“The Survival of Arts in the Schools.” This was the theme at our 9th annual Children’s Art Festival that took place May 17th at the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Convention Center.  STAR Education invited everyone to come and check out some of the awesome works of hundreds of talented local young artists! This exhilarating affair was not only an art festival, but it was also a student art contest!  Family and friends were able to vote for their little Picassos’ and Picassas’ art to win some cool cash and prizes and the prestige of being named the Children’s Art Festival artistic extraordinaire!

By the time the art festival commenced there were hundreds of people lined up outside to catch a glimpse of the masterpiece artistry that filled the walls of the GATE Convention Center. ALL participants received an official artist I.D. card from STAR Education, which certified them as official artists.  So there are no losers in this contest!  The winners were:

Individual

1st Place- $100 Prize
Jonathan Cortez (1st grade) of Nora Sterry for  “Giraffe collages”

2nd Place-$50 Prize
Shauna Rahbarpour (1st grade) for “Self-portrait” (Paint and Mixed Media)

3rd Place- Art Supplies (Prize)
Lily Campos Willis (5th grade) of Eshelman for “Birds” (Mixed Media Pastel and Tempera)

Group
Westwood Elementary won best Group project for “White Mosaic Tree Sculpture and Children’s Portraits”

There was also a chance for all of the visitors to get in on all of the action and create a masterpiece of their very own at our amazingly innovative, “Creation Stations”. Visitors made Picasso cookies had their faces painted and made a beautiful landscape button Mosaic wall. Also available were naturalist guided tours of the STAR ECO Station-an Environmental Science Museum and Exotic Wildlife Rescue Facility-where visitors met and greeted REAL animals, and learned how to do their part to save our beautiful planet! It was truly a day of art and adventure:  Picasso would’ve been proud of these budding young artists!!!!

Come on out and check out awesome art from hundreds of local artists, then roll up your sleeves and create your own masterpiece at our Creation Stations!!!!!  Everyone will have a chance to make things like: Picasso Cookies, Art Button Wall, Face Painting and much much more!!!!

Additionally, there will also be a student art contest!!!  First prize will win $100, Second Prize will win $50 and third prize will win art supplies.  There will also be a special award for the best group project!  Winners will be determined by a public vote!  So artists be sure to bring your friends and family to vote for you!!!  Voting begins May 17th at 11am and ends at 2:30 pm.  Winners will be announced at 3:15 pm!!!

Every artist receives a free gift so, there are certainly no losers in this contest!!!!  Everyone wins!!!

STAR ECO Station’s Children’s Earth Day event proved to be the crème of the crop as the event bought in over 20,000 visitors.  With appearances by Nickelodeon’s Keke Palmer (True Jackson VP), Simon Curtis (Spectacular), Ariel Winter (Warner Bros. Speed Racer) and former NBA star Cuttino Mobley; performances by local school children and professional performances brought by partner 102.3 radio-free KJLH, this was a day full of environmental lessons, adventure, food, entertainment and community fun!

Environmentalists from all over the state of California and environmental partners; Heal the Bay, The Surfrider Foundation, Santa Monica Baykeeper Waterkeeper Alliance and 1-800-JUNK were all on hand to give families and children advice regarding keeping our planet clean.

Over 30 schools performed in front of a sea of people that lined the blocked off street of Pearson.  There was so much excitement going on that it was tough for one to take it all in.  It was a fun-filled day that included dancing, singing, rapping and poetry reciting.  Perhaps the most exciting piece of the event was the awards ceremony where actress/singer Keke Palmer accepted the STAR ECO Station environmental hero award.  After which she led the crowd of thousands into reciting the eco pledge, which vowed to take care of the earth and preserve its vitality for future generations to enjoy.

Following the awards ceremony everyone enjoyed an exhilarating performance by Grammy-Award winning producer Rodney Jerkin’s teen singing group sensations “Main St.” Children had a chance to play as cool activities kept kids of ALL ages “edu-tained” all day long, with face painting, story telling, crafts, and hands-on encounters with the rescued exotic animals at STAR ECO Station! At this year’s Earth Day celebration we included “Sports Alley”, which included a basketball area where former NBA Star Cuttino Mobley performed demos, signed autographs, took photos and read a copy of his new book entitled “Cool Cats”.  Sports alley also included a Soccer area and a Skateboarding area where professional Master Skater Patrick Nogho performed skate demos, took photos and signed autographs.

