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What do teachers, principals, and librarians say about

The Great & Powerful Dave?

​"An amazing job! Our middle school students were engaged throughout his interactive performances. The students enjoyed themselves while learning... anti-bullying techniques (and) powerful lessons about being an upstander. Thank you, Dave!"

Caitlin Brady

Principal

Highland Park Middle School, Highland Park, NJ

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"Inspiring! By using the CLEAR (anti-bullying) strategy, students were able to walk away with 5 tangible strategies to address a bullying situation. It was extremely engaging, comical, and the positive energy filled the room as students interacted and participated. The challenge to embrace kindness resonated deeply, sparking essential conversations about eliminating bullying in schools. This is a must-have assembly in your school!"

Michael Bostwick

Principal

Horseheads Intermediate School, Horseheads, NY

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"AWESOME!!! Thank you again for kicking off our PARP week. The students and teachers absolutely loved your show! I will definitely recommend it!"

Danielle Faccioli

Reading Specialist & Instructional Coach

Tremont Elementary School, Medford, Long Island, NY

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“Book this show! Students will love Dave! His 'CLEAR' (anti-bullying acronym) is a usable strategy for any school. I really appreciated how both K-2 & 3-5 engagement was so high! Dave commanded his audience with fun & expectations.”

Deborah Mariniello

Principal

Lakewood Elementary School, Congers, NY

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"Dave's show was FANTASTIC!! He was so professional and captivating. All kids from K-5th were engaged. Even the staff was in awe of the magic tricks. A wonderful blend of entertainment and learning."

Jacqueline Hamilton

James Morris School

Morris, CT

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“What would I say to other schools considering booking this show? Do it! He’s great, personable, and oh so relevant!”

Sarah Warren

Fifth Grade Teacher

Apshawa Elementary School, W Milford, NJ

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“Everyone is buzzing about it! A wonderful show and a great (anti-bullying) message.”

Pat Winters

Principal

Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy (K-8), Richmond Hill, NY 

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“One of the most engaging, thoroughly-enjoyable assemblies we’ve had at our middle school.  For the first time in a long time, bad behaviors were kept at bay, and the staff and students gave very positive feedback.  Dave used magic, fun and engaging stories to show how to avoid a bullying situation, and now our staff and students will be using his ‘CLEAR’ acronym to combat bullying in our school. I’m sure this show will be a hit in all schools he visits.”

Cheryl Gloff

Special Education Teacher

Highland Park Middle School, Highland Park, NJ

 

“In my ten years as counselor here, this is the best anti-bullying show I've seen. The message is strong, and I love how you explained and showed that conflict is different from bullying."

Lucia Gorgia

Counselor

William Mason Elem., Montville, NJ

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"Truly impactful for our middle school students. Dave's powerful acronym provided clear, practical steps to help students understand how to handle bullying situations effectively. The students were fully engaged throughout the program, captivated by Dave's energy and relatable message. His acting scenarios brilliantly demonstrated the difference between bullying and everyday conflict, leaving a lasting impression on both students and staff."

Julie Melendez 

Counselor

Paterson Arts & Science Charter School, Paterson, NJ

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“Great connection to anti-bullying strategies using visuals. Students were involved and...super engaged and excited to learn more.”

Jaclyn Guastaferri

Third Grade Teacher

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, Plymouth, CT

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“The perfect combination of information and fun. The kids loved it, and the assembly provided useful (anti-bullying) strategies for students to use.”

Amber Greenberg

Fifth Grade Teacher

Riverside Elementary Sch., Oneonta, NY

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"The best assembly program I have seen in 25 years!  Dave...gives many crystal clear, concrete examples of how to handle/stop bullying (with) lots of great role playing (and he) keeps the students' interest, often with humor, the entire time! I wish there was something like this when my children were this age!!! "

Lise Grossman

Instructional Associate

E. T. Hamilton Elem. Sch., Voorhees, NJ

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“The group was riveted. Great group management (and) great job balancing entertainment with (anti-bullying) message.”

David Landres

Third Grade Teacher

New City Elementary Sch., New City, NY

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"What a wonderful message and delivery. It’s one thing to perform and have a ‘wow’ factor; it’s another to do it with a message that makes a difference! The show was fantastic, and the principal, staff and children expressed how much they enjoyed it." 

