Q&A: What’s up with STAR Nova and CDI at Carthay?
We’ve heard your calls for clarity around the fate of STAR Nova and California Dance Institute at Carthay for the 26-27 school year, and we finally have enough information to give you an update as well as share some exciting plans for new STEM programming in our Makers Space!
STAR Nova
After the school year began, we learned that STAR is no longer offering its Nova enrichment classes at Carthay. This decision was made by STAR, not by our school. Although Carthay requested that the programming be restored, STAR was unable to do so.
The PTA is now working with Ms. Teach-Saumers and Ms. Hall-Johnson to bring new STEM-focused programming to the Makers Space.
Once the details are finalized:
Every grade will receive Makers Space classes during the school day, funded by the PTA as part of Carthay’s Environmental STEM Magnet focus.
Families will also have the option to enroll their children in additional fee-based classes after school.
We are currently finalizing contracts with outside providers and hope to share more information soon—stay tuned!
California Dance Institute (CDI)
It’s been decided that Carthay will not offer California Dance Institute programming this school year. In years past, CDI provided dance classes for third- and fourth-grade students, along with SWAT, a small group of selected fifth-grade dancers who performed at an end-of-year gala.
Worry not, this is good news!
For the first time, Carthay’s administration has secured district funding for four arts programs:
🎨 Art with Ms. Kim
🩰 Dance with Ms. Smith
🪇 Music with Mr. Aslan
🎭 Theater with Ms. Concepcion
Several of these classes have already begun, and the remaining programs will start this month. Along with PTA-funded enrichment such as twice-monthly garden science and cooking classes, these programs create a full enrichment schedule for our students.
We understand that the loss of CDI will be disappointing for some of our upper-grade students. At the same time, we are excited that Carthay students will have access to four district-funded arts programs—and that, with the PTA’s support, every student will participate in dedicated Makers Space programming this year.
Your Donations Make Enrichment Possible
LAUSD does not fund Carthay’s Seed to Table garden science and cooking classes or the new Makers Space programming. These programs are made possible by donations to the PTA—and our Annual Giving campaign kicks off today!
Have additional questions about STAR Nova, CDI, or the upcoming STEM enrichment programs? Please email carthaypta@gmail.com.
