| | Here are questions and answers about the SPARK program for parents, guardians, and other interested persons. | |
|
| | Enrollment in SPARK is open to all kindergarten through eighth grade students in a SPARK school, provided that the program can meet the needs of the child. Enrollment is limited to a certain number of students, so students are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. If enrollment exceeds capacity, a waiting list will be available. | |
|
| | - Academics: Homework help, tutoring in reading and math, academic games and activities.
- Enrichment: Hands-on learning in science, prevention activities, field trips, guest speakers, theme areas, clubs, arts & crafts, music, drama, cooking, karate, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and more.
- Recreation: Physical and recreational activities, basketball, soccer, freeze tag and freeze football, and free play on play ground.
- Afternoon snack: A nutritious snack is provided for each SPARK session.
- Service learning/community service: Special events for senior citizens, special school projects, and youth development.
- Special events: There will be a variety of special events at the sites. Click here to find out about special events at your school site.
| |
|
| | SPARK operates each day that school is in session.
On regular days, the program is open for three hours after school is dismissed—the doors close at 6:00 p.m.
On minimum days, the program begins when classes are dismissed—the doors close at 6:00 p.m.
Parents whose children remain past the closing time will be charged an overtime fee. | |
|
| | Students typically attend SPARK programs at their own schools because SPARK programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school. But students can also attend programs at other schools.
SPARK programs operate at ten different school sites throughout Glenn County. (Those marked with an * began March 1, 2005; the others begin later.)
- Hamilton City Elementary*
- Mill Street Elementary School*
- Fairview Elementary School*
- C.K. Price Middle School*
- Lake School
- Plaza School
- Murdock Elementary School
- Willows Intermediate School
- Princeton Elementary School
- Elk Creek Elementary School
- Capay Elementary School
For more information about SPARK Schools, please click here. | |
|
| | Due to budget cuts from the State and Federal government the SPARK program will be charging the following fees: $90.00 per semester per child ($100.00 maximum per family no matter how many children are enrolled) which is about $1.00 per day. If parents are not able to afford the fee then they can obtain a fee adjustment/waiver request form from the school Site Manager. | |
|
| | Enrolled students should attend all scheduled SPARK sessions for the full time, unless students are excused. A “Monthly Attendance Sheet” will be kept on all children who attend the program. Each child is required to be signed in and out each day by the parent or other authorized person. To report an absence, call the school site; for phone numbers of the schools, click here. | |
|
| | Transportation to and from the SPARK program sites is the responsibility of the parent, unless an alternative is noted. When transportation is needed for field trips, public and/or contracted transportation, or school district transportation will be used. | |
|
| | The program hires trained certified and classified staff who meets program requirements. The staff is trained to meet children’s social and emotional needs. They follow strict guidelines to follow a high-quality program and to ensure children’s health and safety.
Site Manager/Coordinator. Each SPARK site has one Site Coordinator who oversees the program and works closely with school personnel, parents, and students.
Activities Assistant. The Assistant works directly with students with a maximum ratio of 1 Assistant to 20 students. A Substitute Activities Assistant fills in when there is an absence.
Mentor Teacher. Each SPARK site has one Mentor Teacher who works with SPARK and school staff to serve as a school/program mentor. | |
|
| | Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and high school relatives are strongly encouraged to observe, visit, and participate as a volunteer in the program.
If you have special talents or are willing to have a student read to you or can help with homework or other activities, please let the SPARK staff know. | |
|
| | An application must be on file before a student attends the SPARK program. There are several ways to sign a student up for SPARK:
- Visit your school office and pick up a SPARK application.
- Call your school office.
- Sign up online. Click here for a SPARK Application.
- Call the SPARK Coordinator, Mary Davis at 865-1267, ext. 2103 or Sharon Batchelder, Spark Assistant at 865-1267, ext. 2106.
| |
|
| | Parent Handbooks and Program Brochures explain about the SPARK program.
SPARK Program Parent Handbooks:
SPARK Program Brochures: | |
|
