The Evolution of Higher Education: Most Popular U.S. Undergraduate Degrees (2011–2021)
In a world where education plays an increasingly pivotal role in one's future, choosing an undergraduate degree has never been more significant. Rising tuition costs and mounting student debt have made this decision crucial for our aspiring college students. This infographic shows the most popular U.S. undergraduate degrees from 2011 to 2021 to shed light on this critical aspect of higher education.
Created by Kashish Rastogi and based on National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, this chart offers a compelling look at the changing academic landscape of undergraduate degrees awarded in the United States. In particular, it focuses on the 2020–2021 academic year data, comparing it to the numbers from a decade earlier in the 2010–2011 academic year. Prepare to embark on a journey through time and numbers as we explore the transformations in higher education.
See you at the 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival this weekend!
Three days of fun, food, and dazzling free entertainment on multiple stages, plus a myriad of special events for families and friends.
The Norwalk Seaport Association hosts the 2023 Norwalk Oyster Festival at the 35-acre Veteran's Memorial Park in Norwalk. Presented by Carver donor First County Bank!
To add to the fun, the organizers of the Norwalk Oyster Festival have added two new shows that are sure to amaze. These shows are perfect for the entire family!
The WOW Water Circus will take you on a fanciful and whimsical journey above and below the surface with their maritime merriment! Among the many daring feats of this aquatic spectacular is the daring high-speed Jet Ski aerial act that is as unique as it is thrilling.
You can tour of the 129-foot Amistad Schooner docked at Veterans Park. This fascinating tour highlights the story of the Amistad beginning in Africa, the rebellion on board, its legacy's impact, and its relevance to Connecticut’s history.
• Friday, September 8th (6 pm – 11 pm)
• Saturday, September 9th (11 am – 11 pm)
• Sunday, September 10th (11 am – 8 pm)
See you there!
Cranbury Elementary School, the New Ideal Learning Environment for Your Child
The landscape of education is ever-evolving, and the newly inaugurated Cranbury Elementary School, where Carver conducts before- and after-school programs, stands as a testament to the innovative strides in creating optimal learning environments for young minds. This school doesn't just offer education – it offers an experience that nurtures, engages, and uplifts every student.
As you step through the main entrance of Cranbury Elementary School, you're immediately greeted by a sight that sets the tone for the entire establishment. An expansive open foyer welcomes students, teachers, parents, and visitors, with geometric-tiled flooring and cedar-decked ceilings soaring 20 feet high. The design tells a story of ambition, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
The heart of any school is its cafeteria, and Cranbury Elementary School is no exception. Adorned with green and blue sound-absorbing panels, the cafeteria offers a serene ambiance for students to enjoy their meals and engage in social interactions. The south wall is a virtual gallery of the surrounding greenery, with windows stretching from floor to ceiling, bathing the space in natural light.
Adjacent to the cafeteria is a gymnasium that goes beyond the ordinary. Equipped with basketball hoops, a stage platform, and even a climbing wall, this gymnasium is a space for both physical activity and artistic expression. What sets our gym apart is its separation from the cafeteria. This is a rarity in elementary schools and helps create a more focused environment for physical activities.
Beyond the school's aesthetic marvels, the impact on the students truly stands out. The architecture and design contribute to a remarkably calm atmosphere. Acoustic panels ensure a peaceful auditory experience, enabling better concentration and learning.
The school's thoughtful layout extends to the classrooms as well. With large outward-facing windows in each classroom, natural light floods the spaces, creating a bright and conducive atmosphere for learning.
Each classroom has a ViewSonic ViewBoard at its center, enhancing interactive teaching methods. Moreover, incorporating a sound system with an audio jack in each classroom enhances accessibility, ensuring every student can engage with the material effectively.
Security and safety have been paramount considerations in designing Cranbury Elementary School. The layout adheres to state recommendations, with a single entry point for the school. The media space's large windows and others throughout the building are reinforced for safety and can be covered with automated blinds in emergencies.
Cranbury Elementary School sets a new standard in a world where education and safety go hand in hand. It's not just a school; it's a haven for learning, growth, and creativity. As we enter the 2023-24 academic year, the Cranbury Elementary School stands as a beacon of innovation and promise, a space where young minds will shape their futures in an environment that celebrates both their potential and safety.
A New Year Begins: Norwalk Students Return to School Amidst Exciting Changes
The anticipation has been building, the backpacks have been packed, and the alarm clocks have been set – it's that time of year again when students across Norwalk are returning to the classrooms for another academic journey. As the school bells ring out this week, the hallways of Norwalk Public Schools will once again come alive with the hustle and bustle of eager students ready to embark on a year of learning, growth, and new experiences.
