School
Responses
Parent Responses
Keynote Presentations - Reference Letters
School Responses
"Kimberly Johnson brought her excitement and enthusiasm
for writing and shared it engagingly with all of our students.
Everyone left her presentation motivated to write creatively
and read passionately. All students from kindergarten through
fifth grade were completely mesmerized and inspired to do
their best and practice, practice, practice. The teachers
left the presentation rejuvenated and eager to try her various
techniques to "jumpstart" their writing programs
in the classrooms. Kimberly Johnson's passion for reading
and writing was contagious. The halls at Rutherfordton Elementary
were buzzing with excitement for days after Kimberly Johnson's
session with each grade level. Her fast-paced presentation
of reading, singing, writing, storytelling, a "s t r
e t c h" the mind activities kept everyone enthralled
for the entire hour. This was absolutely one of the most AWESOME
event ever help at our school!"
Nancy Carson - Lead Teacher / Literacy Coordinator
Linda Edgerton - Principal
Rutherfordton Elementary School - Rutherfordton, NC
"Thank you for you assistance in bringing Kimberly Johnson
to Gold Hill Elementary School. What a delight for us to have
an author visiting our school! Students, teachers, and parents
were inspired with the wondrous spirit of books and poetry,
as well as with the joys of writing and publishing. Her presentations
helped us to promote literacy, writing, and character education.
Ms. Johnson presented programs to students in kindergarten
through the fifth grade. Her talents, energy, and varied presentations
were geared to keep the attention of each group. Each program
actively represented the highest standards of professionalism
and quality in their presentation to children. Ms. Johnson
is an outstanding speaker that captivates her audience - young
or old.
Students in grades 3-5 appreciated the opportunity to work
with a writer and to get tips to help them improve their writing.
Ms. Johnson led writing workshops for classes in each grade
level tailored to their needs. Her lessons were models of
what one can accomplish with students and devotion to the
craft of writing.
A faculty writing workshop offered tips to teachers to encourage
writing. Ms. Johnson shared lessons and curriculum ideas to
enhance writing. Content integration with reading, writing,
and character education was emphasized.
Our PTA
sponsored a Family Writing Night with Ms. Johnson as the presenter.
Ms. Johnson once again captivated an audience that filled
our multi-purpose room with about 200 people of all ages participating
in family writing activities.
Thank you once again for your assistance in bringing Kimberly
Johnson to Gold Hill Elementary"
Mrs. Terry Brewer - Principal
Gold Hill Elementary School - Fort Mill, SC
"Entertaining! Motivating! Energetic! Captivating! Informative!
Have a picture in your mind? Well, this is Kimberly Johnson...author,
presenter, storyteller, and much more.
Ms. Johnson kept the attention of over ninety 5, 6, and 7 year
olds for almost an hour at presentations she did for our school.
She captivated our students and faculty with her humor, encouragement,
and storytelling. For the 5 and 6 year olds, Ms. Johnson talked
about the importance of writing and how she had always been
a writer. She read from her own writing and that of other authors
while the children actively participated. She incorporated movement
and student/teacher participation with her messages. When Ms.
Johnson worked with the 7-year olds she did much the same thing
except she actually had all of them writing and working on key
vocabulary. "Wow!" was the response from students
and faculty at the end of each session.
The afternoon we spent with Ms. Johnson helped us as educators
reinforce the joy of writing and reading. What a terrific speaker
for all ages!"
Carol Carmichael - Curriculum Coordinator
The Downtown School - Winston-Salem, NC
"The fourth grade students and staff at Pasquotank Elementary
School thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Kimberly Johnson on Tuesday,October
28. Mrs. Johnson covered a multitude of academic areas in a
short time. Mrs. Johnson stirred up the fourth graders about
writing. She carried the students from sentences of boredom
to sentences that were lively and exciting, just like Mrs. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson hooked the students with her excellent Read-Aloud
choice, "A Giraffe And A Half."
We truly consider ourselves privileged to have been an audience
of Mrs. Kimberly Johnson. We will continue to journey throughout
our school year with Mrs. Johnson's energy and enthusiasm. It's
Showtime!!"
Dena` Banks - Fourth Grade Teacher
Pasquotank Elementary School - Elizabeth City, NC
"Several teachers shared their thoughts and comments
with me after your visit. All comments from staff were positive.
Following are some of their thoughts about your visit:
"I felt Kim's presentation was full of enthusiasm and
held the interest of our second graders."
" She was right on target with our work on writing -
trying to get the children to have more focus on a topic and
using more descriptive words. We also loved her books. I felt
it was the best presentation we have had from a visiting author."
"I
found Kimberly's first grade presentation to be age-appropriate.
She was animated and energetic! Student participation and
involvement were nicely incorporated into the presentation."
