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Application Narrative <br /> School Profile <br /> With one of the most culturally diverse populations' in the CHCCS district, multiculturalism <br /> is an extremely important part of our students' educational experience here at Glenwood <br /> Elementary School. Students and faculty from numerous linguistic and cultural <br /> backgrounds teach one another about their very different histories, traditions, and <br /> interests. A walk down our halls will show maps, flags, and poems from all around the <br /> world. We are host to one of the few Mandarin/English Dual Language Programs in the <br /> country and serve students from more than fifteen different native languages. We serve a <br /> significant number of ESL" and at-risk"' students. <br /> In addition to our commitment to provide a multicultural education to Glenwood's students, <br /> we are committed to equalizing and closing the"achievement gap"frequently experienced <br /> by students of African American descent. One of Glenwood's highest priorities is boosting <br /> the performance of students from ethnic backgrounds who display slightly lower academic <br /> performance. We believe that exposure to, and experience with, the arts in education is <br /> one key ingredient to realizing this goal. Our school prioritizes the success of <br /> lower-performing students and closing the achievement gap. Our "School Improvement <br /> Plan"emphasizes the need to utilize culturally proficient instructional strategies in order to <br /> improve the learning of all our students. <br /> Glenwood staff engages students in multi-cultural activities throughout the school year. <br /> Students participate in a Multi Cultural Gala event in the fall during which Glenwood <br /> families showcase food, costumes, music, and items from their cultures. In the spring we <br /> host a French-style outdoor cafe. And in winter, students learn about Chinese New Year <br /> by creating and displaying Chinese art. We also host an annual "Beauty Breakfast," <br /> during which parents view the work of students who have described what is beautiful in <br /> themselves and in others. In most classrooms, parents from different countries are also <br /> invited to come in and speak about various holiday traditions. <br /> With help from the Orange County Arts Commission, a strong arts program will support <br /> and expand these educational goals. Engaging our students in multicultural arts <br /> performances will have a much greater impact than simple lectures or discussions. Music <br /> and dance are unique and effective mediums for these guest performers to convey <br /> messages and experiences that will help students better understand our beautiful and <br /> diverse society. <br /> With this in mind, we would like to request the assistance of the Orange County Arts <br /> Commission in bringing two very impressive sets of performance artists to Glenwood. <br /> After careful consideration of our student population and their course of study, we have <br /> chosen Ms. Li Liu (a Chinese acrobatic performer), and Soul Street Dance Company. <br />