HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-592-E Arts - The Expedition School for 2014 Arts Grant Agreement $500 DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
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FALL, 2014 GRANT AGREEMENT c \
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THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 17th day of December, 2014, by and between Orange
County ("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts Commission")
and The Expedition School ("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
projects.
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 five hundred dollars ($500) 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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A. Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between January 1,
2015 and December 31, 2015. 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 January 15, 2016 . 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
$500 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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i. x County Funds Only. "This program is supported by the Orange County
Arts Commission. "
ii. 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 ExploreChapelHillARTS.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 ExploreChapelHillARTS.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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(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.
ForD gApehalf of the Grant Recipient
'r. y F,,,. 12/21/2014
9495-�F&99...
The Expedition School Date
ForDardno ,behalf of Orange County Government
jOV�.lit tf. �AaMiMt VS�t 1? 12/22/2014
Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager Date
For anal on behalf of Orange County Arts Commission/approved as to technical content
ru igned by:
5zle 94"44 12/22/2014
Steve rantley,Economic Development Director Date
Ap roved as to form and legal sufficiency
DocuSigned by:
kl 12/22/2014
AnnXe4 oore, Staff Attorney Date
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DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget
and Fig c gne l bControl Act
L.(An"'tt, -)- 12/22/2014
Clar nce Grier,Administrative and Financial Services Date
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DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Art �� nntt F�,]�s2� CG&W 11 -FO rn1
Orange County Arts 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 The Expedition School
Mailing Address 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd Suite#33, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Daytime Phone 919-245-8432 Fax Number 919-245-8460
Email Address explorer .theexpeditionschool.com Web Site http://www.theexpeditionschogl.com
Project Director Jena Kaizen Title 5th/6th grade Language Arts Instructor
DUNS Number 020075165
2 Project Director Information
Project Director Home Address 1811 Purefoy Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Daytime Phone 191-245-8432x112 Evening Phone 919-928-8660
Email Address i enakaizen(a),theexpeditionschool.com
3 Grant Request Summary
Arts Program Grant Request $500.00
Total Cash Match $500.00
Total Organizational Budget 2012-2013 N/A
(PTSA/Cultural Enrichment 2013-2014 N/A
Committee/Arts Program) 2014-2015 $0 First-year school, but an arts committee and budget are forming)
Summary Statement for Proposed Uses of Arts in Education Grant The Expedition School (TES) is a
rnhlic charter schonl in Hillshorrniah NC_ offer hands-on 1Parnina in all subject's to for grades
K-6 and will expand to grade 8 over the first 3 years TES would like to invite Ms. Susie Wilde to
lead a writing residency for the 5th and 61h grade classes in spring of 2015. The residency will
culminate in a Book Reading during which students will invite their families to come to the
classroom to view and hear a reading o t eir workjroduced during the residency.
Questions? Call us at(919) 968-2011 - Deliver Application to: 501 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Application Narrative
The Expedition School
2014-2015 Arts in Education Grant
School Profile
Overview
The Expedition School (TES) is a public charter school in Hillsborough,NC, that opened its
doors to its first students in August, 2014. Our school offers hands-on learning in all subjects for
grades K-6 and will expand up to grade 8 over the first 3 years. The school's mission is to
embrace the natural curiosity of children and empower them to become innovative problem
solvers and community builders. TES provides a dynamic learning experience through an
experiential, project-based, and a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-focused
curriculum.
More about Project-Based Learning:
Children learn best when curriculum comes to life. Hands-on, integrated, project-based learning
allows children to connect to big ideas and attach real world meaning to what they are learning.
Instead of skimming the surface of a concept, children participating in project-based learning
delve deeply into topics of study and are encouraged to ask questions, find answers, and take
ownership of their learning. Students work individually and collaboratively on projects that
build character and can make a difference, allowing them to develop respect and compassion for
individuals, our community, and the global community.
Schoolneeds
There are 230 students enrolled at TES. We have a diverse community of students coming from
Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Orange, Chatham, Durham, Alamance, Caswell, and Wake counties. The
student body includes children of Asian, African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian
backgrounds. The Expedition School is in its first year of operation and currently has a very
limited budget for dedicated arts programs. There is a true need for hands-on programs that can
be integrated with the curriculum, in accordance with the school's commitment to project-based
learning. We are fortunate to have a wonderful community of local artists and authors, who are
willing to share their talents in the classroom and in doing so, inspire the next generation.
