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Patti Bonesteel
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After retiring from teaching at the elementary level for 25 years, I decided I still wanted to teach. So, my love for nature and children led me in the direction of writing fictional animal based stories based on facts. I offer school wide readings, as well as class presentations. Depending on the program requested, I also offer activities (crafts and games) as well as some science based videos to aid in the presentation. Book signings are always provided for books purchased before or during the special book talk day. Books are: The Flamingo With Two Left Feet Amari’s BIG Surprise…It’s NOT Monkey Bread! We Can...and We Do!
The Smith Opera House
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The ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series presents performances specifically designed for school groups and are open to the general public as well. Children’s picture books and classic literature, United States and world history, relevant social issues and experiences are all transformed by nationally-touring performing artists. Our ArtSmart series is designed to encourage thinking, creativity and fun while complementing school lessons. Each year, The Smith presents a series for students of all ages.
Box Out Bullying
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Box Out Bullying brings the curtain down on bullying with innovative assemblies aligned with the NYS Dignity Act. Imagine a high-production value presentation packed with cutting-edge, interactive elements that maximize the message's impact! We bring everything needed to deliver a powerful experience, including professional set pieces, sound equipment, and all the resources to keep students engaged. Age-Appropriate Impact: We understand the evolving challenges students face at different stages. That's why our meticulously tailored assemblies cater to lower level elementary, upper level elementary, middle school, and high school audiences. Age-appropriate content ensures the message resonates, avoids confusion, and empowers students with the specific tools they need to navigate their social landscape. Box Out Bullying goes beyond the stage. We offer a comprehensive approach to bullying prevention with parent workshops, faculty professional development, and artist-in-residence programs. Contact Box Out Bullying today and let's create a standing ovation for a safe and respectful learning environment!
Glenn Bentz
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History of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Glenn displays a large variety of authentic visual items that assist in the learning process and coordinate with the lecture he provides. Some items which are occasionally passed around, if feasible. This integrates a tactile interaction that stimulates the minds of all ages and is always enjoyable. Children are the key to our future and our first priority is them. It is Glenn's pleasure to bring the experience of a field trip to your location offering you convenience, scheduling and cost effectiveness.
Tritown Theatre
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We offer professional quality live musical theater productions featuring local talent and full live orchestras as well as straight plays, with a focus on works that are typically on required reading lists for area high school students.
Day in Clay
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Day in Clay is a diverse, multicultural ceramic art program for K–12, including professional development and disabilities. The programs are conducted virtually and in school. Overview Headquartered in Tomkins Cove, NY, Day in Clay was founded by Cliff Mendelson in 1988. Day in Clay provides a multicultural ceramic artist in residence programs for K–12 in over 400 schools and districts. It offers both virtual and on-site assemblies and classroom interactive programs with diverse culturally inspired hands-on/demonstrations in clay. Students get a real taste of the creative process and how design, form, and function relate across disciplines and cultures. Students create and explore African, Asian, Latin/ Native American, and Greek cultures through programs like vessel making, tile making, mask making and multicultural potter's wheel, all custom-tailored for their curriculum. Students work directly with clay, learning advanced techniques and understanding how each culture tells their unique story through 3D art, and discover the relationship between art and society. In the class, students become involved in working with clay while learning advanced techniques and the science behind glazing, painting, and firing. They explore the relationship between art, science, and society. Students also use historical techniques to create, decorate, and design vessels using culturally specific patterns, symbols, and imagery. Day in Clay invites an artist to demonstrate various aspects of different programs, how they connect to the history of ceramics, and show the interrelation of ceramics in cultures worldwide. Staff development provides arts faculty with the techniques, cultural history, and hands-on problem-solving, ready-to-go lesson plans to bring clay into the classroom. Staff learn to use cultural connections as a way to connect students to their own work. The training mirrors Mendelson's college-level teaching, where engagement and sharing expertise are paramount. Lessons are tied into Native American, Asian, African, Latin American, and Greek cultures. Mendelson provides advanced hand-building techniques and the science behind glazing, painting, and firing. Staff development is custom-tailored to meet the needs of a school’s faculty. The best way to problem-solve with students is a hands-on approach and learning the limits of the materials to advance their success. A lively Q&A is always encouraged!
Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum
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At the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum we offer a plethora of educational enrichment programs. Our most popular programs are: Homestead Days: A two hour program where students spend time at 6-8 stations outside learning old-fashioned homestead skills such as candlemaking, butterchurning, and how to put out a fire via bucket brigade. Geared toward 2nd & 3rd Graders and offered in June each year. Summer Fun Days: A week of fun at the Homestead for children aged 7-12. For 3 hours each day, students will join in the historical summer camp fun. Each year rotating the activities to include: soapmaking, old fashioned game day, seed starting, and more. Open to the public, spots limited to 15 children per day. Twas the Night Before Christmas: A 45 minute program for nursery children through 1st grade that includes a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas accompanied by a puppet show and followed by a scavenger hunt through the museum and a sampling of sugar plums. Generally the last week of school before Winter Break. We also offer private programs geared toward special interest groups. For example we have done a homestead skill day combined with museum tour for teens in the Children of the American Revolution group. We also offer multiple Girl Scout and Boy Scout Badge Programs.
