The World’s Best Classroom Reset Button is BrainBreak Academy! An online resource bundle full of videos that helps teachers take back control of the classroom and re-engage students. These 3-5 minute videos help students: FOCUS over puzzling BrainTeasers, INSPIRE students during virtual field trips RELAX with simple breathing & stretching exercises ENERGIZE while engaging with interactive classroom games Positive classroom environments are conducive to students’ growth, and teachers should expect their students to be ready to learn. Give educators the tools they need from BrainBreak Academy so they can take back control of the classroom right away!

Tifft Nature Preserve has been engaging audiences of all ages and communities for decades through our diverse selection of guided programs. We serve as the region’s premier environmental education site in the Buffalo area. Your participants will be immersed in 264 acres of nature while being guided along trails through woodlands, wetlands, and boardwalks or enjoying a hands-on activity in our multi-classroom Darling Environment Education Center. Our most requested Guided Tours and Workshops are listed on our website https://www.tifft.org/schools-and-groups/ , however please contact us to potentially customize a program to meet your content needs for any age audience, from preschool to adults. We can also come to you to facilitate an Outreach program with your audience. All groups of 10 or more individuals visiting the Preserve are required to make a reservation for a self-guided Discovery Visit, Guided Tour, or Workshop. Please call (716) 825-6397 or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org to make your reservation.

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum educational programs offer unique experiences, including our perforator machine that creates band organ rolls (one of the first forms of coding!) and viewing simple machines at work. In 2016, the Carrousel Museum received the Excellence in Collaboration Award from the Erie County Association of School Boards for our “T-NT (Tonawanda – North Tonawanda) STEAM is Dynamite!” program. Join us for fun, interactive tours, and brand new workshops in our Education Center. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands on learning and see practical applications of their curriculum. Our exhibits offer the opportunity to ride a 1916 Herschell Carrousel, and tour the factory where it was originally constructed! Additionally, our programs can come to you in person or virtually.

The Martin House offers 75 minute tours for students of all grade levels. We offer 2 hour tours but they are typically better for college level students. We also offer several programs that include tours, our Printmaking program is for grades 6 and up and our Art Glass program is for all ages. The Martin House also offers free large programs to the community several times a year. Students of all grade levels are welcome to come on a field trip to see the Martin House.

Mannie offers exciting yet educational shows leaving the students with memories that will last a lifetime. Performing for thousands of students across New England, New York, and New Jersey, Mannie's program is perfect for grades K-8. The amazing BMX tricks performed during each show will have the students in awe all while they learn about a great message such as anti-bullying, living out your dreams, achieving goals through dedication, or healthy eating. School assemblies run approximately 40 minutes and most are held indoors in a gym or cafeteria. Outdoor shows require very specific requirements and can send over those requirements if needed. Set up for shows is quick and easy, usually around 45 minutes. Mannie Nogueira BMX Shows LLC is FULLY INSURED and ready to perform at a school near you! For all inquires and detailed pricing, please send over an email to MNBMXSHOWS@gmail.com or call Mannie at 978-855-6998

Social Studies Songwriting Assembly with Mr. Nicky (Virtual Program) Mr. Nicky is an accomplished songwriter and certified teacher bringing a fresh approach to teaching social studies by creating parody songs. His YouTube channel (Mr. Nicky’s World History Songs) has gained over 20 million views and 130,000 subscribers by helping students recall and review their lessons on ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Mr. Nicky’s virtual assemblies (via Zoom/Google Meet/etc.) meet state learning standards in both social studies and ELA. The students write a history song together throughout the course of the hour as Mr. Nicky keeps the time fun and interactive by singing his hits, showing how he creates his channel, taking questions and having a blast celebrating ancient civilizations!

Jennifer Islas has been a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor since 2009. She has provided classes at many local schools and libraries for both students and teachers. Jennifer is a former educator as well and has worked with children from age 3-18 years as a Speech and Language Therapist. Her classes are high energy, interact, fun and easy to follow!

