North Star News
February 27, 2026
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
It is hard to believe that the end of Trimester 2 is already upon us ! Next week marks the close of the second trimester, meaning two-thirds of our academic year has flown by. Time truly moves quickly when our scholars are engaged, growing, and thriving. I am so excited to see our students continue to shine brightly as we head into Trimester 3 and finish the year strong.
This past week has been filled with meaningful learning and memorable experiences across grade levels. Our 5th grade scholars have been diving into the study of matter, exploring key scientific concepts through hands-on investigation and inquiry. Our 7th graders have begun their novel study of Summer of the Mariposas, engaging in thoughtful discussion and analysis as they explore powerful themes and storytelling. Meanwhile, our talented student actors have been putting the final touches on Grease Jr., rehearsing with focus and enthusiasm as opening night approaches.
Today, our 4th grade scholars are enjoying an exciting day of hands-on science learning at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, an incredible opportunity to extend their classroom learning into the real world.
Tonight, we look forward to coming together for our Family Dance. I hope your family is able to join us for this upbeat and always fun community event! And next weekend, from Thursday through Sunday, our talented cast will take the stage for performances of Grease Jr. We hope you will come out and enjoy a wonderful theater experience with us.
As always, wishing your family a restful and joyful weekend!
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
NEW! BIKE BUS
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WHAT: Biking To/From School
WHEN: Wednesdays, Starting March 4th
WHERE: Northbound from Woodside to Sequoia HS
COST: Free
North Star parent Mike Spiegel is organizing a bike bus, northbound from Woodside High School to Sequoia High School. The route has stops near:
Kennedy • Hawes Park • Red Morton Park • Orion • North Star • McKinley
- Approximate morning arrival at Sequoia: 8:23 am
- Afternoon return ride departs North Star/McKinley around 3:10 pm
Route, timing, and stops are flexible and will be adjusted based on family feedback
Families interested in participating or sharing input are encouraged to connect
🔸 Contact: Mike
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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Elementary Bake Sale will be on February 27th. Email Mrs. Tickel for more info.
Crazy Hat Day is on 3/27! Make sure to wear a silly hat!
WE GO TOGETHER!
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What: Spring Musical
When: March 5 - 8
Where: McKinley Auditorium | North Star Campus
Cost: Prices vary; $10 to $20
Grab your poodle skirt and your pomade; it’s time to travel back to the 1950s for NSA’s spring musical “Grease (school version),” featuring rocking tunes and retro-style high school hijinks. The show runs March 5-8 in the auditorium. Please help support the arts at North Star! Get your tickets today!
IGNITE SCHOLAR'S CURIOSITY
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What: Science Night
When: March 26 | 6:30 - 8:pm
Where: MUB
Cost: Free
- The NSA Dad's Club is hosting its annual Science Night on Thursday, March 26th from 6:30-8pm in the MUB.
- We're calling for parent volunteers to help run experiments for students.
- If you have any ideas for fun experiments for 3-8th graders, please submit them via the form below. Please submit experiment ideas even if you're not available on the night itself - we can help match volunteers!
🔸 Contact: Jed
ENJOY THE AUCTION, WE'LL TAKE THE KIDS
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What: Babysitting services offered during auction
When: March 21 | 6 to 11pm
Where: Red Morton Community Activities Building
Cost: $75 per child with a $25 discount for siblings
High School Girl Scout Troop #62356 is offering an evening of babysitting for parents attending the NSA Auction. At the Community Activities Building (CAB), we will provide a fun filled evening that includes dinner, crafts, movies & blanket forts. We invite children in grades K-6 to have a cozy evening of fun with us!
- We have completed our Babysitting badge and are First Aid and CPR certified.
- There will also be several parents on site to assist!
- This event will help us reach our fundraising goals for a trip to Iceland in July 2026, which we have been working towards 4 years.
Timing is March 21 | 6 to 11pm, though we know little ones may need to head home a little sooner.
The cost is $75 per child with a $25 discount for siblings (please only use the discount for siblings and not friends - thank you for understanding).
We thank you for your support and hope our event is helpful to your family.
2026 TEEN WELLNESS RETREAT
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What: Teen Wellness Retreat (Grades 6–12)
When: Sat, March 28 | 9:00a –2:00p
Where: San Carlos Adult Community Center
Cost: Free
The Cities of Belmont and San Carlos invite middle and high school students to a full-day Teen Wellness Retreat focused on mental health and well-being. The day includes workshops, self-care activities, breakfast, lunch, boba, swag bags, and more. A parent/guardian workshop on validating emotions will also be offered. All youth are welcome.
🔸Register at cityofsancarlos.org/register
READY? OK! WOODSIDE HS CHEER TRYOUTS ARE HERE!!!
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What: Varsity Cheerleading Clinic / Tryouts
When: Mon, March 30 - Thur, April 2 | 4:00 - 6:00p
Where: WHS Dance Room (G-18)
Cost: Not specified (Registration required)
Join the Woodside High School Cheerleading team for the upcoming 26'/27' season!
- All students are welcome and no prior experience is necessary to try out for the Varsity squad.
- The week includes a mandatory meeting on Monday (extending to 6:30 p.m.) and a multi-day clinic.
- Please note that attendance from Monday through Wednesday is required to be eligible for Thursday’s tryouts.
- Candidates must bring a current copy of their grades and GPA.
🔸Register here
🔸Contact: Jolie
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