North Star News
November 7, 2025
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
As we move through this season of gratitude, I find myself especially thankful to be part of such a wonderful and dedicated academic community. The commitment of our North Star Academy families, staff, and scholars continues to inspire me every day.
Across the district, we are facing the difficult task of identifying millions of dollars in budget reductions. During times like these, it becomes more important than ever for our NSA community to make our voices heard. To ensure that Site Council can best prepare for the 2026–27 school year, we will be launching a community survey on Monday to learn what our families value most. Your input will help us make thoughtful, informed decisions as we navigate these challenges together.
The survey will be sent from RCSD Communications info@rcsdk8.net. Families with multiple NSA scholars only need to respond once. It will include two sections—one focused on district-wide priorities and another centered on site-based priorities.
Because education can sometimes feel full of acronyms and technical terms, I’m creating a survey guide to support deeper understanding of the topics included. This guide will be shared on Monday morning as both a document and a short video to help you feel confident in your responses.
I know times like these can feel uncertain, but I have full confidence in our community’s strength and spirit. Together, we will continue to do what we do best—come together in support of our scholars.
With gratitude,
Erin Kekos
Principal, North Star Academy
LAST CHANCE—10% OFF!!
Solve the mystery! “Murder in the Knife Room” opens tonight! Get ready to laugh with a cast of classic whodunnits staring our very own 4th - 8th grade scholars.
This is your last chance for play tickets: we have 50 seats at 10% off. Visit NSAplay.org, click to buy tickets, and use discount code NEWSY10 at checkout.
- The show runs TONIGHT thru SUNDAY in the auditorium.
- Please help support the arts at North Star! Get your tickets today at nsaplay.org.
Get Your Poodle Skirts!
Get ready to pull out those poodle skirts and don those leather jackets, our Spring Musical—Grease Jr. is holding auditions starting Monday, November 17th. If your 5th-8th grade scholar is interested, please complete the Grease Jr. Audition Registration Form by Friday November 14th. The form has additional information on key dates and audition requirements. Stock up on your pomade and chamomile tea for your vocal cords, we can't wait to see you on stage!
For our budding vocalists in 3rd and 4th grade, stay tuned for registration information for the Prologue.
🔸 Contact: Ivy Burg and Alina Villanueva
Fuel Your Fun!
Ready to try some amazing snacks? Come find us!
The Red Morton Park Snack Shack is officially open this Saturday, November 8th, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and we're ready to serve up the perfect park treats!
- We're easy to spot right by the 49er field and the batting cages. Grab a fresh cup of coffee or hot chocolate to warm up, or refuel with popcorn, pizza, sodas, Gatorade, juices, and a huge selection of amazing home-baked treats.
- Every purchase is a simple, delicious way to support the 8th Grade school trip to DC and NYC next spring break.
- Stop by, say hello, and help send our kids on an unforgettable adventure! Your support is the sweetest treat of all!
🔸Contact: Laura
NSA Movie Night/Parents Night Out!
Friday, December 12 from 5:30-8:30pm | Red Morton
Drop your kids off for a pizza and movie night while you finish holiday shopping or go out for a quiet dinner!
Our 8th graders are raising funds for their Washington DC trip and will be on site (with parent chaperones) to watch a movie (Home Alone), play board games, and participate in other activities with your NSA scholars (3-7th grade) and their non-NSA siblings (1st-7th grade). Click the button below for more information and to register.
🔸Contact: Jolie at jolief@gmail.com
🔸More info here
Winter After-school Programs
An exciting selection of Winter after-school programs ranging from Woodworking to AI Gaming & Machine Learning to Zumba are now available. Review the options and click the link (or scan the QR code) to register in the listings document.
Don't Let Your 8th GRADER be Left Out!
Free shout-outs for your 8th grader are due November 15! This is a fun way to celebrate your student and commemorate their transition to high school. Shout-outs can include text, baby photo, big kid photo or any combination of those three! For ideas, take a peek at last year’s yearbook or visit our inspiration page .
Not sure if your scholar's tribute was already submitted? Check here!
Enrichment Brochure
From chess and photography to leadership, baking, coding, and the arts, students in grades 3–8 can discover new passions and build new skills through a wide range of hands-on classes. Explore the upcoming offerings with your scholar and see all the ways to learn, create, and lead at North Star. All listings are subject to change. Registration occurs a few days before the enrichment begins.
Scholar Magazine
Student Publications is excited to announce the launch of issue 2 of their magazine, The Gryphon's Tale! This magazine is designed, written, and photographed by our middle school scholars and includes stories, poems, comics, and - new this year - fashion! Grab your copy for $17 or enjoy the e-zine version for FREE, here.
