The first days of a new school year can be a difficult time for students. Many of them experience anxiety and self-doubt as they readjust to pressures and dynamics that they have gone without for months. What is one way that students can become more comfortable at school? Through shared laughter with their classmates.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Bean family, the Rossler, Cambridge, and Roosevelt campuses of the Stanley G. Falk School were treated to back-to-school assemblies starring Buffalo-based “Inspirational Oddball” Nels Ross. The four satellite schools were able to attend at the Roosevelt campus.

As Nels juggled, jumped, and joked onstage, the students were united in their laughter. But Nels’ show was not played only for laughs. His interactive performance also aimed to promote character education issues, such as respect and responsibility, and the principle that every person has value and potential.

To put the cherry on top of a successful event, Mrs. Susan Bean was able to attend one of the performances. When the act ended, Mrs. Bean witnessed the students as they returned to their classes with springs in their steps—invigorated and inspired.

A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Bean and her family for bringing these shows to the Falk School!