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Maritime Aquarium named the best educational initiative by any zoo or aquarium in the country!

Carver afterschool and summer programming is infused with phenomenal learning experiences provided by our stalwart partner, The Maritime Aquarium.

Any Carver kid knew this already, but for their rapid shift to online education when the coronavirus pandemic broke out, The Maritime Aquarium was recognized on Wednesday by the 241-member Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) as the best educational initiative in 2020 by any zoo or aquarium in the country!

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This is the fifth AZA Award in the last six years for The Maritime Aquarium’s educational initiatives. Last year, the AZA presented a Significant Achievement award in education to The Maritime Aquarium’s “Sound Resilience: Get on Board!” program, a four-year public outreach that engaged 2,000 local middle- and high-school students in modeling how to brace our coastline against climate change.

Since the pandemic began, Maritime has conducted programs with 44 states in the U.S. and on five continents. By June 2021, Maritime Aquarium had presented 1,644 virtual programs to schools, reaching 27,344 students, as well as family virtual programs to another 11,343 viewers. Schools and individuals have joined in from as far away as Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, India, Nigeria, and South Korea.

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The Maritime Aquarium’s Education team works closely with schools throughout Connecticut and New York, providing (in a normal year) STEM-education experiences to some 80,000 students a year.

With the 2021-22 school year now underway but schools still under COVID restrictions, the Aquarium’s current slate of educational programs is available here.

Join us in congratulating our essential partner, The Maritime Aquarium!

Carver after-school returns to Norwalk Public Schools better than ever

“Enrollment is through the roof!” according to Tricia Massucco, Carver’s Director of Elementary School Based Programs, when asked about the before- and after-school programs she oversees. And we couldn’t be happier.

This school year is already remarkably different from last year. Though masks and social distancing are still required inside Norwalk’s public schools, K-12 students are once again learning in-person, surrounded by their peers and supportive educators. There’s hope for a return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy - for a school year without the severe disruptions that left students isolated and struggling to keep up with their education.

No one can be certain of what to expect this year. The Carver Foundation of Norwalk, however, is sure of one thing: that our 2,000+ K-12 students will be supported, encouraged, and empowered to strengthen their academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being through the expanded learning opportunities Carver provides.

An extensive network of programs and resources vital to Norwalk

Carver’s program sites. Our reach has expanded over the years, from a single community center to all Norwalk Public Schools.

Carver’s program sites. Our reach has expanded over the years, from a single community center to all Norwalk Public Schools.

We recently joined forces with Fox Run Elementary School and Columbus Magnet School to implement after-school programming. With these additions to our program sites, Carver is operating in every school building in the Norwalk Public Schools district, as well as Side by Side Charter School in Norwalk and Classical Studies Magnet Academy in Bridgeport. The Carver Community Center houses its own after-school program, where K-8 students learn and play in a nurturing community environment.

These after-school programs combine:

High school students are provided with resources for college and career readiness to enable a productive transition into young adulthood. Certified teachers and paraprofessionals manage Carver’s programs in their respective schools.

But Carver is more than just an after-school provider. We are an advocate for equity in education, working to close opportunity gaps for children. We remove barriers to participation in our programs to ensure that students of all backgrounds benefit from an enhanced, personalized learning environment.

Looking toward the future

As enrollment continues to climb for Carver’s many programs, we are constantly brainstorming new ways of enhancing and expanding them. New ways to help our students. And ways to reach new kids.

Though it’s unknown what this new school year has in store for students, parents, educators, and everyone in between, Carver is looking ahead with optimism and determination.

Register your child for after-school today!

A successful summer: Carver helps 700+ Norwalk kids thrive during their summer break

On the last day of summer camp, a group of 5-6 year olds ran giddily around the playground at the Carver Community Center, faces radiant from the sunny day and the sense of freedom that’s unique to children on their summer break.

Four children were testing how high they could swing; one boy proudly announced that he had touched the leaves of a nearby tree. Across the way, another child was offering to make her counselor a friendship bracelet. “How many strings do you want? And which colors? I can add beads too!”

When asked about their favorite parts of camp, answers were similar across all ages and genders:

  • Making new friends

  • The teachers (Affectionately referring to their camp counselors)

  • Playing outside and in the gym

  • Learning in the computer lab (Math and literacy were taught using computer programs)

  • The field trips (Of which there were many: blueberry picking at Silverman’s Farm, The Beardsley Zoo, The Maritime Aquarium, Lake Compounce, and more...)

