Posted April 12, 2012
My words? ....WOW WOW AND WOW!!! I sat in my seat riveted by every word and action performed. I don't know about the rest of the audience, but I was there with Flote as he set out on his crusade to add humor to a rather dark and diseased existence in your production of Peter Barnes' Red Noses. I thoroughly approve of all the improvements to the Black Box (Thank you Mr. Hauptner) and loved the set design and lighting.
What great acting by a dedicated cast of students! I can't say it enough how appreciative we are as a family of all your hard work and dedication. I sing your praises outside of GStar in hopes that other parents can find what I have found .... a gold mine of talented and caring teachers who truly have all the students best interest at heart.
Once again..... Thank You for enlightening me and giving me even more reason to say: "GStar's Theater Department Rocks!!"

~A very Proud and Appreciative GStar Theater Parent (Forever) ....Wooo Hooo!!!! KUDOS!!!!!

Posted March 16, 2012
Dear Mr. Hauptner,

Over the past 3 years at G-Star, you and I have had very few exchanges. I feel that it's about time I've thank you for the opportunity you've given to me at our school. Through G-Star I have been able to pursue my dreams as a filmmaker. With the help of my incredible teachers, I won the Burt Reynolds scholarship and was accepted into the FSU film school. I can't emphasize enough how incredibly gifted and caring the teachers are at our school. I also wanted to thank you for the pathfinders breakfast last week with my peers. Your school has helped me immensely these past 3 years and I would be nowhere without it.

Regards,
Katherine Barnette

Posted July 20, 2011
I knew that my child would succeed at this school. It is a good fit because of her interests, talents and choice of peers. Do your homework. Don't apply just because it looks like your kid would have fun. This is not summer camp. Look for three general complaints. First, that the faculty and admin focus on nothing but stats. Say that to an audience of grateful parents and thriving students and you will hear, at best, the sound of chirping crickets. Second, student diatribe with high frequency usage of "I" and "me" - Mere 4th year drivel about how the school will not be able to get along without them. Snivelers should try a one week reality check at another pbc public school. Third, disillusionment from parents of students with average academic performance. Sadly, academic rigor has an unforgiving quality. Some charter schools may consider this a tolerable limitation on what their school can offer. Please don't let the negative comments drive your decision. Bottom line: Gstar is really cool. I see caring, sensitive and hardworking kids. The kind of kids I want my daughter to be around. peace
—Submitted by a parent

Posted March 15, 2011
I watched the clip on line featuring G-Star on the Today Show … very impressive…
Greg, congratulations! You’re tenacity and focus has allowed not only your dream, but the dreams of many kids to flourish into a reality…Thank you for keeping it going as it speaks for our children and their resumes as well! Not to mention, we like to think we helped you in the earlier days by having faith in you, the school and our kids as the original G-Star students!

Watch out now! After this clip, you’re going to need lots more room for expansion! Hopefully one day soon, you’ll be calling our kids back as success stories to share their experience at G-Star!

Regards,
Anna Dritto
 

Posted March 13, 2011
Dear Greg,
Great piece on the Today show. We know you are very proud.
An update on our personal favorite GSTAR graduates:
Alaina just signed up to take the GRE exam. She is doing a double major in Sociology and International Affairs at FSU and is starting work this summer on an independent research thesis in Sociology so she can graduate with honors next year. She is researching schools for her graduate work in Sociology and plans on going straight into a Phd program to become an Ethnographer (which, as she had to explain to us, is one who studies the Sociology of different groups). She will most likely become Professor Mathers. She loves research and the university environment and thrives, as I'm sure you can imagine, on discussion and debate with peers and professors.
When she was home for spring break she told us that she now understands how unique and special her time at GStar was and that she appreciated the freedom of expression and thought that was encouraged when she was there.
Though she's not going to be an actress, she also said that she uses her acting training in her field research all the time!
Houston is in his second year studying music at CalArts and loves it Most recently he collaborated on a graduate student's opera and he's recording his 3rd cd that he expects to be released later this year.

Thank you for having the vision. We're proud to have been a part of it.
Best Regards to all,
Al and Lauren Mathers

Posted March 13, 2011
Mr. Hauptner,
Congratulations on G-Star's appearance on The Today Show! When we moved to Florida from New York last year and met with you for the first time, we were so impressed with your school and your mission. G-Star is everything you said it was and more. Thank you for sincerely caring about your students, for providing a safe place and for giving these students a great education with endless possibilities.
I think the "G" in G-Star can also stand for "Greatness".

