SPARC National Conference 2024 has ended

Create Your Own Event

SPARC National Conference 2024

Advancing independent schools through auxiliary program excellence

8:30am MST

Welcome and Opening Comments

Monday October 7, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am MST

Led by Executive Director, Nat Saltonstall, this opening session will set the tone for the conference ahead and inspire attendees to make the most of their time together.

Speakers

Nat Saltonstall

Executive Director, SPARC

Nat Saltonstall is recognized as a leading expert in the field of independent school summer and auxiliary programming. Over the past 25+ years, Nat has developed and directed multiple high performing summer programs at several independent schools while also providing targeted guidance... Read More →

Monday October 7, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am MST
SoHo 1 and 2

General Session

9:15am MST

SPARC Ignite Opening Session

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST

Speakers

Michael Brandwein

Speaker | Educator | Author, Michael Brandwein

Michael (michaelbrandwein.com) is a nationally award-winning expert on youth development and training for camps, schools, and other youth programs. His reputation is international: He has presented in all 50 states and on six of the seven continents. Michael is the number one best-selling... Read More →

Monday October 7, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am MST
SoHo 1 and 2

General Session

8:30am MST

2024 Excellence in Auxiliary Awards

Tuesday October 8, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am MST

Each year, SPARC recognizes individuals and organizations for their exemplary work and outstanding contributions to the field of independent school auxiliary programs. Recipients have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas: Distinguished leadership within the field of auxiliary programs at the school, local, or national level characterized by strategic vision, integrity, collaboration, and innovation; commitment to dynamic, high-quality educational practice; innovation, creativity, and success in auxiliary program design; significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within auxiliary programming; exemplary service to the SPARC community through being a role model, supporter, or mentor to peers. This year, we're excited to present Excellence in Auxiliary Awards to members of the SPARC community.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am MST
SoHo 1 and 2

General Session

9:00am MST

SPARC Ignite Session

Tuesday October 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am MST

Speakers

Nat Saltonstall

Executive Director, SPARC

Nat Saltonstall is recognized as a leading expert in the field of independent school summer and auxiliary programming. Over the past 25+ years, Nat has developed and directed multiple high performing summer programs at several independent schools while also providing targeted guidance... Read More →

David Sullivan

Senior Advisor, SPARC

David began his career in education as an instructor, then Director, at Explo and later was on the faculty at Milton Academy and Northfield Mount Hermon School. For the last 23 of his 36 year career, he led The Brooklin School and Breakwater Learning, the latter being an educational... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am MST
SoHo 1 and 2

General Session

3:45pm MST

1 - After School Engagement of Middle and High School Students

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Learn about how Armbrae Academy developed an innovative approach that elevates after school programming by awarding graduation credits to middle and upper school students. The program successfully engages middle and upper school students with educational, leadership, service learning, and employment opportunities. Come hear how the program works and take away concrete information that may support the development of your own program!

Speakers

Ashley Matthews-Duffett

Director of Auxiliary Programmes, Armbrae Academy

Little about myself I have been the Director of Auxiliary Programmes for 5 years at Armbrae Academy. I am responsible for all aspects outside of the academic day. Many of those areas include our Afterschool programme, Co-Curricular programming, camps, rentals and facility management... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

10 - It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

The great Warren Buffett once said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." Safety incidents, scandals, and negative publicity undermine the mission and value-driven work that builds an institution's reputation and prestige. Risk management and compliance might not be glamorous terms, but they are critical to brand and reputation protection. Prevention is the goal, but when problems arise, managing the situation effectively is crucial to protecting the school's brand and maintaining trust with parents, students, and the community. We will provide unique insight and experience with risk management, the importance of compliance, and how to communicate when things go wrong.

Speakers

Michael Mastrullo

Co-Founder, ArxEd

As the Co-Founder and CEO of ArxEd, leading provider of innovative online training solutions, Mike Mastrullo is dedicated to transforming traditional systems with modern solutions. Under his leadership, ArxEd develops engaging, mobile-friendly training that equips counselors and staff... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

11 - Make Them Capable

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Are you tired of constantly being bombarded with problems and issues from your team members, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and drained? In this empowering conference session, we'll explore how you, as a leader, can shift from being a problem-solver to a capability-builder, fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability within your team.

