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Warming Hearts with Yarn: Carver’s 5th Grade Scholars Crocheting Project at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School

This fall, the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School took on a unique and heartwarming project. Led by Jefferson’s crocheting expert teacher, Mrs. Liz Williams, students dove into crocheting, creating a cozy blanket for the school nurse’s office. The student’s experiences inspired the initiative, noting that the nurse's office can be chilly when they aren’t feeling well. Mrs. Williams, with her years of experience and passion for crocheting, turned this idea into a creative and educational project as part of Carver’s STEAM enrichment activities.

Mrs. Williams is a beloved teacher at Jefferson, known for her patience and creativity. Her approach in the classroom ensures that each student, regardless of skill level, receives personalized guidance. She demonstrates every stitch, providing a step-by-step tutorial. With individual support tailored to each student's needs, she nurtures a supportive environment where creativity thrives.

The students who participated in this meaningful project were:

  • Victoria A.

  • Audrey M.

  • Lianny

  • Adrianna

  • Yaxiel

  • Maria

  • Zuria

  • Arianna

  • Lixy

  • Maddy

  • Dailyn

  • Brihatna

  • Yaretzi

  • Kylie

  • Anusha

  • Selena

  • Kym

  • Kelly

These young scholars worked together, learning the intricacies of crocheting while contributing to a project that would comfort their classmates in need. The experience provided a wonderful blend of technical skill development and community service, hallmarks of the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program.

The Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience to prepare these 5th graders for middle school. It emphasizes academic support and enrichment, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Under the leadership of Carver's Lead Program Coordinator, Julie Signore, a 5th Grade Teacher at Jefferson, the program offers diverse activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Carver’s commitment to supporting students at Jefferson includes providing after-school programming that helps them develop new skills, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for future success.

Through this crocheting project, the students learned a new craft and experienced the joy of creating something with a purpose. This initiative is a beautiful example of how Carver’s STEAM enrichment programming goes beyond traditional academics, fostering practical and meaningful skills.

Fostering Responsibility and Curiosity: Carver’s Aquarium Inspires Young Stewards of Nature

At the heart of the Carver Community Center is a humble yet bustling aquarium that has quickly become a favorite among our K-5 students. Our aquarium is a hands-on learning tool that allows children to connect with nature, fostering a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and wonder. Maintaining an aquarium is no small task, and at Carver, we believe that teaching kids to care for these underwater ecosystems has lasting benefits that extend far beyond the glass tank.

Each week, our students rotate responsibilities for feeding the fish, checking the water quality, and observing the health and behavior of their finned friends. Through these tasks, children learn the importance of consistency, patience, and each individual's role in maintaining a healthy environment. We teach them to carefully measure the amount of food to prevent overfeeding and guide them in routine cleaning tasks to keep the tank clear and vibrant. By participating in these activities, our students gain hands-on knowledge about ecosystems, balance, and the needs of living creatures, skills that align well with our STEAM-based educational approach.

One of the highlights of our aquarium program is when the students share what they’ve observed about the fish during the week. This might be anything from noticing a fish’s unique behavior to observing how they interact with their environment. These discussions spark curiosity, encourage questions, and empower students to think critically about how small actions can impact the well-being of animals.

Our aquarium offers a peaceful, grounding experience in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Students can slow down, observe quietly, and care for creatures that rely on them, instilling a sense of empathy and stewardship that we hope will stay with them as they grow, whether it’s a first-grader gently feeding the fish or a fifth-grader taking charge of water quality checks, every student who contributes to our aquarium learns that they, too, have the power to make a difference, one small ripple at a time.

At Carver, we’re proud to see our students’ excitement and dedication grow as they care for our aquatic residents. The aquarium has become a symbol of our community’s commitment to nurturing minds and hearts.

Help Carver Reach Our Goal to Support 125 Families This Thanksgiving! 🍁

Carver’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is in full swing, and we’re committed to ensuring 125 families enjoy a festive, fulfilling holiday meal. As we work toward our goal, we need your support more than ever! Your generosity will help families across our community gather around the table and celebrate with gratitude. Whether it’s a donation of turkeys, financial contributions, or simply spreading the word, every bit makes a difference. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of hope and warmth for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Please get in touch with Brian Allert (brian@the-carver.org) or Nikki LaFaye (nikki@the-carver.org) to volunteer or for more information.

Building Leaders and Giving Back: Girl Scouts of Connecticut Bring Crafts and Community Spirit to Carver's Youngest Students

This week, the Carver Community Center welcomed a special group from the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, who delivered an engaging crafts workshop for our K-5 students. Known for their commitment to community service and youth development, the Girl Scouts provided an inspiring hands-on experience that sparked creativity and reinforced core values of leadership and teamwork.

