Sparkle Arts & Computer Literacy Center Handbook

PURPOSE

THERE’S NO ONE DISCIPLINE, WE PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT, SO THAT THEY CAN DISCOVER THEMSELVES –

 

HISTORY

 

Sparkle was created in 1975 in Fairfield, Al and is a community based performance arts and computer literacy company that teaches young people the mechanics of building self-esteem by introducing them to the arts and computers.  In 1981, Sparkle relocated to New York to continue to grow within the art and community development areas.  From our base on Long Island, we worked with young adults in the tri-state area and did tours that extended our expertise through association with similar organizations in Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, D. C.  In 1987, they relocated to Houston and received proclamations from Mayor Katherine Whitmire for their work in community development.  In 1991, they returned home and with the assistance from a grass root level in the community they have grown in the past five years and now have expanded services into the Jefferson County area.  More that 500 young adults ranging from the ages of 6 years to 26 years have passed through Sparkle and we did it all with private donations and contributions.

            They have been working within the structure of the Fairfield School system since the inception of our first theater production in 1991, that highlighted the talents of students in all five of our schools and was rewarded with a Proclamation from Mayor Larry Langford.  In 1991, with funding from the Fairfield City Council, Incorporated computers into our positive image programs.  Initially based in each of the three elementary schools, the program expanded into the Forest Hills Middle School and as more parents became familiar with the program, we moved to the Fairfield Community Center and expanded our arts program to include a five-day, three hour computer literacy and tutoring program for our ‘93-94 season.  A close and very intimate working relationship with the community and schools has rewarded both the students that we have taught and their parents.

            Cultural and Educational tours we have taken include: Samford University, Khafra Engineering Consultants, Birmingham Museum o Art, Atlanta.  The Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.  In 1994, a four day Jazz and Cultural tour of New Orleans in 1995, a five day cultural trip to New Orleans & Houston’s Johnson Space Center; and 1996,  a five-day trip to New Orleans culminating in a theater production benefiting ‘The Amistad Research Center at Tulane University. In 1997, a 3128 mile academic and cultural feast, New York Images, 6 days and 5 nights, New York city, and Long Island, upstate to Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls, across Canada to Detroit, Mi and then on to Lansing, Mi. to Michigan State University, a really great tour.

 

1998 brought us back to first love, New Orleans and First Steps Online was created, a 10 week computer summer program that took students from turning on a computer to the creation of their first web-site. and a live chat from New Orleans & Houston and a Proclamation from the mayors office and pictures at Houston’s City Hall.2000 Academic trip 2001 was to Disney World to the Galaxy Stage of the Magic Kingdom for the Magic Nights production and a proclamation from Mayor Glenda Hood of Orlando, Fla.  March 12th 2002 the Center was destroyed by fire and ‘Project Rebirth’ was created to rebuild and relocate the Learning Center. April 28th 2002 ‘Remember the Time’ production was performed at The Vestavia Hills Civic Center and Sparkle received a proclamation from Mayor Charles McCallum. May 1st 2002, 48 days after the ‘Fire’, The Sparkle Center for the Arts & Computer Literacy II opened it’s doors on our after school program and June 3rd 2002 begins Sparkle’s Summer 2k2 Program with the Learning Center again online and on time and providing full time services to the communities and youth of Jefferson County.

 

The Project

 

A five-year effort to establish a 21st century learning environment for young artists/students

 

        To enable artistically gifted and talented students, broadly representative of the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of the state, to receive intensive training in the arts through a multidisciplinary program;

        To provide Computer Based Training to students from k – adult in academic and business software applications

              To provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and the commercial and fine arts institutions in Alabama;

              To establish a model for partnerships between the public and private sectors.

 

 

 

 

MISSION

 

The mission of SPARKLE is to annually provide a select number of Jefferson County students of the visual, literary, performing, cultural and media arts with an intensive learning experience conducted by distinguished arts professionals, designed to enhance the students' artistic skills and to develop their understanding as individuals of their potential for growth as creative artists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By fulfilling its mission SPARKLE will:

 

   Provide recognition, distinction and professional training in the arts to a broadly recruited student body of talented students in a scope and manner not available anywhere else in Jefferson County.

   Establish an educational and arts community of professional artists and talented students that offers computer base training balanced with performing arts and cultural arts

   Opportunities to enhance the student’s skills for creative risk taking, imaginative discipline, critical thinking, collaborative problem solving and leadership.

   Ensure that the Program's student body, faculty and curriculum are reflective and sensitive to Jefferson County's diverse cultural heritage.

   Support and encourage each student's singular capacity for creative accomplishment and the importance of the group/team/family dynamics.

