Author: BobbyWilliams

Elizabeth Suneby

Elizabeth Suneby

Speaker at the 2016 International Affairs Conference

Elizabeth Suneby writes books for children and teens to help them find their voice in a hopeful world, magazine articles to inspire all of us to live life to the fullest, and content for organizations large and small.

Her award-winning book, Razia’s Ray of Hope: One Girl’s Dream of an Education, is based on the true story of a girl determined to go to the new girl’s school built by Afghan native and CNN Hero, Razia Jan. The school is located in a village outside of Kabul where no girls had gone to school previously. Today, 450 girls attend and Razia has earned the support of the local men to educate girls, even when many are illiterate, themselves.

In addition to the nine awards Liz’s book has received, Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner) adopted Liz’s book into the work his foundation does with schools. Liz travels the country leading interactive workshops with students about the 69M children denied the fundamental right of an education.

Liz also leads interactive workshops for her “mitzvah-themed” books, bringing to life the Jewish value of making the world a better place though good deeds, along with “Mitzvah Meerkat” and his animal friends.

A graduate of Brown University, Liz lives outside of Boston with her husband and dog. She has a daughter in college and a son who just graduated. She is chair of the Advisory Board at the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, a member of the Advisory Board at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, and on the Parent’s Council at Connecticut College.

EK Cho

EK Cho

Speaker at the 2016 International Affairs Conference

Eun Kyeong (EK) Cho is an Associate Professor of Education at the University of New Hampshire. She was born and raised in South Korea. She received her master’s degree and doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and worked with student teachers in New York City public schools. She has been in the field of early education for over 20 years as a teacher, researcher, field-experience supervisor, and teacher educator. Her research focuses on institutions that impact the quality of educational services for young children.

Areas of her research include immigrant families, technology integration in education, and early childhood teacher preparation. At the University of New Hampshire, she trains teachers to be culturally competent educators. She serves as a consulting editor of a professional journal, Young Children, published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and a research journal, Early Childhood Research Quarterly (ECRQ). On Sundays, she enjoys teaching Korean language and culture to a group of second-generation Korean Americans.

Minister of the Week

Minister of the Week

Rev. Robin Bartlett is the Senior Pastor of the First Church in Sterling in beautiful Sterling, MA, a multi-denominational Christian congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Previously, she served as Interim Director of Religious Education at UU Area Church at First Parish in Sherborn, MA, the full time intern minister at First Parish in Brookline, MA, and as summer minister at First Parish in Lexington. She was ordained into the UU ministry at First Parish in Brookline in October, 2013.

She is passionate about multigenerational and multicultural ministry, preaching, children’s worship, singing, prayer, our Unitarian and Universalist theological traditions, and Jesus and his ministry. Having been brought up steeped in choral singing and musical theater because of her choir director mother, her favorite past time is singing. She can be found singing in choirs (most recently the BU Seminary Singers), sight reading alto parts of hymns at church, doing karaoke at dive bars, or belting show tunes around the piano at Club Cafe in Boston. She also loves reading, sushi, Boston, Massachusetts, and her network of family, friends and colleagues. She adores the irreverent comedy of Louis C. K., So You Think You Can Dance and Downton Abbey.

She currently lives in the parsonage in Sterling, MA with her husband, Andy Linscott, who is a PhD student in the Department of Religion. They also share their home with their three children, Cecilia Barraza, Eloisa Barraza, and Isaac Bartlett Linscott.

What to Bring

 

  • Plenty of clothes for a week on an island that has ever-changing weather: Plan for hot, cold and rainy, and possibly a straight week of any of the above!
  • Something dressy for Banquet Night (it’s not required, but better to pack a collared shirt/dress and not wear them than to wish you had)
  • Sneakers and/or rubber-soled shoes — at least two pairs. Water shoes/flip-flops are a good idea, too, since the beachfront is full of sharp rocks
  • Bathing suit (or two) and beach towels (the Island provides towels for showering and daily washing up)
  • White t-shirt for tie-dye or decorating
  • Books, journal, camera, stuffed animals, games, musical instruments, kites, sports equipment (softball mitt/glove, Frisbee, football, tennis racquet, lax stick, yoga mat, etc.)
  • Sunscreen, bug spray and the stuff to make the itching stop
  • A flashlight or book light
  • Biodegradable toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
  • Cleaning wipes for those days in between showers
  • Spending money for the snack bar and gift shop
  • A reusable water bottle!

