First Day of School Survival Kit
Are you new to Northstar? Nervous about your first day? Whether you are joining us in August or enrolling in the middle of the school year (yes, we do have rolling admissions) here are some handy tips to make your first day a good experience.
1. Dress to impress. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Remember that students do not dress out for P.E. class, but should have appropriate, closed-toed footwear. The most updated dress code can be found in our list of downloadable family resources.
2. Prepare to make friends. Come with your best smile and be ready to say hello. During morning arrival, students hang out together in common spaces before class starts. You can use this time to chat and socialize with your peers, relax, and prepare for the day.
3. Know where you’re going. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or ask for a visual schedule to help you navigate the halls.
4. Get to know your teachers. At Northstar, we create communities in every classroom. Our teachers work hard to build relationships with every student, create a safe learning environment, and ensure a network of academic and social support.
5. Take breaks. Get a drink of water, grab a fidget toy, or go for a lap around the hallway. At Northstar, we understand every student needs different tools for success.
6. Meet your liaison. Every student has a dedicated IEP Liaison assigned to them. These individuals work with public school representatives, teachers, administrators, families, and students. If concerns or challenges arise, students can visit their liaison during the school day.
7. Take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel nervous. Everybody gets first day jitters – even your teachers! Be kind to yourself and celebrate your successes as they come.
8. Be yourself. You have special gifts and unique strengths. We’re glad you’re here, and we like you just the way you are.
Dog Days of Summer School: Northstar and ESY
Did you know Northstar has Summer School?
Each July, we host a three-week educational program here on campus. General course offerings include Writing, Reading, Math, and Social Skills, as well as Specialized Reading. Students can join us for the whole time, or families can choose to enroll for just one or two. Because learning loss, or the “summer slide” can occur during the summer months, this special session aims to help reinforce and retain academic and social skills learned during the school year.
Summer school isn’t limited to currently enrolled K-12 Northstar students; students with disabilities from the general public who meet our basic admissions criteria are also welcome to attend. In fact, summer school is a great way for new families to get to know Northstar in a relaxed, but structured environment. This short session can help families understand how our faculty approach core subjects through the lens of special education.
You may have heard this kind of summer program also be referred to as Extended School Year, or ESY.
ESY is a specific term used by the Virginia Department of Education to describe special education and/or related services that a school provides beyond the typical school year. Determining if a child needs ESY services is part of the IEP writing process. The IEP team, which includes families, teachers, and other professionals, will evaluate if the benefits a child gained during the school year will be significantly jeopardized without ESY.
So which is it? Northstar Summer School, or Northstar ESY? Answer: it’s both!
Northstar’s summer session satisfies the Virginia ESY requirement by providing individualized lessons to meet a student’s unique needs. Some families enroll through their local education agency or school district to receive these necessary services. Regardless of the reason they come, all summer session students learn together in the same core classes.
If your family is looking for a summer program to retain academic skills and engage in social activities, we invite you to explore what Northstar’s summer session can offer. Admission for summer session opens in the spring of each school year.
A Northstar Legacy Lives On
Amongst the pomp and circumstance of student-focused commencement traditions, there is another, lesser known honor to be celebrated.
Every June, Northstar recognizes one person to receive the Pat West Legacy Award. The recipient is a faculty or staff member who has distinguished themselves in support of Northstar’s mission and community. The award acknowledges continued excellence and outstanding service both within and outside the classroom.
Officially created by the Northstar Board of Directors in 2018, this Excellence in Education award is a lasting commemorative to Dr. Patricia West, former Head of School. Dr. West was a lifelong advocate for special education and made a significant impact on Northstar, both the students and staff. She served as Head of School for over 13 years.
During the June graduation ceremony, Northstar secretly invites the recipient’s family to come surprise them in the audience at the moment of the announcement as well as celebrate with the team afterward.
The most special part? Recipients are nominated by their peers. These fellow team members see first-hand how hard nominees work and intimately understand their impact on the Northstar community.
