North Star News
September 12, 2025
Dear North Star Community,
Our scholars have been hard at work preparing for Goal Setting Conferences next week! Each student has reflected on their learning style, identified scholarly goals, and developed concrete plans to reach them. They are now ready to share their goals with teachers and families. This process ties directly to our Navigating Northstar guiding principles—“Knowing Ourselves as Learners” and “Scholarly Habits.” I am so proud of the thoughtful effort our scholars have put into creating meaningful plans to grow and challenge themselves.
In other exciting news, our 5th graders head off to Outdoor Ed on Monday! We wish them well as they embark on this adventure of science and discovery. From hikes and garden visits to banana slug kisses and beach exploration, they will surely make lasting memories. We can’t wait to hear all about their experiences when they return!
We also recognize that the national news is heavy right now for many reasons, and our students may be carrying big emotions as they process the world around them. Sometimes, this can affect their ability to focus and fully engage in class. To support them, our counseling team—Crystal, Maxx, and Kelsey—are on-site and available to help. If you would like to request school-based counseling services for your scholar, please complete the form at this link: https://forms.gle/H4CEzMwyA1iju2Nc6.
As we head into the weekend, I hope your family finds peace, relaxation, and joy together.
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
North Star Academy
Top photo, fourth graders work with their imaginations and their hands as they create beautiful art in Mr. Tim's art class. Mr. Tim is part of the Leap Arts Program, a Bay Area nonprofit arts education program that teaches our kids creativity and confidence. Through visual arts our scholars learn to express themselves, think critically, and collaborate, while connecting art to culture and community.
The LEAP art program at North Star is a DIRECT RESULT of Parent Club funds. THANK YOU!
We're Off and Running!
Thanks to our community, we have already crossed the $72,000 mark towards our $275,000 campaign goal! That is a strong start, but we still have a long road ahead.
This race isn't just about dollars, it's about 100% family participation. Every gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to the finish line.
Join the race today!
Fall Festival: The Biggest NS Family Event of the Year!
Friday, October 3rd, 5pm-8pm on the school blacktop
Editors Note: In last week’s newsletter, we listed the date as Friday, October 4. The correct date is Friday, October 3. We apologize for the mix-up and hope this helps with your planning.
Carnival Games, Crafts, Food Trucks, Prizes, Music and ALL the FUN! Buy discounted unlimited play Carnival Game Wristbands for only $12 per child! Supervising or socializing adults don’t need wristbands.
A wristband opens access to all the Carnival Games, Crafts, and Prizes!
- Pick-up wristbands at Will-Call at the event.
- Contact Myra in the office for financial assistance.
- Volunteers are crucially needed the day-of to make this event a success!
🔸 Contact events@nsaparents.com.
In the next two weeks:
• SPORTS SPIRIT DAY: September 26—scholars should wear their favorite team gear.
• DUCT-TAPE-A-TEACHER FUNDRAISER: Also September 26, we’ll host a fun fundraiser where teachers will be duct-taped to the wall: $2 for 1 foot of tape | $5 for 3 feet
North Star's Online Phone Book: Ready for 2025-26!
While Konstella is great for announcements and community news, DirectorySpot is your one-stop place for contact information. DirectorySpot includes phone numbers and emails not just for parents and guardians, but also for teachers — all in one easy-to-use app.
• Log in at DirectorySpot or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Due to privacy restrictions, you MUST use the email address you have on record with North Star to access.
• New families click “Reset Password," then follow the prompts.
• If you cannot log in after trying the steps above, please email Lydia.
🔸 Contact Lydia
Camp on Campus!
Remember that the Night at North Star Campout returns Sept. 20. You'll enjoy competitions, grilled food, live music, a family movie under the stars, and fun activities for all ages. This event is hosted by the NSA Dad’s Club and is open to all North Star students, parents, & siblings. Space is limited, so get tickets SOON!
🔸Contact David Beck
NEW ➨ Sequoia Union High School Information
The Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) has condensed links for the 2025–2026 high school shadowing programs, campus tours, and 8th grade info nights. Please reach out to high schools with questions, as they encourage direct communication. For information on other schools outside of SUHSD, such as Serra, see information in "Stay in the Loop" section below.
Stay in the Loop!
There is much on the horizon for our 8th graders as they complete their final year at North Star and prepare for high school. Parent volunteers have put together resources to help guide you and your child through this phase, specifically for high school selection, graduate activities, and yearbook:
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• HIGH SCHOOLS: Bookmark this live Google Doc with important high school information on our shared drive, which updates throughout the year. This will include information on schools outside of SUHSD.
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• ACTIVITIES: It’s absolutely essential to join Konstella, where you’ll receive updates about all the special 8th grade activities, including the Washington DC trip.
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• YEARBOOK: Submit your 8th grader's baby photos and shout-out before Nov 14. We're pleased to offer this service for free this year, so take advantage of the tradition!
