NEW PROGRAMS
KIDS SPORTS STARS reviews and funds programs each year based upon the merits of the program proposals.The need for new programs is great. There are 241 districts (34 elementary, 15 unified, and 192 Charter) with 694 elementary schools and thousands of kids in Maricopa County yet to be served. We focus on Title 1 schools with a high % of needy kids. The tested program model and materials are used to kick start the program.

KSS programs operate a 3 year model for each new district. Year 1 targets 3-5 schools and 500 kids where the school district and KSS Program Coordinator (PC) drive program start up, operation, volunteer recruitment, and localization. Year 2 targets 6-9 schools and 1000 kids, with refined implementation, robust evaluation, a broader family program and other sources of support. Year 3 targets district-wide deployment, significant cost reduction and additional support from the school district and other community organizations.

KSS expects that once programs are successfully implemented and benefits documented, both the school distict and other community organizations will step in to fund the program. Examples of this are:

  • in the inner city Creighton School District, other sources of funding are now picking up the major portion of the costs
  • in the ten Title 1 schools in the Paradise Valley School District, funding after year one was significantly reduced with more volunteered time and with additional District support . And all non-Title I schools in the district are self sustaining.
PROGRAM MODEL: KSS programs include the following components:
  • Partnership with a school district who will commit to the program execution and evaluation
  • Focus on elementary school students, primarily 3rd through 6th grades
  • Measurable, physical activity of running/walking
  • Significant family involvement (family sign up, family nights, family challenges, etc)
  • Nutrition education program for kids and family
  • A challenge that every kid has a chance to achieve (walk a marathon over four months, “virtually”walk around Arizona as a class, etc)
  • Recognition for kids at all levels of participation so every kid can become a KIDS SPORTS STAR (medals, trophies, etc. plus celebration/award events)
  • Motivation for participation (making it fun and desirable for the kids and the families)
  • Evaluation and reporting of the results in intervention groups compared to control groups, over a two year period per evaluation plan
  • Cooperation with a community partner as appropriate to house the program manager and to work directly with the schools in execution of the program
  • Use of the proven KSS program model and toolkit materials for program execution with advice and ongoing support from KSS
  • Funding from KSS, especially for evaluation
SCHOOL DISTRICT

KSS seeks to impact kids who otherwise would not have a wide range of fitness opportunities so we will choose a district (or group of schools) where at least 51% or more of the kids qualify for the free or subsidized lunch program. The need is great; 255 schools out of the 498 total elementary schools in Maricopa County meet this criterion.

COMMUNITY PARTNER: KSS will select a community partner that:
  • Has a strong financial base, needed expertise, and the focus and desire to execute with excellence
  • Can hire/provide and manage the staff and volunteer resources necessary for the program
  • Will work with KSS and the school district to tailor the KSS program and materials to best meet the specific needs of the selected community. This may involve community focus groups as well as teachers and school administration.
  • Makes the commitment for ongoing support and expansion of the program.

Community partners have included Scottsdale Healthcare, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Florence Crittenton Schools

CONTACT US

If you are interested in further information on new programs, please click CONTACT and let us know of your interest.

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