10/19 - Hamlet 2:00pm Otello Meucci Performing Arts Center
10/21 - Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm Senior High Professional Learning Center
10/22 - Make Up/Retake Picture Day - Grades 6-8
10/22 - Parenting Through The Middle (Parent Education Series) 6:00pm Junior High Cafetorium
10/24 - JHS Halloween Dance 6th Grade 5pm - 6:30pm / 7th & 8th Grade 7pm - 8:30pm
10/31 - Spirit Day
Homecoming weekend is quickly approaching. We have multiple sports competing, alumni tent, royalty, and the dance. Be sure to save the date and shw your support at a contest!
Get ready to ante up for an unforgettable evening! Join us for Casino Night, a thrilling fundraiser to support Newark Charter School ~ and trust us, this is one event you won't want to miss!
Enjoy a variety of casino-style gaming tables for all levels, catering by Chesapeake Inn, cocktails and a live band. A variety of Silent Auction items will be available for bidding from your phone. Click here to make a reservation.
Will your business support the Casino Night Fundraiser with a silent auction item donation or naming opportunity? Check out the naming opportunities and program ad sizes here! Any questions, contact sharon.dorr@ncs.k12.de.us
MAKE UP/RETAKE PICTURE DAY 10/22
The Junior High make up/retake picture event will take place during the first two class blocks on Wednesday October 22nd. Retakes are no additional charge provided your student returns their entire original packet to the photographer that day. The ordering form can be found here and payment is due to the photographer the day of the event. If you choose to pay online, please be aware that the ordering portal will close 24 hours after the event. If you miss the deadline, late
orders will still be accepted by Barksdale. However, please note that late orders are subject to higher prices and include an additional ship-to-home fee for direct delivery.
Parent Education Session
We are excited to invite you to an upcoming parent session titled "Parenting Through the Middle", designed to support you as you guide your child through the unique and important middle school years.
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Newark Charter Junior High School Cafetorium
Presenter: Valarie Brown - Founder/CEO The Skills Connextion LLC
https://theskillsconnextion.com/
The purpose of this session is to provide parents with tips on supporting their children through the middle school years. This will include, but is not limited to, topics such as navigating academic expectations, fostering positive peer relationships, promoting healthy social-emotional development, managing screen time and technology use, supporting organizational and time-management skills, encouraging independence and responsibility, and maintaining open lines of communication with both their child and school staff.
Please RSVP by October 15th using this Registration Link
For more information, contact Chimere McLean @ chimere.mclean@ncs.k12.de.us
The annual Student Council Halloween Dance will be held Friday October 24th, 2025 in the Newark Charter Junior High School Cafeteria. This dance is for CURRENT Newark Charter Junior High Students only.
6th grade dance will be 5:00pm-6:30pm
7th & 8th grade dance will be 7:00pm-8:30pm
Sixth graders must be picked up promptly at 6:30pm and 7th and 8th graders may not be dropped off until 7pm.
Tickets will be $5 each and will be sold in the cafeteria during lunches from October 20th through October 24th. Glow items and bottled water will be available for purchase at the dance for $1 each.
Please sign up to donate items, decorations or chaperone here:
Junior High Halloween dance sign up
Costume contests for:
Overall best costume
Best group
Scariest
Most original
Funniest
Best duo
Costume rules:
Face must be visible (no masks or face coverings)
No costume guns, knives, swords, spears, bats, sticks or any items that represent weapons. No items that could endanger other people such as pitch forks, hockey sticks, etc.
Students must wear costumes that are appropriate for a Jr. High School dance.
Students may not wear a double costume (2 people in one costume).
No costume items that can hold a drink (baby bottles, pacifier, etc.)
No costumes or accessories with wheels are allowed.
No fake blood.
Newark Charter Intermediate School will proudly present Frozen, KIDS in November 2025. More information will be shared in the coming weeks regarding ticket sales for this amazing production!
