New Millennium News Flash

New Millennium News Flash
Hmong New Year 2009
by Panghoua Vang, Gausheng Vang, and Chia Thao
The Hmong New Year
this year was celebrated
on Friday,
December 18 th 2009.
The Hmong New Year
is a big part of the
Hmong culture and
New Millennium Academy.
The staff, students,
and some of the parents
came and were a
part of the New Year
celebration. Many of
the students and
staff at New Millennium
wore Hmong clothes
during the New Year celebration.
Lots of teachers wore
Hmong clothes, also. The
clothing was brought in by
First quarter Character
awards were given at the
awards assembly on Wednesday,
November 25. Students
received Character awards in
the month of September for
responsibility, October
awards were given for showing
honesty, and November
awards were given to students
for thankfulness.
In Ms. Ker’s kindergarten
class, the character award
Hmong teachers and parents
so that everyone had the
opportunity to dress up.
The emcees of the show
were Ms. Rae and Mr. Thao.
First Quarter Character Awards
by Peter Vue and Lucky Xiong
New Millennium Academy
Students, families, and staff enjoy the buffet offered
for lunch at New Millennium Academy’s Hmong New Year
winners were Mai Joua Lee,
Chimeng Vue, Xai Thong Her,
Kashia Vang, Sarah Vang, and
Yakou Yang.
In Mrs. Peterson’s room, the
winners were Jayson Yang,
Susan Xiong, Kao Sheng Her,
Lucky Vang, Izabella Her,
and Jacob Vang.
Malachi Yang, Jennifer Her,
Sky Vang, Mai Kor Pha, Shue
Vang, and Megan Lee won
character awards for Mrs.
(Character Awards continued on page
The performances
started at 9:45 am
and ended at around
12:00 pm. Some
performances were
the NMA Crew
(breakdance), NMA
Girls (singing a
Hmong song), and
The Me Me Dancers
(Ms. Johnson’s and
Ms. Peterson’s
classes. They were
dancing and ball
tossing to “Hmong
Sib Hlab”).
After the performances,
there was a raffle drawing to
win prizes. The winners were
(New Year continued on page 5)
1 st grade, Mrs. Mortensen’s
class: Back row: Lee Lee, Sawang
Her, Kou Xiong. Front
row: Soifa Xiong, Ying Lai Vang.
Not pictured: Brandon Lee.
Volume 2, Issue 2
January 21, 2010
Inside this issue:
Students of the
Month
Teacher of the
Month
2
2
Advice Column 3
3
4
5
5
6

Staff Member of the Month
by Mubarek Sado
What is your name? Mr. Paul Yang
How old are you? I am 36 years old.
When is you r birthday? My birthday
is on September 9, 1973.
What is your job title? I am the new
Dean of students at New Millennium.
Mr. Paul Yang is
Why did you come to this school? I the staff member
came to this school to help the kids.
What is your favorite color? blue
What sport do you like to play? I enjoy playing Frisbee.
What is your favorite subject? My favorite subject is
studying the law.
Where did you work before you came to NMA? I worked
as a broker.
When did you come to this country? I came to the U.S. in
1976.
Where were you born? I was born in Laos.
How long have you been working at this school? I’ve been
here since December 1st.
Are you married? Yes, I am married.
Do you have any kids? No, I don’t have any children.
Elementary School Student
of the Month, Grades K-2
by Kha Yang and Khoi Vang
What do you like to eat? Pizza
What is your full name? Kenji Vang
How old are you? 7
What is your favorite sport? Soccer
Who is your teacher? Ms. Thao
When is your birthday? December 11
What is your favorite cartoon show?
Spongebob
Who is your favorite super hero? Super
man
Kenji Vang is the
K-2 elementary What grade are you in? Grade 2
student of the
month.
What is your favorite subject? Math
What is your favorite color? Black
Do you have any brothers and sisters?
1 brother
Page 2
Teacher of the Month
by Ying Leng Vang
What is your name and what do you
teach at NMA? My name is Mr.
Reichel and I teach middle school Science.
What is your favorite song?
“Geraldine” by the band Glasvegas.
What is your age? I am 28 years old.
Are you married yet? Yes, I am
married.
Mr. Reichel is the
What is your favorite anime? I don’t teacher of the
month.
know.
What do you like most about NMA?
The school is big and the students are friendly.
Do you like dancing? No, I am very bad at it!
What is your favorite food? My favorite food is walleye.
Do you like watching scary movies? Only semi-scary movies.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading? I like reading
non-fiction books mostly.
Elementary School Student
of the Month, Grades 3-5
by Gao Chia Vang
What is your first name?
Thomas
What is your last name?
Lee
When were you born? I was
born on June 15, 2000.
How old are you? I am 9
years old.
What is your teacher’s
name? My teacher’s name is
Ms. Moua. She is my favorite
teacher.
What is your favorite subject?
I like math the most.
Thomas Lee is the 3-5
Elementary student of
the month.
Who is your best friend? My best friend at NMA is Chang
Meng.
What books do you like the most? I really like the Magic
New Millennium News Flash

