Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School
ASSEMBLIES
Yay Oh Way performed by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers
November 2022
Yah-Oh-Way means "It is good" in Hopi. This exciting and athletic performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers highlights the depth and complexity of several Native American societies. Students witness the origins and meanings of songs, dances, and tradtions of many tribes that inhabitated North America before the arrival of the Europeans. By participating in traditional ceremonies--including the Feather Dance, an expression of thanksgiving--students are encouraged to honor and appreciate the history and cultural diversity of Native American peoples. This educational program was sponsored by the PTO and is funded by the fundraising events that are held throughout the school year. It is all possible because of your support so we want to say, thank you!
To Learn More about the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, visithttps://thunderbirdamericanindiandancers.wordpress.com/
David Hagerman presented Extreme Science to our BAC students on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 and it was amazing! He caught students’ attention immediately. Mr. Hagerman had fun music and awesome visual demonstrations for electricity, laws of motion, everyday life science and much more. This educational program was sponsored by the PTO and is funded by the fundraising events that are held throughout the school year. It is all possible because of your support so we want to say, thank you!
To Learn More about David Hagerman and Extreme Science, visit Hagermania
Annie Sullivan, the young adult author of A Touch of Gold, Tiger Queen, and A Curse of Gold, conducted a virtual creative writing workshop for grades 4 and 5 on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. During her inspiring presentation, Annie talked about how she became an award-winning author and shared the secrets of her writing process. Students are invited to participate in a writing contest and submit their own stories by March 3. Annie will choose three fourth grade winners and three fifth grade winners. The winners will receive a copy of Annie's book with an autographed bookmark tucked inside.
To Learn More about Annie Sullivan, visit https://anniesullivanauthor.com/
In December 2020, BAC students had an amazing assembly! Brent Daniels with Academic Entertainment presented, Virtual Music Technology. Mr. Daniels showed students the important relationship between the technology they use every day and the creation of the music and sounds they hear in movies, games, and the music in their lives. Students participated in this online program to help Mr. Daniels create unique on-the-spot sounds for an original track that raised the roof! Mr. Daniels also used Virtual Music Technology to deliver a very important message. He creatively explained that a student's education, great study habits, and positive decision-making are essential for their success in all aspects of their lives. This educational program was sponsored by the PTO and is funded by the fundraising events that are held throughout the school year. It is all possible because of your support so we want to say, Thank You!
To Learn More about Virtual Youth Move, visit Academic Entertainment
In October 2020, we welcomed Brandon Lee White to Cucinella. Through Academic Entertainment, Mr. White presented a "live" and interactive assembly Virtual Youth Move to our BAC students. Brandon’s Youth Mover assembly delivered a high-energy, entertaining character education program for our students. His presentation incorporated teamwork, character, courage, self-discipline, exercise and anti- bullying. He inspired students to take ownership of who they are and equipped them to respond to difficult situations to be successful. It was AWESOME!!
To Learn More about Virtual Youth Move, visit Academic Entertainment
To Learn More about Mr. White, visit Brandon Lee White
The PTO Board works with the school administrators to research and find inspirational speakers and presenters that will educate and entertain our students.
The PTO hold fundraisers throughout the year to pay for these assemblies. We are fortunate to be able to fund three - four
assemblies each school year; plus one author visit every two years.
Some examples of popular presenters we've had in the past:
