SMART Money Kids at PS 5 Huguenot: Pop-Up Shops, Packed Gym, Real Business

Sundog Theatre's SMART Money Kids program came to PS 5 Huguenot in Staten Island for 16 weeks, and by the end, students weren't just learning about business. They were running one.

Teaching artist David Nudelman led the program, guiding students through the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Teachers Ms. Gaudette and Ms. Zappulla were a big support from start to finish, helping create the environment for students to thrive. Over 16 weeks, students learned how to brainstorm products, develop their brands, understand costs, and prepare to sell.

The program culminated in a final event that took over the PS 5 gymnasium. Students set up pop-up shops and sold their products to a packed house. Staff, council members, families — the gym was full. Every table was student-run. Every product was student-made.

From the left to right are City Councilman Frank Morano, Sundog Theatre’s Elyssa Paige, PS 5 Principal Tonianne Cusumano, NYCPS District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, Sundog’s Executive Director, Susan Fenley and Teaching Artist David Nudelman.

The program was funded by Council Member Frank Morano and supported by Principal Tonianne Cusumano, the teachers, paras, and staff at PS 5 who made it all possible.

Why It Matters

When a student stands behind a table they built, selling a product they created, something shifts. They see themselves differently. Financial literacy, teamwork, creativity, confidence — these aren't lessons from a textbook. They come from doing. From making something real and watching someone choose to buy it.

Sundog Theatre continues to bring programs like this into schools across Staten Island, giving students opportunities that go far beyond the standard curriculum.

Just the Beginning

Every student who walked into that gymnasium as a seller left knowing something new about themselves. They can build something. They can sell something. They can create something from nothing. Whatever comes next for these students, they now know that dreams can become reality. We hope you don't stop dreaming.

Learn More

To learn more about the SMART Money Kids program, visit sundogtheatre.org/smartmoney.