Friday, March 13, 2026

Titan Nation,

 

This was an exciting week for our scholars and educators. Both our scholars and educators were able to participate in a series of events that helped them grow as a whole. As individuals, they were placed in settings that allowed them to rely on their character to seek growth – they made new connections, leaned on their peers, and relied on virtues to make choices. They also relied on their knowledge, as scholars and educators, to grow in wisdom. 

 

Additionally, tickets for the True North Gala are available for purchase.  Join us on April 25th at our new gala location at the J.W. Marriott. Purchase your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating America's 250th Anniversary while we fundraise for our school. 

 

Below is your Weekly Scroll: 

Florida Charter Institute: 

Professional Development Seminar

This week, the Florida Charter Institute (FCI) hosted a professional development seminar on cognitive science with Dr. Doug Lemov -- a world-renowned scholar known for his research on effective classroom techniques and instructional practices -- at our Sunset Campus. The seminar brought together FCI's fellowship class, the top 1% of charter school leaders statewide, and potential nominees for next year. Our school was well represented by five teachers from different campuses and grade levels.

 

The purpose of this professional development opportunity is to equip educators with research-based strategies that strengthen both their teaching and leadership skills, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for our scholars.

 

FCI was established in 2022 with the support of our CEO and Founder, Mr. Michael Bileca, to advance the success of charter schools and help families across Florida access high-quality educational opportunities.

Mr. Mendez at the Mid-Atlantic Retreat

Our very own Mr. Patricio Mendez recently gave a guest presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Retreat of the Alcuin Fellowship at Eastern University in Pennsylvania alongside Christine Perrin.

 

Mr. Mendez’s presentation, Virtually Sight Unseen, explored the role of educators in a world where information is readily accessible. While artificial intelligence is challenging traditional teaching methods, it also invites educators to take on a renewed role: helping students discern knowledge, cultivate wisdom, and align learning with purpose and meaning.

 

Mr. Mendez serves as the Director of Educational Technology and Analytics at True North and teaches Philosophy to students in grades 10–12. He is also part of the inaugural cohort of the Dennis Bileca Master's Scholars program aimed to help our educators grow and develop as human beings and professionals, and impact the scholars entrusted to us. 

True North Arete Program Presents: 

Karen Lord-Powell, Brian Powell, and Will Gannon

Nationally renowned artists from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Karen Lord-Powell, Brian Powell, and Will Gannon, hosted a virtuosic and engaging musical performance at True North Classical Academy, Sunset. The performance was part of our school’s Arete Program and took our scholars on a musical journey that highlighted the development of Western classical music through works by Haydn, Couperin, Glière, and Rzewski.

 

The event concluded with a performance of Gran Duo Concertante by Giovanni Bottesini. Using the information and knowledge they had just received during the performance, our scholars were asked to identify the era of classical music to which the piece belonged. We are happy to report that our scholars correctly matched the musical piece to the Romantic Era. 

True North DECA Chapter 

The Florida DECA Career Development Conference (State Competition) took place this past weekend in Orlando. Over the course of four days, our scholars competed against top students from across the region in role-plays, presentations, and exams that challenge their business knowledge, professionalism, and leadership skills.

 

We are proud to share that several of our scholars earned top placements in their respective events. Two of our scholars placed in the top two of their categories, and one scholar placed in the top ten of her category, officially qualifying them to compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta.

 

Please join us in congratulating:

 

• Nikolay Dobikov - 2nd Place, Principles of Marketing 
• Macsen Devitt - 2nd Place, Principles of Entrepreneurship 
• Valeria Ramirez - 8th Place, Hotel and Lodging Management 

 

DECA is a student-led organization that prepares scholars interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through seminars, panels, hands-on learning experiences, and competitive events.

Dillon Powell: Poetry Out loud Competition

Dillon Powell, True North Classical Academy Sunset, participated in the 2026 Poetry Out Loud Competition in Florida. At the competition, Dillon recited I Sought the Woods in Winter by Willa Cather, To a Waterfowl by William Cullen Bryant, and The Days to Come by Madora C. Addison.

 

Dillon is the founder of Food for Soul, our school's poetry club. He has not only spearheaded the creation of the club but has also continuously organized events that have showcased the club to his fellow Titans.

 

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students, established by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation in 2005. Its goal is to provide students with an opportunity to read and recite great poems while enhancing their public speaking and presentation skills.

2026 True North Gala Ticket Sales

The 2026 True North Gala is just one month away and tickets are now on sale. 

 

Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Miami for an unforgettable evening of celebration, dancing, and fundraising in support of our school.

 

Tables: $3,500
Individual Tickets: $220/guest

 

Space is limited, so don’t miss the opportunity to attend the most anticipated event of the school year. Purchase your tickets today!