Advice Column: Dear Millie
Dear Millie,
Is it okay to be sarcastic to your exboyfriend
because he made you cry?
Sincerely,
Sarcastic Girlfriend
Dear Sarcastic Girlfriend,
Well, it’s probably better to just be a
nice person and treat your ex-boyfriend
how you wish he had treated you. Just
try to forget what he did and move on.
Maybe one day you’ll even be able to be
friends.
Sincerely,
Millie
………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Millie,
I have a friend problem:
I have these friends that always annoy
me and it seems like they don’t even see
me when I’m around. One day I heard
them talking about me… how do I confront
them?
Sincerely,
Confused Friend
Dear Confused Friend,
Well maybe you should just ask them
what’s wrong. Ask them if there’s something
you did to upset them. Tell them it
hurts your feelings when you hear them
talking about you, and hopefully that will
make them stop. If they keep talking
about you behind your back, maybe it’s
time to move on and make friends who
treat you with respect. Remember, your
friends should like you for who you are
and not make you feel bad about yourself.
Sincerely,
Millie
………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Millie,
I finally had the strength to tell this
girl that I like her. But what can I do to
make her feel the same way?
Sincerely,
Like Her a lot
Dear Like Her a lot,
It’s really good that you had the
strength to tell her that you like her.
T-Shirt and Yearbook Cover Contests
by Chong Khang & KaZoua Yang
The middle school students participated
in a T-shirt contest again this year. Mr.
Kong Pheng Vang, the art teacher, was in
charge of the contest. Students who
wanted to enter the contest were to
create a T-shirt logo that represented
New Millennium Academy.
The T-shirts were either Vikings purple
or orange, with white writing for the
logo. “I wanted students who were participating
in the contest to show how
creative they are,” said Mr. Vang.
Many students made drawings and
sketches, and after much deliberation,
the winner of the contest was announced:
seventh grader, Pahoua Her.
She won a free T-shirt for making the
winning design.
Mr. Vang is also taking applications for
the yearbook cover contest. Students
still have the opportunity to design this
year’s school yearbook cover which will
come out sometime in the spring.
Maybe you could ask her out to show
her that she’s important to you. Just be
honest with her and be yourself around
her.
Sincerely,
Millie
………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Millie,
Is it okay to interfere with other people’s
business if it is really important?
Sincerely,
Interfering
Dear Interfering,
Yes, if it is something that you feel is
really important, then it’s okay to interfere.
If you’re doing it because you care
about the person, then it’s fine. It
sounds like you want to interfere because
you’re concerned about a friend,
so I’m sure your friend will understand
that.
Sincerely,
Millie
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 3

Kindergarten Thanksgiving
by Kalia Yang and Mai Lee Vang
The kindergarten classes had a Thanksgiving
party on Monday, November 23rd
from 3:00-3:30 pm. The kindergarten
teachers brought turkey, corn, buns,
mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing
for their students to eat. The party was
outside the K-1 common area. All the
kindergarteners were dressed up as
pilgrims and were wearing bonnets, pilgrim
hats, or headdresses.
The kindergarten teachers said that
everything at the Thanksgiving party
Elementary Field Trips
The 1st grader Under Water World
Fieldtrip
By: Pahoua Chang and Lisa Thao
On December 11th, 2009 both of the
first grade classes took a fieldtrip to
Underwater World at Mall of America.
Underwater World is the world’s largest
underground aquarium with over 5,000
creatures including sea turtles, sharks,
stingrays, sea horses, and octopuses.
Ms. Zimmermann’s and Mrs. Mortensen’s
first grade classes loaded buses right
after lunch at New Millennium Academy.
When they arrived at Underwater
World, the first graders saw underwater
animals, touched starfishes and
crayfish, and rode a fake boat. Chase
Vang said, “It was fun!” KaoHlee Yang,
had to do with the first Thanksgiving
in America. They had three tables,
one for the pilgrims, one for
the Native Americans, and one for
the pilgrim girls wearing bonnets.
Before the party, kindergarteners
had to learn about Thanksgiving and
the pilgrims for a whole week in
class.
One kindergartner named Jason
said his favorite thing about the
party was dressing up like a Native
American. Mrs. Rae’s favorite part
of the party was that she liked the
pilgrim boys’ and girls’ costumes.
The students and teachers really
enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving
together this year at school.
another first grade student, said, “The
fieldtrip was awesome and I would want
to go again.”
Science Museum Field Trip
by: Darunee Thao and Hlee Lee
The two fourth grade classes at New
Millennium Academy went to the Science
Museum in St. Paul in December. The
fourth graders had been learning about
the Titanic, which was the topic featured
at the Omni Theater at the Science
Museum. Seven staff members
rode with the forty-one students on the
bus. When they got to the museum, students
were divided into six groups. They
were then able to walk around the museum
and see the different exhibits and
experiments on display.
Pheng Xing Vang builds a trebuchet from pencils
during Math Club.
After lunch students were able to see
artifacts from the Titanic, the famous
ship that sank in 1912. Then each group
had a turn going into the Science Museum
store. Choua Thao said that she liked the
field trip because “We got to look at the
Titanic. I liked going shopping in the
store, too.” Angelica Lee also thought the
Titanic was interesting. Angelica said the
field trip was fun because it had cool
stuff. “This was the third time I have
been to the Science Museum,” she said.
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 4

