SPARK Summer 2025 Recap: Florence Howard Elementary School
SPARK Summer lit up learning in the Avenue once again, and at Florence Howard Elementary School, curiosity, creativity, and confidence were on full display from the very first moment.
Students were welcomed with music, bubbles, balloons, and lights to set the tone for a fun and engaging summer of learning. Each child received a SPARK Flight Kit, filled with colorful school supplies, earbuds, fun writing tools, and a little sweet treat motivation to start the day with a smile.
We are proud to recognize Airbus as the presenting sponsor of 2025 SPARK Summer Camp. By providing weekly incentives, hands-on learning tools, books, family learning backpacks, and field trip experiences, Airbus “Fueled Young Minds for Takeoff.” Their investment helped us make this summer unforgettable for students across the Avenue.
This was just the beginning of a summer filled with curiosity, growth, and learning.
Throughout the program, thanks to partners like Soccer4Life, Mobile Fire and Rescue Department, Alabama Power, and Mobile Ballet, students experienced unforgettable hands-on learning moments. From soccer drills and fire truck tours to electrifying science demos and expressive movement workshops, every day sparked curiosity and confidence.
Kicking It Off with Soccer4Life!
What started as a one-day visit turned into a summer-long PE highlight! Coach Z from Soccer4Life captured the hearts and minds of students at Florence Howard’s reading camp not just with soccer drills, but with life lessons, history quizzes, and games that kept all grade levels engaged. From chats about Gandhi to Nelson Mandela, Coach Z made learning as fun as play, proving sports can spark confidence, curiosity, and character.
Founded right here in Mobile, Soccer4Life has been transforming lives since 2002, empowering thousands of youth to reach their full potential on and off the field. We’re so grateful for Coach Z’s dedication.
Click here to learn more about Soccer4Life.
Art with Heart
This summer, our SPARK Art Club students at Florence Howard Elementary School learned how to tell stories without words, through layers, textures, and shape. Inspired by Juan Logan’s “Without Stopping” series currently on display at the Mobile Museum of Art, students created vibrant collages using African fabrics, glitter, maps, colorful paper, and more to explore memory, identity, and imagination.
Art Club was led by the incredibly talented Cherrelle Smith (aka Mrs. CeCe), a teaching artist we’re proud to continue partnering with through Mobile Arts Council and Amp Up Arts. Her impact on our students through visual storytelling is nothing short of inspiring.
Want to learn more about her work with us? Read about our partnership here:
https://www.fuseproject.org/news/amplifyingartsintheave
https://www.fuseproject.org/news/afterschoolart
Frios Incentives
We believe small things can make a big difference. During our first week of SPARK Summer at Florence Howard Elementary School, students were rewarded with a sweet surprise visit from the Frios Gourmet Pops truck as an incentive to show up every day! More than just a cool treat on a hot day, it was a celebration of their commitment, consistency, and effort.
Incentives like this may seem simple, but they spark motivation in powerful ways. They teach our students that hard work is recognized, that showing up matters, and that their success is worth celebrating.
Sound the Alarm for Fire Safety!
Things really heated up at Florence Howard Elementary School when Mobile Fire and Rescue Department’s Engine 3, B Shift (aka the downtown boys) rolled in for a special visit! Students learned life-saving fire safety tips like “get low, get down, get out,” then got a hands-on tour of the Fire Medic Truck and Fire Truck.
From sirens to stickers handed out by real firemen, it was a thrill-filled visit that left a lasting impression. We’re so thankful to our first responders for keeping our community safe and sparking inspiration in the next generation of heroes.
Electric Energy with Alabama Power
Our students at Florence Howard Elementary were charged up thanks to an exciting visit from our friends at Alabama Power! From lighting up red bulbs with potatoes and bananas to completing circuits with their own hands, students explored how electricity is generated, transferred and even how it can make your hair stand on end!
From plasma balls and static sparks to glove-on equipment challenges, every demo brought science to life in a fun, hands-on way. The best part? Our students walked away not just entertained but energized with new knowledge about the power all around them.
Thank you to Alabama Power Foundation for being such an engaging guest and a generous SPARK Summer sponsor. You didn’t just power the presentation; you helped power the potential in every student who was there by bringing the energy, fueling curiosity, and sparking wonder in every bright young mind.
Cooking Club Keeps It Fresh
Each week, SPARK Summer students rotate through Clubs. And when it’s Cooking Club day, excitement is always on the menu! Thanks to our friends at The Cookery Project (a partner we love working with all year), students learned the Food Traffic Light system — green “go” foods that fuel us, yellow “slow” foods to enjoy in balance, and red “whoa” treats to save for once-in-a-while moments. Then they rolled up their sleeves and put that know-how to work making a light, refreshing Grape Salad snack while learning that healthy eating can be both fun and delicious! Let’s just say: some grapes didn’t quite make it to the bowl… and that’s a win in our book.
