What People Say About Us

  • Today was truly the best school program I have ever experienced, as student or parent.  You have truly bottled lightning.

    DM Carpenter, Parent

  • Seeing my students who typically struggle with pencil and paper assignments excel with this project is my absolute favorite part. I tell them not everyone has to be the same kind of “smart”; that the world needs all types. But they don’t get when I just say it. Your project shows them.

    Mrs. Wike, Teacher at Oxford Elementary, NC

  • Thank you and your family for blessing Shades Mountain Elementary School…After 23 years in education, this was one of my favorite days.

    Kevin Erwin, Principal

What Students Say

  • I didn't even feel like I was in school!

    Student

  • It was really fun watching the teachers on the hovercrafts.

    Student

  • I actually socialized.

    Student

  • Shows you how important teamwork is.

    Student

  • Awesome!

    Student

  • I loved working together and becoming closer with the people in my group.

    Student

  • The best day ever!

    Student

  • I had fun. I learned to work with people I usually don't. And time flew! It felt like the beginning of the day when it was already time to go home.

    Student

Teachers, Administrators and Parents

  • Thank you for the most INCREDIBLE day of learning, engagement, collaboration, failure, and fun for our students. The feedback from our teachers and principal was outstanding. Students worked together and exceeded our expectations. Thank you for your enthusiasm and fostering hard work and determination amongst our fifth graders. This day will have an impact long after you are gone.

    New Lebanon School, CT

  • Congratulations on creating a project where educators can 'see' what diving deep into common core standards really means. While many of our students could state in simple terms what a circle is, define radius and diameter, and do advanced computation of circumference and area, they struggled with applying that knowledge to this project. Your activities show that students need to reach deeper through meaningful student learning activities such as The Hovercraft Project to truly get at the essence of understanding. The Hovercraft Project created such great energy among our educators to reflect on their own teaching and learning practices, not only academically, but also with social-emotional competencies. Oh wait....and the students.....this is the project they will remember in adulthood!

    Christine Tomasino, Flossmoor 161

  • Omg!!!!!!!! ALL OF IT!!!!!!! I honestly am bummed that he’s gone and we have to wait until next year!!!!! This program is outstanding!!!!! Every student loved it and were so excited to participate!!! They learned so much through the hands on project based learning!!!!!!! We are definitely wanting him back next year.

    Heather Best, North Duplin Elementary School, NC

  • I just wanted to send you a quick thank you note for coming all the way up to the 'North Country' to share The Hovercraft Project with our 6th grade class. From what I could see written on the faces of the students, they truly enjoyed the experience. What I was so impressed with, was your facilitation of the program. The students were so tuned into their tasks based on the structure you require of each group and the impromptu meetings of team leaders and other group members. Giving the students ownership in the project really seemed to make all the difference (not to mention the chance to build and ride on a hovercraft…so cool)!! Again, thanks for a great experience!

    Mary, Brasher Falls Central

  • Four years ago the first time y’all came and I learned this teaching method it changed my teaching completely. I now use questioning technique for all discussions with students. “So why do you think that?” “Can you show me some evidence?” It really works! The kids have to think!

    Ginny Ezekiel, Rocky Ridge Elementary (teacher)

  • Just wanted to put in writing how amazing (your visit to our school) was for us at Edgewood. The day was seamless and the experience was a memory maker for sure. We loved having your family here and can’t wait to do it again.

    Susan Hanson; STEM – Edgewood Elementary, Alabama

  • Every part of the day was very impactful for our students, but if I had to pick one part it would be the first two hours. Forcing them to solve problems without giving them any help. The "Productive Struggle" was amazing to watch.

    Marian D. , Teacher Gainesville FL

  • I am the SRO (School Resource Officer) assigned to the school. On 05/31/23 I had the opportunity to interact with your program. Your interactive program engaged students on all modalities of learning. I observed students go through a range of emotions with the goal of safe fun learning. Your entire family makes this work. Your passion and focus on teamwork shows with how you interaction and engage students. Your "sensitive messages" are spot on and kids need more of this messaging. You hold students accountable for their actions and decision and bring that back to positive messaging after they learned "why." I heard many positive responses from the teachers and staff and most importantly the students. Outstanding program and I wish you and your family safe travel as you share this program with schools across the USA.

    Michael J. Roden Cayuga County Sheriff's Office

  • I wanted to share again how grateful we are for yesterday! Such great reviews all the way around…We have had parents emailing us as well letting us know what a great experience it was!…Such a cool concept but it is the human aspect of it that makes it a success!!

    Marlo Franks, Assistant Principal - Summit View Elementary, CO