Ryan's Story - Get ready to witness a life-changing assembly program that will leave a profound impact on students of grades 5 and higher. No other program can match the story of how one young life has the power to inspire positive change in the fight against bullying, cyberbullying, and teen suicides. This powerful true story will encourage students to turn their gaze inward, helping them examine how they treat others. Bystanders will be inspired to step up and stand with the victims, putting a stop to bullying in all its forms. At the same time, a message of forgiveness and love will be imparted to all present. As the creator of this transformative program, I firmly believe that depression was the root cause of my son's tragic passing. While bullying cannot be excused, we must also take note of the mental health issues that are often swept under the rug. I teach students how pivotal it is to seek help without delay if they or a friend are in crisis, reinforcing the importance of suicide prevention. This sensitive and age-appropriate program is tailored for students from grades 5-12 and lasts for a captivating 60 minutes. The story takes 45 minutes to narrate, following which the students will be engaged with powerful lessons learned from the story. These lessons include how forgiveness is healing and that self-advocacy paired with advocacy for others can prevent suicide. Students will leave the program inspired to become up-standers and to apologize when owed. Finally, they will know for certain that they are loved beyond belief. Book me for this life-transforming assembly and witness how one story can bring about a positive change in the world.

China Patterns Spectacular athleticism one moment, pure grace and precision the next. This program features a new interactive movement theater portion that will bring the Chinese classical poem of the folktale of Mulan to life, as well as a diverse selection of Chinese dances performed in full, traditional costumes. Students will get to learn Mandarin phrases, traditions, and dance movements through interactive segments included in the program. Program Length: 45 min

Discover the fascinating world of Native American folklore, respect for nature and a sense of family, community and caring for the land. Marty Hight shares her stories about beliefs held deeply sacred and get an inside look at how the Native Americans world changed as their land was taken and they were forced to march to a new and strange land. Or, learn how to craft corn husk dolls and hear the story about her creation. Marty invites your students to help illustrate her stories, demonstrate dances and celebrates their special gifts. In this school assembly, history comes alive as stories told for centuries are shared in an engaging way to impart character lessons and tribal history. It’s ideal for Grades K-6. TOPICS INCLUDE: HISTORY • CULTURE • STORYTELLING • SINGING • NATURE • TRADITIONS • DIVERSITY • LANGUAGE • CRAFTS • AND MORE! Marty Hight (Ma-ha-gum-se / Shawnee) is a Native American who has a Cherokee and Shawnee heritage. She is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma who draws from family history and storytelling to share her people’s history, language, songs, customs, rituals and legends through vivid narratives. Reach out today to learn how you can join in the excitement when you host Marty Hight!

Scuba Steve will read and discuss portions of his book(s) with students, there will be video and photos to bring the books to life. Scuba Steve will engage with the students, speaking and answering questions about what inspired him to become a professional scuba diver and environmental conservationist and how he was able to redirect this passion into writing books as well as his writing process. Additional topics will include current issues facing the marine environment, its inhabitants, and what each of us, even children, can do to help. Proceeds from book sales go to his “Read4Reefs” program to help ensure their sustainability and future.

I provide paintings, art prints, and photography services directly to clients. My work is featured in a number of private collections within (and beyond) Western New York. In 2016, I founded Avery & Harlow to grow my art business. I have individual and commercial clients, including Meet & Eat Charcuterie, Magic Bear Beer Cellar, Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, Trocaire College, Canisius University, and TEAM VIA (New York City Real Estate Advisors). I've donated art to Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Rochester Contemporary Art Center (as part of the 2023 and 2024 6x6 fundraiser exhibition) and the WNY Women's Foundation. In addition, I'm a former instructor (specializing in business and marketing) for the Arts Management Program at University at Buffalo. I'm also a Teaching Artist and marketing consultant for GWFA Gallery in Hamburg, New York.