"Mrs. Kate" is a role model kids like to emulate. After her performance at Gregory Drive Elementary, one youngster exclaimed, "That’s what I’ll probably be when I grow up—just like her!" 

Letters of Recommendation:

FROM ATLANTIC BEACH ELEMENTARY

FROM KINGSWAY ELEMENTARY IN PORT CHARLOTTE:

Our school had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Kate for our 3rd and 4th graders.  The show is full of Florida-themed songs, all written by Mrs. Kate.  She really draws the audience in with her music, stories and message.  The children were eager to participate.  The show is motivational.  It encourages students to read, stay in school, be kind to others and say no to drugs.  The songs are based on subject matter which is unique to Florida.  I even learned the name of a very special Florida bird which I have often admired.  Students, parents and teachers alike found themselves singing along and doing the motions of the songs.  I have head classes singing the songs in the lunchroom.  I would recommend Mrs. Kate's show to any school.  She is a pleasure to work with.  We certainly look forward to her return.  

Mary Kathryn Waldrop, Curriculum Resource Teacher

FROM MERRILL ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Motivate with Mrs. Kate" kept the students totally enthused and engaged for the entirety of the performance.  In addition, they learned a great deal about Florida and its wildlife, while hearing of the importance of research and lifelong reading.  Mrs. Kate captivated the adult and student audiences with stories and songs such as "Crack a Book," "Coon in the Can," "Florida Rain," and "Anhinga."  I wholeheartedly recommend Mrs. Kate Carpenter as someone who shares unforgettable and meaningful information and is an inspiration to students." 

                                                                    Janet Heartsill, School Standards Coach

FROM TIMUCUAN ELEMENTARY IN JACKSONVILLE, FL

"If you are looking for a way to engage your children and promote positive character traits, then you need Mrs. Kate!  She is energetic, entertaining and educational.  A combination of storytelling and inspiring music will keep your foot tapping through the entire program.

Mrs. Kate has performed several quality shows at Timucuan Elementary.  She touches children and adults of all ages with her powerful messages.  The Florida Family Folksongs are educational and a wonderful tribute to our Sunshine State.  The new CD, Motivate with Mrs. Kate also emphasizes the importance of positive choices and character traits. 

Be sure to provide your students with the powerful messages and stories that can only be shared by Mrs. Kate.  Not only will you have a great time, but you will also bring your students the joy, excitement, and educational experience of a lifetime.  And don't forget to purchase a CD, so you and your students can continue to enjoy her music.  "

Kimberly Harrison, Principal

FROM ODYSSEY CHARTER SCHOOL IN PALM BAY, FL

"You helped to enrich and reinforce classroom lessons on "wise-skills" (character-building) and responsible citizenship.  Your music encouraged and engaged everyone to be kind, respectful, work hard in school, and practice self-control.  Approaching these lessons via music allowed students of diverse learning styles to embrace and internalize these messages more fully.  

Several teachers were so impressed with your concert that they purchased your CD's for the classroom.  For weeks following your visit, I would hear students humming and singing your songs in the hallways.  Even 3 months after your visit, your songs were still playing in our classrooms. 

Your energy, humor and musical poetry kept everyone's attention riveted to the stage.  Adding our own students and teachers  to the show had us all smiling, laughing, chanting and cheering.  The musical antics and imagery of mimicking raccoons breaking into trash cans, creating rain falling gently from the sky, seeing anhingas drying their wings are memories that will last in our hears and minds.  Thank you so much for providing a FUN musical avenue to capture the imagination of children and help them to learn and grow in ways that are positive and beneficial to our planet, our school, our personal lives and our community.  I hope you can return to our school every year."

Dr. Jane Martin, Special Events Coordinator, Science Educator

FROM JACKSONVILLE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Mrs. Kate brings a lively performance to the hearts of children.  Her original show about Florida wildlife, the love of family, and the importance of staying in school was interactive, educational, and well-received from our students.  Many children waved me over during the course of the day to tell me how much they loved Mrs. Kate.  I know your student will love her, too.  I highly recommend taking home her music CD's for your own children so they can share the songs with their friends. " 

                                        Marcy A. Reindl, Cultural Arts Chairperson, October 2005

FROM FT. McCOY SCHOOL

"The students thoroughly enjoyed the show, which was interactive and educational.  Students were excited and many were heard singing the songs after the show had ended.  The teachers commented that they felt the shows were a perfect follow-up to testing because they allowed the children to have fun , but maintained the educational momentum of the school year.  I would recommend Mrs. Kate's show to any elementary school looking for a fun way to get their students interested in reading.

