Carver Receives $5,000 Donation from Crane Charitable Funds

Bill Alexander, Senior Accountant at Crane NXT, with Carver summer campers and Elsie Lopez, Carver Executive Administrator, and other Carver staff

We are thrilled to announce a generous $5,000 donation from Crane Charitable Funds to Carver! This contribution will support our ongoing programs and new initiatives, enriching the lives of Norwalk's youth.

Carver was honored to welcome Bill Alexander, a Senior Accountant at Crane NXT, who presented the check. Bill, a longtime friend of Carver, grew up in Norwalk and spent many happy hours playing basketball in our gym with his friends. Now residing in Stamford, Bill remains a strong advocate for our work and was delighted to nominate Carver for this donation once again.

During his visit, Bill joined our summer campers for a fun session of shooting hoops in the gym, reminiscing about his own childhood experiences here. He also took the opportunity to learn about the exciting new developments at Carver, including the construction of our new Teen Center, set to open in September.

We are deeply grateful to Bill and Crane Charitable Funds for their continued support and commitment to Carver's mission. Their generosity ensures that we can keep providing valuable programs and services to the youth of Norwalk.

Stay tuned for more updates on the new Teen Center and other exciting happenings at Carver!

Carver Receives Generous Support from The Community Fund of Darien

Carver Director of Philanthropy Nikki LaFaye standing with Lisa Haas, Director of Community Grants, The Community Fund of Darien

We are thrilled to announce that The Community Fund of Darien has renewed its generous support of Carver again this year. The awards ceremony occurred on Tuesday, July 16, at The Meadowlands at the Darien Community Association. The event was a grand celebration of community spirit, attended by over 130 guests, including Norwalk Mayor Rilling, Terrie Wood, board members, volunteer review panelists, and many other esteemed members of the community.

This year, The Community Fund of Darien awarded its most enormous grant volume in its 73-year history, distributing $790,500 to 36 local nonprofit organizations. These grants support vital services such as food, housing, mental and physical healthcare, job and skills training, and youth success programs for Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford residents.

"The $790,500 grant pool includes $715,000 in Community Grants, $15,500 in Youth Community Fund Grants, and a new Darien initiative that recently raised $60,000 to place a TeenTalk mental health counselor at Middlesex Middle School in collaboration with Kids in Crisis and The Darien Health Department," said Janet King, Executive Director of The Community Fund of Darien. "We are profoundly grateful that our donors generously responded to the growing needs of our neighbors."

Since 1951, The Community Fund of Darien has distributed over $28 million to local nonprofits and community initiatives, impacting thousands of lives. Lisa Haas, the Fund's grants director, presented the grantees with their awards, emphasizing the importance of community support and investment in impactful programs that address basic human needs.

"The support from our donors makes today’s celebration possible. Caring for our neighbors and investing in proven and impactful programs that address basic human needs strengthen the fabric of our community," Haas said. "We can all be very proud of this year’s outpouring of support and generosity by donors and volunteers alike."

Carver is honored to be among the recipients of these grants and is proud to collaborate with the following local nonprofits, all of whom share a commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community:

• Abilis

• All Our Kin

• Americares Free Clinics

• Boys and Girls Club of Stamford

• Building One Community

• Child Guidance Center of Southern CT

• Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County

• Domestic Violence Crisis Center

• Domus

• Family & Children’s Agency

• Family Centers

• Filling In the Blanks

• Food Rescue

• Future 5

• Horizons at CT State Norwalk

• Horizons at New Canaan Country School

• Human Services Council

• Inspirica

• Intempo

• Kids In Crisis

• Laurel House

• Liberation Programs

• Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center

• New Covenant Center

• Open Doors

• Pacific House

• Person to Person

• Saint Joseph Parenting Center

• Senior Nutrition Programs

• SilverSource

• Stamford Cradle to Career

• Stamford Peace Youth Foundation

• STAR Inc. Lighting the Way

• The Darien Depot

• The Rowan Center

We thank The Community Fund of Darien for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Thanks to them, we can continue positively impacting and creating a stronger, more resilient community.

Engineering Excitement: Carver’s Summer Transition Program for Rising 6th Graders at West Rocks Middle School

The transition to middle school can be daunting for students, but Carver’s summer transition programs are here to ensure our rising 6th graders at West Rocks Middle School make this move with confidence and enthusiasm.

Under the expert leadership of Michael Richards, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Subject Area Leader, and Carver's longtime Grade 6 Summer Transition Program Director, our students thrive in an environment designed to foster growth and curiosity.

Carver’s summer transition programs in each of Norwalk’s four middle schools offer individualized instruction, parental involvement, small group learning experiences, diverse enrichment STEAM activities, free transportation, and full-day activities benefiting working families. This comprehensive approach helps students learn the basics of navigating their new school, meet their teachers and classmates, and build a solid academic foundation.

