Notes from students:
Kate Greenberg is a bridge builder because she can help students go through embarrassing moments in our lives. Kate is a puberty teacher who makes learning about stuff we go through in our lives actually fun. Without Kate for a puberty teacher we would not understand the changes that are happening in our bodies during puberty. Kate comes into the classroom and has these tiny mood switching octopuses which can make us laugh in awkward moments. Kate is so good that if you ask her embarrassing questions, she will just answer the question like it's a regular occasion and she always makes you feel comfortable. Kate is a bridge builder for us as we go through puberty.
5th Grader - Battery Park City School
2026 Common Circles Nomination Essay
Thanksgiving 2025 - Notes of Gratitude - Nest+m:
Kate, thank you so much for coming in and teaching us. The subject is sometimes uncomfortable and we laugh and ask you an abundance of questions, but you are so patient and we appreciate you so much.
7th Grader
Dear Kate, thank you for your dedication to teach us about our bodies. Your patience and understanding help us learn about our bodily rights and to speak up when we need help. Our embarrassment and laughter doesn't deny the fact that we are so grateful that you come to our school and give us the privilege of knowing our (future) bodies and how to take care of ourselves.
6th Grader
Hi Kate! I just wanted to take my time writing this letter of thanks to you because you help our school know about themselves! Thank you for taking your time and professionally teaching us about sex ed because I've learned a lot. I've become more aware about my body and how to take care of myself as I change. You're just like google but for sex education!
7th Grader
Dear Kate, thank you for teaching people on how to get help when they are in trouble and teaching people about their bodys. It's wonderful to know that people are informed on how to be safe and how puberty works. With people knowing this future situations could be resolved faster due to you.
6th Grader
Dear Kate, thank you for educating us about our growing bodies. Most people will take this knowledge for granted, because it is sometimes an awkward thing to learn about. We really do (or for some people, WILL) appreciate the things that you teach us about our bodies. It's quite a nice thing to know.
7th Grader
Hi Kate, Thank you for coming and teaching us about puberty. It helped me a lot, and in fourth grade those lessons were the reason I started using face wash, which helped a lot. Thank you for making the time to teach us, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
6th Grader
Notes from administrators & teachers:
Our teachers were singing your praises at a meeting today; thank you for all you do. You're an incredible educator and I'm so glad you're able to work with our students.
Principal
Hunter College Elementary School
We just wanted to say how awesome today's lesson was! The fifth graders were so engaged and interested. The language you used and the content you provided was so inclusive, like explaining what intersex means, that someone of any gender can be attracted to someone of any gender, and that not everyone experiences romantic attraction in their life. We are eager for lesson 2 and so are the students!
5th grade team
P.S. 267
I wanted to reach out and just share how much I appreciate the way you cover your content. On a personal note, I was petrified growing up to come out as gay because I was convinced that meant I couldn't have a family. Hearing you share that anyone can have a family was really special. I wish I had had the opportunity to hear that.
5th grade teacher
We have absolutely loved having you. You bring such a light to the room. A real comforting, welcoming and open spirit- and kindness that is so important. Thank you again!
5th grade teacher
Nest+m
Thank you, as always, for answering the [kids' questions] with honesty, kindness, and gentleness in a way that really helps 5th graders learn about these important topics. I am consistently in awe of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
5th grade teacher
Battery Park City School
I want to say thank you so much for working with my class these past few weeks. I was impressed with their questions and it's obvious you made them feel comfortable enough to ask.
5th grade teacher
P.S. 40
I just wanted to say how great I thought the puberty program was. The information was so clear. I feel like these kids will feel so much more comfortable about their bodies as they go through puberty. Thanks again.
5th grade teacher
P.S. 3
Thank you for doing an amazing job with the 5th grade! Your professionalism and rapport with the children is truly remarkable.
5th grade team
Hunter College Elementary School
Thank you for your informative and important health class series. Our students quickly recognize you as a caring educator whom they trust with deeply personal questions.
5th grade teacher
Spruce Street School
It was a pleasure working with you. You are super clear and kind, and working with you was amazing!
Staff/Spanish translator
P.S. 340
Notes from parents & caregivers:
You've done an amazing job putting together a structured program where you build trust and inform students in a way that is so accepting and not intimidating. Thank you!
Parent
P.S. 89
You are so good at what you do; patient, present and engaging. Thank you for a very informative and sensitive presentation.
Parent
Lower Lab School
I attended the workshop for parents you gave at our school, and I wanted to tell you that the language you provided us with when talking to our second grader about sex, how babies are made (we'd never discussed it), etc. gave me the push I needed to finally start having conversations with him about these tough topics. Your workshop was so helpful, and gave me the language and info I needed most. Thank you!
Parent
The Peck Slip School
Thank you so much Kate. Your presentation was so helpful and amazing. As a Mom of 5 with a 5th grader, I have so many more of these conversations to go. It was so helpful to know the language and information that my daughter is being exposed to.
Parent
P.S. 6
Thank you for your beautiful intentional inclusivity.
Parent
Battery Park City School
Thank you for your honest, straight-forward approach. I appreciate you so much.
Parent
Battery Park City School