North Star News
September 4, 2026
Dear North Star Community,
It has been a wonderful week on campus, filled with energy, curiosity, and deep learning across all grade levels. In our middle school classrooms, scholars are mastering effective note-taking strategies, gearing up for exciting mock trials, and embarking on their own publication journeys. Meanwhile, elementary students are diving into scientific investigations, exploring "Kindness 101," and sharpening their literary analysis through historical fiction.
To support academic growth, teachers will assist scholars in completing any remaining i-Ready testing by next Friday, September 11.
Looking ahead, educators are actively planning field trips, including our upcoming Full Day Enrichment for 4th–8th graders on November 6. Parent chaperones make these enriching experiences possible, and we want to ensure everyone is cleared and ready to participate without last-minute stress.
Volunteer Clearance Requirements If you plan to chaperone or volunteer on campus this year, please ensure the following documents are up to date:
TB Test & Photo ID: Volunteers must have a current TB clearance and government-issued ID on file. If you registered a few years ago, your TB documentation may be expired and require updating. Expired driver's licenses or IDs must also be resubmitted.
Mandated Reporter Training (New State Requirement): Per new state law, all volunteers must complete a ~1.5-hour training on mandated reporting of child abuse.
We strongly encourage you to begin this process as soon as possible to allow our HR team adequate time to process submissions. Our community’s dedication to supporting field trips is deeply appreciated, and completing these steps early will ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for our volunteers, educators, and staff. More specific information is provided within this edition!
As we head into this three-day weekend, I hope your family finds time to recharge, do something that brings you joy, and enjoy quality time together.
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal, North Star
MUSICAL SCHOLARS
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We’re excited to offer our 5th–8th grade scholars the opportunity to explore and enjoy instrumental music! Options include:
- Beginning Band
- Beginning Strings
- Concert Band
- Concert Orchestra
Scholars interested in joining this music class are invited to complete the interest form available in the “North Star” class in Google Classroom.
Parents & Caregivers - if you'd like to see the form, just ask your scholars to log into Google Classroom and open the class called "North Star." You'll see a link to the form in the classroom feed.
OVERNIGHT STORAGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
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Who: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Scholars
What: Overnight chromebook charging stations / cubbies
Where: Room 105
When: Starting Monday
Help Lighten the Load!
Got a heavy backpack?
- Starting this Monday, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are invited to leave their Chromebooks safely at school overnight using the charging carts in Room 105, between Ms. Martin and Mr. Flint's rooms.
- The room will be opened and supervised for 10 minutes before and after school.
- This is completely optional, and simply one way to lighten the load they carry.
- We recognize that some students need to take their Chromebooks home at night because they don't have alternative technology. If you'd like to borrow a Chromebook to keep at home, please complete this form.
Coming Soon
We are also in the process of securing cubbies for students. These will allow them to store daily essentials like pencil pouches and art supplies at school, further reducing backpack weight. These cubbies will also provide a safe, cool place to keep packed lunches during the school day.
Teachers will share additional details and procedures during homeroom this week!
PICTURE RETAKE OPPORTUNITY
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- If you child missed picture day on the first day of school, or would like a re-take, they may do so on November 16th. Scholars can just let their homeroom teacher know, and will be directed where to go.
- This is also the group picture day for 8th graders. More info coming soon!
DADS CLUB MEETUP -- All are welcome!
When: Wednesday, Sept 16th | 7-9pm
Where: The Wild Rover, 2620 Broadway St, RWC*
What: We'll start w/ social hour, and break at 8pm for updates on the Sept 19-20 Night at North Star campout.
*Site of the former City Pub
Hope to see you there!
🔸Contact: Brian
REACHING OUT TO OTHER FAMILIES
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Who: All families
What: Online directory
Where: DirectorySpot.net
Cost: Free
Our school directory, DirectorySpot, is a great way to get contact information for parent/guardians or teachers at our school. DirectorySpot is only available to North Star families. The details in DirectorySpot come directly from the school district, and are more comprehensive than Konstella, which is an opt-in only platform.
Log in at DirectorySpot.net or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Use your email address on record with RCSD. Click “Reset Password," then follow the prompts. If you cannot log in after trying the steps above, please email Lydia.
🔸Contact Lydia
HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY
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WHO: 4-8th Grade Scholars
WHAT: State Health Survey
WHERE: Google Classroom / Homeroom
It’s time for our scholars to take part in the California Healthy Kids Survey! This anonymous, confidential state assessment gives students a supportive, data-driven voice to help us continuously improve our school environment and mental health support systems.
- For 4th–6th Graders: To give your child the green light to participate, please fill out and submit your consent using this form by September 25, 2026.
- For 7th & 8th Graders: Parental permission isn't required for these grades. If your child would prefer to opt out, they simply need to let their homeroom teacher know.
Thank you so much for partnering with us to keep our school community thriving!
8TH GRADE TRIP TO WASH DC & NYC
Only a few seats remain — registration closes Tuesday, September 8!
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WHO: 8th grade scholars, Class of 2027
WHEN: Spring Break | April 12–17, 2027
WHERE: Washington DC and New York City
- Register now at etadventures.com — choose Customer Login, then add a new trip with Trip Code: north27
- Register even if the seats are gone. Once the trip is full, registrations go onto a waitlist. No deposit is charged while you're on the waitlist.
- This is not a school-sponsored program. All funds are paid directly to Educational Travel Adventures.
🔸 A sponsor has offered to cover the full cost for one scholar. If cost is a barrier for your family, contact Renata directly and in confidence, or fill out the NSA Scholarship Request Form.
🔸 Questions? Email Renata to join the trip mailing list.
WAYS TO GIVE
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The NSA Direct Donation Campaign offers several easy ways to contribute — and every dollar makes a difference! Our goal is 100% participation from our community.
- Suggested Donation: $750 per family — you can give this as a one-time payment or in monthly installments.
- Navigator’s Circle: Want to go above and beyond? Donate $1,100 per student to join the Navigator’s Circle.
- Company Matching: Many employers offer donation matching — check with your company to see if your gift can be doubled!
🔸 Please reach out to the fundraising team with any questions. Thank you for supporting NSA!
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Have a question, comment, or suggestion? Email us at communications@nsaparents.com.