The SPARK Story
The original SPARK study was funded in 1989, by the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the
National Institutes of Health, to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g., obesity,
high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle) that often begin in childhood. Project SPARK, the
successful research trial, evolved into the SPARK Programs, an organization dedicated to
improving the quantity and quality of physical education for teachers and children
everywhere. SPARK educators and researchers have been disseminating the SPARK programs
(Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School PE, After School, and Lifelong
Wellness), created during and after the initial 5-year study, to schools throughout the world
since 1994. For more information on SPARK programs, research, dissemination, and support
services, see the SPARKfamily.org website.
The original SPARK study was funded in 1989, by the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the
National Institutes of Health, to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g., obesity,
high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle) that often begin in childhood. Project SPARK, the
successful research trial, evolved into the SPARK Programs, an organization dedicated to
improving the quantity and quality of physical education for teachers and children
everywhere. SPARK educators and researchers have been disseminating the SPARK programs
(Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School PE, After School, and Lifelong
Wellness), created during and after the initial 5-year study, to schools throughout the world
since 1994. For more information on SPARK programs, research, dissemination, and support
services, see the SPARKfamily.org website.
MISSION STATEMENT
Notre Dame Academy is a Pre-K – 8th grade regional Catholic school serving families
in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, which fosters an education rooted in
Catholic tradition. As a community of educators, staff, parents and parishioners, we
challenge our students through academic excellence, spiritual formation, social
development and moral growth.