New Prague Area Schools
District 721 Family Newsletter
Sunday, June 2, 2024
I hope this last newsletter of the school year finds you and your family well. Last Friday evening, we came together as a school district community to celebrate 327 students graduating from New Prague High School. On behalf of the NPAS, I again congratulate these students and their families for this achievement, and wish them all the best with future endeavors.
The end of a school year is always filled with a range of emotions. These include celebrations for milestone achievements but also sadness as we prepare to say goodbye to graduates, retirees and those not returning to our NPAS’ team again next year. As I reflect upon the 2023-24 academic year, two emotions continue to resonate with me: thanks and gratitude. Thanks to our staff who routinely approach their work with passion and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure all students receive a high quality education. Thanks to our families, and the greater community, for their continued and enthusiastic support of our school system. Finally, the feeling of gratitude for having the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of the New Prague Area Schools. Though there have undoubtedly been ups and downs to this year, I am confident this will continue to be a special school system due to the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to build upon our proud tradition as collectively we work to ensure a promising future for all of our students.
Best wishes for a relaxing summer vacation. My hope for each of you is that it is filled with ample time to reconnect with both family and friends. I look forward to continuing our collaborations on behalf of the NPAS when we return to school in the Fall for the 2024-25 school year. Until then, take care and as always, Go Trojans!
Sincerely,
Andrew Vollmuth
Congratulations
Senior Stroll 2024
On May 24 on a very windy evening, NPHS had 327 students graduate! It was a monumental event for our seniors and their families. The event captured two student speakers along with a performance from our seniors in band and choir. Earlier in the week, seniors strolled the hallways of their elementary school in our tradition of the Senior Stroll. Students enjoyed seeing their elementary school and the many staff members who had made an impact on their educational journey.
NPHS ROBOTICS
One of the primary missions of the Robotics team is to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education in the community. The team was able to present to students in the upper grades at both Falcon Ridge Elementary and Raven Stream Elementary after their state tournament appearance in May. In the fall, Robotics team members will visit the middle school engage 7th and 8th grade students to join the team. In addition to school outreach, the team also participates in the Dozinky parade and booth, Homecoming parade, Scott County Fair robotics demonstrations and they help with the Camp Invention summer camp hosted in New Prague.
Team members love talking with the younger students, showing them what is possible for them to learn and accomplish! The team is led by Dan Cross.
5th Grade Transition Days
In May, all fifth grade elementary students were able to spend a few hours touring and getting to know the staff at New Prague Middle School as they prepare for their school transition this fall! The transition day allowed students to get a feel for their new classroom spaces and hear first hand from some of the current students and staff on what they can expect in sixth grade.
New Prague Middle School
NPMS Recognizes Children's Mental Health Awareness Month
Through a grant supported by the Duck Cup Memorial, middle school students engaged in activities May 6-10 around children’s mental health awareness. The students and staff actively engaged in dress-up days, educational lessons, a sign decorating contest, Bubble Fun Run, yard games, and various other activities throughout the week. The week aimed to educate students about mental health awareness and encourage a focus on healthy mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of connections, laughter, nutrition, exercise, and outdoor activities to support mental health.