Newark Charter Theatrical Productions 25-26 Season
The Governor of Delaware has designated October as Disability History and Awareness Month. To celebrate and continue raising awareness for individuals with all types of disabilities, students are invited to participate in the Statewide Poster Contest.
We encourage students from all schools to take part in this meaningful initiative! Please review this flyer for poster specifications, contest rules, and submission details. All posters must be postmarked by Friday, November 28 to be considered.
Interested in learning more? Here are some resources for various age groups and audiences:
All My Different Friends at School Picture Book: This book, created by Delaware educators and students, introduces children to the differences that make them and their friends unique.
Disability History Museum: The Disability History Museum’s Library an online, digital archive aiming to expand knowledge and understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities in the United States.
Check out this menu of activities organized by age group that parents and teachers can use throughout the month to bring awareness to this year’s theme — “We Are All in This Together.”
Parent Council Meeting- November 19, 2025 at 6:00 in the Junior High Library
Featuring Nicole Zehnder , an Education Specialist, Autism Resources from DOE
Congratulations to all the 6th - 8th grade peers and athletes who participated in our Special Olympics Bocce Ball on October 16th!
We had a great day full of fun, teamwork and good sportsmanship! Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and parents for all their support and to the parents who were able to come cheer us on at the event.
I hope everyone is having a great start to the new school year. A few health reminders:
-Each year a new action plan is required for students with asthma, life threatening food allergies, seizures, diabetes, migraines, or any other chronic medical diagnoses. Please provide this to the nurse as soon as possible. Action plans, permission forms, and self carry forms may be located on the school website under health information:
https://newarkcharterschool.org/health-information
-Please note that routine AM medications should be administered at home prior to the student's school day.
-Health screenings are underway here in the Junior High School. 7th graders receive vision, hearing, and postural/ gait screenings. 8th and 6th graders receive postural/ gait health screenings. A letter will be sent home if there are any concerns or need for follow up with your child's health care provider.
-The health office is in need of girl uniform donations. If your child has outgrown their uniforms, please consider donating to the health office.
-Please make sure if you have not completed your child's emergency form to complete ASAP. If you need another copy, please email me at tara.barrow@ncs.k12.de.us
SUPPORTING KIDDS
Supporting Kidds is offering a grief group during the school day at no cost for students. The group will meet for 45 minutes 6 times in the Fall and then 6 times in the late Winter or Spring. We requested a time slot during activity period so that students won’t miss much class time. If you would like your child to participate, please scan the code above or on the attached description of the program. If your child would like to participate please complete the following steps: 1. Scan the QR code on the Supporting Kidds program description above and fill in all information for Supporting Kidds. 2. Send a picture of your child’s loved one to kathleen.koonz@supportingkidds.org for a personalized gift keepsake that the students will create.
For more information about Supporting Kidds go to supportingkidds.org Please feel free to reach out to your child’s grade level School Counselor with any questions.
Darlene.Daulerio@ncs.k12.de.us 6th grade
Military-Connected Youth refers to a student who has an immediate family member, including a parent, step-parent, sibling, or any other person residing within the child's housebold, who is on active duty, serving in the reserves, or is recently retired from a US Branch of the United States Armed Forces.
In being compliant with Delaware Admin Code 932.3.1 and 932.3.2, districts and charter schools shall include a military-connected identifier as part of its annual enrollment process.
If your child qualifies as a Military-Connected Youth, please contact the school and notify our administrative assistants in the office.
For more information on Military-Connected Youth, please visit the following links provided by the Delaware Department of Education
Diwali is a major Hindu, Jain and Sikh holiday that celebrates new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness. The festival is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by people of South Asian ancestry and others around the world. This year, Diwali will occur October 18th-23rd with the main day being Monday, October 20th. Click the link below to see a video about Diwali
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Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. This three-day Mexican holiday honors deceased friends and family members with celebrations and prayers. Click the link below to see a video about Dia de los Muertos
Winter sports season at the Junior High School will be here before we know it! We are very lucky to have some wonderful sports opportunities for our students! We have supportive and knowledgeable coaches for all of our sports!
