Knight News

Academic Calendar

• May 8-9: Minimum Days with 11:07 Release Time

• May 8-9: 8th Grade Portfolios 

• May 5-9: Educator Appreciation Week 

• May 16: Spring Salsa Dance 

• May 17: Family Game Night 

• May 23: No School - All Staff PD Day 

• May 30: Final Rally 

• June 5: End of Year Trips 

• June 6: Last Day of School

• June 6: 8th Grade Brunch at 8:15 a.m.  

• June 6: 8th Grade Promotion at 3:00 p.m. 

Minimum Days →   May 8th and 9th 

• Overview:  All students will have minimum days during Portfolio Week. Dismissal is at 11:07 a.m., and lunch will still be available. Knights Landing will open early for students who are enrolled in the after-school program.

• Resources - Bell Schedule 

• Date: May 8 and 9  

8th Grade Portfolios →   May 8th and 9th 

• Overview:  Portfolios are a rite of passage at Leading Edge, and we are excited to see our students shine!
  Please support your student by reviewing the rubric with them and having them practice their presentation at home. At Leading Edge, we maintain high standards for this important work, and we expect each student to deliver their absolute best. We are confident they will rise to the occasion — they have worked incredibly hard all year!

• Details: After lunch on May 8 and 9, all students scheduled to present should report directly to the Library and wait there until it is their turn. Students who wish to change clothes may use the locker room, which will be available to them. Students who are not presenting on those days should either report to Knights Landing or leave campus for the day.

• Resources

  1. Bell Schedule 

  2. Grading Rubric - Review and Help Your Student Practice 

• Date: May 8 and 9  

8th Grade Portfolios →   Panelists Needed Now

8th Grade Student Portfolios are a significant milestone at Leading Edge, symbolizing each student's progress and achievements. They also serve as an opportunity for our community members to participate in the educational process. Panel members play a crucial role in this process by asking questions, evaluating student work, and creating an authentic environment.

​​​​​​​Sign Up Here

Who can serve on panels? 

• Parents and Guardians (except for those with 8th-grade students)

• Community Members

• Community Leaders

• NCS Staff 

• NCS Leadership 

• NCS Board Members 

What are panelist responsibilities?

• Review the Pillar Rubric 

• Provide an authentic audience 

• Ask follow-up questions 

• Score and rank the student with Leading Edge staff

8th Grade Washington DC Trip  →   Interest Form for 2026

• Interested in learning more about the Washington, D.C. trip?
  Karen Esparza, a longtime NCS parent and active LEAP member, is gathering interest for next year’s trip.

• 7th grade parents:
  If you are interested in having your student attend—or if you’re considering chaperoning the 2026 trip—please complete the form below:

• Complete interest form here! 

8th Grade Events→  Key Times and Dates 

• Overview:  This is a special time of year for our 8th graders. As they finish their last month at Leading Egde, we want to ensure that they are celebrated for their accomplishments and encouraged to extend their Leading Edge fodnatuon into high school. 

• All Families - Complete the acknowledgment forms! 

• Requirements for End of the Year Events - 

  • Students who are currently on Academic Hold or in danger of ending the term in poor academic standing may not be eligible to participate in some of the end-of-year events. If your student is in this situation, Dr. Lokteff will be meeting with them this week and sending home an 8th Grade End-of-Year Contract. This contract acknowledges that maintaining adequate grades and completing the 8th Grade Portfolio are required to participate in:

    • End-of-Year Trips

    • Brunch

    • Promotion Ceremony