School Arts Programs
All TES students attend music class two to three times a week, taught by Cindy Glass, who also
leads the middle school band.
Formal art classes will be offered starting in Year 2; however, it should be emphasized that art is
already an integral part of project-based learning across all disciplines. For instance, weekly
homework assignments for the kindergarteners use art as a means to develop math or emerging
literacy skills (e.g., children have been asked to identify and draw household items of varying
geometric shapes, or to draw items that start with different letters of the alphabet). As an in-class
example, the kindergarteners learned about music and principles of sound by making their own
instruments using a variety of materials such as cardboard, rubber bands and empty containers.
Our first and second graders have completed a variety of projects including a personal timeline
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
on paper cut-outs of their bodies, a rain gauge as part of their introduction to meteorology and
handmade cards to encourage donations to their food drive as they explore the concept of caring.
In the third and fourth grade classrooms, students drew and painted their own family tree in a
study of genealogy, while fifth and sixth graders built models of geographical formations,
continents, and weather events using a variety of art materials.
All TES students have the option of attending multiple arts-related Enrichment Clubs, including
Fiber Arts, Art Investigations (which includes study in art history), and Inkslingers, a creative
writing club.
Proposed Use of Funds
TES would like to invite Susie Wilde to lead a writing residency for the 5th and 6th grade classes
in spring of 2015. Ms. Wilde has thirty years of experience leading writing residencies in
elementary school classrooms, sharing literary experiences on college campuses, and presenting
in libraries, bookstores and community centers. We propose a$500 matching grant from the
Orange County Arts Council to pay Ms. Wilde's $1,000 writer-in-residency fee.
During her residency, Ms. Wilde will work closely with 2 classrooms of our multi-age 51h/61h
grade (totaling 43 students) in an interactive and collaborative project to develop their persuasive
writing skills. Students will be guided through a process of book selective, examination and
critique, review-writing and group editing. Each classroom will work on a unique book and the
resulting review will be submitted to Storyworks. Susie Wilde's residency will coincide with the
curriculum planned by Jena Kaizen,the 511/61h grade Language Arts teacher. Ms. Kaizen and Ms.
Wilde share the vision of a collaborative partnership, wherein the residency strengthens the
classroom concepts. By having our students embark on the process of critically reading and
reviewing a book, their persuasive writing skills can be developed in the context of a real-life
application.
The students will share their selected book and present their review to their families and guests in
a Book Reading event to be held at the school. This showcase will serve as a further expansion
of their work with Ms. Wilde by allowing them to assume the speaker role of a professional
reviewer, while developing their public speaking skills.
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
' l/, 2014-15 Arts in Education Application — Page Three
G
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
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 $1000 $500 $500
Other contracts:
C Space Rental
D Travel
E Marketing
F Remaining Project Expenses
G Total Cash Expenses $ 1000 = 500 + 500
Project Income Cash Income
A Admissions
B Contracted Services Revenue
C Other Revenue (specify) $500
Families of the 5`"/6`h grade students will each contribute$15
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
G Grant Amount Requested $500
in this application
H Total Cash Income $1000
(must equal Total Cash Expenses,
Item G above)
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
V1 2014-15 Arts in Education Application—
Page Four
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
Signatures
Signature of Project Director Date
Jena Kaizen fir`
Typed or Printed Name– Project Director
Signature of Authorizing Official Date
Tammy Finc
Typed or Printed Name–Authorizing Official
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE FUNDED
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Artist Contact List
Writer: Susan Wilde
Teacher, Writer, Reviewer, Presenter, Consultant, Children's Book Specialist
Contact Information
Email: ignitingwriting @gmail.com
Phone number: 919-932-3300
Mailing address: 7400 Talbryn Way, Chapel Hill,NC 27516
Website: http://ignitingwriting.com/
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Staff Roster of School Art and Music Teachers
Jena Kaizen
5th/6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
jt.nalcaizen(iltheex_peditionschool.com
Cindy Glass
Music and Band Teacher
cindyglass@
,theexpeditionschool.com
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Board Contact List
Administrative Team
Tammy Finch
Director of Education and Professional Development
Patricia Brummitt
Director of Business and Operations
The Expedition School
2014-15 Board of Directors
Mailing Address
The Expedition School
Attn: Board
437 Dimmocks Mill Rd
Hillsborough,NC 27278
General Email
board@theexpeditionschool,com
Members
Steven Holdaway, Chairman.
