Members of the Kinsella school community have provided eloquent testimonials to describe the impact that the school and KAI has had on their lives. This page is dedicated to showcasing a few of these testimonials.

The following essay, titled “I Recreated Myself,” appeared in the Higher Order Thinking Skills newsletter, Winter 2016, Volume 10. It is written by student Kiana Arevalo.

People always ask me, “Why do you go to that school?” and I can’t blame them for wondering. It’s tiny and can be a bit unorganized; there are very few clubs, and no AP courses offered. In fact, because the high school is just being built, my school is housed in a temporary location, which happens to be an old warehouse. It’s easy to overlook the beauty of my school, seeing nothing special about it. I admit, even I have daydreamed about what it would be like to attend a “normal” high school and have a “normal” high school experience. However, I’ve come to see my school as a paradise and a safe haven. I’m not exaggerating when I say the people here have revitalized me, and my experiences have molded me into a person that I’m honored to be.

When I transferred to Kinsella, I quickly realized that the school is made up of a cluster of independent people, each person individually odd and uniquely special. How ironic it is that a group of people who don’t quite fit in anywhere, fit so perfectly together. The art we produce is a thousand times greater than the chaos that occasionally fills the hallway. It was at Kinsella that I began to figure out my identity. Most of this was due to the fact that whatever I decided to try out wasn’t sneered at, but instead supported. My teachers taught me things that opened my eyes, kept me interested, and shaped the way I thought and felt. From analyzing gender roles and stereotypes in classic literature, to searching for the truths hidden within the media, my horizons were broadened.

The emphasis on performing arts provided a whole new dimension to my education. My journey in Kinsella’s Musical Theatre program built confidence in me and allowed me to embrace my creative side. In addition, participating in theater gave me the opportunity to take on different identities and reminded me of the importance of empathy. Jo March from Little Women was my favorite role to play because Jo is ardent and determined; she has a fierce passion within her. Stepping into that persona made me believe I could be strong as well; but it did more than just that, it also reminded me that everyone has their own story and we cannot judge someone before walking in their shoes.

In just four years I recreated myself into something extraordinary. I embraced my peculiar side and developed the ability to think independently. This transformation was a direct result of my time at Kinsella. At Kinsella I was surrounded by such a diverse group of people, and yet it was our differences that united us. My teachers and peers inspired me and brought out a side of me I never knew was there. I am ready to take on anything that comes my way.

The following letter was written in October 2015 by Rosemary Maldonado, a Kinsella parent, in appreciation of the Literacy Nights sponsored by KAI.

I wanted to write a statement on how the Literacy Nights have impacted my kids as well as me. Being a mom of three tends to get difficult, especially when you try to split yourself in three to give each one the proper one-on-one time they deserve, and when it comes to reading at their different levels. With Literacy Nights, not only am I able to give my kids their one-on-one time while the other two are in childcare, but I can also take home many different strategies. Reading opens new doors, and opens a whole new line of communication that I can have with my three kids. From being able to explore a book before starting to read it, to talking about the pictures and being able to ask questions while they listen to me read, or even be excited for them to read the book themselves. I have learned activities that I am able to do with all three kids in the comfort of my own home.

My kids love Literacy Night, and they anticipate it. My oldest son was pretty bummed that the Literacy Night was only up to third grade – that’s how much he loves it. That doesn’t stop him from taking advantage though; he gets excited that his younger siblings get to take a book home, and he enjoys reading it to them. He also enjoys that he is still able to participate, even though the reading is not for his level.

Kinsella is amazing. The communication from the staff has opened my eyes to show that they truly do care for their students. Walking into the building feels as if you were walking into your own home. For them to be able to put all this together so that parents can have this type of experience is incredible. I encourage all parents to take advantage of Literacy Nights, even if it is just one night. That one night will make you want to come back for the other two nights, or if you missed the first two nights, then you will be wanting for the new year to begin so you can be part of that wonderful experience over and over again.

I want to thank everyone who has worked really hard to make Literacy Nights possible. For those who just take time out to volunteer so that it can be a night to remember, it’s a true blessing for parents like me. We thank you and look forward to more nights like these.

The following letter was written in March 2016 by 5th grade teacher Christina Hicinbothem in appreciation of KAI’s sponsorship of Kinsella’s visiting artist, Rachna Agarwal. 

Dear KAI Board,

Thank you for the grant which allowed Rachna Agarwal to come and visit the 5th grade classes. We have been working with Leslie Johnson and reading Homeless Bird. As our culminating activity, we invited Ms. Agarwal to come and share her experiences with us. Each class got individual time with her to ask questions about the novel, Indian culture, and her life both here and in India. It was such a special time for the kids to make connections between real life, literature, and the arts. It also provided a forum to think about bigger social issues.

Ms. Agarwal is an accomplished dancer and brought a wealth of information about traditional Indian dance. She taught them basic moves and led them in a traditional Kathak dance. She then performed some different forms of Indian dance. They were mesmerized!

Thank you again for your generous grant, your tireless work to raise money for our extra special activities, and your dedication to our kids.

The following letter was written by Mark Field as follow up to a visit to the University of Connecticut.

College Tour Update – As of  6/1/18

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 I took 32 of our juniors to the University of Connecticut in Storrs. We arrived at the Visitor’s Center, where we met Admissions Counselors who presented to us. The Admissions Counselors spoke to us about the application process, all of the academic programs, housing options, study abroad opportunities, clubs and organizations on-campus, and what it means to be a part of the UCONN community. From there, we went on a walking tour, stopping at a few academic buildings to see what your typical college lecture hall feels like, a dormitory, and the Student Union student center. Throughout the trip, our students asked fantastic questions, and the Admissions Counselors, as well as their student tour guides, were happy to answer them. Overall, the trip was a great opportunity for our students to get a taste of a true ‘college campus’, it allowed our students to start to envision themselves in the environment, and it outlined the steps it takes to get there.

KAI, thanks for giving our students the opportunity to go on this trip.

Best,

Mark Field

School Counselor

Kinsella Magnet High School of Performing Arts

The following is a brief video from a student at KAI:

Khaldun, a Jazz Instrumental major who plays the Trombone narrates how he felt about playing at Aetna.