HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-366 Arts - McDougle Middle School PTA 2013 Spring Art Grant Agreement $400 !/ A
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ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION Z
U H A N c E COUNTY A R T SPRING,2013 GRANT AGREEMENT c `
COMMISSION o �
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THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 29th day of July, 2013, by and between Orange County
("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts Commission") and
McDougle Middle School PTA("Grant Recipient").
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of
local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and
proj ects.
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the Spring and Fall Arts Grants Program
to provide economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations
coordinating arts projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County.
WHEREAS, the Spring Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with
funds from the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the
Department of Cultural Resources and the National Endowment for the Arts.
WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive the
Spring Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the
Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient's obligations to the
County;
NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration and
under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows:
1. Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project
("Project") described in the Grant Recipient's Grant Application, attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
2. Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400) have
been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the approved Project.
These funds must be matched at least dollar-for-dollar with cash from the Grant
Recipient's funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or the North
Carolina Arts Council.
3. Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots
Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds
to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General
Assembly.
4. Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient
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Revised May 2012
A. Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1,
2013 and June 30, 2014. The Project shall be implemented in the manner
described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the
Project.
B. Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the
original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation
schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts
Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant
Recipient's request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof.
Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts
Commission's decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission
fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated
herein,the modifications shall be deemed approved.
C. Non—assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project
or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission.
D. Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining
to costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant
Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3)
years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit.
E. Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding
taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the
purpose of implementing the Project and Project related expenses.
F. Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report
on July 7, 2014 . The Final Report shall be in the format required by the
North Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late
submission of the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or
cancellation of grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals.
5. Responsibilities of the Arts Commission
A. Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of
$400 to the Grant Recipient.
6. Publicity
A. Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts
Commission using the Arts Commission logo and if State funds are received
to the North Carolina Grassroots Program in brochures, news releases,
programs, and all other printed and online publications. Copies of such printed
materials must accompany the evaluation report. When no printed information is
used, verbal credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material
must include the following credit line(check all that apply):
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Revised May 2012
i. County Funds Only. "This program is supported by the Orange
County Arts Commission. "
ii. x North Carolina Arts Council Funding. "This program is supported by the
Orange County Arts Commission with funds from the Grassroots Program of
the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. "
B. The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits and performances open to the
public and related to this grant award on the ExploreChapelHillARTS.com
website and display ExploreChape1Hi11ARTS.com publicity materials
(postcards, brochures, etc.) prominently and consistently at their venue or
performance space. In addition, the Grant Recipient must add a link to the
ExploreChapelHillARTS.com (ExploreChapelHillARTS.com logo preferred)
to their main webpage. The Grant Recipient shall contact the Orange County Arts
Commission for replacement ExploreChapelHiHARTS.com publicity materials.
7. Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the
Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees
from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal
property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds.
8. Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an
employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of
principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts
Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees
that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf
of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to
obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In
addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation
insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's
installation.
9. Termination
A. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below(hereinafter referred to as
"default"),the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement:
(i) Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain
payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter
relating to the performance of services under this Agreement.
(ii) Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to
satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any
provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its
sole discretion.
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Revised May 2012
(iii) Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws,
regulations,or stated public policy.
B. In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the
discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require
the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice
of default or allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This
clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County's or the Arts Commission's
remedies in law or in equity.
10. Miscellaneous.
A. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and
entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in
writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors
and assigns.
B. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws
of the State of North Carolina and the Orange County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant
Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the
dates set forth under signatures below.
For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient
cDougle Middle School PTA Date
For and on behal of Orange ounty Government
Frank W. Ch on, County�ffger Date
For and on behalf of Orange County Arts Commission/approved as to technical content
Steve Brantley,Economic Developmen irector Date
Approv to m nd legal sufficiency
ct �L)3
Annette . Moore, Staff Attorney Date
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Revised May 2012
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget
and Fiscal Control Act
411� /13
Clarence G. Grier,Administrative and Financial Services Date
5
Revised May 2012
G Arts in Education Grant - Spring
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS 2013-14 Application Form
COMMISSION Orange County Arts Commission
Promoting the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina
Evaluation Criteria
• Artistic merit of program.
• Populations served—impact for geographic&traditionally under-served populations.
• Feasibility of proposed activity &effectiveness in providing high-impact arts experiences in schools.
• Cooperation between schools and artists.
• Evidence of feasibility of program, community support, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Integration of arts program into grade-level appropriate curriculum.
