North Star Mountain Meetup
Join us for a fun day at Mt. Bachelor with other North Star families. Meet in the Sunrise lodge around 9:30 AM to ski/snowboard with other North Star families.
Email info@northstarelementarypto.org if you have questions or would like a 35% discount code for tickets.
Please RSVP if you plan to join us, we hope to see you there!RSVP here
School Dance
Get ready to dance the night away at our North Star School Dance! Grab your family and friends, put on your dancing shoes, and join us for a night of music, games, and fun. It's going to be a blast—don’t miss it!
Please reach out to info@northstarelementarypto.org if you are interested in being part of the Dance committee.
Staff Appreciation Week
We'll be celebrating our North Star teachers and administrators all week!
Our PTO and parents have some fun things planned for our beloved teachers and teaching staff. We need parent volunteers to make it happen! Please reach out to info@northstarelementarypto.org if you are interested in being part of the appreciation committee.
Spring Running Club
Sign up to volunteer for Running Club here: https://signup.com/go/BckarmH
you must complete the volunteer application through the district before you can volunteer for Running Club
Running Club takes place every Tuesday and Thursday on the field during lunch recess in the fall and spring. We need 3 volunteers to join us each session to help scan cards, hand out prizes, and answer kids' questions!! Students will grab a card with a QR code on the way out the door to recess and, if they want to participate, a volunteer will scan their card after each lap they complete and sync the session at the end. You will need to use your own smartphone and download the EZScan 2 app.
Lead volunteers will be present to manage and assist! If you have any questions about Running Club please reach out to Jenny Odom (jenny.p@mac.com) or Kate Pedersen (carter713@gmail.com).
PTO Meeting
Join us for our PTO meeting, where we’ll hear a report from our treasurer, get updates on current fundraising efforts and upcoming events, and enjoy insights from a guest speaker (details to be announced).
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
PTO Meeting | Navigator Night Prep
Join us for our PTO meeting, where we’ll hear a report from our treasurer, get updates on current fundraising efforts, and prep for Navigator Night.
Navigator Night
We need volunteers to make this night happen! Sign-up to volunteer here: https://signup.com/go/fEZSiZM
Join us for a fun night celebrating an amazing year! We'll have a book fair, silent auction, bounce houses, lawn games, STEAM-related activities, food trucks, and more!
Family Movie Night
Pack your blankets and join us for a fun NS family evening as we present the family film.
$1 cash donation for popcorn, pizza, and drinks.
PTO Meeting (Canceled)
This month’s PTO meeting has been canceled, but we invite you to take advantage of some great free events hosted by Well Wired, don’t miss the chance to connect and learn!
Fix & Repeat Fundraiser
On Thursday, March 20th the delicious and generous FIX & REPEAT (555 NW Arizona Ave) is donating back 20% of Dine-In, Takeout & Pick up orders to support a great cause -- North Star Elementary PTO!
On behalf of North Star Elementary PTO you’re invited to join us and eat out, not only in support of the organization, but to show one of your Bend restaurants some love too!
We hope you can make it, and please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and family. Thanks in advance for your support!
Science Night @ Lonza
North Star students are invited to attend Science Night at Lonza-Bend (64550 Research Road, 97703) on March 18th from 6-8pm!
This event is targeted at 2nd - 5th graders and children will get to participate in a variety of hands-on demos that help teach them about how the world functions.
To sign up, please add your name HERE.
*Please note, there is a maximum of 25 North Star students that can be accommodated.
North Star Bingo Night
Join us for a fun family night out from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm that will also benefit the Bethlehem Inn.
Kid Prizes:
We are asking that students donate their gently used toys for bingo prizes.
Students can start bringing them to school on Monday, March 10th.
We will have bins out in front of the school for toy donations.
On Bingo night kids who win get to choose a new (to them) toy.
Please only bring items in good condition!
Adult Prizes:
We will have an adult prize table with great gift cards and swag!
If you’re able, please bring an item to donate to the Bethlehem Inn for entry into Bingo night. You can find a list of needed items here: Bethlehem Inn In-Kind Donations
PTO Meeting
Join us for our PTO meeting, where we’ll hear a report from our treasurer, get updates on current fundraising efforts and upcoming events, and enjoy insights from a guest speaker (details to be announced).
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
PTO Meeting
Join us for our PTO meeting, where we’ll hear a report from our treasurer, get updates on current fundraising efforts and upcoming events, and enjoy insights from a guest speaker (details to be announced).
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
Screen-Free Week
A healthy childhood depends on a surprising thing: play! Through creative play, kids explore their physical world, build their curiosity, and expand their imaginations. Screen-Free Week allows families and communities to come together and connect. This year we are excited to bring you Screen Free Week February 10 - 14th, which aligns nicely with our Read-a-Thon fundraiser.
What is Screen-Free Week?
