With a reach of over 12 million students, TEEN TRUTH is a leading educational services company dedicated to empowering student voices, fostering positive school culture, and building student resilience. Originating from the success of an award-winning, student-filmed documentary series, TEEN TRUTH delivers North America’s best school assemblies, interactive student leadership summits, and high-quality professional development workshops. Visit www.teentruth.net to discover how we can elevate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives at your middle or high school.

In "Fact or Fiction" performers tell stories through dance. Are they true? The audience decides! The show is a ton of fun, with an electrifying cast and a ton of heart! Audiences laugh, maybe cry, and definitely have something to talk about after the show. We bring the auction paddles for voting; you bring the students! This show has inspired multiple offshoot projects amongst students and teachers.

1. K-12 Storytelling Workshop 2. Professional Development for Teachers and Staff 3. Train the Teacher in Storytelling Writing on Your Feet is an exciting new storytelling course for students in grades K-12. Developed over a five-year period in partnership with Taconic Hills Elementary School, Writing on Your Feet provides students the opportunity to generate story ideas, teaches concepts such as a story arc and the skills of live storytelling. Writing on Your Feet complements most schools’ personal narrative writing curricula by introducing students to an innovative approach to storytelling that helps them identify what they want to say in their story, as well as how to say it; students first learn to speak their story and then, after doing so, are prepared to write it down. Writing on Your Feet is a highly impactful, program that uniquely scaffolds a school’s writing curriculum by introducing kids to personal narrative development through storytelling. The Ancram Center believes that this kind of creative pedagogy–one that allows for a wide range of learners to develop an essential skill–is key to supporting individual academic attainment. The course is taught over four 45-minute classes with an optional storytelling event to culminate the students’ work. The classes can be completed over two to four weeks depending on a school’s needs. The Ancram Center also offers one-time two-hour versions of this workshop. Professional development workshops and train the teacher sessions are also available.

Richard Celestin Consulting Group LLC offers skill development, social-emotional and law-based programming and services to K-12 school communities, including students, parents and teachers. This includes workshops, assemblies, trainings and consulting. The founder, Richard Celestin, Esq., is an experienced attorney, educator and author with extensive experience working with youth and adults within schools, CBO's and not-for-profits. Topics include college and career readiness, debate and advocacy, healthy relationships, social media use, critical and consequential thinking and much more.

School Assembly: First Choice & A Second Chance This program begins with an introduction video aimed at knocking down the stigma attached to substance use disorder, educating the audience on the current drug epidemic, and setting the stage for a powerful, honest and heartfelt story. During interviews with Stephen’s family, it becomes clear he had a great childhood. “No one saw this coming.” Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen shows how mental health struggles can lead to addiction, the consequences of substance use, and how stigma prevented him from asking for help and contributed to his inability to recover. His storytelling technique allows each individual person to draw conclusions in their own meaningful way as it relates to their own life. By focusing on the progression of his dependence—beginning to end—attendees will gain a better understanding of how the choices they make today will affect them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. The trifecta gateway drugs of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana introduced to Stephen in 8th grade by older peers was just the beginning, eventually leading to self-destructive behaviors, criminal convictions, and a deadly opioid addiction that Stephen directly states he would have never made it out alive if fentanyl was as prevalent during his addiction as it is today. He takes you through his struggles and extremely difficult times, then slowly transitions into sobriety—emphasizing that recovery is possible. Through practicing gratitude, healthy routines, and changing his mindset to view his challenges as opportunities to inspire others, profound changes began to happen in Stephen’s life. The pivotal moment occurred just before he celebrated one year of recovery. Stephen was given a second chance to turn his mess into a message by working in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. From there, he gained the confidence to share his story, go back to college and eventually law school. Today, he speaks all across the country to inspire others to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Attendees will leave this program better educated on mental health and substance use, with practical tools and coping skills to work through challenges, a better understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact others, and with a goal-oriented mindset to build a life worth protecting. Breakout Sessions: Break the Silence As a follow-up to the assembly, breakout sessions build on Stephen’s talk and focus on reinforcing key concepts. These sessions offer students a unique chance to ask personal questions and engage in open discussions in a comfortable, intimate setting. Each session delves deeper into the most crucial topics covered in the assembly, allowing students to ask relevant questions and share their takeaways. Typically held in Health and PE classes, these sessions can be tailored to specific grades or customized schedules. Stephen’s Breakout Session worksheet allows students to submit anonymous responses, fostering honesty and openness. The anonymous data collected offers critical insights for schools, helping them identify areas where further support or follow-up might be necessary. Additionally, these insights can be used to reinforce the positive takeaways from Stephen's message throughout the school year, ensuring that the impact of the sessions continues to resonate with students long after the program concludes. Assembly/Workshop: Know the Law, Save a Life An interactive program educating high school seniors on laws related to drugs and alcohol, as well as the legal and moral consequences of their actions. Stephen begins by qualifying himself through sharing his experience on both sides of the law, both as a defendant during his struggles with substance use and now as a defense attorney in recovery. Students learn basic courtroom terms, criminal laws, civil laws, and the potential penalties and liability that can follow from breaking these laws. Stephen gives fact patterns with real life scenarios so students can see how these laws play out in situations young people are faced with everyday. Some of the laws covered are the Good Samaritan Law, DWI/DUI & Zero Tolerance, Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Deaths, Social Host Liability, Providing Alcohol to Minors, Fake IDs, Hazing, Affirmative Consent to Sexual Activity, and Defamation of Character. Stephen also covers fentanyl and the misperception of harm due to the legalization of marijuana. Professional Development: Transforming Youth Discipline & Justice with Restorative Practices Transforming school discipline and criminal justice policies from punitive to restorative practices for youth struggling with substance use disorder not only saves lives—it builds lives worth defending. School administrators and law enforcement face significant challenges to find the most effective response when a young person—anyone under the age of 25—breaks the law or violates a code of conduct for drugs and alcohol. Stephen Hill brings extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. His unique perspective comes from his work as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on drug and alcohol related offenses, recovery coach, and youth motivational speaker. His work was inspired by his own adverse childhood experiences—out-of-school suspensions, removal from school sports teams, felony convictions—the labels and stigma that came with it, and the trauma that followed. We often hear administrators and law enforcement, when faced with an individual who violated the law or code of conduct, must make decisions by balancing the best interests of the individual and the community. Stephen’s training helps people recognize how the best interests of individual offenders and communities align more than most people think. Through sharing his personal testimony and advocacy work today, Stephen reveals innovative solutions for schools and communities to develop systems to achieve better outcomes for young people facing behavioral and/or criminal justice challenges because of substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder. At the end of this session participants will be able to: Recognize situations, when dealing with youth discipline and justice, that require restorative practices to achieve better outcomes Explain why punishment is not effective for specific or general deterrence for youth struggling with substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder Communicate the ideology and evidence behind restorative practices—particularly for youth—so more people in their community can understand and support restorative practices Develop systems and procedures for youth discipline and justice that add more protective factors rather than removing them with strictly punitive measures

