The Write Kellys: A Unique Blend of Education and Entertainment for K-5 Classrooms The Write Kellys (Rebecca and Kevin Kelly) are an award-winning author and illustrator duo with a knack for crafting engaging, educational, and highly entertaining stories. With four published books, including Finder’s Creatures and The Awesome Impossible Unstoppable Gadget, they have created a captivating universe where young readers solve mysteries, explore creative thinking, and dive into STEM-based adventures. How we approach our Workshops and Presentations using : 1. Design Thinking & Critical Thinking Expertise: The Write Kellys embed design and critical thinking into every story, helping students develop essential problem-solving skills while they’re having fun. With over 25 years of teaching, writing and design experience, we prepare young readers for future learning in a way that no other author does. 2. STEM & Arts-Based Storytelling Workshops: We don’t just read stories; we transform them into interactive experiences. Our workshops blend STEM and art seamlessly, making subjects like science and engineering approachable and exciting for K-5 students. 3. Interactive Author Q&A and Writing Workshops: We offer personalized sessions where students can ask questions, participate in creative writing exercises, and even explore the process of illustration. This interactive approach fosters a deeper connection to the material and encourages creative thinking. 4. Character Development & Design: Our stories go beyond simple narratives. We emphasize character education, teaching values like empathy, kindness, and perseverance through engaging and relatable characters. 5. Custom Events: From mystery-themed events featuring our alter ego P. Knuckle Jones to tailored workshops that meet specific curriculum goals, we work with schools to create custom experiences that resonate with both students and educators. What Others are Saying: “Two hilarious investigations in one!” — Kirkus “A strong recommendation for budding readers and detectives” — School Library Journal “A delightful read for children who enjoy solving mysteries, offering a perfect mix of intrigue, laughs, and memorable moments” — Reader’s Favorite

Nasia’s performances do more than just entertain; they serve as a relatable, inspiring touchstone for young people. By sharing her own journey as an artist, she encourages students to embrace their passions, build self-confidence, and pursue their goals with resilience. Her relatable stage presence shows adolescents that they can use their voices to share their stories and enact positive change. She connects very well for a 16 year old.

Bash the Trash (BTT) is a performing/educational ensemble that shows students how to build musical instruments from reused and repurposed materials, while making connections to science, culture and the environment. For over 35 years BTT has been offering in-person performances, workshops and professional development in the NYC/Hudson Valley/Long Island region; and amazing hands-on virtual programs for communities in New York State beyond our travel range. We reach about 60,000 students a year with in-person programs like “Sustainable Sounds”, “Trashaganza”, and our climate change show “Too Much Heat”. We have 30+ virtual programs to choose from our page on the Center for Interactive Learning site here, including programs about Latin American percussion, Native American storytelling and poetry, musical instrument spotlights (like steelpan drums, xylophones and bucket drums), as well as other great programs for April - Earth Day Month! In-person Programming: Hudson Valley Long Island New York City We're flexible, contact us to discuss! Virtual Programming: All other regions

Multi-media storyteller, musician, and adventure cyclist George Maurer presents Tales from a Bicycle Seat, a cultural exploration of his epic journeys across the US, Iceland, Patagonia, Sri Lanka, Canada, and Vietnam. Touches on diversity, cultural exchange, character education, growth mindset, cultural geography and more. Short segment on bike safety included in every show! Tales from a Bicycle Seat blends live storytelling, demonstration and interaction with original music and stunning video from George’s international bike-packing expeditions to show students how pushing past his comfort zone broadened his understanding of the world and of himself, tested his limits and showed him that human connection can transcend culture, language and geography. George draws from his 35 years as a world-class composer and performer to curate a uniquely creative up-close experience. Students almost feel like they’re on stage as he immerses them in live Go-Pro and drone footage from the road and invites dialogue so they can ask questions and explore with him what it means to build character, have empathy and grow personally.

Rachel’s Challenge provides school presentations that inspire kindness, connection, and hope. Our assemblies for students and staff address bullying and violence prevention while equipping schools with practical tools to improve culture and strengthen relationships.

I'm a kids' graphic novel author who over the last two years has presented at over 350 elementary and middle schools across America. My interactive, fast-paced presentations focus on the power of collaboration and the strengths of neurodiversity. As a dyslexic, one of my favorite things to present on is the strengths of neurodiversity. My books like Lumberjackula, Martian Ghost Centaur, and Indoor Kid have received starred reviews from most major trade journals, named to several state lists, and made the ALA best graphic novels list. I also used to work in higher ed at Boise State University where I taught classes on publishing and creative writing. I'd love to come speak with your students about creativity and persevering through learning differences!

