2017-034-E Arts - Mary Scroggs Elementary PTA - Fall 2016 Arts Grant Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:8098AFC6-0436-4DCB-B911-252527D 189DE NARRATIVE I. School Profile Mary Scroggs Elementary School (Scroggs) is a vibrant and diverse school, educating 510 students from 42 different countries who speak 37 different native languages. The Scroggs community of administrators, teachers, and parents work together to meet the goals of promoting the academic achievement of all students, providing enrichment and support so all students can reach their full potential, and enhancing appreciation of the school's cultural diversity and social responsibility. To complement our curriculum, we host several evening events annually to bring together staff, students, parents, and extended family members. These events include Multicultural Night, Literacy Night, Math Night, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Night, at which 50 guest scientists and 25 teachers lead hands-on activities for more than 300 participants. Scroggs has a Title I program, with approximately 30% of its students receiving free or reduced lunch. We serve a significant number of international and minority students, including refugees from civil wars in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While some students have families who are easily able to enjoy the arts, many of our students are struggling with basic language barriers and economic survival, and do not have access to cultural arts experiences outside of school. Moreover, this year, Scroggs was designated a Title I "Focus School," meaning that a large percentage of our economically- disadvantaged students are continuing to not meet state standards for reading and math. Our efforts to address this situation include increasing the enrichment activities for all students, especially those with little access to science, technology, and arts programs outside of school. The Scroggs Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is an active organization committed to making the school a dynamic place for every student. The PTA helps fund programs and activities such as school-wide assemblies, field trips, technology tools, and new books for classrooms and the Media Center. PTA parents also give their time and talents to strengthen school programs that directly impact students, such as serving as literacy coaches and on the District-wide Special Needs Advisory Committee. The PTA is very supportive of enrichment programs at Scroggs, funding the Guest Artist Program in which local artists mentor students in the classroom, and helping transform a classroom trailer from a storage area into a STEAM Lab/Makerspace where students now explore, create, and think outside-the-box.