Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens provides visitors with an immersive connection to the calming and restorative power of plants. Through our living collections and imaginative programming, we create memorable experiences that inspire curiosity about our natural world. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes everyone to engage with our gardens, historic conservatory, and each other. The Botanical Gardens' Education Team offers a number of fun and engaging hands-on field trips for students in grades Pre-K-12.

I offer an entertaining and educational group presentation, Mind, Body and Spirit, focused on how I develop the Mind, the Body and the Spirit for success. I perform poetry from my books and show each attribute's role in my life and work. There is no audience size limit. I also offer poetry and photography workshops and a popular new addition, Becoming a Ninja: The Secret to My Success, which focuses on goal setting and achievement. Due to the participatory nature of the workshops, participant size is limited to 30 students. I can also do virtual visits, which can be customized to your needs.

Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is a 54-acre park located the site of a former cement quarry in Hamburg, NY. Our visitors can collect and keep Devonian Period fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and more! Penn Dixie’s guided tours are led by our trained staff and volunteers who provide age-appropriate presentations on the history of planet Earth. Participants will learn about deep time, extinct life, Western New York’s environment during the Devonian Period and – of course- fossil collecting! Your group will experience earth science in a unique, hands-on, outdoor setting. All geological specimens found during field trips may be kept by participants! Additionally, we offer in-person and virtual classroom outreach programs focused on the natural sciences.

We offer several performers from our roster for BOCES Programs.

My programs connect students and staff to the magic of art and wellness, fostering self-expression, resilience, and community pride in ways that go beyond traditional instruction. With a dynamic and inclusive approach, I create memorable experiences that invite individuals to engage, reflect, and grow. Here’s how I can bring transformative value to your school: ___SERVICES____ CUSTOM MURALS & MURAL PROGRAMS I work with schools to create vibrant, community-centered murals that serve as “activation spaces” for empowerment and wellness. My mural programs involve students and staff throughout the entire creative process—from brainstorming and sketching to the final brushstroke—fostering pride and ownership of the space. Each mural is designed to reflect the school’s culture and to become a joyful, welcoming space. • Mural Programs: Involve students and staff from concept to completion • Any Size and Location: Indoor, Outdoor, Floor, Ceiling, Windows, 3D Structures • Digital/Physical Designs for Marketing and Promotion ART & WELLNESS WORKSHOPS These hands-on workshops explore the intersection of art and wellness, focusing on skills for emotional expression, identity, and creativity. Each workshop includes wellness techniques—such as mood regulation and goal-setting—that empower participants personally and academically. Workshops can be customized to provide a comprehensive and meaningful experience. • Art Techniques: Mural Making, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Clothing Design • Wellness for Students and Staff: Yoga, Meditation, Energy Awareness, Breathing Techniques, Sound Healing • Career Pathways: Art Entrepreneurship, Portfolio Development, Self-employment Guidance • Language Support: Customized materials for non-native English speakers (Spanish available) GUEST SPEAKING Through engaging talks and interactive sessions, I share insights from my life and career that inspire students and staff to explore their potential. With options for keynote addresses, classroom discussions, professional development, and wellness workshops, each engagement is tailored to connect with audiences of any age group. • Keynote Speaker • Panel Discussions • One-on-one, Small and Large Groups • In-classroom Experiences (All ages) • Staff Development in Art and Wellness CONSULTING I offer consulting services to help schools and organizations develop meaningful art and wellness programs, design spaces that inspire, and cultivate positive school culture. • Interior/Exterior Aesthetic Design • Art Education Curriculum & Development • Wellness Curriculum & Development • Classroom Culture & Development • Staff Professional and Personal Development ADDITIONAL SERVICES To complement murals and programming, I provide extra support in content creation and promotional services to enhance the visibility and impact of your school’s art and wellness initiatives. • Custom Social Media Content for Promotional/Educational Use • Photography and Videography for School Promotion and Documentation WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE? My programs are designed to help students thrive by nurturing their creativity, focus, and self-regulation. Through a blend of art and wellness, students gain practical techniques for managing their emotions, expressing themselves, and developing valuable artistic and entrepreneurial skills—all of which support their ability to engage fully in the classroom. From hands-on mural projects that build school pride to wellness-centered workshops that equip students with tools for emotional balance, each experience creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom. Our approach for schools offers a meaningful way to enhance classroom culture and community spirit. Teachers and staff gain new methods to support student well-being and foster a more connected, balanced environment. If you’re ready to see your school enlightened through creativity, connection, and lasting joy; let’s give them an unforgettable experience.

