Testimonials
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"We appreciate your staff coming to our camp. It was wonderful and the kids loved it. This is such a great program for children and the way your staff worked with different age groups to help them understand was wonderful." - Tracy Malone, Leon County Camp
"What an incredible experience, the students enjoyed it immensely!" - Glenda Shea, Pine Grove Elementary, Hernando County, FL
"This was an AWESOME experience for our students!! The data proves that they learned a great deal from your presenters who were enthusiastic and made learning fun! Thank you for coming to our school. I hope we can have you here again in the future!" - Tara Hancock, Paterson Elementary, Clay County, FL
" I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how incredibly wonderful your mobile lab was today. Our students and teachers really enjoyed themselves as they learned all about water and protecting our natural resources. The two ladies that worked with our students were fantastic! They were knowledgeable and great with our students. Again, thank you for sharing this teriffic lab with our school." -Melinda Morgan, Keystone Heights Elementary, Clay County, FL
"I got great feedback from everyone: teachers, students, adminstration, even the school nurse and resrouce officer! Your instructors were very adapt at re-engaging off tast students. Thank you so much!" - Keren Roseberg, Rawlings Elementary, St. john's County, FL
"Working with Helen to book the WaterVentures bus was very easy, and there was no set-up needed for the teachers! It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end!"- Centennial Elementary, Dade City, FL
"All the students LOVED it!!! Best in-school field trip of the year!" - Kathleen Paul, Heritage Academy, Dade City, FL
"Thank you again for coming to our school! We are so happy you could include us. It was a phenomenal presentation. There was nothing but positive feedback received from the students, teachers, and parents." Jennifer Bakos, Imagine Schools at South Vero
"We had a GREAT visit! The kids LOVED it!!!!" Lori Hanson, Chiles Elementary, Tampa, FL
"We (Charles Wyche Elementary School) wanted to thank you for this most educational and entertaining in school field trip. It helped the students make connections with some topics we addressed in Science such as the Water Cycle and pollution. The children and staff really enjoyed this presentation." Lauossie Edwards, Wyche Elementary, Miami, FL
"Thank you for a wonderful experience with our students. I didn't hear anything from the WES teachers, but a parent stopped me the day after her daughter attended. She evidently went home sharing all the new vocabulary and ideas she learned!! My team at MES and the team from NES had extremely positive feedback. The children were well behaved, made connections to previous lessons, and left with even more knowledge! Others saw the semi and wanted to know what we were all up to. The educators were knowledgeable, kept everyone organized, redirected off task behavior, and guided our students through a wonderful experience. I appreciate all the communication with you to coordinate the trip to DeSoto County this year. Please let me know if this is something we would be able to arrange for next year as well!" Emily Morris, Memorial Elementary, Arcadia, FL
"Our students loved the program! We are grateful for the opportunity." Dustin Strate, Indian River Academy, Vero Beach, FL
"Our staff and students loved it! I have forwarded the post info to the teachers so that can be done before Christmas. I want to thank everyone again for giving our students the expereince. Whenever the window opens up to schedule next year's visit, please let me know!" Stephen Clark, Lafayette Elementary, Mayo, FL
"Just wanted to let you know what a remarkable time the 5th grade had :) Thank you so very much for all you, Mark, and the WaterVentures staff did to make sure it was possible!!!!" - Tracy Cosenza, Conley Elementary, Tallahassee, FL
"I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know that your WaterVentures team is amazing and that the students as well as the teachers had a great time." - Vernisha Howard, Hartsfield Elementary, Tallahassee, FL
"My teachers all wanted to say thank you for your recent visit. The students said they enjoyed what they learned and had fun.We will be calling next year." - Frank Santoro, Ruediger Elementary, Tallahassee, FL
"thank you so much for having Waterventures come visit us in Bradenton for our homeschool families. It was amazing and your team was excellent. I really appreciate all the hard work that went into setting it up, running it, and breaking it down when it was over. It was a very special treat for us. Our families were truly impressed and very pleased with the whole field trip experience." - Jessica Hanna, Bradenton, FL Homeschool
"Thank you so much for coming to Gocio Elementary this past Wednesday! The students and teachers loved it! This lined up with our curriculum perfectly!" - Briiany Leavine, Gocio Elementary, Sarasota, FL
