SPARC News

SPARC is a dynamic and energetic community. Stay informed about all that is going on in the auxiliary world: see profiles of auxiliary leaders, take deep dives into notable programs, and explore important themes.

SPARC News

SPARC's Partnership with NSLA Brings New Resources to our Member Schools
SPARC's Partnership with NSLA Brings New Resources to our Member Schools

SPARC's partnership with the National Summer Learning Association provides its member schools with even more access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted12/5/2024


Jeff Malloy: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Jeff Malloy: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

Known for his dedicated career and valued expertise, Jeff Malloy is "one of the true experts" in the auxiliary program field. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/15/2024


Tejan Walcott: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Tejan Walcott: SPARC 2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

A "rising star" in the auxiliary program field, Tejan Walcott impresses with his creativity, energy, and dedication to youth development. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/11/2024


Maggie Magner: 2024 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Maggie Magner: 2024 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

The Fenn School's Maggie Magner won the SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award for her unparalleled leadership, dedication to camp programs, and her belief that every child deserves to be celebrated. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/4/2024


Nancy Hartmann: 2024 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner
Nancy Hartmann: 2024 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner

Nancy Hartmann of Pike School in Andover, MA, has received the SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award. Her forty-plus years of dedicated service to youth development includes summer camps, after school, community service, and administrative work with the Girl Scouts and YMCA. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/1/2024


Develop Powerful Skills and Community Support: Join SPARC's Leadership Institute!
Develop Powerful Skills and Community Support: Join SPARC's Leadership Institute!

If you're an auxiliary professional looking for a comprehensive development experience, sign up for SPARC's Leadership Institute. You'll receive concrete guidance to advance your skills and programs while developing a network of peer support. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/26/2024


2024 National Conference Highlights
2024 National Conference Highlights

We're still energized by our eighth National Conference, a dynamic and inspiring three days in Scottsdale, Arizona. Read on to learn about the conference by the numbers, records we set, and when to mark your calendars for next year! Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/21/2024


Social Events: The Heart of the SPARC Conference Experience
Social Events: The Heart of the SPARC Conference Experience

Network with peers, find your community, and even discover lifelong friends by joining the fun at SPARC's National Conference social activities. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/4/2024


Create Your Session Track at the SPARC National Conference
Create Your Session Track at the SPARC National Conference

In October, SPARC's National Conference will be bigger and better than ever, with sessions covering the scope of auxiliary professional development. In this post, planning committee members offer tips for choosing the right mix of sessions for you and your team. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted09/28/2024


Carie Roncin on Building an Inclusive Summer Program
Carie Roncin on Building an Inclusive Summer Program

During a recent conversation, Carie Roncin, a presenter at this year's SPARC National Conference, talked about her passion for DEI, how she built the program she runs today at Chattanooga Christian School, and shared a few principles for adapting your program to include students with disabilities. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted09/16/2024


How to Weave Auxiliary Into Your School's Culture
How to Weave Auxiliary Into Your School's Culture

With over 40 years in youth development, Pike School's Nancy Hartmann has become an expert in making auxiliary a vital part of the life of an independent school. Read how she creates mutually supportive relationships within her school, allowing auxiliary to thrive and grow. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted08/26/2024


4 Key Ways to Build Relationships for Auxiliary Success
4 Key Ways to Build Relationships for Auxiliary Success

Audrey Hampton, the Director of Family Life Programs at the University of Chicago's Laboratory Schools, leverages her background in psychology to build positive relationships school-wide. Read her valuable insights in how you can create auxiliary success through creating relationships. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted08/12/2024