September 15, 2025

Greetings North Star Families!

We’re already nearly two weeks into the school year, and I can’t stop smiling thanks to the joy your children bring each day. The level of maturity and kindness I see in our students makes me incredibly proud to be part of the Northstar community!

Here are a few upcoming events and important reminders to keep on your radar:

📚 MAP Testing – Week of September 15th

Students will be participating in MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Testing in Math and Reading. These computer-adaptive assessments adjust in difficulty based on each student’s responses, providing a personalized experience. The resulting RIT scores help educators monitor progress, identify strengths and areas for growth, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

📅 Upcoming Events at North Middle School Library:

• PTSO Meeting – Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30 PM
• All families are welcome! Join us to connect with other Northstar families and get involved.
• Schoology & PowerSchool Info Session – Thursday, September 18th at 9:00 AM

Want to better understand Schoology and PowerSchool? This session is designed to help families learn how to navigate and use these platforms to stay informed about student progress.

🎉 Back to School Dance – Friday, September 19th, 6:00–8:00 PM

We’re excited to invite students to our first dance of the school year! It will be held at North Middle School.

📌 Please note: Students must attend school on September 19th in order to attend the dance.

Although school is back in session, summer weather is still with us! Enjoy the warmth and sunshine September has to offer.

Warmly,

Kristin Higgins

Principal

North Middle School



Fall Map testing begins this week! Math will be testing the week of September 15^th and ELA will be testing the week of the 22^nd.

The MAP test is one of the internal measures we use monitor student progress and students are tested in the fall, winter, and spring. Please talk with your child about doing their best on the test so we have an accurate representation of achievement.

If you wish to opt your child out, please contact Associate Principal, Mr. Tillmann, before Tuesday morning.

Student Chromebooks

A reminder to have your student bring their assigned Chromebook to school each day fully charged. Loaners are not given out for forgotten Chromebooks.

Free Internet Access Available for Families

If your family does not have internet at home or if the cost of internet service has become a challenge, we can help. SDMF has a program that provides free internet access for students who need to connect from home.

Families can apply through their school principal to receive a MiFi (hotspot) device at no cost. This program is funded by a grant and is available to students at every grade level.

If your family could benefit from this program, please contact your building principal for more information and an application.

📅 Upcoming PTSO Events & Activities

Here’s what’s coming up at NMS—mark your calendars!

📚 Scholastic Book Fair

September 17–19 during school hours. Students will have a chance to shop for their next great read! Interested in volunteering? We still have a few 1-hour shifts available!

👥 PTSO General Meeting

Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30pm in the NMS Library & Media Center. Join us for our first meeting of the year—we’d love to see you there!

🥖 Panera Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 17 from 4–8pm at Panera (Rivercrest Drive, Menomonee Falls). Use code FUND4U when ordering online, in the app, or at the kiosk—or show the flyer at checkout. 25% of sales go to NMS PTSO!

☕ Morning Mingle with Mrs. Higgins

Thursday, September 18 from 9–9:45am in the NMS Library & Media Center. Topic: Schoology & Powerschool. A casual opportunity to connect and learn!

🎉 Back to School Dance: Glow Party

Friday, September 19 from 6–8pm. Admission is $5 at the door (cash or card). Free entry for students whose families donated $15+ to the PTSO this year. Snacks and glow accessories will be available for purchase. 

✨ Pro Tip: Add the PTSO calendar to your calendar app so you never miss an event! Click here for instructions.

Jillian Olsen, a 7th grader at North, is collecting new toys that will be donated to the Oncology Department at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin.

Jillian was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer when she was 4 years old. She endured treatment for her cancer for 3 years and has been cancer-free for 7 years. After treatment, Jillian decided she wanted to help the other kids she saw at the hospital so she began collecting toys each September during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

She is collecting new toys throughout the entire month of September. The toys are given to kids while they are staying in the hospital for treatment, during hospital appointments, or during clinic visits. They help the kids through so much.

You can help the kids too! Please bring new toys to the Main Office lobby and drop them in the collection box. Your support can really make a difference in the life of a child and will give them something to smile about.

Order your school portraits and yearbooks directly from VIP. School portraits will be mailed home and yearbooks will be handed out in June.

Looking for a quiet place for your student to study and do homework? LINK is an afterschool, supervised study hall that is available to students who need extra time for homework. The supervising teacher will be available to help support as needed. See the LINK calendar below.

Did you know that North has many different sports and clubs for students to get involved with? We have everything from Art Club to Racquet Sports Club to Cross Country. Some of these sports and clubs have started or are starting soon.