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Helping our youth realize their full potential!
8 Coleman Square, Howard Beach, NY 11414

Welcome to S.T.A.R.S. Youth Center!

Classes & Activities

Education & Career Building, Helping Hands Program, Multigenerational Programs, Youth Leadership Programs, Community Service, Recreation Programs, Multicultural Programs...

ArtVentures and More Star

This is a visual fine arts class. Students will learn techniques using acrylic paints, pastels, clay sculpting and other media.   Your child will be inspired and their imagination and creativity will flow.  They will paint seascapes, underwater themes, landscapes, flora, and learn about the animals living in their natural habitats. An introduction to Master Artists of Impressionism, Expressionism, Contemporary Art, Caribbean Art and will explore art across cultures. We connect the visual arts to other disciplines to interpret the world. Includes a showing at our Showcase.

  • Tuesdays: 4 pm - 5:30 pm (Ages: 9 - 15)
  • $498 for all 16 session, $249.50 for 8 sessions, or $35 per class
  • Includes: all supplies.
  • Demonstrations will be provided by two experienced teaching artists at each session along with samples.
  • Each child will take home their own "Masterpiece” after every class!
  • Pieces will be picked out for display in a gallery-like setting at our Showcase.

About the instructors: Sophia Skeans and Mandy Francin have been instructing art techniques in painting, clay, edible art and design innovative arts programming in schools, temples, churches and NYC public libraries and health centers. They are now bringing their skills and expertise to S.T.A.R.S. Youth Center. They are both Board Members of Rockaway Artists Alliance, (RAA). Sophia holds a Masters Degree in Special Education and a BA in Art.  Mandy and Sophia are continuously updating their skills by attending professional development workshops, as well.

Brain Body Connection Star

A unique movement program offering brain/body activities fostering strength, coordination and yoga based exercises. This time tested intervention strategies has enabled children to reach their optimal level of functioning in school, home, sports and social settings.

  • Saturdays at 8 Coleman Square:
    • 9 am - 10 am (Ages: 2 - 4)
    • 10:15 am - 11:15 am (Ages: 5 - 8)
    • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (Ages: 9 - 12)
  • Tuesdays at 156-18 96 Street:
    • 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Ages: 2 - 4)
    • 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm (Ages: 5 - 8)
    • 6:30 am - 7:30 pm (Ages: 9 - 12)
  • $295.00 for 26 sessions; one hour each session (less than $19 per class)
  • Questions or concerns? www.Brain-Body-Connection.com or call (917) 789-2451

About the instructors: Jeanne Martori PT, Dina Addabbo Zel OT, and Maria Galvis OT The classes are directed by a dynamic team of two occupational therapists and a physical therapist each with over 25 years experience. This professional team offers extensive expertise in pediatric typical and atypical neurodevelopment including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, generalized anxiety disorder and physical disabilities.

Care 4 Kids Class Star

Hands-on training in caring for children for pre-teens and teenagers ages 11 – 15 years old. A fun way to learn what you need to know to take care of children safely and effectively. It is important to have the right credentials and training when taking care of children. We will teach you the basics of being a good sitter, share “sitter survival” secrets, and tips about getting the right sitting jobs for you. Learn the tricks of the trade from the winner of the Best Day Care Services in Queens for two consecutive years.

  • $75 for the session (inclides 2 classes). You MUST attend BOTH classes to complete the training.
  • Includes:
    • CPR & First Aid Training
    • child care basics (like diaper changing, feeding, etc.)
    • leads on sitting jobs
    • certificate upon completion
  • Classes to be held at 156-18 96 Street, Howard Beach

Cheerleading Star

Learn cheers, sideline chants, partner stunts, pyramids, and routines while discovering the importance of teamwork in a non-competitive environment. Cheerleading builds self-confidence while developing athletic skills.

  • Mondays: 4 pm - 5 pm (Ages: 6 - 9)
  • Mondays: 5 pm - 6 pm (Ages: 10 - 14)
  • $299 for 5 months
  • Includes:
    • uniform
    • awards
    • performance at our Showcase. (Pom-poms and Megaphones will be used during performances but remain the property of S.T.A.R.S.)

Craft Workshops Star

If you love to make homemade crafts or want to learn how to paint, stitch, weave, sew, and much more, then this workshop is for you! Explore your creative side, have fun and learn new skills that will last a lifetime.

  • Ages: 9 - 13
  • $12 for each session or a package of 4 sessions for $40.00
  • Includes: All materials for a new (or possibly more) craft project each session with the ability to practice and make more projects at home.

Creative Writing & Performance Workshop Star

The purpose of the workshop will be to explore performance pieces of all kinds: poetry, spoken word, monologues, comedy, skits, and singing/music. A safe environment for play and experimentation and positive feedback will be provided. Attendees will be given the opportunity to perform for the group each week. Collectively we will offer constructive commentary. Among the goals is to empower people to create and perform, to enjoy a community of fellow artists and to formulate a performance piece or pieces. Includes a performance at our Showcase and publication of original works.

  • Thursdays: 4 pm - 5 pm (Ages: 12 - 15)
  • $299 for 15 sessions
  • Includes:
    • hand-out materials
    • suggested reading/viewing lists
    • accessibility to instructors via email and phone
  • The session will culminate with each child original works being published in the S.T.A.R.S. magazine, The Little Dipper.
  • Children will also have the opportunity to present their work at our Showcase (TBA).

