Kids Excel El Paso Inc

I attended Kids Excel's 20th Anniversary celebration performance in May. I was impressed by how skilled and happy the dancers were on stage. Not only did they perform with amazing energy and precision. but the joy on their faces was so wonderful to see. Joyful hard work with an emphasis on excellence is what Kids Excel teaches to children. I was instrumental in the founding of this organization and have been teaching the NDI pedagogy for 25 years. So happy to see the children in the program thriving. Bravo!!

Kids Excel works with my Special Needs students. I like the positivity of the program they offer. Watching the students smile and knowing they are feeling good about themselves.

For 4 years I was fortunate enough to have worked with Kids EXCEL at a school in El Paso. I remember bugging the new principal to bring them back because we were rated non acceptable at one point and she thought that it was just something taking from instructional time. School has never been rated like that again and they were even exemplary. I moved to Houston and I can tell I really miss having something like that despite my kids having art and music on a regular schedule. I wish they had Kids EXCEL here and really think is one of the best things that can happen to any school. Keep it up!!

Kids Excel captures the focus and engagement of kids at just the right time in their life. The children in this program make noticeable advances in self confidence, discipline, and relating to others. These are all traits that will benefit their final stages of development into adulthood, while making measurable gains in keeping them in school. It's really a great organization that has taken an out of the box approach to making a difference for these children.

Kids Excel El Paso works with our 4th grade students on a weekly basis. I feel that the KEEP instructors and reps do a fine job motivating the students, however I am unsure if the program actually improves student discipline and self-motivation, outside the KEEP class.

In a day and age when teaching is done to pass the TAKS test( Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) and 1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese, Kids Excel is our answer. Children who participate in the program learn positive self image, physical cognitive skills, never give up attitude and a real love for learning. By attending the classes, performing at the assemblies, and show performances the children gain a powerful approach to learning determination, discipline, excellence and teamwork. Positive attention from peers, parents, and community members reinforces all that the children learn along the way.

All students served by Kid Excel thrive. This is one program where you see an immediate result in the students' self esteem. When it comes time for Kids Excel the students' faces light up because they have the opportunity to "shine". This program teaches students to listen and respond to commands with great respect for the instructors and each other. They are completely captivated by the energy of their music and dance. Through the creative talents of the instructors they plan an instructional objective which is taught through dance and music. Students are taught the discipline of following directions, respect for each other and working together as a team.

KIDS EXCEL is in a category of their own. They work with every 4th grade student striving for each student's personal's best. We have had the privilege of having the program for the past few years and it is evident that our students self- esteem, and self-confidence have increased tremendously. Through the integration of music and movement which is encompassed with in our Educational environment has clearly increased student academic performance as well as their health. EQM

This organization has changed my life as well as the students, I see it happen physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's amazing to see the transformation happen!

Kids Excel provides weekly instruction for every 4th grader at my school. Not only do our students learn to love dance and creative movement, they learn to work hard, give their personal best in everything they do, and never give up. The instructors truly care about each student. The program musicians play live for every class so no one can resist dancing their hearts out!

Kids Excel is enriching the lives of our students at Tippin Elementary on a weekly basis. The performance I have witnessed was filled with fun, movement and enthusiasm. The lessons I saw were very meanful - true life lessons for our kids. My daughter loves participating in KidsExcel.

Wow, what a fun and exciting program! The Kids EXCEL is everything you could hope for an interactive learning program for kids! I love to see them learn and move! It takes advantage of so many bodies of research about the importance of movement, music and learning. I wish it was a program every 4th grader in our district could do! It is a WONDERFUL resource!

My experience with Kids Excel El Paso was amazing!!! As an educator it is very difficult to get kids interested and involved with anything, but my students loved this program. They looked forward to it every week. I have seen my students truly blossom because of this program. Even my shyest and quietest students came out of their shells. The best part is that not only are the kids active, they are also learning valuable skills such as respect, dedication, and hard work. What really blew me away was the way Kids Excel integrates state curriculum into their program, so students get to strengthen and practice the skills they have already learned in the classroom. Overall, Kids Excel was a very memorable and rewarding experience for everyone. I am looking forward to doing it again next year!

I have seen a change in my students since we started the program in September. One student stands out the most, a resource student. It began slowly, but his memory, coordination, confidence, maturity and attention span in the classroom is showing such giant leaps. Even his handwriting is improving. All the students love the program and they are all showing inprove skills int the classroom. It should be in all schools. Our students do not have the opportunity to participate in many outside school activities because of costs, this program gives them the chance. It is definately a confidence builder and they love the presenters! It is such a pleasure to watch the kids and how they respond to live music. We need the grant to keep this program alive in our schools!

What a wonderful program! I can't say enough about it. I am a teacher at Putnam Elementary. Kids EXCEL started last year (2009-2010), and our school was fortunate enough to get to go to The Plaza Theater to perform. The majority of these students had never even seen the theater before, but to get to actually be on the stage with an audience was an experience they will never forget.
My students look forward to Kids EXCEL every week. It teaches them discipline, listening skills, the ability to follow directions, and gives them much needed exercise in a very fun way. Our weeks consist of testing, testing, and more testing. This is a program that gives them a break from that monotonous routine. These students are missing out on the arts because of TAKS, benchmarks, and weekly assessments. This is their one reprieve.


Kim Jimerson
4th Grade Teacher
Putnam

It's wonderful to see the growth and break throughs in each child involved in this program. These children create maturity within themselves by being challenged and having a sense of accomplishment. Kids excel provides these rewards that are needed at this age level.