The crafts workshop, hosted by the Girl Scouts, was an opportunity for our young students to learn the importance of giving back and working together. The Girl Scouts’ approach is rooted in empowering youth with essential life skills, and their community partnerships—like the one with Carver—play a crucial role in fostering well-rounded, socially responsible young citizens.

Through initiatives like this, the Girl Scouts of Connecticut continue championing important values in young students. Programs like today’s craft workshop help foster:

  • Leadership: Guiding others and taking responsibility within their communities.

  • Critical Thinking: Problem-solving and creativity to bring their ideas to life.

  • Teamwork: Working together harmoniously to achieve a common goal.

  • Civic Engagement: Understanding and actively participating in their communities.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Learning to appreciate and protect the natural world.

The Girl Scouts’ dedication to supporting community-based organizations like Carver shows their commitment to creating leaders for tomorrow. Our students left the workshop with beautiful crafts and a sense of pride, teamwork, and excitement about what they can accomplish when they work together.

We’re grateful to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for their meaningful partnership and for helping Carver’s youngest students discover the joy of creativity, service, and leadership. This workshop is just one example of how we’re working together to empower future leaders and positively impact our community.

Carver Students Experience the Magic of Music: Hands-On Moments with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra

At Carver, we believe in the power of creativity and the arts to expand young minds and inspire dreams. That’s why we’re thrilled to have the continued support and partnership of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, an organization that has elevated the cultural life of Norwalk and surrounding communities since its founding in 1939.

This fall, Carver students were treated to a special behind-the-scenes experience. They immersed themselves in the world of music and met the artists who brought its magic to life.

Recently, a group of Carver students had the incredible opportunity to attend a rehearsal with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, observing first-hand the dedication, teamwork, and talent that go into each performance. Watching the professional musicians play, tune, and harmonize was a thrill, sparking curiosity and admiration as the students witnessed the building blocks of a symphony concert. The children sat captivated, listening as each instrument contributed to the symphony’s full, resonant sound. Seeing the musicians at work brought music to life in a way that left a lasting impression, highlighting not only the excitement of live performance but also the commitment needed to master an instrument.

But the orchestra doesn’t stop there—they have in the past brought their instruments to the Carver Community Center for a hands-on workshop that connected students with the artists and their tools of the trade. Musicians from the symphony led demonstrations of their instruments, providing students with a chance to try their hands at the violin, cello, flute, and other orchestral instruments. The symphony’s artists patiently guided each student, sharing stories about their musical journeys and encouraging curiosity and experimentation. For many students, it was a first encounter with these classical instruments, and their faces lit up with wonder as they produced sounds, some for the very first time.

Since its inception, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra has been committed to sharing the beauty of music with the entire community, creating vibrant, unforgettable experiences that resonate beyond the concert hall. Through these hands-on sessions at Carver and open rehearsals, they continue to bring the arts to the heart of Norwalk, enriching lives and sparking passions that will carry forward for years to come. We are grateful for their support and look forward to seeing more Carver kids explore the joys of music with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

Norwalk’s New Arts and Cultural District Designation Amplifies Carver’s Commitment to STEAM Education

Norwalk recently celebrated its new status as an Arts and Cultural District, awarded by the Connecticut Office of the Arts. This designation, highlighted by a community celebration in Mathews Park, marks a pivotal recognition of Norwalk’s vibrant creative landscape. The event also featured unveiling an expansive mural that spans over 1,000 feet along a retaining wall near Interstate 95, welcoming visitors with colorful depictions of animals chosen by residents in a summer survey. The mural, painted by local artists Sonny Behan and Ernesto Maranje with assistance from five other artists, has transformed the space into a testament to Norwalk’s unique artistic spirit.

As Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, city officials, and community members gathered to celebrate, the spotlight on Norwalk’s creative environment reinforced the value of Carver’s STEAM programming. By weaving arts education into its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) offerings, Carver nurtures creative expression alongside academic development for Norwalk’s youth. Through hands-on learning, Carver’s students engage with the arts in ways that stimulate imagination, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills that will shape their futures and enhance their contributions to a culturally rich community.

Carver’s alignment with Norwalk’s dedication to arts and culture demonstrates the importance of fostering artistic appreciation from a young age. Norwalk’s new Arts and Cultural District designation underscores the community’s collective commitment to creativity and further inspires Carver’s students. With Carver’s longtime and nearby program partner Norwalk Arts Space and the city’s array of galleries, theaters, and creative businesses, Carver’s students experience firsthand the influence of art in their community, learning that the arts are not only an expression but a vital part of community identity.