About the instructor: Mr. Rich has been a teacher, tutor, poet, actor and open mic host and performer for over 20 years.

Dance Club Star

Get together with your friends to dance, dance, dance! Learn different moves to today’s popular music in various styles of dance and put them together in your own choreographed dance number. Before you know it, you will be strutting your stuff and having a great time!

  • Thursdays: 4 pm - 5:30 pm (Ages: 6 - 9)
  • Thursdays: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Ages: 10 - 14)
  • $299 for 5 months
  • Includes:
    • costume
    • awards
    • performance at our Showcase

Future Chefs Star

This is a non-cook, cooking class. Learn fun ways to prepare yummy deserts, healthy snacks and fun creations, without the use of a stove. Discover how to measure, follow recipe directions and enjoy making homemade treats. The session will culminate with each child having their own recipe box filled with great recipes to share and enjoy with family and friends.

  • Fridays: 4 pm - 5 pm (Ages: 10+)
  • $299 for 15 session
  • Ms. Vera is a mother with over 20 years experience working with children. Her enjoyment comes from making cooking fun and creative. She would like to share her skills with future chefs.

Sports Program Star

Our sports program is unlike any other. We will be enjoying some friendly competition in a different sport each day (Ping-Pong, Potato Sack Races, Bowling, Darts, Egg & Spoon Race, Knock Hockey, Horse Shoes, Fancy Footwork, Tug-of-War, Ball Swish, Miniature Golf, Croquet, Whiffle Ball Catch, 3-Legged Race). Practicing good sportsmanship will also help improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen muscles that can be used in other activities, as well.

  • Fridays: 4 pm - 5 pm (Ages: 5 - 8)
  • Fridays: 5 pm - 6 pm (Ages: 9 - 13)
  • Awards and prizes will be given out to the winners
  • $5 donation each day you participate

Star Bright – Gifted & Talented Class Star

This program focuses on children who exhibit the capacity to learn beyond their grade level, or who display a given ability is particular areas.

  • Saturdays: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm (Ages: 7 - 10)
  • $285 for 10 sessions ($50 deposit to hold your spot - seating is very limited)
  • Includes:
    • perfecting "read aloud skills"
    • art using clay and pain
    • music
    • computer skill development
    • advanced and interactive math using manipulative
    • advanced project assignments, such as free exploration building off of what is learned in the lessons

About the instructor: Not only is Kerry Scrivanich a certified NYC gifted and talented teacher but she also graded for the Board of Education the 3, 4, and 6th grade State exams for 4 years. (Teachers are tested before grading and if they pass they can then mark other school districts tests for the Board of Ed.) She was trained on how the break down of grading goods and learned the strict rules to getting the full points on the exam.

Ms. Scrivanich's passion lies in working with gifted children.  In addition to her work at the NYC public school, she also teaches an archeology elective class and a ballet class for the talented. This dedicated gifted and talented teacher displays a clear understanding of a gifted child's imagination. She recognizes the different levels of gifted students, the differences in creative learning styles, the different modes of expression, and the variety of student interests. Scrivanich received her BA in Anthropology and Archeology and her MA in Education. She also completed the Gifted Education graduate program in New York. Scrivanich recently completed her children's picture book, titled My Gifted and Talented Adventure! The book is now in publication.

Test Prep Star

In this class we will thoroughly review the entire ELA NY State exam by using a former test. The students will take a practice test so they can practice the full experience before the exam. Includes: Tips on preparing for tests, time management & following directions, testing directions as well as, testing conduct per the Board of Ed guidelines, and CARS TESTING (Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies)

  • Saturdays: 10 am - 11 am (Ages: 7 - 10)
  • $235 for 10 sessions ($50 deposit to hold your spot - seating is very limited)

About the instructor: Not only is Kerry Scrivanich a certified NYC gifted and talented teacher but she also graded for the Board of Education the 3, 4, and 6th grade State exams for 4 years. (Teachers are tested before grading and if they pass they can then mark other school districts tests for the Board of Ed.) She was trained on how the break down of grading goods and learned the strict rules to getting the full points on the exam.

Ms. Scrivanich's passion lies in working with gifted children.  In addition to her work at the NYC public school, she also teaches an archeology elective class and a ballet class for the talented. This dedicated gifted and talented teacher displays a clear understanding of a gifted child's imagination. She recognizes the different levels of gifted students, the differences in creative learning styles, the different modes of expression, and the variety of student interests. Scrivanich received her BA in Anthropology and Archeology and her MA in Education. She also completed the Gifted Education graduate program in New York. Scrivanich recently completed her children's picture book, titled My Gifted and Talented Adventure! The book is now in publication.

Music/Vocal Club Star

In this club you will join your friends in singing and signing some inspirational songs. That is right, signing! You will learn to sign language so that those that are hearing impaired can enjoy the performance, as well. What a unique, fun and educational activity. Includes a performance at our Showcase.

  • Tuesdays: 4 pm - 5 pm (Ages: 7 - 11)
  • $99 for 15 sessions
  • The session will culminate with a performance at our Showcase
  • Includes: awards and certificates