With the dawn of this academic year, some students are being welcomed back into familiar spaces that have been recently transformed, while others are stepping into brand-new schools that have just been completed. The excitement is palpable, not only because of the fresh start that each new school year brings but also due to the changes and improvements that await both students and staff.
This week marks the beginning of classes for an estimated 11,317 students across Norwalk's 22 schools. This week is especially notable for many of these students as they step into spaces that have undergone remarkable changes. One of the most eagerly awaited projects, the new Cranbury Elementary School, is a testament to Norwalk's commitment to providing top-notch educational facilities. With its construction now complete, the students of Cranbury Elementary School will enjoy a modern and vibrant learning environment that will undoubtedly enhance their educational experience.
But it's not just the physical spaces that are transforming. Norwalk Public Schools welcomed 107 new staff members, including 68 fresh faces in the teaching profession. These educators bring enthusiasm, innovation, and a passion for helping students reach their full potential. Their presence underscores the school district's dedication to providing quality education and support to every student who walks through the doors.
Change is also evident in the leadership positions of some schools. Nathan Hale Middle School welcomes a new principal and assistant principal, while Roton Middle School, Brookside Elementary School, and Rowayton Elementary School welcome new assistant principals. This changing of the guard at the administrative level promises to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to these institutions, ensuring a dynamic and progressive learning environment.
While the new school year buzzes with excitement, it's worth noting that the future holds even more promise. The proposed South Norwalk School is progressing steadily among the ongoing projects, with construction documents now in development. This upcoming addition to the educational landscape is a testament to Norwalk's commitment to providing excellent student opportunities.
As backpacks are slung over shoulders and lockers are organized, returning to school is not just a return to routine but to growth, discovery, and achievement. The opening of this academic year in Norwalk demonstrates the power of communities coming together to invest in the future, create spaces where young minds can flourish, and empower educators to shape the leaders of tomorrow. As the school doors swing open once again, the possibilities are endless, and the excitement is contagious. Here's to a successful and transformative school year ahead!
Summer Exhibition at The Norwalk Art Space, Friday, August 25th, from 4-6pm, and a Teen Talent Show to follow from 6-8 pm!
Reeling in Adventures: Carver's Summer Campers Discover the Joys of Fishing on Long Island Sound
The sun-drenched days of summer bring a world of exploration and discovery for young hearts eager to embrace the great outdoors. At Carver, we believe in providing our summer campers with enriching experiences that create lasting memories and foster a deep appreciation for nature's wonders. Our recent fishing adventure on the picturesque Long Island Sound, made possible by the Pelagic Beast Fishing Charters, is a prime example of the magical moments our girls, aged 10 to 13, have enjoyed.
A Fishing Expedition to Remember
Based out of Norwalk, the Pelagic Beast Fishing Charters have transformed how our young students perceive and interact with the natural world. With their tried-and-tested fishing techniques and passion for sharing their knowledge, the Pelagic Beast crew has opened up a world of possibilities for our eager campers.
The vessel, a 32-ft Downeast-style boat, boasts both comfort and safety, ensuring our girls could fully immerse themselves in the experience without any worries. Cruising at a brisk 20 knots, the Pelagic Beast maximized fishing time, providing our campers with more opportunities to cast their lines and create stories of their own. With a capacity to accommodate six anglers and a crew of three, the boat's state-of-the-art gear and cutting-edge electronics made locating fish a thrilling adventure in itself.
Expertise and Equipment for Unforgettable Moments
Equipped with high-quality fishing gear, including rods by Seeker and St. Croix, reels by Avet, and hooks by Owner Hooks, the Pelagic Beast Charters ensured each camper had the tools they needed for success. The diverse range of fishing techniques, from trolling and bottom fishing to jigging and popping with lures, ensured every camper could find a method that resonated with them.
A Tapestry of Marine Life in Long Island Sound
Connecticut's Long Island Sound is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity, offering over 100 species of fish that dance beneath the glistening surface. From the thrill of reeling in striped bass and bluefish to the delight of encountering summer flounder, scup, hickory shad, black sea bass, and tautog, our campers were treated to a spectacular showcase of aquatic life.
At Carver, we believe these experiences are not just summer escapades but opportunities for growth and learning. Through the art of fishing, our girls learned patience, teamwork, and a deep sense of respect for the environment they were exploring.