Consider leaving your phone/laptop/tablet at home. We could just say, “Don’t bring ‘em, they’re not allowed” but that would be hypocritical, since staffers will have their phones and computers on the island. Please remember that one of our reasons for being on Star is to be in community; please use electronics in private, away from public areas where you may disturb others who are enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Thanks!

For conferees ages three and younger, there’s info on what’s provided by the island, as well as helpful suggestions for what to bring (and not bring), here:http://starisland.org/conferences/youngshoalers

 

 

Age Groups

Age Groups

The IA Family Conference has a unique, exciting, well-staffed, fun program for youth from 18 month olds to 18 year olds. Youth take part in their own groups while their significant adults attend conference activities.

Each year the Youth Program staff begins meeting in the spring to plan themes and activities for the IA Youth Program. The program is run much like a day camp, with activities ranging from walks exploring tidal pools to art projects, plays, games, songs and more. The program is scheduled to coincide with the adult activity schedule, allowing parents/guardians the freedom to enjoy lectures and workshops knowing that their kids are well-supervised, building bonds with each other, exploring the island, creating, and — most of all — having fun!

IA Youth Staff are selected for their experience with children. In addition, many of them have a long-time connection to the IA Conference or to Star Island in general.

A strong effort is made to develop a sense of community. Children who are new to the program quickly feel like “old shoalers” (Star Island lingo for people who have been to Star before), because of the welcoming atmosphere of the program.

The program is divided into groups determined by age. Sometimes, two or more groups gather together for interage activities. Final age groupings are determined each year based on the demographics of the program as a whole. A general idea of the groupings, starting with the youngest, is as follows:

  • Toddlers:  18 mos–3 years
  • Barners:  4–6 years
  • Larries:  grades 2–3
  • Brookies:  grades 4–5
  • Marshmans:  grades 6–9
  • Seniors:  grades 10–12

During scheduled meeting times, youth are under the direct supervision of the group leaders. If a child will not be attending a session, the parent/guardian MUST inform the staffer before the session begins. In this case, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the youth. During all other times of the day parents/guardians are directly responsible for the supervision of their youth, even if youth staff are present.

What about bedtime?

Each evening the Island Staff (not the IA Youth Program) provide hall monitoring in Oceanic (the main Hotel building) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. There is a fee of $46 per family for this service, which is added to room and board bills. Please keep in mind that hall monitors leave at 11 p.m. whether parents are around or not. Those parent/guardians who desire childcare at other times may make arrangements with one of the older youth or with a Pelican (college-aged island staff). In these cases, all financial arrangements are made between the parent/guardian and the care provider.

What Parents Need to Know

What Parents Need to Know

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ABOUT SUPERVISION OF YOUR CHILDREN/YOUTH

Star is a wonderful place for all youth to safely practice independence and take responsibility within this beloved community. As is true every year, it’s important for parents and youth to remember that the youth program is just four or so hours each day. The rest of the time on the Island, parents are responsible for supervising their children/youth. Parents: just as you would off-island, it’s important to check in with your kids throughout the day and provide whatever guidance you would when you are at home.

Social Hour: Each evening from 5:15-6:15, all conferees of all ages are invited to come up to the Stone Village for Social Hour. This gathering is geared both for adults and for people under 21 years of age. Social Hour is hosted on the Linquest Deck or inside Newton. Youth have their own snacks/beverages table, and are not permitted to request beverages (of any type) from the adult area. Additionally, the Kiddie Barn playground is very close to the Social Hour area providing opportunities for adults, children and families ample opportunities for connection.