   Provide an educational link with institutions of higher learning, major performing arts companies, commercial and fine arts institutions, in the film, television and recording industries in Jefferson County for students wishing to pursue careers in the arts.

   Establish models for excellence in arts and computer base education and direct attention to the need for high quality arts and computer literacy programs in all Jefferson County communities.

   Enhance the overall cultural climate of Jefferson County by training future student artists, who will contribute back to the company and their communities and become advocates for the Arts and Computer Base Training.

   Help to ensure the long-term development of artists for the arts, entertainment and information technology industries

 

It is our expectation that some SPARKLE students will become professional artists and technology professionals. Others will go on to apply their creative skills in other professions. The goal of SPARKLE is to provide an educational experience and learning environment that goes beyond the general practices and provide improvement of aesthetics and technique. We want to broaden our students' understanding of their creative potentials, regardless of their eventual life paths.

 

 

STUDENTS

The Program is open to students from more than 15 public and private secondary schools in Jefferson County. In addition, SPARKLE may accept up to twenty students per year from outside of Jefferson County. The sole criteria for admission are an applicant's potential for professional development as demonstrated through audition, portfolio review, screening and teacher recommendations. The SPARKLE admission process is "needs blind", that is, no applicant is denied entrance solely on the basis of inability to pay. The SPARKLE student body is broadly representative of the wide economic, cultural and ethnic diversity of the state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RULES AND POLICIES OF SPARKLE

 

RULES

When you arrive at Sparkle, you are joining a community. In any community, a certain amount of organization or structure is required. This structure protects the rights of the individual and promotes community spirit and cooperation. Rules have been developed to conform to accepted standards of social and residential life behavior, existing laws and common sense. Please conduct yourself with appropriate respect for other individuals' rights and properties. You represent SPARKLE at all times. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student involved in the following misconduct:

 

    Possession and/or use of drugs or alcohol

    Possession, use, or discharge of a weapon

    Physical violence, intimidation, threats or harassment directed towards any Sparkle student, teacher or staff        member

    Vandalism

    Theft of possessions of fellow students, staff or property [personal   items, music, costumes, software, routines, props of Sparkle

    Involvement in any illegal action

    Leaving the Sparkle center without written permission

    Leaving a class/program

    Inviting visiting guests into Center without permission

    Entering the Design Construction areas: restricted to Company {Advance}        students.

    Entering Office Area without permission or accompanied by a Staff person.

    Unexcused absence or tardiness from classes, rehearsals, workshops or performances

*      Inability to function adequately in class due to lack of sleep or proper eating habit

*      Performances outside Sparkle Dance Company strictly prohibited without written authorization.

*      Repeated infractions of the Center's rules

*      Conduct or behavior that is unacceptable by community or family values.

*      Disruption of classes, performances or other Program activities.

*      Unethical or immoral behavior that result in production changes or loss.

    You are responsible to pay Sparkle for costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees, which shall be fixed by a court in any action brought by Sparkle, for the recovery of any damages you caused.

    Open flames (including candles and incense), combustible decorations, chemicals, multiple electrical adapters and ungrounded electrical, appliances are prohibited in student areas.

    Each student must clean his/her changing space every Thursday evening of the SPARKLE program. The Dressing Room Assistant will set up a time schedule accommodating all students on the floor. The Dressing Room Assistant will also complete an individual space inspection by the end of the evening.

 

 

 

 

Special Note to SPARKLE students who are

18 years old or older and their parents:

When you accept the offer of admission to SPARKLE, you agree to abide by all of Sparkle’s Rules and Policies despite the fact that these may be more restrictive than you are accustomed to in your home environment. If you feel that these rules are too burdensome, difficult, or invasive of your privacy, then you should reconsider your decision to attend the Program.

 

 

SECTION II: Rules and Policies of Sparkle

Disciplinary Action

 

Students participating in the Sparkle program are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to module workshops/classes. Disciplinary action in response to infractions of Sparkle rules is left to the discretion of the Center, which reserves the right to take all actions it considers to be in the best interest of the student, the student body and the Center. Should any student's behavior violate any of Sparkle rules, formal disciplinary action will occur as follows:

   COUNSELING: When discipline problems occur the Director or Deputy Director, faculty member or other Sparkle staff will counsel students

        .

   DOCUMENTATION, MEETING WITH ADMINISTRATORS: If counseling is deemed insufficient by staff, the student's behavior will be documented in writing and Sparkle administrators will be informed of the infraction. The student will be scheduled for a meeting with the Director or Deputy Director and appropriate staff and/or faculty. After ascertaining the facts of the situation, the Director or the Deputy Director will determine whether probation and parental notification are warranted.

