Testimonials

The quotes below were obtained from e-mails, social media posts, other online posts, and handwritten letters. Teacher, faculty, and student names are not provided at this time except for those I could reach at the time this was posted. This is not a comprehensive list as some correspondences included confidential information.

STUDENTS

The school is so much better since you came here. You're amazing. 6th grade student, 2022-23 school year

As a teacher myself, I can only wish that someday my students have such a great impression of me in years to come like the one I have of you. Thank you! Class ’90-‘91

Looking back at the schedule you guys set up for teaching, it was so innovative and you are probably in large part responsible for my love for learning. I have a baby now and I hope I can recreate that love for learning in her. Again, thank you for your service to the kids, you shaped a great many lives.

Hey, Dr. Karp, I appreciate you Dr. Karp thank you for impacting my life and giving me the chance to stay in the program. I appreciate that sir and you shaped my life and til this day I remember the type of caring and accepting person you were.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a nicer person. Thank you so much. 4th grade student, 2021-2022 school year

Hi. The purpose of this e-mail is not just to reminisce but to tell you how great a teacher I thought you were when I was your student and to inform you that some of your former gifted students, me included, have put together a group on Facebook in your honor.

I’ve been noticing the great job you’ve been doing and it doesn’t surprise me you’re a great educator and not to mention an incredible person.

Hello, I need to thank one of the most inspiring teachers I had as a child. I look at myself now, four days before I graduate and I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have had you as a teacher. I know it was in elementary, but it made an impact in my life. It was great to know that people believed in me even though I didn’t believe in myself. I just needed to thank you for the support and guidance you gave me as a child.

Dr. Karp!! You really were a great teacher.

Hello Dr. Karp, I will never forget you as one of my best teachers (honestly). I will be following your footsteps.

You did an amazing job and left a wonderful impression on my life. Thank you.

Hello Dr. Karp, Hope life finds you well. I'm not really sure why I'm writing to you. I guess to thank you. I guess to let you know that you made a difference and that I really appreciate the hard work and creativity you put into the Gifted Program at Biscayne Elementary. I can honestly say that from a student's perspective that was about the coolest time I ever had at school. Your love really shone through and I appreciate it. I appreciate your patience with me and not kicking me out when someone else was pushing for it. I felt like you took the time to understand me and I always respected you for it. You come to mind often these days. Maybe it's because I have a daughter of my own (5 years old) and I see how everything is so standardized and lacking life in the school system. Maybe it wouldn't bother me so much if I hadn't experienced your method of teaching. I contacted you a few years back and we spoke on the phone and I never followed up with you. Always bothered me and felt like I would always regret it if I never did. But here we are. You aren’t dead yet, nor am I. Would love to hear back from you.

Journalists can affect lives the same way you have affected mine! Without you as a teacher, I would not be where I am today. We wrote a story and got it published in our second grade Gifted class, I don't know if you remember it as well as I do. It was the first time I got my work published, and it was most definitely not the last. Thank you for that opportunity. I want to also thank you for your constant support and appreciation for myself and my family. We support and appreciate you as well. 

Dear Dr. Karp, Thank you for helping me build my dreams!

Dear Dr. Karp, The past years not only were you a great teacher; you were also kind of like a friend. If I needed something you’d always be there.

Dear Dr. Karp, You are a real inspiration. My years at the Gifted Program have propelled me to what I am today. I recently re-read, “Tucker’s Countryside.” As Tucker did put it, “And I’ve got it!” as he jumped in the air. That’s how I feel now, and I must say for that you played a major role. Thank you so much. There is no way I can repay you.