At Carver, we believe that after-school and summer programming should do more than just supplement classroom learning—it should amplify the excellence of the schools we serve. Nowhere is this commitment more evident than in our long-standing partnership with Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, a beacon of innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education.
Dr. Damon Lewis, Principal of Ponus Ridge, was just named the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS). The award recognizes his visionary leadership in fostering an exceptional learning environment. See the article in The Hour here.
Before stepping into his role as Principal in 2015, Dr. Lewis served as the middle school's assistant principal for four years. He worked closely with Carver to ensure that our after-school and summer transition programs provided hands-on, immersive learning experiences that enriched students’ education, inspired creativity, and cultivated problem-solving skills.
What Sets Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Apart?
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy isn't just another middle school but a trailblazer in STEAM education. Ponus Ridge takes a holistic and integrated approach, ensuring that STEAM principles are woven throughout every aspect of the curriculum. Here's what makes it unique:
Integrated STEAM Approach: Rather than treating STEM and the Arts as separate disciplines, Ponus Ridge uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Problem-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on, real-world challenges that inspire curiosity and innovation.
Dedicated STEAM Units: STEAM is not an afterthought—it is embedded into all subjects, ensuring seamless integration across the curriculum.
Innovative Technology: The school is equipped with a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, a cutting-edge space that allows students to explore virtual reality, AI, and advanced digital tools.
STEAM Principles of Learning: These guiding principles include opportunities for student choice, productive struggle, and revision, all aimed at fostering a growth mindset and lifelong learning.
Carver’s Role: Enhancing STEAM Learning Beyond the School Day
Carver’s partnership with Ponus Ridge is about more than just extending school hours—it’s about deepening learning experiences, increasing access, and ensuring that all students, regardless of skill level, can thrive in STEAM education. Our after-school and summer programs mirror Ponus Ridge’s forward-thinking approach through:
✅ Inclusive Learning Environments – We ensure all students feel welcomed and valued in our programs, promoting collaboration and active participation.
✅ Project-Based Learning – Our curriculum is built around real-world projects spanning all five STEAM disciplines, allowing students to engage in relevant and exciting learning.
✅ Hands-On Experiments – Carver students get firsthand experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios from coding challenges to robotics projects.
✅ Collaborative Learning – Students work in teams to solve complex challenges, learn from one another, and develop essential teamwork skills.
✅ Personalized Instruction – By aligning lessons with students' interests and skill levels, Carver ensures that every child is challenged and supported.
✅ Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS/SRBI) – Carver integrates evidence-based interventions in reading, math, and science to close achievement gaps and support social-emotional development.
A Model for the Future of STEAM Education
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and Carver believe that STEAM education is for everyone, not just students who naturally gravitate toward math and science. By integrating creativity, critical thinking, and innovation into every lesson, we prepare students for future careers while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
The success of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, reflected in Dr. Lewis’s well-earned recognition, is a testament to the power of partnerships that invest in student potential. We are proud to stand alongside the exceptional educators and administrators at Ponus Ridge and through Norwalk Public Schools in making STEAM learning accessible, engaging, and transformative for every student.
As we expand Carver’s impact across Norwalk, we remain committed to championing the excellence of the schools we serve—because when schools and community partners work together, students thrive.