1 Applicant Information
Applicant Name McDougle Middle School PTA
Mailing Address 900 Old Fayetteville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Daytime Phone (919) 933-1556 Fax Number (919) 969-2433
Email Address Web Site http://mms.chccs.kl2.nc.us
Project Director Sonia Frischemeier Title PTA Fundraising Co-Chair
DUNS Number
2 Project Director Information
Project Director Home Address 110 Winsome Lane, Chapel Hill NC, 27516
Daytime Phone (919) 357-3432 Evening Phone (919) 357-3432
Email Address s_frischemeier@yahoo.com
3 Grant Request Summary
Arts Program Grant Request $400
Total Cash Match $400
Total Organizational Budget 2011-2012 $2.400
(PTSA/Cultural Enrichment 2012-2013 $2.400
Committee/Arts Program) 2013-2014 $ 1,400 (provisional)
Summary Statement for Proposed Uses of Arts in Education Grant Funds from this grant will cover
fees for John Claude Bemis 2013 Piedmont Laureate to present his"Igniting Writing"for 6th and 71h
grade students at McDougle Middle School.
Questions? Call us at(919) 968-2011 • Deliver Application to: 501 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
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ORANGE COUNTY ARTS 2013-14 Arts in Education Application — Page Two
COMMISSION
I. Arts Program Application Narrative
A. School Profile
McDougle Middle School is in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district with 702 students in
grades 6 to 8. Its population is ethnically and academically diverse (see below; an estimated
20% benefit from the National School Lunch Program.
2012-13 Male Female
African-American 47 44
Asian 18 31
Hispanic 61 62
Multiracial 13 23
Native American 2 2
White 224 175
Total 365 337
Given the demographic and socio-economic composition of our school, a large percentage of
our students would benefit greatly from a diverse cultural arts program as they may otherwise
have few to no opportunities to do so outside the school context.
B. School's Arts Program
McDougle Middle School remains strongly committed to supporting the arts, despite budgetary
constraints. To enhance and complement the core curriculum, the PTA—with the generous
support of the Orange County Arts Commission - has sponsored performers, selected in
consultation with teaching staff, to deliver a rich and diverse menu of cultural arts programming.
C. Proposed Uses of Grant Funds
We are seeking matching funds for the program "Igniting Writing" presented by John Claude
Bemis, 2013 Piedmont Laureate. Four 45-minute sessions will be presented to 6th and 7th grade
students, with approximately 100 students attending each session. All sessions will take place
on school premises in Fall 2013. OCAC grant funds will cover 50% of artist fees.
Integrating Cultural Arts into the Curriculum:
"Igniting Writing"was selected by the 6th and 7th grade teaching teams as it fulfills many of the
Common Core standards for Language Arts, emphasizing experiential learning of a range of
literary genres: tall tales, legends, folktales, narrative writing and performance art. It has strong
curriculum connections to Social Studies (North Carolina Essential Standards)with an emphasis
on History and Economics.
IGNITING WRITING is a dynamic and interactive program that will leave students inspired to read and
write!John shares how reading,Southern folklore, history,and music ignited his writing.John offers
young writers advice about how to create engaging stories based on personal passions and interests.
Students come on-stage to act out a musical version of the legend of John Henry,an ex-slave who
worked on the railroad, laying tracks and building tunnels through the mountains.With the invention
of the steam drill,John Henry had a competition to see who was faster:man or machine?While John
Henry carved out 14 feet of rock and the steam drill only dug 9 feet,at the end John Henry fell dead.
He's our American Achilles or King Arthur,full of tragic glory.And his instrument,the Nine Pound
Hammer,is our Excalibur,a symbol of his enduring heroism.
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ORANGE COUNTY ARTS 2013-14 Arts in Education Application — Page Three
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Financial Information
Please provide a projected budget for your proposed project utilizing the format below.
