Carver Selected as Inaugural Partner for the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program

Carver is proud to announce that we have been chosen as an inaugural partner in the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program—an extraordinary initiative designed to open doors and expand horizons for underrepresented students pursuing higher education.

The Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program is a non-tuition-based needs program, fully funded and established by Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.).

This groundbreaking program addresses disparities in college access and success by combining non-tuition-based financial assistance and partnerships with organizations like Carver to provide students with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need not only to enter college but also to thrive throughout their academic journeys.

Carver’s Role as Inaugural Partner

As the program’s charity partner, Carver will:

• Identify and Nominate Students who would most benefit from this life-changing opportunity.

• Integrate S.T.A.R. Resources with Carver’s own Future Readiness and college support services.

• Build Community by fostering peer networks and encouraging student participation in workshops and mentoring activities.

• Collaborate with S.T.A.R. to monitor outcomes, share updates, and adapt support structures to meet evolving student needs.

Why This Matters

Carver has a long track record of helping students overcome barriers to higher education, with 100% of Carver seniors graduating on time since 2005 and 88% of our scholarship recipients completing college within six years. By partnering with Stand Together Against Racism, we’re taking this commitment to the next level—joining forces with a program that provides holistic, continuous support throughout the college years.

This partnership amplifies Carver’s mission to ensure every student is prepared not just to enter college but to succeed and graduate ready for the future.

We are deeply honored to be an inaugural partner of the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program and excited to see the transformational impact this program will have on Carver students and families in the years ahead.

Carver Students Experience the Excitement of the HBCU NY Classic at MetLife Stadium

For the second year in a row, this past weekend, Carver’s Future Readiness Coordinators Isiah Gaddy and Iman LaBorde-Mobley took 15 Carver students to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for an unforgettable experience: the HBCU New York Football Classic, held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium.

The highly anticipated matchup featured Howard University (Bison) vs. Morehouse College (Maroon Tigers)—a rivalry that stretches back decades and continues to represent the best of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). More than just a football game, this annual classic is a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, culture, and community.

Students witnessed not only the excitement on the field but also the unforgettable traditions that define an HBCU Classic. The day was filled with marching band battles, step shows, cultural expos, and alumni gatherings, showcasing the energy and pride that have made HBCUs a cornerstone of American education and cultural life.

For Carver students, the event was an opportunity to experience first-hand the spirit and legacy of HBCUs—institutions that have shaped generations of leaders. Many students are beginning to consider their own college journeys, and attending the Classic offered them a powerful vision of the history, tradition, and future opportunities that HBCUs provide.

As Carver continues to guide students toward success in high school, college, and career, experiences like the HBCU NY Classic help broaden horizons, inspire aspirations, and connect students to a community that values excellence, culture, and belonging.

Honoring National Hispanic American Heritage Month: Celebrating History, Culture, and Contributions

Carver is proud that Hispanic students represent more than half of our student body, bringing with them a wealth of culture, heritage, and spirit. We celebrate their achievements every day, honoring their contributions to our schools and community as an essential part of Carver’s success.

From September 15 to October 15, we join the nation in celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the profound history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

This annual observance highlights the rich diversity of traditions, identities, and legacies that Hispanic and Latino communities have carried across generations, shaping the fabric of American society in countless ways.

The celebration begins on September 15, a date of great historical significance as it marks the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Soon after, Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18, underscoring the vibrant spirit of freedom and resilience that defines this month of remembrance and pride.

Each year, major federal cultural institutions—including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum—collaborate to honor Hispanic Americans’ achievements. Their joint programming ranges from exhibitions and concerts to lectures, digital collections, and educational resources that illustrate how Hispanic American communities have shaped U.S. history, art, politics, science, and society.

As we reflect on this month, let us celebrate the countless stories of courage, creativity, and achievement that have enriched our nation—and recommit ourselves to ensuring that the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities are recognized and uplifted for generations to come.

Bankwell Renews Grant to Strengthen Carver’s Academic, Wellness, and Financial Literacy Programs

Carver is proud to announce Bankwell’s renewed grant in support of our youth development mission. Bankwell, a Connecticut-based bank, has been a steadfast partner, demonstrating time and again that their commitment to community is more than words—it is action.

