Our Principal
Home of the Bears
In addition to being the home of our mascot, the Bears, North Star Elementary is also home to a skillful and dedicated staff determined to make a difference in the lives of children. The entire school shares pride in our mission statement:
- Every moment counts
- Every student matters
- Every student achieves
We work hard every day to provide high quality instruction that empowers all of our students to tackle rigorous content. We collectively help our children succeed in a learning environment that is encouraging, safe, and engaging by using best practices including reader’s and writer’s workshop, differentiated math instruction, challenging math and science curriculums, and a model social emotional curriculum called PATHS.
We look forward to working closely with you throughout the school year so your child has an excellent experience in elementary school.
What’s special about North Star?
North Star is proud to host the PEAK Learning Center, a federally funded program that offers invited students in grades 3-5 a comprehensive out-of-school time experience for approximately 15 hours each week. Academic program components include: homework support, myON, Imagine Learning, and Learning Together. Students also receive STEM instruction.
North Star utilizes the WATCH D.O.G.S. program to promote parental involvement. WATCH D.O.G.S. is a nationwide school-based, family, and community engagement program that invites fathers (and mothers) to volunteer one day or more in their child’s school. D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) spend time both inside and outside of the building visiting with students. By doing so, they demonstrate for our school community how important learning is for everyone. We are looking for fathers, grandfathers, or uncles to volunteer as WATCH D.O.G.S. at North Star Elementary. If you are interested and/or would like more details, please contact our community liaison at 720-972-5576.
For the last six years, North Star has received a grant from Book Trust. Book Trust is a non-profit organization that inspires kids’ passion for reading by empowering them to choose and own books. Participation in Book Trust allows each student at North Star to choose $7 of FREE BOOKS from Scholastic Book Clubs every month during the school year. These books will belong to your child.
North Star integrates social emotional learning across the school day through the use of PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies). A highly regarded social-emotional curriculum, PATHS teaches positive social and emotional behaviors to equip students with strategies they need to be successful in life and to reduce bullying and aggression. Students particularly enjoy being PATHS Kid of the Day (P.K.O.D.). To supplement PATHS, we utilize a school-wide behavioral management program called “The Learning Path.” This provides students with more opportunities to be celebrated for being engaged learners and role models in the classroom.
North Star uses an app called ClassDojo to connect staff with students and parents to promote a positive school culture. Even when we are learning remotely, ClassDojo allows us to stay in close contact with families and students.
At North Star, we work hard to develop strong relationships with students and families. This is made easier by our small size. If you are looking for a family-like atmosphere for your child, North Star is the school for you!
Sincerely,
Grace Taylor