steveholdaway @theexpeditionschool.com
919-949-3798
Terri Carbre
terricarbre@theexpeditionschool.com
919-819-9905
Velinda Hatcher
velindahatcher @theexpeditionschool.com
919-419-0835
Andy Finkle
andyfinlcle�theexpeditionschool.com
919-475-8754
Bessie Mbadugha
bessiembadugha@theexpeditionschool.com
919-645-8079
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Resume of Key Artist
Susan Wilde
Teacher, Writer, Reviewer, Presenter, Consultant, Children's Book Specialist
7400 Talbryn Way, Chapel Hill,NC 27516
email: ignitingwriting @gmail.com
http://ignitingwriting.com/
919-932-3300
Lectures, Training Sessions and Presentations
2013 Guest lecturer at Antioch University, Santa Barbara, CA
2013 Presentation for children's book writers at the Decatur Book Festival in Decatur, GA
2012-3 Rural, low wealth residencies in Warrenton, Wilkes and Yancey Counties, funded by
North Carolina Arts Council
2012 "Pictures and Words: Writing and Illustrating for children," a two-week workshop for
teachers and artists at Penland School of Crafts, Penland,NC; self-publication of Passage: & Its
Making, a class resource about creating picture books.
2012 Series of five teacher trainings at Bogue Sound Elementary School centered on boys'
reading and higher order thinking, sponsored by UNC Chapel Hill's First Schools
2011 "What Cana Small Bird Be?", a book collaboration with Peg Gignoux and teen
writers/illustrators from across NC, sponsored by NC Department of Public Instruction and the
NC Museum of Art
2011 "A Spikey Story" A Story Quilt Collaboration with Peg Gignoux and Burnsville
Elementary School in Burnsville,NC
2010 "Woody's Miracle" A Story Quilt Collaboration with Peg Gignoux and Underwood
Elementary School staff and students in Raleigh,NC
2009 "A Cat's Tale" A Story Quilt Collaboration with Peg Gignoux and patrons of Kill Devil
Hills Library, Kill Devil Hills,NC
2009 Luncheon Speaker at Eastern Carolina University, `Bgoks Your Students Will Devour"
2009 Children's Literature Training Seminar for Preschool Teachers for DOPA (Durham
Orange Preschool Association)
2008-2009 "Searchin' Urchin", Carrboro Elementary School, Chapel Hill,NC. A tri-lingual
Story Quilt in English, Spanish, and Burmese to represent this diverse school.
2007 Collaboration with Washington Gallery, Welsh artist, Heloise Godfrey and Llandough,
Primary School's Language and Speech Unit, South Wales, Great Britain
2007 "Pangeo's Story Project", Mary Scroggs Elementary School, Chapel Hill,NC. An arts-
based collaboration of music, song, story, art, and creative movement
2006 Collaboration with Washington Gallery, Welsh artist, Heloise Godfrey and 5th-6th grade
students at Radnor Road Primary in Cardiff, Wales, Great Britain
2006 Collaborative writing with eighteen after school students at Haw River Elementary
School—Wrote a story for a Story Quilt illustrated by Elon University Students
2006 "Tell Me a Patch Story Quilt"with textile artist Peg Gignoux and families at Hemphill
Public Library in Greensboro,NC
2005 Designed and co-led"Heroes"reading-writing program for at-risk 5th graders at Estes
Elementary School, Chapel Hill,NC
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l
2005 Visiting Artist at Elon University for Winter Term course funded by James H. McEwan
Visual Arts Fund.
2005 "We Need Books Too!"— Story Quilt with textile artist Peg Gignoux, McGirt-Horton
Public Library in Greensboro, NC
2005 Leader Teacher and Project Developer for ArtsTeach's 2005 Professional Development
Charlotte,NC
2004 "Art is for Dragons"—Whole School Story Quilt with textile artist Peg Gignoux, Douglas
Elementary School, Raleigh,NC
2004 Keynote address at Eastern Carolina University"No Teacher Left Untested: Bringing
Meaning to Literacy Instruction"
2004-present CEU Workshop Leader for Meredith College in Raleigh,NC
2003-2005 Development of On-the-Job Whole School Teacher Workshops designed to meet
NC Reading Methods CEUs
2003 `Blink!"—Bilingual Story quilt developed with textile artist Peg Gignoux and 18 sixth
graders, Kestrel Heights Charter School, Durham,NC
2002 Visiting artist coaching adults in writing, Penland Crafts School,NC
2002-2008 Guest lecturer, Duke University, Durham,NC
2000-present Leader of Professional Development Seminars
1990-present Presenter for parents, families &teachers on the uses of children's books &
writing.