Nouly Vang (1st grade), Kong Pheng
Vang (4th grade), Jacky Chang (6th
grade), and Yias Her (parent), The
prize for each winner was traditional
Hmong clothing. After the performances
students and parents ate lunch
together. There was traditional
Hmong food such as eggrolls, rice,
Hmong sausage, chicken wings, bok
choi, laab, and steamed zucchinis.
After lunch, students could either go
home early with their parents or stay
for classroom parties and movies.
Many of the elementary classrooms had
Christmas parties and movies. In the
middle school there were four classrooms
with different activities for stu-
Mr. Mike and Mr. Chingla entertain the
crowd with a sing-along version of “Mi
Noog.”
8th graders Bill Vang, Jerry Vang, XengXai Lee, Michael
Thao, and Magic Vang perform under the group name Pheb
dents. They watched movies, played on
the computers, and participated in
Dance Dance Revolution.
The New Year celebration was the kick-
Students dressed up in their nicest clothes to
Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab 2009!
New Millennium teachers, administrators, AEs, and staff pose for a group picture.
off to students’ and teachers’ winter
break and was once again a huge success
this year! Thanks to everyone
who came together and worked so
hard! Special thanks goes out to Kim
Mortenson, who was in charge of the
New Year Committee, and Kong Vang,
who was in charge of all the beautiful
decorations throughout the school
and cafeteria.
5th graders Pangnhia Vang, Jezebelle
Yang, Yeng Lee, Shealuck Vang, and
Mai Kia Lee recite a Hmong poem.
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 5

First Quarter Character Award Recipients
Kindergarten, Ms. Ker’s
class, September:Mai Joua
Kindergarten, Ms. Peterson’s
class, September: Jayson
Yang and Susan Xiong
1 st Grade, Ms. Zimmermann’s
class, September: Kayla Vang
and Touger Yang
3 rd Grade, Ms. Emerson’s
class, September: Xai Vang
and Michelle Lee
3 rd Grade, Ms. Flikeid’s class,
September: Malee Vang, Chue
Lee
Kindergarten, Ms. Ker’s class,
October: Kashia Vang and Xai
Kindergarten, Ms. Peterson’s
class, October: Kao Sheng
Her and Lucky Vang
1 st Grade, Ms. Zimmermann’s
class, October: Nkauj
3 rd Grade, Ms. Emerson’s class,
October: PaYing Vang and Kou
Thao
3 rd Grade, Ms. Flikeid’s class,
October: Helena Vang, Sumeng
Vang
Kindergarten, Ms. Ker’s class,
November: Sarah Vang and
Kindergarten, Ms. Peterson’s
class, November:Izabella
Her
1 st Grade, Ms. Zimmermann’s
class, November: Quincy Vang
and Phoua Lee
3 rd Grade, Ms. Emerson’s class,
November: Hlub Moua and
3 rd Grade, Ms. Flikeid’s class,
November: Mayla Moua, Zhercheeh
Yang
4 th Grade, Ms. Anderson’s
class, September: Yeng Chu
Vang and Kong Vang (not
pictured)
4 th Grade, Ms. Anderson’s
class, October: ChiMeng Yang
4 th Grade, Ms. Anderson’s
class, November: Pheng Vue
and Michelle Thao
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 6