Try it at home!
1 oz cream cheese (softened)
4 oz Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp agave
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup red seedless grapes, halved
½ cup green seedless grapes, halved
Chopped pecans & brown sugar to taste
Mix cream cheese, yogurt, agave & vanilla until smooth. Fold in grapes. Top with pecans & brown sugar. Eat, smile, repeat.
A Cool Break with Kona Ice
Students and teachers were treated to a fun surprise when the Kona Ice truck rolled up to campus! Shaved ice, bright colors, and shared smiles made for a sweet moment of connection and celebration during a busy week of SPARK learning. Treats like this help build community, boost morale, and remind everyone that hard work deserves a little joy along the way.
Movement, Meaning & Mobile Ballet
When Mobile Ballet visited SPARK Summer, students didn’t just learn dance steps. They discovered new ways to express themselves. Led by Artistic Director Katia Garza, Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez, and company performers, students learned about classical and contemporary ballet, the history of tutus (yes, “tutu” means bottom—cue giggles), and how movement can be a powerful tool for storytelling.
From mastering the six ballet positions to creating their own group choreography, students moved with focus, creativity, and joy. Even our most hesitant dancers found themselves leaping into the experience, proving that the arts truly move us all.
We’re so grateful to Mobile Ballet for bringing their time, talent, and heart to the classroom and for showing our students that dance is for everyone. To learn more about Mobile Ballet and their inspiring work in our community, visit mobileballet.org.
Growing Together with Girl Scouts
Our K–3rd grade girls had a joyful visit from the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, where they learned that friendship, courage, and kindness can bloom just like flowers. Led by Community Engagement Specialists Ashley Ponder and Brandi English, the girls sang songs, made puppets, and crafted colorful crowns inspired by the Daisy Flower Friends—each character teaching a different value, from honesty to helpfulness to making the world a better place.
With giggles, glue sticks, and a whole lot of heart, our students explored what it means to be a good friend and what it feels like to be part of something bigger. We’re so grateful to the Girl Scouts for helping our youngest learners grow their social-emotional skills and confidence, in a way that felt playful, purposeful, and full of possibility.
Protecting Our Place with Mobile Baykeeper
SPARK Summer students had the chance to dive into environmental learning with Mobile Baykeeper, and they made quite a splash! Education Director Valerie Longa and Education Coordinator Sabrina Atkinson led a creative, hands-on lesson all about the amazing biodiversity of Coastal Alabama and why protecting it matters.
From turtle facts and crawfish trivia (did you know Alabama has more turtle species than anywhere else in the U.S.?) to watershed models, “pollution tag,” and a spirited round of the Red Rover-style Seagrass Game, students explored the ways pollution affects our ecosystem and how they can be part of the solution. Whether it was sprinkling “trash,” pouring “pesticides,” or rooting themselves like seagrass, every activity connected play to purpose.
Huge thanks to Mobile Baykeeper for helping our students understand that keeping our water clean isn’t just science — it’s a responsibility we all share. Learn more about their mission at mobilebaykeeper.org.
Water Safety with USA Health
Cannonballs are a blast, but water safety makes the biggest splash! This summer, our students learned that while water can be fun, it’s also something we need to treat with respect. We want to give a big thank you to the amazing USA Health Children’s & Women’s Pediatric Emergency Department team for visiting SPARK Summer Camp and leading an interactive, hands-on lesson on water safety.
From pools and lakes to beaches and even bathtubs, students discussed all the places where water safety matters. They learned four key rules for staying safe: no running, no diving in shallow water, always swim with a buddy, and listen to the lifeguard. They also practiced how to properly wear a life jacket, making sure it was tight with all buckles and zippers secured, and learned how to signal for help by waving their hands.
The USA Health team made the lessons memorable through games and activities. After trying on life jackets, students raced on pool noodles and practiced tossing mini beach balls through a life preserver. Skits with student volunteers reinforced what to do in real-life situations, including staying calm and getting an adult’s help.
Learn more about the important work USA Health does at usahealthsystem.com.
Growing Together in Garden Club
At SPARK Summer, every week brings a new club to explore, and Garden Club is always a favorite. Led by our partners at Mobile Urban Growers through our partnership with Mobile Arts Council and Amp Up Arts, students got their hands dirty tending and weeding the garden, pulling fresh radishes, and planting cheerful sunflowers in our raised beds.
Because summer heat can be intense, we added an indoor art activity with Marnee Wiley to make sure the fun and learning continued in comfort. Students created their own “Garden Art Project Booklet,” tracing their hands and labeling each finger with the essentials for growing: soil, seeds, water, sun, and care. They decorated their pages to reflect what a garden gives back—fruits, vegetables, flowers, and friendship—and explored the idea of community.
