Testimonials
When asked about their Take the Stage experiences, our students stated:
"Take the Stage helped me be nice to other students."
–Gabriel
"It makes me feel like I belong in school."
-Stephanie
"They helped me to be more confident."
–Benjamin
"It makes me feel replenished and happy."
-Mion
"It wakes us up so we would work harder."
–Joe
"It helps me focus."
-Dayanisha
"It changed me to get better grades in other subjects."
–Gael
"I want to come to school more."
–Charlie
"The most important thing I learned is to keep trying things and to never give up."
–Naila
"They helped me to believe and do not be scared."
–Becky
"It helps me to be more active…to try harder."
–Khoa
"Do exercise every day."
–Eben
"Take the Stage makes me feel ecstatic because I get to dance and it makes me feel a part of something."
–Gianna
"Participating in Take the Stage makes me feel excited for the future because it makes me happy… and proud of myself."
–Leslie
"Be who you are and never give up."
–Adriana
"Push the limits on goals."
–Charlie
"It makes me feel I can trust myself."
-Joe
Educators in Take the Stage partner schools noted:
"Take the Stage gives those who struggle academically or in their personal lives a chance to succeed and learn to work as a team."
-Sue Hoffman, 1st grade educator at Our Lady of Hope, 2016
"I have noticed many positive changes in my students that I attribute to Take the Stage. I have seen an increase in confidence in almost every student. Students who have struggled to make friends have had more enthusiasm and willingness to reach out. It has been instrumental in helping some students realize that they can learn something new and be successful, which has transferred into the classroom."
-Matea daRosa, 4th grade teacher Our Lady of Hope School, Kansas City, 2013
"It’s a great learning initiative for these kids. It engaged their brains, forced them to think visually, musically and provided physical activity. This was high cognition. You had to be thinking to do this well. You had to watch and listen to do this well…There was every kind of kid in that group of kids and they were functioning like one. For the principal, that was a home run."
-Jean Ferrara, principal Holy Cross Catholic School, Kansas City, 2013
"The final performance was nothing short of spectacular. The kids absolutely rose to the challenge. I am happy for my next year's crop of 5th graders who will come in with that great memory firmly planted in their minds. And I can use that success to remind them of their possibility of achievement."
-Steven Garcia, Fifth Grade Educator, Our Lady of Hope School, 2016
Audience members shared their reactions:
“I was amazed at the performance that the 4th graders in ‘Take the Stage’ at Hartman last week. The kids were confident, poised and enthusiastic. The content was inspiring and the message about education, reading, health was spot on. The audience was tuned in and eager to get involved. THANK you so much for your work with the children. You are a fabulous role model for the kids. You are truly making a difference.” --Carla Aday
“I saw your program at Hartman Elementary yesterday (having been invited by an Owen/Cox email), and I thought it was just terrific. The kids were dancing with such obvious enthusiasm and delight, and it was infectious to everyone. Their leader was just fabulous, too, and worth her weight in gold! I just sent in a small donation, and wish you continued success in doing such an important thing for these children.”
-Art Wortman
Parents offered their thoughts on Take the Stage:
"Kimora has become more coordinated...I also believe TTS has played a significant role in her self-confidence. She is motivated and encouraged to express her ideas."
-Khadija Martin, Take the Stage Parent 2015
"Take the Stage gives kids a chance to explore new ideas. Kids feel good about themselves. [It] fosters good and positive self-image. GREAT!"
-a Take the Stage Parent 2015
"Loved how you connect on so many levels. Sight, sound, touch. So incredibly impressed. Thank you—please come back!"
-The Thompsons, Take the Stage Family 2016
"Take the Stage helped me be nice to other students."
–Gabriel
"It makes me feel like I belong in school."
-Stephanie
"They helped me to be more confident."
–Benjamin
"It makes me feel replenished and happy."
-Mion
"It wakes us up so we would work harder."
–Joe
"It helps me focus."
-Dayanisha
"It changed me to get better grades in other subjects."
–Gael
"I want to come to school more."
–Charlie
"The most important thing I learned is to keep trying things and to never give up."
–Naila
"They helped me to believe and do not be scared."
–Becky
"It helps me to be more active…to try harder."
–Khoa
"Do exercise every day."
–Eben
"Take the Stage makes me feel ecstatic because I get to dance and it makes me feel a part of something."
–Gianna
"Participating in Take the Stage makes me feel excited for the future because it makes me happy… and proud of myself."
–Leslie
"Be who you are and never give up."
–Adriana
"Push the limits on goals."
–Charlie
"It makes me feel I can trust myself."
-Joe
Educators in Take the Stage partner schools noted:
"Take the Stage gives those who struggle academically or in their personal lives a chance to succeed and learn to work as a team."
-Sue Hoffman, 1st grade educator at Our Lady of Hope, 2016
"I have noticed many positive changes in my students that I attribute to Take the Stage. I have seen an increase in confidence in almost every student. Students who have struggled to make friends have had more enthusiasm and willingness to reach out. It has been instrumental in helping some students realize that they can learn something new and be successful, which has transferred into the classroom."
-Matea daRosa, 4th grade teacher Our Lady of Hope School, Kansas City, 2013
"It’s a great learning initiative for these kids. It engaged their brains, forced them to think visually, musically and provided physical activity. This was high cognition. You had to be thinking to do this well. You had to watch and listen to do this well…There was every kind of kid in that group of kids and they were functioning like one. For the principal, that was a home run."
-Jean Ferrara, principal Holy Cross Catholic School, Kansas City, 2013
"The final performance was nothing short of spectacular. The kids absolutely rose to the challenge. I am happy for my next year's crop of 5th graders who will come in with that great memory firmly planted in their minds. And I can use that success to remind them of their possibility of achievement."
-Steven Garcia, Fifth Grade Educator, Our Lady of Hope School, 2016
Audience members shared their reactions:
“I was amazed at the performance that the 4th graders in ‘Take the Stage’ at Hartman last week. The kids were confident, poised and enthusiastic. The content was inspiring and the message about education, reading, health was spot on. The audience was tuned in and eager to get involved. THANK you so much for your work with the children. You are a fabulous role model for the kids. You are truly making a difference.” --Carla Aday
“I saw your program at Hartman Elementary yesterday (having been invited by an Owen/Cox email), and I thought it was just terrific. The kids were dancing with such obvious enthusiasm and delight, and it was infectious to everyone. Their leader was just fabulous, too, and worth her weight in gold! I just sent in a small donation, and wish you continued success in doing such an important thing for these children.”
-Art Wortman
Parents offered their thoughts on Take the Stage:
"Kimora has become more coordinated...I also believe TTS has played a significant role in her self-confidence. She is motivated and encouraged to express her ideas."
-Khadija Martin, Take the Stage Parent 2015
"Take the Stage gives kids a chance to explore new ideas. Kids feel good about themselves. [It] fosters good and positive self-image. GREAT!"
-a Take the Stage Parent 2015
"Loved how you connect on so many levels. Sight, sound, touch. So incredibly impressed. Thank you—please come back!"
-The Thompsons, Take the Stage Family 2016