Les Trouble P.I.
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Looking for a little less trouble at your elementary school? Then it’s time to call Les Trouble Problem Investigator! Maybe your school doesn’t have a big problem with bullying, but you’d like a little more help getting kids to get along. Les Trouble PI and his sidekick Spike will show your students the skills they need to handle little problems on the playground or in the classroom completely on their own. This Conflict Resolution School Assembly and Leadership Assembly Show is all about Safety, Responsibility and Respect, and how leaders utilize these positive behavior traits to solve problems even when they are upset or angry. Les Trouble PI guides students into discovering that getting along with each other takes Cooperation, Communication, and Treating others with Mutual respect during this conflict resolution school show. Support your PBIS program or celebrate Red Ribbon Week with Les Trouble PI. Throughout the conflict resolution school assembly show, students will learn more about the simple four-step process to solving their own problems in peer to peer conflict resolution.
Nate Gross
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Dear School District Administrators and Educators, As both a lifelong musician and a proud product of our public school music programs, I’m passionate about bringing real-world music industry experiences into classrooms across New York State. I’ve had the privilege of working with many districts to design exciting, hands-on programs that inspire creativity, connect to STEAM principles, and align directly with state learning standards. My Music Industry Programs combine songwriting, instrument design and repair, live performance, and recording arts—giving students the opportunity to create, innovate, and explore the many sides of the modern music world. Using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and digital audio workstations, students connect engineering, math, technology, and art while building instruments, writing songs, and learning to play. These programs encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and self-expression—skills that reach far beyond music class and into every academic subject. As an educator and professional musician, I’ve shared the stage with legendary artists including Walter Trout, Mike Zito, Dickey Betts (Allman Bros.), Tommy Castro, Blackberry Smoke, Levon Helm (The Band), and Arlo Guthrie. I’ve toured with the Masters of the Telecaster (featuring G.E. Smith (SNL), Jim Weider, and Duke Levine (Bob Dylan)), received recognition from the Louis Armstrong Jazz Foundation, Berklee School of Music, and won Best Blues Recording from the Syracuse Area Music Awards two years in a row. I’ve also performed at major events like the NYS Blues Festival, Taste of Country Festival, Chenango Blues Festival, and countless sold-out venues across the region. Beyond performing, I’m deeply invested in arts education and community development. I’m the founder of a thriving Music School in Norwich, NY, serve on the Board of the Earlville Opera House, and act as Main Stage Music Coordinator for the Colorscape Chenango Arts & Music Festival. I also co-founded the Oxford Academy Summer Theater & Performing Arts Camp, Founder of the Norwich Youth Bureau Summer Guitar Camp and provide specialized backline support for touring artists—all of which help connect students to authentic, working examples of the music industry. Music is not just for the music classroom—it enhances literacy, history, math, science, and emotional intelligence. I believe every student deserves the chance to discover their creative voice, and I’d love to collaborate with your district to design a personalized, engaging, and unforgettable program for your students. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
American Dancewheels
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American DanceWheels Foundation Presents – Better Together “We are all one, even if we feel worlds apart!” American DanceWheels Foundation’s Better Together assembly uses disability awareness and the beauty of dance to promote understanding, kindness, and respect for people of all abilities. The Show Meet the Performers: Students will be introduced to talented dance performers who will share their personal journeys of challenge and triumph. Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin Dance Performance: Students will watch wheelchair dance performances by dance couples made up of one seated and one standing partner who defy expectations while celebrating the beauty of diverse abilities. Interactive Q&A: Students will have an opportunity to make their voices heard during a question-and-answer segment, engaging directly with the performers and allowing for a deeper connection and understanding. Mini-Dance Lesson (when wheelchair available and class size permits): Participants will be invited to join a mini-dance lesson and experience the joy of movement from both seated and standing perspectives. This interactive dance lesson will help students understand how people can work together to create something beautiful and fun, if they are given the opportunity and tools to participate and learn. Better Together is not just a performance—it’s an opportunity for students to see beyond physical differences and appreciate the shared human spirit through dance. Book this transformative assembly to foster character development and cultivate a culture of inclusivity within your school.
Just Buffalo Literary Center
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Just Buffalo Literary Center has led the way for literary arts education in Western New York. One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs—and we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.
Tracy Emerson
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A violinist and string teacher of 30 years of experience, I offer PD presentations for music teachers such as: "Troubleshooting String Technique Issues," "Jazz Composition in Middle School String Orchestra," "How to help your students manage Performance Anxiety." I also have presentations/workshops for string students, grades 3-12: "Vibrato: basics," "The Process of Sight Reading" In addition, I am available as a teacher coach for music teachers who are new to teaching string instruments (such as a band teacher who gets assigned strings in their school).