North Star News
May 1, 2026
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
It has been another joyful and eventful week on campus, filled with meaningful learning and opportunities for our scholars to connect with one another. Our 4th graders recently wrapped up their individual field trips to Sanchez Adobe Park, where they were immersed in our region’s rich local history, even trying their hands at making traditional adobe bricks. These hands-on experiences truly bring learning to life.
We are also proud to share that our school was honored with a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Award from the San Mateo County Office of Education—a wonderful recognition of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. In addition, our student council election process for the 2026–2027 school year is officially underway, and we look forward to seeing our student leaders emerge.
Today, our scholars participated in our Color Run, and it was nothing short of amazing. Watching students come together, cheering each other on, laughing, and fully embracing the experience was a powerful reminder of what makes our school community so special. The joy was truly infectious, and these shared moments of connection are what make our campus shine. A huge thank you to the Color Run team for their tireless work and endless energy that went into making this event happen!
Looking ahead, we will begin our state CAASPP (SBAC) testing next week. To support a focused testing environment, mornings from 8:35–10:15 will be designated as quiet campus time. You can help your child feel calm and confident by ensuring a stress-free morning routine, a healthy breakfast, and plenty of rest each night. After testing, students will follow an adjusted schedule with shorter class periods while maintaining the regular flow of the day.
Finally, we are excited for our Celebration of Cultures next Friday, 5/8, one of the highlights of our school year. We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to join us for this vibrant and meaningful event that celebrates the diversity of our community.
Thank you for your continued partnership, and we wish you a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
NSA WINS SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE SCHOOLS CHALLENGE
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We’re proud to share that NSA has been named a winner of the county’s Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge, recognizing the school’s commitment to environmental education and student leadership. Scholars explored water conservation through hands-on projects like designing water filters and creating “Purple Pipes” posters displayed at the Redwood City Public Library. The school’s expanding greenhouse initiative continues to engage more students, helping grow a strong culture of sustainability across campus and beyond.
Congrats Scholars!
WALK, BIKE, & ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY - May 6
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Who: All scholars and families
What: Walk or bike to school together
When: Wednesday, May 6 (morning arrival)
Where: Routes to and from school
Cost: Free
Join us for a simple, fun way to build community and start the day actively by walking or biking to school. Consider teaming up with other families for added safety and connection!
Please remember that all students must walk their bikes once on campus to help keep everyone safe.
SITE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
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We are accepting applications for our 2 new site council member positions to join next year!
Interested parents must complete this form with a single paragraph explaining why they would like to be involved, and what they would add to the committee. This information will be shared with the school community to help inform parents' voting choices. Submissions are due Thursday, 5/7 at 10am!
Voting will begin this Friday, 5/8 and run through Wednesday, 5/21.
DADS CLUB MEETUP
Last of the year!
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When: Wednesday, May 13th | 7-9pm
Where: Gourmet Haus Staudt, 2615 Broadway, Redwood City
What: Social hour at 7pm & group discussion at 8pm.
Come join us for our last meeting of the year! We'll discuss the next Night at North Star camp out (NANS), next year's club leadership, and other ideas for the summer & next fall. We'll also toast the poker party & color run volunteers.
NSA's CELEBRATION OF CULTURES
Celebrate our diverse school community!
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WHO: ALL FAMILIES!!
WHAT: MUSIC, FOOD, ACTIVITIES and FUN
WHEN: Friday, May 8th | 5:00 - 7:30pm
WHERE: On the school blacktop
COST: FREE to attend!
- NEW! Friendship Bracelet Making Station AND Inflatable Games!!
- CULTURAL DISPLAYS and ACTIVITIES! Representing Argentinian, Australian, Celtic, Chinese, Greek, Guatemalan, Indian, Jewish, Scandinavian, South Pacific-Tongan, Venezuelan, and Vietnamese cultures. Hosted by NSA families!
- CULTURAL PERFORMANCES! Chinese Lion Dancers, Argentine Tango, Filipino Tinikling, Venezuelan Dancers, and Hawaiian Hula.
- FOOD TRUCKS! Daniel's Kitchen (Tacos), MoBowl (Rice and Noodles), and Creative Sips (Boba). PLUS Dippin' Dots sold by Student Council!
- VOLUNTEERS especially needed for SET-UP and CLEAN-UP!! Please sign-up HERE!
🔸Questions? Contact Keri King at events@nsaparents.com
NSA SPRING CONCERT
Save the Date
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WHO: All Families
WHAT: NSA Spring Concert
WHEN: May 27th | 6:30 PM
WHERE: Auditorium
COST: Free
Join us as we bloom together in this vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community! Enjoy performances by NSA students in Orchestra and Band as they showcase their talent.
JOIN PARENT CLUB LEADERSHIP NEXT YEAR!
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Have you been thinking about getting more involved at North Star? THIS IS YOUR SIGN!! We're planning for next year and need your help. Do you have any of these skills?
- Party/event planning
- Knowing what kids are into these days
- Extrovertedness and sales
- Photography/graphic design
- Marketing & fundraising
- An eye for beautiful host(ess) gifts
- Project management
- cAt WrAnGlinG 🤪
We have a job for you! Most volunteer needs are at-home, often in the evening or on weekends, and flexible to your schedule. Please reach out to Elle at president@nsaparents.com to discuss how you can help the NSA community continue to shine brightly!
The NSA Parent Club is a nonprofit, parent-volunteer organization. Our objective is to enrich the lives of all students at North Star Academy by funding and managing fantastic programs that enhance our children’s educational experience.
🔸Contact: Elle at president@nsaparents.com
Thank you once again for making it to the end! For this week's contest we're heading back to the archives. This is a picture of the McKinley building taken in 1953 to record the occasion of students needing to hold classes outside.
Why did students need to have classes outside in 1953?
You don't need to be correct to win! Just email your guess to communications@nsaparents.com for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card. We'll reveal the answer next week!
Newsletter Submissions
If you'd like to add something to our newsletter, fill out this short form by Wednesday for inclusion in Friday's newsletter.