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HISTORY
In 1999 educational experts in the fields of writing, drama, music and art developed
literacy based curricula for grades k through 2 and 3 through 5 that were implemented
four afternoons a week in four Coachella Valley elementary schools. Now in ten schools,
TOOLS FOR TOMORROW continues to provide this free, on-site, after school program
in ten Title I (academically at risk) schools in the Palm Springs, Desert Sands,
and Coachella Unified School Districts.
TOOLS FOR TOMORROW is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, governed by a Board of
Directors and financially supported by Friends of TOOLS FOR TOMORROW, a fund-raising
auxiliary; grants; personal and community donations; and in-kind services.
How do we operate?
We employ qualified paid instructors in each subject using a professionally designed
curriculum.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held two to four days a week at individual schools, after regular school
hours.
What is the cost to each child?
Classes are free! All supplies, musical equipment and snacks are provided by TOOLS
FOR TOMORROW.
What are the program costs?
$10,000 supports the full program in a school for one school year.
Which schools have the program?
Cathedral City:
Sunny Sands Elementary
School
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Coachella:
Peter Pendleton Elementary
School
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Desert Hot Springs:
Bubbling Wells Elementary
School
Two Bunch Palms Elementary
School
Edward L. Wenzlaff Elementary
School
Julius Corsini Elementary
School
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Indian Wells:
Gerald Ford School
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Indio:
Martin Van Buren School
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La Quinta:
John Adams School
Harry S Truman School
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Mecca:
Mecca School
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Palm Desert:
Abraham Lincoln School
George Washington Charter
School
Ronald Reagan School
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Palm Springs:
Cahuilla Elementary
School
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Rancho Mirage:
Rancho Mirage Elementary
School
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A major difference between TOOLS FOR TOMORROW and other arts programs is the literacy
component. Writing is integrated into all the disciplines:
- Students write and share their poetry, prose, music
and book reviews, commercials, radio scripts and plays
- Acting students perform scenes and short plays that they have written
- Music students perform songs and lyrics they have written
- Art students collaborate with writing students in a published anthology
The TOOLS FOR TOMORROW curriculum integrates the arts in a program that fulfills
the National Standards for Arts Education.
Implementation:
TOOLS FOR TOMORROW provides at no cost:
- Qualified, paid professionals instruct
children grades kindergarten through fifth in an integrated arts program of creative
writing, art, music and drama.
- All musical equipment, supplies and daily snacks
Evaluation:
TOOLS FOR TOMORROW instructors document each child's progress in the following areas:
- specific skills in art, music, drama and writing
- responsibility, evidenced by regular attendance, active participation and dealing
well with peers
In addition:
- school administrators and classroom teachers have an opportunity to evaluate the
program and its effect on individual students
- participating students evaluate the program and their own progress
- parents of TFT students also have an opportunity to evaluate the program.
At the end of each school year Tools For Tomorrow mounts an exhibition of the students
art, and produces an anthology of the children's poetry, prose and art so they can
see themselves in print. (The anthology is available to the public.) The children
may also present musical programs and plays they have written.
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IMC Inc.