Screen-Free Week encourages students to unplug from digital screens and explore fun, creative activities like reading, playing, and spending time with family. Students will complete pledge cards and track their screen-free days. The class with the most screen-free days will win an ice cream sandwich party! Make sure your student turns in their pledge card with the screen-fee days to their teacher.
Book Swap & Game Night:
February 12th, 5:30 - 7 PM @ North Star
Bring gently used books to trade
Bring your favorite board games to play.
Cuppa Yo Night:
February 13th, 4:00 - 9:00 PM @ Cuppa Yo (Westside)
Mention North Star and Cuppa Yo will donate a portion of the proceeds to our PTO.
Printable Resources for Parents:
Visit tinyurl.com/SFW-2025 to print out activities ahead of time.
These resources are designed to be printed, and copies will be made available at North Star for your convenience.
Visit screenfree.org/resources for even more ideas.
Read-A-Thon
2024/2025 North Star Navigators Read-A-Thon
📚 February 10–23, 2025
Get ready for an exciting week celebrating reading and raising funds for our PTO! For our new families, the Read-A-Thon is a fun and engaging way to inspire your child to read while involving friends and family in encouraging their progress. All proceeds directly support PTO initiatives, benefiting our entire school community.
Key Dates to Remember
Kickoff Event: Kids can bring their favorite books and enjoy a cozy day of reading to jumpstart their minutes. Date to be confirmed, stay tuned!
Read-A-Thon Period: Monday, February 10 – Sunday, February 23, 2025
How It Works
One week before the Read-a-thon, you’ll receive instructions to activate your reader’s personal page. This page is where you’ll track their reading progress and fundraising efforts.
Why Read-a-thon?
It motivates kids to read more, building strong reading skills.
It’s easy for families to participate, and kids love it!
It’s a vital fundraiser for the PTO, with all proceeds going toward programs and resources for North Star Elementary.
Keep an eye out for more details, and thank you for supporting our school!
Questions? Reach out to the PTO at info@northstarelementarypto.org
PTO Meeting
Join us for our upcoming PTO meeting, where we’ll review the budget, discuss plans for our next major fundraiser—the Read-A-Thon—and share updates on upcoming events. We’re also thrilled to welcome Katrina Wiest, Wellness Specialist in Nutrition Services, as our special guest.
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
Holiday Parent Meet-up
North Star Parent Meet-up: December 10, 6 PM @ Lady Bird.
This month, we’re swapping our usual PTO meeting for a casual North Star parent meet-up (adults only). Thank you to Amanda and John Gurnee, North Star family and owners of Lady Bird, for hosting us at their restaurant! Dress Code: Ugly sweaters or anything festively fabulous and ridiculous.
Wish Upon a Star: Community FAN Tree
Join us in spreading joy this holiday season by supporting local families through our Community FAN Tree initiative! This year, the North Star PTO is partnering with the Family Access Network (FAN) to collect essential items and gift cards to help those in need.
Donation Drop-Off Deadline: Please drop off your unwrapped donations at the North Star front desk by December 18th to ensure they reach families in time for the holidays.
As these items will be given as gifts, we are only accepting new clothing at this time.
Here’s How You Can Help:
Donate Items: We are collecting specific new, unwrapped, items requested by FAN, detailed in the list below::
Winter boots (youth size 11, 12, 13, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - girls and boys)
Socks (youth size small, medium, large)
Underwear (all youth sizes - 5, 6-7, 8, 9-10 - girls and boys)
Winter coats (all youth sizes - 3T, 4T, 5T, 6, 7-8, 9-10, 10-12 - girls and boys)
Warm long sleeve shirts and pants
Beanies and Gloves
Gift Cards: $25 and $50 gift cards to Safeway, Walmart, Target, and Fred Meyer are especially appreciated.
Thank You, North Star Navigators! Your generosity ensures that FAN can continue supporting local families. Any items not immediately needed for Christmas will be used for future FAN needs. Thank you for making a difference in our community!
S.T.E.A.M. Night
Join us for a night filled with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities!
We will need several parent volunteers to help run stations, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/jiZGbLO
Reach out to Caitlin Kiley (cakiley@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
STEAM Student Showcase Invitation
We’re thrilled to invite students to participate in the STEAM Student Showcase during our upcoming STEAM Night at North Star Elementary!
Project Guidelines
We encourage a wide variety of STEAM projects, whether they are traditional science experiments, creative art installations, or innovative engineering designs. This is a chance for students to engage in hands-on learning and share their efforts in a fun, supportive environment.
Project Size: To ensure there is enough space for everyone, we recommend that students bring manageable-sized projects. For larger projects, a photo or diagram can be displayed instead.
Project Categories: Students may present anything from experiments, LEGO structures, models, artwork, and technology demonstrations, to coding projects or engineering designs.
Project Form: If your student would like to participate, please complete the Student Showcase Form to help us plan accordingly.
Submission and Set-Up: Students can drop off their projects during the school day on November 14th or arrive 30 minutes before STEAM Night to set up their display. There will be tables and bookshelves for each student’s project, ensuring a designated space for all participants.
