Just a few of the "Regulars"!

Greetings Everyone!
At the time of this posting (November 10th or so), I have just finished the October/November rush of middle/high schools and am now heading out tomorrow for two weeks of elementary schools followed by a rush of schools, both middle and elementary, for the first part of December.  However, I wanted to take a moment to share a few photos from some of my longest running schools - these are just a sample as I didn't think of doing this until the last few weeks - so these are the folks who have the much desired and coveted dates closest (or on!) Halloween.  Others have certain dates that they get every year and they hold onto them and rarely let go!  On a side note, it looks like there are only around 5 days left open for next October, and November of 2014 will be filling up quickly over the next few weeks as well.  So, if you are a "new" school and you want a date for October/November, don't hesitate to call or email and get one of the few remaining spots before it's too late! 

Now then, on to the pictures - and thanks to everyone for being such good sports! 

These are one of the two schools who are on Halloween every year - and they are the envy of all other schools.  And believe it or not, they are actually an elementary school which hosts the program for their fifth graders every year.  Seven years in a row - and next year they added an extra day!  Martinez Elementary - the ones who started the Halloween tradition! 

And here is the other Halloween school!  Every year Cedar Ridge books the afternoon of Halloween for their fourth and fifth graders - and it is an absolute blast to perform for them as their reactions are priceless!  Five years in a row of Halloween programs!  

And here is the day before Halloween folks over at Greenbrier Middle!  I loved the background!  One correction - this is actually 7 years in a row even though we are holding up 8 fingers - I wasn't actually doing this show 8 years ago - but we weren't 100% sure at the time of the photo so we rounded up!

One of my earliest schools here - and only a couple days before Halloween each year.  I always love going up to White County Middle and spending the night in Helen - lots of fun here over the years.  Oh, and a shout out to Ms. Melton for allowing me to use her basket in my Grimm's show - she is proud to have made such an important contribution to the new show, which she was the very first to host this past year! 

Some of these teachers from Riverwatch Middle have seen the show over 35+ times now - and they still seem to enjoy it just as much as their students!  Always a fun group, and this year we went out to eat between shows which was a blast!  Now I need to get a photo of our two ladies in the media center as they were busy with the front desk and a meeting during this last show.  Seven years in a row here as well! 

Another fun day every year for the past 6 years!  VCMS is one of my regular November schools, but has now been promoted to the week of Halloween!  And they actually have a hard back version of the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic which is how I got started in magic - but wait! - that's not all - the book is also signed by the grandfather of a young man who actually attended college with Mark Wilson himself!  How cool is that!?!

Trickum Middle is always one of my favorite schools - and we are now on our second media specialists here.  It doesn't seem like it has been six years already, but it has!  I remember performing for former State Superintendent Ms. Kathy Cox a few years back! 

Crews Middle, named after my grandfather, Alton C. Crews...ok, not really my grandfather, but I still am quite partial to the name Crews Middle!  Another really fun show every year for the past 6 years, and this is the school where I was inspired to find my very own Dobby the House Elf - which I did find and who now resides in my house! 

What a great expression!  We can't believe that it has been 4 years since I started performing for the lovely folks at Dacula Middle - not to be confused with Dracula Middle over in Transylvania! 

Hope you, the reader, have enjoyed looking at these pics as much as I did posing for them!  I can't wait till next year to see everyone again!

A Great Video From BHS!

Greetings Everyone,
I am sharing this video from Blythewood High School - who hosted my new "Nevermore: Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe" program a few weeks back. 

And here's a few comments that have been shared on the SCASL email over the past few days:

"We recently had Chad Crews visit our school to perform his new show, Evermore: Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.  Chad recites several works of Poe (in their entirety) from memory including "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven."  Between stories/poems, Chad keeps the audience engaged with magic routines that go along with Poe's work.  He does a great job with the students, and our students especially liked his Q&A at the end of the show this year.  Chad has been to our school each year for the past few years, and we recommend his show for the high school level.  I know that many middle schools use him, but I want to let high schools know that he has much to offer high school students as well." Amy Whitfield, Media Specialist, Blythewood High

Below are some quotes from teachers at Blythewood:
"My students were curious to know more about Poe after the presentation.  I loved how knowledgeable he was on the subject, and the emphasis he placed on the recitations."

"Students were interested, entertained, and educated during it.  It was a break from the typical classroom learning, and there was something for everyone"

 "I agree completely!  My middle school students really enjoyed Nevermore: Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe when Chad came this past Wednesday.  Although the program is appropriate for middle school, it is also suitable for high school.  The teachers who attended also thought that it was wonderful!"  Kim Isiminger, Media Specialist, Lakeside Middle

"Our middle school loves Chad Crews.  This year our PE department used funds they raised through their department to pay for his visit. Our students and faculty alike love his program.  After Chad's visit, students check out all of our Poe and scary stories .  Great reading promotion!"  Lorena Swetnam, Media Specialist, Blythewood Middle

Thanks to everyone for the kind words on the programs!  I have a great time performing for your students!