STAR and Beyond the Bell are two after-school programs that Walgrove offers. Typically, they are slightly different from one another.
STAR is a program that typically costs money, but for us it is grant-funded. So, it is free for families. It is somewhat structured and is usually first-come first-serve (people apply during the previous Spring). However, this year, the STAR czars say they are accepting all applications.
In STAR, there are teachers (generally one for every 20 or so kiddos) and rotations (homework; activities like crafts, dance, and chess; outside play). The expectation is that all students stay for the duration every day unless they have a regularly scheduled activity like piano lessons or karate. (But Richard can be somewhat flexible so long as there is communication and the parents sign the required early release forms.)
BEYOND THE BELL is funded differently, has more open enrollment, and is less structured. (During COVID the two programs were combined.) There is a "coach" and one or two more staff members, depending on enrollment.
Usually, both programs require regular attendance until 6pm. However, Walgrove STAR Director Richard Medina has strived to allow more flexibility. Though, he must have folks sign early release forms. If you know you will have a regularly scheduled class like choir or karate or something, then let him know and sign a form for that. If you have an emergency and have to pick your child up earlier than expected, then let him know and sign a form for that. What we (Richard, the STAR funders and I) don't want is for people to use it as random babysitting where they only use it sometimes or for only a half hour every day or in other ways that disrupt the fidelity of the program and undermine the grant requirements.
Here is the application for STAR/Beyond the Bell:
Please email your completed app to andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net and richardm2@starinc.org
There are also paid classes like skateboarding, drumming and other such activities through STAR NOVA and STAR GALAXY. Richard will share more info about those as they happen. Those are occasional and for just a few weeks.
We will also have Angel City Youth Chorale after school in the auditorium one day per week. That day has not yet been set. Last year, it was Tuesday. Kids don't have to be in the after-school program to join choir. If they are in the after-school program, they can attend choir. Students perform in December and June at Royce Hall along with the Angel City Chorale.
We will also have violin in the auditorium once or twice per week with Danielle Villalobos who provides the violins. The students perform at events like the Holiday Program and the Monarch Fest.
Additional programs outside of Walgrove include the Venice Boys and Girls Club and Penmar Park. They have programs for a small free. Often, when enough Walgrove students enroll, the organization sends a van and pick kids up in the front office after school. Then, parents pick their kiddos up at the Boys and Girls Club or Penmar Park at 6. (I do not know how flexible that pick-up time is.)
Overall, we do what we can to provide for kiddos a safe and fun place to be while their parents work!
Feel free to ask questions of Walgrove STAR Director Richard Medina at richardm2@starinc.org
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