Newark Charter School will field Junior High School teams in the following fall sports:
Wrestling
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball (A and B team)
Tryout information will be shared in the coming weeks, but will start during the week of November 17th.
The most important first steps for families to take are:
Register your child on Snap Manage (choose the sports they are interested in playing)- THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP- if your child is not registered for a sport, they will not show up on the coaches roster as an athlete that is trying out and therefore will NOT be allowed to tryout. Tryout lists are generated from this registration. There will no longer be a google interest form as in past years.
Submit their DIAA physical on Snap Manage for Newark Charter Jr. High - ALL PHYSICALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MONDAY NOVEMBER 3rd so that they can be reviewed. Please make sure you are registering your child on the JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Page if they are trying out for a team at the Junior High School. Detailed instructions are linked here!
**Please understand that we have hundreds of students that try out for fall sports. If you submit your physical after November 3rd there is no guarantee that your child will be cleared in time to participate in tryouts therefore they would not be eligible to participate in a fall sport.
THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT PHYSICALS ON PAPER OR VIA EMAIL. We are mirroring the Senior High School with our submission and collection of physicals. Everything is done via the Snap Manage site.
Attention 8th grade families- If your child has the potential of playing a sport at BOTH the Junior and Senior high school, they must be registered on BOTH sites and physicals submitted on both sites. The athletic directors from the Senior High and the Junior High do not have the option to “share” submissions. There are two different sites.
All physical clearances for the 2025-2026 school year must be dated after April 1, 2025.
Spirit Day - October 31
Junior High School (6-8)
Students may wear any top that is affiliated with NCS or a club activity that is connected with NCS. Tops must be Newark Charter School affiliated, so plain red, white, & blue tops are not acceptable.
Students are welcome to wear any bottoms that are appropriate for school. This includes Jeans, athletic wear, shorts etc. The following are not included and cannot be worn - pajama pants (including NCS pajama pants), leggings/spandex shorts, or any ripped jeans/pants.
Students are permitted to wear athletic shoes and other shoe types on dress down days. They are not permitted to wear the following: flip flops or slippers.
School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger, our school uniform provider, is having a Free Shipping promotion from October 20 - 27th. The promo code will be OCT25FSEML for free standard shipping on any order of $49 or greater. Please note that that promo code will ONLY work during those dates October 20th - 27th.
If you are not signed up for School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger's email and text alerts for promotions and sales, we recommend that you do that, so you never miss a school uniform promotion. Click the link below to sign up:
Marked Promotions, our local spirit wear vendor, has opened a new Holiday store! It will close Sunday, November 2nd, so click the link to check out the selection which includes sweatpants and a knit hat (perfect for the approaching cooler weather).
If you or your Patriot is in need of NCS Spirit Wear, we have an online store open all year that ships directly to your home. The weather is getting cooler, and it might be a good time to pick up a new NCS hoodie.
We understand that there may be times when you or your child may need support outside of regular school hours. In moments of crisis or emotional distress, it’s important to have resources available. Your family’s medical provider, local hospital/urgent care center, Delaware 211 and Mobile Crisis and Stabilization services are all options that can offer assistance when needed.
In addition to these resources available at home, your child’s grade level school counselor is available during school hours for ongoing support or to connect with local community resources. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you and your family.
United Way of Delaware is proud to partner in sharing this opportunity, and Delaware 211 will follow up with applicants to connect them with related resources and no-cost Stand By Me financial coaching. Together, these supports with Energize Delaware help ensure families not only receive immediate energy relief but also have access to tools for long-term financial stability.
Help is now available for Delaware households struggling with energy bills. The Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund (for Delmarva Power customers) offers up to $300 in one-time bill assistance for income-eligible families. Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For non-Delmarva Power customers, Energize Delaware has established the Delaware Energy Fund providing up to $300 in one-time bill assistance for income-eligible families.
