I am interested in knowing what other schools do for their assemblies. Do you use local centers such as art, dance, magicians, etc? I am looking for something exciting to do this year.

Our school also pays for swim lessons for the 3rd grade classes ($1040 per year). Does anyone else do this type of thing? I am surprised at the expense! I'm sure we pay for transportation too!

Any ideas on assemblies, etc. would be greatly appreciated

I'm not too sure where you want your programs held, but I know of a way to get quality performers for your events. Our school joined the Run for the Arts group. You raise money by having a jog a thon.The whole fundraiser is organized by the Run for the Arts group. (well, they send you the info, packet, rules, etc) The money actually goes back to the group, they keep a percentage and you get to use the remaining money to hire performers, musicians, dancers, artists, etc from a selected group. Our school of 350 students raised almost 12,000. We went on field trips, had many performers and several artists. They even had programs just for teachers. Its a great program because the performers are used to working with the schools and are very good at what they do, and you won't be surprised by the content or conduct of the performer. Good luck

A great assembly is run by a company called Prismatic Magic (www.prizmaticmagic.com). They put ona laser light show right in your school. They have diffferent themes and is coordinated with music. Everyone loves it. This year we are doing a Patriotic theme and running it as a family event at night instead of an assembly so that the parents can enjoy it.

Hope this helps

Wow - swim lessons? Never heard of that one. Your right - too costly. Even if you live in Florida, to me, I don't feel that is really something the PTO should be funding. Opening yourselves up to big time liability. But if you took a survey and the parents really wanted it, than you have to go with it.

Our assemblies are mostly educational. We had an earthball last year. Kids loved it. It's a huge ball of the earth that you walk inside. We also had a Harriet Tubman and Amelie Earhart speakers. For fun we had the Jessie White Tumblers (Chicago area). They did gymnastic stunts that the kids loved and Jessie White (our Secretary of State) gave a speech on drugs and gangs and kids respecting each other. Good Luck.

Can't find www.prizmaticmagic.com -- did you type this in correctly? Sounds interesting!

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Oh, I just tried www.prismaticmagic.com and it works.

[ 08-28-2003, 10:14 AM: Message edited by: schoolmom ]

There are lots of things you can do for free and fun. For example, if you have a local Irish Dance school invite them on St. Patricks day to put on a show. It's practice for them, and very enjoyable to the children. Your local police and fire departments usually will come to school for an assembly to talk about safety (drugs, fire safety, bike safety, etc). Groups such as Eyes for the Blind will come in and do demonstrations with animals that are trained to help people with disabilities. I'm still thinking....I'll be back...