North Star News

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Dear North Star Community,

Every day, I’m inspired by our incredible scholars and the vibrant community that surrounds them. Their curiosity, creativity, and determination remind me that learning is not just about mastering new skills—it’s about daring to dream big and rewrite the stars. Whether it’s the thoughtful questions they ask, the challenges they take on, or the joy they bring to each new discovery, our students show me what it means to reach higher and shine brighter.

This week, our classrooms have been buzzing with that same energy and excitement. Our 3rd graders are proudly typing their very first full piece of writing, showcasing their growing confidence as young authors. In 5th grade, students are embarking on a virtual “Epic Road Trip” across the United States, learning about geography, history, and culture along the way. Meanwhile, our 7th graders dove deep into scientific inquiry during a seminar where they supported or refuted claims about tectonic activity—demonstrating impressive critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Wonderful things are happening all around us, and as we continue to celebrate this incredible learning, I also want to remind everyone that the end of the first trimester is just a few short weeks away. I encourage all scholars to pace themselves—checking in with teachers, wrapping up final projects, and making sure any missing work is complete. Together, we can finish this trimester strong and continue to rewrite the stars in the weeks ahead!

With gratitude,

Erin Kekos

Principal, North Star Academy

• 10/20: Halloween Grams Sold by Student Council

•‼️10/22: (WEDNESDAY) 3:00 Release- No longer early release‼️

• 10/31: Elementary Halloween Haunted Room & Carnival

• 11/01: Middle School Halloween Dance

• Student Council and Leadership for both elementary and middle school are working hard to create fun Halloween activities this year! Please note the following changes from last year:

  
  

  E L E M E N T A R Y (3RD - 5TH)

  
  

  • In lieu of the traditional morning Halloween Parade and costume contest, elementary students are running a haunted classroom during the day, followed by a carnival and dance after school, on Halloween, 10/31. They will have a small parade during enrichment period, starting at 2:15.

  
  

  M I D D L E (6TH - 8TH)

  
  

  • Likewise, in leiu of the parade and costume contest, middle school will host a special Halloween Dance on Saturday, 11/1. There will not be a Halloween parade during school hours for this age group, per their decision.

  
  

  More information and volunteer opportunities for these events can be found in the Student Council section of this newsletter, below

As you start pulling together Halloween costumes, please take a moment to review and discuss these costume guidelines with your student(s).

Costume Guidelines

• Keep it school-appropriate. Costumes should avoid anything revealing.
• No masks or full face coverings. We must be able to recognize all students for safety reasons. Light face paint is fine as long as it doesn’t cover the entire face.
• No weapons or weapon-like props. Any item that could be mistaken for a weapon is not allowed.
• Avoid costumes that promote violence, discrimination, or stereotypes.
• Stay safe and comfortable. Costumes should allow students to move, sit, and participate in normal school activities without distraction or tripping hazards.
• Follow staff directions. If a costume is deemed unsafe or inappropriate, students may be asked to adjust or change it.

You've seen the banners (and been intrigued by the Santa Claus), but have you gotten your tickets yet for “Murder in the Knife Room," North Star’s ridiculous, hilarious, oh-so-mysterious fall play? Find out what all the fun and fuss is about Nov. 7-9 in the auditorium and help support the arts at North Star! Get tickets today at https://www.nsaplay.org/.

Elementary Leadership is brewing up a spooktacular Haunted Room and Halloween celebration for elementary students on Friday, October 31. Check out the signup form to see if you can loan them anything from sheets to pumpkins. They also need battery candles, small lamps and other eerie lighting, in addition to candy donations. Items are being collected as soon as possible and retuned soon after Halloween.

• They also need volunteers for super fun jobs; volunteer to decorate, run the Haunted Room, or lend a hand at the carnival and dance！

🔸 Contact: Ms. Tickel

We could us some help with the Halloween dance on 11/1. Click below for more info!

Please encourage your scholar to check the Lost & Found at the entrance to the two-story building! We have many items.

• Last week we introduced STOPit for anonymous reporting of bulling incidence.
• The yearbook's 10% discount is still valid until 10/31. Purchase here with passcode 1016615448703478.
• 8th grade families have until 11/15 to submit baby photos and free shouts. See nsapubs.com/yearbook.

