Central Elementary School - Hastings, Michigan
School of Life Artist-in-Residence - Video
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Music - The social emotional learning curriculum is presented by singer/songwriter/Mindfulness & Yoga Instructor Susan Picking. Mindfulness training teaches children breathing and meditation techniques, and introduces gratitude practices, to create internal calm. These practices can help children access inner calm in stressful situations at home, at school - in the classroom, in the lunchroom, on the playground, can support test preparation, all with the intent of skill transference across situations. Mindfulness teaches children to self care, nurtures self esteem, and develops resiliency. This manifests in kind classrooms, schools, and communities. The Mindfulness practices and techniques are taught through melody, rhythm, and mantra. These tools are
presented with the intention of CASEL competency acquisition. Susan can be booked for weekly, monthly, quarterly visits to the schools and classrooms. Can be combined with the Bullying Prevention Program.
Bullying Prevention Program - A multi-day Music program to teach and promote Bullying Prevention, Diversity, Tolerance, Inclusion, and Being Kind through Music and Mindfulness practices. This creative and innovative approach presents this topic with memorable lyrics, fun rhythms, pertinent activities,
and role playing. It culminates into an interactive musical performance for
the entire school. It offers children a discussion opener about bullying,
and includes SEL tools to address the school social climate, and encourages an
environment of tolerance while creating a caring community.
SCHEDULE for Bullying Prevention Program
Susan Picking works with each grade individually. She will teach each grade level a song that is appropriate for their age and development. Each grade presents and leads this song at the musical performance. Picking performs and sings along with them. The children also do activities that illuminate the topic and meaning of the songs. Depending on the size of the school determines the days required and the break down of the class workshops.
SCHOOL OF LIFE CD
The School of Life CD is being released in 2016. The recording was produced WITH and FOR kids. The Project was recorded in both Michigan and Vermont and hosts children from both states. The songs are message-driven with pertinent issues and arranged in various genre from Hip Hop, Pop, Reggae, Jazz, and Americana. In addition to the social educational content this program offers an introduction into diverse musical genres and educational content.
Songs Taught in the School of Life Residency:
DiverseCity - A song about how our differences don’t matter, but how important it is to come together and co-exist peacefully.
There is Only One of You - A song celebrating our uniqueness. Encouraging kids to find their passion and gifts and offering those as their gifts to the world.
No Bully - A song with a repetitive chorus "No Bully" to embolden children to stand up for themselves and others being targeted. Each verse offers a way to combat bullying.
Bystander - A song about the role of a bystander and tools to navigate this role.
Be Kind - A song to remind us to be kind, be nice, be love, and believe in ourselves.
School of Life - A song stating, “Ya never stop learning if you’re open to it. “
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
The multi-day residency spent teaching the songs to the kids culminates in a live musical performance. The assembly can either be performed with a background karaoke track, a live band, or a combination of karaoke and live musicians.
The assembly is laid out to present an impactful message of teaching Tolerance of our Diversity, Celebrating our Uniqueness, Confronting Bullying, Encouraging Inclusion and Being Kind through Mindfulness. Each grade will lead the school in the song that they learned, including role play, videos, and activities. The whole school is involved in the presentation which gives them ownership in sharing this message which. The memorable lyrics give children a positive message mantra that will continue to dance through their heads.
This Musical Program can be offered for parents in the evening, which helps develop a greater community of support and caring beyond the school walls and playground. The intent is to drive behavior change to encourage children to become positive citizens in creating their positive school environment and community.
SINGER/SONGWRITER Susan Picking
Susan is an educator, multi instrumentalist, award winning singer/songwriter who has released 4 CDs. She has 15 plus years of working with children in educational, recreational, and therapeutic arenas. Picking’s Passion for Mindfulness extends to teaching these practices to children. Susan is a 500 hr Certified Yoga Teacher from Breathe for Change, with a certification in the TEACH method and training in SEL. She has studied the Foundations of teaching Mindfulness through Mindfulschools.org. Ms. Picking is a certified Hypnotherapist with a Mindfulness specialty Accreditation, Picking offers interactive programs in Schools, Children’s Museums, Libraries, and Festivals. Her BA is in Broadcast Journalism from The University of Wisconsin and completed a Psychology Concentration at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Picking earned certificates in Vocal Performance and Songwriting from the Commercial Music School at Long Beach City College, Long Beach, California. She currently resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Email: susanpicking@gmail.com
RATES OF RESIDENCY
1/2 Day (3 hour) - $300
Full Day (5 hour) - $500
Multi-day discount
3 days - $450/ per day = $1350
4 days - $1700
5 days - $ 2000 Performance - Assembly in conjunction with program - $100
Performance -Evening Concert for parents with Artist in Residence program - $200
Performance - Assembly for School without Artist in Residence starting at $250 depending on duration,distance of travel, equipment needs
Travel requirements > 120 miles
3 day Minimum for travel greater than 120
Mileage - 54 cents per mile per round trip which is the standard federal mileage rate
Cost of a decent hotel or home stay
Per Diem $50/per day - 3 days residency or more Rental Car or Transportation if Travel by Air
PA equipment if Travel by Air
* Discounts Available for multiple schools within a district, or bookings in the area.
