How to Live Mentally Well and Crush it During Difficult Times In this session, based, in part, on stories from his i’Mpossible Project book series, author and youth mental health specialist, Josh Rivedal talks about his school days in a format that’s visceral and creates an emotional connection between students and the powerful message that it’s okay to talk about mental health and that it’s possible to live mentally well during difficult times. Josh will cover: what mental health is and is not, coping skills, what depression and anxiety is and how we can cope with either or both, how to reframe failure, how to help oneself or a friend if in a mental health breakdown, and finding and cultivating hope during difficult times.

We offer a wide variety of entertainment and educational programs ranging from assembly shows, interactive intensives, and full week residency.

District Membership SUPPORT THE VISUAL ARTS IN YOUR SCHOOL NYSATA offers a wide array of opportunities for students. Included are numerous exhibits at the local, state, and national level; student scholarship opportunities; the Olympics of the Visual Arts Competition; and the Portfolio Project Assessment, to name a few. All new this year, the District Membership Program gives students access to all these great programs without the need for individual teachers to also become members.* District Membership Benefits Include: Access to all student programs and opportunities, including: The NYSATA Portfolio Project* The Olympics of the Visual Arts* The NYSATA Legislative Student Exhibit* The NYSATA/School Boards Association Student Exhibit* Student Scholarships Opportunities: The Zara B. Kimmey, Bill Millikin, and Goldberg/Snow 20% discount on registration fees for the NYSATA/School Boards Association Exhibit and Legislative Exhibit Ready to share and print Award/Recognition certificates for outstanding visual art students (one certificate per school building) Access to members-only resources on the NYSATA website www.nysata.org Regular E-News information and advocacy alerts Subscription for each art teacher in your school or district to quarterly NYSATA News digital and print editions Member rates on all art teacher registrations for our annual conference, regional institutes and workshops, the Summer Institute at Sagamore, and other professional development opportunities Full benefits of membership for every art teacher in your school or district Getting your teachers connected to a learning community and INVOLVED (priceless!) *Additional registration fees apply for certain programs and exhibits. Questions? Please contact us at districtmembership@nysata.org.

This program is taught by PGA Class A Professional Rich Scott. Using SNAG golf equipment, children in grades K-5 along with the PE teacher will be taught not only the game of golf, but also the life lessons that are used as vehicle through golf. Equipment will be provided along with expertise, curriculum, and of course fun. SNAG (starting new at golf) is taught with high impact plastic clubs, colored tennis balls, velcro targets, and a special visit by the SNAG man (a teacher, or administrator dressed in a velcro target suit). This program is designed to create a fun learning environment with words walls, our literacy component and life lessons built in. Effective programs will have the children attend SNAG classes within the regular PE Day, 3-4 times in a 2 week program. The natural progression will then move the children to an outdoor program either at the school or at a local golf course, or park. More info will be offered on those courses at a later time. Current pricing is $3799 for 2 weeks of instruction. Visit: www.facebook.com/CTDGA for more info…

A inspirational/ motivational true story how I am overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury after a pedestrian car accident. Healing from a Traumatic Brain Injury isn't a straight line, it is a series of loops, setbacks, and hard-won victories. My story is one that shows that not giving up is not only an action, it shows sheer strength of the human spirit.

The Zuzu Acrobats are a world-renowned performance troupe that brings the vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage of African acrobatics to audiences around the globe. With roots deeply embedded in traditional East African arts, the Zuzu Acrobats combine breathtaking acrobatics, high-flying stunts, and awe-inspiring athleticism with an infectious enthusiasm that captivates audiences of all ages. We have performed at over 500 schools in New York State alone! Originating from Kenya and Tanzania, the Zuzu Acrobats have spent years perfecting their craft and honing their skills. Their performances are a seamless blend of agility, strength, balance, and precision, showcasing traditional African music, dance, and costumes. The troupe is committed to not only entertaining but also educating audiences about the rich cultural traditions of Africa. High-Energy Performances: Prepare to be dazzled by gravity-defying flips, contortions, human pyramids, and other incredible stunts. Cultural Immersion: Each show is a vibrant display of African heritage, complete with traditional songs, dances, and attire. Family-Friendly Fun: Perfect for all ages, the Zuzu Acrobats offer a show that is both exhilarating and family-friendly, schools, and community gatherings. Audience Engagement: The Zuzu Acrobats thrive on audience interaction, often involving spectators in their performances to create a truly memorable experience. Booking Information Whether you're looking to add a dynamic element to your event or seeking an unforgettable show for your venue, the Zuzu Acrobats deliver an unparalleled performance that leaves a lasting impression. Their talent, enthusiasm, and cultural richness make them a standout choice for any occasion.