As our school faces upcoming budget cuts, your support through the Direct Donation Campaign is more important than ever. State and district funding simply can’t cover all the opportunities our students deserve. Field trips, classroom supplies, enrichment programs, art, music, and technology are often the first to go when cuts hit.

Think of it this way: your donation keeps class projects creative, science labs hands-on, and field trips memorable. It ensures teachers have the tools to inspire and students have the opportunities to explore their passions.

When our community gives together, every student benefits. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation today. When budgets are cut, it’s our collective generosity that keeps the learning experience whole.

• We need volunteers for elementary and middle school Halloween activities. From donating sheets to chaperoning middle schoolers, we've got something for everyone :)

• If you're a long-term planner, we have openings to help with the spring family dance, multicultural celebration, yearbook, and theater. Check 'em out on the parent club website!

• Boo grams, all week | 10/20 - 24 Grams include candy, one eraser, one plastic eyeball, and one squishy:

1 gram = $4
2 = $7
3 = $10
4 = $11




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

Saturday, 11/1: Dress up in your costume and party from 6-9 PM! (Make sure that you don’t wear full face masks or bring weapons!)

3rd-5th graders are invited to a spooktacular Halloween Carnival & Dance Party on Friday, October 31 from 3:15 to 4:15 in the North Star gym! Come play fun carnival games and dance in the dark!

• $10 tickets sold at school during lunch and after school at the blue lunch shelter.
• Cash only.
• Tickets also available at the door during the event.
• Tickets include food, drink, and glow sticks.
• Volunteers are needed to lend a hand at the carnival and dance！

🔸 Contact: Ms. Tickle

Above, our trusty mascot greets scholars at last Friday's school assembly, where the anti-bulling program STOPit was announced. The assembly was 100% led by student leadership. Thank you scholars!

Another DC/NY trip fundraising opportunity is happening next weekend on 10/17 and 10/18. We will be taking over the Snack Shack at Red Morton! We are looking for 3 students and 1 parent supervisor for each 2 hour shift. If you cannot make it in person, there are also some baking opportunities to get fundraising points.

🔸 Contact: Mercedes

The high school application process is starting for many schools.

• All 8th grade parents should have received an email from Student Services at the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) with instructions for enrolling your student in any of the SUHSD schools.
• In case you missed it, that information is here. (Thank you for collecting the info, Colleen!)
• Please contact SUHSD if you have questions.

___________

Yearbook Tribute (baby photos, shout-out, big kid photo)

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

❗ = Added this week

• 8th Grade High School Information

• NSA Parent Club Website

• Konstella

• Calendar of Events Document

• Konstella Events Calendar

• RCSD Approved Academic Calendar

• Report an Absence Flyer
• 2025-2026 Bell Schedule
• Daily Breakfast & Lunch menus

• Request Financial Assistance ‼️

• Scholar Magazine

• Yearbook FAQ

• NSA Spirit Wear

• STOPit Anonymous Reporting❗

How closely to you read the newsletter? Is skimming sufficient? Let's test your knowledge!

Answer just 3 QUESTIONS to be entered into a drawing for a Starbucks gift card! Email your answers to communications@nsaparents.com before Monday 10/20.

Winners will be selected in a random drawing on Tuesday, 10/21 using random.org/lists/

1. We've introduced a facility dog, and a service dog in past newsletters. Can you name ONE of them?
2. What is the name of the program (and app) that was introduced at a school assembly on 10/10 to help combat bullying?
3. Name at least one way in which scholars benefit from Parent Club funds that has been highlighted in past newsletters.
4. True or False? The parent club website has event info, volunteer job opportunities, and shortcuts to commonly used links including past newsletters, meeting minutes and agendas.
5. We simplified the process to request financial assistance for North Star events. All you have to do is fill out a confidential __________.
6. What is the name of North Star's online directory? Hint, it's NOT Konstella, but that's a great guess.
7. The yearbook team is calling for what kind of photos of 8th graders, due on 11/15?

If you'd like to add something to our newsletter, fill out this quick form by Wednesday for inclusion in Friday's newsletter.