1990-2001 Visiting artist/performer offering writing residencies and educational presentation
about writing to children K-6
1998 National Presenter at YMCA Childcare Conference, Chicago, IL
1988-1989 Coordinator, Santa Barbara County Year of the Young Reader
1987-1990 Bookseller/Owner of Once Upon a Lap (Children's book sales, consulting and
lectures)
1987-present Children's book and audio reviewer (see publishing credits)
Publishing Credits (Articles)
Spring, 2008 "Tell Me a Patch: An Artistic Story Quilt Collaboration" an article published in
Children &Libraries
Winter, 2007 "Rediscovering Wonder in Wales" an article published in Teaching Artist Journal
2006-present Reviewer for Audio File Magazine
2007-present Audio Columnist, Chapel Hill Herald, Chapel Hill,NC
2004-present Writer/Reviewer for NoveList, on-line review data base
1999-present Monthly column on children's books, Raleigh News & Observer
1997-2006 Monthly column on children's books/audio books, Herald Sun, Durham,
1993-2003 Commentator, WUNC radio, reviewing children's books for this NPR affiliate
1993-2001 Children's book reviewer, Triangle's The Independent
1997-2001 Monthly column on children's books, The Chapel Hill News
1995-2001 Monthly commentary columnist for The Chapel Hill News
1995-1998 Children's book review columnist, Learning Magazine, a national bimonthly
magazine for teachers
1994-1997 Contributor, Children's Book Review, a quarterly magazine devoted to children's
books
1994-2000 Contributor to Children's Literature Newsletter
1991-1995 Monthly children's book reviewer and interviewer, BookPage
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
1988-1997 Contributing Editor for Baby Talk Magazine
1987-1993 Publication in Santa Barbara News-Press, Peninsula Parent, Chicago Parent,
Family Journal, Carolina Parent, Kids Toronto, and Twins Magazine
Publishing Credits (Books)
Summer 2012 Passage & Its Making, a co-written book on how to write a children's
book
Summer 2011 "What Can a Small Bird Be?", a book collaboration with Peg Gignoux and teen
writers/illustrators from across NC
Summer 2006 "Tell Me a Patch Story Quilt" a book collaboration with Peg Gignoux and the
patrons of Hemphill Library in Greensboro,NC
1998 Contributor to Multicultural Resources for Young Readers (New Press, 1997), a large and
comprehensive look at issues by experts from around the country, edited by Daphne Muse
1997 Write-a-Thon!, an educational resource for teachers wanting to organize a two day
writing marathon(Heinemann, 1997)
1988 Extraordinary Chester, a picture book published by Red Hen Press.
Education
2007 Three day workshop with Creative Capital
2005 Three day intensive training for Teaching Artists with Eric Booth
1998 Three day training with the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
1977 Education Credentials, California(Multiple Subject, Learning Handicapped, Reading
Specialist)
1975-1976 M.Ed. in Education, Tulane University
1974-1975 Education Credentials, Louisiana(Multiple Subject, Early Childhood, Learning
Disabled)
1974 B.A. in English, Tulane University
Honors and Awards
2007 Cardiff Accredited ArtsMark Partner Award awarded by Cardiff Creative Arts Support
Team
2005 Selected for Southern Artistry, an invitation only directory of touring artists organized by
the Southern Arts Federation
2003 Participant in Telly Finalist Documentary "Worth It? You Bet!", a short video on early
reading
1999 Finalist, 24-Hour Novel Writing Contest, Raleigh,NC
1996-present Listed in NC State Artist Touring Directory
1996-present Recipient of nine Grant Awards from the North Carolina Arts Council
1981,1985 Winner of Santa Barbara Writer's Conference Award for Best Juvenile Writer.
