ABOUT US
While central Arkansas has several other programs serving the at-risk child, we believe that P.A.R.K. is unique and extraordinary in several regards. We offer the following to every member:
Year-round weekly education program;
A five-year commitment to each child;
Weekly Bible Study to create a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ;
A community service component to mold productive citizens; and
Impressive recreational facilities entice the at-risk child into learning, studying, and giving.
Current P.A.R.K. programs
Academics: P.A.R.K.’s three main components are education, recreation, and community service, with education as the primary emphasis. P.A.R.K.'s goals are to raise each child's grade point average (GPA) to 3.0 or higher, to help each child develop the skills required to maintain a high GPA and to ensure that each child goes to college or takes advantage of other advanced learning opportunities.
After-School Program: From September through May, P.A.R.K.’s after-school program operates four days per week. Students ride school buses to P.A.R.K., where they eat a nutritious snack upon arrival. They are required to participate in an hour of academic studying, which can be completed through a variety of activities, including homework; research in the library; or working in the computer lab equipped with software designed to enhance skills in reading, math, and language arts.
Bible Study: Students participate in Friday Bible Studies during the school year to help create a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. Bible study is part of the summer learning for each group.
Recreation: Any student having satisfactory grades and completing the academic hour is granted access to our impressive recreational facilities. Recreational areas include a gym housing three basketball courts, a weight room, and a dance/aerobic area; a game room equipped with video games, as well as a pool table, fooze ball, and air hockey tables; and a women’s center where young ladies may style hair.
Summer Program: P.A.R.K. uses the summer to aggressively attack academic deficiencies. All entering students are required to complete this six-week program. Students attend P.A.R.K. 8-5, Monday through Friday. In the morning academic curriculum is introduced to students. After a nutritious lunch, students break into structured recreational activities- from speakers to physical fitness to educational field trips. Once these activities are complete, students are allowed into the various recreational facilities.
Community Service: Students are involved in every phase of community service through SPARK (Service by P.A.R.K.): identifying a need, developing a solution, planning and implementing the project, and evaluating their efforts. They develop valuable skills and are taught the importance of giving back to their community. Students are required to participate in community service to participate in specific incentives.
Incentives: Incentives sustain the student's interest and enthusiasm. The incentive program offered to students is called P.A.R.K. Performers, which allows a student to use points earned through attendance and academic participation to reserve a seat for various activities, including professional basketball games, dinners out, and trips to the state fair. All points accumulate for an auction with items of the student's choice throughout the year.
Guardian Involvement: Guardians must participate in parent meetings, evaluate their child annually, and communicate with Student Life Managers regarding their child’s development. They are also encouraged to volunteer in an assortment of activities.
College Prep: We are committed to expanding the opportunities for our graduating students beyond their P.A.R.K. experience. Students in 10th-12th grade can become eligible for participation in the Ottenheimer Accelerated Learning Center. These students participate in college tours, ACT preparation, personal development workshops, guest speakers, and many more support services of the Educational Outreach Coordinator. These students are prepared to take advantage of scholarships and other post-secondary educational opportunities.