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Navigator News

January 2026

Navigator NewsJanuary 2026
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UPCOMING DATES

Jan. 19 (Mon): NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


January 23 (Fri): Family Movie Night, 6:00-8:00


Jan. 30 (Fri): NO SCHOOL, Grading Day


Feb. 4 (Wed): Save the Date! An Evening with Kurt Wootton!, 6:00-7:00

*see info below

Principal Message

Dear North Star Families -


Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! I hope your break was filled with laughter, making memories, and time with loved ones. We are excited to be back at school with all of our amazing students! As we move through January, we have two important ways in which families can be involved and we would love for you to participate!


An Evening with Kurt Wootton
Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00–7:00 PM | North Star Library

Kurt Wootton is the founder of the ArtsLiteracy Institute at Brown University and Habla School in Mexico. He works nationally and internationally with schools, supporting creative approaches to literacy, professional learning, and school culture.


We have been fortunate to partner with Kurt since August, as he has worked closely with our teachers throughout the year. He will be back at North Star February 3-5, including a special evening session for families on Wednesday, February 4. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about The Performance Cycle and to gain insight into how your child experiences literacy learning at school.


Please RSVP HERE if you are able to attend so we can plan space accordingly. Thank you!



Youth Truth Survey (now thru January 30)

Your feedback matters! Please take a few minutes to complete this year's Youth Truth survey. The information helps us understand how students and families experience school in areas such as learning, , relationships, culture, safety, and communication. Results will be shared once the information is consolidated.


Take Survey HERE


Youth Truth is a nonprofit organization that supports hundreds of schools and districts across the country.


Please note:

  • The survey needs to be completed in one sitting.

  • We ask that one member of each household fill out the survey.

  • If you have more than one child who attends the same school, you may respond to the survey multiple times - one time per child.

  • If you write any comments, please do not include your name or anything else that might identify you. Your responses are anonymous, and they will be combined with the responses of other parents and guardians before being shared back with school and district leadership.


Here's to a great 2026!


With gratitude,


Beth Martin

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PTO Happenings!

Upcoming PTO Dates:


  • January 23: Family Movie Night

Find details, RSVP links, and volunteer sign-ups at northstarelementarypto.org/events


Family Movie Night: Pack your blankets and bring the whole family for a cozy night at the movies! Join the North Star community for a fun evening together as we watch a family-friendly film on Friday, January 23rd, from 6–8pm. Popcorn, pizza, and drinks will be available with a $1 cash donation. Sign-up to help set-up, run the concession stand, and clean-up: Volunteer Sign-up


Save the Date! Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT): We’re excited to bring MCT on board for an upcoming school production of Hercules, taking place May 4–9! This nationally recognized program gives students a unique opportunity to work with professional directors, build confidence, and experience the magic of live theater, all in a fun and inclusive environment. Open auditions are expected on May 4, led by MCT professionals who will cast 50–60 students. More details coming soon.


Help Wanted!

  • Lego Wall Build Help: We're looking for parent volunteers to help us build the new North Star Lego wall. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email us to learn more: info@northstarelementarypto.org

  • Join the PTO Board: We're actively seeking enthusiastic parents for PTO board positions, including Vice President, and welcome members to join our Fundraising Committee. If you are interested in making a difference, please email us to learn more: info@northstarelementarypto.org

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A Note from our School Counselor

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the break and had a lovely time with friends and family! We are excited to be back and look forward to a great winter season!


Classroom Lessons: Throughout January, students in grades K–1 will continue building their problem-solving skills through Kelso’s Choices. We’ll continue learning about Kelso’s Wheel and how students can use it to solve small problems in positive, healthy ways. For more information, visit kelsoschoice.com.


Second graders will begin Little Spot of Emotion, an emotion‑regulation curriculum that prepares them for later work with the Zones of Regulation. Students in grades 3–5 will continue learning about the Zones of Regulation, an emotion regulation curriculum that empowers students to identify their emotions and develop strategies to help manage big feelings. See the Zones poster below; for more details visit zonesofregulation.com.


Lunch Buddy Program: Every student will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with the counselors at least one time during the school year. Although completely optional, this is a wonderful chance for us to build relationships with students in a relaxed, fun setting. If you prefer that your child not participate in the Lunch Buddy Program, please let us know by emailing Mrs. Filkins at kaily.filkins@bend.k12.or.us.


Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to connecting with you!​


Kaily Filkins,
School Counselor
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Parking Lot

Please do not park along the curb in the parking lot during arrival and dismissal. If you wish to get out of your car to greet your child, park in the parking lot. It is important that the carpool lane is able to have continuous movement for both safety and efficiency. Thank you!

Volunteer Background Check

If you are interested in going on a field trip with your student’s class, or think you may be interested in the next few years, please fill out a volunteer background check! It takes 48-72 hours to clear, and is valid for two years. Please consider filling this out! If you have not filled it out, or it hasn’t yet cleared, you will not be able to go on a field trip or volunteer with your student’s class. There will be no exceptions.

https://www.bend.k12.or.us/district/organization/volunteer

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Beth Martin
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