Parents of Seniors: Sometimes, the Senior group likes to hang out late into the night in the building (Parker) where they meet for youth program – historically and generally, this is absolutely fine with the Island and the conference. However, parents should understand that this does NOT constitute youth program time; neither does the Youth Program, the Conference, nor the Island, provide supervision of the teens during these hours.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRE SAFETY

The island and the IA Conference take fire safety issues very seriously. Star Island is a remote island with several very old, historic wooden buildings. While sprinkler systems have been installed, and the island staff is well trained in fire protection, the risks to life and property are higher than they would be were there a fire station nearby. Therefore, the rules that have been put in place by the island regarding smoking and the use of fire in and around buildings must be taken very, very seriously. The island has a zero-tolerance policy for violations of these rules. Anyone found in violation will be required to leave the island on the next available boat. No questions asked. We strongly urge you to discuss the policy with your children and impress upon them the importance of following it. Being “next boated” is not a pleasant way to end a wonderful vacation! The policy will be explained during the mandatory island orientation at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, also called the Fire and Water talk.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ILLEGAL DRUG USE, GUNS and FIRE WORKS

Illegal drugs, guns and fireworks are prohibited on Star Island. Anyone found in possession of any of these items will be required to leave the island on the next available boat.  Please explain this to your children as you deem necessary.

Please review the Family Handbook with your child for these safety & supervision reminders, plus island boundary information.

Andy Calkins

Andy Calkins

Deputy Director, Next Generation Learning Challenges at EDUCAUSE

Speaker at the 2016 International Affairs Conference

Andy leads an initiative that has been at the forefront of a national movement to help public schools move from emphasizing teaching to emphasizing learning. The schools NGLC funds and supports are developing new approaches that put students at the center of the learning process, helping them to build the rich blend of skills and habits they need in order to succeed beyond high school. Andy’s talk will help participants draw on their own learning experiences to understand the reasoning behind the design for these schools—and the reasons why they are such energetic, joyful places. We may enlist everyone to join in co-designing the school of your dreams! Go to www.nextgenlearning.org for more information.

Andy lives with his wife, Peggy, so close to Star Island they can see it on a clear day! They look forward to finally visiting!

Getting to Star Island

Getting to Star Island

The main conference boat is the Thomas Leighton, which sails from the dock of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Click here to see the dock on Google Maps.

If you are arriving or departing at an odd time of the week, another option is to take the Uncle Oscar, a smaller boat out of Rye, New Hampshire.

Information on boats, travel, and parking can be found on the Star Island website.

If you are coming in by plane, the best airport to use is Boston Logan. The C&J Bus picks up right at baggage claim, and takes you to a bus station just outside of Portsmouth. The conference is considering running a shuttle from the bus station to the dock. Email Elizabeth Oshel at lizoshel@gmail.com if you would be interested; there may be a charge per person.

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

IA welcomes applications from all who wish to join our exciting community.

Application forms are available now and are due by April 15.

Applicants will be automatically considered for grants from the IA Community Fund as well as the Star Island Corp Financial Grants program and MAY receive funding from both sources.  The combined application is online here:   http://www.starisland.org/conferences/financial-aid.

More Details!

  • Financial assistance applications MAY be made for consecutive years.  Please note, this is a change in policy from past years!
  • All financial assistance applications are held in strict confidence.  From the conference only three members of the IA Community Fund Committee, one of whom serves as the Chair, as well as the IA Registrar/Treasurer, who is a non-voting member view the applications.
  • Financial assistance from IA and Star Island can be combined with discounts and promotions, with an earnest attempt to reach the requested room and board discount.
  • Only full-week conferees (five nights or more) are eligible to apply for financial assistance
  • IA’s Financial Assistance funds are generated yearly through fundraising activities during the previous year’s conference (including an art auction and a silent auction) and individual donations.
  • The  IA Community Fund is committed to providing financial assistance to invest in a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community.  Individuals and families from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.