North Star News

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Approximate reading time: 5 minutes

Dear North Star Community,

It has been another wonderful week of learning and community at our school! Our 3rd graders had a fantastic time visiting the County History Museum, where they explored the rich history of our local area. A special highlight was getting to create their very own abalone necklaces—a hands-on memory they’ll surely treasure.

Looking ahead, our 6th graders are eagerly preparing for their Marin Headlands overnight field trip next week, Monday through Wednesday. The forecast calls for beautiful weather, and we wish them an unforgettable experience full of both academic learning and social growth.

Meanwhile, our Student Leadership classes have been hard at work planning exciting activities for our whole school community. From creating a school-wide Lotería card set and hosting a Hispanic Heritage bake sale to organizing spirit days and upcoming Halloween festivities, their creativity and leadership continue to shine.

I am deeply grateful to be part of such an amazing school community, and I look forward to another joyful and enriching week ahead. Wishing your family a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Erin Kekos

Principal, North Star Academy

In the Next Two Weeks

• 10/6: Marin Headlands Field Trip (6th gr) ‼️

• 10/7: Site Council Meeting

• 10/13: No School (Indigenous People's Day) ‼️

• 10/14: Picture Retake Day

• 10/16: Parent Club Meeting

Last week's Easter egg winner was third grade parent Darya Rose. Congratulations Darya, and welcome to North Star! A new egg is hidden in this week's newsletter. Good luck finding it!

Picture Retake Day : Tuesday 10/14

Details will be in next week's newsletter, along with a quick and easy Retake Request form. On retake day, October 14th, teachers will make sure your student is released in the morning and pointed in the right direction for their new photo op! :)

Who Did It??

When a body is discovered in a room full of knives, an intrepid investigator must grill a lineup of wildly quirky suspects. Solve the mystery at North Star’s fall play, the madcap “Murder in the Knife Room” – a hilarious spoof of classic whodunnits starring NSA scholars as all sorts of wacky characters. The show runs Nov. 7-9 in the auditorium. Please help support the arts at North Star! Get your tickets today at nsaplay.org.

Buy Tickets

Site Council Meeting

Join us for our next site council meeting on Tuesday 10/8 at 4pm, in the school library or on Zoom

(Zoom meeting ID 73825717017 // Passcode 88202088)

See Agenda

In Case You Missed It...

The Fall Festival is TODAY (10/3) on the school blacktop, 5:00 - 8:00. If you didn't pre-purchase a wristband for your child/ren, you can buy them at the event.
Our yearbook vendor's 10% discount ends 10/31. Order here.
Registration is open for the next "mini" session of after-school AYSO Play! soccer. Sign up.
If you have an 8th grader, see the 8th Grade section below for important reminders.

Above, pictures from last year's elementary Halloween parade. This year our elementary student leadership team is hard at work planning a fun Halloween event for our younger students! While the details are still being finalized, you can expect a festive celebration filled with school spirit. Thanks to your support, this event is made possible in part by Parent Club funds and your generous donations. More information coming soon!

Thank You!

Whatever your reason, we thank you!

I do not want to bake, so here is the money I would have spent on cupcakes.
I do not want to hit up friends and family, so here is the money I would have spent on wrapping paper.
I am making this donation to express my appreciation for having nothing to buy, sell, or do except write this check.

The Direct Donation Campaign is the easiest way to make a big impact. Every dollar goes straight to programs, experiences, and resources that support our students grow, learn, and succeed. Help us reach 100% participation!

🔸Contact fundraising@nsaparents.com

🔸More Info at nsaparents.com/donate

Make a Direct Donation!

- or drop off a check in the office to the attention of NSA Parent Club -

Review Volunteer Jobs

-Many Open Positions Available-

Heritage Bake Sale: Today is the last day for the lunch-time bake sale near the blue lunch shelter. Send $2 to $5 for tasty items!
Spirit Day, Friday 10/17: PUMPKIN SPICE DAY: dress up in orange and white.
Halloween: Stay tuned for details about campus Halloween festivities, including Halloween grams (10/20-24), the costume parade (10/31), and the middle school Halloween dance (11/1).

🔸Contact: Mr. Perkins at eperkins@rcsdk8.net

Notes for Their North Star Journey

Messages from Older Scholars to Younger Scholars

The Gryphon’s Beat is the online companion to our school magazine, The Gryphon’s Tale, and features short essays about life at North Star.The goal is to give younger students a positive, reassuring glimpse into upcoming experiences, such as dances, Gold Rush, Yosemite, and Outdoor Ed through the voices of older students who’ve been there.

Our Student Publications scholars are busy creating new stories all the time, so check back often!

Read the Gryphon's Beat

Space Crossword

Student Publications engagement editors, Xander (7th) and Elodie (6th), are busy working with their teams to create fun puzzles, comics, and product reviews for this year's scholar magazine. All of our student editors are creating content that aligns with our 2025-26 school theme, Rewrite the Stars.

This is one of Xander's easy crosswords! Give it a try by downloading, printing, and playing with your family! Check your answers next week :)

Download PDF to Print

You could win a Starbuck’s gift card! Email us the correct answer by 5:00 pm, 10/6. A winner will be chosen via random.org/lists.

When does the 10% yearbook early-bird discount end?

💌 Email: communications@nsaparents.com

8th Grade Yearbook Baby Photos

We're happy to provide free 8th grade baby photos and shout-outs in the yearbook again this year. You just need to submit yours!

8th grade baby photos and shout-outs are due November 14th!
For more information and inspiration see our inspiration page.

🔸Contact: Carol

🔸More info at nsapubs.com/yearbook

Submit Tribute

Check Status

Woodside High School : Meet the Principal

Join us for the Meet the Principal Feeder Event!

This is a great opportunity for parents of current 8th grade students to hear directly from our wonderful Principal, Karen van Putten, staff, and current students, while learning more about what makes Woodside High School special.

This important gathering gives parents the chance to hear stories, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into our high school. SPACE IS LIMITED, so be sure to RSVP at your earliest convenience.

When: Monday, Oct 20, 2025 | 6:30p to 8:00p

Where: [ Private Home ] 399 Cerrito Avenue in Redwood City

RSVP