One of the standout aspects of our program this summer has been the engaging STEM activities that have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our students. These hands-on projects are fun and help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Building the Tallest Tower

Using only paper and tape, our students were challenged to construct the tallest tower possible. This activity required them to think creatively about structure and stability while working collaboratively with their peers. The emerging towers were as diverse as the students, showcasing various design ideas and engineering principles.

DaVinci Bridges

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's ingenuity, our students used rubber bands and pencils to create "DaVinci Bridges." This activity highlighted the importance of tension and balance in engineering, teaching students how simple materials can create strong and stable structures. The excitement in the room was palpable as each group tested the strength of their bridges, learning through trial and error.

Creating Aluminum Foil Boats

In another exciting project, students designed and built boats from aluminum foil. The goal was to create a ship that could float and carry as many small objects as possible without sinking. This activity combined buoyancy, weight distribution, and material properties, challenging students to apply scientific principles practically and enjoyably.

These STEM activities are a testament to Carver’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and engaging educational experience. By allowing students to experiment, build, and create, we are fostering a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them.

Igniting Curiosity: Carver’s Summer Transition Program for Rising 6th Graders at West Rocks Middle School with Mad Science

Summer is a time of discovery and growth for the rising 6th graders in Carver’s summer transition program at West Rocks Middle School. Under the expert guidance of Michael Richards, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Subject Area Leader, and Carver's longtime Grade 6 Summer Transition Program Director, our students are getting a head start navigating their new school environment and building the skills they need for success.

Carver’s summer transition programs are specially designed to offer individualized instruction, parental involvement, small group learning experiences, diverse enrichment STEAM activities, free transportation, and full-day activities that benefit working families. These elements create a supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive.

A standout moment in our summer program was a visit from one of our regular STEAM program providers, Mad Science. Known for its interactive and hands-on approach to learning, Mad Science brought a series of exciting experiments that captured the imagination and curiosity of our students.

The day was filled with various experiments using chemicals, dry ice, and even the ever-popular "elephant's toothpaste." Each activity was designed to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills while providing a fun and memorable learning experience.

Students were enthralled as they watched chemical reactions unfold before their eyes. The dry ice experiments were a particular hit, with students eagerly participating and asking questions about the science behind the bubbling and smoking effects. The grand finale, "elephant's toothpaste," was met with wide eyes and applause as the foamy substance erupted in a colorful display.

These interactive programs by Mad Science are more than just entertainment; they are a vital part of our educational approach. By experiencing science hands-on, students develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles and a genuine interest in the subject. This learning method also helps build confidence as students see their ideas and hypotheses come to life.

At Carver, we believe in providing a well-rounded education beyond the classroom. Our summer transition program at West Rocks Middle School is a testament to this belief, offering students unique opportunities to explore new subjects and develop essential skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff, like Michael Richards, and the contributions of our community partners, like Mad Science. Together, we create a dynamic and nurturing space where our students can grow and succeed.

As our summer programs continue, we look forward to more exciting experiences and the continued growth of our students. Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible journey of our future leaders at Carver.

Building Confidence and Connections: Carver’s Summer Transition Program for Rising 6th Graders at West Rocks Middle School

Carver summer transition students with Hank, the therapy dog!

As the summer sun shines brightly, Carver’s summer transition programs continue to light the way for rising 6th graders in Norwalk. At West Rocks Middle School, our dedicated team, led by Michael Richards, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Subject Area Leader, and Carver's longtime Grade 6 Summer Transition Program Director, ensures a seamless and enriching transition for our young students.

Carver’s summer transition programs in Norwalk’s four middle schools are designed to offer individualized instruction, parental involvement, small group learning experiences, diverse enrichment STEAM activities, free transportation, and full-day activities benefiting working families. This holistic approach helps students learn the basics of navigating their new school environment while meeting their new teachers and classmates.

A recent highlight of our program at West Rocks was a special visit from Jen Duran, a West Rocks Middle School staff member, and her therapy dog, Hank. Jen and Hank brought joy and learning to our summer students, demonstrating the unique bond between humans and animals and the benefits of therapy dogs in educational settings.

During their visit, students had the opportunity to learn about training a therapy dog. They discovered how Hank was instructed to provide comfort and support, especially in a school environment. The day's highlight was when each student spent time reading to Hank. This activity, proven to promote reading fluency and confidence, allowed our students to practice their reading skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

The benefits of this interaction were immediate and profound. Students initially hesitant to read aloud found themselves more at ease and willing to engage. Hank's gentle presence created a calm and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging even the most reluctant readers to participate.

