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Utica Zoo
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At the Utica Zoo, we are able to offer a variety of educational experiences both at the zoo itself and at Beaversprite, our conservation education center. Firstly, we offer field trips at both sites. Field trips to the zoo can be self-guided or fully educator led and can include a zoo introduction or curated conservation class tailored to the groups learning objectives. Beaversprite trips are all educator led and include exploration of the visitor center and guided hikes of the pristine 1300-acre wetland property. We additionally offer zoo outreach programs in a variety of styles, in which we aim to bring the zoo to you. For our outreach "Zoomobile" programs, we typically bring between three to five live ambassador animals and give a presentation on their biology, ecology, and conservation status and challenges. We also offer more heavily conservation focused programs, stressing issues like climate change, habitat loss, or invasive species. For these programs we bring fewer live animals but will bring a customizable PowerPoint presentation on the topic of choice and/or a guided activity that encourages active engagement by the students.
Diversity Circus
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It’s not just a highly engaging circus-themed school show! And it’s not a normal character education school assembly. While most character ed assemblies focus only on defining character traits and explaining how to use those traits, Diversity Circus goes much deeper. This powerful and effective character assembly will teach your students that every person belongs. “Be Fair, Be Aware, include others, and use Respect” are the four lessons students will learn during the Diversity Circus character education school assembly. This effective elementary character education program also covers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s character message, Cultural Diversity, Diversity in the Classroom, Being Fair, and more. It’s a perfect program to honor the MLK Holiday, and Black History Month, and to support your school’s PBIS program and anti-bullying efforts. The Diversity Circus character school show uses TONS of audience participation, hilarious comedy, kooky characters, costumes, incredible one-of-a-kind magical illusions, and non-stop hysterical action to engage students and to keep kids talking long after the show is over.
STEAM Fund at CFOS
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At STEAM Fund (Siegal Trust Enriching Arts & Music) at Community Foundation of Sullivan County, we are dedicated to enriching lives through our diverse Arts In Education programs. Our programs cater to Pre-K, Elementary, Middle & High School children, as well as adults, focusing on essential topics such as Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Health, Anti-Bullying, Coping Strategies, Nutrition, Diversability, and core values like Love, Peace, Equality, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood. STEAM Fund collaborates closely with public school administrators, principals, teachers, and various organizations to bring these impactful programs to schools and organizations. Our experienced teaching artists ensure the delivery of high-quality programs that resonate with individuals through arts and music. STEAM offers the following: ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS: Mindfulness Matters, Nutrition Mission, Do The Right Thing, The Golden Rule Show, Happy Holidays Around The World, Alive Again SONGWRITING PROGRAMS: Theatre Within’ John Lennon Real Love Project, Real Food Rules Song Program, Sing About Learning Program WORKSHOPS/RESIDENCY PROGRAMS: Mindfulness in Motion, Self Care ABCs for Students PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Self Care for You & Your Students, Move It Or Lose It, Integrating Care, Music & Motion, Stress Reduction Through Mindfulness & Breathing Exercise If you are an administrator, educator, or part of the PTA/PTO, contact us today to discover how we can introduce these exceptional programs to your school and community. Let’s work together to inspire, educate, and uplift through the power of Arts in Education.
Uncle Sam’s Comedy Jam
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Get Patriotic with Democratic Values. Uncle Sam’s Comedy Jam is a crazy shindig celebrating American Freedom! The Bill of Rights and Constitution will be there, and so will many of our core democratic values. But be warned, this 40-minute show isn’t just a party. It’s a bash! Teachers and students won’t be able to stop laughing as Uncle Sam, with help from the Statue of Liberty and 16 volunteers, teaches the fundamental beliefs that unite all Americans. Kindergarteners through sixth graders learn how America became a free nation during the funniest history lesson ever. Democratic values have never been this funny! Topics in this patriotic elementary assembly include: Constitutional Government | The Importance of Rules | Separation of Powers | Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness | Symbols of Freedom | Checks and Balances | The Bill of Rights | Individual Freedoms | Shay’s Rebellion | The 13 Colonies | Common Good | Federalism | Patriotism | Equality | Justice | Declaration of Independence | Amendments and Rules | Democratic Values | The Framers | Articles of Confederation | Three Branches of Government.