For many years, even during the pandemic, when Carver needed to adapt quickly to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs, Bankwell was there. Their thoughtful partnership continues today, providing resources that touch every corner of our programming—from academic enrichment and wellness to preparing our high schoolers for college, such as their luggage drive for Carver’s 50th annual Spring College Tour a few years ago.

We are especially grateful for the leadership of Nancy Caccia, FVP | Community Relations at Bankwell in the New Canaan branch. Nancy is a true advocate for Carver, volunteering her time for holiday events, making introductions to strengthen our network, and now helping us launch a new financial literacy course for middle schoolers. This program will equip young people with critical life skills that will serve them well into the future.

Bankwell’s gifts are generous, timely, and deeply rooted in a concern for the well-being of our students. Their impact is felt in the classroom, in the Carver Community Center, and in the lives of the thousands of young people we serve each year. We remain grateful for friends like Bankwell who continue to come through for Carver in spectacular ways.

🍦 Rowayton Civic Association Brings Sweet Welcome Back Ice Cream Social to Carver 🎉

The new school year kicked off with a sweet surprise at the Carver Community Center! Thanks to the generosity of the Rowayton Civic Association (RCA), our CASPER K–5 students enjoyed a special “Welcome Back Ice Cream Social” complete with gallons of delicious ice cream and all the toppings they could dream of.

Longtime Carver friend and RCA trustee Jen Capelo—a tireless advocate for our students—donated the toppings, making the event extra festive. Laughter, sprinkles, and smiles filled the room as our young learners celebrated the start of another exciting year of growth and discovery at Carver.

Founded in 1911, the Rowayton Civic Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to enriching the cultural, recreational, and environmental life of Rowayton and its neighbors in greater Norwalk. From educational programs and community festivals to supporting initiatives like Carver through the RCA Discretionary Grant Program, the association has been a steadfast champion of community spirit and service for more than a century.

Carver is grateful for RCA’s commitment to our mission and for always finding creative ways to let our students know they are supported and celebrated. With partners like RCA, Carver students head into each new school year with confidence, joy, and a sense of community behind them.

Be Ready to Vote: Every Election Matters, Including the Primary on September 9

For the September 9, 2025, municipal primary, early voting is available from Tuesday, September 2 through Sunday, September 7, 2025.

At Carver, we believe that civic engagement has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. That’s why we urge all eligible voters to be prepared to participate in every election—including the upcoming primary election on September 9.

Primary elections are often overlooked, yet they are just as crucial as Election Day itself. The outcome of a primary determines who will appear on your town’s final ballot this November. In many cases, the primary is where the real decisions are made.

We are proud that Secretary Thomas, a Carver volunteer and great friend, is leading efforts to advance Civic Education throughout Connecticut. Carver is honored to stand with her in this vital work.

In 2023, Carver took the CEO Pledge to become a Civically Engaged Organization (CEO) when the Secretary of State launched the initiative. We did so because, in our own words, civic engagement has a transformative power and a positive impact on the lives of Norwalk residents. Carver comprises diverse individuals who share collective goals like any other community. When community members actively participate in civic engagement, they contribute to the well-being and progress of their community in countless ways.

In a few days—and every election that follows—make your voice heard. Your vote matters. Your participation matters. Together, we create stronger communities when we all step forward.

Harnessing Awe and Project-Based Learning: Carver’s Pathway to Lifelong Curiosity

At Carver, we believe that after-school hours are among the most powerful windows for igniting curiosity, building confidence, and strengthening community connections. That’s why Project-Based Learning (PBL) is at the heart of our approach. More than just a teaching method, PBL is a powerful learning tool that engages students through real-world, hands-on STEAM projects, cultivating academic, social, and emotional skills in a flexible, supportive environment.

What Is Project-Based Learning?

PBL invites students to work on extended projects that tackle real-world problems or pressing questions. These projects integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Instead of rote memorization, students dive into meaningful challenges—becoming active participants in their own education.

Why PBL Works in After-School Programs

• Boosts youth engagement: Students become invested by working on topics they care about and seeing the real-world impact of their efforts.

• Builds 21st-century skills: From teamwork and communication to time management and decision-making, students gain tools they’ll carry into the future.

• Fosters social and emotional growth: Group work helps students practice empathy, self-awareness, and perseverance while forming supportive relationships.

• Connects learning to community: Many PBL units involve family and community members, strengthening engagement and civic responsibility.