"Thank you! They were fantastic as usual, the kids absolutely love teh program. Much appreciated!" - Katherine Barnhart, Dixieland Elementary, Lakeland, FL
"I absolutely loved your visit and learned a lot myself. The way that you introduce and teach the lessons are engaging and memorable. Thank you again!!" _ Nanette Gibson, Winston Park Elementary, Coconut Creek, FL
"I just wanted to let you know that our kids really enjoyed visiting and learning from your staff. Kira, Courtney, and Leia did a fabulous job interacting in a way that encouraged our kids to ask questions and learn more. Thanks for working with the schedule to make it happen!" - Windy Wood, Recreation Assistant, City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department
"The program today was wonderful – the kiddos really enjoyed it and our staff and volunteers did too. Your team was well organized, enthusiastic and knew their Florida water-related information." - Cassie Arsenault, Polk's Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve
'I cannot brag enough on the experience our school had with your program. The students and teachers haven’t stopped talking about how awesome it was and how much they learned. Everyone involved on your end with great to work with. The truck driver was easy to work with and so efficient, and the 3 ladies that helped guide the students were wonderful and very personal with the students. WE would love to have you come back next year, in the evening, as one of the stations for our Parent STEAM night." - Desha Lashley, Jay Elementary, Jay, FL
"On behalf of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and the Palmetto Historical Park, I want to thank WaterVentures for being on site during Palmetto's Heritage Festival. We 'went green' for this year's festival and focused on conservation and the environment for our exhibits and art show. WaterVentures fit in perfectly and our visitors really enjoyed the learning lab. Your staff was friendly and informative and a pleasure to be around." - Diane Ingram, Museum Supervisor, Manatee County Agricultural Museum
"It was awesome!!!!! Thank you so much. The kids and teachers enjoyed it soooo much! Instructors were wonderful and engaging." - Jessica Swann, Cleveland Elementary, Tampa, FL
"We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for your visit to central Florida on Wednesday. As always, your staff was professional, knowledgeable and well organized to take on 140+ kids. I heard nothing but great things from the kids and teachers about their adventure. Thank you again for being able to accommodate us at Goldsboro Elementary." - Mary Lynn Hess, Goldsboro Elementary, Sanford, FL
"Our students very much enjoyed their day with the Water Venture Team. Your staff is professional and very good at managing the students. The curriculum was right on target and addressed our standards. Thank you for bringing us this wonderful resource and look forward to future events with WaterVentures." - Rene Johnson, Rock Crusher Elementary, Homosassa, Florida
"Our kids had a great experience yesterday! All of the presenters were great!! THANK YOU!!!!" - Kim Parra, Zora Neale Huston Elemntary School, Miami, Florida
"We truly enjoyed WaterVentures yesterday. Our students and teachers really enjoyed what was presented. This is such a wonderful prgram. Our studetns learned many wonderful and important facts. The teachers and Mark were amazing!!" - Ana Polanco, Espinosa K-8, Miami, Florida
"Thank you for allowing our students to learn such important lessons about water preservation and conservation in a fun and innovative environment" - Tanya Diaz, Biscayne Elementary, Miami, Florida
"I would like to personally thank you and your team for bringing the WaterVentures Learning Lab to Lake Alfred today. The educators did a great job educating our children about the whys and wherefores of water. Hopefully they wll carry this information home to their parents and get the cycle of water conservation we need. It was my pleasure as the Mayor of Lake Alfred to spend the day bring reintroduced to this magnificent training vehicle. Once again, my deepest appreciation from the citizens and children of Lake Alfred." - Charles Lake, Mayor of Lake Alfred
"I wanted to tell you thank you for all you did to assist with getting the WaterVentures crew to Winter Haven Christian School. Mark, who can back that big truck into exact places, Courtney and Rachel, amazingly energetic teachers, were all wonderful and a true blessing to our students. The children were so excited about the opportunity, and we appreciate the learning adventure." - Jeannette Venable, Principal Winter Haven Christian School, Winter Haven, Florida
"They [educators] did an awesome job and thank you so much for making it possible. Thank you!! All of the teachers mentioned how cool it was! Everyone was talking about it!! Thank you so much!!" - Kim Lanz, Winter Haven Christian School, Winter Haven, Florida
"They [educators] were not only professional and very knowledgeable, but also ensured that our students had fun while learning about various aspects and importance of one of our most precious natural resources - water.
