NVMI MISSION STATEMENT

The North Valley Military Institute College Preparatory Academy (NVMI) develops leaders of character by providing a rigorous seven-year college preparatory program to promote excellence in the four pillars of academics, leadership, citizenship, and athletics.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

NVMI’s four pillars are ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, and ATHLETICS.  Using the discipline and structure of a military framework, the goal of NVMI is to graduate cadets who can meet the admissions requirements for any college in the nation and who are prepared for their roles as future leaders of character.

The demanding ACADEMIC program consists of language arts, math, science, and history, as well as world languages, fine arts, computer science, leadership, and physical fitness training.  NVMI supports students who have ambition and wish to take responsibility for their own learning. We use effective, research-based instructional strategies in engaging classes that incorporate four learning modes (Teamwork, Group Discussion, Stand and Deliver, and Independent Work) to differentiate learning to meet individual learning needs rooted in a belief that all students are capable of learning at high levels because all students are intelligent in various ways. NVMI also offers honors courses and a Dual Enrollment Program in collaboration with Los Angeles Mission College that affords cadets the opportunity to complete up to two years of college coursework while enrolled in high school.  We recognize that many of our cadets enter NVMI performing below grade level or deficient in high school graduation credits, and we require and support these students to accelerate learning through before school, after school, Saturday, winter, and summer academic support and credit recovery programs. We have a robust Special Education Department that ensures every student has access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education while also accommodating a student's Individualized Educational Plan or 504 Plan. The Special Education Department takes into consideration that students have various learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and potential behavior challenges that interject into a student's learning success. Through evidence-based assessments, teacher-parent relationships, and staff collaboration, the department advocates that students with disabilities or special needs participate in an enriching, inclusive, and Least Restrictive Environment for academic success. The Special Education Department also partners with an in-house counseling team. Students in the program are assigned with a certified counselor for weekly sessions that teach mental health check-ins, coping strategies, and managing anger. English learners are provided developmentally appropriate designated and/or integrated English language development instruction that expeditiously empowers them to achieve English proficiency. Through explicit Executive Function training and protocols (including required use of an academic planner in every course and across all four school pillars), hard work, determination, and a positive attitude all students are expected to do whatever it takes to meet NVMI’s rigorous academic standards and achieve proficiency on current course standards as they stive to graduate from high school and complete all University of California/California State University A-G entrance requirements.  We partner with parents to communicate about student progress and help all students succeed to the best of their abilities.  Parents have a set of duties to fulfill their role as the primary educators of their children, and NVMI supports parents and guardians with adult learning experiences to promote knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective parenting.

The military framework of the school develops LEADERSHIP and promotes a sense of pride and community as it requires cadets to wear a proper complete uniform each school day and begin each day with a formation that includes patriotic exercises, all of which are led by cadet leaders.  All cadets are assigned to units within a military chain of command (squads, platoons, and companies within the Corps of NVMI Cadets).  A military band company promotes esprit de corps and supports the larger military science program. In a leadership laboratory setting, cadets assume increased responsibility through various positions of leadership during their tenure at NVMI.  Each academic classroom uses military protocols and cadet leadership structures to promote good order and discipline.  Cadets also learn military customs and courtesies and achieve promotions and awards for their accomplishments.  The military dimension of the school promotes patriotic spirit and respect for the democratic ideals of our society. Cadet leaders assume responsibility for fostering the military proficiency, discipline, morale, and esprit de corps of their Corps. An annual Summer Camp at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton provides a variety of unique military training opportunities, leadership laboratory experiences, and career and technical education courses. Each cadet takes a Leaders of Character course each year of NVMI enrollment that teaches a set of military science academic content standards. NVMI proudly participates in the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program and is part of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). Training, Assessment, and Counseling (TAC) Teams of NVMI and retired military personnel provide instruction, mentoring, and supervision of the cadet leadership development program.  

Cadets learn what is expected of them at the Entrance Camp prior to their enrollment at NVMI, a camp run by senior cadet leaders which thoroughly introduces new students to the CITIZENSHIP and academic expectations of the school. The school’s disciplinary system, patterned after the military model, is fair, consistent, and predictable.  It uses a merit and demerit system that provides both positive and negative consequences for behavior choices cadets make. All cadets share a common set of 15 duties they are expected to fulfill as well as a code of honor requiring absolute integrity.  The Cadet Honor Code states, “A cadet is respectful and will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” Cadets participate in a variety of school and community service activities that attempt to make our school and world a better place. NVMI uses a trauma-informed approach within a multi-tiered system of supports for cadets, most of whom have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences and traumas (including homelessness and participation in the foster care system) at rates substantially higher than the national average. We provide robust counseling, social, and mental health support services for cadets and their families.  Cadets who do not meet our expectations for conduct, integrity, or who do not fulfill their duties are given extensive supports and multiple opportunities to modify behaviors and attitudes but may forfeit their opportunity to attend NVMI if they choose not to take advantage of those opportunities and supports.

