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Spirited Appreciation: Parents Surprise Staff with Halloween Treats!

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Spirited Appreciation: Parents Surprise Staff with Halloween Treats!

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This Halloween, our incredible parents treated us with “ghost” cards and surprise lottery tickets, adding a playful twist to their ongoing, year-long celebration of staff appreciation! Their thoughtful gestures have lifted our spirits and brought extra joy to our days.

Earlier in the year, they stocked the fridge with refreshing drinks and provided delicious treats during Parent-Teacher Conferences, helping us stay fueled and focused. To kick off Quarter 1, they even surprised us with a “coffee and creamer” station, ensuring we had the perfect pick-me-up to start the day strong. Each thoughtful gesture reminds us how valued we are—thank you to our amazing parent community!

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During Halloween week, NewHope Academy’s science classroom was “infected” by zombies—or, more accurately, by a spooky study on real-life contagions that mimic the effects of fictional reanimated brain-hungry corpses!

Students explored the natural world’s “zombies” by investigating rabies, which causes brain inflammation and violent behavior, and prion-based diseases like Kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. They also learned about fascinating and terrifying fungal parasites, such as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (zombie-ant fungus), that turn insects into mind-controlled hosts. The class discussion also included CIP, a genetic disorder where individuals feel no pain, and hyperthyroidism, which can cause agitation and energy surges.

Happy Halloween from NewHope’s science class!

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Every Halloween, NHA bursts with creativity as mentors, students, and staff compete in the annual Door Decorating Contest! This tradition lets each mentor transform their classroom door into a spooky, whimsical, or humorous masterpiece. Check out the talent and festive spirit!

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CAAEL Football:  The NHA Legends concluded their season Tuesday with a tournament at Nike Park.  The Legends lost the first game 21-19, and the second game 26-20.  The Legends competed hard, made some great plays, and worked together as team.  After the game, they were able to enjoy some pizza and cookies with the other teams.

CAAEL Bowling: The NHA CAAEL bowling team competed in their last match of the Fall Season on Wednesday at Arlington Lanes.  NHA brought 9 eligible bowlers and had a 101.4 team average with a high score of 169.  Next week the final results will be posted to see where the team ranks.  If NHA finishes in the top 4, they will earn a spot to compete in the Westmont tournament.  Kudos to the NHA bowlers!

CAAEL Volleyball:  The NHA Legends began their season Friday morning against the Learning House at the Libertyville Sports Complex.  The Legends only had 6 eligible players, but they fought hard and played together as a team.  Unfortunately, they lost the first game 17-25, and a close second game 23-25.  Both teams combined players for the 3rd game and had a great time.  Next week the (0-1) Legends take on H.R. Belvidere!  Kudos to the NHA players for competing hard and demonstrating great sportsmanship.

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Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner! NHA will be closed from Wednesday to Friday, November 27-29. We hope everyone enjoys a restful holiday with family and friends. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Have a wonderful and relaxing break!

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This is a reminder that NHA's late start for November is on Wednesday, November 13. Student arrival is at 10 AM, and to make the day even better, a pizza lunch is provided for all!

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On November 11, we honor and thank all veterans who have served our country.

NHA will not be in session.

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You’re Invited! Explore NewHope Academy – Open House on November 13th

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You’re Invited! Explore NewHope Academy – Open House on November 13th

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We’re excited to invite you to join us for an in-person Open House at NewHope Academy on November 13th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

This is a wonderful opportunity to:
✨ Tour our school and see our learning spaces in action
✨ Learn about our unique programs and how we support student success
✨ Meet our team and get answers to any questions you may have

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Rob Brant: From D&D to Education Innovation

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Rob Brant: From D&D to Education Innovation

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At NewHope Academy, we are fortunate to have educators who bring creativity, compassion, and innovation into the classroom. Rob Brant, a high school English teacher and case manager, is a shining example. With nearly 20 years of experience at NewHope, Rob has found a way to combine his personal passions and professional skills to make a lasting impact on our students.

Rob's journey began when he discovered Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a game that became a lifeline during his teenage years. D&D offered him an escape—a place where he could explore different identities and engage in imaginative worlds, all while honing problem-solving skills. For Rob, the game is no longer just a teenage pastime but a powerful educational tool that he uses to support the unique needs of NewHope Academy students.

Rob is an essential part of NewHope’s academic team, where he works with twice-exceptional students—those who are both gifted and face learning or developmental challenges. His introduction of Dungeons & Dragons into the curriculum has been a game-changer, quite literally. What began as a classroom activity in 2018 has evolved into a full-fledged elective and after-school club, with students eagerly diving into complex storylines and character development.

