SPARC

**Welcome to SPARC 2012**

**__For those who still need to complete initial paperwork, FOLLOW THESE TWO STEPS: __**
 * 1) **Submit your proposal by clicking here** Use your Google Docs/School login info.Note: you must be logged out of your personal gmail first.
 * 2) Meet with your counselor to complete the Graduation Checklist and sign the Liability Release form (available below). These are due to Ms. Sturma NOW.

[|SPARC_GraduationChecklist_11-12.doc]

[|SPARC_LiabilityRelease_11-12.doc]

Here is the fact sheet that is helpful to share with employers: [|SPARC_FactSheet_NewtonNorthHS.doc]

__ **Documents from Accepted Students Meeting on December 12, 2011** __

**Grading Scheme - Explains all components of SPARC to earn letter grade** [|SPARC_Grading_Scheme_11-12.doc]

**Internship Agreement Form - To be completed by you and internship site. Due to Ms. Sturma on January 12, 2012** [|SPARC_InternshipAgreementForm_11-12.doc]

**SPARC Information to use when contacting colleges** [|SPARCInfo_Colleges_11-12.doc]

__** Blog Information from January 5, 2012 Meeting **__

Each fifteen-hour week of the internship will be accompanied by a reflective blog entry. The internship will be **__17__** weeks. Blog postings will be valued at **__5__** points each. Postings must be completed by the Sunday at the end of the week by midnight. Entries should be 200-250 words at a minimum. Blog topics for weeks 1, 8, and 15 will be specified. Entries for the other weeks can be loosely based on the provided “Questions to Consider.”

Link to SPARC 2012 Blog (BOOKMARK THIS): [|SPARC 2012 Blog]

=SPARC is ... =

S.P.A.R.C. is the __S__enior __P__rogram of __A__lternatives to __R__egular __C__lasses. In this program, students participate in internships during the second semester of their senior year. The SPARC Internships provide opportunities for personal growth as well as career exploration. SPARC interns gain direct experience in a particular field of interest by working with professionals already in that field. They gain countless real-life skills including learning how to work both independently and with others, decision-making, prioritizing, and keeping current with the industry. The program has been an NNHS original since 1985.

SPARC Internships provide opportunities to:
- explore a career before making a commitment to it - obtain relevant work experience and skills - help people in need or support a worthy cause - develop decision-making skills and promote self confidence - achieve a greater understanding of relationships on the job

SPARC candidates must be in good academic standing. Students are expected to have completed the majority of their graduation requirements before registering for the program. Students typically complete the last of their graduation requirements (e.g. English) by continuing some of their courses during the 2nd semester. SPARC interns must agree to participate in an internship for a minimum of 25 hours per week.

SPARC internship requirements include:
- regular conferences with school-based SPARC Advisor - regular attendance at internship placement - regular attendance at SPARC seminars - weekly BLOG - completed resume and cover letter - evaluations and site visit -a summative on-campus presentation for students and faculty

Questions about SPARC may be directed to: Kyra Bateman School Counselors Room 110D (617) 559-6251 ||
 * Rachel Sturma and