Cultural Arts & Education: Assemblies
Assemblies are planned at the beginning of each school year. If you have any suggestions, please email the Cultural Arts & Education Committee.
Cultural Arts & Education:
2021-2022 Assemblies
Author: Bryan Chick
MARCH 8, 2022
Our third, fourth, and fifth graders had a virtual visit from Michigan author Bryan Chick. He shared what inspired him to write the series The Secret Zoo! Keller families have the opportunity to purchase books from Bryan. Checks can be made out to Bryan Chick and will be delivered after spring break. Please fill out this form and return it in an envelope to teachers marked “Keller PTA” by March 25th. If you’d like more information on Bryan and his books, please visit https://bryanchick.com/.
Bees in the D
JANUARY 19, 2022
Keller families, enjoyed a family science night to learn all about bees! Brian Peterson taught us about their importance to our environment and the amazing things this non-profit organization does in the Metro Detroit area to promote bee conservation and awareness. For more information, please visit https://beesinthed.com/
Cultural Arts & Education:
2019-2020 Assemblies
Kelly DiPucchio - Author
March 2, 2020
Local author Kelly DiPucchio loves to share her books with children and adults. She visited Keller to kick off March is Reading Month! Kelly presented these assemblies for Keller students:
Grades K – 2: Dog Days of School Ooh-la-la! Kelly loves dogs! Big dogs. Little dogs. Hot dogs. In this presentation Kelly talked about some famous dogs from books, movies and television. The program included a reading of DOG DAYS OF SCHOOL and the award-winning picture book GASTON. Reading comprehension skills were tested by comparing the two stories in a fun K-9 Quiz Bowl. It was a doggone good time!
Grades 3 – 6: Details! Details! Details! Pay attention! To details, that is! In this program Kelly shared some star-spangled tips for doing research and writing winning stories. Kids learned how unique details can transform weary stories into WOW! This session included some fun, funky facts about U.S. presidents and a reading from New York Times bestseller, GRACE FOR PRESIDENT.
Introducing Relaxation - Guy Louis
Music and Mindfulness Assembly
February 11, 2020
The latest science now proves that simple breathing, movement, music and arts activities can improve test scores, focus, reading, listening, compassion, sleeping and social skills while reducing anxiety and stress. Program creator and presenter Guy Louis has wrapped this information into a fast-paced musical format to form a program that will make a real difference for your students and teachers.
OK2SAY AND MICHIGAN CYBER SAFETY INITIATIVE
November 11 & 13, 2019
The Michigan Attorney General's office will be conducting presentations on student safety featuring the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) and the student safety hotline, OK2SAY. You are encouraged to preview the videos on the Attorney General's website.
The Magic of Science
October 31, 2019
Cultural Arts & Education:
2018-2019 Assemblies
DisABILITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP
On Friday, May 17th, Keller’s 3rd and 4th grade students will participate in a Disability Awareness Workshop.
This workshop is a hands-on, activity-based experience. The main objective of the workshop is to help children become more aware of the challenges that people with differences face every day. We run this program every other year so that all of our students will experience it when they are in 3rd or 4th grade.
During the workshop, the students will:
• Participate in a wheelchair obstacle course,
• Wear glasses that simulate momentary vision impairments,
• Speak with an electric larynx,
• Experience several learning differences,
• And much, much more.
The program includes activities centered on understanding of physical, speech, hearing, vision and learning differences. We want the students to remember that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.
We need 20 – 22 volunteers for this program to be successful. Please consider volunteering to be with our students on this day – you do not have to be related to a student in one of these grades to participate. Also, if you can only volunteer for part of the day, we will still welcome your service! There is space below to indicate the time you are available. This will be a meaningful experience for you and our students.
On Thursday, May 16th, the developers of the workshop will hold a brief, 90-minute training for volunteers from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Keller gym, where the workshop will be held. This training is highly recommended for the volunteers to learn the material for the following day. Free childcare will be provided.
BOT! The Secret World of Robots assembly April 10th
The students will explore the emerging world of robotics. Please check out the attached flyer for more information.
Bryan Chick March 6, 2019
Bryan Chick, author of The Secret Zoo series, will be at Keller on March 6 for an assembly. He will share his unique experience on writing his books, revealing with students the writing process and encouraging them to use their imagination. Information on how our students can order personalized, autographed books will be sent home the day of the assembly.
