Thursday, June 25, 2009

Happy Birthday SPARK!

“It was 20 years ago today, Dr. Sallis taught the band to play.”

Can you believe it, SPARK is 20 years old! Back in June 1989, Drs. Sallis and McKenzie received funding to start the original research project. Their very first employee was Kecia Carrasco, who began as the office manager; and today, Kecia is SPARK’s Fiscal Manager. One of the two first PE specialists hired, B.J. Williston, is still contributing to SPARK content as a co-author of our K-2 and 3-6 manuals, and she’s working on the next edition of SPARK Middle School PE. We have over 10 trainers that have been conducting SPARK workshops for more than a decade, and many other employees that have been “SPARKing” for over 5 years. Jim and Thom hired me in August 1990 to be the Head Teacher in the research study, and it has been a great ride.

All of us “SPARKers,” past and present – hope you’ll continue to be a part of our growing family. Speaking for Jim, Thom, and all of us on the SPARK team – THANK YOU for a great 20 years.

“Dr. Sallis’ lonely SPARKclub band.”

-Paul Rosengard

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