This month, we're highlighting a student-created presentation from an English 20-1 project that captured a reality too many students experience: feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like they're falling short of expectations.

The presentation names the quiet struggles that often go unseen -- loneliness, workload stress, and the pressure of unmet expectations. These feelings are real. And when learning happens
at a distance, it's easy to believe you're the only one facing them.

But you're not. At NorthStar, we believe that learning is never meant to be a solo journey.

We are a community of learners connected in Christ, and we've built our school structure around that very truth. From virtual homerooms to opportunities for students to participate in class
forums alongside virtual and in-person events-students are invited into a culture of kindness, respect, and belonging. 

Our SOAR challenge this month: Make space for connection.

Parents and Supervisors: Take time this week to ask your student how school is really going. What's going well? What feels heavy? What kind of support might help right now?

Students: Whether you feel supported or not, please hear this:
You are not in this alone. You are part of a community of learners connected in Christ.

If you're feeling stuck or unseen, reach out:

• Send your teacher a message
• Connect with your parent or adult supervisor
• Attend your next homeroom
• Speak up in your class forum
• Join a Community Connections Activity

These aren't just optional extras. They are part of how we build trust, community, and a sense of belonging-all rooted in our shared faith.

"So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5

We are in this together. Let's keep learning, growing, and connecting-together.

Here's the presentation from a Braden N on the obstacles faced in student learning.

The Struggles of Students