Sincerely,
Toody Rusnak

Posted March 13, 2011
Dear Greg,
We met a couple of times but I am sure you meet so many people it is hard to remember. My daughter Katherine Barnette is having an amazing experience because of G-Star. She is a junior and just won 1st place in the Women’s Film Festival over second and third which went to Dreyfoos students. She is also a silver medalist for Scholastic and will be going to Carnegie Hall to receive her award. Last week we met with Vin DiBona (America's funniest Home Video's) and he could not believe how polished her work was and he asked, "where did you learn this?" Of course she told him about G-Star and he could not believe it. He is the Chairman for Emerson and was thrilled to hear about G-Star. I just wanted to thank you for all that you are doing for these kids, especially mine!!! If there is anything that you need or any way I can assist you please let me know. Your staff has been awesome, Ron P.(wondering how he is actually), Ms. Tiche, Mr. McClory and all the AP teachers have all been so supportive. Even a film teacher that does not have Katherine as a student has made an effort to encourage her work and let her know about industry news and opportunities. These behaviors come from great Leadership. On a side note, she is receiving an outstanding education with 3 AP classes and a 4.0 GPA, so G-Star is providing the entire experience!!! I know you are very modest and I hear you say that you are watching with disbelief too at how fast G-Star is progressing, but you really are making a difference in kids lives and putting Palm Beach County on the map!

Signed….A very Grateful mom,
Linda Barnette
 

Posted March 11, 2011
Greg you're a miracle worker is all I have to say. I have a profound amount of respect for what you've done and are still doing. I'll be sure to give you a firm hand shake upon seeing you in the near future. I appreciate G-Star even more knowing what it's turned into, out right spectacular.

Thank you very much for ever creating G-Star. I still remember thinking how crazy you sounded hearing you speak to my 8th grade year at Conniston, as you were trying to recruit people for this unheard of idea of a film school with a studio on the campus. It pulled the Dalsanto's and me in, I think your hair do made a big impact too.

Maxwell Cohen
Graduate 2007

Posted February 18, 2011
 Dear Mr.Hauptner,
   I just want to thank you so much for all your kindness and the wonderful opportunities you have given Emily- it is appreciated and not going unnoticed. I basically said the same thing to George but, needed to thank you as well and utmost...like I told George, G Star has been such a place of creativity and endless inspiration for Emily-she is so excited about her life after graduation...what an incredible feeling to have as a parent to know your child is that excited and motivated about her life prompted by a wonderful staff and school- whom has had patience with both my children. Again, both my husband and I would like to thank you.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Serpico
 
Posted Oct 9, 2010
Hello Mr. Hauptner:

I'm not sure if you remember me, my name is Brianna Bailey. I graduated from
G-star in 2009, and I receive every newsletter about G-star. After reading
this one, about your school, *my *school, was named the #1 Film High School
in the world prompted me to write you this e-mail expressing my gratitude.

I look back on my years at G-star and smile. I think about how great a time
I had there, how much I learned and how much it helped me to progress in
what I wanted to do with my life. I'm in North Carolina now, attending Blue
Ridge Community College, studying in their film program. Intially I want to
be a screenwriter, but I decided more knowledge about how the film industry
works would be a great starting point. I never would have found my passion
for writing had it not been for my years at G-Star.

So really this e-mail is a thank you letter. Thank you so much for creating
this school for kids to be able to express themselves and give them a better
future to look forward to. I have a nephew who is attending the school now,
and he couldn't be happier. He is more into photography and is a smart and
brilliant kid. I know he will succeed as well as I did after graduating from
G-star.

Congratulations on winning the Award and keep the school going strong, and
making kids dreams come true. I am proud to be able to tell people that I
attended all four of my high school years at G-Star and that it served as a
turning point in my life as well as my chosen career path. They were truly
the best years of my life so far.

