool for teaching Math, Science and historical concepts that have multiple steps or layers. For example, a math teacher can upload a picture of a completed problem. They can then embed video tutorials of all of the steps, sound recordings and more directly onto the problem. The platform is linked to Youtube, Google Maps, Soundcloud and other great sources for information. It also includes a resource bank of community thinglinks that can be copied and adjusted. EdPuzzle (edpuzzle.com) EdPuzzle is one of the most powerful tools for delivering content in a distance learning environment. EdPuzzle takes any video and makes it interactive. Teachers embed questions into videos. These can be short answers, multiple choice or free response questions. It works asynchronously and synchronously. With the live class option, it creates a synchronous lesson that allows students to pause the video and pose questions in the chat, teachers can pause and take instant polls, check for understanding and more. It provides data reports on student answers and engagement during the live lesson. In terms of asynchronous learning, it tracks the amount of time spent watching the video, records student answers to questions and if the student switches tabs then the video stops playing. The free account includes up to 20 videos. Flip Grid (flipgrid.com) Creating community in distance learning scenarios can be challenging. Flip Grid is a great tool, not only for class discussions, but creating community. The concept is simple. Teachers post a discussion topic, which can include a thought provoking image or video. Students then record themselves responding to the discussion prompt and can respond to each other within the thread. The teacher can choose to moderate the videos or allow free posting. It is a closed platform, so students are secure. If students do not have a school email address, teachers can create individual accounts and usernames for them. Decktoys (deck.toys) Decktoys is a powerful platform for delivering asynchronous learning that differentiates for all students. Designed to mimic a traditional board game, it includes lots of fantastic features. Teachers basically create a map of their unit, with content, activities, and more. They can then add different paths that include more challenging or remediated content. As students travel through the paths, they have automated checks for understanding. Depending on their performance, they then travel different paths the teacher has created. While time consuming to set up, the platform allows for a completely asynchronous high quality experience. It provides teachers with a wealth of data.    

After School and Language Institute Activities Presentation

We are happy to announce that the Virtual ASA program will start today, Monday September 14th.The Traditional ASA Fair can't be held due to the new Covid - 19 related circumstances and distance protocols. Please watch the ASA & Language Institute video presentation for a chance to hear from instructors and their assistants more specifically about their activity.

Inaugural School Community Day

The Secondary School at NOVA welcomes its inaugural School Community Day by bringing students back to campus. The day began with a light-hearted and good natured event themed around pet ownership, with new students and students in grades 6 and 9 being invited on campus with their pets. Students and faculty alike were involved in the morning's events, which included a dog talent competition.The afternoon was marked by NOVA's first ever GSA club meeting, which was attended by nearly 30 students.NOVA's new School Community Days, which are a response to the need to provide meaningful and safe opportunities for student interaction, wll be occuring every Wednesday so long as Online Learning continues.  Check out the photo gallery from the event here

First week of Secondary School during Distance Learning Survey Feedback

Dear NOVA community, we are sharing highlights from our survey on the first week of school during the distance learning, for our secondary school.

AlumniTalks - Julia and Sare

Dear #Nova community, today we are sharing with you the second episode (a two part video) from our #AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In this episode we are focusing on the education and career paths of Nova alums, and the speaker is: Julia Wohlers, a Nova alum, that now works as the founder and editor at ‘Brand of People Magazine’. The student interviewing Mr. Wohlers is Sare Ademoska, one of our 10th grade students that has created the questions and conducted this interview all by herself. Part1:  Part 2:

AlumniTalks - Dragan and Sara

Dear #Nova community, today we are sharing with you the first episode from our #AlumniTalks video chats. The idea behind this project is to provide a platform for discussions between our student and alumni community. In our first episode we are focusing on 'service learning' and 'community work', and the speaker is: Dragan Markovski, a Nova alum, former colleague of ours who worked as the 'Community Action Service' coordinator at Nova, and now works as the Regional Manager for Peace Corps. The student interviewing Mr. Markovski is Sara Golakova, one of our 10th grade students that has been involved in our community service program and has made herself an integral part of it.

(Testimonials) Professional Development: Radica Jovanovski

Radica Jovanovski has been teaching grades K-5 for the past 15 years. This year she is a part of the 4th Grade team teaching Numeracy, Literacy and Integrated Studies. On this link you can find the presentation Radica prepared about her professional development over this summer. Click on this image to view the presentation.

