What is STAR?
Mission
The mission of STAR (Scholars Together Always Reaching) is to facilitate enrichment, social, and emotional support for highly gifted children and their families.
STAR is a secular and inclusive group for the families of highly gifted children that began over fifteen years ago when a handful of local homeschooling parents joined together to provide enrichment opportunities for their highly and profoundly gifted homeschooled children. Over the years, STAR continues that mission and has grown into a wonderfully supportive community for families raising these unique children.
STAR’s secular designation simply means that we do not have a set religious view and we welcome those of all faiths. Many of our families are religious, but that is not what brings us together at STAR. Our focus is the needs of our gifted kids and you are welcome no matter what your views are. We are not ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ any religion. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Approach to Learning
Through classroom settings and the ever-important lunch and recess hour, highly gifted children interact with others who are closer to being both intellectual and social peers than they may find in settings geared solely to their age or academic level. We also love having parties, park days, and other special events for additional social opportunities.
STAR is open to anyone who can join us on Wednesdays during the day. Many STAR families homeschool some or all their children part- or full-time. Some STAR participants are enrolled full time in school, and choose to spend part of their Wednesdays at STAR.
STAR families are diverse in the educational choices for their families. You will meet people who educate their kids using a wide variety of materials, methods, and ideologies. Parents find themselves connecting over the intricacies of their experiences.
The STAR community is self-selected, meaning that it does not require proof of giftedness. Classes are designed for children aged 5-18 (plus limited preschool activities) who tend to succeed when working 2-3 grade levels ahead and moving through material more quickly than traditional classes. Although STAR is geared towards highly gifted children, STAR has a place for every member of the family. It is sometimes the case that not all children in the family are highly gifted, and that’s ok. Tag-along siblings are welcome to participate in all activities and classes. Class descriptions are provided to help parents determine the best fit for each of their children.
Instructors
Knowing that our parents are carefully curating their children’s dynamic and individualized core curriculum needs, STAR’s classes are instead inspired by topics that either are unique to the group’s interests or are enhanced when experienced in a group setting.
We are always seeking instructors to create a positive and dynamic environment for this specific population of children. STAR families are encouraged to connect us with mentors and subject-matter experts they meet in their own communities. STAR encourages adding to our roster of adults who can come to STAR excited about their subjects, relate to the workings of a highly gifted child’s mind, and think quickly on their feet to out-of-the-box questions!
Parents are also encouraged to lead classes, activities, or discussion groups. Most of our parents have interests and experiences they are eager to share and often make great instructors. Let us know if you are interested in sharing your talents and passions with our kids.
Structure of STAR
STAR meets on Wednesdays in the fall and spring for two twelve-week semesters.
STAR is not a drop-off. All children must have a responsible adult onsite at all times.
STAR is operated and supported by an entirely volunteer administrative group that facilitates the lease/rent of the facility, manages registration, and coordinates daily operations.
The STAR administrative group seeks member input whenever possible, but is authorized to make decisions regarding STAR classes, policies, and procedures without member input if time and/or circumstances deem it prudent.
STAR families write one check to STAR each semester to cover rent and administrative costs (website, space rental, additional supplies for classes, cleaning supplies, etc). STAR families also write individual checks to the instructors for each registered class. STAR families are empowered and encouraged to address any concerns directly with their instructors.
All families are expected to volunteer in some way each semester. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to suit the introverted, the extroverted, those with young children, those with no time to spare, etc.
STAR is a sanctioned activity of the CHOICES Chapter of the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented. Membership in the MCGT CHOICES Chapter is required for STAR families. Being members of MCGT allows STAR to claim non-profit status, use their insurance, and simplify our taxes. Families in the gifted community also benefit from the groups, speakers, and activities that MCGT offers. MCGT is a statewide non-profit support and advocacy organization of parents, educators, and other professionals who live or work with gifted children and are interested in their education and well-being. The MCGT mission is to promote better understanding of, and educational services for, gifted and talented children and their families. MCGT is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and was established in 1956. http://mcgt.net.