D&D has proven to be much more than a game at NewHope. It fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and teamwork—skills that many of our students find difficult to practice in traditional academic settings. Most importantly, they’re gaining confidence and forming friendships, something many struggled with before joining the game.

Rob's passion for the game and dedication to his students come full circle every day, as he helps them embrace who they are, grow academically, and feel like they belong.

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At NHA, we are dedicated to supporting our staff through every challenge, including those who have recently undergone major surgery! We’ve rallied together to ensure they feel cared for and connected during their recovery.

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Featuring Sara Wodarski & Cassidy Aragon

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Our students and teachers are getting creative with the Cricut machine to promote school spirit! From student artwork to school logos, the Cricut is helping us bring NHA’s identity to life while supporting the senior class through a unique fundraising project.

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The Halloween Hangout is part of NHA's monthly after-school Friday hangouts designed to encourage social interactions and build friendships among students. This spooky-themed event was a fun way for students to relax, connect, and get creative in a casual, safe environment. It's all about having fun, and the Halloween Hangout was a huge success!

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Meet: Megan Hammer, NHA East Clinical Director

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Celebrating Megan Hammer: NHA’s New East Clinical Director

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Celebrating Megan Hammer: NHA’s New East Clinical Director

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NewHope Academy is proud to honor and congratulate on her recent appointment as the East Clinical Director. A dedicated and compassionate leader, Megan has been an essential part of the NewHope community for the past 22 years, and her new role marks a significant milestone in her professional journey.

Honoring Megan’s Commitment

Megan’s rise to the position of East Clinical Director is a testament to her hard work, her passion for helping others, and her unwavering belief in the power of therapeutic intervention.

Her colleagues describe her as a leader who listens, who values teamwork, and who brings out the best in everyone around her. It is these qualities, combined with her clinical expertise, that have made her such a trusted and valued member of the NewHope community.

Congratulations, Megan, on this well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the incredible work you will continue to do as the East Clinical Director at NewHope Academy. Your dedication to the students and families you serve is an inspiration, and we are proud to have you leading the way.

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D207: Debbie Marks, Placement Coordinator

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D207: Debbie Marks, Placement Coordinator

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At Maine Township District 207, Debbie Marks has been a pivotal figure in helping students find success through her dual role as a placement coordinator and school psychologist. Her expertise and passion for supporting students with diverse needs have also forged a connection with NewHope Academy, enhancing the collaborative efforts between the two institutions in delivering tailored education for students requiring specialized support.

Collaboration with NewHope Academy

NewHope Academy, with its commitment to education and personalized learning, has found a valuable partner in Debbie Marks. Her work bridges the gap between students' needs in District 207 and the specialized programs at NHA. The two schools share a common goal of supporting students who benefit from non-traditional learning environments. Together, they create seamless transitions for students moving between districts or seeking alternative educational opportunities.

The Impact of Debbie Marks’ Work

In both Maine Township District 207 and NewHope Academy, an educator's role is one of advocacy, collaboration, and empowerment. Marks’ work is a testament to the power of individualized education, a philosophy that NewHope Academy embodies.

Thank you for your continued support and collaborative practices!

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Reflection Written by Jordan C., 2016 Graduate

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Dear future NewHopians,

When I first attended NewHope Academy, I was in what felt like the worst time of my life. I felt lost, disconnected from friends, family, and, most importantly, myself. I remember strongly believing that school was just a playground for me to have fun—often by not completing assignments, "voicing my concerns and issues with adults" (also known as being argumentative), figuring out whose buttons I could push, running around, and checking in with my clinician.

NewHope taught me something I didn’t know I needed at the time: you don’t have to be lost in the dark and alone. They showed me that there are adults who truly care about students' best interests. At NewHope, I felt safe to be lost; there were always adults to support adolescents and young adults through challenging times.

There are many things I cherish from my experience at NewHope—from games of Magic, chess, Uno, cards, and D&D to teachers who made subjects engaging. I have fond memories of math teachers who made math interesting, a reading teacher who got me to enjoy reading something without pictures, trying to outsmart Chess Wizard Master Dave (and sometimes succeeding), and the most impactful English teacher I’ve ever had. I also remember totally pretending I had “practiced” my Spanish homework at home, acting like I knew what Lindsay (my teacher) was saying!

NewHope helped pave the way to where I am today. I’m currently working as a therapist at a community mental health agency (completed graduate school in 2022). As both an NHA alum and a therapist, the best advice I can give is to stay true to yourself and, if you have concerns or issues with people—whether they are adults, peers, or teachers—voice them. The only way for people to help is to know what is truly wrong.

Thank you, sincerely, from a huge fan of NHA,

Jordan C.