Embedded Files
Supporting Positive Attitudes and Resilience for Kids
Led by trusted community leaders, youth mentors, and culturally responsive educators, SPARK is more than a summer program—
it’s a launchpad for healing, growth, and joy.
Students are reminded that they are not alone, and that their stories, cultures, and strengths are vital to the community.
SPARK isn’t just about coping—it’s about thriving.
We help students see themselves not as outsiders, but as valued voices in a diverse and growing community.
Our trauma-informed curriculum empowers students to build resilience and confidence through creative arts, sports, workshops, and field trips—providing real-life tools to manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and thrive both in and out of the classroom
Manage stress - Express themselves - Celebrate who they are - Build emotional resilience - Strengthen self-identity
Foster meaningful community connections
OASD STANDARDS
OASD STANDARDS
ADDITIONAL SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Core Student Skills
Core Student Skills
Communicates effectively with others
Collaborates productively with others
Uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrates effective team-building skills
Demonstrates cultural competence
Actively seeks out and participates in opportunities to learn or be trained
Cultivate Career and College Readiness
Cultivate Career and College Readiness
Expose students to various professions, industries, and educational institutions within our city and state
Connect with professionals, visit workplaces, and engage in career exploration activities
Gain insights into potential career paths
Develop the necessary skills for future success
Promote Community Engagement
Promote Community Engagement
Encourage active community participation and volunteerism among students
Collaborate with local organizations, charities, and community projects
Develop empathy, social responsibility, and the ability to make a positive impact in the community
Leadership and Responsibility
Advise and encourage others to contribute positively
Flexibility and Adaptability
Apply problem-solving skills in a changing environment
Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
Interact effectively with others
Initiative and Self-Direction
Work towards goals with pride
Productivity and Accountability
Take responsibility for both group and individual tasks
HOW WE SUPPORT STUDENTS
HOW WE SUPPORT STUDENTS
Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs)
Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs)
Our role is vital in creating an inclusive, supportive space for English Language Learners. Your clear communication, patience, and positivity help students feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Key Strategies for Supporting ELLs:
Speak clearly and slowly to support comprehension
Use simple, direct language without losing meaning
Reinforce your words with visuals, gestures, and props
Encourage questions and check for understanding regularly
Repeat and rephrase key points as needed
Provide written or visual instructions whenever possible
Use bilingual resources or connect with bilingual staff when available
Pair ELLs with kind, supportive peer mentors
Show patience and empathy—language learning is a process
Use non-verbal cues to support communication and connection
Together, we make language a bridge, not a barrier
VISUAL PROMPT CARDS
What It Is:
A small card (or set) with simple images like “line up,” “listen,” or “quiet,” worn on a lanyard for quick, consistent communication.
How to Use It:
🔹 Wear daily so it’s always accessible
🔹 Show the card while saying the direction
🔹 Use gestures and friendly tone to reinforce meaning
🔹 Hold it at the child’s eye level
🔹 Pause to give students time to process
🔹 Celebrate effort and success! “You did it!”
Why It Helps:
✅ Builds understanding without needing words
✅ Reduces frustration
✅ Supports routine and independence
✅ Makes expectations clear and consistent
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE
Conscious Discipline® is a trauma-informed, social-emotional learning program that promotes self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and positive relationships. It provides practical strategies for creating a nurturing, inclusive environment that supports emotional well-being and healthy social interactions.
SPARK integrates Conscious Discipline into staff training to promote social-emotional growth and mental wellness among participants. Staff are equipped with tools to foster empathy, connection, and resilience—key elements in helping SRBs and their families feel safe, supported, and empowered in their new community.
ALL staff received training in Conscious Discipline as part of their program preparation.
🔴 Survival State:
Multilingual learners new to the country—or navigating instability—may arrive in this state. Safety must come first.
Our job: Create routines, predictability, and calm presence.
🔵 Emotional State:
Connection is the bridge. Many MLs have experienced fractured relationships and interrupted schooling.
Our job: Build trust and belonging through eye contact, names, greetings, and consistent care.
🟢 Executive State:
Only when safety and connection are in place can students begin to engage in rich problem-solving and learning.
Our job: Model curiosity, co-regulate, and scaffold reflection.
2025 SPARK TEACHERS
Jackie Chapman | Amanda Ertmer | Erica Perez-Montez | Haley Murphy
jacqueline.chapman@oshkosh.k12.wi.us | Amanda.ertmer@oshkosh.k12.wi.us | erica.perez-montez@oshkosh.k12.wi.us | HaleyR.Murphy@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
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