Meet Simona Naumoska our new SS Math Teacher

Hello #NOVA community, My name is Simona, I am 24 years old and my home town is Struga. I am living in Skopje for 6 years but I go to Struga and enjoy the lake every chance I get. I am an electrical engineer, with passion for reading, writing and swimming. I will be the new MS math teacher and I am very excited to be joining NOVA this school year. My family values education so much, so I always saw education as a privilege and to be given the opportunity to be an educator is such a pleasure. I attempt to teach with a passion for my subject so that my students develop a desire to become life-long learners. Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I am so looking forward to working here and getting to know everyone a little bit better.

(Testimonials) #NOVA Professional Development Opportunities - Julija Krstevska

Dear #Nova community, today we are sharing with you another video testimonial from our faculty members about the Professional Development opportunities in Nova for the academic 2020/2021. This time we are welcoming our English Language Arts Teacher Ms. Julija Krstevska, who shares her experience of participating in the July professional development training titled: Deep Dive Into Virtual Learning, particularly designed for English Language and Art educators.

(Testimonials) MYP Professional Development - Ana Hrstiova

Completing the IB MYP training was an opener to a wonderful world and I’m grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the MYP educational mission. What I love about IB is that it promotes constant and consistent development, international mindedness, inquiry and concept based learning. This program is focused on disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning which helps students connect what they learned with the world around them. It brings progress and gives space for creativity to both teachers and students. What I also appreciate in IB is the fact that the assessment here is a process, and that this program prepares students for their further education and for being lifelong learners. I look forward to implementing this with my students and keep on using music as an international language of communication in the world. Ana Hristova - Secondary School Music teacher

[Ceremony] 10 & 20 years of service in Nova

Dear community, yesterday we were reminded again that ‘alone we can do so little, together we can do so much’. In a small but emotional ceremony in our HS backyard we honored the people that have shaped this community and influenced it in its core.Dalibor Arsovski, Vase Despotovska, Tatjana B. Eftimoska, and Natasha Stojanovska received their recognition for 20 years of service in #Nova.Filip Nikolovski, Iva Ristovska, Goran Krkovski, Sonja Gjurevska, Silvana Stojchevska, Angjelkovska Lin; Shi-Ju (Kay) received their recognition for 10 years of service in #Nova.We are proud of the work our colleagues have done over the years, and we are happy to call them friends, and members of our community.Enjoy the gallery of photos from the event. (link)

Meet Kimberly Fry our new Social studies Teacher

Hi! My name is Kimberly Fry and I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade Social Studies. I am from the States, specifically from Vermont, and I just arrived in Skopje at the beginning of August with my family. I am very excited to be teaching energetic adolescents and to be teaching social studies during this time when understanding different cultures and perspectives is more relevant than ever! I love to swim, run, hike, and just explore the outdoors. This is my first international teaching experience, and I am very eager to get to know all of you and to be immersed in the Macedonian culture.

(Testimonials) #NOVA Professional Development Opportunities - Biljana Dalcheska

ake a look at this video created by our English Language and Literature Teacher, Ms. Dalcheska on her recent PD opportunity. Education has experienced many changes especially with the development of technology but this latest challenge with virtual learning has impacted everyone involved in learning and teaching. We can only assume what it takes educators now with distance schooling to provide the best learning environment for our children. That is why, regardless how experienced they are, teaching professionals are always thankful for every opportunity for professional development. This July, Nova International Schools provided for its English Language teachers to take part in an excellent training session entitled Deep Dive into Virtual Learning specially designed for English Language Arts educators by International Schools Services. It was an amazing opportunity to explore new ways to nurture students’ learning in online contexts and their content area experts shared practical ideas and solutions to support online language teaching as well as strategies and methods to refer to synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid learning, formative and summative assessments, activities and feedback that encourage and promote further learning.

Meet Boban Kostadinovski our new SS Math Teacher

"Teaching has always been my passion, the reason why I decided to dedicate myself to become a math teacher. Over the last 9 years’ I’ve gained international experience working with institutions focused on developing and implementing advanced educational programs across the globe. Possibility to make changes, provide positive impact, leading to increased efficiency in the overall learning process has always inspired me and has been the main motivation factor throughout my career. Therefore, I am excited to bring my passions, skills and experience to contribute to development of new ways of teaching to Nova International School, leading to student’s success in learning and enriching their knowledge.'

Meet Jasmina Todorovska our new SS Art Teacher

I’m a site-specific artist and a teacher. I graduated with two bachelor’s in Comparative Literature and Visual Art- Department of Painting at the University here in Skopje. I have been working in the fields of multimedia art through various methods as a: subjective mapping, storytelling, and sound portraits. I’ve been part of the various exhibitions, residency, workshops, in India, France, Balkans... I’m exploring the possibilities of using art as an educational tool as well as an effective tool for communication, inclusion, and self-development.