Too often, staff members rely on their leaders to solve every problem that arises, creating a bottleneck of dependency and stifling individual growth. In "Make Them Capable," we'll delve into strategies for breaking this cycle by empowering your team members to take ownership of their challenges and develop the skills and confidence to address them effectively.

We'll discuss the critical distinction between helping versus solving, emphasizing the importance of guiding team members through the problem-solving process rather than simply providing quick fixes. Through interactive exercises and case studies, participants will learn practical techniques for coaching and mentoring their team members to developing their problem-solving abilities and becoming more self-reliant.

Furthermore, we'll explore the art of giving and receiving feedback as a cornerstone of building capability within your team. Effective feedback mechanisms provide invaluable opportunities for growth and development, enabling individuals to learn from their experiences and continually improve their performance. Participants will gain insights into best practices for delivering constructive feedback that inspires growth and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Speakers

Kate Vizen

Director of Student Life & Strategic Programming, Inly School

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

12 - Mixed Age Groups: How to Engage Students with Various Ages and Abilities Within the Same Program, Curriculum, or Lesson

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Have you ever had issues with implementing curriculum and lesson plans when you have mixed ages in your class? How do we successfully present an activity or concept that will be engaging and challenging for a 4th grader without leaving the Kindergartener behind and struggling? This Session will be all about running a successful after school/enrichment program when you have varying ages and cognitive abilities. Tips and tricks to keep everyone stimulated and engaged including class prep, accommodations, scaffolding, behavior management, and more! Join me for a presentation then jump into the conversation to share additional experiences and ideas in this interactive workshop!

Speakers

Annalace (Lacey) LeFevre

Curriculum Director, Parker-Anderson Enrichment

With a career spanning over a decade in the field of education, Lacey LeFevre began as a preschool teacher in 2010 while pursuing an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. During this time, Lacey earned multiple Child Development Skill Certificates, including Associate... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

13 - Pricing and Profitability

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Welcome to the business side of the Auxiliary World. We are all the content creators and implementors of programs, but when it comes to financing a class or camp, we all find it difficult to make decisions. How do we charge families more for one class or camp over another? Do we pay some teachers more than others? Is there a school policy on how much to pay vendors? We will discuss these questions and others as we explore how to set pricing and strategically price classes. I will share what we do at our school and how we have tweaked our process over the years. We will cover Pk-8th grade programming, but I believe the model/information will also work for high schools.

Speakers

Kevin Lee

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Chinese American Internation School

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

14 - Productivity Hacks for the Overworked and Overwhelmed

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Packed full of immediate tips, tricks, tools, and techniques, this session will explore how to be more productive and streamline your work day so you can focus on what really matters using personal information management, kanban, automation and more. What will you do with all the time you'll save?

Speakers

Jonathan Schmid

Chief Innovation Officer, Meadowbrook School of Weston

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

15 - Summer Camp Branding Checkup

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Is your summer camp's branding in need of a checkup? From logos to color palettes to typography, join us as we dive into the vibrant world of branding and explore the essential elements that make unforgettable visual identities! During this SPARCburst, we'll guide you through an examination of your current camp branding, helping you identify your brand's strengths and diagnose areas that need a creative remedy. By the end of our session, you'll not only understand what makes an outstanding visual identity, but you'll also have practical tools and insights to elevate your camp above the competition, supercharge your participants' engagement, strengthen camp loyalty, and generate a healthy boost in your enrollment!

Speakers

Michael Carmody

Founder, Make It Campy

Michael Carmody is a Brand Identity Developer for summer camps and auxiliary programs. After earning his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2011, Michael transitioned into the world of summer camps, serving as the Director of Camp Experience and Community Engagement for Rally... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

16 - Three Supervision Tools You Can Use Tomorrow

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Learn about three concrete supervision strategies that all connect together and are simple to learn and implement. Foster leadership, autonomy, and clarity with your staff!