1989 Benjamin Franklin Award finalist, Extraordinary Chester
Professional Memberships
1996-present Member Child-lit, listsery devoted to children's books
1995-present International Reading Association
1992-present North Carolina's Writers Network
1987-2010 Association of Booksellers for Children
1982-present Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI)
1993-1995 Board Member SCBWI: Carolinas
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Sample materials and work by key artist
The Expedition School
5th/6th Grade Writer-in-Residency
Artist Susie Wilde
Video, Susie Wilde on Writing: http://vimeo.com/77620566
Sample 1: Storyworks Review Writing Residency at South Toe Elementary School, Burnsville,
NC. October 2013
How do you get children beyond their typical book description: "It was a good book?"The
answer comes in a dynamic collaborative review writing process. Students begin by studying
reviews written by other children then apply what they've learned to brand new children's books.
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3rd and 4th Grade South Toe Elementary Students both composed a collaborative review in
October, 2013. We began by developing a list of criteria by studying reviews written by students
and published in Storyworks magazine:
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
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We'd read several picture books and each class chose one that fitted them perfectly. The 4th
grade, a heart-strong class, decided on Meg Kearney's Trouper. The 3rd grade, a humor-loving
bunch,picked Aaron Shepard's Carnivores. Then we chose the criteria that best fitted the books
we were reviewing and organized the important points with the help of the Review Writing
Skeleton. We used that Story Skeleton to help us construct the first draft of our written review.
DocuSign Envelope ID:076BOC8E-DE31-4F65-8936-FC9B33A56289
Opinion Writing Skeleton
You
The first reason for your
opinion A fact or detail
that supports your opinion
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2011 Susie Wilde
At first we thought we'd done a marvelous job. But then we did some serious reworking in Draft
2 using the three secrets for editing success:
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Lots of room to make changes
A red pen (every time you see red it means the draft is getting better)
The human voice (when you read aloud, mistakes are revealed)
Because we wrote a collaborative review, it belonged to no one and everyone. A group-
composed manuscript helps the whole class dig into to improve our collective work. See how
many marks there are;
A Collaborative Review
by Mrs McKinney's 4th Graders
fr Draft 1
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You can see at a glance we improved it markedly—and surprising to all of us, the next draft was
almost as messy. I left both grades with Draft 3s that they're hoping to take at least to Draft 4
before they submit them to Storyworks,bringing us full circle.
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Susie Wilde's 5 secrets for successful residencies
1. Show, don't tell (show students how to write before expecting them to create)
2. Draw on the power of collaboration (make writing a team sport)
3. Create meaning by linking reading, writing, thinking and talking (discussion and analysis
improve comprehension)
4. Use play to amp up fun and decrease fears (writing activities offered as games lets all
students win)
5. Offer little bites, not big gulps (avoid writing overwhelm)
Participant Reviews on Susie Wilde's Residency programs:
•ams:
"What we did together was so much greater than anything we could have done alone!"
Sixth Grade Student
"With her ability to connect reading and writing, Ms. Wilde inspires analytical and creative
thinking in students of all ages. She is passionate about her work and uses exciting and thought-
provoking activities to meet curriculum goals. You can count on her to always give 100%to her
residencies."
"Mrs. Wilde taught me how to write like a real author."
"Susie Wilde is a phenomenal consultant who has the ability to bring literacy and writing alive
for both students and teachers. The processes she shares are instantly usable to transform
classroom practice that increases creativity, higher order thinking, and student expression, all
important aspects of the Common Core." Sam Oertwig, EdD, Director of School
Implementation, FirstSchool, UNC
"I was able to go straight to my class and use what I learned. The ideas are easily adapted to
almost any skill or grade level."
"Susie turns the intimidating into the intriguing."
"Susie's presentations are informative, passionate, and always entertaining. Drawing on a vast
knowledge of children's books, she inspires reading, writing, and an appreciation of both."
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Sample 2: Recent Reviews by Susie Wilde
Reviews and interviews are a vital part of Susie Wilde's writing life. She always hopes that the
ideas and curiosity that stimulated her articles will launch adventures for her readers.
In thirty years of reviewing children's books, Susie Wilde has written on more than 250 different
subjects everything from Adoption to Zoos. Over the years, she's worked for newspapers and
magazines across the country and has interviewed a host of well-known authors and illustrators.
Since 2006, she added audiobooks to her reviewing repertoire, critiquing those for children,
young adults, and adults. At present she contributes regularly to the Raleigh News & Observer;
Charlotte Observer; Chapel Hill Herald; AudioFile and NoveList.
"Reeling in Reluctant Readers,"Novelist Kids and Books Newsletter, May 2014.
