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DocuSign Envelope ID: DFE48D81-9420-4D95-8D95-610AC101030F <br /> Application Narrative <br /> The Expedition School <br /> 2015-2016 Arts in Education Grant <br /> School Profile <br /> Overview <br /> The Expedition School (TES) is a public charter school in I-Iillsborough, NC,that opened its <br /> doors to its First students in August 2014. Our school offers hands-on learning in all subjects for <br /> grades I(-7,and will be expanding to grade 8 in August 2016, The school's mission is to embrace <br /> the natural curiosity of children and empower them to become innovative problem solvers and <br /> community builders. TES provides a dynamic learning experience through an experiential, <br /> project-based,and a science,technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-focused curriculum. <br /> More about Project-Based Learning: <br /> Children [earn best when curriculum comes to life. Hands-on, integrated, project-based learning <br /> allows children to connect to big ideas and to attach real world meaning to what they are <br /> learning. Instead of skimming the surface of a concept,children participating in project-based <br /> learning delve deeply into topics of study and are encouraged to ask questions, find answers,and <br /> take ownership of their [earning. Students work individually and collaboratively on projects that <br /> build character and can make a difference, allowing them to develop respect and compassion for <br /> individuals,our local community, and our global community. <br /> School needs <br /> There are 390 students enrolled at TES. We have a diverse community of students who reside in <br /> Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Orange, Chatham, Durham, Alamance, Caswell, and Wake counties. The <br /> student body includes children of Asian, African-American,Hispanic, and Caucasian <br /> backgrounds. The Expedition School is in its second year of operation and currently has a very <br /> limited budget for dedicated arts programs. There is a true need for hands-on programs that can <br /> be integrated with the curriculum, in accordance with the school's commitment to project-based <br /> learning. We are fortunate to have a wonderful community of local artists and authors,who are <br /> willing to share their talents in the classroom and in doing so, inspire the next generation. <br /> School Arts Programs <br /> All TES students attend music class two to three times a week,with Laura Perry,who also leads <br /> the middle school band. This past August, in accordance with our charter plans,TES was pleased <br /> to introduce formal art classes taught by Emily Thewlis, an innovative and highly talented artist <br /> and instructor. Students meet for art class two to three times a week and have created wonderful <br /> works of art using a plethora of media, ranging from pencil drawings to an elaborate all-school <br /> collage.Plans are underway to share our student masterpieces with our local community via <br /> public displays at venues including a coffee shop and the library. Written and visual expression <br /> continue to be an integral part of project-based learning across all disciplines with writing and <br /> visual arts seamlessly incorporated in our project-based learning curriculum. Additionally,all <br /> TES students have the option of attending multiple arts-related Enrichment Clubs,which include <br />