Carver summer transition students with Hank, the therapy dog!
As the summer sun shines brightly, Carver’s summer transition programs continue to light the way for rising 6th graders in Norwalk. At West Rocks Middle School, our dedicated team, led by Michael Richards, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Subject Area Leader, and Carver's longtime Grade 6 Summer Transition Program Director, ensures a seamless and enriching transition for our young students.
Carver’s summer transition programs in Norwalk’s four middle schools are designed to offer individualized instruction, parental involvement, small group learning experiences, diverse enrichment STEAM activities, free transportation, and full-day activities benefiting working families. This holistic approach helps students learn the basics of navigating their new school environment while meeting their new teachers and classmates.
A recent highlight of our program at West Rocks was a special visit from Jen Duran, a West Rocks Middle School staff member, and her therapy dog, Hank. Jen and Hank brought joy and learning to our summer students, demonstrating the unique bond between humans and animals and the benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings.
During their visit, students had the opportunity to learn about training a therapy dog. They discovered how Hank was instructed to provide comfort and support, especially in a school environment. The day's highlight was when each student spent time reading to Hank. This activity, proven to promote reading fluency and confidence, allowed our students to practice their reading skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
The benefits of this interaction were immediate and profound. Students initially hesitant to read aloud found themselves more at ease and willing to engage. Hank's gentle presence created a calm and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging even the most reluctant readers to participate.
Carver’s commitment to enriching our students' experiences extends beyond traditional academics. By incorporating activities like reading to a therapy dog, we foster a love of learning and build essential skills to serve our students well as they transition to middle school and beyond.
As we continue our summer journey, we are grateful for the support of our dedicated staff, like Michael Richards, and the unique contributions of community members like Jen Duran and Hank. Together, we create a nurturing and dynamic environment where our students can thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates on our summer programs and the incredible experiences we are sharing with our future leaders. At Carver, we are dedicated to making every moment count as we prepare our students for the exciting challenges and opportunities ahead.