Project Expenses Cash = Grant Amount + Applicant
Expenses Requested Cash Match
A Personnel
Administrative staff
Artistic staff
Technical/Production staff
B Outside Fees and Services
Artistic contracts $800 $400 $400
Other contracts:
C Space Rental
D Travel
E Marketing
F Remaining Project Expenses
G Total Cash Expenses $800 = $400 + $400
Project Income Cash Income
A Admissions
B Contracted Services Revenue
C Other Revenue(specify)
D Private Support
Corporate support
Foundation support
Other private support
E Government Support
Federal
State/regional(not including this request)
Local(not including this request)
F Applicant Cash $400
G Grant Amount Requested $400
in this application
H Total Cash Income $800
(must equal Total Cash Expenses,
Item G above)
2013-14 Arts in Education Application — Page Four
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
Signatures
,
Signature of Pr t Director Date
Sonia Frischemeier
Project Director
P resi ent, 201 -1 Date
Meredith Bolon
PTA President 2012-13
1
G 2013-14 Arts in Education Application — Appendices
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
A. Resumes of key artists and administrators involved in the grant funded
program
John Claude Bemis is the 2013 Piedmont Laureate for
Children's Literature. He is an educator, musician and the
award-winning author of four novels. Originally from Pamlico
County, John grew up a ravenous reader, playing violin and
guitar, and having his head filled with his grandfather's
stories of train hopping and hoboing around the country. He
attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a
North Carolina Teaching Fellow and taught elementary
school for 13 years. He earned his Masters of Education in
Literacy, which he also received from UNC-Chapel Hill. John
was recognized as a News and Observer Tar Heel of the
Week for his influential work as an educator and a children's
book author. An inspiring speaker and dynamic performer, John presents at schools around the
state and country and teaches workshops on writing and creativity.
John found inspiration for his fiction in old-time country and blues music— and the Southern
folklore at its heart. The first novel in his Clockwork Dark trilogy, The Nine Pound Hammer, has
earned many accolades, including the North Carolina AAUW Juvenile Literature Award and
being a New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing. The trilogy continues with
The Wolf Tree and The White City and has been described as "original and fresh" and "a unique
way of creating fantasy." His most recent novel, The Prince Who Fell from the Sky, was an
Amazon Best Book of the Month.
Information on the artist can be found at www.johnelaudebemis.com.
Sonia Frischemeier, PTA Fundraising Co-Chair, has two children in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools. She is dedicated to broadening students' experiences by bringing cultural enrichment
to the school that inspire and educate. Sonia works as a grant writer, consultant and coach for
local area non-profits, after a career in international trade development spanning Europe, Asia
and Africa.
Meredith Bolon, PTA President, has four children in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. An avid
runner, she brings the same level of energy and enthusiasm to volunteering in the community
and leading the PTA. She has covered the gamut of PTA positions in multiple schools, from
Treasurer and Room Parent Coordinator to Webmaster& communications guru. She is
presently an Independent Consultant, having worked in consulting for PricewaterhouseCoopers
from 1993 to 2007.
B. MMS PTA BUDGETS FOR 2011-12 & 2012-13
Note: The 2013-14 budget will be prepared over the summer.
2011-2012 2012-2013 2011-2012 2012-2013
INCOME Actual BUDGET EXPENSES Actual BUDGET
CARRYOVER INSTRUCTIONAL/STAFF
Money Market EOY 3,001 3,003 Classroom Support 5,941 7,000
Checking EOY 3,311 13,010 Technology (General) 5,150
Total Carryover $ 6,312 $ 16,012 Hospitality Technology 655 1,000
(Projector) 500
FUNDRAISING PE-Resistance Bands 300
Book Fair Sales CTE/Freeman 600
Gross 3,051 Media Center/Curriculum 800
Net 938 1,000 Battle of the Books 500 500
CitiPass EBooks for Nooks 200
Gross 12,350 Total Instructional/Staff $ 7,096 $ 16,050
Net 6,175 6,000
Spiritwear 90 -
Race to Nowhere 425 - STUDENT WELFARE
PTA Dance-Holiday 550 500 AfAm Parents Group 500 500
Total Fundraising $ 8,178 $ 7,500 Cultural Arts 2,400 4,400
PBIS-student support 841 600
CONTRIBUTIONS News/Yearbook/Directory 514 500
Giving Campaign 3,103 5,000 8th Grade Events-budget 625 900
Thrift Shop 11,611 2,000 8th Grade Events-contributions 1,897
OCAC Grants 2,000 Misc 1,145 700
Harris Teeter 678 600 Apples (Guapitos/Caballeros) 500 500
Box Tops 622 600 AVID Program Support 500 350
Weaver Street 484 500 Family Specialist 950 1,000
Teacher Appreciation Week 150 - Literary magazine 350
8th Grade Promo/Gift/Dance 1,897 - Total Student Welfare 10,872 9,800
Total Contributions $ 18,546 $ 10,700
COMMUNITY BUILDING
MEMBERSHIP Landscaping 57 1,000
Gross-Goal=292 2,336 Faculty Follies 75 200
Dues to NCPTA 1,168 Gymnasium/Sound System 1,000 -
Net Membership $ 1,168 $ 1,200 Total Community Building 1,132 1,200
SALES TAX REFUND $ 430 $ 200 PTA EXPENSES
Tax Prep - -
TOTAL INCOME $ 34,634 $ 35,612 Insurance 295 300
This PTA budget was developed following the Supplies 142 150 75 75
recommended NCPTA approach.This reflects initial grants PTA Council
and administrations'priorities for MMS needs.An Finance/Fees 10 25 522 550
approved budget is required to begin PTA operations, but Total PTA Expenses
is a working tool used to manage ongoing PTA finances.
