Grade: 11 (whole school impact)

Teacher Name: Danae Boyd

Description and purpose of grant: 
Overview:
NTH@C will soon transition to a “school within a school” at CHS. Not losing the history of our campus is paramount for us. This grant will create a collaborative connection mosaic mural to weave the history and spirit of both New Tech High @ Coppell and Coppell High School.
Student historians will design individual mosaic tiles that integrate the legacy of both campuses into a cohesive “connection tree” mural to be installed at the new shared space. The students will invite the student organizations of NTH@C to join by representing their organization with additional tiles. The history of NTH@C and Coppell HS will come together in one artistic representation. The mural will stand as a tribute to community, continuity, and student voice in this transition, while supporting the collective engagement pillar of CISD.

Why This Matters:
When I walk the halls of our current campus, I see stories everywhere, the painted bricks that represent graduates over the years, the art club's mural, bulletin boards for so many clubs and organizations, and project showcases. I can still hear the laughter, the heartfelt debates, the cheers and chants from years of Networking competitions. I remember the learning and friendships that were built behind each of those moments. As we move into a new shared space, the fear is that those stories will be erased or forgotten. This mural, “Branches of Belonging: A Connection Tree Mural” is our way of planting roots in new soil without losing our past. It says, yes, we honor where we came from and yes, we grow forward together. It gives New Tech students an opportunity not just to move forward, but to carry their voices and histories with them. In the end, a tree is only as strong as its branches and roots. This mural will make visible the strength of our community, across both campuses.

Implementation process: 
Planning & Research with artist vendor, student artists design background design of intertwined trees
Historical Research Students collect stories, photos, artifacts; guest interviews; archival work
Design & Tile Creation Students sketch images, translate into mosaic tile plans, produce tiles under guidance
NTH@C community tile painting sessions
Mural Installation Preparation, adhere tiles
Dedication and reflection unveil ceremony, student reflections in Fall of 2026

Items you plan to purchase with grant money;
Unity Trees Mural Mosaic Printing 
8 x 8 foot for a total of 64 12x12 inch tiles approximately
mural backing, adhesive, anchor bolts,
individual participant paint kits with brushes

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project: $2,500