Our young gardeners learned that a garden is more than plants. It is a place where we connect with nature, share what we grow, and enjoy time outside. From the soil that forms the foundation to the people who help it flourish, every garden is a community, and every community grows stronger when we care for it together.
Learn more about Mobile Urban Growers at mobileurbangrowers.org.
Stories that Spark Connection with Author Melody A. Patterson
SPARK Summer students welcomed children’s author Melody A. Patterson, whose books Genius and Harmony explore friendship, self-confidence, and the beauty of our differences. From kindergarten through fifth grade, students were captivated by her energy, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.
With the older grades, Melody introduced Genius, a character who is smart, creative, and a little nervous about starting school. Students learned about the role of an author and illustrator, played interactive listening games, and shared their own thoughtful definitions of autism. They celebrated the idea that our differences make us special. They also discovered Genius’s love for math, music, and science, and saw how he overcame his worries about fitting in.
Younger students were introduced to Harmony, a little girl who wears glasses. Melody led observation games, sang songs, and shared personal stories, including how her mother makes the best biscuits (definitely not the kind from a pop can). Students spotted playful details in the illustrations, like pairs of glasses hidden in the page numbers, and left feeling inspired and eager to read more.
Melody’s visit reminded students that reading can be both an adventure and a mirror that reflects their own lives. We are so grateful to her for making our SPARK Summer brighter. This visit was made possible through the generous donation of a local book club that wanted to invest in literacy. If you are looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community, we would love to connect with you!
All the World’s a Stage (Especially in Theater Club)
This year, we introduced something brand new to SPARK Summer - Theater Club, led by our friends at Sunny Side Theatre & Drama Camp Productions! From stage directions and blocking to improv games and teamwork, students got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a performance to life.
But more than that, they gained confidence, practiced communication, and even got to know some of their classmates a little better, all while having a blast. Judging by the laughter and creativity in the room, this club was a hit! We’re already looking forward to incorporating theater into the 2025–26 school year and giving even more students the chance to take the stage.
Readers’ Theater with Mr. Portella’s Class
Our rising 4th graders at Florence Howard Elementary School stepped into the spotlight during Readers’ Theater, combining what they learned in Theatre Club with classroom lessons in vocabulary and writing. Using words like “legendary,” “enchanted,” and “colossal,” students wrote their own plays and performed them for classmates, building confidence in public speaking and storytelling along the way.
Fuse Project staff even got a special sneak peek at these student-led productions, filled with similes, onomatopoeias, and plenty of creativity. These performances weren’t just fun — they were powerful moments of growth, showing how literacy, imagination, and collaboration can spark new skills and bold self-expression.
School Store Incentives
During the final week of SPARK Summer at Florence Howard Elementary School, our students got to shop the School Store as a reward for their hard work as part of our Student Incentive Program. In total, 86 students were recognized:
45 students showed growth and chose a fun trinket and a piece of candy.
41 students reached grade level and also got to pick out a special, bigger prize.
Altogether, we saw a 36% increase in students reading on grade level in just four weeks.
Several of these students also had perfect attendance, another factor that directly ties to their success (which we’ll share more about below).
What makes incentives like this so powerful? Research shows that reward systems spark motivation, reinforce effort, and make achievement feel tangible for students. When students connect hard work with a visible reward, they’re more likely to stay engaged, persist through challenges, and build the confidence to keep improving. For our Avenue students, it’s not just about the candy or the prize; it’s about seeing themselves succeed and being celebrated for it.
And the best part? The smiles on their faces. It truly felt like one of the best days of summer. We heard several students say things like “This is the best day ever!”
Perfect Attendance Donut Dance Party
Consistency pays off! This summer, 38 of our students (about 30% of our average daily attendance) achieved Perfect Attendance during SPARK Summer at Florence Howard Elementary School.
To celebrate as part of our Student Incentive Program, we surprised them with Lickin’ Good Donuts, a dance party, and special certificates presented to each child. The excitement was contagious! Many students said it was the best day ever!
We also drew four parents’ names for $25 Walmart gift cards as an extra thank-you for helping their children show up every single day.
Perfect attendance doesn’t just mean being present; it’s one of the strongest predictors of student success. These students proved that showing up is the first step toward moving forward, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication.
End-of-Camp Celebration
We closed out SPARK Summer at Florence Howard Elementary School with a celebration as big as our students’ accomplishments! The gym was packed with excitement, from an inflatable obstacle course and giant slide, to games like limbo, bowling, and tic-tac-toe, a tattoo station, and even a DJ dance party. Students enjoyed pizza for lunch and a very special surprise: a visit from author Melody A. Patterson and her larger-than-life characters, Harmony and Genius. The kids loved seeing the characters from the books come to life!
Every student also went home with a reusable Airbus Summer Learning Bag filled with activities to keep them engaged through July, including:
A Melody A. Patterson book (Harmony or Genius)
LCD writing tablets (a huge hit with every grade level!)