Mark offers a unique variety of entertaining, interactive, & educational assemblies, class workshops, & artist in residencies. Assemblies include: "America's musical traditions", "Books that sing" (PARP), Earth Day, "Multicultural holiday show", "field day shows & activities, and 'family concert. workshops include: "instrument experience', "tunes for spoons", "instrument building", "traditional American country dance", and "songwriting". instruments include: guitar, banjo, fiddle, hammered dulcimer. mountain dulcimer, & spoons.

Medley Music Access & Inclusion provides accessible and adaptive music education resources including professional development, classroom activities, product recommendations and more. Medley's mission: We specialize in the true access and inclusion of disabled students with high support needs in school-based music classes. We welcome all learners into the essential human experience of creating and loving music with others. Presenters Jessica Corwin (music educator) and Jen Kass (board certified music therapist) are both neurodivergent/disabled educators who provide professional development to music teachers and other teachers about accommodation, meaningful inclusion, joyful music-making, and social connection, especially in the elementary general music classroom. Although based in Western Massachusetts, they are able to travel and present remotely. Medley's signature one-day workshop Intro to Adaptive Music Education covers topics including anti-ableist language, neurodivergence-affirming practices, current research on autism, learning differences and corresponding teaching strategies, and the imperative of listening to neurodivergent voices. In all of their PD sessions, participants engage in a variety of sample classroom activities that can be replicated in their own classrooms. Music teachers of all student age groups and specialties, and teachers of other arts have reported that Medley's approach combining theory & philosophy, and practical, hands-on classroom strategies and activities creates some of the most valuable and relevant PD they've ever participated in.

Expand your students' marine science experience via live, interactive presentations! Our 1-hour videoconference sessions incorporate live animal observations (whenever possible) and current research projects happening right here at the Alaska SeaLife Center. The materials for each program include a teacher's guide with background information and activity ideas, as well as supplies for the session's hands-on activities.

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!

We offer small group or class sized lessons on art history, including American artists Winslow Homer, George Inness, Childe Hassam, and many more. These are 45 minutes and usually include an art making activity. https://www.arkellmuseum.org/school-programs

Growing up a reluctant reader himself, it took Eric Luper a long time to learn to love reading and writing. Join Eric on a fun (and sometimes funny) journey through his past challenges as well as the current techniques he uses to write books for Scholastic, Cartoon Network, DC, Disney and others. Students will learn about first drafts, revision, brainstorming and other important techniques… and learn if they have what it takes to be a writer.

