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S.P.A.R.K.



S.P.A.R.K. Policies

Welcome
Welcome to S.P.A.R.K. (Sports, Physical Activity, and Recreation for Kids). This policies packet provides you with information about our program and the policies that help make the program meet the needs of all our children and families.


Purpose
The purpose of S.P.A.R.K. is to provide convenient, safe activities to our members and the community. S.P.A.R.K. consists of organized activities in the gymnasium while emphasizing maximum participation for all children.


Mission
All children have a right to a safe, healthy environment, where their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth is supported in positive, nurturing ways. S.P.A.R.K. promotes physical activity, cooperation, sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle. We focus positively on behavior, nutrition and the overall importance of physical activity.


Registration
Registration will start the first Monday of August. Children must be signed up at The Summit front desk. Program size may be limited so register early to reserve a space for your child. Payment must be received at time of registration. No refunds will be given.


Forms
Completion of an emergency fact sheet and registration form is required for each child before beginning this program.


Fees
A child must have a Summit membership in order to receive the member prices. Please call for current rates.


Ages
Children ages 6-12 will be allowed to participate in the program.


Days and Times
Monday - Friday 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM (we follow the Kalispell School District 5 Calendar). Camp times are 7:45 AM - 5:30 PM.


Check-in/out
Children must check-in at the S.P.A.R.K. Zone. A parent, guardian or designated person(s) is required to sign your child out each day.


Pick-up
You may pick up your child any time between 3:30 P.M. and 6:30 P.M. (5:30 PM for camps). At this time you must sign your child out from the program. If we are located in the gymnasium at the time of pick up, please come to the gym entrance to sign your child out. For safety reasons we will not release children to parents calling for them from the balcony. Only pre-authorized people may pick up the child unless prior arrangements have been made with the S.P.A.R.K. coordinator.


Late Pick-up
Please ensure that your child is picked up 6:30 PM. (5:30 PM for camps). If they are not picked up by that time, there will be a late fee assessed. The charge will be late charge of $5.00 for the first 15 minutes you are late picking up your child and $1.00 per minute there after. The fee will be billed to your account.


Cancellations
If you need to cancel your child's reservations, please call the S.P.A.R.K. hotline at 751-4136 so we can make space available for another child.


Attire
Daily activities include numerous physical activities with a broad range of motion. Please send your child in comfortable, sturdy play clothes. All children must wear non-marking gym shoes. If a dress is worn, please send along a pair of shorts to be put on underneath so the child can participate comfortably.


Restrictions
To ensure your child a safe, healthy environment, children who are sick will not be allowed to participate in the program. This is for your child's safety and the safety of the other participants in the program. If your child has any injuries that may prohibit him/her from participating safely, (i.e. cast on a leg or arm ) they may not be allowed in the program at that time.


Electronic games and toys
NO electronic games are allowed in our S.P.A.R.K. Program. These games are very expensive to replace. Please remind your child NOT to bring any electronic toys to S.P.A.R.K. We are not responsible for any lost or damage to games brought to S.P.A.R.K


Activities
S.P.A.R.K. involves activities that concentrate on group interactions, single performance skills, coordination, rules of sports, cooperation, team work, sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle.


Food
Please provide enough food for a healthy snack for your child. When they arrive from school, they will have time to change into the proper attire, go to the bathroom and have a snack. We recommend nutritious, healthy foods which will provide more energy for your child's maximum participation. Please ensure that you pack items that do not need refrigeration or heating.


Schedule
The schedule has been carefully compiled and includes input by the children that participate in the program on a regular basis. Every day will be packed full of activities and games designed to build a healthy lifestyle. Sporting rules and skill technique will be taught.


Discipline
The staff recognizes and encourages each child's capabilities and praises positive, growth-oriented behavior. Good behavior is essential to our program. We expect children to be respectful of other children and of our staff. Talking back, yelling or fighting is not tolerated. We inforce a hands off policy.


Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
  1. Staff will correct improper behavior by redirecting the child and reinforcing positive behavior.
  2. If the improper behavior is repeated, OR the safety of other children is at risk, the behavior will be logged and parents will be notified.
  3. If, after involving the parents, the behavior continues, the child may be suspended or removed from the program for up to two (2) weeks.
  4. If, after involving the parents, and suspended the child from the program, the behavior continues the child will be suspended for the remainder of the year.
  5. The staff retains the right to determine if a child is compatible and/or benefiting from the program.



Dismissal from S.P.A.R.K. with same day notice
  1. Child has an abusive attitude toward staff, other children or property.
  2. Child jeopardizes the health or safety of other children or staff.
  3. Parent is non-cooperative with staff, operating policies or admission agreement.
  4. A student who uses, possesses, controls, or transfers a weapon, shall be expelled for a definite period of time of at least one (1) calendar year. The S.P.A.R.K. Coordinator, however, may modify the expulsion period on a case-by-case basis. The S.P.A.R.K. Coordinator may notify the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system of any student who brings a weapon to S.P.A.R.K.



Special Circumstances
Parents are encouraged to advise the S.P.A.R.K. coordinator or S.P.A.R.K. aide during stressful times. Children may have special needs. Please help our staff to be sensitive to these needs by letting us know about changes such as new siblings, changes of residence, death in the family (or pet), separation, divorce, etc. The information will be kept confidential.


Bus Service
  1. Not available for camps.
  2. Limited bus service is available. If your child rode the bus last year you will have the option to ride next year provided you respond by the given deadline. All other S.P.A.R.K. children will be on a first come, first served basis for bus service.
  3. Your child must attend the after school S.P.A.R.K. program a minimum of two times per week in order to maintain bus privileges.
  4. Busing is proved by Eagle Transit from these schools: Elrod, Peterson, Trinity, Hedges, Russell, St.Matthews, Smith Valley & West Valley.
  5. There is a $25.00 per child registration fee for the bus.
  6. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.



Bus Regulations
  1. The driver is in full charge of the bus. Riders will comply promptly with all requests and have no part in the operation of the bus.
  2. At the discretion of the driver, seats may be assigned.
  3. Unnecessary conversation with the bus driver is prohibited.
  4. The bus is an extension of the S.P.A.R.K. program. Outside of ordinary conversation, S.P.A.R.K. conduct is to be observed.
  5. Any rider who is guilty of unbecoming conduct, fighting, inappropriate language or showing disrespect toward the bus driver or other riders, may forfeit the right to ride.
  6. Littering is prohibited.
  7. No portion of the body will be extended out bus windows.
  8. Riders must remain in their seats while the bus is in motion.
  9. Any damage to the bus must be reported to the driver at once.
  10. All riders must wear seat belts at all times.




If you have any further questions, feel free to call 406-751-4100.