(Testimonials) NOVA Professional Development Opportunities - Iva Mickovska

Take a look at this video created by our English Language and Literature Teacher, Ms. Mickovska on her recent PD opportunity. Here is Ms. Mickovska's impression of this PD opportunity: The workshop I attended this summer, titled "Deep Dive", encompassed five Modulars:    -Pedagogical Approaches to Online Learning    -Assessment of Online Learning    -Building Community and Engagement Online    -Grading and Reporting of Online Learning    -Resources and Tools for Online Learning. Its primary focus was the SAMR model, i.e. how technology can act as a direct tool substitute (Substitution), as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement (Augmentation); as an authentic task redesign (Modification); and as a creator of new tasks, previously inconceivable (Redefinition). In addition, by understanding the difference between synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid learning, I now feel more confident to embrace the challenges of the new academic year, as this experience is not unique to us, but the entire world is revisiting the new teaching strategies and finding ways to grapple the uncertainty of the "new normal." What is essential for us as educators is to delineate new methods in order to engage and enthuse students in a virtual modality; to be more flexible and differentiate wisely; to build relationships and nurture them; and to compile a list of resources that will enhance the creativity and keep the students motivated.

Meet Hristina Cvetanoska our ES Macedonian language and culture Teacher

Hi, I am Hristina Cvetanoska, the new Macedonian Language and Culture teacher. I graduated Acting at FDA in Skopje, as well as Italian language and Literature at the Faculty of Philology “Blazhe Koneski”. Recently, I’ve completed my MA in Theatre Studies. I am a passionate reader, I love singing and dancing, I enjoy painting and I write poetry. Until now I have one book published - „Решетки и други заблуди“ (Grids and other delusions), awarded with “Karamanov” in 2015 at the traditional Karamanov poetry meetings. I love the mountains and my new challenge for this year would be – hiking J So, whoever finds this interesting - please feel free to join me in this activity, I will be more than delighted!

Meet Kristine Burns our new School Nurse

My name is Kristine Burns, your newest school nurse in campus. I will be working alongside Nurse Sandey and Nurse Anila to keep our NOVA students safe and healthy during this challenging academic year. I believe that our children need to learn how to be healthy, because they need to be healthy in order to learn.

Meet Ryan Craft our new SS Science Teacher

My name is Ryan Craft and I am a first year science instructor. My background is in behavioral neuroscience research and I have a fascination with learning and memory as well as the biological and chemical principles that occur in the brain. I'm looking forward to beginning the new school year and helping students develop an understanding of scientific principles.

Our preparations for the Blended Learning model

Dear Nova community, our re-opening plan for the school and our risk assessment matrix predicts three possible levels for the beginning of the academic year. Level 1 or the low risk level means that the school would be able to open using a regular schedule, Level 2 or a medium risk would mean that the school moves to a blended learning model, and Level 3 or high risk would mean that we are fully transitioning to distance learning.With this gallery we would like to share some of our preparations for the possibility of a Level 2 or a medium risk scenario, where the school moves to a blended learning model.In this model we will operate under the principles of:- Promoting health screening and healthy hygiene practices- Adjusting activities and procedures to limit the amount of personal interactions- Intensifying cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation of facilities- Communicating the safety protocols and procedures with the community- Encouraging physical distancing and reducing density Photo gallery link: Our preparations for the Blended Learning model

New Faculty and Staff Orientation

On Thursday, August 13th, NOVA welcomed new faculty and staff on campus for an outdoor welcoming ceremony and first day of orientation. Our group of new community members included 7 who were present in person, and two who were present virtually on a computer. School leadership and administration arranged an outdoor welcoming session, a campus tour, and outdoor & physically distanced luncheon. Our new community members arrived with full knowledge of our safety measures, and respected the safety protocol to the maximum throughout the day. After the morning session and lunch, orientation progressed to the virtual format. Organizers of the orientation day led new faculty and staff to separate rooms, after which a series of online meetings took place further to introduce new community members to their more established colleagues. Orientation for new faculty continues on Friday, taking place entirely online, with participants logging on either from the comfort of home or in separate and isolated spaces on campus. Though the "new normal" of the pandemic may be disruptive, NOVA stands ready to welcome and ready its newest members under the safest conditions possible. Check out the photo gallery from the orientation here