Our Gryphon Pride
Welcome to Gryphon Pride, the awards page of North Star Academy, where we proudly showcase the numerous accolades earned by our students, teachers, and support staff.
Part of the Redwood City School District (RCSD), North Star Academy is celebrated for creating a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners, embodying our district mission in every achievement. This curated space features our latest honors, updated regularly to highlight the ongoing excellence within our community. We invite you to visit frequently to discover the latest recognitions that reflect RCSD's commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
![A basketball team huddles with their coach]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":1500}])
Redwood City School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) has been recognized with a Kent Award and an Exemplary Program distinction for its whole-child approach to supporting students beyond the school day. Serving more than 2,200 students daily, the program provides academic support, enrichment, mentorship, and wellness opportunities designed to help students feel connected, supported, and engaged.
![School projects and solar construction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777839134/rcsdk8net/cghuadixfx7mwhus99kc/DistrictDepartmentsandSchoolEnvironmentalProjectsSpotlightedforGoingGreen.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777839134/rcsdk8net/cghuadixfx7mwhus99kc/DistrictDepartmentsandSchoolEnvironmentalProjectsSpotlightedforGoingGreen.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777839134/rcsdk8net/cghuadixfx7mwhus99kc/DistrictDepartmentsandSchoolEnvironmentalProjectsSpotlightedforGoingGreen.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777839134/rcsdk8net/cghuadixfx7mwhus99kc/DistrictDepartmentsandSchoolEnvironmentalProjectsSpotlightedforGoingGreen.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777839134/rcsdk8net/cghuadixfx7mwhus99kc/DistrictDepartmentsandSchoolEnvironmentalProjectsSpotlightedforGoingGreen.png","width":1500}])
District students, teachers, and staff earned countywide recognition for efforts that “drive sustainable transformation across San Mateo County.”
![Kennedy Students Working on their Project]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774324937/rcsdk8net/geht7x2gmyhutgjd9rhv/KennedyandNorthStarStudentsShowcaseSTEMExcellenceDuringRegionalCompetition_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774324937/rcsdk8net/geht7x2gmyhutgjd9rhv/KennedyandNorthStarStudentsShowcaseSTEMExcellenceDuringRegionalCompetition_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774324937/rcsdk8net/geht7x2gmyhutgjd9rhv/KennedyandNorthStarStudentsShowcaseSTEMExcellenceDuringRegionalCompetition_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774324937/rcsdk8net/geht7x2gmyhutgjd9rhv/KennedyandNorthStarStudentsShowcaseSTEMExcellenceDuringRegionalCompetition_1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774324937/rcsdk8net/geht7x2gmyhutgjd9rhv/KennedyandNorthStarStudentsShowcaseSTEMExcellenceDuringRegionalCompetition_1.png","width":1500}])
Kennedy Middle School and North Star Academy students had an impressive showing at the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad this month at the College of San Mateo, highlighting Redwood City School District’s (RCSD) commitment to real-world application of student learning.
![Golden Bell Awards logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":1500}])
This award recognizes RCSD’s trauma-informed, student-centered approach that helps students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Counseling Services play an important role in meeting RCSD’s LCAP Goal One to Strengthen Social Emotional Support and School Climate by working to ensure that every student feels supported, safe, and connected at school.
![California Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joins (L-R) North Star Academy 4th Grade Teacher Victoria Defouw, North Star Academy Principal Erin Kekos, and North Star Academy 5th Grade Teacher Lauren Tickel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753992684/rcsdk8net/bcwlenoqhansenso1oqs/2025StateRecognitionShinesonNorthStarAcademysContinuedExcellence.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753992684/rcsdk8net/bcwlenoqhansenso1oqs/2025StateRecognitionShinesonNorthStarAcademysContinuedExcellence.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753992684/rcsdk8net/bcwlenoqhansenso1oqs/2025StateRecognitionShinesonNorthStarAcademysContinuedExcellence.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753992684/rcsdk8net/bcwlenoqhansenso1oqs/2025StateRecognitionShinesonNorthStarAcademysContinuedExcellence.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753992684/rcsdk8net/bcwlenoqhansenso1oqs/2025StateRecognitionShinesonNorthStarAcademysContinuedExcellence.png","width":1500}])
North Star Academy is earning fresh praise from California’s and San Mateo County’s top education leaders. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and San Mateo County Superintendent Nancy Magee publicly recognized the school this year for its continued academic excellence as a 2025 California Distinguished School.
![Word Up! North Star Students Make a Wordy Debut]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748808574/rcsdk8net/fvmk9g32ktdpb6xwmo6o/WordUpNorthStarStudentsMakeaWordyDebut.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748808574/rcsdk8net/fvmk9g32ktdpb6xwmo6o/WordUpNorthStarStudentsMakeaWordyDebut.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748808574/rcsdk8net/fvmk9g32ktdpb6xwmo6o/WordUpNorthStarStudentsMakeaWordyDebut.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748808574/rcsdk8net/fvmk9g32ktdpb6xwmo6o/WordUpNorthStarStudentsMakeaWordyDebut.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748808574/rcsdk8net/fvmk9g32ktdpb6xwmo6o/WordUpNorthStarStudentsMakeaWordyDebut.png","width":1500}])
North Star Academy fifth graders Calvin and Aarav represented their school at the national tournament, becoming the first Gryphons to reach this level of competition.