"Students responded enthusiastically to both the author's
presentation and to her books! Students enjoyed identifying
the positive behaviors and the lessons form her stories. A
wonderfully positive and fun learning experience. A very nice
job all around!"
"Kimberly's presentation was fabulous. She had excellent
large group management skills. She was able to get her points
across to the students in an organized presentation. I wish
I had her talent and enthusiasm."
"I felt the activities that the fourth grade did on the
use of dialogue and the use of transition words to move a
story along were very well done. She presented the activities
with enthusiasm and our students responded in kind. Also,
I really appreciated the fact that she was here to present
to the students and not to sell her books to the students.
She ended her time with a positive message on working hard
at something you love to do to make your dream a reality."
Thank you, Kim, for the wonderful job you did during your
visit at College Square. I wish you success and happiness
in your future."
Dennis Pittman - Principal
Callege Square Elemantary School - Beaver, PA
"I have had experience with several notable authors visiting
my school, but Ms. Johnson has been the most approachable with
children. The presentation tied reading, writing and character
offering the children an actual educational experience rather
than just a "reading" performance. Each child was
given a hand-out by the illustrator so the children did not
leave empty handed. Ms. Johnson presented 5 sessions, and was
broadcast live to classrooms not in attendance. Her visit reached
approximately 900 children.
I highly recommend her to any elementary school for an author
visit."
Charlene C. Motsinger - Media & Technology Specialist
Walkertown Elementary School - Walkertown, NC
"I have recently enjoyed a visit from Kimberly P. Johnson
to St. Philip School in Crafton, PA. Kimberly read her story,
The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Frog, to our fourth grade
class that they thoroughly enjoyed. Kimberly held the attention
of the class for the entire presentation. She is delightful,
entertaining, and captivating. I enjoyed watching Kim gain
the children's confidence in her and that they had a chance
to participate in her activities,. The presentation teaches
children the steps you need to go through to write your own
book and points out several suggestions to catch the reader's
eye."
Luann Zimmer
St. Philip School - Pittsburgh, PA
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Parent Responses
"The author gave wonderful ways to encourage our children
with reading and writing"
"Her
enthusiasm was electric!"
"The
author was very inspiring with her ideas on how to jump start
my child with her reading skills."
"Mrs.
Johnson was motivating and had us all engaged. It was nice
having lunch with my children."
"Mrs.
Johnson highlighted some techniques for helping our kids to
learn and how we could teach them."
"The
author was a very good speaker."
"Mrs.
Johnson was full of motivation and gave many helpful ways
to work with and build our children's vocabulary and motivate
them to read."
"I
got a chance to experience activities that I never tried and
I learned that I should try things to help my child to learn
more things."
"Mrs.
Johnson showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm and made it
fun to learn new ways of helping my three girls. Even though
they are good students sometimes they lack the motivation."
"It
was interesting. This event kept moving without a pause. Held
everyone's attention. More ideas for at home with the children."
"Kimberly
was so enthusiastic and passionate. Everything she said made
a world of sense. I was truly inspired."
"The
environment was relaxed and enjoyable, not a lecture format."
"It
opened my mind to use more words and ideas for imagination.
Having a tune/rhythm to read is a wonderful idea, to keep
the kids attention."
"I
really enjoyed this program - we all need to be re-energized
from time to time. Thank you for offering this event."
"Thank
you for this opportunity to spend time with my child during
a special event like this."
"I
think this was a wonderful way to get the parents to get to
know each other better."
"Really
enjoyed the speech by Kimberly Johnson. It was definitely
encouraging and entertaining."
"Thank
you for this time. I really enjoyed each activity that was
presented to us today. She got my mind to working even thou
I read a lot. I have to get my child into the habit of enjoying
reading."
"If
every child could be exposed to this class the world would
be a better place."
"I
hope that we get a chance to do this again because it is a
really good learning experience."
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Keynote Presentations
- Reference Letters
"This
is a letter of recommendation for Ms. Kimberly P. Johnson,
a children's author. Ms. Johnson was the guest speaker for
our Convocation and spoke on the importance and impact of
reading. She was well received by our teachers and staff.
Her books are also being utilized by our teachers in their
classrooms. Our teachers were very eager to have her follow-up
in their classrooms.
Ms. Johnson did return to Hertford County to see how her materials
were being used, and if she could be beneficial in helping
with the use of the materials.
Ms. Johnson is very friendly, energetic and dynamic with a
deep commitment to literacy development. I found her presentation
to be exciting, entertaining, captivating, and highly beneficial
to our teachers as we attempt to motivate our students to
be readers and writers.
I am very pleased to recommend Ms. Kimberly P. Johnson to
any organization whose purpose is to work with young children.
Her presentations would be beneficial to staff and very useful
to students."