Colleen Farrell

PTA

Oquenock Elementary School, West Babylon, LI, NY

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“Genius! Great (anti-bullying) lessons presented in ways that will speak to your kids. Very relevant & creative ways of involving and engaging the students”

Kirsten Mucci

Fifth Grade Teacher

Horseheads Intermediate School, Horseheads, NY

 

"My students with autism were paying attention and loved it which is AMAZING. It was fabulous...I really loved the entire show (,'Pirate Dave & the Treasure of Good Character')"

Lisa Catapano

Special Education Teacher

Albany Avenue Elementary School, N. Massapequa, NY

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“Highly recommended. This show ('Stop Bullying Now!) was one of the most thought-out and engaging we've had!”

Liza Carolan

First Grade Teacher

Clinton Avenue Elementary School, Port Jefferson Station, Long Island

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“Fabulous! I loved the level of direct participation and energy (and how) different types of science were presented in educational, yet fun, ways.”

Danielle BonTempo

Third Grade Teacher

Western Connecticut AIS Elementary Magnet School, Danbury, CT

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“The kids were 100% engaged 100% of the time. Dave was amazing! He taught his (anti-bullying) lessons in a way that effectively got the message across while entertaining the kids. He was relatable, and had perfect management of all the kids' behavior”

Dianne Hampton

Fourth Grade Teacher

Livingston Elementary School, Union, NJ

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"If you’re looking for a well-run engaging assembly, look no further.  Dave's two shows on bullying for grades 1-3 & 4-5 were engaging, interactive and developed to meet the needs of the grade levels. He showed command of the audience through humor and magic, without losing the serious nature of his presentation. Dave comes prepared and provides a small list of items he will need, and he's very easy to work with. I’m so glad to have found him and look forward to seeing him again next year."

Kevin Emery 

Fifth Grade Teacher

Lincoln Elementary School, New Britain, CT

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“Great real-life examples of what bullying is and what bullying is notStudents could relate, and were engaged and enjoyed your bag of tricks.”

Cara Kerr

Third Grade Teacher

Santapogue School, Santapogue, LI, NY

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“A wonderful presentation that all schools should experience! It's an excellent mix of humor (and a) strong (anti-bullying) message. (The show was) age-appropriate, and kept the students engaged the entire show.”

Sara Holleran

Fourth-Sixth Grade ELA Teacher

Beach Haven Elementary School, Beach Haven, NJ

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“Highly recommended. The students really enjoyed this opportunity to talk about bullying and, compared to past programs, it was more interactive and age-appropriate.”

Sam Obers and Mrs. Revy

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teachers

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School, Somerset, NJ

 

“Complete engagement! Great balance between fun, magic, and PARP.”

Brionna Silva

First Grade Teacher

Great Neck Road Elementary School, Copiague, Long Island, NY

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“Book it ASAP! Very informative but fun & engaging for children. Student interaction was great as well!”

Brittany Driscoll

Kindergarten Teacher

F.X. Hegarty Elementary School, Island Park, Long Island, NY

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“Excellent and engaging show for 7th & 8th graders with well-presented and practical ways for students to address bullying”

Meghan Campbell

Special Ed Teacher

Wind Gap Middle School, Pen Argyl, PA

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“I've been here 11 years, and 'Superhero Science' was one of my favorite assemblies! It was awesome... great for all our scientists!”

Cecilia Petela

Second Grade Teacher

Valley Road Elementary School, Clark, NJ

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“Lively, realistic, relatable (anti-bullying message) for the kids. Definitely inspiring & fun."

Diana Battaglini

Fifth & Sixth Grade Science Teacher

Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy, Richmond Hill, Queens, NY

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“Perfect for the New Jersey Week of Respect!  The kids loved the show, and I loved your message. A win win for all!! 

Donna O'Donnell

School Counselor & Anti-Bullying Specialist

Intervale Elem. Sch., Boonton, NJ

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“Great! Love the confidence and (anti-bullying) strategies taught to students." 

Miranda Richardson

School Counselor

Clifton School #8, Clifton, NJ

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“Fantastic.  It's been a while since we've had an assembly where staff went out of their way to let us know how much they enjoyed it and they did after yours!  Many who saw me in the hall let me know how impressed they were with your presentation and how great the message was.  The (frenemies) scenario you gave to our older students was spot on, I had just mediated issues between a group of girls last week who were experiencing similar problems so it was perfect timing."

Jennifer Chernoski, Ed.S

School Counselor Grades 3-5

Franklin Park School, Franklin Park, NJ

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“Definitely book it! Both age level shows (Gr. K-3 & 4-8) were great."

Eileen O'Neill

Principal

Aquinas Academy, Livingston, NJ

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“10/10. We should do this every year! (Superhero Science) is fun, educational, great for all ages, and super engaging. Definitely book it!"

