Testimonials
Featured Testimonial
“Dear Mr. Sarkis,
Now that we have completed our unit of study, I can add my voice to the testimonials you have already accumulated. We are a small rural high school in central New York, Newark Valley, and we just used your book in a 9th grade applied English class, students who struggle with reading, writing, and school in general. We began the unit with trepidation for many reasons but the response of the students at every step of the way was positive, curious, and inquisitive. The reading level was such that they could easily handle the material yet worded in such a way to elicit deep discussions leading to insightful conclusions. It was so timely because we as teachers were struggling with many student behavior problems and the standard/traditional curriculum was not meeting the needs of these kids. In a nutshell, it turned out to be a lifesaver!
Your book, Yes Pa was a springboard to the next unit on writing a memoir. The heartfelt pieces of personal writing turned out to be some of the best work the students had produced all year. In addition, we learned so much about these students that would not have been revealed to us in any other way, leading to a deeper understanding of the population with whom we were dealing. Next year, we will read your book earlier in the school year so that we can develop better empathetic connections sooner.
So thank you for sharing your story and THANK YOU for allowing us to use it in our classroom with virtually no added expense. It has been a very powerful experience for us all. “
Jill Keeler, Lynn Riccardi
Newark Valley High School
Newark Valley, NY 13811
What do Character Education Specialists say about Yes Pa?
”Messages of character have to be delivered by a person of character. Fred Sarkis is such a person, and the story of his remarkable life will help anyone, young or old, to be a better person and lead a better life. Prisoner of the Truck and Yes Pa have the power to touch hearts and bring out the best in us all.” —Dr. Thomas Lickona, author of Educating for Character and Character Matters
What do Prevention Specialists say about Yes Pa?
“The Yes Pa character education program has been a critical component of our overall school prevention efforts. It has provided our students with the belief that they can be successful and that the combination of determination, enthusiasm and integrity is the formula for success both now and in the future. The blending of prevention and character education programs results in benefits far greater than either can achieve alone.” —Lynne Gochenaur, Prevention Specialist, Marcus Whitman School, Rushville, NY
What do Educators say about Yes Pa?
“Yes Pa and Prisoner of the Truck will inspire you with their message as they reveal the inner strength of a man who loves life, who confronts adversity, and who demonstrates how to be of service to mankind.” —J.R. Smith, Professor Emeritus, Earlham College, Richmond, IN “Yes Pa is the best book for children that I have ever read. Not only is it a great story, but it also teaches morals and values. Fred Sarkis gives his readers the keys to success. The program is all set up for teachers with the book Teacher Resource Guide, DVD and web site. Yes Pa is a must read.” —Dan Green, sixth-grade English teacher, Marcus Whitman Middle School, Rushville, NY “Yes Pa caused my students to have empathy, an emotion that many middle students rarely show. Also, there was an improvement in their overall attitudes and academic achievement. With emphasis on adult or parental involvement, I will always use Yes Pa as required reading for my students.” —Joanne Agrasto Reed, middle school English teacher, Waterloo, NY
What do Administrators say about Yes Pa?
“Yes Pa is universal. It touches students as well as adults who look back on their own lives. Yes Pa brings out empathy. It also creates a positive and memorable message.” —William Locke, Superintendent of Schools, Arkport, NY
Has Yes Pa been used in other cultures?
“I’m a member of a school in Uascalientes, Mexico. I know you through Tom Lickona’s Summer Institute. As we are a bilingual school, we are surely going to use your Yes Pa book and the video of your talk. We are positive that you are going to touch our students. The first time I read Yes Pa I cried, you touched me. I really admire your work and dedication. Thank you.” —Marcela Pous, Colegio Bosques, Aquascalientes, Mexico
What do Students say about Yes Pa?
“Your motivational message spoke to me in a special way. I believe we all have ‘trucks’ to get off of in our lives. Your positive outlook on life has made me think more on the positive and less on the negative.” |