To qualify, households must meet income guidelines and take part in a free Energize Delaware energy efficiency program like the Home Energy Checkup. This step ensures families not only receive financial relief but also save on future energy costs. Please share this information with friends, family, or neighbors who may benefit. Additional information may be found here: https://www.energizedelaware.org/delmarva-power-customer-relief-fund/
Arriving at school on time is important. We are happy to welcome students into the building beginning at 7:05 am. However, as the Code of Conduct states, “In grades 6-12, class will begin at 7:30, and any student who arrives after 7:30 will be marked tardy.” In addition, “When a student accumulates any combination of 5 unexcused late arrivals a student detention will be issued.”
An email will be sent to the parent/guardian of students who accumulate 5 unexcused tardies within the same trimester. Detentions take place on Wednesdays from 2:20 pm - 3:20 pm in the main office. Students must be picked up from school at 3:20. There is no bus transportation available.
Having trouble understanding Schoology symbols? Use the graphic below to help you understand the symbols in your child’s Schoology gradebook.
We are looking to add to our substitute nurse pool! If interested, please go to this link to find job posting and the ability to apply.
Please reach out to our HR department and lead nurse for any questions you may have.
HR: Cindy Coyne
Lead Nurse: Karen Pennington
karen.pennington@ncs.k12.de.us
Newark Charter School has partnered with Data Service Center to streamline all attendance letters and attendance contracts. Based on Delaware State Code Title 14 Chapter 27 (listed below), families will receive automatically generated attendance letters once a student accumulates unexcused absences of 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. Once a student reaches 10 unexcused absences, the family will be required to complete a school-issued attendance contract.
As required by Delaware Code Title 14 Chapter 27:
After the 3rd unexcused absence, a student is considered legally truant.
Following the 5th day of unexcused absence, the school shall immediately notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) through written notification.
Following the 10th day of unexcused absence, a meeting will take place between the student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and a member of the NCS staff. At that meeting, an attendance contract will be signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student. A home visit may be conducted.
Following the 15th day of unexcused absence, an administrator will contact the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to inform the family that they are in violation of the attendance contract previously signed and communicate that upon the 20th unexcused absence, a referral will be made to Truancy Court and the family will be required to report before the Review Board.
Following the 20th day of unexcused absence, as required by Delaware law, Newark Charter will submit a Truancy Affidavit to JP Court and the Department of Family Services may be notified. A Review Board hearing will be held in order to determine whether a student will be permitted to retain their seat at Newark Charter School for the following school year.
Unexcused Tardies
Arriving at school on time is important. We are happy to welcome students into the building beginning at 7:05 a.m. However, as the Code of Conduct states, “In grades 6-12, class will begin at 7:30, and any student who arrives after 7:30 will be marked tardy.” In addition, “When a student accumulates any combination of 5 unexcused late arrivals, a student detention will be issued.”
An email will be sent to the parent/guardian of students who accumulate 5 unexcused tardies within the same trimester. Detentions take place on Wednesdays from 2:20 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. in the main office. Students must be picked up from school at 3:20 p.m. There is no bus transportation available.
Erin's law requires all Delaware public school students in pre-kindergarten through grade 6, their educators and families be provided information about personal body safety and child sexual abuse awareness and prevention. Named in honor of Erin Merryn, a victim of child sexual abuse who worked to enact legislation on this subject throughout the country, Erin’s Law is intended to help young victims speak up about child abuse and concerned adults recognize the signs of abuse so that children can get the assistance they need.
Newark Charter uses a state-approved educational program called Second Step to teach personal body safety and abuse awareness. Guidance counselors deliver this research-based, age-appropriate instruction in group guidance classes in grades K-6. Parents may review the program, lesson topics, and family resources at any time at https://www.secondstep.org/child-protection