Adult readers may give authors the benefit of the doubt, waiting out slow starts and overlooking
overwritten sections.Younger readers?Not so much. They demand unique characters,plots that
move quickly, dialogue that's authentic, imagery that's spot on and stories that linger after the
covers close. Reluctant readers are even harsher critics. A writer who pleases them is remarkable
indeed. Below find facets and examples of choices that will keep more reticent readers rapt.
"Hook You" Beginnings
Slow starts are deadly for reluctant readers. In contrast, a book that begins with a dramatic scene
is sure to grab them. The best books follow through on the initial promise.
Take for example, Matt de la Pena's The Living (Delacorte, 2013, ages 13 and up). It opens as
Shy Espinoza, an employee of a cruise line headed to Hawaii, has a strange conversation with a
passenger. As Shy wonders about the passenger's "aggressive comb-over," the man climbs over
the deck railing and, despite Shy's efforts to stop and save him,the man drowns. A slew of
dramatic plots and subplots follow. On the next cruise, Shy is spied on by a mysterious man, and
the family he's working to support catches a deadly virus. How could things get worse? How
about a tsunami that sinks the ship? The book gains even more steam as it combines mystery,
adventure, and suspense. The hero's feelings are so genuine, his actions so believable, that the
book is not a conglomeration of wild events, but a thrilling journey.
Suspense and Tension
There's nothing that propels readers through a book faster than tension and one of the leading
causes of that is suspense.
Marcus Sedgwick's She is Not Invisible (Roaring Brook, 2014, ages 12 and up) is tense from the
start as 16-old Laureth Peak kidnaps her seven-old-brother Benjamin. This act is based on
necessity. Laureth is blind and needs her sighted brother to help her find her missing father. Her
mother doesn't seem concerned about his absence, but Laureth's upset grows when she's sent
emails by someone who has located her father's "black book" somewhere in New York and the
scanned pages Benjamin reads aloud make her worry about his state of mind as well as his
whereabouts. Ongoing mysteries, fast pacing and a plethora of problems make this a gripping
read from beginning to end. It's not just a superficial chase; there are questions about prejudice,
disability, and the nature of caring.
Mystery
Who's done it? Why? Mysteries are made of questions that motivate readers.
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There are those and so much more in Sheila Turnage's The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing (Penguin,
2014, ages 9-12). Turnage's sequel to Newbery Honor-winning Three Times Lucky stars the
engaging Mo LoBeau, who still wishes to discover the true story of her birth, but clearly has her
hands full. Miss Lacy, the nicest old person in town, has bought an inn that can't be renovated
because of troubles caused by its resident ghost. Mo determines to interview the ghost, thereby
solving the ghost's mysterious death, ending the inn's haunting, and acing her history report.
Turnage remarkably weaves the main mystery and perplexing subplots into a story that
celebrates vivid writing, quirky characters, and humor.
Magic
Magic weaves a spell on reluctant readers and before they realize it, they've been enchanted by a
story.
Karen Foxlee's Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy (Knopf, 2014, ages 8-10) is a great example of
this kind of writing wizardry. The story begins with a once-upon-a-time tone as Ophelia's father
takes a job in a rambling museum in a city of constant snows. Ophelia, at 11, is robed in the
sadness of her mother's recent death. She sees herself as awkward, asthmatic, and scientific in
her approach to the world, unlike her horror story-writing mother. Ophelia must suspend her
rational thinking and change her self-concept when she meets the Marvelous Boy, who has been
imprisoned by the Snow Queen for 300 years. From behind a locked door, he turns Ophelia into
an unwilling partner in saving the world. Ophelia struggles with magical snow leopards, haunted
conquistadors, ghost children, and more before she becomes the heroine she never believed she
could be.
Non-stop action
Action stories keep readers on edge as one dramatic event is rapidly followed by the next.
Action starts almost immediately in Rodman Philbrick's Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of
Katrina(Blue Sky Press, 2014, ages 11 and up). Twelve-year-old Zane Dupree and Bandit, the
Wonder Dog,journey from New Hampshire, where "the sky is blue and clear"to New Orleans,
where "everything smells kind of stinky and moldy and wet."He's just beginning to adjust to
staying with Grammy, a relative he's never met and whose skin is "like the skin on milky hot
chocolate when you blow across the top,"when Hurricane Katrina strikes. Philbrick doesn't hold
back the horrific in telling the story of a young boy who survives the terrible storm with no
resources, as so many did. Zane faces hunger, heat, rising waters,racism, gunfire, floating dead
bodies, and poisonous snakes. The story has the driving force of gale winds, one adventure
leading to the next as Zane teams up with Tru, a local musician, and Malvina, the spunky
heroine. This disturbing realistic adventure is balanced by their acts of caring and courage.
