There is a great difference between high schoolers and elementary schoolers. Speaking as a high schooler, I know that elementary kids seem so young to me. When I was an elementary schooler, I know that high schoolers seemed so much older and bigger. So much happens in between those times. One of NSA’s teachers, Mrs. Katie Dunlap, experiences this every day. Mrs. Dunlap teaches both high school and elementary classes.
Read MoreStudent Council is something that everyone can be apart of. They are there for you. They want to be there for you. They are your voice. It can be hard to get the attention of thousands of students, but they want your opinion to be heard. You can text them anytime and about anything. They are for you.
Read MoreWhen talking about big families who are homeschooled, a lot of people ask how my mom manages to teach all the kids the different grades. Well, she’s not the only one who teaches the kids - my dad is actually the one who’s in charge of our older kid’s schooling. But it is interesting to have seven kids who are currently of “schooling age” in the same house, not to mention the younger ones who have to be taken care of. Even though the oldest three are moved out, there are still ten kids left to raise - the job’s nowhere near done.
Read MoreIn March 2021, NorthStar Academy hosted its second annual Career Fair, which showcased a diverse roster of leaders from a variety of career fields and opportunities. Live session presenters covered topics ranging from film production, to architecture, and even military. The event also included a live panel from the Student Council. While “student leader” may not be a future career path, this student-led session offered a unique view into a leadership opportunity at NSA: proving how leadership can come- and start- from anywhere..
Read MoreAs a middle schooler, I know how difficult it can be to feel disconnected, especially as a new student at NSA. It can be hard to find people who share your same interests and sense of humor. There are a few tips and tricks that will help you.
Read MoreA recent media trend which has begun to make a comeback in 2020 is the podcast, a popular media where creators post episodes as a way to communicate with their listeners. The best part? A podcast can be on just about anything, as long as the host has an understanding of the topic. NorthStar Academy is certainly no stranger to podcasts. Over the years, NorthStar students have had the opportunity to listen in on the real-life stories of their peers.
Read MoreIt’s been a year full of good, bad, and… well… just 2020 in general. Watching the world experience fires, murder hornets, riots, and a world pandemic wasn’t exactly on my bucket list! However, good has come out of this year as well, whether we choose to see it or not. So, just for a moment, let’s not be afraid of our past. Before the ink has dried on our newly written New Year’s resolutions, and before we wave goodbye to this strange year once and for all, let’s take a look at what this year has told us about ourselves. Let’s see what wonderful things God can make out of our poor, sinful, and pandemic-ridden world.
Read MoreThis is the second year that the Navigator as a class has been open on NSA as a class. As an extracurricular, the Navigator pushes you to meet deadlines and work on a schedule that works for more than just yourself.
Read MoreIn the summer of 2020, NorthStar Academy introduced a new opportunity for students to get involved in leadership. This program, otherwise known as the Student Ambassadors Program (or SAP), was created to help students connect with prospective families considering joining NSA.
Read MoreHello, faithful readers! The NorthStar Navigator is proud to announce its newest section - Letters to the Editor! Let’s explain how this works.
Read MoreAs someone who has first-hand experience with traditional homeschool, public school, private school, and online school, it is safe to say that I’m hyper-aware of the differences between them all. There is close to nothing more annoying than someone not understanding the method of school you are doing. And I could be being dramatic, but I’d like to think I’m being reasonable.
Read MoreOne of the best parts about North Star is the amazing teachers. Their hard work and dedication allow us students to learn and enjoy our classes. NSA has nearly one hundred teachers spread out over nine grades and a wide variety of subjects. While most teachers focus on one or two subjects, like English or science, there is another type of teacher at NSA. Jim Teague is a mentor teacher here at North Star.
Read MoreThe students at NSA are very talented at lots of different things, but perhaps some of the most talented pieces come from the art contest. Every year, talented students enter their art pieces. The judges look over every piece and decide who wins the $15, $10, $5 gift cards.
Read MoreFor many of us, 2020 was full of challenges, hardships and unfortunate surprises. In 2021, let’s turn off the “noise,” and fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us abide completely in our Savior and find true joy and unwavering hope in Him.
Read MoreRegan Sheddan, an 11th grader at NSA, is a writer, artist, and Third Culture Kid. She has been at NSA for four years and has lived in China for 10 years. In August 2020, Regan began seriously thinking about writing a children’s book based on her experiences as a Third Culture Kid.
Read MoreYour senior year of high school is always a very distinctive experience. Finishing up your last few classes, working on college applications, and making major decisions is a lot for anyone (and that’s not even considering the uncertainty of a world-wide pandemic). At times, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Seniors are only months away from heading off to college and living by themselves, but first, they must complete one last year as a high schooler.
Read MoreNew Years resolutions. You either love them or you hate them. Regardless of where you stand on New Years resolutions and goals, the staff of the Navigator is here to demonstrate that goals and resolutions can be short and sweet.
Read MoreEvery school has a drama club. It is a staple of any school, just like math classes or school contests. Naturally, we have our own Drama Club at North Star. Like the other clubs, it has a Teams channel, and anyone can join. The Drama Club is for anyone who loves theater or acting. While North Star isn’t able to put on any plays or shows, students can still benefit from joining the Drama Club.
Read MoreOne of the common questions circulating NSA right now is, “What is the Bulletin Board?” Well, I’m glad you asked because I just so happen to write for the Bulletin Board, and I find this question to be a sad one, considering the fact that the Bulletin Board always has been, and still is, a key feature of NSA Culture.
Read MoreLeadership can come in a variety of forms. Throughout history, there have been many notable names when it comes to leadership. When you first think of a historical leader, who first comes to mind? Did they work to save lives like Florence Nightingale? Maybe they dreamed about inspiring social change like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What about President George Washington leading troops to victory and freedom during the Revolutionary War? While it may seem as if a leader needs to have specific qualifications and backgrounds, that is absolutely not the case.
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