AutismFriendlyShows.com and Turtle Dance Music
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AutismFriendlyShows.com and Turtle Dance Music helps kids come out of their shells! We offer the most amazing autism-friendly and elementary school assemblies in the country. Founded by Mr. Matt "The Turtle Man" Mazur, MA, Matt got his graduate degree in Developmental Models of Autism Intervention and Early Childhood Development at Montclair State University. He also studied musical theater for undergrad at New York Universities' Tisch School of the Arts where he started creating his music performances for students with developmental disabilities at District 75 Autism Schools and Centers in New York City. Matt is known for sharing *multiple* (in a day - sometimes 4-8) 45 minute to hour long inclusive music concerts where he plays over 60 different instruments including didgeridoo, banjo, guitar, beatboxing, loop stations and many more! Teachers and students usually leave assemblies and classroom performances asking "Can he be here every day?!?" Matt's signature performance is the Bubble, Comedy and Music Show: Reading Rocks which features an original story about what it's like living with autism written and illustrated by Mr. Matt and Tim Shaw who is on the autism spectrum. Students are moving the ENTIRE performance and it is highly planned down to the minute with variable activities for students who are more verbal as well as less verbal. The show is also tailored for students who have profound and multiple learning disabilities who might not be as mobile as their peers. Matt has been sharing my work for the last 12 years both in-person in classrooms, gyms, cafeterias and auditoriums as well as virtually on our Innovative Big Screen Smartboard Shows over Zoom. Matt also offers shows tailored with songs for every season, holiday and I have A Counting Show, A Space: Revolution and Rotation Show, An Ecosystems Rock Show, Earth Day Rocks! and a Water Cycle Show. For more information e-mail info@turtledancemusic.com or call 973-493-2326 or visit our website https://www.TurtleDanceMusic.com or our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube,com/TurtleDanceMusic
David Mills
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I offer two one-person plays (one about Langston Hughes the other about Dr. King) and one poetry reading from my award-winning poetry collection Boneyarn, the only book of poems about slavery in New York City, where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States is located. In conjunction with any of the above presentations, I have thematically related writing workshops so students can have their own creative experience to go along with my presentations. Below are descriptions of the three shows. I also give talks about the Harlem Renaissance, Jazz Trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart Jr, who was part of the first group of African-American military pilots who fought in World War II. Below are descriptions of the Langston Hughes, Dr. King and Boneyarn presentations. DAVID MILLS PRESENTATIONS 1) The Dreamweaver: Langston Hughes Performance and Creative Writing Workshop What better way to celebrate Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes—affectionately known as “Shakespeare in Harlem”—than to have students see a dramatic 45-minute presentation about Langston Hughes. Actor David Mills, (whose Hughes show was voted the #4 young-adult show in the nation by The American Library Association) does just that. He takes students on a theatrical odyssey of Hughes’ life spanning six decades from his humble Missouri childhood to his days living in Harlem as an adult. Mr. Mills also captures Hughes’ world travels and writing of his classic poems, such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” “Mother to Son,” “I, Too,” “Montage of a Dream Deferred” and “Madam Alberta K.” While playing black and white, young, old, and male and female characters, Mr. Mills captures Hughes’ unending love for Harlem—with its foibles and fantasies, bruises and beauty. Mr. Mills show also explores how Hughes wrote nearly 50 plays. A Q&A would follow the presentation. Mr. Mills could also conduct a writing workshop using a Hughes blues poem as a model. 