"...The program was well-organized and well delivered! The driver came the day before to be sure of the school site and location so set-up and clean-up was efficient and safe. The program facilitators were professional and well-prepared for our students. They engaged our students with fun educational activities which were aligned to the State Science Standards. The learning environment was incredible and the hands-on interactive stations in the WaterVentures truck were amazing. Everyone enjoyed the program and learned a lot!" - Laura Saef, Hollywood Hills Elementary School, Broward County, Florida
"All I can say is WOW!!!!! What a tremendous learning experience for our students. I heard so many compliments from students, teachers and administration. I am so thrilled by what we saw today. The educators were very informative and extremely engaging! I would love to book you for the next 20 years!! :)" - Kerry Hajner, Mabry Elementary, Tampa, Florida
"I don't know where to begin in explaining the impact you have made with your WaterVentures mobile lab. The experience was beyond anything I ever imagined. The teachers were blown away with your top-notched instructors and hands-on approach to learning more about topics dealing with water. Your professional staff, Kelly, Amy and Sarah were so patient, extremely knowledgeable and took their job very seriously to educate all 240 students at Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School. Also, it's great to know that Mark was such a great team player in making sure everything was set and secure for our students." - Mary Lynn Hess, Goldsboro Elementary School, Sanford, Florida
"...Your presenters, Amy, Ashley, and Sarah were excellent! They kept the children's focus with discussion and activities that opened their eyes to another part of Florida. The interactions throughout this presentation with my students were heart warming and my students couldn't wait to draw their appreciation pictures. WaterVentures is a unique educational experience and I am grateful to those who had the insight to create this mobile classroom. I hope you will return again!" - Glenn Steinberg, Colonial Drive Elementary School, Miami, Florida
" ...The activities addressed in the mobile lab are relevant, aligned with the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and with our district's goal of providing every student with the best STEM education in the country. The topics addressed, such as Florida biodiversity, hydrogeology, watershed stewardship, and water conservation are very important to our students and to our community to maintain a sustainable South Florida ecosystems. ....[The] students were very excited and engaged in all activities. Teachers and administrators were very happy to have their students exposed to a highly interactive and educational program. Ms. Thelma Fornell, Principal at Campbell Drive K-8 Center
'The kids loved it. It was a great "hands on" experience for them. My coach and teachers were still talking about it the next day.' Thank you." - Cristian Carranza, Executive Director, Department of Mathematics and Science, Miami Dade County Public Schools
"I loved how the educational staff got the students excited about learning about conservation and recycling. The hands-on approach was excellent!"
"The presenters were professional, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and friendly. Excellent experience!!!"
"The program was very educational and the teachers were informative and engaging. The truck was interactive and engrossed the students."
" I loved all the educational hands-on activities the students were able to engage in."
" ...The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and it is evident that they have a passion for teaching. While this isn't a trip to see the dolphins, this really is an imperative program that teaches our children the importance of water in our lives. It teaches us why it is important to protect this precious resources and how to conserve it for generations to come. If you are a teacher or a school here in Florida, contact WaterVentures today to set up a visit to your classroom soon. It is an experience that all children and teachers shouldn't miss out on. " - Claire VanSusteren, Sachs Media Group
" All of the instructors were excellent, both friendly and knowledgeable. Our fourth and fifth grade students not only enjoyed, but also learned a lot from the many activities both inside and outside the truck."
