2/2 - 2/9 - Student Council Flower Sale (sold during lunch)
2/9 - Athletic Booster Meeting 6:30pm Senior High Professional Learning Center
2/12 - Student Council Valentines Dance - 6th grade drop off 5:30 pm - pick up 6:45 pm --- 7th and 8th grade drop off 5:45 pm - pick up 7:00 pm
2/13 - Professional Development Day - No School
2/16 - Schools and Offices Closed
2/17 - Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm Senior High Professional Learning Center
2/26 - Outreach and Equity Meeting 6:00pm Senior High Professional Learning Center
2/27 - Spirit Day
2/28 - NCS Health Fair - 10:00am-1:00pm - Senior High School
The Newark Charter School community (K-12) is invited to attend a free health fair that offers interactive and engaging activities that promote health and wellness. A wide variety of services will be in attendance with interactive activities and information!
Here are some of the participating organizations at our first NCS Health Fair (Each are linked to their website should you want to know more).
Heart in the Game (Free ECG Screening - Pre-register through the link)
Heart in the Game (CPR Training)
Bureau of Oral Health & Dental Services
UD Health Speech Language Hearing Clinic and Research
Health for All Program - University of Delaware
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension 4-H
NCS SL24 Team
NCS B+ Club
Red Cross Club
NCS Cheerleading Team
Bring Change 2 Mind
The Junior High Student Council will be holding a flower sale for students to purchase flowers at lunch for $2.00. Student Council will deliver the flowers to the receiving students on February 11th. Thank you for supporting Student Council.
The Junior High Student Council is holding a Valentines Dance on Thursday, February 12th from 5:30pm-6:45pm for 6th Grade and 5:45pm-7:00pm for 7th/8th Grade. It's a Fun, Friends, and No School Friday, so consider grabbing a ticket to join in on the festivities. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the button below. If any parent would like to either Chaperone or make a snack/refreshment donation, click the second button below.
Set construction for Beauty and the Beast, Jr. will take place on the following dates:
February 9, 2026 - 5:00pm-9:00pm
February 18, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
February 21, 2026 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
February 23, 2026 - 8:00pm - 10:00pm
March 2, 2026 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Possible set build days: March 7th and March 8th, 2026 - Times TBD
Families and students who are interested in helping with set build are encouraged to attend—no prior experience is necessary!
Students in grades 6–8 must be accompanied by an adult. High school students may attend independently. Please wear clothes that can get messy and closed-toe shoes.
Please email the Theatre Manager, Lee Lewis (lee.lewis@ncs.k12.de.us), if you are able to assist in any way!
One of our longtime uniform vendors, RUSH Uniforms, has changed ownership. The company is now Cramers Uniforms.
What’s staying the same
• 101 Harrison Ave, New Castle
• Friendly, familiar staff
• Open all year in Delaware — uniforms always available
What’s new
• Lower prices — most items 10–15% less thanks to Cramer’s buying power
• New website with easy online ordering
• In-store pickup or home delivery options
• More inventory on hand and faster restocking
The 2025-2026 Newark Charter School yearbooks are on sale now through February 13, 2026 only. The price for the Junior High School hardbound yearbook is $30 with an option for a personalized nameplate for just $5 more. Place your online order here today!
Upcoming Health Requirements for 8th Grade Families:
To ensure a smooth start to the next school year, the school nurses are currently conducting chart reviews for incoming 9th graders at NCS HS for Fall of 2026. State regulations require the following to be on file at the start of 9th grade:
Immunizations[1]
· 5 or more doses of DTaP or DTP Td vaccine (unless 4th dose was given after the 4th birthday)
· 4 doses of IPV or OPV (unless the 3rd dose was given after the 4th birthday)
· 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
· 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine
· 2 doses of Varicella or a written disease history by a licensed healthcare provider
· In August 2016, entering 9th Graders must additionally have 1 dose Tdap (adult booster) and 1 dose meningococcal[2] (In 8/2017 - Grades 9 & 10; in 8/2018 - Grades 9 - 11; 8/2018 - Grades 9 – 12)
Health Examination[3]
· Current, within the two years prior to school entry and entry to 9th Grade (30 days from entry into 9th Grade)
If any of these requirements are missing for your child, the school nurses will be mailing home reminders, so please be on the lookout. Feel free to submit any Immunization Records or Physical Forms to Tara Barrow, RN in the Jr. High, until the end of this school year. If you plan to complete physicals/immunization for your child this summer, please send health forms to the NCS HS Nurses. This is also a great time to start scheduling physicals for this summer if needed. The NCS nurses thank you for helping to keep the NCS community (and of course, your own children) healthy! 😊
[1] Department of Education Regulation 804
[2] DPH recommends Tdap and meningococcal at age 11-12
[3] Department of Education Regulation 815
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The 8th grade dinner dance committee is seeking volunteers to help plan the annual 8th grade dinner dance. The dinner dance will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:30pm at the Newark Charter Senior High School Cafeteria. The parent dance\committee will help with the planning for the dance, as well as help the day-of with set up and break down of the dance.