Speakers

David Sullivan

Senior Advisor, SPARC

David began his career in education as an instructor, then Director, at Explo and later was on the faculty at Milton Academy and Northfield Mount Hermon School. For the last 23 of his 36 year career, he led The Brooklin School and Breakwater Learning, the latter being an educational... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

17 - Understanding the Value of Your Data

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

In this SPARCburst, come and understand the value of your data. Understand the why behind gathering certain information. Discuss what can be done once you have that data. Explore how your data can help you grow your programs. Take away key metrics that you should look for within your data. Finally, discuss who else can benefit from the data on your team.

Speakers

Jeff Bowman

Director of Sales, CampBrain

CampBrain provides web-based management and registration software to the summer and auxiliary programs market. Serving 1800+ organizations (600+ Schools) since 1994, we have a dedicated team of 55+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

18 - Unveiling Trends in the Auxiliary Programs Space: A Comprehensive Analysis

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Join us as we delve into the world of enrichment classes and explore their popularity. Are you curious about the most sought-after classes? Wondering when is the optimal time to open enrollment for maximum participation? Are there geographical variations?

In this session, we will unveil invaluable insights gathered from across the auxiliary program space through our partnership with hundreds of schools. Through a meticulous analysis of enrollment trends and geographic nuances, we'll uncover the patterns shaping the landscape of enrichment class participation.

Speakers

Michelle Neuringer

Head of Product, Homeroom

Michelle Neuringer is a dynamic product leader, creator, and mentor with over two decades of experience in technology and design. She has held key roles at Mindbody, Booker and Salesforce, where she honed her skills in product development and leadership. Currently, as the Head of... Read More →

Casandra Stewart

CEO, Homeroom

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

19 - Using AI in the Auxiliary World

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

AI can help us in more ways than one. Not only can it help with making an email sound better, it can generate stickers and logos. Learn how Pine Crest School has started playing with AI. Come chat about suggestions for AI usage - in emails, sharing an account with your team, creating logos and stickers, and developing hashtags, to name a few.

Speakers

Jana Blackwell

Executive Director of Community Engagement, Pine Crest School

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

2 - Best of Both Worlds: Running In-House and External Programs To Maximize Non-Tuition Revenue and Enhance Experience

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Often, schools take an either-or approach to auxiliary programs, either bringing in external partners to provide programs or running their own in-house offerings. Many worry that an outside vendor will draw scholars and dollars away from their internal programs. In this session, we will consider how schools might strategically implement both in-house and external programs to maximize non-tuition revenue. We look at some success stories, discuss various models, and share some questions to consider as you explore external partners to augment in-house programs.

Speakers

Callie Rae McCarthy

School Partnerships Director, Steve & Kate's Camp

Melanie Tumlin

Strategic Partnerships, Steve & Kate's Camp

Ask me about how Steve & Kate's Camp collaborates with schools and plays well with other programs! (Or ask me about tiny houses - I build those too!)

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

3 - Beyond the Classroom: How Student Travel Enriches Campus Connections for Auxiliary Leaders

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Learn how current SPARC partners have leveraged student travel to benefit cross-campus relationships, create immersive experiences for their students, supplement revenue, and offer an alternative to on-campus summer programming.

Speakers

Margot Frederick

National Account Executive, NationsClassroom

I'm an avid traveler and former teacher/volleyball coach who finally feels like I’m doing what I am supposed to do when I grow up! NationsClassroom allows me to connect with teachers to ultimately impact the lives of students with travel experiences. Travel has profoundly influenced... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

4 - Camp Concierge Service

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

This session would be especially beneficial to programs that provide a variety of specialty camps for families to choose from. Through providing a "camp concierge" service, you are creating ways to connect with your customer, showing that your camps can fit their needs, and increasing awareness about programs that might otherwise be overlooked or are lacking in enrollment.