Sight word or multiplication flashcards
Number or multiplication pop boards
Paper airplanes (a nod to our presenting sponsor Airbus)
Pencils and more
Recognizing students for their hard work and celebrating their progress matters. Incentives like these build confidence, encourage consistent effort, and remind students that their growth is worth celebrating. Judging by the smiles, laughter, and excitement, this day will be one they remember.
A Special Thank You to Our SPARK Teachers, Staff, and Administrators
Some things you just can’t fake—and great partners are one of them. SPARK Summer wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary teachers, staff, and administrators who give so much of themselves to create an enriching experience for our students, even when school is out. Their willingness to dedicate part of their summer to continued learning, laughter, and growth speaks volumes about their commitment to Avenue students. Whether leading lessons, managing logistics, or cheering students on through every challenge, they bring heart and consistency that make the biggest difference.
We’re grateful to the Dauphin St. Foosackly’s for their continued support of our ABC Program throughout the year. If you’ve followed our social media posts, you’ve probably noticed their name pop up more than once, because they’re always showing up for our students, teachers, and celebrations.
Foosackly’s helped us wrap up the FHES End-of-Camp Celebration by treating teachers to a delicious lunch. It was a small gesture that made a big impact, and one more example of how they pour into this community.
We’re proud to have Foosackly’s as a partner in our work. Show them some love by choosing Foosackly’s for your next event—because when it comes to catering, you really “can’t fake the foo”!
Learn more or place your catering order at foosacklys.net.
Thank You to The American Equity Underwriters
Behind every big celebration are the people who make it run smoothly, and at our End-of-Camp Celebration, that was The American Equity Underwriters (AEU).
AEU’s team joined us as part of their Summer of Service program, and they brought the kind of enthusiasm and hands-on help that every event needs. From stuffing and handing out the Airbus Summer Learning Bags to running game stations and helping keep the day fun and safe, they gave our students and teachers the freedom to simply enjoy the moment.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen AEU jump in to support our programs, and we are grateful that we can count on their support. Their commitment to serving the community is inspiring, and their impact on our students is unforgettable.
Thank you, AEU, for being the extra hands and big hearts that helped make our End-of-Camp Celebration shine! Learn more about their work at amequity.com.
Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor, Airbus
Every spark needs fuel to ignite, and Airbus made sure ours shined bright! As the presenting sponsor of SPARK, Airbus helped bring a summer of discovery, creativity, and growth to life for Avenue students. From first-day excitement and SPARK Flight Kits to end-of-camp celebrations and Airbus Summer Learning Bags, their support reached every corner of our program and helped keep kids engaged all summer long.
Because of Airbus, over 160 Avenue community children from Kindergarten through 8th grade experienced hands-on STEAM learning, built confidence, and carried their curiosity well beyond the classroom. Airbus’s commitment to education and community is truly remarkable. Thank you, Airbus, for helping us “fuel young minds for takeoff”!
Thank You to All Sponsors and Partners
It takes an entire community to make four weeks of growth, discovery, and joy possible, and this year, that community showed up in a big way. SPARK Summer 2025 at FHES was full of joy, growth, wonder, discovery, and big dreams, all powered by community – our sponsors, presenters and partners, volunteers, and individual donors.
To all our sponsors — Airbus, Alabama Power, American Equity Underwriters, Crowder Gulf, Foosackly’s, PNC Foundation, Regions Bank, The Scout Guide Mobile Bay, and the local foundations that support us annually — thank you for fueling the spark. Your support powered every lesson, club, and celebration, and helped more than 160 Avenue students build skills and confidence that will last well beyond summer.
To our presenters and partners — Soccer4Life, Mobile Fire and Rescue Department, Bishop State Community College, Alabama Power, Mobile Baykeeper, Girl Scouts of South Alabama, Mobile Ballet, Mobile Arts Council & Amp Up Arts, Mobile Urban Growers, The Cookery Project, Sunnyside Theater, author Melody A. Patterson, and USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital Emergency Room team — thank you for sharing your time, talents, and expertise. From hands-on science and art to dance, theater, environmental exploration, and life-saving safety lessons, you turned every day into an adventure.
Because of each of you, our students didn’t just attend camp; they discovered new interests, set bold goals, and saw how much their community believes in their potential. Together, you kept curiosity bright and the spark for learning alive.
Keep the Spark Burning
SPARK Summer is more than a camp. It’s a catalyst for confidence, curiosity, and community. The growth our students experience each summer is only possible because of the generosity of those who believe in what we do. Your support helps us provide hands-on learning, meaningful incentives, and joyful experiences that keep Avenue students engaged and inspired well beyond the summer months.
Help us fuel next summer’s SPARK Summer Camp and continue empowering young learners to reach new heights.