03.28.25
by

TNCS March Madness 2025, Part 2!

And we’re back, TNCS Community, with the 3 Ms—More March Madness! This blog covers the academic spectrum: science and math, followed by good old reading (in three languages, of course)!

(See Part 1 for the touchier-feelier side of March happenings at The New Century School!)

The annual TNCS STEM Expo—one of everyone’s favorite chances to see big TNCS student brains in action—took place over 2 days. TNCS K–2 students displayed their projects on Thursday, March 20th, and TNCS 3–8 students took their turn the next morning.

Lower Elementary STEM Expo 

As you’ll see, these students were tasked with incorporating Mandarin Chinese onto their display boards, as part of  TNCS’s commitment to not just teaching language, but teaching in the language to synergistically deepen neural pathways. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Upper Elementary and Middle School STEM Expo

TNCS science teacher Nameeta Sharma, who teaches grades 3 through 8, says she could not have been happier with what students turned out. She describes the weeks leading up to the STEM Expo as full of engagement in the Scientific Method. Her students, she says, worked very hard, and the results showed. When asked about what particular projects stood out to her, she had something positive to say about all of them, and her excitement was palpable. But, if we had to guess, we’d say her favorites fell into the engineering category—she enjoys seeing what students can build, especially when it works as intended!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

While STEM is utterly great and allows students to apply what they’ve learned in class in extremely immediate outward and gratifying ways, let’s be honest—sometimes a student needs to sit in a quiet corner and soak up a really good book, nourishing that inner mental realm. That’s where another annual TNCS favorite comes in, the Scholastic Book Fair!

TNCS 5th grader Thomas said he “enjoys the book fair because there’s so much to look at and choose from. His favorite things to get include toys but his selections this year included two Japanese style graphic novels.”

That Dog Man display is also pretty impressive. Looks like there’s something for everyone!

03.14.25
by

It’s March Madness 2025 at TNCS!

At The New Century School, the month of March is always positively brimming with academic and social events—so many that Immersed typically needs two March Madness posts (this year will be no different). Is it because, just like in the natural world, students and staff alike are bursting to bloom? Or because, after months of coaching and practice, it’s time to go for some slam dunks? Or maybe it’s just all that fierce March energy that blows in and gets everyone fired up for what’s next. Whatever the reason, we love what March brings at TNCS!

Core Value Refresh!

Amid all the preparations for all of March’s exciting events, TNCS K–8 students took a moment to refresh on what it means to be just that—a student at TNCS!

TNCS Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti says:

The flag tradition began as part of a COVID-19 remembrance day, as Friday, March 13, 2020, was the last “normal” day of school before the pandemic hit the East Coast. Students made flags to express joy and hope in the future, remembrance as our community remembered the loved ones we have lost, the change in our lives, and the power of our reliance and adaptability.

Today, we continue holding this day to reflect on how we adapted to a new world need and think about how we can apply the same types of coordination and dedication to meet other global challenges. We also highlight our core values—Compassion, Courage, Respect, Service—knowing that we will call upon them throughout our lives and recognizing their role in helping us meet future challenges.

We are fortunate as a community (and as a society as a whole) to be 5 years past that moment, and thank you, TNCS students, for reminding us not only just how fortunate we truly are, but also about the values and traits we hone to get us through such challenges, whether big or small.

Shower of Appreciation

And that brings us to our next March highlight: the Appreciation Brunch Ms. Simonetti held the very next day on Friday, March 14th to show gratitude to all of the teachers, admin, and staff (including auxiliary members) who keep the marvel that is TNCS flourishing . . . literally, each and every one of them!

Building North was transformed into a beautiful bistro setting, and a buffet-style brunch was served. Ms. Simonetti created a slide show of the honorees through the years for all to enjoy while they ate. She then honored each and every one with a special, personalized gift and individual recognition of their particular contribution to the community.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

TNCS Preschool Coordinator Terriann Lane made sure Ms. Simonette was also recognized!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The morning was a wonderful break from the day-to-day to relax, appreciate each other, and relive some terrific memories—but it didn’t end there! Built in to this already-special event was a surprise wedding shower for Mandarin Chinese teacher Jia Liu, who recently got engaged and married!

Liu Laoshi explained that, although the surprise party was on Friday, the surprises actually began Thursday morning!

I got a surprise bouquet—but not just any bouquet. Each “flower” was a drawing made by the kids over the weekend. On Monday, Andy secretly collected them all and gave them to Lumi’s mom, who turned them into a beautiful bouquet.