Speakers

Lindsay Quinn

Director of Auxiliary Programs, Roland Park Country School

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

5 - DEI Champions: Starting a Committee and Engaging Stakeholders

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Let's Bake a Cake Together! Do you have DEI goals and passionate community members, but you aren't sure how to bring them together in a way that gets everyone on board? Drawing on the stages of group formation, completing a SWOT analysis for your organization, and determining who sits where in your Spheres of Influence, we will explore ways to engage passionate colleagues, call in community stakeholders, and set goals for DEI work to feel actionable, sustainable, and more than just the frosting on the cake. We’ll ask questions like: what kind of cake are we baking (what are we hoping to achieve), how big is it (how long will these initiatives take), who determines the ingredients (what stakeholders are involved), are there any allergies (anything off limits), who does the mixing and baking, who does the frosting, who do you get to share the cake with?

Speakers

Laurel Hollen-Forbes

National Director, Steve & Kate's Camp

Tyler Rosati

Camp Director, Steve & Kate's Camp

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

6 - End the Loneliness of Auxiliary: How to Integrate Your Department and Yourself with Your School

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Auxiliary began as an afterthought at most schools, so many schools are still catching up on how to incorporate auxiliary and those employees. You work at a school for a reason: community!!

Learn to increase/maximize your visibility! You'll discover how to discuss your visibility through proper channels all the way to the top (supervisor, eventually with Head of School; your desire to be visible is a good thing!) We'll cover individual visibility: carline, lunch duty, recess duty, field trips, subbing, and more! Make sure your programs are visible to the rest of the school community (parent, student, faculty, and administrative).

Learn the benefits of collaborating with: Communications, Advancement, Business, DEI, Admissions, Technology, Facilities, and Head of School.

Main takeaways:

Maximizing your visibility as an individual can increase your department’s visibility
Maximizing your department’s visibility can spread awareness and understanding
Working to include inter-departmental collaboration as a job expectation can help support auxiliary departments in myriad ways
Wanting visibility is a good thing; advocating for your position doesn’t have to be mutually inclusive with advocating for yourself

We'll have time at end for group involvement to share anecdotal best practices and questions.

Speakers

Mason Kaye

Assistant Director Auxiliary Programs, Meadowbrook School of Weston

I spend 44 weeks of the year planning the best 8 weeks of summer I can! I love working in auxiliary and being connected to a school community year-round. Ask me about my carline...

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

7 - Exploring Grant Funding to Enhance Summer Camp Goals and Strategies

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the intricacies of securing grants at the local and state levels to support scholarships, supplies, and staffing. Discover the myriad benefits of grant funding, from enhancing financial stability to expanding access to quality programs through scholarships. However, we'll also explore the challenges and potential drawbacks, such as the complex application process, stringent regulations, and the risk of dependency on temporary funding sources. Through real-life examples and expert guidance, we'll navigate the pros and cons of grant acquisition, empowering camp leaders to make informed decisions and develop effective funding strategies. Whether you're a seasoned grant seeker or new to the process, this session promises valuable insights to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of your summer camp programs.

Speakers

Sheri Shea

Director Summer Camps/Auxiliary Program Director, Kingswood Oxford School

Job includes Director of Camp KO summer and schoolyear programming, facility rentals, school store management and coaching.

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

8 - Harmonizing Success: Building a Transformative Music School and Auxiliary Program

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

In this engaging session, learn the top five tips for running a successful music school, including the critical role of selecting the right instructors, and how to establish a reputable music auxiliary program. Dr. Dakoli will offer actionable insights on fostering creativity, improving student outcomes, and creating lasting community connections—all through the power of music. Join her for an inspiring talk that will leave you motivated to elevate your music auxiliary program and collaborate for greater success!

Speakers

Elida Dakoli

Founder/Director, DIMA Texas

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

3:45pm MST

9 - Influencer Marketing

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Looking for a new marketing idea? Join us as we share our experience working with two mommy influencers this summer.

Speakers

Laura Kelly

CEO & Founder, Dean Adventure Camps

The Handwork Studio is a nationally recognized organization that centers on handwork education.We empower children, families, and communities through experiential learning. We encourage children to develop pride during their creative journey by being kind to themselves and others... Read More →

Tuesday October 8, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

SPARCbursts

11:30am MST

SPARC Onward

Wednesday October 9, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm MST

Wrap up your conference experience with a closing session focused on reflection and important action steps as you head back to your schools.

Wednesday October 9, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm MST
SoHo 1 and 2

General Session