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Unleashing Nature's Wonders: Carver's Second Group Embarks on an Unforgettable Summer Journey with The Ecology School

Here are our students (with their parents) just before they departed for The Ecology School on Sunday. We just posted this story about our first group of students returning to The Ecology School this summer who left last Friday. Read here about this unique Carver summer initiative for Norwalk middle school students to experience a traditional New England sleepaway camp in Maine. They explore the woods, waters, and fields of The Ecology School at the River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River, just twenty minutes from the Maine coast.

The Carver community is grateful to The Grossman Family Foundation for making this awesome summer experience possible for Carver students.

Nestled amidst the pristine natural beauty of Maine, The Ecology School presents an extraordinary opportunity for this group of Carver’s rising 6th graders. For many of these young minds, this week-long adventure marks their first time being away from home, and it promises to be an experience they will cherish forever. The Ecology School's immersive programs offer an escape from familiar surroundings and a transformative journey into the heart of nature.

As the students step off the bus and onto the sprawling grounds of The Ecology School, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air. The towering trees, lush greenery, and the distant sounds of wildlife awaken a deep connection with the natural world. This unique setting becomes their home away from home, where they can discover themselves and forge lasting memories.

One of the highlights of this incredible opportunity is the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural environment. Through hands-on activities, guided hikes, and interactive workshops, the students dive headfirst into the intricate web of ecosystems. They learn about sustainable farming practices, explore the delicate balance of aquatic life in the nearby rivers, and study the diverse plant and animal species that call this region home.

But it's not just about the science behind nature; The Ecology School believes in fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us. The students are encouraged to engage all their senses, listen to the melodies of the forest, feel the earth beneath their feet, and breathe in the crisp, invigorating air. These experiences awaken a newfound respect for the environment and will inspire a desire to protect and preserve it.

Beyond the scientific and ecological lessons, The Ecology School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for personal growth. For many of these students, this week away from home presents an opportunity to develop newfound independence and resilience. Away from the comforts of familiar surroundings, they learn to adapt, face challenges, and build strong bonds with their peers.

The dedicated staff at The Ecology School understands the significance of this transition, and they create a safe and inclusive space where each student can thrive. From team-building activities to storytelling around the campfire, every moment is designed to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the students gather around in the evenings, sharing stories of their day's adventures. Laughter fills the air as they reflect on the awe-inspiring sights they witnessed and the friendships they forged. These shared experiences create a sense of community and leave an indelible mark on their hearts.

When this next week draws to a close, the students will return to Norwalk with a renewed sense of wonder, a broader perspective, and memories that will last a lifetime. They will carry the knowledge that they are part of something bigger, a connection to the natural world that will guide their actions and shape their future.

The extraordinary opportunity of staying at The Ecology School in Maine transcends the boundaries of a typical summer experience. It becomes a transformative journey that opens young minds to the wonders of nature, nurtures personal growth, and instills a deep sense of responsibility for our planet. For these middle school students from Norwalk, it is an adventure that will forever be etched in their hearts, reminding them of the beauty and potential that lies within and around them.

Homecoming to Nature: Carver Students Return to The Ecology School in Maine for an Unforgettable Journey of Environmental Discovery

Here are our students with their parents just before boarding our chartered bus to Maine to return The Ecology School. The Carver community is grateful to The Grossman Family Foundation for making this awesome summer experience possible for Carver students.

For the second consecutive year, 25 (now) rising 7th graders returned to The Ecology School today for a summer experience full of discovery and memories. Next Sunday, a second group of rising Carver 6th graders will travel to The Ecology School for their first summer experience in Maine. We will continue to add a new cohort of rising 6th graders to this awesome summer program each year.

Read here about this special Carver summer initiative for Norwalk middle school students to experience a traditional New England sleepaway camp in Maine. They explore the woods, waters, and fields of The Ecology School at the River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre farm located on a scenic bend in the Saco River, just twenty minutes from the Maine coast.

Attending The Ecology School in Maine for the summer offers middle school students an extraordinary experience that nurtures their love for nature and instills a deeper understanding of ecological systems. Surrounded by the pristine beauty of Maine's landscapes, students embark on a transformative journey of environmental education. Through hands-on activities, such as field research, organic farming, and wildlife exploration, they develop a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings. Collaborating with like-minded peers, they cultivate a sense of stewardship, learning how to protect and preserve the environment. The Ecology School in Maine becomes a sanctuary where young minds flourish, fostering a generation of eco-conscious individuals dedicated to shaping a sustainable future.

Carver took the Pledge to be a Civically Engaged Organization!

Carver took the pledge to become a Civically Engaged Organization (CEO) 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 numerous ways.

Civic engagement, especially voting, strengthens the social fabric of the Carver community and beyond. Residents forge connections with their neighbors by getting involved in local elections and other civic initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity. This sense of community cohesion is essential for building trust, empathy, and understanding among Carver's residents, ultimately leading to a safer and more supportive environment.

Civic engagement allows individuals to have a voice in shaping the policies, decisions, and priorities that affect their daily lives. By participating in community forums, attending town hall meetings, or joining local organizations, Carver residents can advocate for their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This active involvement ensures that community decisions are more representative, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse perspectives and interests within Carver.

In addition to promoting a vibrant democracy, civic engagement enables Carver residents to address critical issues and create positive change. By volunteering, organizing grassroots campaigns, or participating in community service projects, individuals can work collectively towards tackling challenges such as education, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Through these efforts, the Carver community becomes empowered to overcome obstacles, improve living conditions, and enhance the quality of life for all its members.

Civic engagement is important to the Carver community because it promotes unity, inclusivity, and progress. By actively participating in the civic life of Carver, residents can work together to build a stronger community, address societal challenges, and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Through their collective efforts, the Carver community thrives and becomes a place where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.

