S.T.A.R. Ice Cream Social

     Thank you for a wonderful year, S.T.A.R. members!

Eleni Handras' Sundae Creation. Delicious!

     On Thursday, April 26, 2012, S.T.A.R. members, SOE students, and friends gathered for the much anticipated Ice Cream Social to celebrate the year's end. With chocolate and vanilla ice cream presented alongside a variety of fun toppings and sweet treats, students made creative and delicious ice cream sundaes. It was a wonderful afternoon in the Sullivan Hall Cafe as friends reminisced about the school year behind them, one that seemed to move much too fast. Many School of Education students were able to reconnect after such a busy year, especially our student teachers who were largely absent from events during normal school hours. Displayed on the projector was a slide show created by S.T.A.R. Coordinator Michael Fallon, which displayed photographs from each event this academic year. All agreed that the SOE Barbeque, Halloween Extravaganza, and Holiday Cards for Troops events seemed to occur such a short time ago. Remembering all the exciting get togethers that occurred throughout the year truly put the success of the S.T.A.R. Program into perspective.

     Finally, the Ice Cream Social served as a means to discuss the year ahead. With S.T.A.R. becoming an established and popular program, the coordinators anticipate an even more successful semester this fall. Not only will many of the past year's events occur again, but there are many new exciting social gatherings, service activities, and professional development opportunities in the works for the future. S.T.A.R. will undoubtedly continue to grow with each school year. The coordinators warmly thank all participants who displayed such enthusiasm and dedication to the program this year. Without such members, S.T.A.R. would not be where it is today.

Topic of the Week: Dean Willis' Birthday Celebration

Charisse Willis is an extraordinary person, and a number of us have decided to show our appreciation by holding a special birthday celebration for her as part of this year’s

Alumni Great Lawn Party. 

Help make her special day one that she will always remember.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

2-7 P.M.

Great Lawn on the Queens Campus

$25 per adult (complimentary for children 17 and under)

Buy a $10 candle for Celebrating Charisse Willis’ Birthday Cake at www.stjohns.edu/give. For designation, please select ‘Candles for Charisse.’ All donations will go towards scholarships in the School of Education. We look forward to seeing you there!

As seen on the STJ Website: 

"Grab a blanket and some lawn chairs and bring your family to the St. John’s University Alumni Great Lawn Party! Last year's event drew a record crowd of over 1,500 alumni and friends, and this year's will be just as much fun. Featuring a barbecue, carnival rides, games, music, a "Kiddie Zone" for children and more, this annual party is fun for the whole family.

What better way to reconnect with old friends and meet other St. John’s alumni? And, of course, you’ll be able to enjoy our beautiful and spacious Great Lawn, the centerpiece of the Queens campus. With a great low price for hours of fun, this is one party you don’t want to miss!"

I Scream, You Scream, 
STAR Screams for Ice Cream!

We cordially invite you to The STAR Ice Cream Social!

Please join us for our last event of the semester to celebrate the wonderful year we’ve spent together. We'll be making our own ice cream sundaes, complete with toppings and sweet treats!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

5pm-7pm

Sullivan Hall Cafe

Click here to RSVP

A Shoot for the Stars

On March 15th, S.T.A.R. hosted the much-anticipated "A Shoot for the Stars" crafting event. With blank photo frames, 3D Stars, and other decorations in hand, our participants got to work on a multitude of crafts. Using stickers, glitter, markers, and even puzzle pieces, our participants created personalized photo frames to house the photo memories of the day. Having buddies and mentors work together, take photos, and make decorative photo frames along with beautiful 3-D blue stars for SOE's "Light It Up Blue" events allowed for an fantastic afternoon break from class. With music playing as photos and crafts were created, common hour flew by. 

We look forward to seeing everyone again for our final Bake Sale and Ice Cream Social!

Mark Your Calendars...

Let's Celebrate!

Calling all STAR Participants!