ATHLETICS is an integral part of the total educational experience here at NVMI that strives to promote all the dimensions of personal fitness and wellness.  NVMI cadets are provided and expected to take advantage of frequent opportunities to participate in expansive interscholastic/intramural team athletic development activities and competition at all grade levels.  A standards-based physical education program all years of a cadet’s enrollment focuses on helping each cadet maximize their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the areas of health, fitness, and wellness.  In addition to fulfilling physical fitness goals, being involved in athletics provides cadets with opportunities to develop team leadership skills and to learn the ideals of fair play and ethical behavior necessary for competition and cooperation in our society.  It also provides our students with unique opportunities for self-discipline and self-sacrifice, as well as a focus on loyalty to the team, school, and community. In addition, NVMI provides nutritious and free breakfast, lunch, and supper to all cadets every school day year-round. Grade level physical challenges, an Indoor Obstacle Course Test (patterned after one at the United States Military Academy at West Point), and the Cooper Institute Fitnessgram are integral elements of the Athletics Pillar – each of which foster all dimensions of wellness in each cadet.

Through the four pillars of ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, AND ATHLETICS, NVMI is an inclusive community that prepares cadets for successful admission to college, completion of college, and entry into the adult world as leaders of character who make our world a better place, do the right thing, and treat others the way they want to be treated.

NVMI CADET CODE OF HONOR

At North Valley Military Institute, cadets learn and behave by a code of conduct that will serve them well during their time at the academy and long after they have graduated.  It is simple, and should govern everything cadets do both on and off campus. Violating the cadet code will lead to disciplinary action and disciplinary consequences which may include suspension or expulsion  from the North Valley Military Institute.

“A CADET IS RESPECTFUL AND WILL NOT LIE, CHEAT, STEAL, OR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO”

To be respectful is to honor the fundamental infinite dignity and worth of each individual. It means to treat oneself, others, and the property of others the way we would like to be treated. Respect is at the heart of the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” Cadets do not engage in physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of others. This includes peers, school staff, and members of the community. They do not bully, harass, or intimidate others. They keep their environment clean and free from vandalism.

To lie is to make an untrue statement, intending to deceive or produce a false impression. The statement can be oral, written or implied by action. Making a statement that is only half-true, or attempting to give a false impression by leaving out pertinent information is lying.

To cheat is to attempt or to aid in an attempt to gain unfair advantage over others. For instance, using the work of another person as one’s own is cheating.  Likewise, allowing someone else to claim one’s work as theirs is another form of cheating.

To steal is to knowingly take a property or service, temporarily or permanently, without consent. Taking or borrowing without permission is stealing.

To tolerate is to ignore the dishonorable actions of other cadets. A cadet who knows that another cadet violated the Honor Code has an obligation to report it. A cadet who sees another cadet be disrespectful, lie, cheat, or steal and does not report the incident has also violated the honor code.

NVMI CADET CREED

«  I am a North Valley Military Institute Cadet.  I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, academy, and corps of cadets.

«  I am loyal and patriotic. 

«  I am the future of the United States of America.

«  I do not lie, cheat, or steal and will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.

«  I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.

«  I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.

DUTIES OF AN NVMI CADET

1. Learn and strive for academic excellence.
2. Set goals and work hard ot achieve them using the NVMI planner.
3. Respect onesself and others.
4. Demonstrate integrity and good character.
5. Accept responsibility and the mantle of leadership.
6. Follow instructions.
7. Wear the uniform oroperly and with pride.
8. Use militayr courtesy.
9. Care for the NVMI campus.
10. Work well as a member of teams.
11. Serve the school and community.
12. Prepare for success in college.
13. Celebrate and take pride in success.
14. Be physically fit and active.
15. Get involved in school activities.

DUTIES OF AN NVMI PARENT

1.         Ensure your child wears the correct and complete uniform daily and complies with all grooming and appearance standards.

2.         Promote daily, proper use of the school planner and check homework daily for completeness.

3.         Read the entire electronic planner/ Cadet-Parent Handbook and act upon the information in the Hawk Weekly and Hawks Cast News. Refer to the school calendar and website often to be up to date on important NVMI events.

4.         Be aware of the status of your child’s demerits, attendance, and grades by regularly checking your NVMI parent email, the online parent portal and the planner page with permanent demerit entries.

