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The North Star School
January Newsletter 2024
Principal's Message
STAR Symposium
Come join us at The North Star School on Wednesday, January 17th for the STAR Symposium. The topic this month will be Fentanyl. Parents and students who attend should expect to learn information about the drug, what it looks like, how it is used, and signs and symptoms that someone could be using it. Information will also be shared about supports available both in school and outside of school to address the problem
Date: January 17th
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Location: The North Star School
Senior Picture Day & Retakes
Lifetouch will be taking senior pictures on January 11th from 10am - 1pm at The North Star School. Seniors will be able to choose between a cap & gown OR a tux/drape.
9th-11th grade students that would like a retake/make-up photo will also be able to have their photos taken during that time.
Pre-order your photos:
Visit: https://mylifetouch.com
Senior Picture Day ID: EVTXSBGXR
9th-11th Retake/Make-up Picture Day ID: EVTXMDPGG
Testing
Standards of Learning (SOLs) make-up and expediated retake exams will be administered January 8th-January 18th. Specific test dates for your students will be emailed to you. Please remind your student to attend preparation/remediation sessions prior to testing. No electronic devices are permitted in the testing rooms, and students should be sure to fully charge their Chromebooks. Let's ROCK the TEST!
All active English Learners (levels 1-4) are expected to participate in the federally mandated WIDA ACCESS for ELLs testing sometime within the testing window which begins at TNSS February 1 and runs through March 13, 2024 . Measuring your child’s ability to listen, speak, read, and write in English, helps teachers plan how best to teach your child and to determine eligibility for testing accommodations. The online tests will be administered at your child’s school. The majority of students will take the online test which will be administered in small groups over two or more school days. Students should bring their charged LCPS devices and may bring their personal earbuds or headsets for the day(s) of testing. Students will be given opportunities to make up any missed work.
For additional information, please contact Nichole Chappell, STC.
Spirit & Pride
This January, we’ll have plenty to celebrate here at North Star! We’re looking forward to celebrating our January graduates with a Spirit Week in their honor. There will be themes such as Superhero day, Flannel Friday, and the heavily requested Adam Sandler day. We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors! Check out what the rest of our month by taking a look at our calendar.
Student Focus Group
This month, The North Star School hosted its first student focus group centered on gaining the students' perspective on our school's school and classroom climate, culture, and level of diversity and inclusion. The students wholeheartedly agreed that the climate and culture at The North Star School are safe and respectful, particularly "accepting and open, especially to people of different cultures and backgrounds."
One of the seniors new to The North Star School described relationships with teachers as understanding and supportive, adding that "teachers are willing to connect on levels besides academic content." When asked about the classroom environment, the students offered that the staff was willing to help students through personal and academic challenges and that "North Star is especially good at meeting the needs of students new to the country."
Considering the diversity and inclusion of all of our students, they shared that the student body is quite diverse, that they felt included and respected, and that "different groups are open to letting others in." One of our students, who is new to the country, described North Star as a "great option for students who want to graduate early or have special circumstances."
Media Center
The library's newest display features books which take place in the winter or celebrate winter holidays. Students can find a variety of genres and subjects in our winter display.
In January we will be putting up a display on the eBooks and eAudiobooks available in our collection, and how to access them. We have lots of wonderful books and other resources, and we’re so excited to share them with our Navigators!
In 2024, we’ll start off the new year right with a display on New Year’s Resolutions. There will be lots of books to help you accomplish your goals!
Happy holidays, and we’re excited to see everyone back after the new year!
Teacher of the Year Nomination
Our very own Physical Education teacher, Mr. Brian Devault, was nominated for The Washington Post's Teacher of the Year. He has made a huge impact on many of our students this school year.
Well done, Mr. Devault!
Winter Wonderland
One of our fabulous art teachers, Mr. Jeremy Wright, created a masterpiece out of the cafeteria windows. He enlisted the help of a few students to help us all feel as though we are in a winter wonderland.
Messages From The Superintendent
Attendance: Addressing chronic absenteeism and promoting student attendance is an important issue for LCPS. Please review Policy 8140, Student Attendance Requirements and Procedures which outlines what types of absences are categorized as excused or unexcused absences
Fentanyl: Please click on this link to view an important message from Dr. Spence, LCPS Superintendent, regarding recent events in our schools pertaining to fentanyl. As a school community, it is essential that we all are aware of this epidemic and how to access resources for information and support.
Seasonal Reminder
As we enter the winter months, weather might impact our school days. If there is a delay, our bell schedule will shift accordingly. You can view our delay schedule at this link --> delay bell schedule which is found on our The North Star School Website at https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?DomainID=28154
Family Liaison News
Students, staff, and the community collaborated on our year-long giving drive, partnering with the Parent Liaison to make resources available for our students and families who may need assistance. We received generous donations of over 30 coats, hats, scarves, and other winter wear and toiletries. These are available by contacting our Parent Liaison, Nida Hanan, at Nida.Hanan@lcps.org or the North Star School.
Information for Seniors
Sign up to receive Remind texts by texting @6g24h3 to 81010.
To better access information from your home school about graduation events, visit this slideshow.
Upcoming Events
January 1: Holiday (New Year Day)
January 11: Senior Pictures & Retakes
January 15: Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr Day)
January 17: STAR Symposium
January 19: End of Term 1
January 22: Student Holiday
January 29: Field Trip to Academies of Loudoun
February 9: Holiday (Lunar New Year)
February 19: Holiday (Presidents' Day)
February 21: STAR Symposium
March 5: Student Holiday
March 25-29: Spring Break
April 4: End of Marking Period 2
April 5: Student Holiday
April 10: Holiday (Eid al Fitr)
May 27: Holiday (Memorial Day)
June 14: Last Day of School
The North Star School
We are North Star!
Website: https://www.lcps.org/site/default.aspx?DomainID=28154
Location: 715 Childrens Center Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 571-252-2920
Twitter: @NorthStarLCPS