James E Carter Elementary School

This grant will allow over eighty 5th grade students at Carter Elementary to attend a two night immersive camp experience in March 2027. They will receive high quality instruction in geology, ecology, survival skills, and energy. The students will learn about these topics through interactive hands-on activities. The grant also makes it possible for students to receive delicious meals, comfortable lodging, and safe transportation to Pathfinder Science Camp in the San Jacinto Mountains. This is especially meaningful because as a Title I school the majority of our student population comes from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This incredible opportunity would be impossible for most of our students without the support of this grant. In an increasingly digitally-engaged world, we are so passionate about making experiential science accessible for every student.

James E. Carter Elementary’s violin program will provide weekly lessons to students in grades 2-5. Students will have an enriching experience learning how to play the violin, as well as learn how to read music and perform at school and a local events. Hopefully, this wonderful program will have a lasting lifetime impact on all of the students. We are so very proud of our students and this wonderful program.

The purpose of requesting funding for grades 2 through 5 is to provide students with violin lessons from October to May. This project invites all our students (English as a second language students), GATE students, resource students, Special Education students) in grades 2nd-5th. No student would be denied in our program. I (certificated teacher, assistant to violin teacher) started a violin program at our school in 2017-2018. Our school had no music program. We borrowed 18 violins from another elementary school in January 2017. Funding from the Anderson Children's Foundation will support our Carter students in the areas of science, technology, arts, math, history (most areas of STEAM).

Music is needed in all of our lives. Music helps students in all grades, and in many ways, academically, socially, and emotionally. Funding from the Anderson Children's Foundation would help provide opportunities to all students and would give students an opportunity to explore their unknown talents. It would help those students who might otherwise not be given the chance to experience or tap into their talents.