Carver’s commitment to enriching our students' experiences extends beyond traditional academics. By incorporating activities like reading to a therapy dog, we foster a love of learning and build essential skills to serve our students well as they transition to middle school and beyond.

As we continue our summer journey, we are grateful for the support of our dedicated staff, like Michael Richards, and the unique contributions of community members like Jen Duran and Hank. Together, we create a nurturing and dynamic environment where our students can thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates on our summer programs and the incredible experiences we are sharing with our future leaders. At Carver, we are dedicated to making every moment count as we prepare our students for the exciting challenges and opportunities ahead.

Important Announcement: LOVE UNIT Basketball Training Program Temporarily Suspended Due to Construction

Dear Carver Community,

We regret to inform you that the LOVE UNIT basketball training program for K-12 students will be temporarily suspended during the week of Monday, July 15 to Sunday, July 21. This interruption is necessary due to the closure of Carver’s Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium for the construction of our new two-story Teen Center, which is attached to the back of the gym.

We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our facilities to serve our community better.

The LOVE UNIT program will resume its regular schedule after the construction week, running until August 22nd. The schedule is as follows:

• Elementary Students: 6-7 PM

• Middle School Students: 7-8 PM

• High School Students: 8-10 PM

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 203-822-2545.

We appreciate your cooperation and continued support.

Best regards,

The Carver Team

Cultivating Young Minds: Earthplace Brings the Wonders of Nature to Carver Summer Campers at Naramake Elementary

At Carver's After the Bell Enrichment Camp, held at Naramake Elementary School, young campers aged 5 to 11 embark on an exciting journey into gardening and environmental stewardship. Thanks to the inspiring visit from Earthplace educators, these budding scientists and conservationists are discovering the joys and benefits of growing their food.

Earthplace, a renowned nonprofit organization based in Westport, seamlessly blends the wonders of science and conservation into their teaching. Their visit to Naramake Elementary was no exception, as they transformed the school's outdoor classroom and garden beds into vibrant learning hubs. This hands-on experience allowed the children to engage creatively with academic and enrichment activities while emphasizing STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and project-based learning.

The outdoor classroom at Naramake Elementary is a testament to the power of interactive education. With raised garden beds providing collaborative workspaces, students learned about plant life cycles, healthy eating habits, and the importance of sustainability. Earthplace's educational programs are designed to connect children to nature, fostering a sense of trust and belonging that only time spent outdoors can build.

Through education, Earthplace deepens children's understanding of the natural world, encouraging them to care more deeply about their environment. Their science and research initiatives promote environmental awareness, guiding individual actions toward sustainability. Civic engagement, another cornerstone of Earthplace's philosophy, allows transformative ideas to be shared, ultimately fostering more sustainable communities.

Earthplace is also a destination in Westport. It boasts a 62-acre nature and wildlife sanctuary, complete with interpretive exhibits and over 50 animal ambassadors. The facility includes a water quality research lab that monitors 200+ field sites, numerous student programs, an outdoor amphitheater, walking trails, a picnic grove, and a 22,000-square-foot learning center.

The collaboration between Carver's summer camp and Earthplace exemplifies the powerful synergy between education and nature. By teaching children the benefits of growing their own food, we are nurturing their minds and sowing the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future.

At Carver, we are proud to provide our students enriching opportunities that blend academic learning with hands-on experiences. The visit from Earthplace has left a lasting impression on our campers, inspiring them to grow, learn, and care for the world around them.

Carver's After the Bell Campers Explore the Wonders of the Bronx Zoo!

Summer is in full swing at our After the Bell Enrichment Camp at Naramake Elementary School in Norwalk. Our campers, aged 5 to 11, are enjoying an engaging and supportive environment packed with academic and enrichment activities emphasizing STEAM project-based and hands-on learning.

Among the many exciting activities this summer, one field trip has captured the imagination and hearts of our campers—the visit to the Bronx Zoo.

The Bronx Zoo, located within Bronx Park in the Bronx, New York, is one of the largest zoos in the United States by area and the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres of parklands and naturalistic habitats separated by the Bronx River. Home to over 11,000 animals, the zoo offers a fascinating array of exhibits that captivated our campers.

Our adventure began in the Butterfly Garden, where campers encountered over a dozen species of butterflies fluttering through the greenhouse and meadow of this seasonal exhibit. The children marveled at the brilliantly colored insects, witnessed their life cycle, and learned about the birds and fish that share their exhibit.

Next, we ventured into the Congo Gorilla Forest, where the campers observed gorillas displaying a range of behaviors, from cautious to playful to nurturing. Each gorilla exhibited a unique personality, and it was thrilling to see them interact with one another.