As 2024 award recipient Angela Harper said, “[It’s difficult] to capture how much it means to me to have won the Pat West Legacy Award, because to be selected from such an incredible pool of teachers is such an honor. It's BEYOND an honor. It is truly a joy to work here. Our school is a place of so much support and love for the kids, and to feel it as a faculty member is just overwhelmingly wonderful.”
After Pat West passed away in early 2026, her daughter Jessica and son Jamie presented the award to the ninth winner, Marissa Downs.
"It was a full circle moment for me," said Downs, "Jessica trained me when I first got to Northstar, so it was really special to have her be the one to present it now."
The award continues to honor the dedicated and hardworking faculty and staff. As Northstar grows, Dr. West’s legacy lives on in this special annual tradition.
Future Special Educators Learn the Ropes at Northstar
For the last 15 weeks, Northstar has had a special visitor on campus. Meredith Missana, a junior studying Exceptional Education at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, has spent two full days each week interning in Physical Education/Health classes as part of her semester-long placement.
The goal of the internship is to give EXED students the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned host teachers. During their time on ease into a leadership role by gradually taking on more responsibility in the classroom. Experiences like this not only prepare future educators, but also reinforce why Northstar stands out among today’s leading special needs schools.
What began with observing and assisting soon grew into independently working with students, adapting activities, and collaborating closely with her host teacher. Through Northstar’s supportive environment and small class sizes, Meredith was able to build meaningful connections with students while learning how individualized instruction helps every child succeed.
“It’s been amazing,” Meredith shared about her experience. “The coolest part has been seeing the different ways these activities can be adapted depending on what each student needs.”
While Meredith had done field placements in classrooms before, including both general education and special education classes, this was her first time teaching in a gym. As a lifelong athlete and a volunteer of the Arc of Northwest Mississippi’s programs, she dove right in.
“She’s adapted really well," said PE teacher MacKenzie Pigg, who is currently pursuing her doctorate in Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities from the University of Virginia. “She walked in every morning with a smile and a can-do attitude. After a couple weeks, I was able to step back and trust that she had it.”
"I have some new ideas to bring back with me to Mississippi this summer," Meredith commented. Next year, she plans to do more fieldwork placements by completing her student teaching. Her eventual goal is to be a special education teacher.
For many college students pursuing careers in special education, opportunities like this are invaluable. Northstar provides future educators with real-world experience in a setting that mirrors a traditional academic environment while still offering accommodations for varying ability levels. Students learn in classrooms, participate in electives, and engage in school traditions, all while receiving individualized support tailored to their unique needs.
As one of Central Virginia's innovative special needs schools, Northstar also serves as a model for colleges and universities preparing the next generation of educators. By opening its doors to interns and student teachers, Northstar demonstrates what inclusive, student-centered education can look like in practice.
The students noticed her impact, too.
“I'll miss her. I like how kind Ms. Missana is,” said seventh grader Amyra.
Another student, Max, summed it up simply: “I’d give her an A!”
Minimester, a Special Northstar Tradition
Variety is the spice of life — and at Northstar, nothing captures that spirit quite like Minimester. This beloved annual tradition gives students a chance to step away from their usual routines and dive into something new and exciting. Designed with every learner in mind, Minimester reflects Northstar’s commitment to creating enriching experiences for students.
Each year, both teachers and students eagerly anticipate this unique week, which takes place just before Spring Break. During Minimester, traditional classroom instruction pauses as students explore a wide range of enrichment activities. What makes this program especially meaningful is that the classes are created and led by Northstar faculty, who share topics they are personally passionate about. From creative pursuits to physical activities, there’s something for everyone.
The 2026 Minimester offerings included exciting topic such as an introduction to Arabic, Dungeons & Dragons, physical fitness/yoga, puzzle-solving, and more. Classes fill quickly and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, which adds to the buzz and anticipation leading up to the week. Under the guidance of their teachers, students are encouraged to try new things, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in a fun, low-pressure setting.
"I took pictures of the different classes doing different stuff so they were documented for the yearbook," said Hamza, 10th grade. When not snapping photos, he hung out in the "Grilling and Chilling" class, where students practiced grilling techniques for different cuts of meats, such as chicken breasts, salmon fillets, and hot dogs.
