North Star Schools open house set for Aug. 13

North Star Public School, encompassing the communities of Rudyard, Hingham, Gildford and Kremlin, is preparing for the new school year.

The district will hold open houses at both the elementary and the middle/high school Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 3-7 p.m. This is a time for students and parents to meet teachers, find their locker, drop off school supplies, pay for meals, buy activity passes, drop off medications and so on.

School begins at North Star Schools Monday, Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. with the elementary school in Gildford and grades 6-12 in Rudyard.

North Star Schools has approximately 160 students this year in grades K-12.

North Star School welcomes the following new staff: Shanna Williams as grade two teacher, Jasmine Powell as fifth grade teacher, Lindsay Smith as middle/high school English teacher, Lindsay Toner is administrative assistant in Rudyard, Joy Brady as a paraprofessional, Mackenzie Smith as assistant cook and Mitchell Wilson as middle/high school custodian.

Several staff have new roles this year including elementary secretary position is Laura Hauser, Sarah Russell is the district business manager, Kendra Zentmire as K-12 Title teacher, Dan Horinek as elementary custodian and Frank Nerat as elementary custodian and maintenance. 

  The school calendar, Infinite Campus link, Elementary/Middle/High School information, and much more can be found at the North Star School website at https://www.nsschools.org .

Students who are 4 or 5 years of age must first be tested prior to enrollment in the Early Literacy program (formerly half-time kindergarten).  Contact the elementary school for an appointment at 406-376-3183.

Class schedules for grades 6-12 will be available prior to school starting through the Infinite Campus website.  Schedule changes can be made through the usual drop/add procedure during the first few days of school. 

Practices for high school football and volleyball athletes will begin Aug. 16.

Middle school football and volleyball athletes will begin Aug. 19 after school.

Middle school football kicks off with a game in Box Elder Sept. 7 at  10 a.m. followed by the high school football match at 1 p.m.

Middle school volleyball will play Big Sandy in Rudyard at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 followed by a JV match at 6 p.m. and varsity volleyball 20 minutes later. Come out and support the Knights!

Aug. 27 is school picture day!  Middle and High school sports pictures will also be taken that day.

The Free and Reduced-Price meal application was emailed out and is available at https://dca.opi.mt.gov/frapp, or people can complete the paper form that was emailed out.  All information is confidential.

The Student/Parent Handbook will be emailed home after school begins.  Students will need to return the sign-off page to the office.  The Census Verification Form was mailed home and any updates or changes need to be communicated to the elementary or middle/high school office.

If your student needs help getting their school supplies, please contact Carol Tempel at 355-4481 or at [email protected]. If students need assistance for other items or clothing, they may be considered, just contact Carol.  Thanks to anonymous donors, funds are available to help students.

During bad weather or other school emergencies, school closure or delays will be announced on the Havre radio stations (610 KOJM-AM and KPQX-FM 92.5).  The Infinite Campus messenger system may also be used to contact parents/guardians.

The North Star Booster Club is accepting memberships.  Individuals and Families can join for $25 while Businesses are $50.  Booster Club supports numerous activities such as the I Love To Read program, sports, Senior Scholarship, teacher/staff appreciation, Missoula Children's Theatre and much more.

The North Star Foundation accepts contributions and past projects have gone toward programs as new stage curtains for the elementary, music risers and shells, support for FCCLA national competition, archery equipment, new lockers for middle school students, and support of the Missoula Children's Theater productions. Donations in support of the Hingham swimming pool and high school green house have also been received.  Contributions can be mailed to North Star Foundation, PO Box 14, Rudyard, MT 59540.