Welcome to the Statewide Art and Enrichment Roster, Hosted by CiTi BOCES
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This directory of artists, presenters and vendors is for contact information only. Please note that all
approvals are determined by individual BOCES and/or District criteria and do not guarantee acceptance of
proposed contracts.
Yolanda T. Marshall
I am Yolanda T. Marshall, an award-winning Caribbean-heritage author of diverse, inclusive, festive children's literature. I have 20 books to read from!
I am an energetic storyteller who performs interactive book readings for large groups. My books and storytime include music, singing and dancing! The main themes of my books are about everyone (regardless of cultural identity) coming together to celebrate our similarities and differences. It is a space for childhood joy, laughter and learning something new about each other.
My readings are for 45 - 60 mins of multiple books. We take little dance soca breaks to keep moving.
I present my book on a projector so everyone can see the vibrant and beautiful illustrations by the illustrators.
My virtual readings - books are presented on the screen in classrooms - we get to have a fun party, aka storytime, at our desks!
The ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series presents performances specifically designed for school groups and are open to the general public as well. Children’s picture books and classic literature, United States and world history, relevant social issues and experiences are all transformed by nationally-touring performing artists. Our ArtSmart series is designed to encourage thinking, creativity and fun while complementing school lessons. Each year, The Smith presents a series for students of all ages.
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Kate Messner visits schools and libraries around the world to get kids excited about reading, research, and writing stories of their own. She offers large-group interactive assemblies focusing on the research and writing process behind her award-winning books as well as smaller-group writing workshops with a variety of focuses, from character and story development to mystery writing to researching and writing historical fiction and nonfiction. Kate is also a former middle school ELA teacher who earned National Board Certification in 2006 and provides staff development focused on engaging readers, teaching writing, and getting students excited about research and revision. She can be reached via the contact form on her website www.katemessner.com or by filling out her author appearance request form: https://forms.gle/nePpZY7on36gBozN9
Presenter:
The Park Theater Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality
of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment
and educational opportunities in the performing arts.
Program Description:
The Park Theater Foundation is excited to offer audio/visual technology and jazz workshops with
students from middle school to high school levels throughout Warren and Washington Counties.
Workshops will include demonstrations of various instruments, technologies and techniques as well as
their interactions on and off stage, culminating in a final performance at The Park Theater in Glens
Falls.
Purpose / Application / Structure:
Music Appreciation / Cultural Education
- Artists will provide demonstration and history of instruments / musical style in both assembly and small-group settings.
Audio Technology Comprehension
- Engineers will demonstrate various audio / lighting effects culminating in a
performance following the artists workshop session.
A maximum of 8 workshops can be hosted on-site with your school equipment provided or at The Park Theater (dependent on availability). This program is completely customizable to better suit your needs - inquire for more information!
The Apple-Y EverAfter Show is an arts-infused literacy program designed to spark imagination, strengthen reading comprehension, and inspire a lifelong love of reading in students from Pre-K through Elementary.
Our program captivates children’s attention with catchy rhymes, sight words, and interactive songs that make literacy fun. In addition, through music, dance, and delicious apple-filled adventures, the show teaches kids to be brave, try new things, and celebrate cultural differences.
Students will be actively engaged with interactive activities throughout the show. Theatrical experiences have been proven to not only benefit students’ academic achievement, but to also foster socioemotional learning, improve communication skills, enhance memory and concentration, and develop critical thinking skills.
You also choose one of our add-on programs as part of the student experience:
Cuddle and Read: with this program, kids create a cuddly reading pal, celebrate with Judge Bear’s adoption ceremony, and take home a Reading Tracker. Schools get a year’s supply to keep the reading fun alive!
Playful Picasso: with this creative literacy program, books spark imagination and stories leap off the pages. Students begin with a playful scavenger hunt, then bring their discoveries to life through painting or a hands-on activity. This experience helps strengthen comprehension, encourages self-expression, and builds confident, joyful readers
So join Novel, Novella, and Chef de Pomme as they hop from one exciting destination to the next, whipping up scrumptious apple desserts and learning that everyone can grow to love apples—maybe you will too!
Let’s bring this adventure to your students!
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.
Sandra K. Athans is an award-winning children’s author and a published literacy specialist with vast classroom experience.
Her children’s books represent a mix of playfulness, adventure, discovery, and fun! Her goal is to “glue” kids to her book’s pages with high-interest content that is full of page-turning wonder! In Tales from the Top of the World – Sandra shares nonfiction vignettes of her brother’s seven summits of Mt. Everest. In Secrets of the Sky Caves – she invites readers on scientific expeditions to remote cliff caves in Nepal. These are but two of her many works, which she shares with students in lively and engaging multi-media presentations. Sandra has written at every level, from early childhood fiction, through to award-winning middle grade nonfiction and above.
She is currently working on Chasing Curious Creatures, a playful nonfiction series about unusual animals and the scientists who study them (Astra Books for Children – 2025). Sandra also continues to publish teacher and student resources within the educational market and can provide reading/writing workshops for students and/or teachers along with her author visits.