But the fun is not limited to campus - Minimester often includes field trips. This year, Upper School History teacher Mr. DeLancey led a "Out and About in Richmond," which explored several of the city's various beautiful and historical locations.
"I liked going to Belle Isle," said JT, 11th grade, "I'd never got to go on the dry rocks before."
"My favorite part was seeing all the interesting things at Hollywood Cemetery, like seeing the presidents' graves," said 10th grader Gabe, referencing the two interred US presidents, Tyler and Monroe, at the site.
Minimester is more than just a break from routine. It’s an opportunity to foster curiosity in a new environment and grow during nontraditional instruction. Students not only learn new skills but also strengthen connections with classmates and staff.
With its ever-changing lineup of classes and focus on exploration, Minimester continues to be a highlight of the Northstar calendar and an inspiring reminder that learning can happen anywhere.
Students School Their Teachers at Basketball
The energy was high and the smiles were even bigger at Northstar’s students vs. teachers basketball game—an event that perfectly captured the spirit of fun, teamwork, and inclusion. While the game was all about friendly competition, it also gave students a chance to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and work together as a team in a supportive, inclusive environment.
This beloved tradition, once a staple for the club basketball team, had been on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the opening of the new gymnasium, the game made a triumphant return, bringing with it a renewed sense of excitement and community. Students and teachers faced off on the court, each side eager to claim bragging rights, but the true victory was in the shared experience and joy of participation.
"It was really cool to see the teachers play," says Faith, 11th grade, about the event.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of parents, volunteers, community members, and fellow students. The stands were filled with handmade signs of encouragement, cheers, and laughter, creating an atmosphere that celebrated every player. During intermission, the cheer team grabbed their pompoms and marched onto the floor to perform for their fellow students. It was a powerful reminder of how sports can unite a community and highlight the importance of traditional school experiences while maintaining accommodations for individuals of all ability levels. Coached by P.E. teacher Ms. Pigg and Coach Mario, the students ultimately defeated the teachers in a 14 - 10 final score.
"I like playing basketball. I liked [the game] especially because we won," said Patrick, 8th grade, referencing the student team victory. "But I also would've still had fun even if we lost."
After the final buzzer, the fun didn’t stop. Students and staff were invited onto the court to try their hand at free throws, giving everyone a chance to participate and feel part of the action. Even Navi the Gator, Northstar's beloved mascot, got in on the fun with a one-on-one shootout against the Easter Bunny. Moments like these reinforce Northstar’s commitment to creating opportunities that are both engaging and inclusive.
"The student's teamwork really shined. It got them all those extra baskets and let them pull ahead," commented Mrs. Webb, who played for the teacher team. "I'm ready for next year's rematch."
The return of the students vs. teachers basketball game is more than just a fun event—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to play, compete, and belong.
Celebrating Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, Northstar filled the calendar with experiences designed to highlight, uplift, and celebrate the rich history, achievements, voices, and contributions of black individuals.
We kicked off the month with an all-student assembly explaining the origins of the month. Although only officially signed into law by Congress in 1986, Black History Month has been observed in some way since the early 20th century. This year marks the centennial celebration since its precursor Negro History Week was designated in 1926.
At Northstar, students stretched their creative muscles by fashioning an interactive “walking museum.” Advisory classes worked together to choose a person to highlight in a poster. Among subjects were black activists, politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, and more from both history and today. In addition, students and staff delved into the rich culture of black art by exploring the contributions of artists of color. From visual arts to music to the written word, the Northstar community highlighted their favorite or most impactful works.
“It’s important we learn about important people in the past, especially people who ended slavery and people like Martin Luther King,” said middle schooler Amyra about the creative project.
Upper School students expanded their knowledge by taking a visit to the Richmond Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA), where they heard about the achievements and trials of black folks across the commonwealth.
