LOOKING FOR FIELD TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR CLASS? Visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and experience a globally rare habitat minutes from downtown Albany and Schenectady! LET YOUR SENSE OF WONDER GROW IN THE ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE At the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, students explore real-world phenomena and learn through inquiry-based investigations. • We offer programs for grades pre-k through high school, homeschool groups, colleges, Scouting groups and other special interest groups. • Visit the Discovery Center, a one-of-a-kind interpretive center with interactive exhibits, demonstration gardens, accessible outdoor Discovery Trail and more. • For information on program logistics, fees and resources visit AlbanyPineBush.org • Bus funding available through the Friends of the Pine Bush Community Ticket to Ride grant. Details at PineBushFriends.org • In-classroom teacher kits are available for loan at no cost. School Group Volunteer Opportunities We also offer community service opportunities for classes to complete in the preserve including: invasive species removal, seed collection and trash pick-up. For more info visit www.albanypinebush.org/schools or call 518-456-0655

I am a children's picture book illustrator and author. My most well-known illustrated books include "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind", "One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia" and "Grandpa Cacao: a Tale of Chocolate, from Farm to Family". I work in paint and cut paper collage, and offer school presentations and classroom workshops about my artistic process.

Cosmic Images Across the Spectrum: Teachers of the local district's schools will be given a workshop on how to use Astronomy as an Interdisciplinary Approach to Education. Training will include the use of NASA's MicroObservatory (MO) taking images and using the image processing software so they can, in turn, teach their students to do the same, and then create thematic units that utilize the talents of students in various disciplines and using alternative assessment strategies such as rubrics and portfolios. Art students can paint or draw a particular object from MO, Math students pinpoint size & scale, distance and celestial coordinates, English students use creative writing or poetry to describe the object, History, Social Studies and Foreign Language students form a timeline of the U.S. vs. other countries in discovery, impact and understanding of what was happening at the time, such as French influence from Charles Messier, and Science students explore the physics and chemistry data of the object recorded from telescopes and spectroscopy. Information for each object from all disciplines will be compiled onto a page or "block" and submitted to be added to a "Cosmic Quilt." Color poster-sized printouts of all blocks submitted can be assembled together for the physical Cosmic Quilt and put on display as an exhibit for all to see at the school. All the contributors' names and input will be recognized at the exhibit.

Yoga promotes inner and outer strength, confidence and self-esteem. Students learn how to move their bodies using yoga poses, connect with their breath using breathing techniques and still their minds using visualization. Mindfulness is the ability to stay present in the moment as it is, to pay attention on purpose. Students learn focusing and calming techniques allowing them to stay present. These practices of self care will certainly serve them throughout their entire lives. Students work at their own pace in a fun, supportive environment. Donna has certifications ERYT 500, RCYT, RPYT, YACEP through Yoga Alliance, teaching for over 25 years and has extensive experience teaching students in schools and camps for over 15 years.

"Visual Thinker" Roxie Munro is the Author/Illustrator of more than 55 award-winning nonfiction, STEM/STEAM, and concept books for children, many using "gamification" to encourage reading, learning, and engagement. Recent books include Maze Play; A Day in the Life of the Desert; Lizards at Large; ABCity; Anteaters, Bats & Boas (2 starred reviews); Dive In; Rodent Rascals (3 starred reviews); Masterpiece Mix; Market Maze; Slithery Snakes; Busy Builders; EcoMazes: 12 Earth Adventures (starred reviews; Smithsonian's Best Science Book for Children); Hatch! and many others. Awards include The New York Times Ten Best Illustrated; Outstanding Science Trade Book, NSTA & CBC; Society of International Librarians Honor Award; Bank St College Best Books List w/Outstanding Merit; the Bank St Cook Prize Honor for STEM, others. Fourteen of her paintings have been published as covers of The New Yorker magazine. Programs are lively multimedia presentations with beautiful highly illustrated visuals, short videos with sounds, and great fun facts and information. The most popular program for PreK-2nd grade is "Nature," in which lots of the world's most interesting animals are discussed. For 3rd grade and up, the most requested is "Creating a Nonfiction Picture Book" - learning how to research, use sources, and develop critical thinking. Making the book: Storyboard, thumbnails, roughs, finished art and text. Editor's involvement. Designing a cover. For a complete menu of all of Roxie's programs, with grade levels, visit https://www.roxiemunro.com/school-visits.html Roxie's art is exhibited widely in the US in galleries, museums and is in numerous private, public, and corporate collections. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, presented a 4-month solo exhibition: "Inside-Outside Dinosaurs: Creating a Book with Roxie Munro" and she has two books represented in "Building Stories," the children's book exhibition curated by Leonard Marcus at the National Building Museum in Washington DC (up through Feb 2026). Her children's book art, texts, and processes are in the Kerlan Collection (Univ of Minnesota), De Grummond Collection (Southern Mississippi), the New York Public Library, and the Mazza Museum (Findlay, Ohio), among many others. Roxie studied at the University of Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore), earned a BFA in Painting from the University of Hawaii, attended graduate school at Ohio University (Athens), and received a Yaddo Fellowship. She lectures in museums, schools, libraries, conferences, and teaches in workshops. See complete resume and lots of free fun and educational activities for children to download at https://www.roxiemunro.com/

