Aldine ISD and HOPE Worldwide Join Forces for SPARK Academy

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On Saturday, October 7, Aldine ISD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department wrapped up SPARK (Special Program for Arts Resiliency for Kids) Academy, a four week program from a new collaborative partnership with HOPE worldwide, at Caraway Elementary.

SPARK Academy is a Saturday morning drop-off program designed to nurture and fortify the resilience of children between the ages of 5 and 12. This program was inaugurated in Houston in 2018 as a response to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, where it initially catered to students who had endured the distressing impacts of catastrophic flooding with protracted recovery periods.

In recent times, the program has evolved its focus beyond natural disasters, now addressing the general life-related stresses encountered by students. It adheres to the established format of HOPE Worldwide’s long-standing Saturday Academy, running for consecutive sessions spanning four to eight Saturdays.

SPARK Academy employs a curriculum  grounded in research-backed art and play therapy. The classes are structured to instruct students on character traits known to enhance resilience and reduce stress. These traits and stress management strategies are imparted through various enjoyable, small-scale activities.

SPARK Academy is a volunteer-led and volunteer-driven initiative. Volunteer mentors play an integral role in building meaningful connections with students by actively engaging them in these activities.