Alyssa Kneski

Second Grade Teacher

Western Connecticut AIS Elementary Magnet School, Danbury, CT

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“Mind blown! Way better (than other programs our school has presented). Great show (and) great crowd control!”

Joana Lopes

Second Grade Teacher

Garwood Lincoln Elementary School, Garwood, NJ

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“The best assembly in a long time!  He captivates audiences and reads children so well. The show had excellent audience involvement and super tie-ins for reading. Book 'The Great & Powerful Dave'!”

Jen Pillion

Fourth Grade Teacher

Blairsville Elementary School, Blairsville, NJ

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“VERY enjoyable (and)engaging combination of magic & a moral message with practical advice (about bullying).”

Veronica Ditko

Sixth Grade ELA Teacher

Paterson Arts & Science Charter School, Paterson, NJ

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“During some bullying presentations the kids zone out. Not this time! The kids were engaged the entire time.”

Allison Robinson

Fourth Grade Teacher

Ellenville Elementary School, Ellenville, NY

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"Entertaining & fun...with great science terms, concepts, and explanations."

Nicole McKenna

Third Grade Teacher

Myles Elem. Sch., New Hartford, NY

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"Fantastic show! Absolutely worth it! Pirate Dave was so entertaining and genuine, with great (character education) lessons."

Angela Daguanno

Pre-K Teacher

Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Park Ridge, NJ

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“Hilarious and amazing! A very interactive, engaging, and fun way to teach character traits. This really helped our students.”

Amanda Leon

Fourth Grade Teacher

Grant Elementary School, Ridgefield Park, NJ

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"Way more engaging and interactive (than other programs). An amazing way to teach important lessons (about bullying) while making it fun. Book it!"

Maddison August

Second Grade Teacher

Weston Elem. Sch., Manville, NJ

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"Students and staff loved 'Stop Bullying Now'! Compared to other programs, it was very organized, developmentally-appropriate, and time was managed much more efficiently."

Danielle Williams

First Grade Teacher

Hillcrest Elem. Sch., Somerset, NJ

 

“The lessons about 'frenemies' and imbalance of power were great. Very appropriate language, and good communicating to the audience ways to stop inappropriate behavior.”

Fifth Grade Teacher

Smithville Elementary School, Galloway, NJ

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The kids loved it! It was a great way to learn about anti-bullying strategies with fun magic tricks and humor.”

Karen Davis

Third Grade Teacher

New City Elementary Sch., New City, NY

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“Book Dave!! You were incredible. We loved it!”

Jean Lund

Fifth Grade Teacher

Grundy Avenue Elementary School, Holbrook, NY

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“Fun & purposeful. His assembly is magical, and leaves a lasting impression to help instill good character. Loved the way Dave commanded attention & guided students to meet expectations.”

Theresa Peloquin

Special Ed Teacher

Coles Elementary School, Scotch Plains, NJ

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“Fantastic! The children had so much fun learning about ... dealing with unkind situations! All the staff enjoyed it too!”

Rita Wu

Mandarin Teacher

HudsonWay Immersion School Manhattan, New York, NY

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“The most engaging and fun yet informative program so far. ('Stop Bullying Now!') was clear and well-planned. I would absolutely recommend it."​

Kristin Beaudry

Seventh & Eighth Grade Math Teacher

Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy, Richmond Hill, Queens, NY

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“Great job simplifying such a deep topic. ('Stop Bullying Now!') is very concise and helpful for both teachers & students.”

Mackensie Bozzomo

Second Grade Teacher

Claremont Elementary School, Franklin Township, NJ

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“Students were eating out of his hands! 'Superhero Science' kept the kids involved & engaged, and offered real life examples and teacher resources. Much better (than other programs our school has presented). He's amazing, just like the show!

K-6 Teachers at STEAM Day

Chatterton Elementary School, Merrick, LI, NY

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“This is the one to book! It was playful, engaging, fun, and meaningful, and I loved how you handled the topic of good citizenship”

Caitlin DiNunzio

Teacher

Rolling Hills Primary School, Vernon, NJ

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“Totally awesome! Great interactive activities & real-world examples (of possible responses to bullying). Kids learned while having fun!”

Aimee Springer

Second Grade Teacher

Waverly Avenue Elementary, Holtsville, NY

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“Absolutely book it! So fun & engaging. I appreciate the behavior management as well.”

Jessica Bell

Fourth Grade Teacher

Washington Elementary, Little Ferry, NJ

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“Great assembly! A creative presentation with a clear message and lots of easy ideas for them to use (to address bullying). Great management of students, and lots of audience participation. The students were fully engaged.”