Dennis M. Deloatch - Superintendent
Hertford County Public Schools - Winton - NC
"We were looking for a speaker who could motivate our students,
inspire our teachers and demonstrate to our parents what a positive
impact they could have on their children's education. In Kimberly
P. Johnson, we found such a speaker.
Kim kept the children mesmerized as she shared her stories with
them. Her enthusiasm was contagious and spread throughout the
room. Our school system, like many others, has put a great deal
of emphasis on character development. Each of Kim's books reflects
an important character trait which she so aptly portrays.
In addition to Ms. Johnson's exceptional storytelling with the
younger students, she also provided valuable information in
her writing workshops for our older children. She showed them
that even reluctant writers can be successful. Students and
teachers alike, were given an inside view on how to be an author.
Finally, Kim also met with parents in the evening and shared
with them how important their role was in the education of their
children. She helped them see that regardless of their education
or talents, they all had something that they could do to contribute
to the education of their children.
It is very obvious that Kim loves children, life and people
in general. She kept her audience involved and interested throughout
the sessions. We are looking forward to her next book as well
as to her next visit."
Barbara P. Bridges - Title I Parent/Teacher Coordinator
Cleveland County Schools - Kings Mountain, NC
"I sat in awe as I listened to this very exciting and dynamic
speaker. Mrs. Kimberly P. Johnson captivated the audience with
her style and expertise in the field of education. I was so
inspired I was afraid to move for thinking I would miss something
this young lady had to say. She was the keynote speaker for
the Educators in Excellence Awards Luncheon sponsored by Beta
Lambda Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa,
Inc. Mrs. Johnson gave us the meaning of the acronym for the
word "S-U-C-C-E-S-S!" This young lady took us back
to the good ole days when your grandparents gave you advice
you could take to your grave. She encouraged educators to stay
the course, curb criticism, expect the best from your students,
and continue to instill love and respect in the children we
teach. As she shared real-life experiences, we delighted in
her bubbling personality and synergy she projected that flowed
from breast to breast. We could only nod in appreciation as
we were caught in her web of reaching and teaching.
On another occasion, I had the opportunity to hear Mrs. Johnson
interact with students in grades K-5 at Easton Elementary in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She motivated our students with
excitement as her synergy passed along to the children a love
for writing. The writing techniques and strategies she shared
with eh students gave them an extra piece to hold in their minds
as they write stories and poems. The information she shared
is aligned with the "Write From the Beginning" model
used in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System. We can
only imagine how our children could have soared in writing had
they had Mrs. Kimberly P. Johnson as their writing teacher all
year. She is the "Fairy Godmother" of writing!"
Patsy O. Squire - Curriculum Coordinator
Easton Elementary
"Thank you very much for being the Keynote speaker at our
Annual Northeast Family Child Care Conference. Over 113 child
care professionals attended the conference in Greenville, and
the response to the overall conference were very positive.
The child care professionals were inspired and motivated by
your challenge to keep reaching for higher goals and to view
themselves as the professionals that they are. This conference
could not have been the success it was without you.
Thank you for all you do for the children, families, child care
professionals and communities throughout the country. You are
truly inspiring. I feel so blessed to have met you and I look
forward to our continued friendship."
Mary C. Douglass - Director
Albeamarle Child Care Resource and Referral
"I would like to thank you for your participation in this
year's VCCA Training Conference. Our attendance this year was
the best it has ever been. Upon reviewing the conference evaluation
forms, your inspiring keynote presentation as well as your informative
workshop, Creating a Classroom Book, provided the attendees
with valuable information that I am certain they will be able
to apply to their daily routines. Thank you for your contribution
to the tremendous success of this year's VCCA Conference. I
look forward to working with you again next year!"
Dr. Rosemary Burton
Virginia Child Care Association
"I
first heard Ms. Johnson speak at a workshop held at our Central
Office. She was so enthusiastic, creative, and energetic that
all of the Title I teachers at the meeting were lining up to
not only buy her books but also book her for their schools.
Of course, I knew that this was an amazing opportunity and booked
her for a date.
She did a writer's workshop with our kindergarten through first,
second and third, and fourth and fifth. She also worked with
the at-risk students in our after school program. Her enthusiasm
and positive attitude carried on into the early evening when
she did a parent session with our somewhat reluctant parents.
Her words of encouragement about writing transferred into students
have a more positive experience in their own endeavors to be
authors, for they were beginning the process of writing their
own books. I still hear students recalling her saying when we
read or write. She definitely lit a fire under our student body.
I feel so fortunate to have found out about Ms. Johnson. Her
character education books are a great fit for my school, and
the students love her style of writing. But the best part of
having her books at our school is that the students are more
apt to pick the up and read them because they have met Ms. Johnson
and know she is a real person. Ms. Johnson gave our students
hope that they can truly be all that they can be. Her energetic
light still radiates around our school even though it has been
many months since she was here. Her words inspired and motivated
many of our reluctant readers. Few people have that ability."
