Letters from Mathewson Elementary, Milford CT:
Jay's program was both fun and informative. The children really enjoyed the songs and insisted on singing them all day! Jay is a fantastic storyteller -- he even had me on the edge of my seat! Thanks for a wonderful performance!
- Jill McDonald, 3rd grade
Jay's program was truly exceptional -- one of the best I've seen in a long time. Getting children interested and engaged is important and Jay easily achieved this! We hope he will come again next year!
- A. Caruso, 2nd grade
The performance was probably one of the best we have had in our school in years. The entertainment was very professional and high caliber. Jay has an excellent voice and is a great storyteller. The children's participation during the songs was the most enthusiastic that I have seen in years. The children loved the songs and each one had their own personal favorite. The stories on recycling and the environment reinforced, in a fun way, themes we have been exploring in the classroom throughout the year. It was a wonderful experience for the children and teachers alike!
- Barbara Sommers, 1st grade
Jay Mankita's performance was well received by all, including my class. The children were involved in all aspects of his show and anticipated his arrival with enthusiasm. His theme integrated nicely with our social studies curriculum. Incorporating music lessons along with the social studies made his message doubly meaningful. Get him back next year!
- D. Scinto-Toner, 2nd grade
I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the audience-involved storytelling. The children immensely enjoyed it, too!
- Alberta Flynn, Kindergarten
The program was excellent! The children thoroughly enjoyed the active participation. I feel it really got the information across in fun, exciting way. I have asked for the program to be presented again next year, hopefully with the individual classroom workshops included!
- M. Albano, 3rd grade
I thought it was wonderful -- The best program so far. The children were very involved. It as a great idea to send us the songs, ideas, and program information. The children enjoyed learning the songs and being able to sing along with Jay. His message is so important for all of us, especially children.
-DeChantel Gherlone, 1st grade
I loved the program; my class loved the program! The songs and the stories are wonderful. The themes of Jay's program go very well with the Grade 2 Social Studies theme of The Environment. The children liked doing the hand/arm movements in the various songs, and they loved making animal face masks for the program. Jay's enthusiasm and love for his songs, poems, and environmental concerns came through loud and clear to his audience. I hope that he will keep working on new songs and that he'll make another appearance at our school in the near future. Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring such a wonderful performance!
- Judith Coria, 2nd grade
I really enjoyed the program. I notice in teaching the songs to the children, that they really developed an enjoyment of them quickly. They still frequently ask to sing them . . . When I talked on the phone to Jay, I found him very cooperative and willing to work in any additional material we wanted to include.
- Martha Neitzel, Music
The show was absolutely wonderful! What a great storyteller and entertainer! It was especially good due to the audience participation. It was very helpful to have the tape and lyrics so that we could practice and be familiar with the songs. This was the most enjoyable performance that I've seen at our school!
-Denise Kosa, 1st grade
Letters from Jefferson Elementary, New Britain, CT:
Jay involved the children in a great performance that addressed important issues of the day -- wildlife preservation, recycling, and the inherent value of all living things. He was able to hold the attention of a wide variety of ages and engage them actively in his performance. Overall, it was very enjoyable and conveyed a significant message to the audience. Keep up the good work!!
- Sara Curtin, 3rd grade
I thoroughly enjoyed Jay's program Its content directly related to our study of the rainforest in Science, as well as a thematic unit in Reading entitled, ÒEarth Patrol--Protect and Preserve. The children were engaged in the songs and the message was clear.
- Diane Powell, 4th grade
The program was very informative, and the children were actively engaged and enjoyed it very much. - Michelle Abraham, 2nd grade
Great! The songs were lively and made it easy to participate. The children's interest was strong throughout the whole program. The ecology lessons were conveyed in a very entertaining manner! - Barbara Unwin, 3rd grade
Letters from Thompson Elementary, West Haven, CT:
I loved it! The topic of ecology and the interactive communication through song was great! Jay was very theatrical in his presentation and that kept the children's interest.
- Tracey Stephenson, 1st grade
The children related well to Jay. He gave valuable insights on behavior and setting goals
- Anonymous, 4th grade
The class enjoyed your presentation. I think it was a great idea to send the tape ahead of time so we could get to know the songs.
- Melissa Limosani, 2nd grade
I thought it was great!
- Christine Hogan, Kindergarten
It was wonderful! The students loved it!
- Carol Gaetano, 3rd grade
The kids really enjoyed the program. They were excited about singing and making animal noises. The program was great because it made the kids aware that there is a rainforest, of the animals that live there, and of what's going on in the rainforest. Thanks for coming!
- Corinne Snyder, 2nd grade
The children enjoyed the program very much. They loved the songs.
- Kim Velleca, 3rd grade
I thought the program went very well. The students in my class seemed to enjoy the songs and noises very much. It was nice to see my them learn some of the songs before the assembly and then sing all the words in the performance. -Colleen Dancey, 1st grade
Letters from Wendell Cross Elementary, Waterbury, CT:
Excellent -- You really got the students' attention! They stayed focused and participated through the entire program. It was educational and fun. Thank you.
- Miss Voghel, 4th grade
I thought it was a very nice program. Jay really got all of the kids and teachers involved, and it was a good way to send a positive message to the children. I found myself still singing the tunes that night! - Andrea Portanora, 5th grade
My class really enjoyed your program! They had fun and learned some new things. I will purchase your tape and use it with my class. Thanks a lot!
- Marnee Capabianco, 1st grade
Letters from Waddell Elementary, Manchester, CT:
Again, great job and a real pleasure meeting you and having you come to Waddell. Hopefully we can do it again in the future.
- Roland Axelson, Principal
I thought the assembly was great. Mr. Mankita kept the children engaged in fun songs that had lessons about the importance of protecting our environment. He presented material that was appropriate for the children that he entertained. Great Job!
- Michelle Dandeneau, 2nd grade
I thought it was well done. The children in my class loved the songs as well as the storytelling. It also wasn't too wild!
- Pat Lavey, 3rd grade
I liked it very much. I think you covered a lot of ground in a short time -- caring for our environment, endangered animals, TV, respect for self and others, kindness, listening and following directions, even sneezing properly! :)
- Gail Hunley, 2nd grade
Excellent! The kids were entertained and involved with the interactive songs. Jay and his music remind me of Paul Simon.
- Karen Nelsen, 1st grade
I thought he did a nice job with children. He had their attention and they were under control as well. Very talented musician!
-Donna Watson, 1st grade
It was very well done. I liked the way the children were involved and yet it was not out of control.
- Mary Ann Steinnecker, 3rd grade
Excellent! Certainly good for Waddell -- the environmental education school.
- Diane Cashman, 1st grade
I liked the animal song; I liked the book song; I liked when we made the animal sounds; I liked Recycle With Michael; I liked the song about Mr. Axelson; I liked to howl like a wolf; I liked the Wide-Mouthed Frog. (The whole class agreed!)
- Comments from Katey Reynolds' Kindergarten