Later, I found out that the week before, the parents in my class and Andy had started a secret group chat just to plan this surprise for me—with the kids involved! How sweet is that? Andy told me he was so nervous I’d catch on while he was collecting their weekend work… and the funniest part is: I had no idea. Like, zero clue.

Meanwhile, I had actually planned a surprise for them too—I brought in a veil and pom-poms for us to decorate together. So on Thursday, we made a “wedding veil” as a class craft. The timing was perfect!

{“source_type”:”douyin_beauty_me”,”data”:{“playId”:””,”imageEffectId”:””,”capability_extra”:{“filter”:[“94014312″]},”product”:”retouch”,”stickerId”:””,”pictureId”:”B3C73493-16D2-447D-BFE4-EE9D8E922D23″,”activityName”:””,”infoStickerId”:””,”filterId”:”7442237011970232859″,”appversion”:”11.1.2″,”enter_from”:”enter_launch”,”os”:”ios”,”capability_key”:[“filter”]}}

“Then Friday morning,” she continued, “I brought in two big boxes of candy.”

In Chinese tradition, after you get married, you share sweets with family and friends to spread the happiness. I even printed out a little explanation and went around giving out candy. I was so sure I was the one bringing surprises that day… but turns out, everyone else was just acting cool and keeping their surprise totally under wraps!”

Honestly, I was so touched. Since this was just a courthouse ceremony and honeymoon (our families are all in China), I wasn’t expecting anything. When I saw what they did for me, I felt like crying—in the best way. It was such a warm, loving moment. I’m so lucky to be part of TNCS. Huge thanks to Ms. Sussman and Ms. Lane, and to all the parents who made it happen.

I shared everything with my friends and family in China, and they were all so happy that I work in such a sweet and supportive place.

Stay tuned for more March Madness at TNCS!

02.28.25
by

Together We Can: TNCS’s Black History Month Celebration 2025!

At The New Century School, “creating an inclusive environment is at the heart of everything we do.” So said Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti to open last night’s Black History Month Celebration. It will be lost on exactly no one just how poignant those few simple words were at this . . . beleaguered moment in U.S. history.

Commitment to Inclusion in Challenging Times

Last night, however, was all about the hope, joy, and community that TNCS represents. And what a way to close out Black History Month! As she continued her opening remarks, Ms. Simonetti set the tone for the evening by reaffirming TNCS’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive environment:

Our core values and portrait of a graduate reflect our dedication to honoring the diverse identities, experiences, and backgrounds of our students, families, and staff. As a school community, we strive to prepare students to thrive in the increasingly diverse world. Understanding history, embracing different perspectives, and standing for equity and inclusion are not just ideals, but necessities. In times when efforts to diminish equity and the truth of history are making headlines, it’s more important than ever that we remain committed to recognizing and preserving the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and ensuring that every story is valued, and every voice is heard. Dr. Maria Montessori called on us to provide conditions that will allow our children to give us a true picture of the society of the future. Tonight’s celebration is one way that we do just that.

She then asked the audience to stand, as TNCS students raised their voices in song, and TNCS’s auditorium rang for the next hour with powerful voices, moving poetry, call-and-response, and joyous songs commemorating Black History Month.

Celebration Through Expression

Parents and staff watched with pride as TNCS students demonstrated not just their artistic talents, but their growing understanding of equity, justice, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. We cannot overstate how much team effort went into making this event a resounding success, from the student-made art festooning the walls, to TNCS Music Director Martellies Warren’s rousing—and beautiful—choral selections, to all of the behind-the-scenes-but-no-less-appreciated support from teachers and other staff.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Show Must Go On. . . 

When TNCS K–8 students took to the stage (in high style), the enthusiastic response from audience members confirmed that our community treasures these opportunities to come together in celebration of our shared humanity and diverse heritage.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

First up, the “Black National Anthem”!

Something Inside So Strong

Wade in the Water

Some Very Special Extras 

But that wasn’t all. TNCS students read excerpts from Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb” and spoke on themes central to Black History Month, like the importance of the Divine Nine.

The grandmother of a TNCS preschooler even came up to read Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings, backed by slides showing the beautiful illustrations by Loren Long.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And TNCS favorite LaTriese Sussman led the audience in a Call and Response adapted from Rebecca Parker’s poem “Choose to Bless the World.” Ms. Simonetti confessed that she knew this moving celebration was going to bring her to tears at some point, and this beautiful, whole-community participation piece did the trick.

Reflections . . . and Looking Forward

In a time when difficult conversations about race and history are sometimes avoided, TNCS embraces them as essential to developing compassionate, informed citizens who will shape a better world. This Black History Month celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about moving forward together with greater understanding and purpose.