There are few organizations that are of the same caliber as KIDS EXCEL. Going above and beyond does not portray an accurate picture of the hard work and dedication that the staff at Kids Excel provides for the children they serve.. The reputation of Kids Excel precedes them, parents, custodians and teachers are quick to point out that the staff is not only compassionate but dependable and reliable as well. The Kids Excel team posses a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, that is shared with all never expecting anything in return. They exhibit’s nothing other than a total commitment to any endeavor they are a part of. The team works hard to ensure students always perform in a commendable fashion and their work is nothing but high quality. The Kids Excel mantra is never give up and always do your personal best. They have made a lasting impact on all of our students and now even students who face many tough challenges never give up and always ensure to do their personal best! Kids Excels enthusiasm and passion for children has left a lasting impact on not only the staff, students, teachers but the parents as well. Kids Excel is a top notch organization! .

This is a wonderful program for the elementary students. To see their self esteem boost and the theatrical skills really help these students
come closer to their full educational potential. It just makes us smile!

As a teacher and a parent, I can attest to the positive benefits of the KEEP program. I was VERY skeptical at first. I'm a male teacher and my son was going to be doing the program. I didn't quite like the idea of my learning "dance" for 45 minutes a week.
However, after sitting in on every practice and watching the rehearsals and the final performances, I can't properly express how much I appreciate the program. I love the people involved and the smiles on all of the students' faces after each practice. The students always came from practice refreshed and ready to work. I had the best TAKS scores I've ever had last year (the first year of the program at our school). I feel that having this program was a factor in that.
All fourth graders need to experience this wonderful program.

Kids Excel of El Paso has positively impacted more than two hundred of our students in just two years. Our fourth graders have benefited physically, emotionally, and academically from dance. The learn that progress and acquiring a new skill takes discipline, effort, and a good attitude. The staff is highly professional and reliable. We are blessed to have them in El Paso!

My son participated in the 4th grade program in his school and was one of the schools chosen to showcase at the public show. The entire year was a worthwhile experience that he still talks about today, a year later. He constantly tells his little brother how much "fun" it was and all the things he learned while learning the dances. He was invigorated during the 4th grade year and would always feel more awake after starting the day with Kids Excel. The focus for the year he was in Kids Excel was reading and it compelled him to read even more. He has become a bookworm and truly enjoys it. He (and I) wishes the program could continue into 5th grade. I can see the benefit of having this program expand into all levels. I have seen how enthusiastic the kids were to perform and learn.
The final show-stopping event was just that! I likened it to a near Broadway performance of young school age children. Their effort and hard work showed and the performance was just awe-inspiring amazing. Their energy was amazing. Their discipline at having to learn all the dances and remain focused during the performance was a feat in itself. Several family members who were able to attend were just blown away at how disciplined and "professional" the entire performance was. It is something that none of us will soon forget.

I was first introduced to Kids Excel in 2009. I was not exactly sure what the program was all about but I did know that our school lacked opportunities for our students to be involved in theatre and music. My students have not only been exposed to music, dance, theatre, and performance they have been given life long skills that they will utilize through out their lives. The enthusiasm and positive attitude the Kids Excel staff demostrates is amazing and infectious. Our students look forward to Kids Excel weekly. This program has generated an excitment not only among the 4th graders that participate but amongst the lower grades who look forward to being part of a such a phenomenal program. Having music & physical activity in students lives is a key component to their academic success, I am grateful for all that Kids Excel has brought to our campus and our students lives. During our performances our community is simply in "AWE" of what our 4th graders are able to do. Parents continuously share with me postive comments such as "we love it, our kid loves it", "this is great", "I wish we had this back when I was at school", these are only a few of the comments I have heard from parents.

I am a principal of a shcool where we have the Kids EXCEL program. I had the program for about 5 years and it has been a great success. Students learn so much from it and apply what they learn in all areas of their lives. It is a great pleasure to have them and will recommend the program to any school or organization that works with kids.

My introduction to Kids Excel was in the 2009-10 school year when Putnam Elementary was added though a very generous donation. Most of our students are low income and have few experiences with the arts, especially, dance. Kids Excel teaches excellence through dance. The fourth grade students who participate are passionate about the program. This passion is translated into other areas of their lives. Amazingly, some of the students who are "discipline problems" thrive in Kids Excel. Once they experience success is dance, their lives are transformed. The program incorporates value themes into the dance lessons. It contributes to a healthy, stimulating school climate. Thank you Kids Excel!

I first saw Kid's Excel perform at a district wide Principal's meeting. The students were from a campus I was previously a Principal at. I was thrilled at seeing them rise to a high level of performance. They had matured so much since I had seen them the year before, and I credited
their participation in Kid's Excel to a large degree.

Now as a Principal at a different campus where Kid's Excel works, I see the same maturity in our students. I have also observed that our children have so much more confidence in themselves. They present in front of cafeteria size audiences with little problem.

I will continue providing my fourth grade students with these experiences and highly encourage other Principals to allow their students to participate.

I was introduced to the Kids Excel Educational Program (KEEP) in early 2008. Since then, I have been volunteering on a weekly basis as an Assistant Teacher working directly with 4th graders of selected schools within the El Paso School district. Having been able to work directly with the Kids Excel children and staff has been a great and wonderful experience. The program stresses: work hard, never give up, and believe in your personal best. I have seen many children blossom under this program thanks to the dedication of the KEEP staff and the support of the teachers. The KEEP children learn to work in a team, to accept (more) responsibilities and to push themselves beyond their “comfort zones”. The KEEP program is very needed in El Paso which – as a border town – faces many challenges. Education is key in the development of the future leaders of El Paso and KEEP is a great supporter of this cause.