One of the pilot sites for the Sparks program, Greenvale Park Elementary in Northfield, Minnesota, has found creative ways to help students explore and celebrate their individual sparks. Last year, the school helped start a dialogue about sparks, when it asked teachers and staff to dress up as their sparks. They took pictures and posted them around the school as a way to continue the conversation with students.
This year, they decided to celebrate students’ sparks by putting on a dance-a-thon for parents and their community. To prepare, each class learned a series of line dances during school. At the event, the students danced and played music for their parents. Parents and teachers also had the opportunity to participate in the dance-a-thon. David Craft, Principal at Greenvale Park, said “The event was a success. Parents loved it, and it was a good experience for everyone—teachers, students, and parents.” He also said a total of 400 people showed up to support students and their sparks at the dance event.
As for future events related to Sparks, Mr. Craft said that they have other events and activities lined up this year, including an “Evening of the Arts,” where students can explore and display their sparks in the creative arts.
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