Norwalk Art Space

Commenting on the mural, Common Council member Josh Goldstein said, " The wall is now transformed and emblematic of what makes Norwalk special. It’s colorful and welcoming, thoughtful, and exciting.” This sentiment echoes the values Carver seeks to instill in students through its STEAM programming: creativity, curiosity, and community engagement.

In Norwalk, art is not just seen—it’s experienced, shared, and celebrated. This Arts and Cultural District designation strengthens the city’s commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for artists and educators, encouraging Carver’s students and the larger community to explore, innovate, and contribute to the vibrant artistic culture that makes Norwalk a truly inspiring place to live and learn.

Fall Fun at Carver Community Center: Crafts, Snacks, and Games with NCL-Westport Volunteers!

Carver Community Center recently celebrated fall with an unforgettable event for our students. The afternoon was filled with crafts, seasonal snacks, and interactive games. The highlight of this year’s gathering was the support and participation of volunteer mothers and daughters from the National Charity League (NCL)—Westport Chapter, who donated snacks, provided craft materials, and helped lead activities throughout the day.

Organized by Carver’s NCL Liaison, Andreina Bauer, and her daughter, Talia, the NCL-Westport team brought extra warmth and enthusiasm to the event. With the help of dedicated volunteers like Dori Nissenson, her daughters Avery and Shea Nissenson, and Bridget Menninger and Maggie Wiele, who are members of the Class of 2025, the event offered a memorable experience for every student.

Students rotated through several activity stations, beginning with a craft station with fall-themed supplies for creating colorful decorations and keepsakes. Under the guidance of the NCL volunteers, students expressed their creativity, building confidence as they brought their ideas to life. At the snack station, students enjoyed treats provided by the NCL team, including a selection of seasonal favorites that paired perfectly with the fall ambiance. From apple snacks to pumpkin treats, there was something delicious for everyone to enjoy.

The games station was a hotspot of laughter and teamwork, with various games designed to keep everyone energized and entertained. The students had a fantastic time, encouraged by the enthusiastic NCL-Westport volunteers who joined in the fun and kept spirits high.

Events like this, enhanced by the support of Carver’s partners and volunteers, help create lasting memories and foster a sense of community and belonging. Carver is deeply grateful to the NCL-Westport Chapter for their generous contributions and commitment to making this fall celebration a success.

Thank you to all who made this event possible. As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to more joyful gatherings that bring our community closer together!

State Bond Commission Approves $3.5 Million for Carver Community Center's Vital Renovations and Expansion

Today marks a significant milestone for the Carver Community Center. In a special meeting at the Legislative Office Building, the State Bond Commission formally approved a $3.5 million state funding commitment for the center's continued renovations. During the meeting, Governor Ned Lamont outlined his spending priorities for the commission, including 43 agenda items. Among these, Carver's support is a crucial investment in the community's future.

This achievement is the culmination of efforts by Senator Bob Duff, the Norwalk Delegation, and the Connecticut Community Investment Fund's members, who advocated for Carver’s proposal. This funding will ensure that the center, which has been a beacon of hope and service for many, undergoes transformative improvements.

Earlier this year, Carver initiated a $1.7 million expansion in April, including constructing a two-story teen center adjacent to the gymnasium. With the added $3.5 million, the center will experience a comprehensive overhaul. The building will be brought up to code, its footprint expanded, and accessibility improved by installing an elevator. Additionally, a new secure entrance will enhance the safety and comfort of all who use the facility.

This new funding will help ensure that Carver continues to serve as a vital resource for youth and families in Norwalk for years to come, providing a safe, enriching learning, growth, and community-building environment.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to modernize and enhance the Carver Community Center!

Youth Roundtable convening on exploring solutions and alternatives for youth aggression in the community: Join the Conversation!

The City of Norwalk Youth Services Advisory Board (YSAB) is sponsoring a vital community conversation on Monday, October 28th, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Main Norwalk Public Library. This initial convening will explore potential solutions to address and reduce youth aggression in our community.

As a first step in this ongoing effort, the meeting will serve as a listening session, allowing participants to exchange preliminary ideas and perspectives on this complex issue. Lunch will be provided, so RSVP to ensure adequate refreshments.

We encourage community members, stakeholders, and any interested parties to attend. Feel free to invite others who are passionate about contributing to this critical dialogue. Together, we can create safer spaces for Norwalk’s youth.

RSVP to: dwalenczyk@norwalkct.org