Proposal for PineRichland High School Global Studies International

Proposal for Pine-Richland High School Global Studies International Rooms Matt Roberts & Lauren Super PRSD School Board Meeting April 25, 2011

Introduction • Multi-year • Externally funded • Ongoing and flexible • Reflective of Pine-Richland's strategic vision

Project Overview In conjunction with the High School Expansion and renovation project we propose to create the Pine-Richland International Rooms: classrooms that reflect the style of traditional cultures from around the world. PRSD Vision Statement “Pine-Richland School District will be a recognized leader in education providing a customized learning environment to a growing and changing community. ”

Project Overview: Logistics & Finance Logistics • Multi-year project • Flexible to work within the established timeline for the high school expansion • Classroom updates to be completed post construction Finance • Entirely externally funded o Grants o Community Donors o Corporate/Institutional partners/sponsors o International Embassy partners/sponsors

International Rooms Strategic Mission This project embodies both Pine-Richland’s Strategic Vision statement and the supporting Pine-Richland Strategic Paradigm:

Enriching Educational Environment • Research indicates strong relationship between student learning and enriched learning environments including: o Improved reading and writing skills o Larger cognitive schema o Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills o Increased creativity scale scores

Impact on School Climate • Highlight the cross-curricular nature of the High School renovation project for a greater sense of engagement for the entire staff and community at large • Create an environment conducive to developing tolerance, cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity

Community Involvement • Classroom cultures to be based upon a survey of Pine -Richland community demographics and cultural heritage • Every step of the process will actively involve parents and community members as partners in creating a superior educational environment • Parents, community members, alumni and local businesses may participate as volunteers or as possible donors

Positive Publicity • Will enhance Pine-Richland's reputation for excellence in innovation in education • Provide a learning opportunity not offered by other US high schools • Demonstrate PRSD's ability to find innovative ways to improve educational environment without burden on the tax-payer

Added Value • External funding to cover all costs of the project • Interior design elements to be added post-renovation, eliminating the need for change orders • Original furniture/furnishings may be repurposed following the completion of each International Room

Cross-Curricular Tie-Ins • Rooms to serve as lessons themselves • Numerous possible tie-ins to STEAM curriculum o Example: International Garden designed by Environmental Science classes and maintained by Life Skills student gardeners • Integration of 21 st century technology within setting of traditional cultures

Global Perspective • Will inherently promote appreciation and respect for peers of all cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations • Allow students, parents, staff and visitors to celebrate PR's diverse cultural heritage while recognizing increasingly global nature of our community today • The America room will serve as the centerpiece, highlighting America's role as a global leader and the link between the Atlantic and Pacific worlds.

Future Global Studies Center