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Ancram Center for the Arts
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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.
Paul Wichansky
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A leading motivational speaker with 45 years of experience, since age 10, I host programs to help transform fear and ignorance into kindness and respect for those who strive to rise above adversity. Combining the topics of disability awareness, anti-bullying, leadership, and resilience, I share captivating anecdotes that have enabled me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss. These programs empower students while instilling in them the confidence they need to excel in class, treat peers and teammates with kindness and respect, understand the consequences of bullying, and be motivated to realize their dreams and goals. For example, though I encountered physical bullying in school, I chose not to respond in anger, but to forgive and help the bullies! Many students are stunned to learn why I responded this way. Love is the greatest gift we can give and receive in our lives. Using humor to engage audiences, these stories and insights elicit a cascade of emotions that help children and teens find the courage to accept and navigate life's challenges, igniting a spark of hope and optimism that leads to confidence and achievement. Each program culminates in a powerful documentary video, including skydiving, scuba diving, my artwork, and other creative expressions. Together, this represents a journey centered around an important life philosophy: "Yes I Can!" Those three words are precisely the name of my new book. I created this published resource to help teens, parents, and other special needs kids overcome self-doubt and anxiety when faced with bullying or prejudice. Each chapter is filled with stories that highlight principles such as self-love, positive attitude, support group, perseverance, resilience, and empathy. You can search my name on Amazon and read the reviews. Following my programs, I donate a signed hardcover to the school library. I suggest assemblies at multiple schools, possibly in the same district, on consecutive days to help share travel and hotel expenses from my central NJ home. Due to my hearing loss, please email me to establish initial contact before reaching out by telephone. I am flexible with speaker fees, depending on audience size. For assembly details and video testimonials, visit my online speaking resume: www.JustTheWayYouAre.com/resume
The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig
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Bring a theater-style grand-illusion show to your school in this interactive magic experience! Not your typical "magic show"... A little about the show..."The Extreme Magic of Eric" is one of the largest illusion shows in the country (but based out of New York!)! Combining cutting-edge illusions, escapes, cool music, customized lighting, and humorous audience participation, Eric and his assistant bring an illusion show experience to your school! Eric's performances have been seen on NBC's America's Got Talent, live with Jimmy Fallon, at MSG for the Knicks and Rangers, and in Europe, the Caribbean, Times Square and Las Vegas! We make a student float in the air, make someone disappear while surrounded by students, a Houdini escape, etc. Each show would be appropriately geared to the age of the audience (elementary, middle, or high school). The illusion show is 100% interactive (one of the only in the country!) with every routine involving student participation…volunteers from the audience assisting onstage and by their seats! Our website www.ExtremeMagicOfEric.com has more info and videos too! You can also google search "Eric Wilzig" and reads tons of only 5 star reviews from schools across the country. The #1 Entertainment Choice for your schools: PTA/PTO Family Fun Night School Day Assembly Fundraiser Event Holiday Program End of Year “Field Day”
Amapola Arts
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Amapola Arts Bilingual, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Art Education: Where Culture Meets Creativity! Amapola Arts is a bilingual, family-run art studio co-founded by Hector (Nino) Morales and Dr. Gliset C. Morales. Based in Kenmore-Tonawanda, NY, the studio specializes in on- and off-site art classes and culturally and linguistically responsive workshops that engage learners of all ages through canvas painting, pottery, photography, and mixed media. Rooted in Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean, and Taíno cultural traditions, Amapola Arts creates space for youth to explore identity, express themselves creatively, and build community. Programs are grounded in the Windows and Mirrors framework, helping students see themselves reflected in their work while gaining insight into cultures beyond their own. Offerings for P–12 Schools, Afterschool Programs & Community Organizations: On or Off-Site Art Classes & Workshops – Canvas Painting – Hand-building Pottery – Photography & Visual Storytelling – Mixed Media Projects Potter’s wheel experiences available for on-site sessions at the studio. Programs can be booked as single-day sessions, multi-week series, and summer or after-school enrichment. Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Curriculum Sample themes include: – Nature, symbolism, and visual storytelling – Celebrating multilingual heritage and family culture – Art as a tool for advocacy and connection – Identity, belonging, and creative expression. All Materials & Bilingual Instruction Provided. Amapola Arts brings all supplies and handles setup—just provide the space. Customizable to Your Needs Programs are adaptable by age group, schedule, theme, and budget. In addition to partnering with schools and organizations, Amapola Arts also offers bilingual classes and community events at its Tonawanda studio. Learn more at www.amapolaarts.com or reach out to glisetmorales@amapolaarts.com to begin planning a workshop!