Carver: Nurturing Tomorrow's Adventurers
As a community pillar, Carver is committed to shaping young minds and nurturing their dreams. Our summer campers' fishing expedition with the Pelagic Beast Fishing Charters embodies our mission of providing holistic, enriching experiences that build character and create treasured memories. Watching our girls light up with joy as they reeled in their catches reaffirmed the power of nature to inspire, educate, and bring smiles to young faces.
So, the next time you wonder what's biting in Long Island Sound, ask our summer students. Their stories will be filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the magical thrill of reeling in adventure on the open water. Carver and partners like Pelagic Beast Fishing Charters are here to empower the next generation of explorers, one cast at a time.
Carver is ready for the new school year!
We define readiness as our overall willingness and capacity within our organization and our staff that enables change to occur successfully. More specifically for programs, this means:
Having strong operations and procedures. This includes building a positive culture and climate, creating processes for collaborative decision-making, ensuring alignment with existing policies and practices, and having the capacity and plans for implementation.
Ensuring staff well-being. Our programs help staff develop self-efficacy and a growth mindset, as well as provide staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to help facilitate change.
Keeping stakeholders, including our young people and their families, engaged and informed. Carver ensures they have input into decisions and understand how these decisions will affect them.
Accessing specific resources, materials, and training that are unique to the particular and intentional change programs are making and/or new ideas they are introducing.
U.S. Department of Education's commitment to Raise the Bar & Lead the World
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona laid out his vision for the Department's direction in 2023 to promote academic excellence, improve learning conditions, and prepare our students for a world where global engagement is critical to our nation’s standing. In his address, Secretary Cardona remarked that “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” is not a list of new priorities but a call to strengthen our will to transform education for the better, building on approaches that we know work in education.
Raise the Bar incorporates three pillars:
Achieve Academic Excellence through efforts to accelerate learning for every student and deliver a comprehensive and rigorous education for every student;
Boldly Improve Learning Conditions through efforts to eliminate the educator shortage for every school and invest in every student’s mental health and well-being; and
Create Pathways for Global Engagement through efforts to ensure every student has a pathway to college and career and provide every student a pathway to multilingualism.
Carver Students Soar to New Heights at Sky Zone: A Memorable Outing for Rising 6th Graders in the Summer Transition Program
Carver students attending the Summer Transition Programs at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and West Rocks Middle School recently embarked on an exhilarating outing to Sky Zone, the world's largest operator of trampoline and active entertainment parks. As they hit the runway and bid farewell to gravity, they discovered new excitement and fun while preparing for the exciting journey that awaits them in the coming school year.
Sky Zone, known for maximizing Next Level Fun, provided the perfect environment for Carver students to unleash their energy and creativity. Amidst the climbing, flips, jumps, and laughter, the young learners found themselves in a space that celebrated movement, self-expression, and individuality. The experience wasn't just a thrilling adventure and essential in fostering physical and cognitive development.
The Summer Transition Program at Carver is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for rising 6th graders, helping them acclimate to their new schools, teachers, and peers before the academic year starts. Spearheaded by Michael Richards, a passionate Social Studies Teacher at West Rocks Middle School, and Joe Giandurco, an enthusiastic educator at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, the Carver Lead Program Coordinators worked tirelessly to create enriching experiences for the students throughout the year.
As the day at Sky Zone unfolded, it became evident that this outing offered much more than a mere adventure. The thrill of bouncing off trampolines and conquering gravity not only left the students exhilarated but also had a positive impact on their cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing brain function and promoting overall well-being.
The Summer Transition Program at Carver recognizes the value of holistic development and understands that fostering a strong mind-body connection is vital for a successful academic journey. Sky Zone was an ideal setting, aligning perfectly with Carver's commitment to empowering young minds and bodies.
With every jump, flip, and twist, the rising 6th graders solidified their friendships and built confidence in themselves and each other. As they experienced the joy of movement, they were unknowingly preparing themselves for the exciting challenges and opportunities ahead in the new school year.
Carver extends its heartfelt gratitude to Michael Richards and Joe Giandurco for their dedication to the program, ensuring that Carver students receive the support and guidance they need to thrive in their educational journey. Through the Summer Transition Program, these educators go above and beyond to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on the lives of their students.
The outing to Sky Zone became a memorable milestone for Carver students, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. By flying high and embracing the spirit of play and discovery, these rising 6th graders are well on their way to navigating the halls of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and West Rocks Middle School with confidence, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community.