David Hagerman has been performing his math science assemblies for over 20 years. Though we are based in Branson, MO, David performs all over the country. Extreme Science 2.0 is a forty-five minute program that can be performed for grades K-12. Math-A-Magic and Sound of Science are also 45 minutes long and the same price as Extreme Science 2.0. Since Extreme Science is our most popular, I will put the description of it here. The show is catered to the age of the student audience. Most schools request multiple back-to-back shows, splitting the students into like-grades. The older students get a more advanced show with the science explained in more detail. For younger audiences, the visual nature of the show keeps their attention without talking over their heads.
This show is a large production including two performers, music and amazingly visual demonstrations:
700,000 Volt Van de Graaff generator (VDG): (one of the largest you can find), it creates 10-15 inch lightening bolts and more than enough static to raise hair
Vortex Cannons: creates flying rings of fog
Floating beach balls: thanks to the Bernoulli effect, we have flight
Video of the live in person performances:
VDG (2.5 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhST0NcqmEc
Vortex Cannons (7 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXDdWSe_uE
For regular IN PERSON performances, the prices are as follows:
For one daytime performance per school site, it is $1475.
For two back-to-back daytime performances at the same school site, it is $1975 total.
For one morning and one afternoon (AM/PM) split performances at the same school site, it is $2275.00
For one evening performance per school site, it is $1575.
As a package deal; two afternoon performances and an evening family show at the same school site is $2700 ($800 savings).
If you have 2 or more schools that book, you EACH get 10% off. If 3 or more schools book, you EACH get 15% off.
David was invited to be on America's Got Talent for the 2021 season. His edited America's Got Talent performance: https://youtu.be/86FYGTmE1CU
Additional info:
Extreme Science: https://www.schoolscienceassemblies.com/extreme-science-school-assembly
Short promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPrOCJnNcM
Archived testimonials date back to 1997: https://www.schoolscienceassemblies.com/references
The Boston Globe published this article on David Hagerman in their business section.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/08/31/like-say-that-everything-percent-fake/os7VhPzfujVQrgmXpy99JK/story.html?event=event12
Performing over six hundred shows a year gives David a solid reputation that spans over 20 years of performing science assemblies nationally. We guarantee our show is one of the best you can find. If you disagree, no payment is due.
I offer four topics for my School Assembly Programs. Below are details about my Reading, Dental Hygiene, Ocean Sciences and Social Awareness Programs.
1. Sugar Bug Showdown: Elementary schools that engage my services for the ‘Sugar Bug Showdown‘ performance consistently request my return every third year to do it again. They want to be sure each child in kindergarten through 3rd grade gets the benefit of this unforgettable lesson in good dental hygiene. Your students will learn the right way to brush their teeth (even adults get it wrong!), why dental hygiene is so important, and much more. Dental Hygienists can give the facts, but nobody will motivate or help them remember those facts like Pipsqueak! To ramp up the fun, we demonstrate flossing using kids dressed as teeth. Another segment features caped cavity-defenders in an epic battle against sugar bugs. Here are some additional highlights:
How much toothpaste to use
How often to brush and proper techniques
How cavities & plaque form
How “sugar bugs” hurt your teeth
Why a healthy diet matters
2. Reading is an Adventure: This program is perfect for PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) or Read Across America incentives. Specific children’s books are referenced & highlighted. My job with this show is to get your students excited about reading. I periodically change the lineup, but the main messages are:
Curiosity fuels invention
Reading is an adventure
Readers are leaders
3. Kindness Quest: This program fits Respect Week and Character Education incentives like a glove! The following key themes are woven throughout:
Friendship
Kindness
Respect
Appreciating differences
Sharing
4. Waves of Fun: Oceans of Possibilities is a STEM school assembly that sparks an interest in learning about ocean sciences. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be motivated to learn about the amazing things that can be found in the ocean. The program is curated to add more advancing educational content at upper grade levels with marine biology, geology, and ecology professions showcased for the 5th grade. We’ll even use your own school library books in the magic performance! Laugh your way through the “silliest, goofiest, wackiest treasure hunt in the world!” Meet a very intelligent seal who does tricks. Of course, Vern (the bird) will make an appearance. This program is unique and so much fun! It is designed for students K-5th grade.
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.
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!
Award-winning, internationally renowned musical storytelling duo Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns PhD, aka, The Storycrafters, present performance, workshop and residency programs integrating storytelling with numerous areas of curriculum.
Storytelling has been documented in multiple studies as a support and building block of literacy. Schools that participate in storytelling programs see marked improvement in student language, reading and creating writing abilities.
Storycrafters programs work to enhance student literacy through the storytelling art form. Storytelling also acts as an active support to many areas of curriculum, including character education, history, multicultural and international studies, and more.
The Storycrafters have been working in schools and other venues since 1991, building a vast repertoire of stories and workshops to introduce storytelling and use it to enhance many areas of student learning. In addition, The Storycrafters present workshops for parents and teachers introducing the many ways storytelling can enhance student development in the home and classroom.
With 30+ years of experience in the storytelling art form and its many use in the classroom and school environment, The Storycrafters are a valuable resource for any school community looking to enhance literacy while supporting many areas of curriculum.