“I have caught previous live editions of “Scenes” and I’m invariably surprised. I expect, with every exposure, to find that the premise is exhausted (The plays all take place within the 23-minute-or-so ferry crossing) I’m usually wrong. As I was again.” — Michael Fressola’s review of the covid-compelled video presentation of Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2021Michael Fressola
Thank you so much for this great experience. My students learning remotely has so much fun learning with Ms. Shannon. We really got to experience Ellis Island through the lens of different immigrants. Here are some screenshots of our students in character!!Nelly Ortiz, Educator, P.S. 10
Sundog does for our school what we could not do alone. They find talented, patient teaching artists, map out plans for great programs and coordinate artists’ schedules with ours to guarantee a seamless program with satisfaction for all involved. We are proud to be a school affiliated with Sundog. The personalized attention they provide, their dedication to excellence, as well as their helpfulness in ‘making it all happen’ make Sundog an asset to any arts education program.Laura M. Kump, Principal, P.S. 26
As a result of Sundog’s theatre literacy program, our 3rd and 4th grade students have advanced at least one to three reading levels as evidenced by WRAP reading assignment.Joseph Miller, Former Principal, PS 44
Sundog’s programs contribute to academic growth, a more highly motivated student body, a drop in absenteeism, and the development of a genuine sense of community among students, teachers and administration. This partnership has contributed to our school earning an ‘A’ on its Report Card for three consecutive years.Ronald Gorsky, former Principal, Concord High School
Sundog is the ideal arts partner!Diane Zerega, Drama Director, Wagner High School
Working with Sundog in a newspaper program for four years improved student writing, self-esteem, motivation, and engagement. The program has benefited students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 on many levels. Community members notice the effect of the program on our youngsters, as evidenced by James S. Oddo’s message to the newspaper club, ‘It is great that you can speak in a public forum with confidence.’ Parents are happy and feedback is positive.Erica Mattera, Principal, PS 11
Sundog brings energetic, skilled teaching artists, understanding the need to provide integrated arts instruction. Their expertise and creative energy produce wonderful results.Joanne Buckheit, Principal, Petrides School
We at I.S. 7 were lucky enough to have acquired the services and exceptional knowledge of Sundog Theatre. Our costume club looked forward to Ms. Ellison’s direction and had 97% attendance. Our main stage crew couldn’t wait to learn more tools of the trade from Mr. Grunn and were present with 98% attendance. Our students, in turn, will now be able to teach and pass on their knowledge to future students.Paul Parrella, Drama Teacher, I.S. 7
Sundog Theatre’s arts in education program not only enlivens core curriculum but contributes to the growth of struggling students. As a teaching artist for Sundog Theatre I witnessed students on the autism spectrum and students who struggled with reading benefit from the arts’ programs that Sundog offers.Christine Drayer, Theatre Teaching Artist
Sundog’s Arts-In-Education programs have had a huge impact on our schools and has positively changed the lives of our students. Sundog helped us to create the school newspaper, which the students love. Their participation helps them in countless ways! THANK YOU SUNDOG!Shannon Rinelli, Teacher, P.S. 11
In February of 2011, I was contacted by Sundog Theatre to teach children and their parents dubke dance (Middle Eastern line dance.) As it turned out, the children in my class were age 4! They were adorable and their parents attentive. There was one child who got out front, danced her heart out and flirted with the audience! I believe this workshop presented new music and ways of moving the body-we all had fun in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work with Sundog Theatre and the Staten Island school system.Sandra Catena, Dance Teaching Artist
P.S. 53 has had the pleasure of fostering a relationship with Sundog Theatre over the last several years. Our most obvious common bond stems from our mutual passion for sharing arts-in-education with our students and the community. Sundog’s staff offers an incredible understanding of the enrichment needs of our school as well as being extremely and articulately professional. Due to budgetary restraints, we rely heavily on programs such as these to promote creativity and diversity through the arts. Our collaboration with their administrative team and artists has been enjoyable, educational, and rewarding. We at P.S. 53 certainly hope to continue our partnership with Sundog Theatre for years to come.Annette Esposito, Former Principal, P.S. 53
It has been wonderful to work with Sundog Theatre! The professionalism has made each project a pleasurable experience. Their willingness to customize the program to accommodate the school schedule is greatly appreciated by both the administration and staff. Thanks to their flexibility we are able to tailor programs that meet the needs of our diverse school community. I have and will continue to recommend Sundog Theatre to other school administrators. I look forward to many opportunities for collaboration with them in the future.Adele Carbonella, Retired Assistant Principal, P.S. 41
It was evident, through the data collection, that engaging students in meaningful learning experiences through performance arts was effective. ‘Journey Through History’ program enabled each 4th grade student to take the stage and perform for an audience comprised of parents, families and friends. As a result, students gained self-esteem and confidence. Involvement in theatre production with Sundog had a positive effect on the students’ social and academic growth. Teachers grew professionally through the experience and gained insight on how content and curriculum can be brought to life through theater. P.S. 3, is thankful for our partnership. I look forward to future endeavors with Sundog Theatre.Lorrie Brown, Former Assistant Principal, P.S. 3
The program is excellent and provided an opportunity to boost self-esteem, especially for children struggling academically. It gave them an opportunity to shine in a different venue from academics.Special Ed Teacher, PS 52R
