"I believe the best way to get better at reading, is to read. At NorthStar, we try to foster the joy of reading by providing ample opportunities for kids to read. If you don't like reading, that means we haven't found the right book yet."                         --Mrs. Dryden 

Each year as part of their Literacy class, NorthStar students participate in the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Speaking Contest. Students research, write, and present a speech that promotes the preservation or conservation of an environmental issue facing Wisconsin. Students then compete at the county level with the opportunity to advance to the regional and state levels.

Each quarter, NorthStar students are required to read at least three books at their lexile (reading) level and complete the following tasks:

*Pass all three quizzes on AR (60% for grades 4-5; 70% for grades 6-8)

*Fill out a story map for each book and have a book talk with a teacher. 

*Complete the required extra items for the quarter. These can include making a "movie poster" or creating a short "book trailer".