• Flexible and fun: Projects are tailored to student interests and learning styles, ensuring everyone contributes meaningfully.

Examples in Action

Carver students plan and host family engagement nights, taking the lead in organizing, managing, and presenting, which helps them develop leadership and responsibility. In STEAM-focused projects, students link academic concepts to real-world challenges, sparking curiosity and strengthening problem-solving skills.

The Transformative Power of Awe

At Carver, we weave awe into every PBL experience. Awe sneaks up on us mid-step, mid-thought, mid-breath—suddenly making the world feel a little bigger, a little more mysterious, and a lot more worth exploring. When students encounter awe through Driving Questions like “What can we learn from nature’s designs to solve human problems?” they are motivated to explore deeply, collaborate openly, and connect more meaningfully with others.

Research shows awe fosters curiosity, openness, and prosocial behavior. In PBL, awe inspires students to share ideas, support one another, and approach problems collectively. This makes learning not just an academic exercise but a socially connected, transformative experience.

Preparing Students for Tomorrow

In today’s world, rote memorization is no longer enough. Carver’s after-school PBL model, powered by awe, equips students with creativity, collaboration, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning. Our students don’t just master knowledge—they discover the joy of applying it to improve their world.

At Carver, awe is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a guiding principle. Through PBL, awe fuels curiosity, builds resilience, and connects our students to one another, their community, and the larger world.

Carver Remembers and Honors the Life of Greg Burnett, A True Friend and Advocate

Carol Bauer and Norwalk Council Member At-Large Greg Burnett at the Carver Community Center’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Teen Center

Carver joins the City of Norwalk in mourning the loss of Common Council Member Greg Burnett, a longtime public servant, advocate, and dear friend to our community.

Mr. Burnett was a constant presence at Carver through the years, celebrating our milestones and standing beside us as we worked to expand opportunities for young people. Last year, he joined city leaders at the groundbreaking for Carver’s new two-story Teen Center, sharing in a moment that symbolized growth, possibility, and hope for Norwalk’s future.

Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin shared her own heartfelt reflections:

“The news of Greg’s passing left me in shock. Only recently, he and I had been in touch about the Omega Psi Phi event in October, when they will be honoring me. Over the years, our paths crossed in so many meaningful ways, not just through his leadership in Norwalk, but also through the world of track and field. As a USA Track & Field official, Greg was a steady presence at countless meets where my sons competed. We spent many fun times together at those events, sharing the unique camaraderie of families and officials bound by the sport. He was even on the field this past June at the Outdoor National Championship, where my son Kyle earned three medals. To me, Greg embodied what it means to be both a servant leader and a friend—rooted in equity, inclusion, and community, while also celebrating the small personal victories that make life so rich. His kindness, encouragement, and commitment to young people will stay with me always.”

Greg dedicated himself to public service in Norwalk. First elected to the Common Council in 2017, he went on to serve as Council President, chair the Finance and Claims Committee, and contribute to many other committees addressing land use, community services, and affordable housing. He believed deeply in representing all residents and spoke often of the importance of listening, dialogue, and equity.

Carver Board President, Phil Butterfield, CEO Novelette Peterkin, and Greg Bernett

Outside of City Hall, Greg gave his time and wisdom to many causes. He served on the Norwalk Mentor Advisory Board, advised the Norwalk Salvation Army, and mentored young people with the same compassion and guidance he brought to his professional life. During his career with IBM, he held senior leadership positions in human resources and also found joy in athletics, serving as a certified USA Track & Field official.

L-R: Norwalk Council Member At-Large Greg Burnett, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, Mayor Harry Rilling, CT Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Carver board president Phil Butterfield, and Carol Bauer

Greg often described education as “the great equalizer” and believed every child deserves a robust and equitable learning experience. Those values are ones we share deeply at Carver, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of our mission to help students reach their highest potential.

Mayor Harry Rilling expressed it well when he noted that Greg’s devotion to public service made a lasting impact on the city he loved. That legacy will live on in the thousands of students and families whose lives he touched through his leadership and his friendship.

Carver extends heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family, friends, and colleagues. We will remember him not only for his service but also for his kindness, presence, and unwavering belief in the power of education and community.

Carver Day celebration in 2018! (L-R) Norwalk Common Council member, Greg Burnett; CT Senate Majority Leader, Bob Duff; CT Representative Terrie Wood; CT Representative and Carver board member Fred Wilms; Novelette Peterkin, Carver Executive Director; and CT Representative Gail Lavielle.

