North Star News
NSN Volume 38 ⭐ January 2, 2024
-Here is your weekly North Star News-
MORROW'S MESSAGE
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year, North Star Families!
As we step into a brand-new year, full of promise and excitement, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. January brings with it a whirlwind of activities and learning opportunities for our young scholars. Get ready for a busy month ahead full of learning, growing, and of course having some FUN!
Beginning next week, we will start administering our winter universal screeners to all Kindergarten through fifth grade students in literacy and math. Gathering this data serves as a crucial checkpoint to assess students' academic progress. Analyzing our winter data provides our team with valuable insights into individual student growth and helps identify areas where additional support might be needed. Reviewing winter screening data not only acknowledges the strides made by students but also highlights areas where further development is necessary, enabling our team to continue to craft specialized strategies to meet each student's individual needs. Continuously monitoring and utilizing this data throughout the school year allows for an adaptive approach, fostering ongoing student progress and success in both reading and math.
At North Star, fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment goes beyond academic achievements. Each month, we place a special emphasis on character development, and this month’s focus is on GENEROSITY. Whether it’s emphasizing gratitude in November, spreading joy through small gestures in December, or our promoting inclusivity and friendship in February, these monthly focuses serve as guiding lights, weaving kindness into the fabric of our school community. Through classroom discussions, activities, and challenges aligned with each theme, students not only learn the value of kindness but actively engage in thoughtful actions that make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others. Our hope is that these monthly themes will instill a lasting understanding of empathy and encourage a habit of kindness that extends well beyond the school walls.
Wishing you all a fantastic start to the year ahead!
1/5 - Popcorn Friday Hosted by Mr. Juell's Class!
Please be sure to send money and orders with your students
in the morning to make sure they can get their popcorn. ❤️
We always do our best to accommodate late requests but just be aware
that we don't always have extra bags to do so.
Our popcorn volunteers are quick and efficient and amazing and
make your popcorn bags to order, so there isn't always enough leftover.
If you do need to put in a last minute order, please get it in to us by 9am.
Thank you for supporting our classrooms!
January Breakfast and Lunch Menu
KIBSD Meal Program and Account Payments
If you want to deposit lunch money with a credit card through your PowerSchool parent portal,
please remember that you will need to access the online version.
You can find that link on the www.KIBSD.org website, under the FAMILIES tab.
We are always happy to accept cash or checks for student lunch accounts in the office.
Call us @907-486-7500 if you have questions or need any help with parent portal access.
⭐ North Star Fine Art Highlight ⭐
Just a sampling of classroom door decor!
Congrats to Ms. Leisure's and Ms. Ariane's class for being our hallway winners. :)
A special thank you to our guest judges from the KIBSD School Board.
-District Wide Visitor Safety Expectation Updates-
We know some of these steps are new for North Star and not always convenient,
but it is necessary and we appreciate your help with keeping
our schools consistent and safe for everyone.
Visitor Process for all KIBSD Schools
-A Note From the School Nurse-
The nurse's office is accepting donations of kid sized gloves for the season.
We love to have them available for students that need them this time of year.
Thank you!
-Send An Extra Set of Clothes With Your Student-
Please send your student to school with an extra set of clothes.
We have lots of requests for changes of pants and socks if/when kids get too wet on the playground. Every student should have an extra set in their classroom to change into if needed.
Ms. Maggie's Tips and Tricks
The top 4 things to know about the brain:
1) The brain is pattern-seeking. It thrives on routines, structure, rituals, and schedules.
2) The best exercise for the brain is physical exercise like working out.
3) Connections on the outside,
healthy and safe friendships and relationships, build neural connections on the inside.
4) The brain functions optimally when we feel physically and emotionally/relationally safe.
If you have questions or concerns please contact the North Star counselor -
Ms. Maggie @Maggie.salisbury@kibsd.org
TEAMS# +1 907-341-3617
Questions for your PTA? Want to become a member?
northstarptacommunity@gmail.com
or... use the handy QR code above.
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Would you like to volunteer at school this year?
We'd love to see you.
All you have to do is email volunteer@kibsd.org and
and state that you would like to volunteer at ⭐ North Star. ⭐
They will send you an email to initiate your background check, so be sure to look for that.
(Background checks are valid for 3 years.)
Once approved, stop by the office to verify your ID, sign paperwork and you are all set!
See the KIBSD website link below for more info.
https://www.kibsd.org/volunteers/
We look forward to seeing you.
-2023-24 Communication Pathways-
School Newsletter
Look for your weekly newsletter, The North Star News, in your inboxes every Monday afternoon.
General School Information
Emails from PowerschoolMessenger and Smore will be the main form of communication that you will receive for all general school information and updates outside of your student's classroom.
Urgent or Emergency Communications
All school emergency notices or alerts will be sent through
PowerSchoolMessenger emails or PowerSchoolMessenger automated calls.
Please take a moment to confirm that your phone numbers and emails
are up to date and correct in your parent portal or check with us in the office.
Individual Classroom/Teacher Communications
KIBSD Staff will only be communicating through district issued devices and applications.
Faculty and staff will no longer be texting or calling with their personal devices.
If you need to reach your child's teacher during the school day please
email, connect via SeeSaw or call the office to leave a message.
Need to speak with your principal?
Call the office to see if Ms. Morrow is available or to leave a message.
Ms. Morrow always tries to make time to speak with families
but scheduling an appointment time is recommended.
For appointments - please call 907-486-7499.
North Star Office is open 7:30am til 3:30pm - @907-486-7500.
We are always happy to help.
Early Release Wednesdays - All Grades Out at @1:50pm
North Star Family Handbook for 2023-24
Please review the North Star Family Handbook attached below.
Be sure to note the updated cell phone/smart watch/personal mobile device policy on page 14.
Here is the revised 2023-24 School Year Calendar
23-24 KIBSD School Calendar in Spanish
23-24 KIBSD School Calendar in Tagolog
23-24 KIBSD School Calendar in English
NORTH STAR ⭐ HOURS OF OPERATION
Doors open for students that have breakfast @7:35am.
Doors open @7:50am for students to start lining up for class.