Posts in 🔎Informational
The Art of Volunteering

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations characterizes volunteering as “…when someone spends unpaid time doing something … to benefit the environment (and through that, other people)” (“What Is Volunteering?”). What does it look like for students at an online school, such as NorthStar, to volunteer? To push that thought further, why should students consider volunteering in the first place?

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The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Food Favorites

Thanksgiving is not all about football, autumn colors, and awkward family reunions; it is also about the food. The once-a-year, comfort-filled, feast that brings everyone to the table for their yearly dose of overeating is something that people all over the country look forward to. Everyone has their personal favorite dishes, but a few stand out as Thanksgiving icons. Let’s talk about three of the most beloved: stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and, of course, pumpkin pie.

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Games and Their Impact

What makes games fun? Well there’s a lot of different reasons, but one key part is getting a reward or punishment based on your performance. In a board, card, or video game, the players get immediate answers or consequences to their actions. These systems of entertainment and the way they are presented provide some incredible opportunities.

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NSA’s ESOs: Globally Minded

Speaking as a senior, I see many direct ways that a topic like NorthStar’s ESOs (Expected Student Outcomes) are relevant. Surprisingly, the more I learned, the more I realized this subject is applicable to all grade levels. In an interview with Mrs. Peterman, a staff member of NSA’s Instructional Development Department, I got the opportunity to dive into the topic of being globally minded.

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Everything You Need to Know About Student Council

NSA’s Student Council (StuCo) is a team of responsible and dedicated individuals who desire to serve their school. “My goal is that StuCo only continues to foster and encourage that unique sense of community that NSA has, allowing it to continually impact students for many more years,” StuCo President Michaela said in an interview. Throughout the year, StuCo plans events, creates activities, and aims to engage the school’s community.

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Why the Navigator is the Class for You

Although you may be familiar with the Navigator as NorthStar’s school newspaper, you may not know that it is also a class—and a class you are invited to join!  As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the time to sign up for new courses is nigh.  While considering what classes you would like to take, consider NAVI280e.  Why?  Below are five reasons why the Navigator is the class for you. 

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Civilization V: The 4X Game for Emperors

Whether you are a devoted member of the NorthStar Gaming Club, an enjoyer of video games who is not in the club, or simply someone who loves strategy, Civilization V is a game you would probably love. Civilization V is the fifth installment in the much-loved Civilization franchise, a series of turn-based 4X Grand Strategy games. Published in 2010 by Firaxis Games, Civilization V is considered to be one of the franchises’ best.

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Nav Staff’s Favorite Artists

In fourteenth century Italy, wealth was expanding, literature was blooming, and art was reforming. During the Renaissance, art changed and amplified as new artists appeared everywhere. Even though the Renaissance was a pivotal period in the world's history, it is not the only time famous artists were produced. When talking about artists, it could mean anyone, from Da Vinci to local artists. Due to the wide variety, the Navigator took to NorthStar students to get their opinion on who is their favorite artist. 

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American Leaders: Forty-Six Men and a Dream

“Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known” (Reagan). This is a famous quote by the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. America has been built off the backs of forty-six different leaders and many citizens. With the recently ended election, questions arise about how America came to be and how the nation got to where it is today. Leaders have both made the country great and have harmed the nation. But overall, the United States has profited off the accomplishments of American Presidents.

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