BubbleMania
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BubbleMania: Science, Art & Comedy! An extremely "pop"ular assembly that combines bubbling skills, clean humor and toe-tapping tunes with an exploration of the natural sciences to amaze, amuse and inspire. This show connects the dots between creativity and scientific know-how. Students K-5 learn how bubbles form, how to use simple tools to create jaw-dropping bubble sculpture at home (spaceship, bubble cube, bubble disco ball), the science of bubble bursting, secret formulas and more. Includes eye-popping, artistic routines choreographed to jazzy music and a finale that finds a student trapped inside a giant bubble. Developed by Casey Carle, international award-winning bubble manipulator with credits that include Cirque du Soleil, Sesame Street and The Smithsonian Institute. Thousands of shows presented at schools across New York & New England for two decades. Brains will whirl, eyes will go wide and jaws will drop for students and staff alike. Amaze, amuse and inspire with BubbleMania!
Proform Airborne Jump Rope Team
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We provide an exciting, motivating assembly that includes a group jump rope showcase, gymnastics and dancing with a jump rope, audience participation, and discussion on healthy lifestyle choices. Students and staff alike will leave with the desire to pick up a jump rope.
Challenge Day
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Experiential 6 1/2 hour program that guides 100 students and 25 adults through interactive activities that allow them to practice the tools that have proven to support connection, inclusivity and break down barriers.
Lisa David
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Lisa David offers a fun, engaging experience teaching oil painting or pottery to high school students. Lisa is an award winning artist from Saratoga County, NY. After a long career as a production potter, Lisa became an art teacher and earned National Board Certification. Lisa taught at Schenectady School District and at Shenendehowa in Clifton Park, NY where she instructed hundreds of students in advanced drawing & painting and craft classes. She took up painting still life, landscape and narrative paintings. Her simple approach to still life painting has advanced her hundreds of high school students into acceptance into the best art schools. Her emphasis on observational drawing, seeing color, using value and composition to engage the viewer are taught during instruction. Lisa’s vintage-inspired still life is sold online and through her gallery representation at Spa Fine Art, Saratoga. She often plein air paints (paint outside from life) and has taught numerous workshops and classes at Saratoga Arts Center. Her numerous high school students have recalled their plein air painting as their “best art experience." Her pottery skills are also exemplary. Lisa once owned Picket Pottery, a production pottery business, selling her functional wares across the country. Once represented with over 18 salespeople, her pottery was sold in hundreds of stores nationwide. Lisa still throws pots, although does so for enjoyment rather rather than for profit. If you are interested in having Lisa demonstrate painting or pottery and talk about the art of business, please reach out! She is a natural with students of all ages.
Deb Cavanaugh
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Music enrichment geared to your curriculum. This can include a songwriting component and a wide variety of topics.
Bring On The Spectrum
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Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) welcomes friends of ALL ages and abilities to join us for fun activities! BOTS has a 5,000 square foot sensory gym with swings, slides, a quiet room, foosball, air hockey and more. BOTS is also a community space, offering social groups and clubs, such as art, personal training/fitness, Minecraft Club, Lego Club, Tween Scene and Teen Takeover.
Pimentel Murals
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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.
Lauren Nels, The Artist Seen
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Student or Teacher Raku Pottery Workshops Are you interested in doing raku firing with student artwork? Interested in a teacher raku firing day? I bring the firing to you! Contact me for information about how to set up a day-long visit.