Instructional Assistant Jordan Johnson, who planned the celebrations, said, “Black History Month is an opportunity for learning, reflection, celebration, and connection. It’s important to create space for our students to have meaningful conversations.”
During the last week of February, Johnson hosted a panel discussion of black professionals. Among the speakers were local leaders, business owners, and health care professionals. They took questions about their backgrounds in education, the world of work, and their individual experiences as black professionals.
“There’s gonna be obstacles. That’s what life is,” said physiatrist Dr. Timothy Silver while discussing how to tackle challenges of post-secondary education. “How we negotiate them to get to the next level is up to you.”
The panelists shared messages of encouragement and positive intentions for the future of Richmond’s black community.
“Uplifting my community and seeing those same people come and support me is one of the things I really, really cherish about us as a people,” said Kayen Wilborn, a local musician.
When asked about what black joy means to her, Veterinarian Brit’nee Haskins simply commented, “Black joy is just the freedom and space to be who you are.”
Pet Care as a Profession: Why the Veterinary Assisting Program at Northstar Career Center Opens Doors for Animal-Loving Students
For students who adore animals and dream of working with them every day, the Veterinary Assisting program at Northstar Career Center offers a meaningful, hands-on pathway to real career opportunities. In a laboratory-style classroom that resembles a real veterinary office, students learn to handle, care for, and manage animals — along with the administrative and customer-service skills needed in the pet-care field.
Whether students envision caring for pets in a clinic, working in a kennel, grooming animals, or offering personalized pet services, this program lays a foundation that connects passion with professional purpose.
Section 1: Hands-On Learning in a Realistic Veterinary Setting
Northstar’s Veterinary Assisting program places students in environments that feel like actual workplaces — not just classrooms. Here, students:
- Practice safe and humane animal handling
- Learn animal care routines and facility maintenance
- Manage paperwork and client communication
This experiential approach strengthens skills through doing rather than just observing, which helps students gain confidence and independence before entering the workforce.
Section 2: Career Paths for Animal-Loving Students
One of the most exciting aspects of the Veterinary Assisting program is the range of career options it can help prepare students for. For people who love animals and want to turn that passion into work, possible pathways include:
Veterinary Assistant
Graduates can support veterinarians and technicians by caring for animals, assisting with treatments, preparing exam rooms, and interacting with pet owners — all foundational duties in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals.
Kennel Attendant / Animal Care Worker
In animal shelters, boarding facilities, and kennels, attendants feed, exercise, and clean up after animals regularly. These roles are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of pets in care.
Pet Sitter or Pet Care Specialist
For students interested in flexible, independent work, pet sitting offers a way to care for pets in their owners’ homes while owners are away — feeding, walking, and providing companionship daily.
Grooming and Basic Care Roles
Although some grooming roles require additional training, basic grooming skills like bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and coat care are valuable in many animal-care settings and can complement other job duties.
By exposing students to real animal care experiences, the program helps them clarify their interests and opens doors to careers that range from hands-on clinical work to independent pet services.
Section 3: Skills That Make Students Work-Ready
Northstar’s program goes beyond animal care techniques. Students practice:
- Professional communication with pet owners and coworkers
- Workflow management with assistive technologies and organizational systems
- Problem solving and independence on real tasks both in the classroom and community settings
These transferable skills are crucial not only for veterinary work but also for other job settings where responsibility, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills matter.
The program also offers opportunities to earn credentials — such as certifications from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) — to help students stand out in the job market.
Section 4: Real-World Experiences That Build Confidence
Northstar students don’t just learn about animal care, they do it. One example is the veterinary assisting class’s embryology project, where students care for fertilized eggs, monitor embryo growth, and experience the hatching process firsthand. These kinds of immersive, purpose-driven activities deepen engagement and foster pride in skill mastery.
These experiential moments help students develop critical thinking, responsibility, and empathy — qualities employers value highly in animal-care professions.