Imagine a world where math isn’t just a classroom subject, but an exciting, laugh-filled adventure. Welcome to the Mathical Mystery Tour, a brand new, innovative assembly show designed to turn math into an action-packed experience for kids. We’re not just talking about numbers and equations; we’re blending puzzles, stunts, games, and magic tricks to make math come alive, right before their eyes. On stage, 12 students become the stars as they dive into stunts, solve puzzles, and perform tricks that reinforce their classroom lessons. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful K-5 educational tool aligned with the elementary school math curriculum. Each activity is crafted to teach math terminology, concepts, and proven theories in a way that’s engaging and unforgettable. The Mathical Mystery Tour is more than an elementary assembly show; it’s a revolution in how we teach math. By intertwining education with excitement, we’re inspiring a generation to see the magic in math. This is guaranteed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in every student! Learning, Fun and Laughter – All in One! School assemblies are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn something new, get inspired and be entertained. Without a doubt, it’s no easy task to capture the attention of a whole school, but The Mathical Mystery Tour does it with remarkable ease. If you’re looking for a school assembly show that will bring students together and leave them with tears of laughter, then look no further than this amazing assembly show!

Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris is an interactive Hip Hop Dance and Music School Assembly including Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & Healthy Living Prepare your students to have the dance experience of a lifetime! Youth Motivational Speaker Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler energizes students with an unforgettable mix of hip hop dance, music, comedy and motivation, inspiring them to stay active, be positive, and be kind for a successful future. This dynamic, high-energy performance captivates audiences while delivering powerful life lessons they’ll remember long after the assembly ends! Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris isn’t just about movement—it’s about empowerment. This interactive program combines hip hop dance with social emotional learning (SEL), character education, and the benefits of healthy living, reinforcing messages on achievement, motivation, personal power, bullying prevention, perseverance, and more. Chris makes staying active fun, emphasizing how movement boosts mental focus, self-confidence, and overall well-being. Why Movement Matters With obesity rising globally, now more than ever, students need to understand the importance of staying active in a way that feels exciting and natural. Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris makes movement accessible for everyone, showing how dancing, fitness, and mindset work together to create a healthier, happier life. Chris’ passion is to inspire all students—not just through words, but through an interactive experience that gets them moving, thinking, and believing in themselves. His crazy, energetic, and engaging performance challenges youth to embrace their individuality, take responsibility for their choices, and strive for success—all while having an absolute blast! Customizable, Interactive, and Unforgettable Move and Motivate with Mr. Chris provides a fully customizable presentation based on your school’s needs. Topics include (but are not limited to): Social Emotional Learning (SEL) | Healthy Living Through Movement | Bullying & Cyber Bullying | Overcoming Adversity | The Power of Perseverance | Character Building & Leadership | Anti-Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Awareness | Teamwork & Respect | Black History | Living a Positive Lifestyle and more! Also perfect for Dance Nights, School Parties, and DJ Events—Chris brings the energy to every event! Don’t miss out! Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler is the real deal—and your students won’t stop talking about this experience! Black History Content for Chris: In his Black History Dance Assembly, Chris specifically mentions the roots of hip-hop music and dance about black history and how pioneers in the industry started a movement that is still taught today. Don “Campbellock” will be featured and students will learn how he started a style called locking while they learn some of the locking dance moves. Chris also features Sam Solomon and how he created the style of dance called popping, which is the practice of contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerking motion. Finally, students will hear about Kool DJ Herc who started the popular form of dance called breakdancing.

Diane Edgecomb brings top quality entertaining performances to your school that enhance elementary school curriculum. Folk & Fairy Tales! Myths! Environmental Literacy! Seasonal Nature Tales for young learners! Diane’s dynamic storytelling assemblies get every single student excited about core-curriculum topics, proving once again that story is the shortest route to imaginative learning. Choose from performances designed to enrich and engage: Folktale Superheroes around the World dovetails English core studies in folktales and myths. Students discover that folktales from China, Africa and South America all have their own versions of Superheroes! Tales for the Earth teaches important lessons about bio-diversity and water conservation through Diane’s engaging original tales. Environmental literacy can be not just meaningful but fun. Looking for something for K-2? Choose Diane's Seasonal Nature Tales for young learners: Fall Tales Celebrates how the leaves got their colors and the Star in the Apple, Spring is for Planting Seeds, Nesting Birds and Composting Adventures, Insect Comedy teaches about the value of our six-legged friends through entertaining and informative stories sure to get students excited about the unbelievable lives of insects. Diane galvanizes student’s learning with award-winning stories. Give your teachers a helping hand in meeting English Core Curriculum requirements with Diane’s follow-up master class in storytelling techniques. Students learn about the power of their own imaginations through hands-on exercises sure to have everyone participating. By the end of the workshop, each student is retelling a folktale to a partner an English core-curriculum requirement! “Your stories were wonderful. The teachers and the students agreed that your presentation is one of the best we’ve ever had. Thank you so much for bringing to life our study of myths and legends.” - Missy Thomson, teacher and school librarian, Woodville School, Wakefield, MA “Ms. Edgecomb had even the most restless audience members completely mesmerized. Her physicality, variety of voices/sounds, involvement of her young charges, and respect of nature ~ appealed to me as well as my students. Thank you! The program was first rate.” - B. O’Connell, teacher, Ralph Talbot School, Weymouth, MA Diane has received numerous awards for her work, including the ORACLE award for storytelling excellence in the Northeast, the national Circle of Excellence award and the Parent’s Choice Silver. Diane has been featured on NPR and is one of New England’s favorites storytellers as recommended by Elementary library school collection.