16,012 8,012
As the revenue picture unfolds this year,resources CARRYOVER for 2013-2014
emerge or recede, and new proposals for fundraising and
school support programs are considered,we will move to TOTAL EXPENSES $ 34,634 $ 35,612
revise and hopefully increase the budget accordingly. A
financial update will be presented at each PTA meeting.
Thank you for your generous contributions of time and
funds to kick off the year! Celia Nares,Treasurer
C. Artist contact list
John Claude Bemis
Hillsborough, NC
Phone: 919-624-3568
Email: john @johnclaudebemis.com
Website: www.johnclaudebemis.com
D. Staff Roster— Language Arts Department
Karen Edwards—main school contact
kdedwards @chccs.kl 2.nc.us
(919) 933-1566 ext. 7424
Heather Bochicco Kerry Freeman
hbochicco @chccs.kl2.nc.us kfreeman @chccs.kl2.nc.us
Jennifer Lomelino Catherine Molyet
jlomelino @chccs.kl2.nc.us cmolyet @chccs.kl2.nc.us
Jennifer Spaeth
jspaeth @chccs.kl 2.nc.us
E. 2012-13 MMS PTA Board Contact List
Position Name Email Phone
President Meredith Bolon —meredith@bolons.com 19-619-4565
Vice President —Nancy Fine mfinel@bellsouth.net 19-933-4190
Treasurer Celia Nares nares @nc.rr.com 919-370-9333
Auditor Rhonda Alcox rhonda.nc@gmaii.com 19-721-0138
Secretary Maryn Faski maryn@ravencreative.com 03-505-8402
Principal Debra Scott hscott @chccs.kl2.nc.us 19-933-1556
Vice Principal Robert Bales rbales chccs.kl2.nc.us 19-933-1556
Cultural Enrichment Michele Melet michelemelet@yahoo.com 119-302-4368
Fundraising Chair Liz Buchman imail.com 19-280-4277
Fundraising Co-Chair Ponia Frischemeier frischemeier@yahoo.com 19-942-3784
C�
"John brought his book and aspects of
American folklore alive for our students with
a lively and entertaining program and did what has become
increasingly difficult in our video age, inspired them to read!"
Dr. Rhonda Zayas-Palmer,librarian
Ravenscroft School,Raleigh,NC
r ;
4 4
• THE NINE POUND HAMMER is on the 2012-2013MS Battle of Books list.
• A teacher guide is also available on John's website or by request.
www.JOHNCLAUDEBEMIS.com
continue • , "John's perspective helped my
t
Mr. Bemis' visit with kids make so many connections
our • - and
Donna with their reading and writing!"Cook, principal
Bethany Baker,teacher
PROGRAMS: Burlington Day School
IGNITING WRITING Grades:3-12 Audience size: up to 500 Length:45 minutes
John shares how reading,Southern folklore,history,and music ignited his writing. John offers young writers advice
about how to create engaging stories based on personal passions and interests. Students come on-stage to act out a
musical version of the legend of John Henry. This presentation is great for assemblies and can be adapted to fit the
grade-level of the audience. A dynamic and interactive program that will leave students inspired to read and write!
WRITING WORKSHOPS Grades:3-12 Audience size:up to 50 Length:45-6o minutes
Through John's engaging lessons,students will learn the process writers follow to create interesting stories. John
leads the students through exciting exercises that will help young writers come up with ideas and get stories started.
He shares how he uses story maps,the importance of revising,and what to do when you get writer's block. John is
happy to adapt his workshops to support the lessons of classroom teachers.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS TEAM PUMP UP Grades:4-8 Audience size:up to 5o Length:45 minutes
John's novel The Nine Pound Hammer is on the 2012-2o13 Battle of the Books list for middle school. John will help
teams get excited to read the B.O.B.list. His talk will cover all the books on the list,helping students make
connections about character,plot,genre,and theme. Get your school's B.O.B.team pumped up to read!