" We loved the adventure and exploration that WaterVentures brought to our school. The staff was fantastic and engaging. They were structured and kept to schedule. The information was kid friendly and easily grasped by all. The young ladies made this an enjoyable as well as an educational learning experience."
"On behalf of the 1650 attendees at the Florida Association for the Education of Young Childrens Annual Conference in Orlando at the Marriott World Center Hotel, I want to thank you for lending the traveling display to our conference. It is fabulous and generated lots of excitement. We appreciated the donation of the bike which was won by one of our volunteers." - Suzanne Gellens, Executive Director of FAEYC
"I want to Thank You! so much for today's WaterVentures visit. Our students, teachers, and staff members LOVED IT!! The success of this visit could not have been possible without your AMAZING staff! They were all working together and helping us keep the tight Wednesday schedule. I know that this visit has made a positive impact on our students whom have not stopped talking about it all day. The truck was able to setup and breakdown without interrupting our morning arrivals nor afternoon dismissal." -Janet Gutierrez, 5th grade teacher at Espinosa Elementary
"What an amazing experience the team brought to my students! Amanda, Amy and Travis were so great with the kids. [They were] enthusiastic, knowledgeable, inspiring, thoughtful and well prepared! All of the students were telling their [other] teachers about the truck. The teachers came to me throughout the day wishing they could go too! Kids came back from the weekend telling me how their family has changed their water-use habits!" - Cassandra Ehlendt, Kathleen Middle School
“…Our forth and fifth graders were so excited. Travis, Amy and the rest of your instructors were excellent presenters and teachers. Their delivery and presentation was so relevant to our 4th and 5th graders. Our students really enjoyed it and learned so much. I am sure that if more people in our community could get involved as you did, we would be able to meet many of our challenges and achieve high academic standards for all students. …Thank you for your time and commitment to education in our community. It is evident that you believe education is a priority and we appreciate it fully.” –Miriam Comer, Brentwood Elementary School
“We absolutely loved the experience! The children were very engaged and involved and I found myself learning new things about watersheds that I hadn’t previously understood that well.” – Hali Flahavan, PineView School for the Gifted
"On behalf of our entire team, we send our sincerest thanks to you and WaterVentures for your support of 2014 Children’s Week as a Statewide Partner. Because of your vision and commitment to Florida’s children and families, the 19th Annual Children’s Week was the best to date!
This year, hundreds of local events and activities were planned across the State from January to April, with the highlight being the week of April 6-11. Our partners, sponsors, volunteers and advocates rallied from across the state to hang more than 100,000 hands in the Capitol Rotunda Building. 150 business leaders from across the state joined our inaugural Children’s Week Business Leaders Luncheon. Drs. Louis and Julia St. Petery were awarded with the 2014 Chiles Advocacy Award at the Children’s Week Awards Dinner. Finally, the Children’s Capitol for a Day was a success with more than 4,000 children and families attending 110 interactive activity booths.
This year’s event brought together hundreds of organizations and thousands of parents, advocates, providers, business people, grandparents and children to generate awareness for a broad number of children’s services and issues. This year’s Children’s Week events and activities have had a tremendous impact in opening up lines of communication and understanding between children, families, and policy makers.