Colleen Gaudreau

Kindergarten Teacher

Wanaque Elementary, Wanaque, NJ

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“Very engaging & fun! You brought in the PARP theme well.”

Bridget Smith

First Grade Teacher

Hiawatha Elementary School, Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, NY

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“One of the best! Dave is enthusiastic and really keeps the kids involved.”

Danelle Ratuis

Second Grade Teacher

Washington Elementary School, West Orange, NJ

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“This show was amazing! I would highly recommend it to other schools. So engaging for students and teachers. The kids loved it.”

Kellie Larkin

Teacher

Strawtown Elementary School, West Nyack, NY

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“Wow! Wow! Outstanding (bullying-prevention) show! Please book ASAP! This was truly fabulous!”

Lorraine Vitulano

Teacher

Lakewood Elementary School, Congers, NY

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“Not preachy or babyish...kept kids engaged –– which is hard for middle school! Good (anti-bullying) strategies...entertaining, interactive, with a good use of humor."

Rebecca Graber and Colleagues

Eighth Grade Teachers

St. Mary's School, Williamstown, NJ

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“The kids loved it..and I liked how you (emphasized) persistence, friendship, etc.”

Patty Drake

Fourth Grade Teacher

Bretton Woods Elementary School, Hauppauge, Long Island, NY

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“Held the students' attention 100%. Entertaining and very educational for early childhood. A must for younger kids to learn the importance of not bullying.”

Rita Selvarat

Paraprofessional

Merritt Memorial Elementary School, Cresskill, NJ

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"Fun, interactive, engaging (and) very effective at getting the (anti-bullying) message across. Dave keeps a great handle on the students, even when they get very excited. Loved how he made sure each class had a chance to participate by having the teachers pick the students."

Lianne Chieppa

First Grade Teacher

Weston Elem. Sch., Manville, NJ

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“A great student-centered show -- very relatable!. Wonderful...fun and engaging. We would love to have this (anti-bullying) program back!”

Lauren Matarese

Second Grade Teacher

Clinton Avenue Elementary School, Port Jefferson Station, Long Island

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“Engaging, silly and educational! Kids loved it and so did I. Book it!”

Casey Sloss

Fourth Grade Teacher

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, Plymouth, CT

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“Awesome!! Great (anti-bullying) message with practical/useful advice & strategies for kids, (and) the magic made it exciting. Dave has a great way of captivating his audience and keeping them engaged. VERY funny and entertaining for both students and teachers. ”

Carly McInnis

Fifth Grade Teacher

Horseheads Intermediate School, Horseheads, NY

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“One of the best I've seen. (Dave) had excellent rapport with the students (and they) were fully engaged.”

Tanya Daley

Fifth Grade Teacher

Aquinas Academy, Livingston, NJ

 

“Wonderful to see the kids laughing and engaged. I loved that you made it personal to our full values!

Jaclyn Becker

Fourth Grade Teacher

Apshawa Elementary School, W Milford, NJ

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"Above & beyond (other programs)!  The info was very entertaining, engaging, ....age appropriate... and applicable. Highly recommended!"

Ali Ferrell

Fourth Grade Teacher

E. T. Hamilton Elem. Sch., Voorhees, NJ

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“Definitely do it! Very engaging (with) many connections to our science units. Love the student involvement."

Denise Comenale

Fifth Grade Teacher

Myles Elem. Sch., New Hartford, NY

 

“Five-Star Show! Dave was energetic and entertaining while delivering solid messages on how to handle conflict. The humor and magic were great at engaging the students."

Jian Zhang & Sue Rainkin, HudsonWay Immersion School, Stirling, NJ

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“Bravo! You are such an energetic performer and share such an important message. This show has fantastic flow. You have great ability to adapt to change on the fly; you never ignored or dismissed unexpected interruptions.”

Joe Elmo

Music Teacher

Beach Haven Elementary School, Beach Haven, NJ

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“Great way to kick off PARP! Kids loved it. Do it!”

Corinne Kelty

Second Grade Teacher

Steele Elementary School, Baldwin, NY

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“Outstanding in comparison to other programs. A great balance of fun and very important information shared in a kid-friendly way. Our (students) were lucky to have this experience.”

Tammy Gniker

First Grade Teacher

Ellenville Elementary School, Ellenville, NY

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“The best (program) I have seen! Thought the (anti-bullying) topics were great, and you captured students attention and did a great job redirecting (them). Very interactive and fun for both students & teachers. Highly recommended!"

Katie Moll

First Grade Teacher

William Mason Elem., Montville, NJ

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“Fantastic! Highly engaging and educational. Way more fun & purposeful (than other programs) with great curriculum connections. Kids and teachers loved it!!”

