The New Century School welcomed new and returning families to the 2025–2026 school year—TNCS’s 15th anniversary year! The Back-to-School night event blended reflection, connection, and forward-thinking vision. The sense of community and anticipation for the year ahead was immediately palpable.
For those who were unable to attend and for those who want a refresh, this blog is for you!
Celebrating Milestones
Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti greeted families with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an evening that honored both past achievements and future possibilities. She also used the occasion to introduce plans for commemorating this significant anniversary. TNCS is exploring various celebration ideas for later in the year, leaning toward a spring event that would take advantage of the campus’s exceptional outdoor spaces. “We want to do some type of celebration for current as well as alumni students and families,” said Ms. Simonetti. “We want it to be something that that they want to be a part of and is meaningful to them.”
As befits such an important milestone year, both Executive Co-Chairs, Roberta Faux and Jennifer Lawner, also gave remarks.
Mission-Driven Community
Throughout the evening, TNCS’s mission statement served as a north star. The tagline “Transforming Lives for a Lifetime” underscored the school’s dedication to lasting impact.
This mission manifests in the school’s four core values—Respect, Compassion, Service, and Courage—displayed in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, reflecting the commitment to multilingual education.
Always a Team Effort
The evening showcased the school’s diverse staff, from the extensive preschool team of educators, the K–8 teaching staff, and the administrative and facilities personnel who keep the school running smoothly. For Ms. Simonetti, now in her second year as Head of School, the strong team dynamic has been essential to a smooth start. “We have a great team,” she reflected, “from our newest to our most seasoned members we are able to come together.”
New Systems, Enhanced Communication
As mentioned in School Year 2025–2026: A Year of Growth and Belonging at TNCS!, the school’s transition to Transparent Classroom was introduced, a change representing a direct response to both family and staff feedback.
The platform integrates three key components: a calendar system for both community-wide and class-specific events, communication tools for school news and class updates, and student records including attendance and progress reports. Preschool Coordinator Terriann Lane and others on the team had researched multiple options before selecting Transparent Classroom, influenced in part by positive past experience using it. “It was designed by Montessori educators,” Ms. Simonetti noted, “so it’s very much aligned with some of the things that Ms. Lane has brought on board over the past couple of years.”
TNCS’s Steering Team
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the latest iteration of the TNCS Steering Team, a collaborative structure bringing together families and staff to shape school policies, initiatives, and strategic decisions. The team is co-chaired by a middle school and a primary parent.
The team meets on the last Tuesday of each month, with the first meeting having taken place September 30th. For families unable to attend all meetings, there are opportunities for asynchronous engagement and project-based involvement, with all participation counting toward volunteer hours.
The Steering Team’s three primary goals for the 2025–2026 academic year are to Cultivate Community, Strengthen Communication, and Increase Partnership—themes that resonated throughout the evening’s presentations and are perfectly in line with TNCS’s approach to all things.
Looking Ahead
As families moved between classroom visits and engaged with teachers, the evening reinforced the school’s central theme for the year: community and belonging. “As a very diverse community, we want to be sure that everybody feels a sense of belonging and that they have a voice and a place to be heard, seen, and valued,” said Ms. Simonetti.
