by Ken Danford | Jan 9, 2023 | self-directed learning
Since the 1990s, North Star members have been attending community college during their teen years. This program of Dual Enrollment has increased dramatically across the country, and now a surprisingly large portion of community college students are younger people....
by Ken Danford | Dec 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
North Star is thrilled to announce we are bringing back Circus Smirkus to the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton July 8-9, 2023! Our favorite days of the summer are returning! If you have ever seen Circus Smirkus, you are already excited! If you have not seen...
by Ken Danford | Dec 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
On November 22 (Jana’s birthday), a small group of North Star staff, current members, and friends gathered to officially rename our Music Room to “Jana’s Room.” We will celebrate this change publicly at our Staff Appreciation and Variety Show on Friday, December 9th....
by Ken Danford | Nov 25, 2022 | self-directed learning
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the North Star crew was at it again! This year they made 40 pies for the Amherst Survival Center’s Thanksgiving Meal. The “Bake-a-Thon” was our very first fundraiser in 1996, and remains a valued moment in our annual calendar. In...
by Ken Danford | Nov 10, 2022 | self-directed learning
North Star’s mission is to make school optional for any interested teen in the Pioneer Valley. Now, just for a tough minute, imagine if the mission were “to make school optional for any interested teen in the Pioneer Valley whose family can pay $10,000 per year.” It...
by Ken Danford | Oct 19, 2022 | self-directed learning
Here’s a fun new book: Joys of Self-Determined Learning: A Collection of Essays, edited by Carlo Ricci and Gina Riley. Spoiler Alert: I have an essay included, entitled “Expanding the Movement: Attracting More People to Self-Directed Learning.” It’s an honor to have a...
by Ken Danford | Oct 11, 2022 | self-directed learning
It’s a new year at North Star, and what I see is Happiness. The best way for me to convey the state of North Star is to briefly introduce you to three of my advisees: Ash, Kai, and Colin. The photos pretty much do the work here! (Thank you to staff member Kim...
by Ken Danford | Sep 15, 2022 | self-directed learning, Uncategorized
I’m very happy for the people receiving up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness due to President Biden’s recent announcement. I know this reduction will make a huge difference in their lives. At the same time, I worry that student loan forgiveness sidesteps the real...
by Ken Danford | Sep 7, 2022 | self-directed learning
On Tuesday, September 6 North Star held its Opening Ceremonies! We are back! Here is a reasonably solid transcript of my Welcoming Message. — Welcome! Year 27! Year 8 in this building! I especially want to welcome our new families and new staff members. We have...
