EnglishHaitian CreoleSpanish

Vote for Carver: Help Fairfield County Bank Choose a Worthy Cause for July's Charity of the Month!

Click on this image to vote!

Vote for Carver in the Fairfield County Bank Charity of the Month Contest.

Fairfield County Bank is known for its commitment to supporting local charities — including Carver through the years! — and has launched its exciting Charity of the Month contest for July. They kindly selected Carver to be included in this contest for the month of July. The winning organization receives an additional $1,000 in support from the bank for the year.

Fairfield County Bank has built a strong reputation for its unwavering dedication to supporting the community through corporate contributions and employee volunteerism. The bank recognizes the importance of local charities in positively impacting the lives of residents in Fairfield County. Fairfield County Bank ensures that the selected organizations genuinely resonate with the people they serve by empowering the community to identify charities that align with their passions and are actively involved in the community.

For July, the focus is on empowering organizations that support education and youth development. Through this theme, Carver stands as an excellent nominee.

By voting for Carver, you are supporting the growth and success of local youth and investing in our community's future. The additional $1,000 support from Fairfield County Bank would further enhance Carver's ability to equip young individuals with the tools they need to thrive in school and careers.

Now is the time to make a difference in the lives of young students and the community as a whole. Vote for Carver in the Fairfield County Bank Charity of the Month contest and help us secure the additional $1,000 support.

Join the movement, cast your vote, and be part of the positive change our community needs. Together, we can make a difference!

Bankwell Empowers Carver's High School Students with Paid Internships, Investing in Future Leaders

Bankwell is a commercial bank that provides banking and lending services to businesses and residents. Bankwell was founded on the principles of providing an exceptional banking experience and adding value to the communities it serves. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Bankwell renewed its support with a grant of $7,500 to support Carver’s Earn & Learn paid internship program for Norwalk high school students!

"Bankwell's generous support through the years helps to further our mission in many priceless ways. The great capacity of Bankwell managers to explore and address ways to close opportunity gaps for our children remains one of their greatest communal gifts. I do not think a day passes when I fail to look at Bankwell's commitment to Carver kids with fresh gratitude. It helps that we proudly display a big Bankwell banner in our gymnasium,” proclaims Novelette Peterkin, Carver's Chief Executive Officer.

Carver partners with individual schools, school districts, and community partners to design and implement comprehensive systems of high-quality college and career pathways designed to maximize the potential for student success. We focus sharply on what students need to know to achieve lasting success in both college and career, not just one or the other.

We aim to improve not just how students learn, but also how the community provides opportunities for learning and practice. With an interdisciplinary, experiential approach, we connect students to local industry professionals who provide workplace tours, help create authentic projects, and by high school work side-by-side with students through paid internship experiences such as these programs at Norwalk Hospital and at The Maritime Aquarium.

Carver launched new initiatives in 2022 to help ensure students have access to a meaningful career pathway and the support needed to fulfill their aspirations. These include installing full-time Future Readiness Coordinators (counselors dedicated to Carver students) during the day and after-school at Norwalk and Brien McMahon High Schools.

THANK YOU Bankwell for continuing your generous support of Carver youth!


Carver summer students take part in a tree planting ceremony at The Ecology School in Maine

Read about our two groups of Carver students attending The Ecology School here, here and here, this year, thanks to the generosity of The Grossman Family Foundation! CEO Novelette Peterkin is in the the back row, center left.

Carver CEO, Novelette Peterkin, visited Carver students at The Ecology School in Maine this summer in time to participate in a special tree planting event on Wednesday. They joined local officials and representatives from the American Farmland Trust and Hannaford Charitable Foundation in announcing The Ecology School’s 200-acre addition to its regenerative agriculture learning campus at River Bend Farm alongside the Saco River.

In celebration of this historical moment in The Ecology School’s history, Carver students contributed to the installation of a native plant “guild”— a community of plants working together to enhance each plant’s natural function. Each plant is native to Maine and will support pollinators and produce food for humans and other animals.

The environmental living and learning center will use the increased acreage to expand opportunities for hands-on education in sustainable and eco-friendly farming operations. In gaining the additional acreage, The Ecology School will be able to grow more food with a wider variety of crops, including grains, livestock, and vegetable oil, while expanding conservation research, education opportunities, and community engagement and collaborative partnerships in pursuit of climate-resilient, equitable, and healthy community food systems. This acquisition comes as The Ecology School celebrates its 25th anniversary in the community following its founding in 1998.  

This new addition to the immersive River Bend Farm campus landscape/foodscape will enhance The Ecology School’s agroecology lessons that teach how the science of ecology can be applied to sustainable agriculture and is a perfect representation of The Ecology School’s AgroEcology for Resilient Communities (ARC) farming practices and the collaborative partnership between the three organizations.  

The farming expansion marks a significant milestone for The Ecology School, which has helped thousands of youth and adult program participants better understand climate-smart agriculture, conservation, and regenerative farming practices since its new campus opened in April 2021. Approximately 3,500 students visit River Bend Farm annually, including 50 Carver students this summer, for hands-on learning opportunities that inspire new ways of looking at food, farming, nature, communities, and conservation through studying ecosystems, food systems, and sustainability.  

“This 200-acre land acquisition presents a tremendous opportunity for The Ecology School to expand its already robust hands-on education in agroecology and agroforestry while ensuring that farmland is protected for future agricultural use,” said Amanda Beal, Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “The Ecology School is clearly a leader not just in demonstrating sustainable farming practices but also in inspiring new ways of approaching agriculture and our food systems as a whole.”  

After the tree planting ceremony there was time to go to the beach!

The Ecology School’s original River Bend Farm campus was 105 acres. The expansion includes the neighboring 201.9-acre Fogg Family Farmland, which is under an agricultural conservation easement with Maine Farmland Trust and encompasses the rest of the “bend in the river,” transforming the campus into a 307-acre living and learning laboratory that supports sustainable food systems programming for communities across the Northeast. The additional acreage allows The Ecology School to expand its agroecology farming operations, workforce training, educational programs, conservation, agricultural research, and support collaborative partnerships. Additional fresh food production will benefit program participants through The Ecology School’s Farm-to-Table Initiative and food pantry donations to support community members experiencing food insecurity. With expanded land access, The Ecology School looks forward to continuing to build collaborative partnerships with community organizations and businesses to promote resilient, healthy, and equitable community food systems.  

Please give generously today to make this a summer to remember for Carver kids!

Our 13 transformative summer programs are the beating heart of Carver! There are 1,152 students in grades K-9 presently enrolled, and with your support, we are expecting more!

With your generous contribution here, we will empower all these Norwalk students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive.

Help us offer students the latest innovations in the arts, science, technology, sports, and field trips. Support our rising 6th and 9th graders seamlessly transition to their new schools, equipped with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the fall.

Already there are two groups of Carver kids attending the sleepaway summer camp at the Ecology School in Maine (see here, here, and here), where Carver kids immerse themselves in nature and forge lifelong memories.

Your support makes these dreams a reality. By investing in Carver's summer programs, you invest in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Your generosity opens doors that were once closed, paving the way for academic success, personal growth, and social responsibility.

Today, please consider making your best gift to Carver. Your contribution will profoundly impact the lives of these deserving young individuals.

If you would like to discuss your donation in more detail or explore alternative methods of contributing, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.

THANK YOU!

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.