Shannon Brown

Third Grade Teacher

PS 107, Brooklyn, NY

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“Dave is creative, an amazing storyteller, and knows how to keep kids engaged.”

Ms. Sinclair

First Grade Teacher

Achievement First East New York Charter School, Brooklyn, NY

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“Perfect! This is one of the absolute best programs we’ve had. Every student LOVED it!.”

Joseph Haubrich

Kindergarten Teacher

Parkview Elementary School, Stratford, NJ

 

“Amazing job! He did a great job including our character ed goals into the show. Very engaging and funny…and I love that it included students.”

Amber Harden

Special Ed Teacher

Apshawa Elementary School, W Milford, NJ

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“Great, funny, and helpful (anti-bullying) presentation. Loved finishing on a quiet note!"* (*So the students return to the classroom more focused.)

Jessica Longo

Third Grade Teacher

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, Plymouth, CT

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“One of the most entertaining shows yet! Interactive & fun...gets the (bullying-prevention) message across in a funny and silly way.”

Zoe Zevlikaris

Kindergarten Teacher

Intervale Elem. Sch., Boonton, NJ

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“Extremely engaging! Great interaction with the audience & great connection with PARP.”

Kristine Stamoolis

Fourth Grade Teacher

Hiawatha Elementary School, Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, NY

 

“Quite incredible! Well beyond any (assembly program) we have had. Perfectly unique, customized…super engaging, interactive (and) funny for all ages – even teachers. We cannot wait to work with you again.”

Taylor Cohen

First Grade Teacher

Parkview Elementary School, Stratford, NJ

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“Excellent show! It really gives concrete strategies to deal with bullying!”

Dara Mayola

First Grade Teacher

Waverly Avenue Elementary, Holtsville, NY

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“Definitely book it! So engaging, entertaining, and a great show to promote character ed. Loved seeing the students reactions”

Margaret Govits

First Grade Teacher

Forest Brook Elementary School, Smithtown, NY

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“Fantastic student involvement! Students were engaged and excited throughout.”

Lori Markowski

Second Grade Teacher

Great Neck Road Elementary School, Copiague, Long Island, NY

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“Light, fun, meaningful! Engaging, with a great (anti-bullying) message. Book it!”

Allison Wilson

Fourth Grade Teacher

Coles Elementary School, Scotch Plains, NJ

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“Students were extremely engaged (and on the Friday afternoon before Winter Break!) Dave (has) great rapport with students, (and) is very clear, explicit (with) great repetition!”

Kerri Pramberger

First Grade Teacher

PS 107, Brooklyn, NY

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“Perfect! Exciting and fun...the students were highly engaged and loved it!”

K-2 Teacher

Medford Elementary School, Patchogue, Long Island, NY

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“Wonderful! Loved the 'CLEAR' (anti-bullying) concept and the use of upstanders. We would love to have you return.

Athena Leverock

Counselor

Riverside Elementary Sch., Oneonta, NY

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“Dave was great at bringing in the PTA PARP theme and keeping the kids excited (and) very good at calming them down.”

Christi Skillman

Kindergarten Teacher

Grundy Avenue Elementary School, Holbrook, NY

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“Loved it all!! Very funny (with) relevant lessons. More engaging for my 5th graders (than other programs).”

Michelle Braglia

Fifth Grade Teacher

Forest Brook Elementary School, Smithtown, NY

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“WONDERFUL JOB! I heard nothing but amazing things!!! Thank you so much and we will definitely be calling you next year!”

Alicia Power

PTA

Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, Plymouth, CT

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“In the top 5 (of programs our school has presented). I loved the strong push for the public library. Dave was engaging, funny, and had strong assembly-management skills.”

Gary DiFranco

Music Teacher

PS 107, Brooklyn, NY

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"My favorite program!  Strong, important (anti-bullying) content delivered in the most engaging way. You are incredible!"

Ali Ferrell

Fourth Grade Teacher

E. T. Hamilton Elem. Sch., Voorhees, NJ

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"Great!  Gets the students to understand the importance of bullying, but (it's) funny and... kept the kids entertained (with) lots of student involvement."

Mrs. Trevaskiss

Second Grade Teacher

Valley View Elem. Sch., Montville, NJ

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Funny, energetic, (and) you had command of the audience the whole show.

Alexandra Mallon

Teacher,

River Elementary School, Patchogue, NY

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"The kids were so engaged! It's fun and inspires reading."

Kaitlin Rockwood

Fifth Grade Teacher

Tremont Elementary School, Medford, Long Island, NY

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