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Special Programs

Special Programs provide opportunities for students to grow and develop beyond what the regular school day offers.  Programs focus on closing the achievement gap among student groups including low-income, first-generation college, and minority students as well as students who need extra time or support.

Special Programs include

  • Grant funded programming beyond the regular school day
  • Business and community partnerships that assist at-risk students and/or work to close the achievement gap
  • Local Management Board funded programs
  • After school mentoring

List of Programs:

After School Mentoring Program

This program provides one-on-one and/or small group mentoring to elementary and middle school students in St. Mary's County Public Schools.  Volunteer mentors are always needed to assist with this program.  Look at the After School Mentoring page for more information.

The Spark Initiative

Speaking to the Potential, Ability & Resilience Inside Every Kid

S.P.A.R.K.

The mission of the S.P.A.R.K. After School Program is to promote a positive mentoring relationship between students in St. Mary's County Schools (SMCPS), and community members.  The S.P.A.R.K. curriculum is based on the psychology of the human experience and can be explained through three universal principles:  Mind, Thought, and Consciousness.  This research based program plays a significant impact in our schools and community.

Staff and volunteers working to empower our students to utilize their leadership capability and creativity to give back to their community.  The S.P.A.R.K. curriculum untilizes mentor to peer collaboration to build meaningful relationships designed to uncover student resilience and potential.  With the support of staff, and community volunteers, students have the opportunity to participate in fun, interactive, and meaningful projects, field trips, and other activities which help build social, emotional, and academic skills.

For more information on After School Mentoring or for assistance with involving your student, please contact Terri Cox, Supervisor of Student Services and Special Programs at tjcox@smcps.org.