Section 5: Preparing for Long-Term Success
Through the Veterinary Assisting program, students build a portfolio of skills, experiences, and credentials that can be documented on resumes and shared with future employers. Northstar also supports students in transitioning to the workforce by:
- Helping them practice workplace expectations and social communication
- Encouraging reflection on career goals and next steps
- Linking graduates with community partners and employers who value skilled, compassionate workers willing to learn and grow
This career-focused support helps students enter competitive job markets with confidence and clarity about where their love of animals can take them next.
Conclusion
For animal lovers who want to turn their passion into a profession, the Veterinary Assisting program at Northstar Career Center offers an engaging, hands-on, and skill-building path forward. By blending practical pet care instruction with real-world experience, the program not only trains students for roles like veterinary assistant, kennel attendant, pet sitter, and more — it also fosters confidence, independence, and job readiness.
If you or someone you know dreams of working with animals, this program can be a springboard to meaningful work and a fulfilling career. Explore the possibilities and support vocational experiences that help students succeed in the pet care industry.
Flying High
When’s the last time you rode in an airplane? How about the last time you sat in the pilot’s seat?
Recently, Ms. Kiki’s Geography class took a field trip to the Richmond International Airport, where they got to get up close and personal with aircraft and the processes that make it possible for us to fly.
The first stop of the field trip was RVA Flyers, a flight training center where new pilots learn the skills to earn their private or commercial license. Tony, a flight instructor who led the tour of a small hanger, assisted students in climbing into a small four-seater plane, where they learned about the many controls and buttons.
“We use these planes to teach new pilots,” explained Tony. “You need to be at 17 years old and log at least 40 hours in the air to earn your private license.”
“In the plane you could move the joystick and press the pedals and the tail would go back and forth,” said eighth grade student Laureli.
After touring RVA Flyers, students got a private tour of the air traffic control tower.
From the 6-story tower, they got a birds-eye view of the entire airport complex. Workers pointed out a side of the airport not typically shared with passengers, such as the fleet of deicing vehicles and ongoing capital improvements to RIC’s airfield.
“I really liked seeing the monitors,” said Hunter, eighth grade, about the experience. “We saw a cargo plane and a big jet landing, too.”
Between answering student questions, they shared their day-to-day tasks. As one controller shared, “The busiest times are when the weather is clear in Richmond but bad in surrounding cities, because all those planes get redirected to us!”
While watching planes take off and land, students learned the basics of how to read radar equipment and dabbled in speaking with the ICAO phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, etc).
Northstar students love going off campus and exploring learning opportunities beyond the classroom!
Students Lead the Way in Recycling
At Northstar, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it happens in the hallways, the lunchroom, and even by the recycling bins. Thanks to a student-led recycling initiative, our middle school students are taking the lead in reducing waste across campus while gaining valuable vocational and life skills.
Led by middle school science teacher Isabel Futterman, the program has become part of both the curriculum and the culture at Northstar. Each week, students collect recyclable items — plastic bottles, paper, and cardboard — from classrooms and common spaces. They sort, organize, and prepare the materials for transport to local recycling centers, turning what could have been waste into a lesson in responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Recently, the program received a boost through a Green Grant application. This helped purchase new recycling bins, including a triple-sort station for the new gym and community room. These additions make recycling even more accessible for students and staff. The multiple locations remind us that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility.
“Hooray!” Ms. Futterman commented about the update, “Students now have sorting bins across campus for cans, bottles, and paper products. It’s a small step that makes a big difference — and it’s led by them.”
The impact is already visible. From the office to the library to the lunch room, new blue and grey bins are in place, giving students a hands-on role in keeping our school green.
The program also gives students the opportunity to hone their social skills. When visiting offices and classrooms to collect bins, they practice proper entry etiquette. This includes knocking politely, waiting for the okay to enter, and asking if they can step in to take care of this week’s recycling.
For our students, this initiative goes beyond recycling. It’s about building executive function skills like organization, planning, and teamwork. It’s about practicing leadership and community service. And it’s about recognizing that even small actions (like choosing the right bin) can add up to meaningful change.
At Northstar, we are proud of the way our students are learning to care for the world around them, and we look forward to seeing this program grow. After all, sustainability is not just a lesson for today — it’s a skill for life.