I am the author of a fantasy novel called The Knights: Lost in the Void. The story is assessible to everyone, but has been popular with teen boys who are not necessarily readers because it follows the style of comic books and anime. The story takes place in a fantasy world but the three main characters are facing real life situations regarding severe trauma, bullying, and anger and have to come to terms with those issues before they can succeed in their mission. There are glimpses of depression, anxiety, and grief in the latter part of the book, so the novel can be triggering for some people. I can offer the following programs: Book discussions for teens Book discussions fantasy Book discussions for boys Writing workshops

I offer Author Visits consisting of a 45 minute multimedia presentation of me as a young reader, the writing process and a read aloud. My book "Nervous Rex" and my new book "Mort the Worry Wart" both center around mental health strategies, so I weave that into my presentation as well. I also have smaller writing workshop opportunities. I am very flexible and work with schools on format, etc. I look forward to hopefully working with you!

Hudson Valley Dance Cultivators (HVDC) provides dance residency programs for children and teens in grades PK to 12. All HVDC programs are designed to provide sequential dance learning that nurtures students’ creative expression while teaching foundational skills. Residencies are developed in collaboration with teachers and administration to integrate with grade level learning goals. HVDC artists have extensive experience teaching diverse students including students with disabilities in inclusion and self-contained classrooms. Residencies are designed to meet the access needs of ALL students.

The Junkman — the original, Grammy-nominated recycled materials percussionist — and his collection of skateboards, road signs, brake drums, and other unusual items will captivate young minds with a STEAM-driven interactive experience that will entertain while teaching about music, science, the environment, inclusiveness, and kindness. From an hour-long interactive eco-concert with a culminating JunkJam wherein kids play along with The Junkman, to a full day of instrument-making or music-making workshops, or a week to two-week long sound sculpture or music-making residency, he’ll work with you every step of the way to develop and craft a program that best suits your students AND your budget. All The Junkman's programs featured his Help Our Planet (HOP) education initiative, which has garnered awards of excellence from the United Nations, the Federation of Mexico, and the State of Vermont.

TEAM Adventure is a team of Central New York professionals from counseling, education, and public service who have joined together to provide high quality adventure programming to people of all ages. We have been providing our services for 19 years. WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS: Indoor/Outdoor Low Challenge Course: Join us at the New Adventure Center in Liverpool, NY. The AC is located conveniently on Wetzel Road. We have accommodations for up to 100 participants with a large indoor portable element space and a wooded outdoor low element site with plenty of parking. Team-building Events for Sports teams: Regardless of the sport, TEAM Adventure facilitators are experts at bringing out the best in your athletes. Through experiential learning we take a group of individuals and make them into a functioning, communicating, engaged team. We facilitate the building of relationships, trust and bonding. On site Workshops: TEAM Adventure facilitators will come to your site with our portable games & initiatives. We use Adventure as a tool for learning. We do community building programs, Ubuntu Leadership programs, character building workshops, Emotional Intelligence programs, etc. A customized program will be designed for your group based on the objectives and goals that you want to achieve. Adirondack Adventures: TEAM Adventure will arrange overnight accommodations at an Adirondack Great Camp for your group, including meals and a challenge course experience. We also provide guide service for wilderness camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, caving and ADK High Peak hiking. Educator Training: TEAM Adventure has worked with educators from many districts in the Central New York area in the use of Experiential Education & the Adventure Learning Model to help their students succeed both academically and socially. We will come to your building and do single or multiple day trainings, providing your teachers new tools and skills to enhance their curriculum and build community. Our workshops make a great staff development day that is energizing and useful. We can align our programs with the “common core” curriculum. Corporate Training: TEAM Adventure’s experienced trainers use adventure experiences as a tool to create organizational change. We design professional development workshops for small businesses and corporate groups focused on improving team performance, developing creative problem solving and resolving conflicts. Youth Programs: TEAM Adventure works with young people from kindergarten through college. We design programs that include engaging ground-level initiatives and cooperative games as well as low and high challenge course activities. Our experiential problem-solving activities empower students to develop creativity and insight and then apply these skills to real-life situations. Adventure in the Classroom: TEAM Adventure is a leader in bringing adventure to the classroom. We have been running in-service programs for local teachers in the Syracuse area for over 15 years. If you would like to set up a professional development class for your staff call us at (315)415-4323.

Multi-media storyteller, musician, and adventure cyclist George Maurer presents Tales from a Bicycle Seat, a cultural exploration of his epic journeys across the US, Iceland, Patagonia, Sri Lanka, Canada, and Vietnam. Touches on diversity, cultural exchange, character education, growth mindset, cultural geography and more. Short segment on bike safety included in every show! Tales from a Bicycle Seat blends live storytelling, demonstration and interaction with original music and stunning video from George’s international bike-packing expeditions to show students how pushing past his comfort zone broadened his understanding of the world and of himself, tested his limits and showed him that human connection can transcend culture, language and geography. George draws from his 35 years as a world-class composer and performer to curate a uniquely creative up-close experience. Students almost feel like they’re on stage as he immerses them in live Go-Pro and drone footage from the road and invites dialogue so they can ask questions and explore with him what it means to build character, have empathy and grow personally.