Teaching Artists Will Elevate Star Lab Students’ Experience and Achievement

Star Lab’s elementary students will receive enrichment activities in Musical Theater, art lessons from Art on Fire, and social skills mentoring for the rest of the 25-26 school year as part of an exciting investment from the Henson Fund.

“Our students have so much talent, and they thrive in artistic settings,” says Alison Rini, Head of School. “Star Lab is proud to bring teaching artists directly to campus, taking the pressure off parents to juggle afterschool activities, and ensuring equitable access to enrichment.”

“Musical theater teaches so much more than performance,” says Pilot Earle-Smith of My Musical Theater. “It’s not a competition, it’s a collaboration. Every child can sing, dance, act, and be creative, and students learn to support and uplift one another as they work through nerves and stage fright together. Along the way, they build confidence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills while having a blast.” My Musical Theater of Sarasota has partnered with Star Lab since its beginning, presenting performances from the musicals The Wiz, Matilda, and Seussical.

“Art isn’t just a pinterest activity,” says Bianca Clyburn, of Art on Fire. “We explore different media, different topics, and offer the children time to express themselves creatively within an educational setting.” Bianca’s program, PUBLIC ART, WORKS! re-creates public art from around Sarasota to encourage the students to notice their environment and the role that art plays in our city. Bianca celebrates accessible art in many ways including serving as a sitting committee member of Sarasota Public Art.

“Cooperative, positive, and imaginative play isn’t always taught at home,” says C’Dara Manuel, aftercare group leader at Star Lab. “It’s important to plant seeds of harmony and togetherness as we give kids a foundation to take on this world.” C’Dara also works as part of the Newtown Neighborhood Expert Team, planning positive community events throughout the neighborhood.

Dr. Bianca Harris, Director of Programs at the Henson Fund shared, "The Henson Fund is proud to support Star Lab and its enrichment programs, which provide meaningful educational experiences to students who might not otherwise have access. Our unwavering commitment is to create opportunities that empower students, strengthen families, and uplift communities. By investing in programs like Star Lab, we help ensure that every child has the chance to explore, learn, and reach their full potential."

Star Lab is a private microschool, but the students and families attend for free using state scholarships. The school’s mission is to provide high levels of both learning and joy, and these enrichment programs will complement the hands-on academics and personalized learning the school already provides.

About Star Lab: Star Lab is a private elementary school, operating in the Newtown neighborhood of Sarasota, dedicated to providing high levels of both learning and joy for children, teachers, and families. Star Lab offers a personalized pace of academics combined with movement and play to help all students achieve at high levels. Families are welcome throughout the day and form a true partnership with staff to support students in all areas of their lives. For more information, visit www.starlab.world or call (941) 313-2423.

About the Henson Fund: The Henson Fund is dedicated to educating, enriching, and empowering underserved children so they can reach their full academic potential and achieve future success. With a focus on equity and opportunity, The Henson Fund envisions a world where every child has access to educational experiences that promote academic enrichment, creativity, and innovation. Through strategic partnerships and impactful programs, The Henson Fund works to address disparities faced by underserved students and to ensure they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

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