In Jungle World, the campers watched in awe as animals groomed each other atop a maze of branches in the Asian jungle exhibit. The ebony langurs, in particular, defied expectations with their vibrant orange color, echoing a group on an island in Indonesia.

One of the trip's highlights was Tiger Mountain, where the campers got nose-to-nose with the big cats. The children were fascinated by the mighty tigers and learned about their behaviors and conservation efforts.

The campers explored various exhibits throughout the day, offering unique educational experiences combining fun and learning. From tiny toads to big cats, the Bronx Zoo provided an unforgettable experience for our campers, enriching their summer with adventure and knowledge.

This visit to the Bronx Zoo is just one of the many ways Carver’s After the Bell Enrichment Camp makes this summer memorable and educational for our campers. Stay tuned for more updates on our exciting summer programs and activities!

Carver's Summer Programs Launch with Essential Support for Rising 9th Graders

As the sun shines brightly over Norwalk, The Carver is excited to kick off its extensive range of summer programs, designed to serve more than 1,400 local youth. Our commitment to nurturing growth, learning, and success is showcased through our 15 diverse programs, which include traditional summer camps with STEAM and Literacy enrichment and specialized transition programs for rising 6th and 9th graders.

Today, we spotlight our Transition Program for Rising 9th Graders, a critical initiative aimed at preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of high school. This program is designed to familiarize students with their new schools, introduce them to teachers, and help them build connections with fellow incoming students.

Program Highlights:

• Individualized Instruction: Tailored support to meet each student's unique needs and learning styles.

• Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to engage actively in their children's educational journey.

• Small Group Learning: Facilitating intimate, focused learning experiences that promote more profound understanding.

• Diverse Enrichment and Wellness Activities: Offering a variety of activities to stimulate intellectual and personal growth, including swimming.

• Free Transportation: Ensuring all students can access the program regardless of their transportation situation.

• Full-Day Activities: Providing a comprehensive schedule that benefits working families.

Rowing!

Through these elements, the program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate their new academic environment. Incoming 9th graders will learn to read transcripts, understand graduation requirements, earn course credits, and explore potential career paths. Additionally, students will use Naviance/Family Connection to develop an individualized Student Success Plan, setting the foundation for their high school and future career journeys.

School Acquaintance Activities:

• Guided Tours: Familiarize students with their new school buildings, classrooms, and common areas.

• Teacher Introductions: Meet the educators who will guide them through this critical transition.

• Peer Connection: Engaging in activities to build friendships and support networks among new students.

At The Carver, we believe that a strong start in high school sets the tone for future success. Our Transition Program for Rising 9th Graders is a testament to our dedication to providing the youth of Norwalk with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates on our summer programs. We are continuing to highlight the incredible opportunities Carver offers to our community's youth. Together, we are making this summer a season of empowerment, learning, and growth for every child in our community.

Empowerment Through Basketball: Carver’s L.O.V.E. Unit Brings Free Training and Mentorship to Norwalk Youth

Carver’s L.O.V.E. Unit (Leadership Overcomes Violence Everywhere) is back this summer, offering free basketball training and mentorship to youth across Norwalk. Led by Tremain Gilmore, the Carver Teen Center Director and Co-Executive Director of Ej's H.E.A.R.T. Inc., the L.O.V.E. Unit provides children with the unique opportunity to train one-on-one with prominent local basketball players in a nurturing and supportive community environment.

L.O.V.E. Unit is part of Summer Run, a co-ed program that has been engaging young athletes since 2009. Held in the evenings at the Carver Community Center, Summer Run teaches the basics of basketball and strengthens athletic abilities while building teamwork and leadership skills. This all-summer program offers participants rewarding activities and experiences in a safe, inclusive environment surrounded by friends and mentors.

Many Carver alumni have honed their basketball skills at Summer Run, with several advancing to collegiate and professional levels—some return to share their talents on Friday nights, inspiring the younger players. Summer Run and its mobile L.O.V.E. Unit create inclusive communities of support and encouragement, providing children and youth with positive role models to develop their basketball skills, confidence, and character.

Upcoming Dates and Locations for L.O.V.E. Unit Free Basketball Training:

King Kennedy Basketball Court

• Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

  • July 11th

  • July 18th

  • July 25th

Roodner Court

• Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

  • July 9th

  • July 16th

  • July 23rd

Summer Run at the Carver Community Center (Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium)

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00 to 10:00 PM

  • 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Elementary School Students

  • 7:00 - 8:00 PM: Middle School Students

  • 8:00 - 10:00 PM: High School Students

For any questions, don't hesitate to contact Tremain Gilmore at 203-822-2545.

Join us for an unforgettable summer of basketball training, mentorship, and personal growth!