What a day it was.  Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day at STAR ECO Station has forever changed the way children and families view environmentalism.  STAR ECO Station definitely bought “coolness” back to being green.

Star of Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson VP” Keke Palmer

KEKE PALMER & NICKELODEON CO-STARS TO GO GREEN AT STAR ECO EARTH DAY
“Disney and Nickelodeon TWEENS to teach kids about earth preservation”

Earth and educational friendly Nickelodeon and Disney celebrities will be on hand at this years’ Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day Festival. We are very excited to announce this year’s featured celebrity guests and performers.  From Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson VP” Keke Palmer and Robbie Amell, Jason Earles (Jackson Stewart) of Disney’s Hannah Montana, Simon Curtis of Nickelodeon’s TV movie “Spectacular” and Disney’s “Hannah Montana”, Chelsea Makela of upcoming Paramount Pictures film, “Dance Flick”, Ariel Winter of Warner Brothers film, “Speed Race” and introducing Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins new girl group; “Main St”! Other notable performances include: Lummani, Mishon, Pink-e-Swear, O.N.E. and The Allstars; all brought to you by Radio Free 102.3 KJLH! Former NBA star of the Los Angeles Clippers Cuttino Mobley will also be in attendance to give nutritional tips to the kids and to participate in basketball demonstrations!

WHAT? 12th Annual Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day
WHEN? Sunday, April 26, 2009, 10 am – 4pm
WHERE? STAR ECO Station: 10101 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA. 90232
COST? Admission is FREE!

LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S EARTH DAY 2009

A Wild Day of Environmental Education and Celebration at the STAR ECO Station

Join us for the 12th annual Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day at STAR ECO Station on Sunday, April 26th, 10 am – 4pm. Admission is free and ECO tours only cost $5. It is sure to be a day of fun and festivities, as STAR students will perform various dances and songs from around the world!

STAR ECO Station’s Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day 2009 features games, crafts, activities, healthy cuisine and live entertainment designed to inspire children to help protect the planet. Bringing together various eco friendly organizations, designed to show the families of Southern California that they are a vital part of a larger, worldwide environmental effort. Attendance at the Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day is expected to number well over 20,000 participants and attendees.

CELEBRITIES! Earth and educational friendly Nickelodeon and Disney celebrities will be on hand at this years’ Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day Festival. We are very excited to announce that former NBA star of the Los Angeles Clippers and Author Cuttino Mobley will be in attendance to give nutritional tips to the kids and to participate in basketball demonstrations! Also in attendance will be Jason Earles who plays Jackson Stewart; Hannah Montana’s hilarious brother of Disney’s “Hannah Montana”, Chelsea Makela of Paramount Pictures film, “Dance Flick”, Robbie Arnell of Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson VP”, Simon Curtis of Nickelodeon’s TV movie “Spectacular” and Disney’s “Hannah Montana” and Ariel Winter of Warner Brothers film, “Speed Race”! Two surprise celebrity teen singing groups will also be on hand for performances and autographs!!!

LEARN! At the Los Angeles Children’s Earth Day, kids and parents will meet real environmental heroes, talk to conservationists and discover the benefits of sustainable living! STAR ECO Station proudly welcomes our environmental partners such as: Heal the Bay, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Santa Monica Baykeeper, Surfrider Foundation and the Waterkeeper Alliance. Our sponsors will provide fun activities that teach visitors about sustainable natural resources.

PLAY! Cool activities are sure to keep kids of ALL ages “edu-tained” all day long, with face painting, story-telling, crafts, and hands-on encounters with the rescued exotic animals of STAR ECO Station. Enjoy games, giveaways, music and entertainment brought to you by 102.3 KJLH Radio! At this year’s Earth Day celebration we will have a sports section, which will feature live performances and demos from the Basketball department- which will be highlighted with a demo and presentation by former Los Angeles Clipper’s star Cuttino Mobley, - skateboarding, soccer and martial arts departments! A special surprise celebrity skateboarder will also be in attendance!!!!! Don’t miss this educational and environmental star-studded event!!!

