- Description:
The Rountree music classroom currently uses an outdated rug that poses a safety hazard due to its tendency to curl and trip students (due to previous prolonged storage). I propose replacing it with a specially designed Note Worthy music rug, which not only enhances safety but also supports music instruction. The rug includes colorful musical symbols and a floor staff, which can help students with note identification and classroom organization. Its size, durability, and design make it a centerpiece for interactive, engaging music learning.
The Rountree Orff instrument inventory is limited, with four instruments serving up to 28 students per class and over 200 students total, leading to overcrowding and limited hands-on opportunities. Additional xylophones and metallophones will allow more students to participate simultaneously, promoting better engagement and deeper learning in melody, rhythm, and harmony. These durable, high-quality instruments are a foundational element in the Orff approach to music education and will serve students for decades to come. The set we currently have contains 2 alto xylophones, 1 alto metallophone, and 1 soprano metallophone. I would like to round out the set with another alto metallophone and 2 soprano xylophones.
- Need Represented: This project addresses both safety and equity in the music classroom. The current rug poses a daily risk to student safety, while our limited number of instruments restricts equitable access to meaningful music-making experiences. A new rug will resolve the safety issue and enhance learning, while new instruments ensure that every student has the opportunity to equitably and actively participate in music education.
- Academic Impact: As the music teacher for Rountree Elementary, I work with every student in the school twice a week. This project will immediately benefit over 200 students and thousands more in the years to come. By providing safe, accessible, and interactive tools, we will improve music literacy, creativity, and collaboration. The new instruments will also allow all students to engage simultaneously, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
- Student Population: Rountree Elementary is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood school serving approximately 200 students, including a significant number of international and English Language Learner (ELL) students. Currently, more than 11% of our student body consists of ELD (English Language Development) learners—23 students representing over 12 countries and speaking 11 different languages.
In addition to our ELD population, over 52% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, highlighting the economic challenges many of our families face. These demographics underscore a common reality: many of our students have limited access to extracurricular opportunities beyond the classroom.
This project is designed to bridge that gap—ensuring that every student, regardless of background, language, or income, can access a rich, engaging, and hands-on music education experience.