Think Wellness NY has been partnering with schools across New York State since 2017, providing impactful, mindfulness-based enrichment programs that promote academic success, student well-being, and a positive school culture. All of our offerings are grounded in mindfulness and are designed to help schools address key challenges such as stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, emotional regulation, and low morale. Our programs support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), improve focus, and enhance students’ readiness for learning and life. Our enrichment programs for students (Pre-K through 12th grade) include: Wellness Week Our signature offering, Wellness Week, brings a full week of rotating sessions in Mindfulness, Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Journaling directly into the school day. Designed for PE push-ins, health classes, or special scheduling blocks, Wellness Week helps students: Manage anxiety and reduce stress Improve focus and academic readiness Strengthen emotional awareness and self-regulation Build long-term wellness habits Customizable to each school’s schedule, this turnkey program includes all materials and is taught by certified professionals. Youth Music Program This calming, creative program introduces students to the joy and healing power of sound. We bring a wide variety of instruments—drums, shakers, chimes, and more—for students to explore. Through rhythm, sound play, and mindfulness techniques, children build focus, emotional expression, and sensory awareness in an engaging, non-competitive environment. Mindful Art Program Our hands-on art sessions incorporate calming techniques and reflective prompts that support emotional growth. Projects such as “Gratitude Cards” using food dye and shaving cream help students express emotions, connect with inner calm, and develop creative confidence. All materials are provided. Mindful Nature Program Designed to cultivate peaceful attention and sensory engagement, this program can be done indoors or outdoors and gets students interacting with natural materials. Activities like “Nature Impression Cards” and soil-based art encourage students to get their hands dirty while learning to observe, reflect, and slow down. Yoga for Kids Developmentally appropriate yoga classes for students of all ages. These sessions promote self-regulation, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. All sessions are trauma-sensitive and mindfulness-based, with a strong focus on breath, body awareness, and inner peace. Staff Wellness & Professional Development Mindfulness and Burnout Prevention for Educators Offered as a 1-hour, 3-hour, or full-day training, this workshop equips teachers and school staff with practical, evidence-based tools to: Reduce stress and burnout Improve emotional resilience Model mindfulness in the classroom Strengthen schoolwide wellness culture This professional development program has been delivered to thousands of educators across New York and is a powerful tool for supporting staff morale, mental health, and retention. All sessions are taught by trained professionals and include all necessary supplies. Think Wellness NY is a NYS-approved vendor and eligible for BOCES contracts where applicable. Custom scheduling options are available.

“Stand Up for Your Greatness!” In this inspirational program, Ed Gerety shares with his audience specific strategies, principles, and techniques to be resilient, embrace change, achieve goals, and step up as a leader. The social and emotional needs of students today are more important than ever. Ed delivers a powerful message that connects with the hearts and minds of his audience. He reminds students of the importance of taking care of themselves, taking care of one another, standing up for their greatness, and for the greatness of others. Areas of Focus in this assembly program include: • The power of respect and responsibility • The impact and consequences of our choices and decisions • The issues of bullying and peer pressure • Appreciation for our abilities and the people in our life • The courage to believe in oneself • The power we have to reach out and make a difference Ed speaks in the education industry specifically at middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and conferences. His primary audiences include students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and student-athletes. For 30 years Ed has spoken on character education topics that build and support a positive and inclusive school climate. His expertise is in teaching the skills that teens and young adults need to develop to become leaders in school and in life. Ed’s longevity as a paid-professional speaker is rooted in the excellence he brings to the platform, the relationships he forms with his clients, and the results produced in positive outcomes measured by schools. Clients say that there is authenticity and vulnerability in his presentations that distinguishes him from other speakers.

We offer dynamic, bilingual programs tailored for our diverse community, showcasing author visits, writing workshops, poetry readings, and engaging cultural events. Through immersive experiences, we celebrate heritage as our superpower, focusing on Afro-Caribbean culture and exploring themes like personal and cultural identity, belonging, migration, and family values. Our programs are designed to be engaging and culturally responsive, offering a rich fusion of experiences for all.

Meet Dott! Like the Polkadot! And her talking dog Dusty, like the dust! Their mission is to foster the voice and imagination of the next generation. Dusty & Dott are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all identities. Through storytelling and the magic of puppetry, Dusty & Dott celebrate curiosity and encourage the values of creative play.