   PROBATION AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION: If in the opinion of the Director or Deputy Director the infraction is serious, the student will be placed on indefinite suspension until such time the Director and the parent or guardian can meet and the issue resolved. Second offense will result in probation. A student placed on probation will be expelled from Sparkle in the event of any subsequent documented infraction.

   EXPULSION FROM SPARKLE: If such an infraction occurs, staff and the Director will document it or Deputy Director will be informed. Within 24 hours the student will meet with the Director or Deputy Director and appropriate staff. If the Director or Deputy Director is satisfied that the infractions documented by staff have in fact been committed by a student on probation, then that student shall be expelled from the program. The student's parents or guardian will be contacted to make arrangements for the student's return home. If Sparkle arranges transportation, the parent or guardian is responsible and expected to reimburse Sparkle in full for all travel costs. A dismissal letter indicating the cause of expulsion shall be sent to the student's parents and school. Expulsion is at the absolute discretion of the Sparkle Administration.

 

 

 

 

NO REFUND of fees or award of program credit will be made to a student who has been expelled from Sparkle.

THESE PROCEDURES NOTWITHSTANDING, ANY SPARKLE STUDENT FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED THE RULES PERTAINING TO POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, POSSESSION OF WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION, THEFT OR VANDALISM, SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY EXPELLED FROM THE SCHOOL UPON THE FIRST INFRACTION. IN ADDITION, ANY STUDENT WHO, IN THE OPINION OF THE  DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON, HAS SERIOUSLY BREACHED THE RULES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THAT DEPARTMENT REGARDING HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, THE PRIVACY AND RIGHTS OF OTHER STUDENTS, OR APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, MAY ALSO BE EXPELLED FROM SPARKLE UPON THE FIRST INFRACTION. NO REFUND OF FEES OR AWARD OF PROGRAM CREDIT WILL BE MADE TO A STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN EXPELLED FROM SPARKLE.

 

Leaving the Center

Any student who must leave the Center, other than for a Sparkle sponsored activity, must have written permission from their parent or guardian on file in Sparkle’s Office. Without any exceptions, there will be no off Center passes issued without written permission. Your parent or guardian must, in advance of the weekly class/program, complete the “Off-Center Permission” form and return it along with your other registration forms to the Sparkle Office twenty-four(24)hours prior to excuse Off-Center trip. If this form is not on file with Sparkle’s Office, any plans you have may be cancelled.

 

NOTE: Off-Center trips are not encouraged. If you know in advance that you have a conflict with this policy, you might want to consider a different program as exceptions to this rule are few. In the event of a family emergency, your parent or guardian must contact the Sparkle Director or Deputy Director.

 

SECTION II: Rules and Policies of Sparkle

 

Class Participation

The primary reason for your coming to Sparkle is to grow as an artist through the academic and

Interdisciplinary program in classes, workshops, rehearsals and the experiences provided by performances, exhibits and co-curricular activities. You have an extraordinary opportunity to work with master teachers and artists in the studio, on stage and on the computer’s online environment.

Class attendance is both a privilege and an obligation. In order to fully profit from the Sparkle program, it is absolutely essential that you take advantage of ALL planned activities. Students are expected to attend all classes, performances, workshops and other activities, which are part of their primary areas of study.

Programs and activities for which attendance is optional will be clearly indicated. Excessive, unexplained absences will lead to disciplinary action, loss of program credit or dismissal.

A fundamental element of class participation is abiding by all rules and instructions issued by individual adult and student teachers. Failure to follow instructions given and/or failure to observe restrictions on subject matter or methodologies will result in disciplinary action, and may result in expulsion.

 

 

 

 

E-Mail

E-mail is available to students for the summer 2k2 program! We recommend that Sparkle students create a personal address at hotmail.com, juno.com, email.com, mail.yahoo.com or one of the other free e-mail services before the start of the fall session. This address should be given to friends and family members.

Students can access their e-mail accounts from the internet work stations in the First Steps Online Office during regular Center hours.

 

Website

Parents may visit our website for program updates and information. The address is

http://sparklelearningcenter.com/.

 

Conference/Lecture Studio 1

Access to books, films, videos, slides and recordings will be made available to students. Students are to respect the standards concerning quiet study and no food is allowed in Studio 1. Circulating books, scores and other materials must be returned to Studio 1 on or before Fridays. Students may utilize the materials within the boundaries of Studio 1. Students are responsible for payment for lost or damaged books/CD’s/tapes before leaving Center. Failure to do so may jeopardize eligibility for program credits and attendance.

 

 

 

STUDIO II - HOURS

MONDAY- THURSDAY  6 P.M. - 8 P.M.

FRIDAYS     3 P.M. - 6 P.M.

SATURDAY   1 P.M. - 4 P.M.