Media Contact: Casimir Spencer
Director of Public Relations and Media
Pr@starinc.org 310.842.8040 x121

On February 21st hundreds of attendees enjoyed the sights, sounds and rhythms of African American culture. With featured artists from the local community, talented tikes showing their talents of drumming and dance and show stopping celebrity performances, the Ninth Annual African American Art Festival was one of the most feel good events of the year!

As festival attendees feasted on sausages, hot dogs, corn on the cob, homemade cobbler and fresh lemonade, they also enjoyed the local vendors that came out to sell designer jewelry, purses, crafts and clothing. If food and fashions didn’t tickle your fancy, the festival also boasted crafts, games and gift card and Ipod raffles every hour on the hour! This event had something for everyone!

Perhaps the most moving and memorable point of the festival was the dedication ceremony held in honor of STAR employee Jesse Burwell Jr. who passed away last spring at the young age of 40. The event was renamed the Jesse Burwell Jr. African American Art Festival, due to Jesse’s hard work and diligence as a STAR employee, community partner and endeared co-worker. Jesse’s sister and brother-in-law; Kevin and Sandra McKinney were also in attendance for the dedication as they gave kind words of memories about their brother and how much he meant to them. STAR employees also shared fond memories, which included his creation of Tie Tuesdays.

In addition to all of the wonderful attendees the press didn’t hesitate to get in on all of the action, as KCET-PBS’s The Tavis Smiley Show and The Culver City Wave were also on hand to cover the event! This was a family event meant for all ages and cultures. It was a day of remembrance, friends, family and fun!

EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN——-NEW DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2009, 11 AM - 4PM

The 9th Annual Jesse Burwell African American Art Festival
“A Celebration of African American Heritage”

LOS ANGELES – In celebration of African American Heritage, the STAR ECO Station presents its Ninth-Annual African American Art Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This fun-filled cultural family celebration, partnered with the traditional musical sounds of Africa will offer a combination of contemporary and creative works by established and emerging artists and performers. This festival will pay homage to inspirational and creative leaders in the community and spotlighting new and rising young talent!

FREE outdoor events includes: Live Music • Exhilarating Dance Performances • Celebrity Appearances • Sculptures • Ceramics • Paintings • Food • Jewelry and Clothing Vendors • Crafts • Games and so much more!

Also in attendance will be special celebrity guests: Recording artist and actress Mariah Wilson of Dreamworks film; Dream Girls and recording artist and actor William May of Bratz the movie. They will both perform and sign autographs for all guests in attendance.

Also available are guided tours of the STAR ECO Station – an Environmental Science Museum and Exotic Wildlife Rescue Facility – which houses over 100 species of confiscated and abandoned animals from around the world. The last tour leaves at 2:00 p.m.!

Visual works from the African American Art Festival will be exhibited every weekend throughout the month of February, at the STAR ECO Station’s Galleria del Mundo. Our featured artists include: Cheryl Winkfield, Tamara S. Brown, Donna Dymally, Calvin Johnson, Jerry Barber, Chandler Windham, Montrice Wright, Mira Gandy, Berniece Kendrick and Estrella Fernandez. All artwork will be available for public viewing throughout the month of February. Weekend viewing hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekday viewings are available by appointment only. So come one, come all and enjoy the coolest festival in Los Angeles!

WHAT? STAR ECO Station 9th Annual African American Art Festival
WHEN? Saturday, February 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE? STAR ECO Station, 10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
HOW MUCH? FREE!!!!!

Tours of the STAR ECO Station are $6 for kids (16 and under), $7 for seniors (65 and over) and $8 for adults

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STAR Education and UCLA Team up for a Cultural Student Exchange

“Uniting children worldwide”

LOS ANGELES- In celebration of Chinese New Year, The Confucius Institute of UCLA and STAR Education will host 27 Chinese children from the world renowned Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe of China. The acrobatic all stars will arrive in Los Angeles, on Sunday, January 25th. The following day they will be introduced to their American host families for the first time at a potluck given by STAR Education’s STAR Prep Academy; a private middle and high school for gifted and talented children. The families were asked to host members of the troupe for 4 days and 4 nights. The families are comprised of STAR Prep Academy and STAR Education families who were ecstatic over the idea of a cultural exchange.

During their visit to Los Angeles the talented troupe will perform at USC, Marquez Elementary, Watts Learning Center and STAR Education. During their visit to Marquez Elementary the children will get a hands-on American classroom experience, as they will have the opportunity to participate in a science class project. The fifth grade Marquez students will also hold a pizza party in their honor!