5 th Grade, Ms. Krizak’s class,
September: Keane Yang and
Peter Xiong
Congratulations to all of the Fall 2009 character award recipients!
2 nd Grade, Mrs. Thao’s class. Back
Row: Jee Vue, Kenji Vang, Maihly
Thao. Front Row: Alucard Vang,
Kaying Vang and Somkit Phraviseth
5 th Grade, Ms. Krizak’s class,
October: Pa Nou Thao and Chong
Khue Yang
2 nd Grade, Mrs. Rood’s class. Back Row: Charmeng
Vang, Xor Vue, and Fortune Xiong. Front
Row: Rose Yang, Angeleen Lee, and Kao Lee
5 th Grade, Ms. Krizak’s class,
November: Jezebelle Yang and
Leng Vue
5 th Grade, Ms. Joyer’s class. Back Row:
Angel Vang, Mai Youa Her, Bao Khang, Gau
Zong Yang. Front Row: Tou Yer Xiong,
Pheng Xiong, Anthony Xiong.
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 7

Character Awards continued from page 1
Johnson’s class.
In Ms. Zimmermann’s class Touger Yang,
Kayla Vang, Meng Xiong, Nkauj Ntsum
Yang, Phoua Lee, and Quincy Vang received
awards. Lee Lee, Sawang Her, Kou
Xiong, Soifa Xiong, Brandon Lee, Ying
Lai Vang received awards in Mrs. Mortenson’s
class.
Mrs. Thao’s second grade class the winners
were: Jee Vue, Kenji Vang, Maihly
Thao, Alucard Vang, Kaying Vang, and
Somkit Phraviseth. Xor Vue, Angeleen
Lee, Fortune Xiong, Kao Lee Thao, Charmeng
Vang, and Rose Yang received
awards in Mrs. Rood’s room.
In Mrs. Emerson’s room, Xai Vang, Michelle
Lee, Kou Thao, PaYing Vang, Chue
Fue Lee, and Hlub Moua received
awards. The winners in Mrs. Flikeid’s
class Malee Vang, Chue Lee, Helena
Vang, Sumeng Vang, Mayla Moua, Zhercheech
Yang.
In Mrs. Anderson’s class Yeng Chu Vang,
Kong Vang, Chimeng Yang, Daisy Yang,
Pheng Vue, and Michelle Thao received
awards. The winners in Ms. Moua’s room
were: Choua Thao, Kong Pheng Vang,
Chang Yang, Gaochia Moua, Nariko
Chang, and Yuepheng Lor.
Keane Yang, Peter Xiong, Chong Khue
Yang, Pa Nou Thao, Leng Vue, and Jeze-
New Millennium News Flash
Staff Advisors
Ms. Daniewicz
Ms. Zweber
Staff Reporters
Kazoua Yang
Sheng Vaaj
Chong Khang
GaoChia Vang
Pachia Lee
Lucky Xiong
Charles Lee
Hlee Lee
Darunee Thao
Chia Thao
Jacky Chang
Nutxeng Vang
Mubarek Sado
Kha Yang
Kalia Yang
Priscilla Vang
Mai Kou Her
Khoi Vang
Mai Lee Vang
8)
belle Yang were character award winners
in Ms. Krizak’s class. In Mrs.
Joyer’s class Bao Khang, Tou Yer Xiong,
Angel Vang, Pheng Xiong, Mai Youa Her,
Anthony Xiong, and Gau Zong Yang received
awards.
In middle school, the sixth grade character
award winners were: Gau Shen
Vang, Lucky Xiong, Cassandra Lee, Kaying
Thao, Lo Xiong, and Anastasia Yang.
Seventh grade winners were: Kong Meng
Vang, Mai Yia Xiong, Mai Mee Lee,
Carter Kha, Chuemeng Vang, and Hunenane
Hea. Bill Vang, Saleena Lee, Magic
Vang, PaZong Vang, Chong Khang, and
Ying Leng Vang
Gausheng Vang
Panghoua Vang
Peter Vue
Staff
Photographers
Pacha Her
Yang Houa Xiong
New Millennium
Academy
1203 Bryant Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: 612-377-6260
Fax: 612-377-6261
E-mail: admin@nma-edu.org
Middle school character award winners. Back row: Kaying Thao, Lucky
Xiong, Magic Vang, Bill Vang, Pa Zong Vang, Chong Khang. Middle row:
Carter Kha, Chuemeng Vang, Mai Yia Xiong, Hunenane Hea, Mai Mee Lee,.
Front row: Cassandra Lee, Cindy Lor, Gau Sheng Vang, Anastasia Yang.
Not pictured: Kong Meng Vang (7), Saleena Lee, Lo Xang Xiong.
The New Millennium News Flash staff is always looking for
story ideas! If you would like to see your classroom or
students featured in these pages, please contact Ms.
Zweber or Ms. Daniewicz.
All NMA students are welcome to write letters to the
advice column. Letters can be dropped off in Ms. Zweber’s
room in the Advice Column mailbox. Students must include
their names with all letters, but all letters will be published
anonymously.
Page 8 New Millennium News Flash