Knowledge Center Educational Programs

A variety of educational programs supporting different content areas and Core Knowledge topics are available to Lubbock area students and teachers. While new educational programs are scheduled each year, a few programs are provided on an annual basis. These include the Western Heritage (the Cowboy period) program, Storytelling with Jim Weiss, History in person with Bill Perryman, and Follow the Leader with Dr. Fred Hardin.

Western History

This is a 90-minute outdoor program exposing 4^th grade students to the cowboy period in history. Students rotate to several stations addressing cowboy clothing, horse and tack, the longhorn, the chuck wagon, period music, storytelling, and art. Students must travel to and from the program site by bus, which is usually held at Lubbock Christian University. Reservations are required.

Storytelling with Jim Weiss

Jim Weiss is an award winning storyteller and recording artist based in Charlottesville, Virginia. He usually presents two 45-60 minute storytelling performances (primary and intermediate) in either the morning or afternoon. A large room (library, auditorium, gymnasium), and sound system are required. Recordings of his stories and books on tape are available through Greathall Productions. Reservations are required. However, schools may book presentations directly (800-477-6234 or WWW.greathall.com)

History In Person with Bill Perryman

A variety of historical figures are available to share their stories with students. Bill Perryman is a former classroom teacher and is based in San Antonio, Texas. He presents one-man performances as a variety of characters including: Christopher Columbus, Ben Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, Abraham Lincoln, Colonel William Travis, and Sam Houston. The performances usually run 45-minutes and are followed by optional classroom visits to respond to student

questions. A large room (library, auditorium, gymnasium) is required, and Mr. Perryman supplies his own sound system. Reservations are required. However, schools may book presentations directly (1-888-872-4478 or 210-494-8623). The Texas Commission on the Arts has named History In Person as an Official Texas Touring Arts Program for

2003-2005.

Follow the Leader with Fred Hardin

Dr. Fred Hardin has served as an elementary and secondary school administrator and currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Secondary Education in the Lubbock Independent School District. One of his passions is developing leadership abilities in students. Follow the Leader is a 3-hour workshop addressing expectations, decision-making, and maximizing potential. While Dr. Hardin presents to both elementary and secondary audiences, the workshop offered for Core Knowledge schools focuses on 6^th grade students. Reservations are required.

Buddy and Tina Wright

Buddy and Tina Wright play a variety of instruments including the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. Backed-up by their parents, they perform primarily country and bluegrass music. They opened for Country Music Award winner Randy Travis in Fort Worth and have toured Europe. They perform each year at the Western Heritage program and are available for bookings by individual schools (www.buddyandtina.com or buddyandtina@earthlink.net).

Hope Shiver as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth

Hope Shiver has performed abroad with musical touring companies. She now lives in Houston where she teaches private voice lessons and performs for schools and educational groups. Her 45-minute programs require a large room (library or gymnasium), and she provides her own sound system. The programs are designed for elementary and middle school students. Reservations are required.