Three Lexington-Richland School District Five Schools have received grant awards from the South Carolina Department of Education Arts Curricular Innovation Grant program.
The purpose of the 2022–23 Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) is to assist schools and districts in developing and implementing arts initiatives that support quality arts education programs that significantly improve student achievement in the arts. Equitable Arts Advancement Program (EAAP) grants are designed to support the advancement of school arts programs, including dance, music, theatre, and/or visual art to provide equitable access, resources, and arts opportunities to all students.
Nursery Road Elementary-Arts Magnet received a Distinguished Arts Program Grant in the amount of $18,000. The grant funds will support professional development opportunities for teachers in arts integration strategies and instruction and opportunities for students to exhibit cross-curricular learning.
Seven Oaks Elementary School MEDIA Magnet received an Equitable Arts Advancement Program Grant in the amount of $9,825. The grant funds will benefit students by providing them with authentic opportunities to explore South Carolina’s cultural history and traditions through the visual arts in clay making, sweetgrass basket making, and welding during the 2022-2023 school year. Each grade level will explore an art form connected to a period of South Carolina’s history and cultural traditions by creating their own artwork, working alongside professional artists during a guest artist residency, and/or participating in a field study.
Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet received an Equitable Arts Advancement Program Grant in the amount of $9,704. The grant funds will be used to equip the music program with percussion instruments and technology that will provide every student with opportunities to create and perform music independently and collaboratively.
“As educators, we are always striving to make learning relevant and connect to the world around us,” said Steven Puckett, School District Five Coordinator of Athletics, Visual & Performing Arts, and Physical Education. “Integrating the Arts into our instruction creates meaningful and engaging learning opportunities that our students will never forget. Acquisition of these grants will allow us to use the Arts as a vehicle to promote creativity and student academic achievement.”
