Our after-school program includes both a spiritual and academic element. Before Academic Time begins, we start the program with the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Academic Time is focused on homework management, tutoring, reading and research assistance in our library and computer lab. Throughout Academic Time, the students are assisted by Student Life Managers, a Curriculum Coordinator, an Education Outreach Coordinator, Group Leaders and Tutors.

At the completion of the first, second and third nine weeks of school, a Skill Builders List is comprised. Students who have more than one "D" or an "F" on their report card are required to do additional Academic Time.

The after-school program also features weekly Bible study, community service activities, field trips and the opportunity to participate in civic club programs in place at P.A.R.K.

 

Once the required academic hour is completed, students are granted access to our impressive recreational facilities, which include a weight room,  three full size basketball courts and a game room (complete with the latest video games as well as pool, foosball and air hockey tables).

The recreation program serves as incentive for academic achievement. Students must complete the academic goals in order to participate in special activities.

 

 

 

 

The Summer Enrichment Program identifies specific academic goals for students to master. Once students achieve these goals, they are more likely to have higher grades when they return to school.

To strengthen skills during the Summer Enrichment and Academic Programs, P.A.R.K. uses an outline assessment and instructional tool, Skills Tutor, which acts as a personal tutor for each student. Skills Tutor diagnoses and identifies gaps in a student’s knowledge, prescribes instruction then tests for mastery of a subject.

P.A.R.K. then uses the change in grade point average (GPA) as an indicator of what students have learned. The average GPA is between 1.5 and 2.5 when students enter the program. To monitor students’ progress, P.A.R.K. obtains grade reports issued every nine weeks for each student. Furthermore, students with low grades must bring a weekly grade report from all of their teachers.

Finally, P.A.R.K. also uses a more subjective measuring tool; the counselor/parent evaluation. When students enter the P.A.R.K. program, their counselor and parents evaluate them on various criteria: attitude, discipline, self-esteem, etc. Counselor and parents complete this same evaluation at the close of each academic year.

 

Students are involved in every phase of community service through SPARK (Service by P.A.R.K.); identifying a need, developing a solution, planning and implementing the project, and evaluating their efforts. They develop valuable skills and are taught the importance of giving back to their community. They are also rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment in seeing a project through from start to finish.

 

To help sustain students' interest and enthusiasm in P.A.R.K. various incentives are offered to students.  The P.A.R.K. Performers incentive program allows students to use points earned throughout the year to reserve a seat for various activities including professional basketball games, college football games, dinners out and trips to state fairs, concerts, plays, museums, cookouts and fun parks.

Students earn points in several ways - attendance, successfully completing homework and good behavior.  Additional bonus points can be assigned each day by staff members and volunteers for extraordinary service and participation.

Click here to make a donation to Student Incentives.

 

Guardians are required to participate in parent meetings, evaluate their child annually, and communicate with Student Life Managers regarding their child’s development. They are also encouraged to volunteer in an assortment of activities.

 

We are committed to expanding the opportunities for our graduating students beyond their P.A.R.K. experience.  Students in 10th-12th grade can become eligible for participation in the Ottenheimer Accelerated Learning Center.  These students participate in college tours, ACT preparation, personal development workshops, guest speakers and many more support services of the Educational Outreach Coordinator.  These students are being prepared to take advantage of scholarships and other post-secondary educational opportunities.