ABOUT THE SHINING STARS
The Shining Star After-School Program was developed in 1998 in response to the number of students who were struggling with basic reading, writing, and math skills upon entering the 5th grade at Mother Caroline Academy. Its mission is to enable third and fourth grade boys and girls to enter challenging middle schools by providing a stimulating after-school program.
Shining Star now provides 25 girls and boys from third and fourth grade with enrichment in the areas of reading, writing, math, and study skills in preparation for challenging middle school opportunities. One of the hallmarks of the program is its commitment to providing individualized instruction and assistance tailored to each individual student’s learning style and needs. The program also fosters the moral development and leadership potential of each student employing the Responsive Classroom method. | |
STUDENTS
Shining Star is a tuition-free academic program for residents of the Grove Hall neighborhood or greater Boston, have a sister enrolled at Mother Caroline Academy, or have a parent taking classes in the Adult Education Program. Shining Star students are African American, Haitian, Caper Verdean, Hispanic, and West Indian. Our Shining Star students attend Boston Public Schools such as the John F. Kennedy, Haley, Hennigan, and Trotter as well as several nearby parochial elementary schools. All of the Shining Stars are members of low-income families. Most of our graduates go on to schools like Mother Caroline Academy, Nativity Prep., Epiphany, and Academy of the Pacific Rim. | |
DAILY SCHEDULE
Upon arrival, (between 2pm and 3:45pm) children will have a healthy snack, and
settle in to work on their homework. From 4pm to 5pm we have our daily
enrichment activities. The children have free time from 4pm to 4:15pm if
all of their homework is completed. Pickup is at 5:30pm on Monday through
Thursday and at 5pm on Friday.
Monday – Friday 4:50pm
Meeting helps create the positive power of community in the classroom by fulfilling children’s need to belong, feel important, and to have fun. Meeting is an opportunity to model and practice through daily ritual the skills children need to use all day long: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.
Monday – Thursday 4:15 - 4:50pm
Reading Workshop is an organized set of language and literacy activities designed to help our students become more successful readers. There is time for independent reading where children select their own book. In addition, we will have guided reading in which a small group of students with similar reading strategies will work to learn more about reading. NOTE: We ask that children read 15 books during the school year!
This schedule serves as a very general outline of what we will be doing this year in Shining Star. We welcome any suggestions, and will do our best to meet the needs of each participant. In addition, you are invited to join us in any way your interests and schedule permit. We are looking forward to a year full of learning, laughter, and joy. |
ADMISSION
Who is eligible?
• Participants must be in the 3rd or 4th grade and reside in Boston.
• Family income must not exceed maximum household income guidelines (listed on the last page of application.)
• Students are expected to arrive to Shining
Star by 3:45, and attend 5 days a week. If your child has regular extracurricular
commitments, or would arrive after 3:30, this is not the program for your child.
Cost
The fee is $150 for the year.
Parent/ Child Interviews
Interviews will be scheduled by program coordinator.
Testing
A reading and math test will be administered at the interview.
Completed Application Checklist
(Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for admission)
• Teacher recommendation (to be completed by your child’s current teacher)
• Federal Income Tax Return for most current year (Form 1040 or equivalent)
• School transcript or most current report card for year
• Shining Star Application
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