At Carver, we understood the importance of this summer and what it would mean to children who had just endured an isolating and difficult school year. Kids needed to be kids, to experience the joys that summertime brings. They needed an outlet for their creativity and curiosity. They rightfully deserved it.

Meeting the needs of Norwalk’s children

We knew we needed to strengthen their academic skills and facilitate their social-emotional development to help them recover from the learning loss precipitated by the pandemic and to adequately prepare them for the upcoming school year. Thankfully, our caring and talented team of Program Directors and Managers, Camp Directors, Coordinators, Counselors, and Administrative Assistants exceeded our expectations by designing and overseeing summer programs that combined academics, enrichments, and pure fun to captivate and educate our campers.

A summer learning program at Side by Side Charter School and After the Summer Bell at Kendall Elementary School were added to our summer offerings this year, joining our summer enrichment camps at the Carver Community Center and Columbus Magnet School, and our summer transition programs for incoming 6th and 9th graders at all Norwalk middle and high schools. Mo’s Summer Run, a community-based basketball program held in the evenings at the Carver Community Center, expanded with the addition of the L.O.V.E. Unit, which brought the program to Roodner Court and Columbus Court.

A snapshot of the Carver summer experience

Summer is a time for fun and exploration, for new experiences and new friends. By prioritizing accessibility and making our summer learning programs free and highly affordable, children of all backgrounds can enjoy the glee and wonder that summer elicits. Parents can attend to their work and personal obligations without worries, knowing that their child is in a safe, supportive environment.

Some of the many activities, enrichments, and field trips over 700 Carver kids experienced this summer are listed below.

After the Summer Bell engaged students through: 

At Side by Side, students enjoyed: 

  • Interactive STEM enrichments 

  • Fencing

  • Yoga 

  • Coding 

  • Pottery 

  • Scrapbooking 

  • Forensics

Campers at the Carver Community Center had weekly dance classes, soccer games led by a group of teenaged volunteers called “Level the Field,” a videography enrichment, and music and art classes led by Beatastic, a nonprofit group founded by a Greenwich Academy student.

Columbus campers were delighted by a surprise visit from Spiderman and a trip to SeaQuest in Trumbull, where they learned about and interacted with a variety of animals, including a snake and an albino hedgehog. 

At West Rocks Middle School, students in the transition program engaged in fun science experiments, learned about nature and sea creatures during visits from Earthplace and The Maritime Aquarium, and reached new heights at Sky Zone. The transition program at Ponus Ridge Middle School teamed up with West Rocks for an eventful trip to Bowlmor Lanes.

Incoming 9th graders at Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School loved the partnership between their respective transition programs and the new Norwalk Art Space, which had students exhibit projects summarizing what they learned about their new schools. Rowing was another favorite enrichment among students, with many experiencing the sport for the first time.

Our community cares

Our summer programming is made possible by an incredibly generous community of donors and volunteers. Thank you for your help in giving Carver kids the positive summer experience they deserved!

 

Want an easy way to support carver kids? Follow us!

NPS School Start Times To Shift Beginning Tuesday, October 5th

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The Norwalk Board of Education held a special meeting yesterday to review solutions to the arrival and dismissal delays that we have been experiencing since the start of school. The meeting included an update from NPS about the impact delays have on instructional time, results from surveys of parents and students, and scheduling options to relieve traffic congestion. Public comments from parents, students and staff were also shared.

To watch the recording of the special meeting, click here.

To view the PowerPoint presentation that discussed during the meeting, please click here.

Following this discussion, the Board made the decision to change school start times back to the schedule that was in place during the 2019-20 school year. Revised bell times will be available on the NPS website shortly. This is the school bell time schedule that was in place prior to Covid, and before the implementation of new times recommended by the School Start Time Committee.

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To give families time to adjust work schedules, pick up or drop off arrangements, child care, or enroll in before or after school programs, the schedule change will take effect on Tuesday, October 5. (Monday, October 4 is a professional development day for staff and a day off for students.)

New bus schedules will be published on the NPS website on Wednesday, September 22.

It's National Hispanic American Heritage Month!

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It's a national celebration to honor the history, culture, and influence of past generations who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central, and South America. The observance started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson's administration as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week.

This year, the theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope."

