Testimonials

“See What Kids and Educators Are Saying About Sunnyside Roadshow”


“I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible creativity and heart you’ve brought to our video announcements with the puppets. The dynamic between the two puppets is not only hilarious and engaging but it’s also truly transformed our character work across the school.

Students look forward to seeing them every single day. It’s become a part of our school culture in the most joyful way. What’s equally appreciated is how seamlessly it fits into teachers’ schedules, giving them flexibility while still reinforcing important messages around kindness, respect, and responsibility.

Thank you for using your talents to make something so special for our students and staff. It has truly made a difference.”

 With gratitude,
Heidie Buffamonte, Principal
Clarence Center Elementary School, Clarence, New York

  • Clarence and Walter made people's mornings in a fun and funny way! They helped us learn about our school, our community, and taught us good values! Everyone in my class loved that the puppets went to our school. We got so excited when they did announcements. They were so popular they even made it into the yearbook!

    John (Student, Gr. 5)

  • As a school administrator, I immediately noticed the ability the Sunnyside Squad had to grab students' attention! Even in my own house, their shenanigans were the talk of the dinner table! Kids looked forward to their segments on the morning announcements, paid attention to every word, and remembered what they taught... including all the groan-worthy 'dad jokes'!

    - Mark (Assistant Superintendent)

  • Respect means that you are respectful to other people around you including teachers, students and more. If somebody messes up, you don’t laugh at them and instead respect them and lend them a helping hand. Our puppets will teach you all about that! CCE has taught us how to be a respectful person.

    - George (Student, 5th Grade)

  • The morning announcement puppet program was the best way to start our day in my 8:1:2 self contained classroom…in fact, it was the highlight! A time for all of us to gather together to listen, laugh and learn! Such an important part of building a school and classroom community while connecting with children in a predictable and fun way.

    -Katie Kaufman (8:1:2 Self-Contained Teacher,
    Behavioral, Social/Emotional Support, Grades 3-5)

  • Each morning, Clarence Center Elementary students and staff were treated to the heartwarming and witty banter of our dear puppet friends. These two puppets brought us the news, celebrated accomplishments of our school family, kept us laughing with their hilarious jokes, and started our days in the best way possible. They helped nurture our culture of kindness, respect, and responsibility. As a teacher, I can honestly say there is no better way to start the day than laughing along with them! The smiles and joy they brought to our school is immeasurable.

    -Jen Tanski (Teacher, 3rd Grade)

  • The students were greeted each morning with Walter & Clarence’s daily announcements that started their day with laughter and implicit learning of our school’s values: respect, responsibility, and kindness. They were always eager and excited to see what their trusted and loved friends had to share with them. It was pure joy to see their faces light up whenever they heard a classmate getting special recognition. Walter and Clarence always found a way to make each student feel noticed, loved, and special. It was a true gift to start each morning with them.

    Cherisse Fortunato (Teacher Aid, Grades K-2)

Kim Castiglione, Teacher 1st Grade

“Once in a while, something new comes along that makes our days even more magical-and I can’t wait to add it to my routine!”

Mark, Asst. Superintendent

“Even in my own house, their shenanigans were the talk of the dinner table”

  • After 32 years as an elementary teacher, you’d think I’d found all the best tools to teach my students curriculum, keep them engaged in their learning and help them to be the best humans they can be. But, once in a while, something new comes along that makes our days even more magical-and I can’t wait to add it to my routine! Each morning, we started our day with special announcements from two endearing puppets, Walter and Clarence. My students couldn’t wait for this cheerful kick-off. Walter and Clarence celebrated special moments happening in our classroom and throughout the school. They guided us through mindful moments with stories and morning yoga, gave shout-outs and recognitions to students and staff, posed thoughtful questions for morning reflection, shared motivational quotes, and told silly jokes that sparked the belly laughs every teacher loves to hear first thing in the morning. Talk about engaging and fun!

    Kim Castiglione (Teacher, Grade 1)

  • Here’s what my students had to say: “I LOVE Clarence and Walter — they make me smile!” “Clarence and Walter are my best friends.” “Is it time for our announcements? We can’t start our day without Clarence and Walter!”

    Ms. Castiglione’s First Graders.

  • This simple, joyful addition has truly enhanced our school’s culture and climate. I can’t imagine a morning without Walter and Clarence — they brought a bright, positive start not just for my students, but for teachers and staff too. I highly recommend the Sunnyside Roadshow to help your school start every day in the most amazing way!

    K., New York (Elementary Teacher)

  • These puppets and their magical announcements quickly became part of our school family. This unique way of doing morning announcements brought so much to our school community: • They gave our mornings structure and a positive routine. • They built community and strengthened school spirit. • They encouraged involvement not only in school clubs and activities but also in giving back to our wider community. • Most importantly, they helped even our shyest students shine by involving them in the announcements or recognizing them with special shout-outs, fostering a feeling of confidence in these kiddos.

    School Department Chair

  • New List Item

    Description goes here

Katie Kaufman, Behavior Social Emotional Support Teacher 3rd -5th Grade

“…the best way to start our day in my 8:1:2 classroom.  In fact, it was the highlight!”

Jen Tanski, Teacher 3rd grade

“As a teacher, I can honestly say there is no better way to start the day than laughing along with SunnySide Roadshow.”