Transforming Our School with the Stroke of a Paint Brush! #4
My students need a mural to create an atmosphere where our learning environment is enhanced and our school spirit is able to soar!
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Qualls's classroom raised $394
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
I believe visual arts education is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. Children have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training". -Fellow South Carolinian & former U.S. Secretary of Education.
My students face so many challenges, but they realize that education is the vehicle to drive them towards a more promising future.
With so many issues, it is my mission, as their educator, to take them away and rescue them from their pressing worries through the joys of meaningful experiences and exposure to what life has to offer.
Our school is 100% poverty stricken; with only one other in the state of South Carolina. We don't take this rank as an excuse to have a pity party, but rather as a means of motivation. We strive to plant seeds of hope and reassure the students that education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity and future success. By understanding that there is more to life than what meets the eye, it is my belief that my students will do what it takes to beat the odds, defy the statistics and embrace the world of education.
Since August of last year, we have experienced first hand what murals can do to inspire, to motivate and to educate. Help us continue.
My Project
Our school is located in an impoverished community, where there is extremely limited 'art.' Although students love art class in school, there are very few, if any murals in their neighborhoods. With this in mind, we strive to provide and accommodate students with everything they need and can imagine within our school. I believe, like Secretary Riley, that art education trains our country's youth to become productive, contributing and creative members of society.
This dream project began with students developing an essay entitled 'What Role Does Art Play in the World?' Students then shared their compositions and collaboratively brainstormed various murals that they wish we could have in our school building. Next, we introduced the renowned Joe McKinney, who is the most highly sought after muralist in the state of South Carolina. Mr. McKinney has embraced to the vision we have for transforming our school, one paint brush at a time. This grant will allow him to continue working!
Creating a school climate that students can take pride in their own capabilities as artists is extremely important.
Dr. R. Miller, Executive Director American Association of School Administrators said, "In the push for quality math, science, technical, humanities, and other programs, be sure that the arts are not ignored or pushed to one side. Provide your support for the total curriculum. The arts enrich us all!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Qualls and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
