Tools For Tomorrow

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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 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

Coachella:
          Peter Pendleton Elementary School

Desert Hot Springs:
          Bubbling Wells Elementary School
          Two Bunch Palms Elementary School
          Edward L. Wenzlaff Elementary School
          Julius Corsini Elementary School

Indian Wells:
          Gerald Ford School

Indio:
          Martin Van Buren School

La Quinta:
          John Adams School
          Harry S Truman School

Palm Desert:
          Abraham Lincoln School
          George Washington Charter School
          Ronald Reagan School

Palm Springs:
          Cahuilla Elementary School

Rancho Mirage:
          Rancho Mirage Elementary School

A major difference between TOOLS FOR TOMORROW and other arts programs is the literacy component. Writing is integrated into all the disciplines:

In the creative writing class 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, assisted by trained mentors and volunteers, to instruct children grades kindergarten through fifth in and 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.