We are on our way! We’ve had our first week of welcomes, preceded by the first-ever “Pizza and Games Night” for new families in late August. For a mature organization, we have a lot of “New” this month.
We have approximately 20 new families, including people moving to our area from California, Texas, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. Many come from just around the corner, and some are lifelong independent homeschoolers. We have more 12-year-olds than ever before (and even a couple of 11-going-on-12), and they are all mature and ready for the freedom and self-managing offered at North Star. Combined with the vibrant group of younger teens who were new last year, and our returning veterans, we have a lot of energy to make North Star into a fresh and thriving community.
We also have three new staff members offering interesting classes: Teresa Jones (From Forest to Garden, What is a Watt?, Bridge); Emily Provost (Smash Art, Fix-It); and Saleem Mizrachi (Music Improv, Recording Studio, Sound Effects and Film Scoring.) Returning staff are adding in new classes titled Visual Algebra, Batman: the Idea, Physical Science, and Alumni!. There will be the return of Lunch Class, Math: From Counting to Calculus, The History of Rock and Roll, along with planning a service trip to New Orleans and several other old favorites. Volunteers are offering Meteorology, Mysteries of the Mind and Spirit, and two versions of Dungeons and Dragons. It’s an impressive set. You can see the full calendar here.
We are starting with approximately 55 members, and we can welcome approximately 10-12 more, so please spread the word!
At our Opening Ceremonies, I had intended to offer some inspirational remarks, but the 90-degree and our large turnout meant that we were outside seeking cover in the limited shade in our backyard. I had to cut it down, so I just gave my main points:
1. Welcome! Year 28! We are celebrating the normalization of having alternatives to conventional school. More than ever, we are not alone, as there is a surge across the United States in micro-schools, coops, and other options. There are things that make North Star unique among these programs, but there is a wider movement happening, one with which I am deeply engaged. North Star may have been 25 years ahead of its time, but things are shifting rapidly out there!
2. We have a lot of change at North Star, and let’s use it as an opportunity to be creative and establish our own culture together. We do not have to “do things as they have always been done.”
3. I am excited to see nearly everyone’s faces and smiles! In terms of Covid-19, North Star is currently holding a “vaccinations-required, facemasks-optional” policy. Our community has been conscious of being safe for the most vulnerable and sharing a priority for public health, and this policy reflects the best consensus of staff, board, and current members at this time.
4. Finally, and philosophically, I want to state clearly for everyone that choosing North Star is not taking the “easy way out.” It is far easier for teens to stay in school, attend regularly, and participate modestly than it is to opt out and draw attention to oneself in this way. Out here, teens need to declare interests, try stuff, stop stuff, and try more stuff. When you are bored or stuck, you can ask for help, but it’s not so easy to blame the teachers or the program. This freedom to do anything and be anywhere can be overwhelming. That’s why North Star exists: to do this lifestyle together, with support and camaraderie. With confidence, joy, and exhilaration! We are doing this work for ourselves and for each other.
Welcome!