5.         Ensure your child attends school every day on time and only misses class for very serious reasons and promptly notifies the school about the reason for any absence.

6.         Participate in Parent Advisory Council activities and participate in parent service and meetings, including attending student led conferences, general parent meetings, and other activities.

7.         Praise your child’s achievements and celebrate triumphs.

8.         Communicate with teachers when you have questions and respond to contacts from the school.

9.         Encourage your child to do the right thing always, treat others with respect, and make NVMI a better place.

10.       Ensure your child attends and participates fully in academic support classes when assigned and takes those classes seriously.

11.       Help your child believe that attending a four-year college/university and postsecondary education is desirable and achievable.

12.       Check your NVMI parent email daily and communicate through your child’s TAC team any concerns or questions you may have.

13.       Ensure your child participates in athletics and other extra-curricular programs and attend events your child is involved in (athletics, etc).

14.       Require your child to always adhere to the cadet code of honor.

15.       Ensure your child eats the healthy meals/snacks from the school’s food service provided or has healthy food when at school. 

SCHOOLWIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES (SL0s)– NORTH VALLEY MILITARY INSTITUTE CADETS WILL

Academics

I.         Think critically and creatively…

a.    by solving a variety of algorithmic and complex mathematical problems with real world applications as evidenced by a Quartile level of at least 1170 upon high school graduation.

b.    by designing and performing experiments to inquire through application of the scientific method.

c.    by analyzing complex symbols and themes in literature.

d.    by developing and exploring a variety of techniques to create modes of expression in the arts.

e.   by utilizing logic, research, and data to solve real world problems.

II.         Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills…

a.     by serving as a cadet leader.

b.     by employing academic language in effective written and oral communication.

c.     by learning a language other than English.

d.     by writing coherent, organized, and grammatically correct compositions in a variety of genres and for different audiences and purposes.

III.         Read, research, analyze, and comprehend a wide variety of written and spoken materials…

a.     by acquiring reading proficiency in discipline-centered texts, literature genres, and media genres as evidenced by a Lexile level of at least 1300 upon high school graduation. 

b.     by developing the academic language demanded by each discipline.

c.     by researching, evaluating, and synthesizing information within a variety of texts.

IV.         Possess sufficient content knowledge to succeed in post-secondary education…

a.     by achieving content knowledge needed for State of California “SBAC” and "CAST" tests.

b.     by acquiring vocabulary and other content knowledge necessary for success on college entrance exams.

c.     by meeting the University of California A-G requirements.

V.         Use a variety of technology resources successfully in academic and real-world settings…

a.     by demonstrating fundamental knowledge and skills of computer software and hardware.

b.     by evaluating and analyzing internet information and sources.

Leadership

VI.         Work successfully for a greater purpose as both a follower and as a cadet leader…

a.    by exhibiting leadership traits and principles.

b.    by forfeiting self-interest for the overall success of the team.

c.    by ensuring the individual success of each team member.

d.    by practicing organizational, planning, and leadership skills at the squad, platoon, company, and battalion levels.

e.   by serving as a role model in thought, word, and deed.

VII.         Envision and set goals…

a.     by establishing and adjusting goals and objectives as appropriate.

b.    by organizing and prioritizing tasks to achieve goals.

VIII.         Display confidence and poise…

a.     by speaking effectively in front of peers and adults.

b.     by embracing leadership roles within the school and community.

c.     by responding with grit and resilience in times of challenge or stress.

d.     by demonstrating military courtesy and bearing.

Citizenship   

IX.         Be an honorable person…

a.     by examining and having the courage to live by one's values.

b.     by making and keeping commitments.

c.     by fulfilling the fifteen duties of an NVMI cadet.

X.         Respect yourself and others…

a.    by honoring and embracing diversity in the global community.

b.    by being courteous to others.

c.     by always using the appropriate language for school, social, and work environments in all forums.

d.     by ensuring one's lifelong physical well-being, health, and fitness.

XI.         Support the local and greater community of humankind…

a.    by developing awareness of the needs of a global society.

b.    by participating in community service projects.

c.     by acting for positive change in the school.

XII.         Respect the environment in which we all live…

a.     by maintaining a safe and clean school campus.

b.     by environmental consciousness and action.

Athletics

XIII.         Work successfully for a greater purpose as a member of NVMI interscholastic sports teams.

XIV.         Work successfully for a greater purpose as a member of NVMI intramural sports teams.

XV.         Set and achieve individual and team fitness goals.

XVI.         Meet fitness standards…

a.     by being in the Healthy Fitness Zone on all elements of the Fitnessgram.

b.     by successfully completing the Indoor Obstacle Course Test in under five minutes.

c.     by completing grade level fitness challenges.