* Please contact susan picking for financial needs, specific program needs,and ideas.
TESTIMONIALS and REFERENCES
Tim Shaw, Principal, Meadow Brook Elementary School, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI ( tshaw@fhps.net) ”As an elementary school principal, I am deeply invested in how our students interact with each other. Susan Picking's School of Life program is lively, joyful, engaging, and completely appropriate for young (K-4th grade) students. There is no doubt that the lessons learned has an impact on our students behavior. My staff and I highly recommend Susan's dynamic programming.”
Dr. Amy Beck, Pediatrician President of Bright Start Pediatrics, Hastings, MI (abeckmd@gmail.com ) "Susan Picking’s music is contagious, toe-tapping and also happens to bring along a positive message! Some of the topics she highlights in her musical teachings are diversity, kindness and bullying prevention. As a pediatrician, I know that not all children are lucky enough to have music instruction in their elementary years. When Susan has the opportunity to work with children to share her love of music in a fun, silly but inspiring way; kids learn, kids sing … and listeners get to truly feel the power of music!"
Lynn Lonsway, Executive Director,International Bullying Prevention Association, www.ibpaworld.org(lynn@ibpaworld.org) "Susan has performed to kick off our International conference with her inspirational music and I have had the opportunity to see her working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, they truly connect with her. It is a pleasure to work with Susan; the bullying prevention field is fortunate to have someone of her caliber working in schools across the US making a positive impact."
Jen Spiak M.A. Ed, Teacher Todd Elementary, Beloit, WI , (jenspiak@gmail.com)
“Susan Picking began performing and teaching in my second grade classroom at Todd Elementary School in Beloit, at the beginning of this school year. Her program, The School of Life, is just that. It teaches kids strategies that they all deal with in their day to day life. My students love her songs and most importantly the messages behind them. They know many of her songs by heart like “Be Kind” and “No Bully” and love to sing and dance and perform with her.
Her music and message is catchy, positive and uplifting and helps kids to feel confident about delicate situations, like standing up to a bully. One of my students even made a “No Bully” poster for our hallway, after her last visit, all on his own with no prompting from me. The best part is that this kid is a bit of a reformed bully himself.
School of Life and Susan are a blessing to our classroom and to Todd Elementary School. What a great resource for students, families and teachers! “
Susan Halstead, Music and PE Teacher, Creativity Challenge Community, Denver, CO (SUSAN_HALSTEAD@dpsk12.org) “The School of Life program was an inspiration among the C3 community. Through Ms. Pickings musical creations, the students were able to explore the large capacity of kindness they hold within themselves and how to spread that kindness around their school, community, and the world. The program was not only a fun and interactive experience for all, but gave our school the tools and strategies to grow as a kind community.”
Theresa Giffin, Teacher/Behavioral Specialist, Union Elementary School, Montpelier, VT
“School of Life by Susan Picking instills in our children to be proactive in supportive, compassionate ways to negate bullying from ever happening. Powerful lessons which will be with them throughout time!
There is no better way to teach the lessons of the School of Life, than through the lyrics and music created by Susan Picking.
Our gymnasium was transformed into a performance hall with all of our 420 students singing with grade level peers to the other members of our school community.
Susan Picking and her School of Life is a gift that all children, and adults as well, need to have early in their lives.”
Christine Chamberlain CHI-PAC Vice President,MeadowBrook PTO, CHI-PAC Liaison. parent former elementary teacher, Forest Hills School District Grand Rapids, MI
“So many wonderful things to say! We would be delighted to have her come again to our school. It was wonderful to start off the new year with her positive message & energy right after winter break.”
Emily Seifert - Parent ,Montpelier VT "I've really appreciated the positive, kind, and inspiring messages in her songs. Every time I listen to her CD, I end up with a happy smile on my face. Thank you Susan for sharing your radiant light with us through your music."