Next Monday is Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told they were free. Also called Juneteenth National Independence Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day (TX), Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day — on Monday, June 19, 2023, this day will have been observed for 157 years.

Connecticut also made this a state holiday.

We have celebrated and written about Juneteenth many times here through the years, and here, and here is a description of one of our celebrations at the Carver Community Center in 2017.

For generations, Black Americans have recognized the end of one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history with joy in the form of parades, street festivals, musical performances, or cookouts.

The U.S. government was slow to embrace the occasion — it was only in 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19th, as a federal holiday.

The national reckoning over race ignited by the 2020 death of George Floyd helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.

As recently said by Para LaNell Agboga, museum site coordinator at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in Austin, Texas: “Our freedoms are fragile, and it doesn’t take much for things to go backward.”

Carver's 51st Annual Testimonial Dinner Awards and Scholarships

Our young people and their proud families came together last Wednesday evening for our 51st annual Testimonial Dinner at the Carver Community Center. Each year, we recognize our YDP students, and we award financial scholarships to graduating seniors on their way to college and to current college students. This year we awarded 45 graduating seniors and continuing college students with scholarships cumulatively amounting to $140,000. This opportunity for our students is made possible through the support of our incredible donors and program sponsorship from The Connecticut State Department of Education and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Rhea Gorham, P-TECH Program Coordinator, and Brian Allert, Chief Program Officer

SEE OUR FACEBOOK ALBUM HERE WITH ALL THE EVENT PHOTOS.

The evening began with a keynote address by P-TECH Program Coordinator, Rhea Gorham followed by dinner for all our awardees and their families.

We recognized our Students of the Year and Most Improved Students of the Year across all grades. See our facebook page for all the smiling faces! We also recognized our incredible 2023 high school and college graduates:

Brian McMahon Seniors: Doulsina Sandoval, Darlah Lapommeray, & Justin Anthony Burrell

BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL YDP Graduates

Ebel Alliance, Justin Anthony Burrell, Autum Candito, Juno Carlson, Andrea Centeno, Ashley Fernandez, Jensley Hernandez, Riya Kalia, Darlah Lapommeray, Hailey Marte, Chloe Mattus, Damarly Mendez, Bianca Nieves, Doulsina Sandoval, Winzer Teel.

Norwalk High Seniors, Fred Luma & Maddox Sutton


NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL YDP Graduates

Kwame Agyeman, Christian Salgado, Deonna Fields, Darwin Gonzalez, Anthony Harris, Kadence Faucher, Josh Olmeada, Fred Luma, Maddox Sutton, Chance Teel, Stephanie Velaquez, Bryana King, Jasdiel Cantarero, Tia Asia Ruffin, Shawn Brown, Jacob Burden.

Carver YDP College Graduates

Lakia Brayboy, Monica Carswell, Eric Day, Isiah Gaddy, Evan Townsend Henry, Dejanah Lorthe, Shike’da Paucer, Carla Romeus.

We are so proud of all our Carver scholars! We cannot wait to see what our graduating and continuing students go on to achieve.

New Canaan Community Foundation renews its support of the Carver community!

And not just us! The New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF), a non-profit charity organization dedicated to addressing community needs and supporting local nonprofits, just announced the allocation of $712,700 in grants to benefit 92 nonprofit organizations in New Canaan and neighboring communities.

The Foundation celebrated the grant recipients at its awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Grace Farms in New Canaan, CT. We were in attendance along with many other nonprofit partners, community volunteers, as well as the Foundation’s donor-advised fundholders, who choose to partner with the Foundation in their family philanthropy.

NCCF's grants are designed to support high-quality and impactful programs and initiatives that make a positive difference in the community. With the guidance of nearly 100 community volunteers, grant-making decisions are based on the needs and interests of New Canaan and its surrounding communities. This year, the NCCF received an unprecedented 117 applications, totaling $1.5 million in requests, highlighting the tremendous need and the competitive nature of the grant process.

Due to the remarkable generosity of the community, the Foundation will continue to provide impactful funding for a diverse range of programs serving the local community. The grants awarded this year align with five key categories: Human Services; Arts, Culture & Community Resources; Youth & Education; Health (including a dedicated focus on behavioral health); and Seniors & Special Needs.

NCCF, formed in 1977, serves as New Canaan’s local partner for advice, leadership and facilitation of charitable giving. The Foundation’s vision strives for a New Canaan that comes together to address both individual and local challenges, enriching the lives of all community members. NCCF works with individuals and organizations to achieve their philanthropic goals through donor-advised funds and other partnerships. Learn more at www.newcanaancf.org

THANK YOU, NCCF!

Deloitte's IMPACT Day at Carver Community Center!

We are deeply honored and grateful for Carver to be consistently chosen as a site for Deloitte’s IMPACT Day! Today, Norwalk’s Mayor Rilling and Carver Board President Phil Butterfield welcomed the IMPACT Day team of Deloitte volunteers to the Carver Community Center.

Watch our THANK YOU VIDEO!

Every year, volunteers from Deloitte’s Stamford office devote their IMPACT Day activities to refurbishing, organizing, and beautifying the Carver Community Center. The Deloitte team helps us organize closet space, repaints furniture and walls, and goes to work throughout the community center grounds to help us get ready for our summer programs. Their hard work transforms our space and we’re grateful to them for the gracious volunteering they do each year.

Many, many thanks to Deloitte and their employees for generously volunteering their time and support each year at Carver! Learn more about the many priceless contributions Deloitte makes to the community all year long here:

Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. Thank you, Deloitte, for your year-round commitment to collectively making an #ImpactThatMatters in the communities where your employees live and work!