A Wonderful First Week at True North

What an incredible start we’ve had to the school year! This week was extra special—not only was it the first week of school, but it was also our first week in our new building. The classrooms were filled with joy, curiosity, and discovery as students of all ages settled into both a fresh space and a new routine. While the start of a school year can bring both excitement and nerves, our elementary and middle school learners stepped in ready to grow, build friendships, and embrace the structure that helps them feel grounded and successful.

A big focus this week was establishing routines in our new environment. For many neurodivergent students, predictability is an important part of feeling safe and supported. We practiced transitions, reviewed expectations, and built a rhythm to our days. Already, we are seeing students grow in independence—especially when it comes to caring for their materials and using technology responsibly.

We also had a wonderful milestone this week—welcoming Ms. Miller, our new part-time teacher! She joined us on Thursday, and it was inspiring to see how quickly she fit into the classroom community. The students connected with her right away, and we’re excited for her to join us on our very first field trip of the year to the Arizona Science Center this Friday. Field trips are always a highlight, giving learners opportunities to extend their growth beyond the classroom and practice real-world skills in fun, engaging ways.

At True North, we are deeply committed to seeing and celebrating the whole child. Some of our students live with autism, and for them we know how important it is to provide a calm, supportive space where they can feel both understood and empowered. Others experience ADHD, often bringing energy, creativity, and fresh ideas that light up the classroom. By blending structure with flexibility, we help them thrive.

We also serve students with dyslexia, and we use evidence-based, multisensory approaches to help unlock the joy of reading and writing. Watching these students gain confidence and share their ideas in new ways is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. For students with sensory processing disorder, we build in flexibility, movement breaks, and sensory tools, ensuring that both our elementary and middle school classrooms are comfortable, supportive places to learn.

Some of our learners are twice exceptional (2e), showing both advanced abilities and learning differences. These students remind us daily that giftedness and challenge can coexist beautifully—and with encouragement and tailored supports, they can achieve remarkable things.

This first week was also about community. Whether in elementary or middle school, our students are discovering more about who they are, how they learn best, and how they want to connect with the world. It has been inspiring to see them begin to build trust with their teachers, support one another as classmates, and embrace the sense of belonging that makes True North so special.

As parents, we want you to feel that same excitement and pride. Thank you for trusting us with your children—we are honored to be part of their journey. Together, we are building a place where learning feels joyful, where differences are celebrated, and where every child can shine in their own way.

We’re only one week in, but the energy, curiosity, and resilience we’ve seen already point to a truly extraordinary year ahead—in our brand-new home. We can’t wait to share more stories, successes, and celebrations with you in the weeks to come.