LabCorp PULSE Returns to Carver with Back-to-School Gifts and Spirit

Carver’s Emily Berleit (middle) is joined by Labcorp PULSE members, including Claudine Mosely the first to her left, and to the right of Emily, Reggie Pierre Louis Jacques and Olumide Towolawi.

Carver was honored to welcome back LabCorp PULSE members as they recently returned to deliver a generous collection of school supplies gathered through their annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive. This marks the second time this year that LabCorp PULSE has chosen Carver as its charity partner. We are deeply grateful for their continued support of our students and families.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Labcorp’s Black Employee Resource Group (ERG) PULSE—Promoting Unity Through Legacy, Support, and Empowerment—whose Connecticut members personally visited Carver to present the supplies. Their presence transformed the moment into a shared exchange of values, vision, and commitment to building brighter futures for Norwalk’s youth.

Labcorp, officially known as Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, is a global leader in laboratory diagnostics and drug development services, headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, with operations in about 100 countries. With a mission to improve health and improve lives, Labcorp’s commitment to Carver reflects a shared dedication to empowering communities through opportunity, education, and innovation.

LabCorp PULSE is eager to continue growing its involvement with Carver, actively exploring additional ways to make a meaningful impact in our community. Their generosity directly supports Carver’s mission of providing education, enrichment, career development, and holistic support for nearly 3,000 students across Norwalk each year.

Thank you, LabCorp PULSE, for standing with Carver and believing in the potential of every young person we serve. Together, we look forward to building on this partnership for an even brighter future.

A Historic First Day: South Norwalk Elementary School Opens Its Doors After Four Decades

Yesterday marked a momentous occasion for Norwalk: the opening day of the brand-new South Norwalk Elementary School, located at 1 Meadow Street Extension. For the first time in more than 40 years, South Norwalk families sent their children to a true neighborhood school—an achievement that speaks to equity, community spirit, and a renewed investment in the city’s future.

Last Friday, August 22, 2025, the community came together for a festive opening celebration at the new South Norwalk Elementary School. Families enjoyed food, refreshments, and picnic-style fun, along with giveaways and valuable community resources. Guests explored the brand-new building through guided tours and met members of Carver’s After the Bell before- and after-school team. Special highlights included a “Walk to School” with Principal Austin and Vice Principal Rodriguez, a Touch-a-Truck activity, grab-n’-go lunches, and interactive tables hosted by Carver and other local organizations—Tricia Massucco and Sylvia Chaparro proudly represented Carver. The event offered a warm welcome for students and families, setting the tone for an exciting school year ahead.

A Return to Neighborhood Roots

South Norwalk lost its neighborhood school in the late 1970s during district desegregation efforts, leaving generations of students traveling long distances to attend schools outside their community. The new South Norwalk Elementary School restores what was lost, offering local children the chance to learn and thrive just blocks from home. This step forward addresses decades-old equity challenges and strengthens community bonds by placing education back at the center of the neighborhood.

A Modern Campus with Room to Grow

Built on 11.7 acres of land acquired from the former Hatch and Bailey Lumber Company, the new two-story, 86,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve up to 682 students. The school opened this week to kindergarten through third-grade students, with plans to expand to grades four and five in the coming years. Beyond classrooms, the site includes green space, improved traffic and parking flow, and even a basketball court for students’ recreation.

A $76 Million Community Investment

The $76 million project was made possible by strong city leadership and a favorable 60% state reimbursement rate. Years of planning, zoning, and construction came together just in time for the 2025–2026 academic year, ensuring that South Norwalk students could begin this school year in a new home built for them.

Beyond the Classroom

The school’s mission extends beyond academics. With support from community partners like Carver, students will have access to before- and after-school enrichment programs, family engagement opportunities, and resources that celebrate the cultural diversity of South Norwalk. The school is poised to become a hub of community connection.

Looking Ahead

This inaugural year welcomes kindergarten through third-grade students, with enrollment to expand in the years ahead. As the school reaches full capacity, it will serve students pre-K through fifth grade—cementing its role as a cornerstone of South Norwalk’s educational and community landscape.

The first day at South Norwalk Elementary was the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history—one that restores neighborhood pride, invests in equity, and builds a brighter future for the children and families of South Norwalk.