Old and new Carver friends gathered in a Carver donor’s home for fun fellowship and to learn about the great work being accomplished in Bridgeport at the Classical Studies Magnet School (CSMA) where Carver began an after school program this year.
See the photos here in our Facebook album!
Weston/Westport Connections Co-Chairs Wendy Winnick Baskin and Laura Ruhe welcomed about 40 guests. Committee members Nancy Diamond, Jeffrey Mayer, Paula Argosh and Stephanie Thomas helped with the welcoming.
Our guests had the privilege to meet Helen Giles, CSMA Principal; Lindsay Davis, Assistant Principal; Georgeann Stewart, CSMA teacher and Carver Site Coordinator; and teacher Caitlin Roberts. Also joining us were CSMA parents and their children: Priscilla and her child Jaylene; Kathia and her child Carmen; Alexandra and her child Kaloni.
Carver is very enthusiastic about and proud of our partnership with CSMA. This is a "themed" Pre-K to 8th grade public school in Bridgeport’s West Side neighborhood for more than 400 students. Its curriculum of classical literature, art and music utilizes the Paideia instructional methodology (traditional lecturing, coaching, and the Socratic method of extended discussion). Instruction is project-based, involving frequent assemblies, presentations and field trips. CSMA occupies a 123-year-old structure, the oldest school still in use by the district. The school also rents a nearby closed Catholic school for their Pre-K to 2nd grade students.
Carver afterschool programming extends the school day with hands-on and project-based learning opportunities. Carver also brings in to the school many professionals from the area who are experts in their respective fields, such as in the STEAM subjects. Some of these partners are Bagwell Academy of Martial Arts, Discovery Museum, Mad Science, Maritime Aquarium, Stepping Stones Museum, Kids Fashion, and the Scratch Coding Club.