2) Dare to Dream: Dr. King Performance and Creative Writing Workshop In a 45-minute, dramatic presentation for an auditorium of students and teachers, actor David Mills would take the audience on an engaging, historic journey, where they witness Dr. King go from a young preacher (with uncertainties about Civil Rights during the Montgomery Bus Boycott) into the nationally-recognized figure he became during the 1963 March on Washington. Mr. Mills’ stirring performance looks at Dr. King as both the public figure and private man. Be roused, be inspired, be transported by “Dare to Dream,” Mr. Mills’ theatrical tribute to Dr. King. A Q&A would follow the performance. Mr. Mills has worked as a teaching artist and performer for over 20 years in schools, universities, and senior centers. So, in conjunction with the performance Mr. Mills can also lead a 45-minute creative writing workshop, in a smaller classroom setting, using Dr. King’s iconic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” as a writing prompt. This workshop will get students to write poems in the forms of letters that relate to their lives. Talking to the Bones: Poetry reading about slavery in New York City and Creative Writing Workshop. Award-winning-poet David Mills would read from his collection, Boneyarn, winner of the North American Book Award and the only poetry collection about slavery in New York City, where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States is located. Mr. Mills would conduct a 45-minute reading to an auditorium and use projected visuals to give attendees a sense of 17th-19th century New York. Mr. Mills would discuss the research and writing process that went into creating this groundbreaking book, where he weds little-known colonial history and poetry. What lessons can be learned from coupling these two disciplines. The reading would also be followed by a Q&A. Mr. Mills has worked as a teaching artist and performer for over 20 years in schools. Therefore, in conjunction with the reading, Mr. Mills can lead a 45-minute creative writing workshop that uses a question-and-answer form from his book Boneyarn to get students to write their own poems reflecting on slavery in New York City.
Charles R. Smith Jr.
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I am an award-winning children's bool author, poet and photographer with over 45 books. With so many books I discuss how I achieved success by cultivating the Mind, Body and Spirit. In this inspiring and fun group presentation, I discuss my books, my life, my inspiration and how students can achieve success. Since many of my books are in verse, I offer poetry and creative writing workshops. As a photographer I also offer photo workshops.
David Hagerman, The Science Wizard
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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.
Mystery of the Character Surprise
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Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an essential part of The Mystery of the Character Surprise show. In this 50 minute interactive assembly show students learn the communication skills and attitudes they need to help create a bully-free learning environment. Fifteen students participate on stage, putting these lessons into action – cooperating to stop a bully from ruining the assembly show. Students will also learn how to stop social aggression in its tracks. And they’ll have a blast while doing it! Topics covered throughout this bully-proofing magic assembly show include Being responsible in achieving goals, helping others, and empathy. Plus: Forms of bullying, solutions for victims, responsibilities of witnesses, tattling vs. telling. Includes: Courage | Flexibility | Perseverance | Effort | Making Good Choices | Bullies, Targets & Bystanders | Sense of Humor | Responsibility | Empathy | Honesty | Teamwork | Tattling vs. Telling
Brian Yanish
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Hi There! I’m an Author-Illustrator of Graphic Novels, Picture Books and Recycled Art Building Books for grades K-8. You can book a Workshop, Assembly OR create an immersive “Comics" or "Steam Invention Day” for students with guided sessions and worksheets. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Creating CHARACTERS for Comics • Building STEAM Projects from Recyclables • Tips and Techniques for GRAPHIC NOVELS • My Work Process from IDEA to Story to BOOK Students will learn my journey from childhood artist to the published author and illustrator of seven books. Brian Yanish Children’s Author / Illustrator / Maker *2023 NYSCATE Student STEAM Fest KEYNOTE Speaker ————————————————— “You will not find a more talented and collaborative presenter for your next author visit or Maker Space today.“ -Tammy Pulver, SLMS, Lima Primary School, Lima, NY
James Brenneman
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Cartooning, character design, storytelling for comic books, comic strips and graphic design. Interactive group projects and an overall positive environment for children to be creative with no judgement.
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!