Hillary Simpson - Title I teacher
Johnston Elementary School - Asheville, NC
"Mrs. Johnson, a special thanks to you for providing your
expertise with the staff of Jones County Schools at the Professional
Development Conference (The Possibilities are Endless). The
conference was great success and the results are attributable
to you and your research based information along with your presentation
strategies.
Because of your commitment to education, our teachers and students
will continue their journey toward excellence. We all share
a similar trait - a dedication to seeing our students attain
their highest levels of achievement.
We truly believe that the The Possibilities are Endless for
our students."
Carolyn Lane - Special Assistant for Curriculum
and Instruction
Jones County Public Schools - Trenton, NC
"The presentation that Kimberly Johnson did for the Title
I teachers in Haywood County was phenomenal. Kimberly is incredibly
energetic, entertaining and humorous. She utilizes this wit
to convey a practical broad-based perspective to relevant curriculum
issues. Her ideas on writing vocabulary and comprehension can
be taken back to the classroom and used immediately. You can
see her compassion and passion for children and education. We
laughed one moment and had tears gather in our eyes the next.
She is truly an advocate for all children being able to learn.
The staff left wonderfully uplifted and with a challenge to
have high expectations of all children and a desire to be there
for them.
We intend to invite Kimberly back to Haywood County in order
for all of our teachers to have the opportunity to benefit from
her message."
Sandy Caldwell - Elem. Supervisor
Haywood County Schools - Waynesville, NC
"Thank you for coming to our schools April 19-23. Our students
and staff alike enjoyed your visit. Ms. Johnson you awed our
students with a message of inspiration, encouraging confidence
and perseverance in them. You were an enhancement to our character
education program. Your presence motivated students to check
out your books since they had a connection with you as not only
an author but as a real person. The schools purchased classroom
sets of books that were used to expand upon your visit on different
levels. In one way, teachers used the connections the students
had made to make reading the stories more meaningful. In another
way, teachers were able to take the seeds of strong character
and determination that you planted and cultivate them in their
students. Connections were also made with parents as these materials
were used in parenting training to educate them on how to read
with their children at home. Overall, we feel you visit was
a big success in helping our children build associations that
encourage a love of reading and learning. The book purchase
allowed the schools an opportunity to use funds allotted for
books and material to have the author of the books as well.
This was a win - win situation."
Teresa Lathon - Parent Educator
Craven County Board of Education - New Bern, NC
"The secret of "greatness" is to do your best
at what you enjoy. I can truly say this statement applies to
Kimberly Johnson. She is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic
professionals I know.
Ms. Johnson worked with Davidson County Title I students at
Pilot and Welcome Elementary Schools. That evening she presented
at the District Title I Parental Advisory Council meeting. School
Board members, Central Office staff, Title I teachers and principals
along with Title I students and their parents attended this
particular council meeting.
Ms. Johnson not only had parents and their children actively
engaged in reading activities, but she also instilled in them
the love for reading. Her publisher's agreement of purchasing
her books helped minimize the cost of her presentation fees
tremendously. This incentive is truly an asset in promoting
Ms. Johnson and exposing students to the magic of reading. Ms.
Johnson's warm smile, positive attitude, and the way she puts
her whole self into whatever she is saying completely consumes
her audience. She is one of those rare electrifying authors
who inspires everyone she meets.
We look forward to working with Ms. Johnson in the future."
Wendy Klutz - Title I Parental Involvement Facilitator/Middle
School Curriculum
Davidson County Schools - Lexington, NC
"It is with great pleasure to be able to recommend Kimberly
Johnson. Kim is one of those special individuals who has enriched
the lives of many children and adults. Her passion and love
for writing has given me the courage to become a better writing
teacher for my students. I have personally seen Kim in two different
settings where she has brought enthusiasm towards children and
adults. Her storytelling ability gave students a boost on their
creative side. She sparked their interest and gave them insight
to become more successful readers and writers.
I have also witnessed her in a professional development setting
training a group of teachers. These teachers were left in awe
by her masterful presentation of writing strategies. She demonstrated
knowledge of state-wide and district-wide learning objectives.
Kim has a great sense of what quality education should look
like in the classroom.
Kim always brigs much motivation, confidence and reassurance
to any school setting. Our children and teachers were able to
walk away with motivating lessons to implement the next day.
She is deeply devoted to improving the lives of educators and
children. She is dedicated to learning and growing as a professional.
I am anxious to have her back in our school in the near future."
Kathryn Sweet - 1st Grade Teacher
Merry Oaks Elementary School - Charlotte, NC |