Children’s Week could not happen without your generous support. Thank you again for taking the opportunity to be part of this wonderful event." -Jason Zaborski, Children's Week Statewide Coordinator
"I really enjoyed Amanda and Travis's presentations today, the whole experience is just as I had hoped. We had a turnout of 18 teachers with an additional two coming from the UF Extension office and one from the Science and Discovery Center of NWFlorida. They were impressed too. I also want you to know that I got a call from the Principal at Tyndall Elementary shortly after the team left there this afternoon. Susan Ross was delighted with the presentations and said her students enjoyed it very much. They [WaterVentures Educators] are wonderful ambassadors and I am sure the students will gain a great deal of knowledge." - Paula Weaver, Instructional Specialist, K-12, Bay County, Florida
"On behalf of the MKL students and staff, hats off to all of you for a wonderful day......we heard so many positive comments about the event......you all are to be commended for supporting us in our endeavor to include our students in all activities.....The Water Ventures exhibit is a tremendous event for the entire community." - Janice Salares, Margaret K. Lewis K-12 School, Bay County, Florida
"What a fabulous experience it was to have the WaterVEntures exhibit visit in our elementary schools! I personally had the opportunity to visit the exhibit at several schools and the students were so engaged and excited. I was so proud that I saw so many of the children reading the exhibits and learning about water habitats and water conservation issues that are so imporant to Florida. Your staff and driver were so professional and worked so well with our students. Thank you for this great opportunity for our students" - Jacqua Ballas, Science Program Specalist, Marion County, Florida
"Thank you so much for the wonderful experience our students were able to have with WaterVentures! The students really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the exhibit as well as that it realtes specifically to Florida. The educators were animated and knowledgeable, and are clearly used to working wiht kids" - Megan Mowbray, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Marion County, Florida
" My class greatly appreciated the learning opportunities WaterVentures offered our school. The speakers were knowledgeable and communicated well with the staff and students. We hope that we will have future opportunities to explore different labs and resources available through WaterVentures" - Mildred Walker, A. Quinn Jones Center, Alachua County, Florida
"I just wanted to thank you and your team for a wonderful learning experience. All of the teachers expressed how well thought out everything was and that your staff were awesome. I really apprecaite you allowing our entire school access to your great resources" - Gopala Romeo, Alachua Learning Center, Alachua County, Florida
"Thank you so much for the wonderful WaterVentrues presentation. It was a fantastic educational leaning experience for my students" - Bradley Phillips, Alachua County, Florida
"Our class had a wonderful time interacting with Kelsey and Travis. They were both very patient with our students. They were able to motivate our kids and make them want to ask questions. This is something that is hard to do, since engagement is something that is difficult for our students at A. Quinn Jones Center. Keep up the good work. WaterVentures is a valuable resource for students" - Monique Moss, A. Quinn Jones Center, Alachua County, Florida
"We loved it, for us it was a very cold day but the students were able to use the outside tables to investigate and build knowledge then were wowed with their explorations inside the lab as they explored somer more and learned about Florida's water. The staff/presenters were knowledgeable and helpful and out students were certainly able to later voice what they had learned as a positive day of learning! Teachers too! We wish to thank the staff for providing the opportunity to our students to gain life long experiences that lead to life long learning, and hopefully conservation and preservation of our Florida waters". - Jeanne Sanders, Alachua Elementary School, Alachua County, FL
"On behalf of Tuttle Elmentary, I want to thank you for the wonderful visit of the beautiful WaterVentures program. It really meant a lot that you took the time to provide this resource so that the students can benefit from scientific inquiry. Our teachers and students enjoyed the experience, and many connections were made with what is learned in the classroom". - Tomas Diverno, Tuttle Elementary School, Sarasota County, FL
"WaterVentures was extremely wonderful. Thank you very much for setting this up for our school. This is something I would like to do every year with the class. Very, very hands on and educational." "The truck is a success. Everyone is loving it!" "Fourth grade is ranting about how good it was" " Accordning to the fourth grade PI kid, it was A Mazing!" - Symmes Elementary School, Riverview
"We should be thanking you, instead of you thanking us. It was a FABULOUS experience and adventure. The kids just love it. The educators did an incredible job too! And the content of the truck, both inside and outside, was amazinly done and so well thought out." - Glenda Tombs, Peideia School, Tampa
"WOW, what an awesome experience our students had today. The teachers AND students LOVED it! it was so incredible for them to experience this 'free' firld trip at school. Thank you for getting our school in. We truly appreciate you and your program. The instructors were great with our students" - Danielle Garcia, Coral Sunset Elementary School, Palm Beach County
"It was absolutely awesome; they learned a lot. The girls are very good with the kids! Thanks so much! "- Ruth Ann Dittman, Brigham Academy, Polk County