The First Annual Children’s Art Festival 2010 Student Art Contest was held Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Hobson Way in Oxnard. The event was put on by Star Education After School Program, which is contracted by the Oxnard School District.
Art from hundreds of young local artists was displayed Tuesday where the students exposed their skills in the arts throughout their artwork and photography in the STAR After School Program. Cash and school supplies were given as prizes for artwork that was voted on by the people who attended. A hands-on science health exhibit was also on display, which encouraged attendees to explore the human body and learn about ways to help keep their bodies healthy. Several students from Robert J. Frank, Fremont and Richard B. Haydock Junior High Schools offered their rock band skills by performing several rock songs to the art show audience.
“Nirvana is one of my favorite bands!” Noe from Haydock Junior High, who plays the bass exclaimed.
STAR Education is a service offered free of charge to parents in order to further help their children excel in their education. The after school program helps the students that attend, not only with homework, but also offers “Enrichment Classes” that teach: foreign language classes, science, music, photography, art, drama, rock band, gymnastics, dance, cooking and computer classes. This program has been a part of the Oxnard School District since 2006.
“Since 1986, STAR Education has been a leader in educational after-school programming for students throughout California. What began twenty-three years ago with one school in West Los Angeles has expanded into a large-scale organization, employing 1000 extraordinary professionals, and servicing an incredible 179 schools in 44 school districts during the 2008-2009 academic year! STAR is dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality programs for children that excite, inspire and educate. Student achievement is illustrated within the classroom through improved academic performance and substantial California State Test (CST) score increases at levels only STAR can boast. Students exhibit developmental gains, with increased self-confidence and social skills, heightened creative abilities and an enhanced approach to the world around them, which is both cerebral and unique.”
STAR Education’s website (http://www.starinc.org/) states that it was “selected as a ‘Model Program’ by the White House and The U.S. Department of Education”.
