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06 November 2014

International Club- Backpack Drive

Hello North Star Parents and Students!

International Club is getting involved with World Relief Boise. Their mission is to help refugees from other countries begin to rebuild their lives here in Idaho. In order to help the children integrate into school life smoothly, International Club is having a Backpack Drive from November 3-21. The goal of this project is to be able to provide backpacks stuffed with general school supplies (a binder, pencils, pens, ruler, etc.) that the kids will need to be a successful student. We would prefer new and gently used backpacks to be donated. There will be bins in the cafeterias labeled "Backpack Drive" where the backpacks will be collected. We are also in need of monetary donations to purchase items that will be sent with the backpacks. All money donations will be collected in the office or by the International Club Officers. If you are writing a check please make it payable to "North Star Charter School." Any contributions that can be made would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Heather Iseri and Crystal Mendez (North Star International Club Officers)

04 November 2014

Belize Service Trip- Teacher Swap

Ms. Emily Martinez spent the day with our North Star students K-12, sharing her culture, teaching students about Belize, singing songs and drumming. She also spent time observing two kindergarten classes, and is hoping to bring some new teaching strategies back to her school. This teacher exchange has a huge ripple effect on not only her students back home, but ours as well. North Star students have an opportunity to go to Belize to work in schools over February break. More information is available in the main office or from Ms. Oberlindacher.  Www.globalservicepartnerships.org



Pennies for Jenny Fundraiser

One of our wonderful North Star families is in need of our support and we are ready to help them! Jenny Custer, a mom of a NS 2nd and a 5th grader, has been suddenly stricken with a very rare autoimmune disorder called Neuromyelitis Optica. This disorder has brought Jenny from vibrant and healthy to almost complete paralysis within 24 hours. She was flown to Salt Lake City, where a University of Utah hospital team of specialists are working with her.  She has been holding strong and fighting hard and we couldn't be happier that we still have Jenny blessing this earth with her presence.

Jenny is always first in line to help and give to others both at North Star and in the community. She is a cheer coach to the Vipers cheerleaders, volunteer at North Star Charter school, President of the Lit Ladies Book Club, co-leader in Meridian Mops....the list goes on! Jenny’s love for everyone around her is limitless!

Now it’s our turn to show support to one of our own! There will be a jar in every K-5 classroom over the next few months. Any time you are able to send your child with spare change, we will hear the happy clank of coins dropping in our Pennies for Jenny fundraiser. Every Friday, the money will be collected and deposited in a fund for Jenny Custer. The family is so thankful for the financial support in paying hospital bills, travel expenses and anything else that may come up in Jenny’s journey to recovery. 

Please contact Chelsea McClure for more information or larger donations: chelseadm@msn.com

Fact of the Week- Mom is Right Yet Again

Scratching an itch only makes it worse. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have determined that scratching causes the brain to release a chemical, which intensifies the itch sensation.

Previously scientists knew that scratching creates a small amount of pain in the skin. That pain briefly interferes with itching by getting nerve cells in the spinal cord to carry pain signals to the brain instead of itch signals.

The problem is that when the brain gets those pain signals, it responds by producing serotonin, the well-being and happiness neurotransmitter to help control that pain. But as serotonin spreads from the brain into the spinal cord, we found it can “jump the tracks,” leaking from pain-sensing neurons to stimulate nerve cells that influence itch intensity. Scientists uncovered serotonin's role in controlling pain long ago, but this is the first time the release of the chemical messenger from the brain has been linked to itch.

The research provides new clues that may help break the vicious cycle of itching and scratching, particularly in people who experience chronic itching. Until then scientist suggest that those who itch pay attention to mom's advice and try not to scratch.

Love and Logic- The 48 Hour Test

Trish and Dad were walking through the mall when Trish spied the most “spectacular” pair of dark glasses.

“Oh, Dad. They’re perfect. They’re just what I need to complete my collection of eye-wear. I’ve got to have them, but I don’t have the money. Will you loan me some? Pleeeeze! I’ll pay you back.”

Dad knew that a loan to Trish was never a loan. In the past, asking for re-payment drew fits and sulking. With this in mind, he knew that he had only three choices:

Loan her the money and fight with her for re-payment.
Give her the money and avoid all the hassle.
Make her sign a promissory note and hope for better results this time.

But wait! Why are these his only choices? Contrary to what the media and advertising says about having it now and paying later, there is another choice. Trish might learn more about money management if she earns the money and buys the glasses later.

A wise father might say, “They are beautiful. I can’t wait to see you wearing them. You can come back for them when you have the money.”

“But, Dad. I don’t know why you’re so uptight about money. It’s no big deal to loan it to me!”

“You’re right Trish. A big deal is learning how to earn and manage your own money.”

“But, Dad, you just don’t get it. I can’t live without those glasses.”

“Well, Trish. You may have a point there. Maybe we ought to give it the old 48-Hour Test.”

“What’s that?”

“We could leave them in the store for 48-hours and then check to see if you’re still alive. If you are, we’ll know whether or not you can live until you find a way to pay for them yourself.”

“Oh, Dad. That’s stupid. If you love me, you’ll loan me the money!”

“Nice try, Trish, I can’t wait to see if you’re still alive in 48 hours. Let’s find the food court. I’m buying today.”

Learning about money management is a big deal. Teaching your kids about it is a gift that lasts a lifetime. I bet you have friends who could handle money better if their parents had been more like this father.

Learn more tricks like the 48-Hour Test in our book, Millionaire Babies or Bankrupt Brats?, and give your kids a gift that will last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

Jim Fay