Wolverine Will. February 6, 2019
The interactive presentation takes students through Michigan history beginning 12,000 years ago with the area’s first inhabitants, the Paleo-Indians, up through Henry Ford’s inventions. https://www.mobileedproductions.com/wolverine-will-michigan-history-assembly-program
OK2SAY AND MICHIGAN CYBER SAFETY INITIATIVE - NOVEMBER 5&7, 2018
The Michigan Attorney General's office will be conducting presentations on student safety featuring the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) and the student safety hotline, OK2SAY. You are encouraged to preview the videos on the Attorney General's website. If you do NOT want your child to participate, return the form that came home from school to your student's teacher by THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd.
Re/Max Hot Air Balloon
The Re/Max Hot Air Balloon will be coming to Keller on Wednesday Oct 31, 2018.
Cultural Arts & Education:
2017-2018 Assemblies
Animals Around the World: May 23rd
Animals Around The World is a fascinating "zookeeper talk" assembly program that lets our kids see and learn about rare and unique animals from around the world. Live animals are brought out and students will learn about the region of the world they are from, their behaviors, and other interesting facts. This touring live animal program is presented by an animal expert who has worked closely with the Detroit Zoo and animal conservation groups across the country. For more information, go to: http://www.michiganschoolshows.com/animals-around-world.html
April 25 & 26 Portable Hands-On Museum
STEAM museum hands on assembly is a fantastic, fun learning experience for our students and we cannot make it happen without your help! Sign up here .
Check out this link for more info on STEAM: http://www.mobileedproductions.com/steam-museum
Genot Picor, Storyteller: February 28, 2018
On February 28, Genot Picor, a storyteller, will be coming to Keller to help kick-off March is Reading Month! For our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students, Picor will perform Dig Into Reading with Miner Sam where he will portray a miner who lived and worked in a multi-ethnic mining community during the Great Depression. For our 3rd through 5th grade students, Picor will perform Stories, Songs and Dances of the Voyageur where he will tell the adventures of a French fur trader who makes it all the way to "Mitchigaamii" (Michigan!). Picor will weave interactive stories, songs and dancing into both of his performances.
Visit his website for more information: http://genotpicor.com/programs-for-schools/
I Was Just Kidding: February 7, 2018
Provided by: Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company (https://www.jettheatre.org/i-was-just-kidding)
I Was Just Kidding is about an issue that children often understand better than adults: how much words can hurt.
The three character story revolves around Debbie, an average fifth grader. She has two friends: Sheri, a girl who is lots of fun but inadvertently cruel; and Craig, a quiet boy whose imagination never stops. Debbie notices that Sheri hurls insults, but she doesn't think much of it. That is, until the three play together for the first time. Sheri assaults Craig with barbs and when he leaves, Sheri says that she was "just kidding." Matters escalate until Debbie has lost both friends. She wonders what she did wrong.
As the play concludes, all the characters come out and state their position. In the discussion that follows with the actors, our students are asked to consider choices made by the characters and how different choices might have changed the outcome.
Red Wings assembly on January 17, 2018.
The assembly is interactive and designed to provide a positive message about the importance of education and a healthy lifestyle. They are asking to have all students and staff dress in Red Wings gear, if they have it. They are also offering a fundraising event (see flyer) if families buy tickets to the Duel in the D hockey event.
OK2SAY AND MICHIGAN CYBER SAFETY INITIATIVE - NOVEMBER 9&10, 2017
The Michigan Attorney General's office will be conducting presentations on student safety featuring the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) and the student safety hotline, OK2SAY. You are encouraged to preview the videos on the Attorney General's website. If you do NOT want your child to participate, return the form that came home from school to your student's teacher by THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd.
Cultural Arts & Education:
2016-2017 Assemblies
Oakland University Department of Music, THEATER and Dance
On June 7th , our kids had a chance to see the 2017 children's production "Wiley and the Hairy Man" put on by the Oakland University Department of Music, Theater and Dance.
Adapted from an American folktale, Wiley and the Hairy Man tells a story of bravery, family and magic. Wiley is scared of the hairy man he believes lives in the swamp close to his house, but with the help of his faithful dog, a little magic from his mother and his own wits, he learns to stand up for himself and face his greatest fear head on.
By Susan Zeder.
Directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt.
Disability Awareness Workshop
On Thursday, May 25th, Keller’s 3rd and 4th grade students will participate in a Disability Awareness Workshop. This workshop is a hands-on, activity-based experience. The main objective of the workshop is to help children become more aware of the challenges that people with differences face every day. We run this program every other year so that all of our students will experience it when they are in 3rd or 4th grade.
During the workshop, the students will:
Participate in a wheelchair obstacle course,
Wear glasses that simulate momentary vision impairments,
Speak with an electric larynx,
Experience several learning differences,
And much, much more.
The program includes activities centered on understanding of physical, speech, hearing, vision and learning differences. We want the students to remember that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.
