The building site preparation is done! Our general contractor, Gregg Homolka, and his wonderful grader, Dave Morin, pulled the equipment onto the site on July 3rd. They worked diligently to prepare for the delivery of the building which will arrive on July 26th. During the month of August we will need volunteers to help build ramps and steps, do some planting, and generally help get everything ready for our grand opening. We will send out an email with more specifics and dates after the building is set up.

Now is the time for all parents and fans of the school to take the opportunity to make a tax deductible donation. We don't normally do fund raising, but a capital expenditure is the exception!

The following is list a of items which we need.

• Gravel $345/ load- 14 loads
• Concrete $110/ yard- 11 yards
• Mulch $26/ cubic yard- 5 yards
• Hardi-plank panels for building skirt $42 /each- need 18
• Porta-Jon $75/ month for 2 months
• Water spigot and lateral $650
• Fire Alarm System $3975

In addition we need a used refrigerator and several used but working vacuum cleaners.

If you are able to donate any of these amounts or items, please send your check to The New Classical Academy, PO BOX 64, Weaverville, NC 28787. Be sure to let us know what you are purchasing so we can thank you at the grand opening (and let us know if you would prefer to be anonymous).

Many parents ask us about diversity in our student body. Our student body encompasses a great diversity of religions, backgrounds, occupations, economic status, and talents. We are looking forward to becoming more racially and culturally diverse as we grow. Meanwhile we have goat farmers and attorneys, Buddhists and Baptists, unschoolers and prep-schoolers learning side by side. Our families all unite, however, in their hopes and dreams for their children's future. In answer to this question on our application the same words came up over and over again. Parents want their children to be joyful, happy, fulfilled, self-confident, compassionate, independent, caring and to love learning. We share these dreams and know that as our school grows so will our diversity!

The school potluck was a resounding success, with 80 parents, students and siblings attending. The children swam and jumped on the trampoline, the parents ate and chatted, and the teachers had a great time meeting their new students! Andrew's dad commented that when they got home Andrew asked to "do it all again" the next day. While we won't be having another potluck at my house this summer, we will have a meet the teacher day at the school site before opening day.

Everything is full speed ahead for the 2006 school year. We made the decision to hire a full time science teacher/classroom assistant- read all about him next month! We have hired Michael Murphy as our accountant, secured the services of a parent/lawyer (thanks Katherine!) and have our insurance agent underwriting all the necessary policies. Kate is having fun writing the employee manual and I am working with Gregg on the building. We had an employee get-together at my house in July to plan curriculum, and Kate is ordering classroom materials like crazy!

Felicia Buske is from the great metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia, cum laude, with honors, earning a degree in psychology. While working a variety of jobs Felicia returned to college, Georgia State this time, to work towards a post-baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. However, getting married, traveling the world and starting a family took her on a different course. Now, four children later, her passion for education has evolved into the form of homeschooling her children. While searching for a high quality enrichment program for her oldest two children, she enrolled them in the Friday class run by Kelly Homolka and Kate Hyde, founders of The New Classical Academy. It was such a resounding success that next year her oldest son, Jake, is looking forward to attending the new school as part of the distance learning program. Her two middle children, Noe and Reed, will join Jake and Mom on Fridays. Felicia is looking forward to spending Fridays at the school where she will share her love of learning and children. Meanwhile, little Sadie will enjoy a fun day at home with Papa, helping him renovate our old stone home. Felicia loves to read, cook, travel, hike and spend time with friends.