John is also available for:
Weeklong Writing Residencies • Inspiring Keynote Addresses • Book Fair Kick-offs
Book Club Talks • Teacher In-Services • Young Author Celebrations&Awards Programs
...as well as free Skype talks!
FEES..
Full-day school visits are $800, plus travel
Half-day school visits are $450, plus travel.
iA
*Travel includes mileage from Hillsborough,NC
as well as hotel if the visit requires an overnight stay.
To book a school visit or for more
information, • John at
john'iohnclaudebemis.com
To find out more about John
and his books visit
www.JOHNCLAUDEBEMIS.com
id
THE X.N
s �
ABOUT THE BOOK
When twelve-year old Ray falls in with a band of medicine
show performers traveling through the South in a rickety
old train, he feels at home for the first time in years. But
something strange is going on. From a locked train car, Ray
hears hypnotic singing. And the performers themselves—the
strong man, the fire-eater, the escape artist with the tattooed
hand, the blind sharpshooter...their talents seem magical.
Ray uncovers a connection between his missing father and
these peculiar performers, a connection that leads Ray to
discover that the old stories about John Henry are true in
ways he never would have dreamed—and that an ancient evil
this legendary hero fought is rising again.
Book One in The Clockwork Dark trilogy Ages 9 and up
Published by Random House Children's Books Random House hardcover 978-0-375-85564-1(0-375.85564-5)
Listening Library audiobook 978.0-7393-8076-5(0-7393-8076-1)
THEMATIC CONNECTIONS OTHER TIES TO THE CURRICULUM.
LANGUAGE ARTS:Tall Tales, Legends,
MAKING CHOICES Folktales,Narrative Writing
APPRECIATION OF NATURE SOCIAL STUDIES: American History,
CULTURAL DIVERSITY Technology,Economics
GOOD VS. EVIL SCIENCE: Minerals, Magnetism,
Animals, Plants, Simple
CHANGE Machines
MORE LESSON IDEAS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INSIDE ..
1►
t
j
Q x'
LANGUAGE ARTS—America has a rich tradition SCIENCE— Imagine you were a Rambler. What
of tall tales. These are stories that are related animal would you transform into? Research this
as truth, but have exaggerations or unbelievable animal's traits, habitat, diet, and behavior.
elements. In what ways is The Nine Pound Hammer a
tall tale, and in what ways isn't it? Have students Ramblers gather wild plants for charms in their
take a real event from their lives and exaggerate it toby bags. Pick 5 plants that grow wild in your
into an tall tale story. neighborhood. List characteristics of these plants
and make up a magical power based on each
WRITING—Beginning on p. 208,we learn how plant's traits.
Si came to be taken in by Peg Leg Nel. Make up a Ray's lodestone guides him on his quest. Learn
story for how either Seth, Marisol, or Redfeather more about lodestones by ordering a classroom
joined Peg Leg Nel's medicine show. Make sure set. Experiment with these naturally.magnetized
your story also explains how their special talent was rocks to discover how they compare with other
helpful or harmful when they were young. magnets and magnetic objects. Research how the
SOCIAL STUDIES—Both Peg Leg Nel and Grevol mineral magnetite becomes a lodestone.
live aboard trains. Trains have had a crucial role in Draw a diagram of a steam train. Label the types
America's economic and geographic growth. Learn of cars and the parts of the engine. Explain how a
more about the history of trains in America and steam locomotive works and discuss what simple
create a poster to display the findings. machines are crucial to the engine.
Before radio, movies, and television, medicine MUSIC—The song "John Henry" has a long
shows were a major source of entertainment for history in American folk music. Country,blues,
rural communities in America. Research the history rock, and jazz artists have a wide variety of
of medicine shows as well as their influence on interpretations. Download versions of the song
commercial television and today's infomercial. "John Henry"by Bruce Springsteen, Bill Monroe,
Have students write a skit where they try to Harry Belafonte, Leadbelly, Merle Travis, and
convince others to buy a made-up product using others. What elements in John Henry's story do
medicine show style speech. the artists focus on? Why do you think so many
ART— Have students make their own toby(mojo) people throughout the years have enjoyed the
bag. Cut out 4" x 8" rectangles of red felt, fold into story-song of John Henry.
a square, and sew up two of the sides.Wrap a piece Listen to other examples of American roots music
of string around the top to close the toby. Students (Cajun, bluegrass, ragtime, Appalachian, etc) that
can choose special objects to include in their toby tell stories through songs. These are sometimes
and explain to the class why the objects have called ballads. Discuss the stories and find out
personal importance. more about the people who sang these songs.