The ELLEN SINOPOLI DANCE COMPANY offers a range of workshops and performances for schools using dance narrative and technique to bring new meaning to literature, science, math and social studies. These are designed to offer young people the opportunity to experience the bravery of creativity and invention; to step into the realm of how one might learn differently and to see themselves in the most positive way possible. All programs can be customized to meet the unique needs of each school. ESDC’s participatory performances bring that same use of creativity and imagination for young people to enjoy. Story Hours allow children to see books through movement rather than just words, enhancing the learning adventure. CREATIVE MOVEMENT WORKSHOPS: (Grades: K-12) $225 Held on their own or in conjunction with an ESDC performance, workshops are designed to nurture the creative potential of each student and to encourage kinesthetic learning experiences while deepening their understanding of classroom curriculum. Led by 2 dancers and a musician, these workshops introduce children to the basic elements of dance: movement skills, body shapes/parts, space, time, force and form. Students explore theme-based ideas transforming themselves through movement choices to become bats, monkeys and jaguars from the rainforest; mimicking earthquakes exploding from the center to ripple out; experiencing the dynamics of reflection and refraction while moving through space. Students present a sampling of their activities for fellow classmates and families. PARTICIPATORY AND REPERTORY PERFORMANCES SCIENCE IN MOTION: BRINGING SCIENCE TO LIFE (Grades: K-5) $2000 An interactive program that brings the study of clouds, water, birds and their habitats to life. ESDC performs selections from its repertory as well as inviting students to join the dancers on stage to join in the exploration. ESDC’s CHOREOPHYSICS (Grades 9-12) $2500 Lecture/Demonstration, designed for High Schools students, is based on the laws of Physics. IF BOOKS COULD DANCE! CHILDREN’S LITERATURE THROUGH DANCE (Grades: K-5) $2000 Exploring literature, poetry, creativity, and visual art with movement, ESDC brings books to life. These captivatingly creative dances incorporate the stories of Kobi Yamada’s What Do You Do With an Idea?, poetry from Jack Prelutsky’s Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant, and Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. UNDERCOVER PLAYGROUND: A SITE-SPECIFIC OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE (Grades: K-5) $2000 This performance is created exclusively for your school playground with dancers utilizing the equipment in unexpected and fun-filled ways. This playful performance is outside and outside-of-the-box! The space offers each audience member a unique perspective and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the dance and the dancers. Live musical accompaniment! DANCE BY CHANCE: A FUN, INTERACTIVE SHOW INTEGRATING MATHEMATICS (Grades: 3-6) $2000 Mixing math with movement and matching learning to fun, we ask the audience math questions in an engaging way, leaving pencil and paper behind. The show teases their brain power, enhancing classroom learning in fun and unique ways. SEE THE DANCE! HOW MOVEMENT CAN BE USED TO COMMUNICATE (Grades: K-12) $2000 Favorite works from ESDC's repertory will be selected based on your school’s needs and interests, areas of study, or curriculum. This performance demonstrates how creativity and movement capture thoughts, ideas, actions, emotions, images, and concepts. FROM THE MIND OF A SINGLE, LONG VINE ONE HUNDRED OPENING LIVES (Grades:3-12) $2500 ESDC unites dance and visual arts through timeless stories inspired by African influenced wood sculptures created by craftsman Jim Lewis. The dance follows a community of people through the universal aspects of childhood, leadership, conflict, death, and healing from within. Students are encouraged to think about their role in the global community, working together to create a better place. MOVEMENT STORY HOUR: LITERACY THROUGH MOVEMENT (Grades: PreK-3) $125 Reading from the company’s library of children’s books, ESDC incorporates creative movement to enhance the reading experience. Children become a part of the story and find a love of reading!

Story Sprouts Yoga provides story-based yoga programs for schools, libraries, and private events. Our programs cater to a variety of themes, age groups, and preferences. Our goal is to foster inclusivity and create a safe and supportive environment for all participants to practice. Our classes include engaging activities such as breathing exercises, stretching, puppetry, storytelling, music, games, and more...

Sit back and let the musicians of Percussia take you on a musical journey using percussion instruments, chants and rhythms from all over the world. With stops in Brazil, West Africa, India, Cuba and China, this high-octane, engaging program deepens students’ knowledge of geography, global cultures, and their music. Students become active participants in the show by clapping rhythms, singing songs and even participating in a Chinese Lion Dance. Percussia would be thrilled to join you at your next assembly and kick off our trip with our signature samba parade.

Black Girls Don't Get Love is a book and multimedia coming of age brand for girls of color. Our mission is to use media to turn silence into language and change the way Black women and girls are perceived in society. Our non-Profit arm, Black Girls WILL Get Love, Inc. facilitates all of our philanthropic Programs such as the acclaimed Black Girls Don't Get Love Prom, the Black Girls Don't Get Love Slumber Party, the Black Girls Don't Get Love Outdoor Exploration, the Black Girls Don't Get Love Film Training Program and the black girls don't get love screenwriting workshops and labs. Our programs are a creative and engaging approach to addressing DEI and low literacy rates.

Do you want your students excited about math? Do you want them thinking math is awesome…even cool? Magician Brian Richards has a math school assembly program to get your elementary students pumped up about mathematics. Math Magical is a high energy elementary math show, that touches upon addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, probability, and more. Plus, it’s customized according to grade levels and student development! Using magic, comedy, and other tools of the trade, Brian will help your kids discover that not only is math fun, but they need to Study Math to Be on A Better Path. Brian Richards will also teach your students a cool magic trick that will sharpen their math skills. They will be able to take this trick home and wow their friends and families. Bring Math Magical assembly show to your school and get your students excited about Math!

THE WESTERN NEW YORK BOOK ARTS CENTER promotes greater understanding of printing and book-related arts through education, creation, and exhibition for a broad and diverse community. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, just a block away from the downtown library, our Center is a vibrant place of creativity! We boast a rotating gallery showcasing the work of local artists working in book & printmaking, an artisan shop representing 75+ regional artists, stocked with handmade wares like handprinted cards, posters, apparel and handmade books of all kinds. The gem of our center is ouR studio, where we host hands-on origami & hand stitched bookmaking workshops, and classes in screen print and letterpress printing by hand on our antique presses - for students of all ages. create a letterpress printed poster with your own custom saying, hand-print a t-shirt or tote bag with your custom design, or bind a handmade journal to use back in the school classroom! in classes students will learn about the history of the craft they're engaging with, and work with specialty artists' tools to create a work of art by hand from start to finish.