This commitment feels particularly significant today. While some governmental policies appear to be rolling back progress on diversity initiatives and historical accuracy in education, TNCS stands firm in its belief that understanding our complete history and embracing multiple perspectives are essential for preparing students to navigate our diverse world. The light of understanding that shone so brightly during our celebration continues to guide us forward—illuminating not just where we’ve been, but the more inclusive, equitable world we’re working to create.

Together, we can.

02.14.25
by

Camp Invention Returns to TNCS for Summer 2025!

When The New Century School first debuted its lineup of summer programming in 2012, Baltimore City summer campers had never seen the like. With hands down the most varied and engaging lineup of camps around (if not anywhere), TNCS ensured that no “summer slide” would affect its campers!

This year, TNCS is thrilled to welcome back Camp Invention® from July 14th –July 18th, one of the most popular camps in TNCS’s summer camp history. (Who are we kidding—they’re all great. Scroll to the end for past summer camp blogs and be amazed.) The photos in the slideshow below are from Camp Invention® at TNCS in summer 2014.

In response to being asked what he liked most about Camp Invention, this camper said, “We get to take things apart and then make new things!” (He never looked up from his engrossing project!)
What did this happy camper like best about Camp Invention? “Making stuff!”
A hand-drawn Camp Invention logo and motto inspires TNCS inventors.
The design station beckons!
Miss Fanta guides a team in constructing their pinbug machine.
Team Rollie Pollie from the orange group collaborated on a pinbug machine.
Mrs. Jacoby helps a member of Team Rollie Pollie strengthen their pinbug machine casing.

Sponsored by none other than the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention® bills itself as, “A STEM Summer Camp for Grades K-6 That Turns Curious Kids Into Innovative Thinkers” . . . and we have to agree.

Even better, TNCS K–8 Resource Teacher Bailey Miller will be directing the camp this July! “Miss Bailey,” as she is know around campus, is also the assistant teacher in Mr. Warren’s K–2 classroom. In addition, she works in daily aftercare with TNCS primary students as well as provides after-school math tutoring.

“I’m excited to be directing Camp Invention® this summer! said Miss Bailey. “My background is in science education, so helping kids tap into passion and creativity when it comes to STEM makes me especially happy.”

The theme this year is “Discover,” which aims to inspire curiosity and help campers build essential STEM skills through collaboration with friends and creative problem-solving experiences. “[They will] explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to encourage new discoveries and bring big ideas to life!”

Miss Bailey shared her thoughts about Camp Invention® :

I appreciate that Camp Invention® is all about exploring the wonders of the world—both natural and human-made. Kids get to dive into big ideas, ask questions like scientists, and solve problems like engineers. Whether they’re tackling everyday mysteries or coming up with creative solutions to new challenges, they see that wonders aren’t just something to admire—they’re something to explore, understand, and even improve upon. Children are naturally inquisitive and imaginative, and this camp helps them foster that creativity while having fun thinking like inventors. This summer, I hope we help kids see that STEM is for everyone. I want them to discover that science and engineering are doable, approachable, and fun. My goal is for campers to get so immersed that they start looking at the world through a new analytical lens—seeing problems as puzzles to solve and everyday discoveries as possibilities to explore.

For anyone who remains unconvinced, if that’s possible, one of this summer’s activities is building your own claw machine! Mic drop! There’s also designing optical illusions, exploring penguins in Antarctica, and a whole lot more that, as Camp Invention® puts it, “[add] up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer!”

To register for Camp Invention® at TNCS (7/14–7/18), go to: https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention.

For all other TNCS Summer Camps, beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, click here! Register by March 25, 2025 and save $25/week with the Early Bird Discount!

Past Camp Inventions® at TNCS:

Other Past TNCS Summer Camps:

01.31.25
by

TNCS Rings In Year of the Snake with a “Scaled Up” Lunar New Year Event!

As a multilingual school offering instruction in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, The New Century School honors the Lunar New Year in high style each year. Celebrating the new year and observing many of its rich cultural traditions is not only wonderful fun for TNCS students and highly anticipated each year, it also finds them eagerly speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese—as will be revealed.

This year’s Chinese zodiac representative is the Wood Snake, which heralds a year to explore, get inspired, and share your light—a nice respite from the challenging Year of the Dragon just passed. TNCS students did just that in the Lunar New Year Event held Thursday, January 30th: they explored, they got inspired, and they shared their lovely light with packed audience.

TNCS Community Sees Red!

As in, marveling at all of the beautiful red Lunar New Year decorations gracing the auditorium! Many of these decorations are actually projects that students in all divisions worked on throughout the month of January. You’ll see Chinese penmanship, history, lore, and more!