Mia Spero, Student and Singer in the Choir, Lake Hills Elementary School, Spring Lake, MI
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Music - The social emotional learning curriculum is presented by singer/songwriter/Mindfulness & Yoga Instructor Susan Picking. Mindfulness training teaches children breathing and meditation techniques, and introduces gratitude practices, to create internal calm. These practices can help children access inner calm in stressful situations at home, at school - in the classroom, in the lunchroom, on the playground, can support test preparation, all with the intent of skill transference across situations. Mindfulness teaches children to self care, nurtures self esteem, and develops resiliency. This manifests in kind classrooms, schools, and communities. The Mindfulness practices and techniques are taught through melody, rhythm, and mantra. These tools are
presented with the intention of CASEL competency acquisition. Susan can be booked for weekly, monthly, quarterly visits to the schools and classrooms. Can be combined with the Bullying Prevention Program.
Bullying Prevention Program - A multi-day Music program to teach and promote Bullying Prevention, Diversity, Tolerance, Inclusion, and Being Kind through Music and Mindfulness practices. This creative and innovative approach presents this topic with memorable lyrics, fun rhythms, pertinent activities,
and role playing. It culminates into an interactive musical performance for
the entire school. It offers children a discussion opener about bullying,
and includes SEL tools to address the school social climate, and encourages an
environment of tolerance while creating a caring community.
SCHEDULE for Bullying Prevention Program
Susan Picking works with each grade individually. She will teach each grade level a song that is appropriate for their age and development. Each grade presents and leads this song at the musical performance. Picking performs and sings along with them. The children also do activities that illuminate the topic and meaning of the songs. Depending on the size of the school determines the days required and the break down of the class workshops.
SCHOOL OF LIFE CD
The School of Life CD is being released in 2016. The recording was produced WITH and FOR kids. The Project was recorded in both Michigan and Vermont and hosts children from both states. The songs are message-driven with pertinent issues and arranged in various genre from Hip Hop, Pop, Reggae, Jazz, and Americana. In addition to the social educational content this program offers an introduction into diverse musical genres and educational content.
Songs Taught in the School of Life Residency:
DiverseCity - A song about how our differences don’t matter, but how important it is to come together and co-exist peacefully.
There is Only One of You - A song celebrating our uniqueness. Encouraging kids to find their passion and gifts and offering those as their gifts to the world.
No Bully - A song with a repetitive chorus "No Bully" to embolden children to stand up for themselves and others being targeted. Each verse offers a way to combat bullying.
Bystander - A song about the role of a bystander and tools to navigate this role.
Be Kind - A song to remind us to be kind, be nice, be love, and believe in ourselves.
School of Life - A song stating, “Ya never stop learning if you’re open to it. “
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
The multi-day residency spent teaching the songs to the kids culminates in a live musical performance. The assembly can either be performed with a background karaoke track, a live band, or a combination of karaoke and live musicians.
The assembly is laid out to present an impactful message of teaching Tolerance of our Diversity, Celebrating our Uniqueness, Confronting Bullying, Encouraging Inclusion and Being Kind through Mindfulness. Each grade will lead the school in the song that they learned, including role play, videos, and activities. The whole school is involved in the presentation which gives them ownership in sharing this message which. The memorable lyrics give children a positive message mantra that will continue to dance through their heads.
This Musical Program can be offered for parents in the evening, which helps develop a greater community of support and caring beyond the school walls and playground. The intent is to drive behavior change to encourage children to become positive citizens in creating their positive school environment and community.
SINGER/SONGWRITER Susan Picking
Susan is an educator, multi instrumentalist, award winning singer/songwriter who has released 4 CDs. She has 15 plus years of working with children in educational, recreational, and therapeutic arenas. Picking’s Passion for Mindfulness extends to teaching these practices to children. Susan is a 500 hr Certified Yoga Teacher from Breathe for Change, with a certification in the TEACH method and training in SEL. She has studied the Foundations of teaching Mindfulness through Mindfulschools.org. Ms. Picking is a certified Hypnotherapist with a Mindfulness specialty Accreditation, Picking offers interactive programs in Schools, Children’s Museums, Libraries, and Festivals. Her BA is in Broadcast Journalism from The University of Wisconsin and completed a Psychology Concentration at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Picking earned certificates in Vocal Performance and Songwriting from the Commercial Music School at Long Beach City College, Long Beach, California. She currently resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Email: susanpicking@gmail.com
RATES OF RESIDENCY
1/2 Day (3 hour) - $300
Full Day (5 hour) - $500
Multi-day discount
3 days - $450/ per day = $1350
4 days - $1700
5 days - $ 2000 Performance - Assembly in conjunction with program - $100
Performance -Evening Concert for parents with Artist in Residence program - $200
Performance - Assembly for School without Artist in Residence starting at $250 depending on duration,distance of travel, equipment needs
Travel requirements > 120 miles
3 day Minimum for travel greater than 120
Mileage - 54 cents per mile per round trip which is the standard federal mileage rate
Cost of a decent hotel or home stay
Per Diem $50/per day - 3 days residency or more Rental Car or Transportation if Travel by Air
PA equipment if Travel by Air
* Discounts Available for multiple schools within a district, or bookings in the area.
