North Star News
September 26, 2025
We are excited to share two wonderful celebrations happening in our NSA community!
First, we are so grateful to one of our amazing alumni who chose NSA as the site for his Eagle Scout Project. At the end of last year, he added two brand-new bike racks to our parking area, and just last week, he returned to complete his project by hanging bike safety posters around campus. His generosity and commitment remind us how our alumni continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
At the same time, our school is joyfully recognizing and celebrating different cultures each month. This September through mid-October, we are recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting and honoring the rich traditions, contributions, and history of Hispanic communities.To celebrate, every student will design their own Mexicana Lotería card image. (Students will create one image—not the full board—see the “El Selfie” example.)
About Lotería:
Lotería Mexicana is a traditional game of chance, often compared to bingo, but played with illustrated cards instead of numbered balls. Though the game was introduced through colonization, Mexican communities reshaped it into something uniquely theirs by adding their own culture, humor, and everyday symbols. This tradition highlights:
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Adaptation: Communities reshaped a European game with their own images and symbols.
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Resilience: Despite its colonial origins, Lotería became a deep-rooted cultural tradition.
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Resistance: By transforming the game, people showed that their culture could not be erased, but instead expressed in creative, powerful ways.
Student Participation Details:
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Students may complete their Lotería card image on their own time or during Lifeskills with teacher permission.
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All materials are available with Lifeskills teachers or in the office.
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To add a fun twist, this activity is also part of our House Competition:
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🥇 30 points to the house with the most completed cards submitted
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🥈 15 points to the second-highest house
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🥉 10 points to the house with the fewest submissions
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We can’t wait to see the creativity of our students and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together!
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
North Star Academy
Service Dog on Campus
After tomorrow, 9/24/25, you may see a service dog, named Kimchi, on the North Star campus.
- This is unrelated to the facility dog, Atka, who supports an adapted PE class.
- This is a service dog utilized only to support the individual who owns the dog.
- This person is responsible for taking care of and cleaning up after the dog while on campus.
Because support dogs aren't pets, we are not allowed to touch or feed them. We also don't want to say or do anything that might distract them from doing their job. To allow the dog the ability to focus on their job, please do not speak to, make eye contact with, or attempt to touch the dog.
Kid-friendly informational videos about guide dogs can be found here:
Thank you for your support!
🔸Contact: Ms. Kekos
Buy Your Tickets Now!
Get ready for a night of mystery, mayhem, and masterful comedic timing! We are proud to present our fall production, "Murder in the Knife Room." This hilarious parody of the classic drawing-room mystery will have you guessing and laughing all night long. Who is the mysterious host? Who is the killer? And who will get the last laugh?
Join our talented cast of 36 4th-8th graders as they bring this witty and fast-paced comedy to life on stage. Your support for our student thespians makes this incredible production possible.
- Performances are November 7-9.
Don't miss out on the fun! Get your tickets today and support the arts at North Star! We can't wait to see you there for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
🔸 Contact: Carl
🔸 More info at NSAplay.org
Your Photos Needed!
The yearbook scholars want your photos for our yearbook!
- The best photos show 3 or more scholars.
- Include names and grades of scholars, if you know them!
🔸 Contact: Carol at Gryphon Yearbooks
🔸 More info at nsapubs.com/yearbook
Fall Festival
- Special $12 Carnival Wristband pricing ends October 2nd!
- Price goes up at the event!
- A wristband opens access to all the Carnival Games, Crafts, and Prizes!
- Pick-up wristbands at Will-Call at the event. Financial assistance available.
- Many volunteer spots still need to be filled!
See you on Friday, October 3rd, 5pm-8pm on the school blacktop! You can look forward to:
- Food trucks: Daniel's Kitchen and The Waffle Roost.
- Pizza, dessert and more at the "Send the 8th Graders to DC" fundraising table.
- NSA production of Murder in the Knife Room ticket table
- And much more!
🔸Contact: events@nsaparents.com or Victoria
Yearbook Discount Ends 10/31
A friendly reminder that our yearbook vendor's 10% discount runs through 10/31 and includes two free custom pages.
- If needed, our school code is 1016615448703478
🔸Contact: Carol at gryphon.yearbooks@gmail.com
🔸More Info at nsapubs.com/yearbook
NEW ➨ Financial Assistance Request Process
YEARBOOK: 8th Grade Tributes
We're offering our 8th grade tribute collage for FREE this year, so take advantage and submit your 8th grader's tribute BEFORE November 14th! For more information and inspiration for what to write and which photos to use, check out our inspiration page.
🔸Contact: Carol at Gryphon.Yearbooks@gmail.com
🔸More info at nsapubs.com/yearbook
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
Woodside High School Information Night
Learn about:
- High School Experience
- Academic Programs
- Activities and Athletics
- Highly Qualified Staff
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:30p
WHERE: Woodside HS Performing Arts Center
🔸 More info at woodsidehs.org
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☑️ Bookmark this live Google Doc with high school information.
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☑️ Join Konstella to for updates about special 8th grade activities.
PARENT VENTURE: Parent Education Series
Breaking the Silence:
A Doctor’s Insights on Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention
Rex Huang, MD, Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Virtual Event (Live)
After-school AYSO Mini Sessions
Registration is open for the next "mini" session of after-school AYSO Play! soccer classes. Sign up now and be part of the fun!
Math Festival
Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival (JRMF) at Google Huddle
When: September 27, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Google Huddle, 2000 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Fun, hands-on math puzzles and games for all ages
Free and open-to-the-public
Free snacks provided