Sincerely,
Brianna Bailey
 
Posted June 1, 2010
Dear Mrs. Collins,
When reviewing my mail, I realized I did not send this note along to you as planned. Your dedication to G-Star is amazing and I wish you and your family the best! You have been more than an administrator, who Lori affectionately referred to as Mama Collins since 9th grade. It is hard to believe that Lori has graduated. I am so glad we chose G-Star over Dreyfoos. Lori's experiences and the family atmosphere made her high school years what they were! We will keep you posted as the next phase of her life continues.
Elaine Perry
 
Posted September 21, 2009
I was supposed to have my daughter go to G Star last year, but I listened to a few people telling me that she should go to another local high school and she didn't like it. Now it is a bad grade school so we decided to try and get into G Star this year and she did. She absolutely loves it! as do I and my husband. The best decision we have ever made. It is a great and fun school. She has gotten all A's on her progress report, loves the teachers and the dress code. I recommend it to everyone!!!! Angie Ford
Submitted by a parent
 
Posted September 17, 2009
It is extremely safe and I never feel threatened. They make it extremely fun and everyone there is very nice. The teachers are excellent.
Submitted by a student
 
Posted August 28, 2009
I love this school so much. It is so much fun. The academics are amazing and just the fact that they teach more than just the facts - that they help you progress in your acting or film making skills is so incredible.
Submitted by a student
 

Posted August 13, 2009
My son has been a student at this school for the past 2 years, and is eagerly waiting for the start of his 3rd year!!! There have been several occassions where I have requested additional help from teachers and staff, and they have never let me down. All that I have found that is needed is a nice polite request for assistance and it has always been given promptly and with more than enough detail to enable my son to get his work done. The PTSO offers plenty of opportunites for parents to be involved in their child's education. My son loves this school, almost all the student I know love this school, and as a parent I love this school too.
Submitted by a parent

Posted May 2, 2009
I am a student currently going to this school. I am in fact a freshmen, and I also have no complaints at all. This school is different from any school that I've ever been too. The teachers are very understanding and help us as much as they can when it comes to the students. I know very few students that do not like the school, those students are normally the ones who were forced into the school. There isn't any major problems and I've never seen a fight here. I know many students who are very involved in the school. And everyday it seems to be improving. Almost everyone at the school gets along and almost every teacher is loved. The classes are fun and involved. I'm very proud to go to this school and I would really suggest to any of my friends and other kids to go.
Submitted by a student

Posted March 16, 2009
As other parents, my child got on that waiting list for Dreyfoos, and because she has a passion for Theatre, we decided this school would be the best for her. We have been pleasantly surprised. The opportunity here has been phenomenal. She has been able to grow in her acting skills because of the excellent teachers in this dept. They work with her, encourage her, and support her. Her academic teachers have done the same. Early in the year, they noticed she excelled in science, so they moved her up a grade - I'm not sure that would have happened at any other school. We have been very pleased with this school, and more importantly, our daughter loves this school. I would have no problem recommending this school in the future
Submitted by a parent

Posted February 24, 2009
My child is In love with this school! She has amazing teachers! and yes there have been two professional feature films in the last 2 years and they are filming another over summer. And yes there are no after school buses..but neither do most public schools..I'm not sure about charters. Also, this school is extremely strict about discipline. So any bad reports about the school is probably just the student coming home mad about him/her getting in trouble so they trash the school. Anyways..don't worry about sending your child here..it's amazing! Plus there is a great after school and during lunch tutor program now! :)
Submitted by a parent

Posted October 5, 2008
I graduated last year and loved my experience here. It has a small atmosphere, absolutely great motivated teachers and yes it does have a few problems, but what school doesn't. And compared to other schools the problems here are small. Every one is nice and friendly and I feel that I received a great education. Like others have said you get out what you put in.
Submitted by a student

Posted August 28, 2008
G-Star is an absolute up-and-comer, and parents should not be concerned about sending their children here. Still a relatively new school, we have had our share of growing pains, but it consistently gets better every year. You reap what you sew, and if parents take the time to get involved, they will not be disappointed. My daughter is a senior this year, having started as a freshman 4 short years ago. Since then, I've seen great strides, both academically and within the administration. It's been a great experience for our daughter, who has not only received an academic education, but is honing her skills in a field that will translate well into the working world following college. How many other schools have as their goal the creation of an industry for their students to return to following completion of their education?
Submitted by a parent

Posted April 24, 2008
My son is about to graduate next month and he has not only learned about tv and film, (what the school is geared for) but has also made great friends. The teachers are always able lend a hand. Submitted by a parent

Posted April 17, 2008
G-Star is a fantastic opportunity for the motivated student with an interest in media arts production and performance, who also wants to attend a good college. The school is on the small side and the teachers get to know almost everyone. They care and the students know it.
Submitted by a parent