Project Collection: At the end of the evening, families are responsible for picking up their child’s project.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@northstarelementarypto.org. We can’t wait to see the incredible projects our students bring to STEAM Night!
Regal Movie Fundraiser
Enjoy movies with a purpose! North Star Elementary PTO is giving you the best reason to head to the cinema. Until February 11, 25% of each Regal Movie Ticket Bundle you purchase will be donated back to North Star Elementary PTO, when you buy via our fundraising sales page.
Treat yourself, your friends, and family to an unforgettable movie night in support of a great cause! Grab your tickets here: grouprai.se/regalcinemas45103s
PTO Meeting
Join us for updates on fundraising events, preparation for STEAM Night, and a special introduction to North Star’s new school counselor, Kaily Filkins. We look forward to seeing you there!
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
Scholastic Fall Book Fair
Sign-up here to volunteer: https://signup.com/go/ehCmaMH
Join us for the Scholastic Book Fair—a fun and educational event where students, teachers, and families can discover and purchase a wide selection of books and educational products. Not only is it a great opportunity to spark a love of reading, but proceeds from the fair will also directly benefit North Star, helping to fund new books and valuable resources.
The Book Fair will be open on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, October 29th: 2:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, October 30th: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 31st: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
We look forward to seeing you there!
Trunk-or-Treat
Sign-up to volunteer for this event: https://signup.com/go/WTdRFOF
Dress up your trunk and yourself in your best, not-so-scary costume. We will have snacks and drinks but be sure to pack a picnic if you want to bring dinner.
We are hoping to have at least 20 families sign up to decorate their trunks for this event and a few parent volunteers to help set-up / clean-up.
NSE PTO Presents: Healthy Tech Talk
North Star Elementary Healthy Tech Talk
Who: All families with elementary-aged children
Date: Tuesday, October 8th
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: North Star Elementary, 63567 NW Brownrigg Lane, Bend 97703
Sign-up Link: https://forms.gle/KSLsB3YS17LeKdoZ8
Event Details: Join us for a 1.5-hour Healthy Tech Talk with Well Wired, Central Oregon's healthy tech advocacy group and family community. Led by its co-founders, Ami Formica and Brooke Mues, Well Wired (www.wellwired.org) promotes early dialogue with kids about healthy tech choices and delaying smartphones and social media until high school. We will discuss important data & information about today's addictive tech; the youth mental health crisis; how big tech exploits the attentions of its youngest users; research & expert opinions; parenting tips; and healthy tech alternatives.
Well Wired is dedicated to improving our children’s lives and strengthening support for parents in Bend by offering community, discussion, and support around what is considered by many as the greatest parenting challenge of our generation. Don't miss the opportunity to get the information you've been wanting on this topic, consolidated into an evening talk. Elementary-aged kids are welcome and encouraged to attend. Kids will be included in the first 20 minutes of the discussion and then offered an activity.
Sign-ups are REQUIRED if you plan to attend!
Sign-up Link: https://forms.gle/KSLsB3YS17LeKdoZ8
Fall Running Club
Sign up to volunteer for Running Club here: https://signup.com/go/BckarmH
you must complete the volunteer application through the district before you can volunteer for Running Club
Running Club takes place every Tuesday and Thursday on the field during lunch recess in the fall and spring. We need 3 volunteers to join us each session to help scan cards, hand out prizes, and answer kids' questions!! Students will grab a card with a QR code on the way out the door to recess and, if they want to participate, a volunteer will scan their card after each lap they complete and sync the session at the end. You will need to use your own smartphone and download the EZScan 2 app.
Lead volunteers will be present to manage and assist! If you have any questions about Running Club please reach out to Jenny Odom (jenny.p@mac.com) or Kate Pedersen (carter713@gmail.com).
MOD Pizza Fundraiser
20516 Robal Rd, Suite 190
Bend, OR 97701
North Star Elementary PTO will receive 20% of fundraiser sales* during this fundraiser. Participate on Sep 25, 2024 by ordering online using the code MODGIVES20 or by visiting this MOD location and showing this fundraiser flyer or mentioning the fundraiser at checkout.
* Tax, gift cards and retail sales are excluded from the donation. Offer void if flyer is distributed in or near the restaurant.
More details here: https://modpizza.force4good.com/event/7b7f16b7-bf8e-4658-b6ca-f4f62b91a1fc
PTO Meeting
Please join us for our first PTO meeting of the year!
North Star's new Principal, Beth Martin, and Assistant Principal, Lynne Tat, will be our guests to meet with parents and answer your questions. This is also a great opportunity to meet other North Star parents and tell us what you would like to see from the PTO for the upcoming school year.
unless otherwise specified all PTO meetings will be held in the North Star Library
Welcome back coffee & doughnuts
Come meet the North Star PTO and grab a warm cup of liquid gold after you roll through the drop-off line.