Auberry, CA
Amplify the Arts
Grant Amount
$19,045
Year Awarded
2025-2026
Project Coordinator
Derek Mangan
Grant Type
Team
Local Association
Teachers Association of Paradise
Focus Area
Arts, Media, and Culture
About the Project
This project will support an annual, student-centered puppet show at Pine Ridge Elementary to promote engagement, creativity, and collaboration. Students take on key roles in scriptwriting, voice acting, puppet-making, and stage production, fostering agency, critical thinking, and teamwork. Designed to be inclusive, the project especially supports students with disabilities and those who struggle with traditional instruction by providing accessible performance opportunities. It also builds school-wide and community relationships by involving teachers, families, and local organizations in the creative process. The performances will highlight diverse regional cultures, promote equity, and strengthen student voice and leadership through a safe, supportive arts-based learning environment.
Meet the Project Coordinator
Derek Mangan
Derek Mangan is a 5th-grade teacher at Pine Ridge Elementary School in Paradise, California. He serves on the MTSS, LCAP Advisory, and TAP bargaining teams. Motivated by a passion for fostering stronger school-community relationships, Derek’s project aims to enhance creativity, collaboration, and engagement in an arts-based learning environment.
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