What is the Spark Center?
THE SPARK CENTER FOR ACADEMICS IS SJA’S ACADEMIC CENTER. THE SPARK CENTER IS FOCUSED ON MEETING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE ACADEMICALLY AND FOSTER A POSITIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. WE ARE OPEN EVERY CLASS PERIOD, LATE START WEDNESDAYS, AND THUNDERBLOCK. STAFFED BY A MATH TEACHER, AN ENGLISH TEACHER, AND FOUR SPARK PLUGS (STUDENT MENTORS), STUDENTS CAN STOP BY ANYTIME FOR ENRICHMENT, COLLABORATION, AND LEARNING.
Igniting Learning: St. James Unveils the Spark Center for Academics’ New Home
“Nestled at the heart of St. James Academy’s academic wing, the Spark Center for Academics redefines the concept of academic support. It’s more than a learning space; it’s a thriving hub where students, peer mentors, and teachers converge to exchange knowledge, learn together, and empower one another.”
70% OF STUDENTS VISITED AT LEAST ONCE
4,600 visits in 2022-2023
Spark visits show Statistical improvement in ACT scores
ENRICH
Students can complete academic enrichment activities and challenges.
COLLABORATE
Students can use SPARK to study and work together on group work.
LEARN
Receive close scaffolding from both teachers and Spark Plugs in areas where they desire assistance to expand their knowledge
Spark Faculty
Samantha Hendrix
Coordinator of Spark Center | Technology Teacher & Coach
Samantha Hendrix
Coordinator of Spark Center | Technology Teacher & Coach | St. Catherine | Boys Swim
"Don't worry about tomorrow, you have enough to worry about today." - Matthew 6:34
Education
Emporia State University: Secondary Mathematics Education
Emporia State University: Instructional Design & Technology
Ian Jones
Student Services Support/College Explorations Teacher
Ian Jones
Student Services Support/College Explorations Teacher
Evan Bradfield
English Teacher
Evan Bradfield
English Teacher | Gregory | Coach, Science Olympiad; Coach, Scholar's Bowl; Sponsor, Vinyl Club
Mr. Bradfield seeks to vibrantly live out his vocation as husband and father. He loves being "Dad" and enjoys working around the house, writing, and cycling. Mr. Bradfield's passion for God, literature, and people intersect perfectly in his job teaching at SJA!
"Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name." Psalms 86:11
Education
Benedictine College: English and Secondary Education, Minor in Theology
Jacqueline Kopitke
English Teacher
Jacqueline Kopitke
English Teacher | St. Teresa
"Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect" -- Romans 12:2
Education
Benedictine College; Bachelors Secondary Education and English, Theology Minor
Olivia Martin
English Teacher
Olivia Martin
English Teacher
Justin Snell
Math / P.E. Teacher
Justin Snell
Math / P.E. Teacher | Dean of St. Gregory | Head Girls Basketball Coach, SPARK & Sophomore Seminar
Mr. Snell is a proud husband to Kressa, and father to Julius and Adriana. Mr. Snell is a fan of almost all sports and in his spare time enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with the family.
Mark 11:22-24 - “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Education
Newman University: Business Administration
Lauren Surface
English Teacher
Lauren Surface
English Teacher
Sheridan Mahoney
Math Teacher
Sheridan Mahoney
Math Teacher
Stacey Rains
English Teacher, World Languages
Stacey Rains
English Teacher, World Languages | Catherine
Romans 8:28
Certifications
Certification in Youth Ministry through Franciscan University of Steubenville
Education
Benedictine College: English and Secondary Education
Hether Lytton
English Teacher
Hether Lytton
English Teacher
Anna Kayser
Math Teacher
Anna Kayser
Math Teacher
Lindsey Dermer
Math Teacher
Lindsey Dermer
Math Teacher
Spark Plugs (Students)
Spark Plugs are students in the Spark Center chosen to help others with the academic questions they come in for help with.
| First Name | Last Name |
|---|---|
| Malori | Ard |
| James | Bichelmeyer |
| Lucas | Boschert |
| Cate | Cahill |
| Dylan | Corser |
| Evan | Ediger |
| Tatum | Hills |
| Ashley | Ianello |
| Ellie | Johnson |
| Justin | Kalilikani |
| Lily | Kanatzar |
| Kate | Kaufman |
| Amelie | King |
| Grace | Kissell |
| Katelyn | Kuckleman |
| Cambrie | Larsen |
| Anna | Leonard |
| Ashlyn | Lopez |
| Braden | Magistro |
| Leala | McKeag |
| Abby | Meiers |
| Elizabeth | Morrison |
| Jillian | Muehlberger |
| Addie | Ney |
| Caleb | Ochs |
| Alexander | Rueger |
| Amelia | Schaefer |
| Bella | Simoes |
| Clara | Steinlage |
| Kieryn | Thilking |
| Morgan | Wassenberg |
| Anna | Wood |
| Jude | Wunder |