Situations that stir readers
Characters in a tough spot help reticent readers cheer for a happy resolution.
Lauren Oliver's Panic (Harper, ages 13 and up)pairs a poor town with bored high school grads
psyched for summer's excitement, a sure set-up for drama. Add a high-stakes, life-or-death game
of dares that will pay out $67,000 to the winner. Mix in four needy protagonists and you've got a
recipe for a plot that's on fire. Alternate chapters reveal the heroes' tormented past and roller-
coaster present. This fast-paced story is seasoned by themes of friendship and betrayal, survival
and courage, heroism and secrets.
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Graphic Novels
Often children reluctant to take on traditional prose believe that pictures are worth 1000 words.
This is especially true when humor presides as it does in Stephan Pastis' Beginning Pearls
(Andrews McMeel, 2013, ages 13 and up). The book is divided among four hilarious characters,
familiar to "Pearls Before Swine" comic strip followers. Self-centered Rat begins by
complaining about his few pages of introduction,then recommends reading only the first section
(his) and writing the editors who are "pinheads, nitwits, blockheads, imbeciles,ninnies and
nincompoops"to make sure the next book stars him alone. Sarcasm and irreverence rule as the
wacky cast and colorful art provoke laughter.
Nonfiction
While fiction requires a strong sense of flow, a nonfiction (true) story is constructed in a way that
allows for pauses and stop-and-go reading. (While one can certainly stop reading a work of
fiction, often it takes more wherewithal and backtracking to put oneself back in the story's
momentum.)
Sy Montgomery is a science writer who has a strong sense of story. Her newest book, part of the
Scientists in the Field series, is Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cats
(Houghton, 2014, ages 9 and up). It takes her to the Cheetah Conservation Fund's African
headquarters in Namibia where Laurie Marker and her team work to save cheetahs from
extinction. The readability of this book is increased by Nic Bishop's colorful, evocative
photographs.
Strong Emotions
Amp up feelings and you ramp up reading desire.
Laurie Halse Anderson's The Impossible Knife of Memory (Viking, 2014, ages 13 and up)
certainly does this! Hayley Kincaid has traveled with her father Andy for five years in an 18-
wheeler as they deal with the PTSD he's had since returning from the war in Afghanistan. When
her father decides it's time to settle down and they return to the family home, Haley's reluctant
to submit to high school life "where the zombification process becomes deadly," cuts herself off
from the stepmother who's deserted her, shies away from possible friends, avoids growing
feelings for classmate Finn, and has a growing sense of fear for her father. Anderson's dialogue
ranges from Hayley's clever, carefree flirting to her heart-breaking worried guardedness.
Humor
Nothing keeps and holds readers more than humor. A book that lets readers laugh all the way
through keeps them anticipating the next comic scene, the next funny comeback.
And no one has a knack for humor quite like Jack Gantos, a fact he proves in From Norvelt to
Nowhere (FSG, 2013, ages 10-13), the sequel to his Newbery Award-winning Dead End in
Norvelt(FSG, 2011). In his latest book, Gantos pairs the two funniest characters from his first
book, 12-year-old Jack and his feisty, eccentric, elderly neighbor, Miss Volker. The book begins
as Jack's parents decide he should accompany Miss Volker to pay tribute to the recently
deceased Eleanor Roosevelt. The trip sounds innocent enough, but soon circumstances get out of
hand and before he knows it, Jack is driving a battered Volkswagen and avoiding mayhem as
Miss Volker drags him into a mystery. This road trip has a host of humor—slapstick, farce,
mix-ups, wit, repartee, and one-liners.
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While humor, hooks, fast pacing, tension, situation, and suspense all hold promise, adults need
also to feed a reluctant reader's interests in terms of subjects and genres. Science fiction tends to
capture many reluctant readers, as do adventure-driven stories. Many reticent readers have
surprised adults when they read a book-far above their reading levels just because they can't get
enough of books that feature, for example, fast-moving vehicles.