North Star News

It is certainly hard to believe that we are entering our last full week of the 2024 - 2025 school year. As we enter this week, many emotions may be running through your child's head. Each week, we discuss Zone of Regulation and how to properly manage our emotions. Historically, as the school year comes to a close, it is hard for students to manage their emotions. As I have shared before, while some are very excited for summer break, others are feeling quite the opposite. As we enter the last full week of school, I ask that you remind your child(ren) the importance of showing our core values and, as a school, we will certainly do our best to maintain a normal routine for all. We deeply care for your child(ren) and are ready to have a wonderful last full week of school.

May 21st: 5th Grade Moving Up ceremony at NEMS

May 22nd: 5th Grade Field Trip

May 23rd: Friends at the Front (ALL ARE WELCOME)

May 26th: No School - Memorial Day

May 29th: Half Day - Dismiss @ 1pm

May 29th: Last Day of School

May 29th: Ice Cream Social at DQ immediately after school

June 23rd: SAVE THE DATE - Ross Summer Slide FREE Event @ 5:30pm

July 23rd: SAVE THE DATE - Ross FREE Event at the Magic House @ 6pm

1) Please DO NOT send your child with their backpack to school on the last day. ALL items will be sent home with students no later than May 28th.

2) Our Lost and Found is overflowing. All items left will be donated to the local Goodwill. PLEASE have your child check the Lost and Found by Mr. Bryant's office.

3) We will be serving popsicles for our North Star Day. If you'd prefer your child DOES NOT receive a popsicle... please let your child's teacher know. Thank you!

Last week, legislators approved a bill restricting cell phone use in schools during the entire school day. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature. As Parkway was already moving forward with cell phone-free classrooms, we will adjust our approach to align with the new law.

What we were planning:
As we announced in April, we were planning greater cell phone restrictions for the upcoming school year based on teacher and parent feedback. For high school students, we planned to restrict cell phone use during class time, but students would have been allowed to access their phones during lunch and passing periods. For elementary and middle school students, we planned to restrict cell phone use during the entire school day.

The approved legislation includes the following:

• Cell phone use by students K-12 would be restricted during the entire school day from the first to last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

• Similar to our plans, the approved legislation allows exceptions if there is a school emergency or a student needs access to a cell phone for health reasons.

What we are working on now:

Assuming the Governor signs the bill, cell phone use for our high school students will be more restrictive than we planned, starting next year.

Principals and district leaders are meeting in the coming weeks to adjust our plans to align with state law. As we plan for next year, we will update you with more information.