Historic Cherry Hill tells a story of America through the lives and experiences of five generations of an Albany, New York, family. One of Albany's most recognizable landmarks, Cherry Hill was built in 1787 for Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer. Rare among this country's house museums,Cherry Hill's extensive and intact collection includes more than 70,000 items-decorative arts and furnishings, books, diaries, documents, clothing, bedding, photographs, and other objects reflecting daily life-all related to the family that lived here between 1787 and 1963. On-site Programs: Contact holly@historiccherryhill.org to plan your visit. Mining the Untold Stories: Black & Female Voices at Historic Cherry Hill, Schuyler Mansion, & the Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence Grades 4-8 Group size: max. 30 students (Up to 90 students for a 3 site visit) Length: 60 minutes per program (approx. 4 hours for a 3 site visit) Schools are invited to visit up to three historic sites in the city of Albany on the same day to build a stronger understanding of New York State history and the diverse voices in our historic communities. Each site guides students through an examination of the experiences of underrepresented people living in Albany during three different time periods, from the turn of the 19th century through the late 1800s. Pre-Visit Materials, Digitized Collections and other Teacher Resources are available on Consider the Source New York Historic Cherry Hill's "Mining the Untold Stories" programs are divided by grade into 2 distinct offerings: Time Capsules Through History, grades 4 & 5 Students work in small groups to learn about 3 generations of families who lived and labored at Cherry Hill and in Albany's South End during the 1800s. They explore time capsules left by individuals affected by slavery, industry, immigration, urbanization and other changes. Students also tour this historic house and tie it all together with an interactive timeline activity. Greetings from Cherry Hill, grades 7 & 8 Students examine letters and other primary sources to compare and contrast the experiences of two wards and domestic workers who grew up in Van Rensselaer households between 1850 and 1900. They tour the historic house, participate in a letter reading workshop, and interactive timeline activity to discover change over time, particularly for women and people of color. Students leave with materials to write their own postcards "19th century style." Research and planning for "Mining the Untold Stories" was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). New & Improved! The 1827 Murder Mystery at Cherry Hill Grades 7-12+ Students take on the role of coroner to investigate the suspicious murder of John Whipple on May 7, 1827. Working together, participants analyze primary source documents and object clues to learn about the roles (and experiences) of different members of the Cherry Hill household. This interactive tour uses the unique circumstances of the infamous murder at Cherry Hill in Albany to examine how attitudes about class, race and gender shaped life in early 19th century America. Group size: Up to 30 students, split into 2 groups Length: This program runs 60 minutes Learning to Look Tours Grades pre-K-12, college, and mixed age groups. Topics upon request. Outreach Programs: We can come to your school (space providing) or a location of your choice (we love to partner!). Hudson River Trading Game- This program complements New York State Learning Standards in Social Studies & ELA. Grades 4 & 5 This hands-on program creatively combines history, economics, science, ELA and math. Students role play using a 34-foot game board to experience the challenges of 18th-century trade and travel on the Hudson River and discover how Hudson River trade was linked to global trade. Group size: Up to 25 students per program, 2 classes per outreach visit Length: Approximately 60 min. (depending on group size), with additional time to set up & pack up. Kit Option: A more cost efficient way to play- borrow the Hudson River Trading Game as a board game to facilitate at your school! The *New* Cherry Hill Case- This program complements New York State Learning Standards in Social Studies and ELA. Grades 4 & 5 Through hands-on exploration of primary source documents, photographs and objects, students work together to investigate the roles, relationships, and every day lives of people who shared a home at Cherry Hill during the mid 1800s. The Cherry Hill Case is "closed" when students test their hypotheses through participation in a document-based Reader's Theatre. Group size: Up to 1 class (25 students) per program, 2 classes per outreach visit Length: Approximately 90 minutes Live Remote Programs: Life at Cherry Hill Show & Tell (grades 4 & 5): Learn about life in the mid 1800s by seeing objects that belonged to members of the Cherry Hill household. Presentations (grades 7-12): Interactive slide presentations: The 1827 Cherry Hill Murder...dig into early 19th century issues of women's roles, legal rights, social class, punishment & law, and slavery in New York. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide whom you think was guilty or innocent. Child Servants at Cherry Hill: Kinship & the Struggle for Autonomy...explore the experiences of children raised as servants in Van Rensselaer households during the Victorian Era, their connection to Cherry Hill's earliest days, and the practice of child indenture in Albany. Agency & Identity: Cherry Hill's Would-Be Sisters...analyze the photographs, accounts, and possessions left behind by two Victorian Era women to understand how class, race, and gender shaped life. Tours (grades 4 - 12): Take an interpretive live tour of Cherry Hill Mansion, the Edward Frisbee Collections Care Center or the historical gardens grounds, topics vary by season and age.