Please use the Google form link below to indicate if you are interested in helping to put together the 8th grade dinner dance. We will hold our first meeting for the dinner dance committee via google meets on February 24th, at 7pm. If you have any questions at all, please email Jaime Hartline grade dinner dance coordinator, at jaime.hartline@ncs.k12.de.us
Please fill out the google form below, and then you will receive a link to the google meeting.
Thank you!
Jaime Hartline
Any student not on the basketball or wrestling teams must go home after school on the day of a game or meet. Students who wish to watch the event may return with a parent or guardian, who must remain with them for the entire event.
Students are not allowed to stay after school or attend competitions without proper adult supervision.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and organized!
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program is an effort to engage whole school communities in promoting INCLUSION by teaching, modeling, and reinforcing the values of dignity, respect, acceptance, and INCLUSION of people of all abilities through Unified/inclusive sports and other activities.
Students and staff are invited to wear their Spread the Word Inclusion shirt on Wednesday, March 4; Friday, March 20; and all subsequent NCS spirit days!
Wednesday, March 4 - Spread the Word Day (inclusion shirts with uniform bottoms)
Friday, March 20 - Rock Your Socks Day (inclusion shirts, spirit day bottoms and crazy socks)
Questions? Please direct them to your building's Spread the Word representative:
Primary School: Ms. Davis (susan.davis@ncs.k12.de.us)
Intermediate School: Ms. Perdue (molly.perdue@ncs.k12.de.us)
Jr High School: Ms. De-Rose Rea (elise.DeRose-Rea@ncs.k12.de.us)
Sr High School: Ms. Brown (veronicam.brown@ncs.k12.de.us)
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. This is a time to celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans. Please check out the following video to learn more!
Ramadan
Ramadan will take place from February 17th to March 19th this year. It is a month-long Islamic observance commemorating the first revelation of the Quran and includes strict fasting from sunrise to sunset. On March 19th-20th, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Muslim holidays marking the end of Ramadan. Please check out the following video to learn more!
Lunar New Year
Many of our students will celebrate the Lunar New Year, which starts on Tuesday, February 17th. It is China's most important holiday, and celebrations last 15 days. The Chinese zodiac sign for 2026 is the horse. Please check out the following video to learn more!
Spring Sports Season is quickly approaching! At the Junior High School we offer the following sports:
Girls Lacrosse
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Soccer
Baseball
Softball
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 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20th 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!
If your child played a Fall or Winter Sport you still need to REGISTER them for a Spring Sport so their name shows up on the tryout list.
**Please understand that we have hundreds of students that try out for spring sports. If you submit your physical after February 20th 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 spring 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.
All physical clearances for the 2025-2026 school year must be dated after April 1, 2025.
Please monitor the Middle School Athletics Page as that is where we will list dates for tryouts and practice information. Tryouts and practices will start in the week of March 9th.
Any questions can be directed to Ms. Davis, brianne.davis@ncs.charter.k12.de.us
Spirit Day - February 27
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, or any ripped jeans/pants.
Flat soled shoes or athletic shoes may be worn. Footwear should be secured on the foot
(laces tied, velcro fastened). Open toe sandals, flip flops, open back shoes, light up
shoes, crocs, moccasins, slippers, cleats, and shoes with wheels are not permitted.
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
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