TO INQUIRE ABOUT A SCHOOL VISIT. PLEASE EMAIL
JOHN(?PJOHNCLAUDEBEMIS.COM
IZ
THEMATIC
ACTivnry
The Nine Pouncl Hanifner 1
4
O
MAKING CHOICES—Ray makes the difficult choice to
re-imagines die legend of the
leave his sister Sally in order to discover why his father gave
steel-driver him the lodestone. Was Ray right to leave Sally? What
John Henry. • consequences, both good and bad, arise from his decision?
the novel, read4ie- ori,l
tale. Two excellsf�,, U k . q..
••+ rJ APPRECIATION OF NATURE—The Ramblers in the book
make ' a are wilderness heroes who draw their power from nature, while
�' � _ the Gog draws his power from machines and technology. List
Henti,by
Julius 1,6 examples from the book for both. What would the Ramblers
and the Gog be like if they lived in our world
today?
consider:
t makes John Henry a hero? CULTURAL DIVERSITY—Much of the magic in The Nine
Why does John Henry agree to Pound Hammer drew its inspiration from hoodoo. Hoodoo is
have the competition against the a blend of African, European, and Native American magical
steam drill? customs that was traditionally practiced in the American
• Even though John Henry beats South. Research the cultural origins of the hoodoo practices:
the steam drill,he lucky rabbit's foot; bottletree; toby(or mojo) bag; lodestones;
dies in the end. eating cornbread, beans, and greens on New Years Day.
Why is or isn't he
victorious? GOOD VS. EVIL—When Ray asks Mother Salagi what the
Gog wants, she replies, "What all the wicked want... to rule.
• Imagine To steal the destiny right away from men. To possess what
if John Henry never should be possessed." Discuss examples from the news
had his comperitio
today. It would not or from history, where individuals abuse their power over
be against a stew others in these ways.
..:.....drill. .
f, CHANGE—The novel takes place in the late 19th century, an
era of enormous social and technological change. Make a
timeline from the US Civil War to World War I and label the
year inventions were introduced, such as electricity, cars,
planes, light bulbs, elevators, plastic, aspirin, cameras, bicycles,
microphones, telephones, box cereal, radio, and gas engines.
Discuss how such changes affected the daily lives of Americans.
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THE
1. After discovering the Gog's identity,re-read Mister Grevol's AUTHL
speech to Ray on p. 9. Is his advise good or bad? What
does it reveal about the Gog's motives? John Claude Bemis is a former elementary school
2. A series of strange encounters led Ray to the medicine show: teacher who lives with his wife and daughter in
Hillsborough, North Carolina. In addition to
discovering Hobnob, finding the silver dagger, riding on the being a writer,John is a musician who found
bear, and ultimately being rescued by Conker and Si. Was inspiration for his fiction in old-time country
this luck, coincidence, or do you think the lodestone played and blues music and the Southern folklore at
a role in guiding Ray through the Lost Wood? Explain. its heart. He has an undergraduate degree in
education, a M.Ed in Literacy, and John is
3. Does Nel help or hinder the children of the medicine show certified to teach Academically and Intellectually
by hiding the truth about the Ramblers and the Gog? Gifted Education.
4. Ray's father gave him the lodestone as a guide. What helps WOLF n
you make difficult decisions and choices? THE V V F TREE
5. How does Conker change over the course of the novel SLIMMER 2010
because of his friendship with Ray?
The adventures
6. On p. 156,Mother Salagi says that train tracks and Continue in
telegraph lines are "walls," rather than being"bridges"to Book Two of
connect people. What current technology do you feel The
connects or disconnects people from each other? Clockwork
7. Both Nel and the Pirate Queen are afraid to confront the Dark
Gog directly. In what ways are their motives similar and in trilogy.
what ways are they different?
8. When Ray tells Nel he wants to be a Rambler on p. 259,
Nel says, "It's just a matter of finding the right path and A , , , ,
listening to yourself." What do you think he means by this?
9. After the explosion of The Pitch Dark Train,Jolie does not
return. What do you think happened to her? Speculate on includes original music by the authoy.
what will happen in the next book. Listen to excerpts of it and other books
10. Ray is the main character in The Nine Pound Hammer,but at �NvNi,*7.randomhouse.com/audio
who is the real hero—Ray or Conker? Explain.
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