North Star News
September 19, 2025
Dear North Star Community,
As our super minimum week comes to a close, I want to take a moment to share how proud I am of our scholars. They adapted so well to the change in schedule and fully engaged in this year’s goal-setting conferences. A new feature this year was connecting these conferences to our Navigating North Star skills and habits. While the process isn’t perfect, it’s a meaningful step forward in helping students reflect on their learning, set priorities, and take ownership of their growth. I am so proud of the thoughtful participation I saw from our scholars throughout the week!
On a more serious note, I want to acknowledge that once again this week our community was impacted by a pedestrian/cyclist accident. To support our students, I will be bringing in resources to help educate them on how to stay safe as they travel by foot or bicycle. I strongly urge all drivers in our community to remain diligent in following traffic safety rules, watching carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, and encouraging your children to use crosswalks and practice active listening while navigating streets.
I have also noticed a concerning trend of families dropping off or picking up students on the residential side of Duane and allowing or signaling for them to cross through traffic. Please refrain from doing this. Walking a few extra feet to the crosswalk is a much safer choice. We will continue to remind everyone (children and adults) to use the crosswalk. I would rather a scholar arrive a few minutes late than risk crossing active lanes of traffic. Let’s work together to model safe and responsible behavior—our children are watching and learning from us.
Thank you for your continued partnership. I hope your family enjoys a safe and restful weekend!
Sincerely,
Erin Kekos
Principal
North Star Academy
Want to Give More? Join the Navigator’s Circle
The Navigator’s Circle is more than a giving level; it’s a statement of belief in what’s possible when we come together for our students.
By donating $1,100 per student, or $2,200 for 2+ students, you are directly investing in the programs, staff, and resources that make our school a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative place to learn.
Please get your donation in by next Wednesday, September 24th to be included on the Navigator’s Circle banner at the Fall Festival.
Why it matters:
- Strategic Impact – These leadership-level gifts help us expand opportunities that benefit all students.
- Deeper Investment – Navigator’s Circle donors are helping close the gap between what funding provides and what our students truly need to thrive.
- Special Recognition – Members will receive recognition on a Navigator’s Circle banner at the Fall Festival as a thank-you for going above and beyond.
Note: Navigator’s Circle recognition is based on personal contributions only. Company matching funds do not count toward this level, as this benefit is not available to all donors.
NEW ➨ Financial Assistance Request Process
Tech Crew for "Murder in the Knife Room"
We're recruiting 6th-8th grade students for the tech crew for our fall play, "Murder in the Knife Room." This is a great opportunity to be part of theater without being on stage.
Being a member of the tech crew is a significant but rewarding commitment. The time commitment includes rehearsals and performances from Saturday, November 1st, through Sunday, November 9th.
For more information on the different roles and to apply, please refer to the Fall Play Tech Crew Information document. Application deadline is 9/30.
REFRESHED ➨ Parent Club Website
If you don't already know, the parent club's website augments this newsletter by providing a home for event details, frequently used links, and volunteer information. Think of it as your reference hub; it's your backup when you "can’t find the newsletter," which, by the way, is also linked on our website! ;)
Bookmark nsaparents.com today to keep it handy!
🔸Contact: webmaster@nsaparents.com
🎉 Lots Happening at School! 🎉
Sports Day: Fri Sept 26th
Dress up in your favorite sport wear!
Duct Tape a Teacher Day: Also Fri Sept 26th
Held during the school day, we'll duct tape a teacher (or two?) to a wall. $2 for 1 foot of tape, or $5 for 3 feet. Bring cash!
Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept 15th - Oct 15th
To celebrate, scholars are creating La Lotería cards.
Bake Sale: Wed Oct 1- Fri Oct 3
We will be selling treats to raise funds by the front gate! We’d love donations, especially baked goods with Hispanic roots… but all goodies are welcome.
Don't Forget Tomorrow - Night at North Star!
We're looking forward to a fun camping experience with families this weekend! Don't forget to check out the event schedule and reminders, and remember not to come before 3:30 (there's a soccer game ending around that time.)
Fall Festival: The Biggest NS Family Event of the Year!
Friday, October 3rd, 5pm-8pm on the school blacktop
Carnival Games, Crafts, Food Trucks, Prizes, Music and ALL the FUN! Buy discounted unlimited play Carnival Game Wristbands for only $12 per child! Supervising or socializing adults don’t need wristbands. A wristband opens access to all the Carnival Games, Crafts, and Prizes!
- Pick-up wristbands at Will-Call at the event
- Submit request for financial assistance
- Volunteers are crucially needed the day-of to make this event a success!
🔸 Contact events@nsaparents.com
North Star's Online Phone Book: Ready for 2025-26!
While Konstella is great for announcements and community news, DirectorySpot is your one-stop place for contact information. DirectorySpot includes phone numbers and emails not just for parents and guardians, but also for teachers — all in one easy-to-use app.
• Log in at DirectorySpot or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Due to privacy restrictions, you MUST use the email address you have on record with North Star to access.
• New families click “Reset Password," then follow the prompts.
• If you cannot log in after trying the steps above, please email Lydia.
🔸 Contact Lydia
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
