novel (noun): a work of fiction written in everyday language that typically represents a character and action with some degree of realism. "Novel" normally refers only to works of fiction. If the book isn't fiction, it isn't a novel.

(Novel can also mean a new kind; different from anything seen or known before as in

"a novel idea.")

We will discuss this word in the coming weeks. Remember, f you can use this word correctly in a sentence, you can earn a bookmark!

On September 12th, we revealed our book for the year. Scroll down to see!

Check out the press release (below) for the amazing journey that we are about to begin! NEW Academy Canoga Park will be making their mark this year in a BIG way! Word is catching on . . . click here to read an article about our literary inclusion project that was published in Nashville, TN!

As we read Out of My Mind, we are having wonderful discussions. One such discussion was aided by this amazing video that Matty B created for his sister, Sarah Grace.

Thank you Matty B for reminding us that how similar we are on the inside, despite our differences on the outside. Watch this great video (below) that he did for his sister, Sarah Grace. There's also a great "behind the scenes" video that you can watch by clicking here.

Big excitement and book love happening on our campus thanks to Camp Read Smore's friend's, Leigh Ann and Tommy Stiglich! They built, installed and stocked our new "Little Free Library" and were able to join us on Friday, September 5th for the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The kids are loving it! Their reaction to seeing it for the first time after the white sheet was removed was absolutely PRECIOUS! Thank you Leigh Ann and Tommy and thank you www.littlefreelibrary.org for the inspiration!

Little Free Library began in 2009 when Rick saw Todd's first free book in front of his house in Wisconsin. Todd had decided to honor his mom, a former teacher and lover of reading, by building a little school house, filling it with books and putting it on a post is his front yard. It was an instant hit and Todd and Rick's dream of getting over 2,500 Little Free Libraries established worldwide quickly became true just a few years later. As of January 2014, there are over 15,000 Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods and communities all over the world. Ours is now registered on the global map along with complete with its own charter/membership number! To find out more, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.

Dot Day is based on Peter Reynold's book, The Dot. This past week, we enjoyed reading it again in Camp Read Smore, but you can also watch a video of the book by clicking here.

On Monday, September 15th, each and every one of our almost 500 students were greeted this morning with a smile, wish for a "Happy Dot Day," a piece of Dot candy AND a sticker to wear reminding them that they were made to be awesome and that they matter! I couldn't have done it without the wonderful student helpers. We had a blast!

NACP will be definitely be making a mark with our all school read, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Watch where it take us!

(Special thanks to Ms. Denise for creating our Dot Day tree and to the parent volunteers who cut out all of those dots! The display of students "making their mark" is so precious! Some staff/teachers made beautiful dots, too!)

Last year we celebrated Dot Day by using our thumbs to create heart prints (see below's picture). We have the chance each day to leave a heart print on someone else and make their day a little brighter.

"Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world!" - Harriet Tubman