North Star News
March 13, 2026
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
Our campus was full of energy and celebration this week! Yesterday, our 5th graders hosted their Colonial Fair, and it was truly impressive. Scholars wore period costumes and enthusiastically persuaded visitors as to why their colony was the best place to settle. Their creativity, research, and confidence were on full display, well done to our 5th grade historians! A huge thank you to Catherine Stewart for all her help with costuming!
Earlier in the week, our scholars also enjoyed a vibrant Lion Dance performance. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the art of dance. Scholars are now diligently completing a related learning activity to deepen their understanding and earn house points!
Congratulations are also in order for the incredible cast and crew of Grease Jr. The performances were fantastic, and the talent, dedication, and teamwork that went into the production made it a memorable show for our entire community.
We would also like to congratulate NSA parent Amy Aleman, who won last week’s newsletter contest. Thank you for reading and staying connected with our school community!
A few important reminders as we head into next week: report cards will be sent home with scholars on Tuesday, so please be on the lookout for them. Additionally, we will have a 2:00 p.m. dismissal all week to allow time for Trimester 2 conferences.
I hope your family is enjoying this four-day weekend. Wishing you all a bit of joy, rest, and rejuvenation before we jump back into another great week of learning together.
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
Rockets, Robots, &tc: Science Night is Back!
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WHAT: A night of fun science!
WHEN: March 26 | 6:30–8:00 PM
WHERE: North Star MUB (cafeteria)
COST: FREE
Calling all curious minds! Science Night is back. Come explore a night of fun kid-friendly science experiments, designed and hosted by our talented parents. We can't wait to see what they've cooked up for this year! Past events have featured rocketry, robotics, exotic bugs, mind-bending optical illusions, and real heart dissections. Come see what discoveries await this year!
AND THE LUCKY WINNER IS....
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Congratulations to the winner of last week's easter egg contest, Amy Aleman! Amy is the mom of Luke, 5th grade, and will enjoy a Starbuck's gift card. Amy was the first to answer the question:
🔹 How old is the McKinley Auditorium? 🔹
We found a couple different answers:
- The main McKinley campus was completed in 1927, making the auditorium nearly 100 years old.
- Some sources note that a final phase of theater construction was completed as late as 1945, about 80 years ago.
Regardless of the exact date, the space continues to evolve: recent lighting enhancements have been added, and thanks to many parent volunteers the stage floor is repainted each year while new lights, a disco ball, and modern equipment have been added along the way (looking at you, Carl!).
One thing we know for sure...those seats feel like 100 years old! Thank you for playing along. Keep an eye out for more contests!
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Crazy Hat Day is on 3/27! Make sure to wear a silly hat!
WHEN: March 27 | 6:00–9:00 PM
WHERE: North Star Gym
COST: $10
DJ and food will be provided! A signed parent permission slip will be required. School-appropriate attire, please.