During their visit the children will experience all of the fabulous nuggets of Americana that Los Angeles has to offer. From Hollywood and Sunset and the Santa Monica Pier to the magic and wonder of Disneyland! The Troupe is sure to have a blast! The fun-filled activities will conclude Wednesday evening, January 28th with a performance at STAR Education, where the Troupe will have the opportunity to perform for their host families and their American peers. There will also be a “musical” cultural exchange between the Troupe and their American peers, as the STAR Prep Academy students will perform rock songs from the legendary Beatles! This will be an unforgettable experience for the Troupe and their American peers.

###

Established in 2007 the UCLA Confucius Institute (UCLA CI) is building upon an impressive array of campus and community resources to help promote the study of Chinese language, culture, and history. The UCLA CI is making connections among existing campus organizations, developing new initiatives, and serving as one of many outreach links from UCLA to China, and to the diverse communities of our region. Current UCLA CI programs include developing new translation methodologies for scholarly texts, providing exchange opportunities for students and educators, offering cultural and artistic programming to the public, as well as supporting efforts to improve K-12 Mandarin language teaching in our schools.

Since 1986, STAR Education has been successfully improving the quality of children’s education through award-winning programs, classroom instruction, after-school education, enrichment classes, fieldtrips, assemblies, camps, community events and children’s museums. In California, over 40 school districts choose STAR Education to provide high-caliber educational and enrichment classes on their campuses. STAR Education’s consistent record of raising test scores and inspiring a love of learning has earned it the prestige of being named a “Model Program” by the White House and U.S. Department of Education. STAR is the largest provider of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in California, and is a selected statewide provider for No Child Left Behind.

Media Contact: Casimir Spencer
Director of Public Relations and Media
310.840.8040 x121 pr@starinc.org

This is an event not to be missed! Just print this flier out, fill out the bottom portion and fax it back to us! Secure your tickets today, spaces are filling up fast!!!

~PuRRR Maven

Not everyone likes organized sports or team sports. If this sounds like you, don’t sweat it. We’re going to talk about what keeps some kids from liking sports. With a few changes, you might find out that there is a sport out there that you could like. But if not, we’ll suggest other fun ways to stay active.

Here area few reasons why sports may be unappealing to some kids:

• Sports can seem too complicated
• A lack of understanding of the game
• Some rules may be too confusing
• A bad sports experience
• Too much pressure
• Too much competition
• Not enough positive reinforcement

These reasons can keep anyone from having fun. However, sports can also be a great experience! Kids get to improve their skills and feel that team spirit as they work together toward a common goal. If you’ve had a bad experience with a team, maybe it’s time to try a new sport or a new league. Some leagues and programs emphasize skill building over competition - and some leagues don’t even keep score!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPORT

Remember, any physical activity can be a sport. Just because you aren’t on an organized team or league doesn’t mean that sports aren’t for you. Different sports require different skills, so you’ll want to try different sports to find one that suits you. Some activities you might not think of as sports, such as karate or cheer leading, but they are great for staying active. Maybe team sports isn’t your thing. Here are a list of individual based sports activities you can try.

• Swimming
• Diving
• Running
• Ice Skating
• Wrestling
• Gymnastics
• Golf
• Tennis
• Skate Boarding
• In-line Skating
• Biking
• Martial Arts
• Bowling
• Dance

WHATS THE DEAL WITH SPORTS ANYWAY?

You might wonder why grown-ups want you to try sports and be active. There’s a good reason. Playing sports is a great form of exercise and exercise keeps you healthy. We’ve already talked about how there are many sports to choose from, but there’s even more good news: There are many other nonsport activities that can give you exercise and keep you active. Here are a few:

• Playing at a playground
• Raking leaves
• Jumping rope
• Dancing around your bedroom
• Walking your dog
• Cleaning your room
• Watering the garden
• Washing the car
• Making a snow person

You also might find that by limiting certain activities - such as watching TV and playing computer games - you’ll just naturally be more active.

So, no, you don’t have to play a sport, but you might still find one you like. The most important thing is to be an active kid. You have a world of activities to choose from. Somewhere out there is a special one that’s just right for you!

Share with us! What do you do (or what do your children do) to stay active?

via:kidshealth.org