* Please contact susan picking for financial needs, specific program needs,and ideas.
TESTIMONIALS and REFERENCES
Tim Shaw, Principal, Meadow Brook Elementary School, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI ( tshaw@fhps.net) ”As an elementary school principal, I am deeply invested in how our students interact with each other. Susan Picking's School of Life program is lively, joyful, engaging, and completely appropriate for young (K-4th grade) students. There is no doubt that the lessons learned has an impact on our students behavior. My staff and I highly recommend Susan's dynamic programming.”
Dr. Amy Beck, Pediatrician President of Bright Start Pediatrics, Hastings, MI (abeckmd@gmail.com ) "Susan Picking’s music is contagious, toe-tapping and also happens to bring along a positive message! Some of the topics she highlights in her musical teachings are diversity, kindness and bullying prevention. As a pediatrician, I know that not all children are lucky enough to have music instruction in their elementary years. When Susan has the opportunity to work with children to share her love of music in a fun, silly but inspiring way; kids learn, kids sing … and listeners get to truly feel the power of music!"
Lynn Lonsway, Executive Director,International Bullying Prevention Association, www.ibpaworld.org(lynn@ibpaworld.org) "Susan has performed to kick off our International conference with her inspirational music and I have had the opportunity to see her working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, they truly connect with her. It is a pleasure to work with Susan; the bullying prevention field is fortunate to have someone of her caliber working in schools across the US making a positive impact."
Jen Spiak M.A. Ed, Teacher Todd Elementary, Beloit, WI , (jenspiak@gmail.com)
“Susan Picking began performing and teaching in my second grade classroom at Todd Elementary School in Beloit, at the beginning of this school year. Her program, The School of Life, is just that. It teaches kids strategies that they all deal with in their day to day life. My students love her songs and most importantly the messages behind them. They know many of her songs by heart like “Be Kind” and “No Bully” and love to sing and dance and perform with her.
Her music and message is catchy, positive and uplifting and helps kids to feel confident about delicate situations, like standing up to a bully. One of my students even made a “No Bully” poster for our hallway, after her last visit, all on his own with no prompting from me. The best part is that this kid is a bit of a reformed bully himself.
School of Life and Susan are a blessing to our classroom and to Todd Elementary School. What a great resource for students, families and teachers! “
Susan Halstead, Music and PE Teacher, Creativity Challenge Community, Denver, CO (SUSAN_HALSTEAD@dpsk12.org) “The School of Life program was an inspiration among the C3 community. Through Ms. Pickings musical creations, the students were able to explore the large capacity of kindness they hold within themselves and how to spread that kindness around their school, community, and the world. The program was not only a fun and interactive experience for all, but gave our school the tools and strategies to grow as a kind community.”
Theresa Giffin, Teacher/Behavioral Specialist, Union Elementary School, Montpelier, VT
“School of Life by Susan Picking instills in our children to be proactive in supportive, compassionate ways to negate bullying from ever happening. Powerful lessons which will be with them throughout time!
There is no better way to teach the lessons of the School of Life, than through the lyrics and music created by Susan Picking.
Our gymnasium was transformed into a performance hall with all of our 420 students singing with grade level peers to the other members of our school community.
Susan Picking and her School of Life is a gift that all children, and adults as well, need to have early in their lives.”
Christine Chamberlain CHI-PAC Vice President,MeadowBrook PTO, CHI-PAC Liaison. parent former elementary teacher, Forest Hills School District Grand Rapids, MI
“So many wonderful things to say! We would be delighted to have her come again to our school. It was wonderful to start off the new year with her positive message & energy right after winter break.”
Emily Seifert - Parent ,Montpelier VT "I've really appreciated the positive, kind, and inspiring messages in her songs. Every time I listen to her CD, I end up with a happy smile on my face. Thank you Susan for sharing your radiant light with us through your music."
Mia Spero, Student and Singer in the Choir, Lake Hills Elementary School, Spring Lake, MI
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Grand Haven 4th Graders, ArtWalk Grand Haven Central Park, Grand Haven, Michigan
Todd Elementary, Beloit, Wisconsin