SPARK offers extended learning for K-8th graders

Newport News Public Schools Summer Program for Arts, Recreation and Knowledge (SPARK), partners with local businesses, museums, non-profit organizations and city agencies to provide engaging activities for students during the summer. Businesses, civic and youth-serving groups, and other organizations are invited to become part of SPARK by offering programming or financial support. There are three levels of sponsorship: Programming sponsor, Enrichment Sponsor, and T-shirt sponsor. Programming sponsors offer donations toward field trips, arts or recreational programs, or athletic equipment for afternoon sports leagues. Enrichment sponsors offer week-long enrichment programing in the arts, leadership development, recreational activities, or STEM related programs. T-shirt sponsors provide shirts to all 2,000 students participating in SPARK.

Newport News Public Schools launched the community-wide effort to ensure that students have access to extended learning opportunities. This concept permits students to select from an array of offerings including academics, leadership, physical fitness, mentoring, art, music, dance and more. Students are able to enjoy summer programming four days a week with meals and transportation provided and no tuition costs for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The 2017 session runs from July 5 through August 3, Mondays through Thursdays.

To support students or find out more about these opportunities, visit the SPARK website to complete a sponsor form.