North Star News
November 28, 2025
Principal's Letter
Dear North Star Community,
I hope your family enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday and that you’re able to spend meaningful time together over the long weekend. As we return from the holiday, I want to take a moment to share how deeply appreciative I am of our school community. It is a true privilege to lead such committed, engaged, and caring families, scholars, and educators.
I am thankful for our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to provide a rigorous, enriching, and thoughtful educational experience for every scholar. I am equally grateful for our scholars, whose curiosity, joy, and commitment make our academic community such a vibrant place to learn and grow. I am also deeply thankful for our families, whose partnership, support, and engagement strengthen every part of our school.
Thank you for everything you contribute to making our school a place where children thrive. I hope the rest of your weekend is restful, warm, and filled with the people you love.
With gratitude,
Erin Kekos
Principal, North Star Academy
Addressing Budget Challenges in Our Schools
Parcel Tax Discussion
A group of Redwood City parents, staff, and community members is hosting a meeting to explore options for a potential parcel tax measure for the 2026 school year. The discussion will focus on addressing the District’s projected $5.5 million budget deficit and the potential impacts on programs, staffing, and services at local schools.
Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Sports Basement, The Grove
This is an opportunity for parents, teachers, and staff to learn more, ask questions, and share ideas about ways the community might respond to funding challenges. The meeting is open to anyone interested in understanding how a parcel tax could address the budget deficit in Redwood City schools.
Dads Club Meetup
7-9pm, at Harry's Hofbrau (1909 El Camino Real)
- Social hour at 7pm & group discussion at 8pm.
- Current topics include science night, dads club auction offering, tax law changes to consider for end-of-year donation plans, etc.
🔸Contact: Brian Etscheid
Sequoia IB Program Information Night 1/22!
Incoming 9th graders and Families: Please join us for a virtual presentation on Thursday, January 22nd, at 6:30pm, via zoom to learn more about Sequoia High School's International Baccalaureate Programme (IB). Learn more about Sequoia's ICAP and IB Classes, the full IB Diploma program for 11th and 12th graders, and receive helpful advice for a great start at Sequoia next fall. Find the Zoom Link and more on our school's IB webpage.
Save the Family Dance!
We’re looking for a volunteer to lead this year’s Family Dance, scheduled for February 27. This is one of our most joyful community-building events, and we need a chair to help bring it to life. This dance is a special experience to share with your family and friends. If you love organizing fun gatherings and want to help create a memorable night for our families, please reach out—planning needs to begin soon or we will need to cancel this important community event! We have detailed notes and vendor lists from prior years to help you get started.
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.
GIVING TUESDAY Is Coming on December 2!
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that unleashes the power of generosity, a reminder of how powerful we are when we come together.
When we unite with a shared purpose, we create real, tangible change. Every donation, every act of generosity, becomes a building block for an impact that truly makes a difference.
We are so close to reaching our Direct Donation Campaign goal. Each gift, big or small, helps build a stronger community. Join us on December 2 and help push us over the finish line!
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