Norwalk Public Schools will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a proclamation during the September 21 Board of Education meeting.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America. Latinx is a gender-neutral English neologism, sometimes used to refer to people of Latin American cultural or ethnic identity in the United States.

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On September 14, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month:

“During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage. We see it in every aspect of our national life: on our television and movie screens, in the music that moves our feet, and in the foods we enjoy. We benefit from the many contributions of Hispanic scientists working in labs across the country to help us fight COVID-19 and the doctors and the nurses on the front lines caring for people’s health. Our Nation is represented by Hispanic diplomats who share our values in countries all over the world and strengthened by military members and their families who serve and sacrifice for the United States. Our communities are represented by Hispanic elected officials, and our children are taught by Hispanic teachers. Our future will be shaped by Hispanic engineers who are working to develop new technology that will help us grasp our clean energy future and by the skilled union workers who are going to build it.”

Resources:

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

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On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave FULL approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. More info at  fda.gov.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A NORWALK VACCINE SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK (September 13-19, 2021) 

The State of Connecticut controls the vaccine distribution schedule. Full details from the State can be found at ct.gov/covidvaccine.

Norwalk residents who wish to receive email or text updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine from the City can now sign up at norwalkct.org/vaccineupdate. Residents can enter their email address and/or cell phone number to be alerted of changing news, updates, and vaccine eligibility.

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Vaccine Clinics 

To receive alerts of newly-posted clinics, enroll for notifications at norwalkct.org/vaccineupdate.

Pfizer is available for anyone 12 or older. Those 12-17 must have parent/guardian consent. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are available for those 18 years of age and older. 

Wednesdays in September
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Maritime Aquarium
10 N. Water Street
Vaccine: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson

The City of Norwalk has partnered with Community Health Center, Inc. to provide free COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Veteran's Park. Pfizer (first or second dose) and Johnson & Johnson is available. Pfizer is available for anyone 12 or older. Those 12-17 must have parent/guardian consent. Johnson & Johnson is available for those 18 or older. All clinics are 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. No appointment needed.

Who's Eligible? 

All Connecticut residents, workers, and students ages 12 and older are now eligible. Please note that Pfizer is the only vaccine currently authorized for individuals ages 12 - 17, so individuals in that age group must find a provider who offers Pfizer. For more information about eligibility, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/COVID-19-Vaccination-Phases.

I am Eligible. How do I get the Vaccine?

Eligible individuals have many options for scheduling an appointment to get a vaccine. Click HERE for instructions in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole on how to schedule appointments.

You can visit www.ct.gov/covidvaccine and search by zip code to find: 

  • a list of vaccine providers near you

  • how to schedule an appointment with each provider

  • whether appointments are available

  • which brand vaccine is offered at each location

Some vaccine providers use CDC's VAMS system to schedule appointments. For more information about VAMS, visit: https://covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov/vams/170. 

Phone Assistance 

If you can't make an appointment online, you can call the Connecticut Vaccine Appointment Assist Line (877) 918-2224 to find an appointment. This line is open seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm. 

If you have additional questions, you can call the Health Department's Vaccine Info line at (203) 854-7985.  

The City of Norwalk has partnered with the Norwalk Senior Center and Senior Services Coordinating Council to launch phone assistance lines for Norwalk seniors seeking information regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Seniors may call the Norwalk Senior Center at (203) 847-3115 (English) or (203) 299-1500 (Español), or Senior Services Coordinating Council at (203) 434-3085 or (203) 434-1876 for assistance.

COVID-19 Vaccinations at Home

If you or someone you know is unable to make it to a COVID vaccine clinic, they may be eligible to get their vaccine at home. We’re partnering with Community Health Centers Inc. (CHC, Inc.) to offer Norwalkers free vaccination at home. Call CHC Inc. at 475-231-7706 if you are interested or have questions. For a printable flyer about at-home vaccinations (in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole), click here. 

Community Conversations 

Mayor Rilling hosted a series of Community Conversations around the COVID-19 vaccine.

The first conversation, "Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Communities of Color" from March 3, 2021 featured Dr. Priscilla Agyemang, with Norwalk Hospital and Dr. Tichianaa Armah, with Community Health Center, Inc. Watch the video HERE.