At Pimentel Murals, we welcome students into a warm, imaginative space where creativity blossoms and empty walls are transformed into colorful murals through teamwork and collaboration. In each session, young artists work side by side, sharing ideas and painting techniques, guided by a professional muralist who helps them harness their imagination and learn valuable new skills. Patience and focus grow naturally as students mix paint, practice brush strokes, and contribute to a larger design, each stroke reflecting personal creativity and the group’s collective vision. Throughout this creative journey, students find joy in exploring colors and shapes, gaining confidence in their artistic abilities and discovering that their ideas truly matter.

Mark offers a unique variety of entertaining, interactive, & educational assemblies, class workshops, & artist in residencies. Assemblies include: "America's musical traditions", "Books that sing" (PARP), Earth Day, "Multicultural holiday show", "field day shows & activities, and 'family concert. workshops include: "instrument experience', "tunes for spoons", "instrument building", "traditional American country dance", and "songwriting". instruments include: guitar, banjo, fiddle, hammered dulcimer. mountain dulcimer, & spoons.

At Mindful Yoga With Liz, we bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness directly into schools, helping children of all ages build focus, confidence, and emotional resilience. Through playful movement, breathwork, and guided relaxation, students learn tools to manage stress, regulate their emotions, and cultivate kindness toward themselves and others. Our programs are age-appropriate and engaging, combining storytelling, games, and interactive activities to make learning fun while supporting social-emotional growth. Teachers also benefit by learning strategies to manage classroom energy, foster a calm environment, and support students’ well-being—helping the whole school community thrive.

Prepare yourself as Planetarium Adventures takes you on a journey that will Inspire, Innovate and bring Discovery to the classroom. Planetarium Adventures is a completely portable planetarium that comes to you! No matter if you represent a school, a library or even a local community organization, Planetarium Adventures will bring the universe to the classroom. Saving you valuable time and money and the hassle of transportation. Planetarium Adventures uses proven tools to open the world of astronomy and the wonderment of our solar system to the young scientists of tomorrow! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our curriculum and procedures

For more than 20 years we, (the VanRipers), have enjoyed the privilege of presenting at schools, libraries, conferences, and on radio and television with our message: The 3 R’s: Reading, (w)Riting & Relationships. Thousands of students, including many reluctant readers, have been encouraged to remain engaged with reading and been challenged to try their own hand at writing. During a typical presentation, students are exposed to the fundamentals of the craft as the mystique of the publishing process is also removed. Our primary goal is to inspire children to read and write. We also encourage them to set aside their electronic devices to get out and explore the great outdoors!

The NYSCLSA Conference is the annual statewide student leadership conference organized by the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities (NYSCLSA). Here are the key details about the conference: Primary Goal: To develop leadership skills in high school and middle school students across New York State. Participants: A diverse group of student leaders, typically from student councils, National Honor Society (NHS), and similar organizations, along with their advisors. Activities: The conference features a variety of activities aimed at building skills and promoting civic engagement, including: Workshops: Focused on topics like communication, team building, decision-making, and critical thinking (as mentioned in your previous question). Keynote Speakers: Internationally and nationally known motivational speakers. Networking: Opportunities for students to share ideas, programs, and network with peers from around the state. Service Projects: The organization and its members typically support a statewide charity fundraiser and develop service-learning projects. Purpose: The event is designed to inspire participants to take the ideas and skills they gain back to their respective schools and communities to make a positive difference. The NYSCLSA organization is founded and governed by both students and advisors, who play an essential role in planning the annual conference and other state and local leadership activities The NYSCLSA conference’s Student Leadership Program strongly aligns with the New York State P-12 Learning Standards for the Arts by engaging students in the four artistic processes. By requiring students to create, develop, and produce public service announcements (PSAs), the program fulfills the Creating and Performing/Presenting/Producing standards, particularly in Media Arts and Theatre. Furthermore, the workshops on communication and critical thinking, along with keynote speakers on school climate and culture, address the Responding standard by teaching students to analyze and interpret artistic intent, and the Connecting standard by urging them to synthesize their work with personal experiences and societal context. Essentially, the conference uses the creation and presentation of media as a practical vehicle for developing key leadership and critical thinking skills mandated by the NYS arts curriculum.

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.