Mitzi Smith, Administrative Assistant (March 21, 2005)

FROM BRONSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Mrs. Kate was superb with both groups of children.  Her music was upbeat and educational.  She invited audience participation and kept attention and enthusiasm up.  Our students were able to relate to the Florida and child's view themes of the songs.  Mrs. Kate was also very professional in handling the business end of the program.  I found her easy to work with.  I highly recommend her to other elementary schools.  Her style of music and charismatic performances kept the children entertained while teaching them too."

Deborah Manasala, Art Teacher (May 13, 2005) 

FROM INTERLACHEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

"Kate Carpenter performed at our school on May 17, 2001.  She was tremendously enthusiastic throughout all five 45 minute performances.  She encouraged student participation by having each performance geared to the grade level of the group and by keeping the students actively engaged during the entire performance.

Many of Kate's songs and stories covered social skills that we stress within the school environment.  Some of the skills were good line behavior, being nice to others, cleaning up after yourself, saying no to drugs, finishing what you start, staying in school, and truthfulness.  She also performed songs that encouraged library use, reading and family values.

After the performances I received many positive comments from the faculty and staff of our school. These are just a few of them:

"Kate Carpenter was a vibrant personality who chose to share her good humor, talent and love of storytelling with our school children in a refreshing, delightful and enjoyable way.  Her antics had the children and the staff participating in a very positive fashion.  We had fun."

"Wonderful!  My students are still singing her songs, and I hope, getting the message."

"Kate kept the children enthralled throughout the performance.  All spectators were on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what she would do next."

"Kate's enthusiastic way of telling stories was thoroughly enjoyed by both the adults and students.  Her beautiful voice made it such a pleasurable experience."

Esther Simmons, Media Specialist, Interlachen Elementary, Interlachen, Florida

FROM A YOUNG CHILDREN'S MONTESSORI SCHOOL, Cape Coral, FL

"I am still singing Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo!"  The concert was highly energetic, as well as educational.  I learned several bits of information about Florida wildlife and plant vegetation that I did not know.  You concert was creative, deeply conscientious and professional.  I am certain that any school audience would benefit from a concert such as yours."

FROM LOVE GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Jacksonville, FL

"You are just a bundle of energy and really inspired me.  I went back to my classroom and played the Florida Rain song over and over.  Everyone at school has been talking about your outstanding performance.  Our Love Grove students enjoyed every second. You sure held their attention."

                            Peggy Akers, Teacher, Director of Extended Day

FROM TRENTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"I have had the pleasure of being at two of Kate Carpenter's performances n the past 3 years, and have enjoyed both of them immensely.  She has a way of drawing the audience into her shows from the very first song.  Her enthusiasm for life is evident in her lyrics and her actions.  She sings about personal experiences in a way that touches each member of the audience, from the very young tot he "mature."  I appreciate the positive messages in her songs which stay in your mind throughout the day, especially Hug-a-Bug-a-Boo, Crack a Book and Give Me a Smile. My kindergartners live to sing along with these and other sons from her CD's.  I look forward to hearing what new experiences she has to sing about the next time she comes to entertain us!  I would recommend that all elementary schools in Florida get to know Mrs. Kate and her music."

Wende Dickey, Kindergarten Teacher, Trenton Elementary, Trenton, Florida

FROM LAKE PARK BAPTIST SCHOOL

"Just wanted to send a big thank you from my class and me. They loved your concert, and having you come to the room made them feel super-special.  We listen to your CD's all the time, and one mom says here daughter is "hooked.'  Thanks for a very special, memorable time."  

Cindy Sheats Rezkalla, Teacher, Lake Park Baptist School, Lake Park, Florida

FROM A YOUNG CHILDREN'S MONTESSORI SCHOOL