North Star News
May 8, 2026
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
We are still smiling from the amazing, energetic, and incredibly fun Color Run we had last Friday! This week, we received word that the fundraising efforts of our scholars and families resulted in more than $70,000 raised for our school community. The Parent Club Color Run team worked tirelessly to plan and host this day-long event, including coordinating sponsorships from our generous community partners. Another huge thank you to the entire Color Run team for creating such a joyful and successful experience for our students!
This week also marked our first week of state testing, as well as Staff Appreciation Week. Testing went smoothly, and we will continue with math assessments next week. Thank you for your partnership in helping your scholar start the day with low-stress mornings, arrive on time, and fuel their bodies in ways that support focus, stamina, and attention throughout testing.
I continue to be amazed by the way our families shower our staff with appreciation and care. The outpouring of cards, flowers, treats, delicious meals, and thoughtful gestures throughout the week was deeply appreciated. There is something truly special about working in a community that consistently shows up for one another and lifts each other up in meaningful ways. Our staff were grinning all week long, not simply because of the gifts, but because they felt seen, valued, and supported by the families we serve alongside each day.
Tonight, we also look forward to our Celebration of Cultures event from 5:00–8:00 PM! This event is open to everyone, so round up your friends and family and join us as we visit the various stations to deepen our understanding and appreciation of cultures from around the world. We also hope you will stay to enjoy, and possibly even join, the cultural presentations throughout the evening. It promises to be another joyful opportunity to celebrate the diversity, connection, and community that make North Star such a special place.
A very deep and heartfelt thank you to all of our families for being such an important part of our community. We are grateful for you!
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
SITE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
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The School Site Council (SSC) oversees the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) and the categorical budgets to provide materials and support for all students. Meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. We need your vote to approve three parent members who have volunteered to fill three vacancies on the School Site Council to move forward. Please fill out the ballot below by Thursday, May 21, 2026 by choosing two new parent representatives.
WINNER WINNER!
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Our lucky winner from last week’s newsletter contest is Caitlin Janin, mom to Sienna in 5th grade. Thank you for reading the newsletter, Caitlin! Enjoy your Starbucks treat!
We had 11 contestants this week, with guesses ranging from a tuberculosis scare to renovations to earthquake damage. We even had one jokingly guess that it was a stink bomb (which probably also happened, but I can't find a record of that. :) )
This 1953 photograph shows students attending class outside the McKinley building. At the time, 20 of the school’s 27 classrooms did not meet earthquake safety standards, leading to outdoor instruction.
Constructed between 1926–27, the McKinley building is celebrating its 100th birthday. Happy 100th to our campus!
DADS CLUB MEETUP
Last of the year!
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When: Wednesday, May 13th | 7-9pm
Where: Gourmet Haus Staudt, 2615 Broadway, Redwood City
What: Social hour at 7pm & group discussion at 8pm.
Come join us for our last meeting of the year! We'll discuss the next Night at North Star camp out (NANS), next year's club leadership, and other ideas for the summer & next fall. We'll also toast the poker party & color run volunteers.
NSA's CELEBRATION OF CULTURES
Celebrate our diverse school community!
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WHO: ALL FAMILIES!!
WHAT: MUSIC, FOOD, ACTIVITIES and FUN
WHEN: Friday, May 8th | 5:00 - 7:30pm
WHERE: On the school blacktop
COST: FREE to attend!
- NEW! Friendship Bracelet Making Station AND Inflatable Games!!
- CULTURAL DISPLAYS and ACTIVITIES! Representing Argentinian, Australian, Celtic, Chinese, Greek, Guatemalan, Indian, Jewish, Scandinavian, South Pacific-Tongan, Venezuelan, and Vietnamese cultures. Hosted by NSA families!
- CULTURAL PERFORMANCES! Chinese Lion Dancers, Argentine Tango, Filipino Tinikling, Venezuelan Dancers, and Hawaiian Hula.
- FOOD TRUCKS! Daniel's Kitchen (Tacos), MoBowl (Rice and Noodles), and Creative Sips (Boba). PLUS Dippin' Dots sold by Student Council!
- VOLUNTEERS especially needed for SET-UP and CLEAN-UP!! Please sign-up HERE!
🔸Questions? Contact Keri King at events@nsaparents.com
NSA SPRING CONCERT
NSA Scholar Musicians
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WHO: All Families
WHAT: NSA Spring Concert
WHEN: May 27th | 6:30 PM
WHERE: Auditorium
COST: Free
Join us as we bloom together in this vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community! Enjoy performances by NSA students in Orchestra and Band as they showcase their talent.
JOIN PARENT CLUB LEADERSHIP NEXT YEAR!
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Have you been thinking about getting more involved at North Star? THIS IS YOUR SIGN!! We're planning for next year and need your help. Do you have any of these skills?
- Party/event planning
- Knowing what kids are into these days
- Extrovertedness and sales
- Photography/graphic design
- Marketing & fundraising
- An eye for beautiful host(ess) gifts
- Project management
- cAt WrAnGlinG 🤪
We have a job for you! Most volunteer needs are at-home, often in the evening or on weekends, and flexible to your schedule. Please reach out to Elle at president@nsaparents.com to discuss how you can help the NSA community continue to shine brightly!
The NSA Parent Club is a nonprofit, parent-volunteer organization. Our objective is to enrich the lives of all students at North Star Academy by funding and managing fantastic programs that enhance our children’s educational experience.
🔸Contact: Elle at president@nsaparents.com
Newsletter Submissions
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