SPARK Program–For the 5th consecutive summer, the Muscatine Community School District partnered with AIM to deliver SPARK, a full-day summer learning program designed to combat summer learning loss and promote academic growth. Each morning, students participate in focused reading and math instruction. Afternoons are dedicated to hands-on enrichment classes that spark curiosity and creativity through STEM, the arts, and career exploration. AIM proudly continues to support the enrichment portion of SPARK, helping students discover new interests and build skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Muscatine Schools Enrichment Program-Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. That’s why we’re committed to building strong connections between students and our community. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we bring real-world experiences into Kindergarten through 6th-grade classrooms in the Muscatine Community School District.

This initiative is guided by three key goals:

• Enhance hands-on learning by aligning community experiences with classroom curriculum.
• Strengthen students’ sense of belonging by connecting them to the broader community.
• Introduce students to a variety of careers to spark early interest and inspiration.

West Liberty Enrichment Program–Children are naturally curious and love to learn, especially when they can apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, hands-on ways. Each school year, we collaborate with West Liberty Elementary to support enrichment activities for kindergarten and 3rd-grade classes. This year, we expanded our efforts by also working with 2nd-grade students, connecting them to Stanley Center for Peace and Security Culture Kits to enhance their unit on China.

One 2nd-grade teacher shared: “We showed the items to students and they really enjoyed being able to have a hands-on experience. They loved seeing the money and the different pieces of art. The kit definitely helped their learning of Chinese culture!”

This initiative provided students with immersive learning experiences that deepened their engagement with classroom content. For example, students explored STEM concepts through basic coding activities using Hexbugs, provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Kim Wiele, a retired teacher from West Liberty Elementary, led the popular 3rd-grade STEM Hexbug and Kindergarten roller coaster activity. Students were excited to reconnect with a beloved former teacher and appreciated the chance to learn from her through hands-on exploration.

Students also learned about migration history and cultural artifacts through the Diversity Services Center of Iowa, and observed tadpole metamorphosis from Muscatine County Conservation.