It is hard to believe we are almost halfway through the semester! The STAR team has worked hard to plan various events throughout the year, but this time, we are asking for your input. As we look forward to the close of the 2011-2012 school year, we are anticipating an exciting, end-of-the-year celebration to reflect on the year's successes. 

How would YOU like 
to celebrate the end of the year? 

What social event would you be interested in in attending? An ice cream social has been suggested, but we welcome any thoughts you have. 

We eagerly await your creative ideas!

A Shoot For the STARS

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming social event, A Shoot for the STARS! 

To RSVP, click here.

*Don't forget to bring your event sheets*

S.T.A.R. Family Game Night

On the evening of Wednesday, February 8th, S.T.A.R. mentors and buddies gathered together for a bit of competitive fun at the first annual Family Game Night. Participants enjoyed the wide variety of games set up in the Sullivan Hall Café, including Jenga, Battle Ship, Uno, and Taboo, to name a few. Time seemed to fly by as mentors and buddies caught up with each other, shared a laugh or two, and formed new friendships with other S.T.A.R. members.  

Game Night was deemed a huge success, bringing together both new and old faces of the School of Education. S.T.A.R.’s first social event of the semester certainly foreshadows the exciting future in store for the program. 


 Click here to view the photos! 

Save the Date!

We look forward to seeing you at our first annual Game Night! Mentors, don't forget to bring your event sheets.  

Welcome Back! Mark Your Calendars for our Spring 2012 Events.

Happy New Year to all! We are thrilled to announce the January and February S.T.A.R. Calendar of Events. Be sure to check back in a few weeks for the full semester-line up. We will send email notifications as each event gets closer to provide you with more details.

Monday, January 30th

MANDATORY Mentor Meeting

5-6pm DAC 401

Wednesday, February 1st

MANDATORY Buddy Meeting

5-6pm Sullivan Cafe

Wednesday, February 8th

Family Game Night

5-6pm Sullivan Cafe

Wednesday February 15th

Bake Sale Fundraiser

1-4pm Marillac Cafeteria 

We look forward to seeing you at other SOE events as well!

Holiday Cards for Troops

On December 7th, in the Sullivan Hall Cafe, S.T.A.R. hosted its first annual "Holiday Cards for Troops" event.  It proved to be an exciting afternoon as mentors, buddies, and other students from the School of Education took the time to create wonderfully decorated holiday cards to send to the brave men and women of our nation, many of whom cannot spend the holiday season with their families this year. Over 50 cards were created, each one containing a unique, personalized message expressing appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedom. The S.T.A.R. Coordinators mailed the cards to the American Red Cross, who, working with Pitney Bowes, a mail stream technology company, will collect and distribute them to American service members and their families throughout the world. Thank you to all who sent a "touch of home" to our troops.

For more photos from the event, click here.

Last Chance to RSVP!

Make sure EVERYONE RSVP's to our S.T.A.R. event.

We promise holiday fun, baked goods, and a good time for everyone!

Halloween Extravaganza

The S.T.A.R. Halloween Extravaganza on Monday, October 31st, proved to be a spectacular bonding event as buddies, mentors, and School of Education students got together to sit back, relax and enjoy a bit of Halloween fun. Pizza was served alongside delicious baked goods and candy donated by generous members of our S.T.A.R. team, many of whom displayed their Halloween spirit by arriving in full costume. Mentors and Buddies had the opportunity to take photos, watch the classic Halloween movie "Hocus Pocus," and perhaps share a laugh or two. At the close of the event, the S.T.A.R. Coordinators awarded two prizes, treat bags filled with candy and a Starbucks gift card, to the best dressed mentor/buddy pair, Kelvin Sage and his freshman buddy, Saalima Welch. Congratulations to the most spirited duo, who dressed up as Batman and an adorable school girl. The S.T.A.R. Coordinators were thrilled at the large turn out and enthusiasm of all who attended. It will certainly be one of many exciting events to come!