The second conversation, "COVID-19 concerns within the Hispanic/Latinx Community" from March 17, 2021 featured Dr. Luis Fuentes, Amistad Community Health Center, Lucia Rilling, First Lady of Norwalk, Orlando Aquino, Patient & Community Engagement Manager with the Norwalk Community Health Center, and Maria Escalera, Director of Human Services for the City of Norwalk. Watch the video HERE.

The third conversation, “COVID-19 Vaccine Supply, Demand, & Access” from March 31, 2021 featured Dr. Reginald Eadie, President & Chief Executive Officer at Trinity Health of New England, and co-chair of Governor Lamont’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, Greg Burnett and Dominique Johnson from the Norwalk Common Council, and Deanna D’Amore, Director, Norwalk Health Department. Watch the video HERE.

The fourth conversation, “COVID-19 Education, Communication & Outreach” from April 14, 2021 featured Kenneth Waller, CEO of Norwalk Community Health Center, Amy Taylor, VP Community Health Center, Inc., and Deanna D’Amore, Director, Norwalk Health Department. Watch the video HERE.

More Questions? 

Email COVID19TaskForce@norwalkct.org with questions or concerns or call (203) 854-7985. A member of the Mayor's Task Force will respond within 48 hours.

Mental Health is a Priority as We Return to School

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Yesterday, a confirmed case of COVID-19 within Norwalk High School and the P-TECH Norwalk school community put students and staff on a temporary remote learning schedule while the district conducts contact tracing. This is the first time a Norwalk school has gone to a remote model since students returned for full in-person learning on August 30.

There is no doubt that the last year and half has been difficult, and the COVID-19 pandemic changed what many of us consider to be “normal.” That’s especially true for schools, which switched to virtual learning at the outset of the pandemic almost overnight — an adjustment that was harder for some than others.

Resuming in-person learning is eliciting a wide range of emotions, from excited to apprehensive. Anxiety around a big change is typical, and there are ways Carver and our schools help students cope.

We call this practice Social Emotional Learning.

Fears about the potential spread of COVID-19 are still a reality for many, especially as the World Health Organization identifies new variants of the virus. Some parents may be caught between the pros and cons of sending their kids back to school: Children and teens benefit from learning and interacting with their peers in person, but COVID-19 is still a concern.

It’s important to know the facts and stay up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Centers for Disease Control is a great resource.

Regardless of whether a child is vaccinated, they may be required to wear a mask and take additional safety precautions like maintaining social distancing and practicing proper hand hygiene. It is also necessary to know each school’s protocol if a student does test positive — and prepare our children for any contingencies.

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Remember that any disruption to a routine can cause feelings of anxiety and stress, so Carver staff are sure to check in with our students often.

According to mental health experts, symptoms of anxiety can occur when someone feels very worried, nervous or fearful. Signs of depression or stress may also arise as children transition back to school.

Mental health challenges can negatively affect our children’s learning and social development, so it’s important that we check in often and are equipped with the tools and skills to support them in the best way possible. Their feelings are valid no matter what they are, and we can help them work through their emotions in a healthy way.

Returning to in-person learning may not be easy for all students, but maintaining an open dialogue, having a contingency plan, and managing our expectations are just some of the ways we can make this transition easier for our families.

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L.O.V.E. Unit: A new Carver initiative combining basketball, character-building, and community.

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Leadership Overcomes Violence Everywhere: That’s what Carver’s new L.O.V.E. Unit stands for. Led by Tremain Gilmore, Carver Teen Center Director and Co-Executive Director of Ej's H.E.A.R.T. Inc, L.O.V.E. Unit provided free basketball training and mentorship at Roodner Court and Columbus Court in Norwalk this summer, giving children the opportunity to learn one-on-one with local professional basketball players in a supportive, empowering community environment.

L.O.V.E. Unit is a part of Summer Run, an all-summer co-ed program that has been engaging youth through basketball since 2009. Held in the evenings at the Carver Community Center, Summer Run teaches participants the basics of basketball, strengthens their athletic abilities, and builds their teamwork and leadership skills. Youth are provided with rewarding activities and experiences in a safe, inclusive environment surrounded by friends and mentors.

Countless Carver alumni have sharpened their basketball skills at Summer Run, with some going on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. On Friday nights, some return to flaunt their talents, serving as inspiration for the younger players.

Summer Run and its new mobile L.O.V.E. Unit build inclusive communities of support and encouragement, giving children and youth positive role models to help them develop not only their basketball skills, but their confidence and character as well.

Watch the video below to learn more about L.O.V.E. Unit!