Physics is Fun - April 13, 2017
This science assembly program is based on Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of physics as well as the inventions of Robert Van de Graaff and Nikola Tesla and will open our student's eyes to the fascinating world of physics and how it governs the way everything around us moves! It will discuss sound; explore, in detail, the the inventions of Van de Graaff and Tesla; teach about gyros and gyroscopic stability and Newton's third law, the law of action and reaction. The presentations will include student and teacher participation, as well as multiple demonstrations of scientific principles, making physics fun.
Maria Dismondy - February 28, 2017
Local author of the popular children's books, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, The Juice Box Bully, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three, The Potato Chip Champ, Spoonful of Sweetness, Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!and The Little Linebacker will be visitng Keller to help kick off March is Reading Month. Maria's books remind children that, although we are different on the outside, we are very much alike on the inside and are meant to empower children to positively handle tough situations through their timeless messages. Her assembly will demonstrate how an idea can grow from a real life experience, and how these ideas can then become writing pieces. It will include the building blocks of writing traits and reading connections. Our students will be able to purchase her booksand have it autographed. For more about Maria, please visit http://mariadismondy.com/
Nicole Kelly, Miss Iowa 2013 - January 13, 2017
Nicole Kelly stepped into the roll of public figure after winning the 2013 title of Miss Iowa and going on to compete at the 2014 Miss America Pageant. She gained attention for being one of only a few competitors to have ever competed with a physical disability - she has a limb difference. After working for a year as Miss Iowa and traveling across the country to advocate for those living with a disability, she signed with a professional speaking agent and started her own business: Nicole G. Kelly, LLC. Nicole has proudly spoken at hundreds of K-12 schools schools, given educational lectures at universities across the country, and last year served as the emcee at the Kennedy Center's celebration for the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The goals of her assemblies are creating a safe space for kids to ask questions about physical differences, providing kids with ways to address and ask questions when they meet someone with a physical difference and discussing alternative solutions to bullying kids with differences. Nicole is an ambassador to the great organization for limb difference awareness started by a Keller mom, The Lucky Fin Project.
It is Nicole's mission to educate as many people as possible about those living with a physical difference. Check out
to find out more about her.
OK2SAY and Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative - November 7&9, 2016
The Michigan Attorney General's office will be conducting presentations on student safety featuring the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) and the student safety hotline, OK2SAY. You are encouraged to preview the videos on the Attorney General's website. If you do NOT want your child to participate, return the form that came home from school to your student's teacher by THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd.
Cultural Arts & Education:
2015-2016 Assemblies
Sky Dome Planetarium - May 19, 2016
Students will enter a portable, inflatable planetarium and be taken on a tour of the solar system. The navigator will guide students through the starts of the Northern Hemisphere exactly as they appear that day. They will learn how to identify every planet in our solar system in dramatic "flights" towards each world. They will be introduced to Greek mythological characters and see how these heroes of the past can be found in the stars. We can't wait to have the SkyDome Planetarium visit our school!
The NED Show – April 22, 2016
The NED Show is an innovative character education assembly. Using humor, storytelling, audience participation and amazing object lessons including yo-yo and magic tricks students learn through the adventures of NED, a character kids (and adults) can relate to. His name is an acronym for: Never Give Up, Encourage Others, and Do Your Best. The NED Program uses a mult-sensory learning model to motivate, encourage, and inspire students to become Champions at school and in life.
Tune in to Reading – March 30, 2016
This show inspires the imagination of young readers by using music as a bridge to encourage the growth of reading skills in students at each grade level. Popular student reading books such as "Pete the Cat" and "Abiyoyo" will be used.
Celebrating Reading, Imagination and Music!
Interactive, Fast-Paced and Hands-On for students
Well-researched information with study guide for teachers
Light hearted delivery with incredible musical viruosity
Your library receives books and recordings used in show!
Tune in to Reading assembly are funded by the Keller PTA, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) – January 15, 2016
The Department of Attorney General is proud to feature a customized program to protect children. The program features content tailored specfically for each grade level. More information about this program will be coming home to parents in December or early January. To read more about the program, please visit the website below.
Ideas are Everywhere – December 2, 2015
This program is an interactive author/writing/reading presentation focused on specific examples of where ideas can come from (real life experiences, memories, feelings, friends, reading, etc.). Kevin will share insights on writing and revision while showing rough drafts and journals from when he wrote The Tomato Collection. This presentation is well paced, interactive, and filled with the right amount of puppetry, music, poetry, and humor. This is Kevin’s “author visit” program and it motivates students to write and create! Kevin has been doing this presentation since 1998 and over the years he has continued to "fine tune" it.
The Ideas are Everywhere assemblies are funded by the Keller PTA, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