Posted December 16, 2007
I currently attend G Star School and I admit that I wasn't to thrilled to attend this school when I first came. But then I gave it a chance. That is what this school is, a chance for kids to understand and build upon a basis for a career for the future. I know for a fact that this school has opened my eyes and has prepared me and is still preparing me for life
Submitted by a student

Posted September 26, 2007
I think G-Star is a wonderful school. My son just started this year as a Junior. I only wish I would have known about this school when he first entered the 9th grade. This is the first time ever that he has shown an interest in learning. With only a few weeks behind him, he has finally figured out what he wants to achieve in life. Thanks to all the teachers for caring for our children's future and helping us to help our children achieve their dreams.
Submitted by a parent

Posted August 23, 2007
I attended G-Star and was one of the first kids who graduated from this school. This school helped me improve in my way of thinking. I owe a lot to the staff. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today. When I graduated I was almost a straight A student because of who I had for teachers. I owe a lot to my teachers, they never gave up on me and they showed me which way to go. I loved this school, and wish I could do it all over again. For those of you who hate the school, it may not be the teachers or staff, sad to say what I saw some kids doing, it was their own fault for doing bad. They chose that path and there was nothing you or your kid would do to help the problem. Submitted by a student

Posted June 12, 2007
G-Star School of the Arts is one of the best high schools I have ever witnessed. Not only has my son improved his grades tremendously, but is now attending many major extra-curricular activties. No doubt this is a well put together, if you plan on pursuing as a career or hobby, school for film.
Submitted by a parent

Posted November 13, 2006
I usually stay after school until 4:30 or 5:00, by choice. But that's what G Star is, a choice. It's your choice to be there and it s your choice to get yourself involved. It's your choice to get prepared for the future. Nobody can choose for you, because only you know what you want. G Star helps you realize this.
Submitted by a student

Posted October 6, 2006
My child has attended G-Star since the beginning. He is now in 12th grade. The school staff has been nothing less than great. The film department is second to none. The academic level continues to rise as this school grows. Students are encouraged to achieve excellence in academics. Ms. Collins, Mr. DeCarmine, Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Plumb and all other 'original' staff we say 'Thank You' for your tireless efforts. What other teachers worked all summer long to get a library completed? Mrs. Bonacci for setting the 'round-up' standard and to Mr. Green for helping raise money for books. I am proud my son was part of this special school. We can't wait to visit in years to come. Because of location and transportation and the type of school G-Star is, you cannot expect to have the extra activities a regular public high school has. Go visit!
Submitted by a parent

Posted October 5, 2006
G-Star is a college prep high school. TV/Film is an attraction. By the 4th year most of the excitement of making movies has wore off and the realization of graduation has set in. Many students come here because they want something different and they get that, but in the end it's all about your future. G-Star administration is devoted to ensuring your child gets the education needed to excel. I've never seen a closer knit 'student community' everyone is welcomed with open arms. The staff is wonderful. From top to bottom. A library has just been completed. My son has attended 4 years and wouldn't change a thing. Your child can always participate in your 'home' school sports. I consider my son fortunate to have attended G-Star. Academics are significant, it's not all fun and games. Please remember you can visit the school and good things take time.
Submitted by a parent

Posted October 27, 2005
The school is fabulous. It is one of those schools that offer so much for kids who are majoring in the Motion Picture business.
Submitted by a parent

Posted August 4, 2005
This school is the best in Palm Beach County when it comes to offering students the best opportunity to learn about the film industry at their age.
Submitted by a parent

Posted April 3, 2005
This is THE school in the area for High School students interested in Film Production and related fields. Sucessful actors have visited the school and it has a viable dream to be a premier film studio in the area.

Posted March 13, 2005
This is a wonderful school for students interesting in acting and film making. The teachers are down to earth and nice. The classes are mostly honors level, with no music, or sports programs as of yet. Parental involvement is at a high level. I highly recommend this school to any student interested in acting and or film making.
Submitted by a parent

Posted September 26, 2004
G-star school of the Arts has a super exellent film and television program. They only use the finest digital equipment. Their instuctors are geniuses. I love Mr. DeCarmine and Mr. Plumb. I would send the world to this school if it was possible. Everyone should pray that it is one day.
Submitted by a parent

 
 
 
     
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