This event was planned and executed by Yan “Eve” Lui, who has lots of event-planning experience:

The whole Chinese teacher team helped a lot. Ms. Steffan and Ms. Simonetti played key roles in the planning and operating of the event. Ms. Steffan sent emails to parents for volunteers, and the parent volunteers helped so much during the event. Ms. Arelis helped to search the leftover materials from previous years. Mr. Mike helped with the decoration and the equipment setting and training for me.  Here are some key points that helped a lot during the planning:
• I asked Ms Jia for the experiences that she had during the celebration last year.
• During the planning meeting with Ms. Steffan and Ms. Simonetti, we talked about my ideas and how we should adjust and suit the best expectation to current parents. There are cultural differences and social norm differences, and it is the communication that helped us to combine my former knowledge and experiences in China with the TNCS school and parent preferences.
• Ms. Simonetti also has experience in event planning. She took care of the layout of the stands in the consideration of the queueing directions. She organized the student hosts scripts and prepared a stand for putting the scripts of the hosts. She also tested the volume of the microphone to make sure that it was not too loud. She organized the shop stand to make it look appealing. She brought table cloths from home to make the table look neat and nice. She basically took care of the control of the whole operation and many details to make sure it went well.
• I intentionally encouraged more students to participate in the event. I talked to their teachers and organized them to volunteer. They were the hosts, the helpers, the photographers, the video designers… This is part of education, which is to provide real situations to practice what they have learned at school and gain experience and real knowledge. They practiced self-confidence, communication, team work, trust, courage, offering help, performing on the stage, skills of design, and so much more. One minor intention is to make sure that they all come to the event. Since they were involved they and their family had to come. This is to make sure more people come to the event, and we did attract around 120 people that night. This is a big success because all our performances are to show how much we have taught our students Chinese language and culture. (The performances, the happy new year greeting videos, and the posters on the wall are all presentations.)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

TNCS Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti gave opening remarks, introducing the event and thanking attendees:

Xīnnián kuàilè—Welcome and Happy New Year! It’s wonderful to see so many of you here as we gather and welcome in a new year filled with growth, unity, and endless abilities. . . one that we hope brings joy and meaningful connections for all of you and us. We’re excited to share this special evening with you. I hope you enjoy the performances and all of the lovely things that our students and faculty and staff put together for you as well as, most importantly, the spirit of community that makes this event so meaningful here at TNCS. Thank you for being a part of our celebration this evening.

The audience was then treated to some video footage of TNCS preprimary students practicing their Chinese lessons with Liu Laoshi (Jia), who also teaches Chinese to TNCS middle schoolers.

Next, a video of TNCS K–2 students!

Then, some older TNCS students danced onstage in traditional Chinese clothing.

A group of 6th- through 8th-graders then demonstrated “pi ying xi,” which is a traditional Chinese puppet show using paper cutout puppets and shadows to create a beautiful effect. See for yourself!

After the performances, attendees had multiple activities to choose from, including traditional craft stations, games, and food—and even an auction for merchandise! Oh, and don’t forget the photo booth!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

About the auction, Eve Laoshi explained:

We purchased products that have unique Chinese cultural features, and then it came to us that we needed to introduce those cultural features via the products to the parents as well as to generate more revenue and create an exciting atmosphere for the event as well. We also chose good causes for parents to bid on and to support our Language Immersion Program at TNCS. That is why we decided to do the auction. We had a shop stand as well to sell all other products, and most of them were sold out that night. Ms. Simonetti has experience in auction operations, and it is her wisdom to put some items together and to carry out a casual auction that suited the situation at the event. She decorated the items gorgeously on the plates and had me show the plates around the audience during the auction.

Said Ms. Simonetti:

The event was a beautiful display of community and a reminder of the transformative power of coming together. Our staff, students, and volunteers brought the space to life with beautiful artwork, traditional decorations, delicious smells, and masterful performances. But beyond that, I felt like the presence of staff, alumni, students, and families—spanning multiple generations—truly transformed the space, creating a palpable sense of connection and belonging.

Happy New Year, everyone! 新年快乐! Xīnnián kuàilè! Honor this time to renew your goals, embrace changes that align with your true self, and shed your old skin!

Did you know that TNCS is partway through its second full turn of the Chinese zodiac? And that this is TNCS’s second snake year? TNCS launched in the Year of the Tiger, 2010. Since then, TNCS has marked many a Lunar New Year in a variety of ways!

Immersed had not yet met the world for the Lunar New Year of 2012, but you can be sure that Year of the Dragon was one to behold.