2017-461-E Arts - Mary Scroggs Elem. School PTA - 2017-18 Arts Grant Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID:A93DFB16-F899-47A7-98E9-B1FBA2F2F1B5 3. Project Goals With this grant, we hope to build on the success of Paperhand Puppet Intervention's performance last year at Scroggs and deepen the students' connection to this expressive art through the design, construction, decoration, and mechanical engineering of puppets. This project will support our school's STEAM efforts to increase hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that promote the 21st Century skills of creative thinking, reasoning, and teamwork. As our Math and Reading Interventionist stated following last year's performance, "the enthusiasm I saw from the kids - to not only see the puppets, but have a chance to touch them - was powerful! If the students could make their own puppets, from design to production to performance, it could take these tactile sensations to an entirely new level and give voice to the creativity we know they possess!" Unlike other art forms, the art of puppetry is accessible to students of every culture and background. The materials are simple and largely recycled. In addition, Paperhand's free puppet parades and open-community workshops where families can help create puppets and sets will allow students to remain connected to these artists outside of the school setting. This will help us fulfill the CHCCS District's equity mission of providing "an environment where equity drives the redevelopment of our existing culture and our educational system to support positive outcomes for all." 4. Description of Participants Every one of our 504 students will benefit from this project. 43% of the Scroggs population are minority or international students, including refugees from civil wars in Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Scroggs students (54% male, 46% female) are identified as Caucasians (57%), African-Americans (11%), Hispanics/Latinos (11%), Asian-Americans (9%), and two or more ethnicities (10%). Scroggs has a Title I program, with approximately 30% of our students receiving free or reduced lunch. 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 enrichment activities for all students, especially those with little access to technology and arts programs outside of school. In addition to the direct impact that this project will have on Scroggs students, their parents and extended families will see their collaborative efforts during the school's annual cultural arts festival.