Published on November 2, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton admires P.S. 5 students’ original designs. Staten Island Advance
By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Fifth-grade students at P.S. 5 and fourth-grade students at P.S. 60 have now upped their “cred” (credibility) by creating their own small businesses, design supporting websites and developing their ideas on finances — thanks to Sundog Theatre.
While learning real-world business skills, students are turning math into creativity and entrepreneurial success through the theater’s “Smart Money Kids” financial literacy – through-the-arts program.
The fun program aims to equip students with practical skills they’ll use and build upon throughout their lives, from financial decision making and problem solving to creativity and entrepreneurship.
Sundog Theatre’s program extends beyond the classroom, sparking conversations with family and friends about funds, business and future goals.
How the Program Came to Life
For about five months, P.S. 60 fourth-grade students worked after school with the theme of do-it-yourself to design and create their own products.
“Smart Money Kids” who attend P.S. 60 work with Sundog teaching artist to make slime for her business Staten Island Advance
Funded by New York City Council member David Carr, the process teaches students budgeting, marketing, logo design, branding and product development while encouraging creativity and teamwork.
From the left to right are City Councilman Frank Morano, Sundog Theatre’s Elyssa Paige, PS 5 Principal Tonianne Cusumano, NYCPS District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, Sundog’s Executive Director, Susan Fenley and Teaching Artist Dave Nudelman. Staten Island Advance
“‘The Smart Money Kids’ program provided our students with meaningful, real-world financial literacy experiences that made money concepts engaging and accessible,” said P.S. 60 Principal Donna Bonanno.
“Smart Money Kids” at PS 60 showcase their products. Staten Island Advance
“Smart Money Kids” who attend P.S. 60 craft bracelets for their business. Staten Island Advance
“It complemented our curriculum beautifully by helping students build practical skills in budgeting, saving and making responsible financial decisions. These lessons benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.”
City Councilman Frank Morano participates in P.S. 5’s “Smart Money Kids” Program sponsored by Sundog Theatre. Staten Island Advance
Funded by City Councilman Frank Morano, P.S. 5’s program ran for several years as an after-school residency for 25 children and doubled in size to become a fully integrated program delivered during the school day to the entire fifth grade.
The new program added a digital literacy element in which students built their own websites. Also, Sundog Theatre teaching artist David Nudelman guide students through entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business development at both schools — where the STEAM elements of technology, engineering, arts, and math were integrated while students formed and named their own businesses.
Through artistic creations and brainstorming sessions, students learned how to create, market and sell products.
“Smart Money Kids” culminated in a Grand Opening event that was attended by family members and teachers who “purchased” products with “Sundog bucks.”
Comments on the program
“Our fifth-grade students have truly embraced and flourished through the ‘Smart Money Kids’ Financial Literacy program,” affirmed P.S. 5 Principal Tonianne Cusumano. “Through designing and developing their own market products, they learned that success takes much more than a great idea — it requires planning, responsibility, creativity, problem solving and perseverance. Watching them think like young entrepreneurs and apply these real-world skills has been an incredible experience, and we are so proud of all they accomplished.”
Student Ava, from P.S. 5, declared: “We had to work together, (becasue) if you don’t it really wouldn’t have happened. Now I know how to use my money, the important things, and the not important things.”
“It made me feel amazing,” says P.S. 5 student Mason. “It’s so cool to see your work in front of you. I learned that you have to financially build up money over time instead of throwing it all out the window.”
A PS 5 student, Amelina said: “We combined all ideas into one to make our business. We learned how to manage money correctly and not spend all your money on one thing. This can help me grow my future and make some money in the summer, so I can make my own business.”
Oliver, a PS 5 student, commented, “Usually you only see famous companies with websites. Now I’m seeing our website and it makes me feel like we’re all amazing.”
Because of its success, in addition to PS 5 and PS 60 programs, Sundog Theatre will deliver a “Smart Money Enterprise” program at Curtis High School, funded by Flagstar Bank.
Audra Howley, Curtis High School computer aided design teacher, said: “Smart Money Enterprise will give our Curtis ARC (Architecture and Real World Careers) students the rare chance to step out of the drawing software and into the driver’s seat of a business. Using laser and precision cutters to turn their AutoCAD files into tangible products will teach them that great design isn’t complete until you understand its value in the real world.”
“This is the first year the program has taken place during school,” said Sundog’s executive director, Susan Fenley. “It fits in well with the recent New York state regulations requiring personal finance education for public school students in grades K-12. Students not only develop their own businesses from scratch, they increase their ability to focus, navigate working relationships and discover how core academic subjects and the arts connect to everyday life.
Sundog Theatre
Founded in 2002, Sundog Theatre has been presenting original and contemporary theatre for 24 years.
The nonprofit arts company also presents a full complement of culturally-based school programming in theatre, visual arts, dance, music and literacy.
Programs are offered to students in kindergarten through high school in New York City’s public and private schools and community-based organizations.
In addition, Sundog presents theater throughout Staten Island, offers year-round acting classes for children ages 9 to 17, and tours educational productions through the tri-state area.
For further information visit www.SundogTheatre.org or phone 718-816-5453.
