Doug Peoples: Norwalk High School Names Him “Norwalk’s Most Selfless Person”

Jackie Cota and Michelle Lazzaro with their former coach and Mr. Peoples after they went against each other in college

Norwalk High School has bestowed the title of “Norwalk’s Most Selfless Person” on one of its most dedicated and beloved alumni: Doug Peoples. A 1971 graduate, Peoples was a standout three-sport athlete in basketball, football, and track, but his impact on the city of Norwalk has transcended his playing days. For over five decades, he has mentored, coached, and advocated for student-athletes, helping countless young people earn scholarships and succeed in college and beyond.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Dedication

After earning his degree, Peoples returned to his hometown to give back. He started as an official for the Norwalk High School girls’ basketball team, where he influenced and mentored Shannon Singleton-Bates, now Carver’s Recreation Coordinator. A Norwalk High basketball legend, Shannon’s high school career was marked by Player of the Year honors (2006 & 2007), 2-time All-State, 3-time All-Conference, and top 3-point shooting and free-throw percentage rankings. At Francis Marion University, she surpassed 1,300 career points. She is just one of the many athletes across Norwalk High and Brien McMahon whom Peoples has guided to scholarships and collegiate sports careers—some even making it to the pros.

A Karate Pioneer in Norwalk

While playing football at Central Connecticut State University, Peoples took up karate to stay in shape during the offseason. That decision changed his life. Upon returning to Norwalk, he proposed an annual karate tournament to Carver’s legendary director, Richard Fuller, providing kids with a way to earn scholarships. This tradition continued for years until he founded Norwalk Tang Soo Do, a martial arts school that has since trained generations in self-defense, discipline, and leadership.

A Lifelong Commitment to Norwalk’s Youth

Peoples' contributions extend beyond basketball and karate. Over the years, he has been honored by Norwalk’s Old Timers Athletic Association and Brien McMahon High School for his tireless work in helping student-athletes achieve their dreams. He remains a fixture at every Norwalk High and Brien McMahon game, showing steadfast support for the city and its young athletes.

For more than 50 years, Doug Peoples has been Norwalk’s biggest cheerleader—investing his time, energy, and heart into the next generation of leaders. His mentorship, sportsmanship, and service legacy make him deserving of the title “Norwalk’s Most Selfless Person.” And knowing him, he’s just getting started.

Supporting Future Leaders: Brien McMahon YDP Students Fundraise for the 2025 Spring College Tour

The Brien McMahon High School Youth Development Program (YDP) students are on a mission that will take them beyond the walls of their high school and onto the campuses of prestigious colleges and universities. As they gear up for Carver’s 53rd Annual Spring College Tour from April 13-19, 2025, these ambitious students demonstrate determination by actively fundraising to help cover the costs of their transformative journey.

Community Fundraising: How You Can Help

On Saturday, March 15, the students started fundraising outside Dunkin' Donuts on Main Street. Their enthusiasm and dedication were truly inspiring, but their journey is far from over.

This coming Saturday, March 22, they will be at Dunkin’ (650 West Ave) from 7 AM to 12 PM, working hard to raise the necessary funds for their upcoming tour. We encourage the community to stop by, show their support, and help make this dream a reality for these future college students.

Donations can still be made via Cash App and Venmo through the Brien McMahon YDP fundraising accounts for those unable to attend in person. (QR codes are provided below for easy access.)

About the 2025 Spring College Tour

This road trip will take a group of dedicated students—accompanied by Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin and a team of chaperones—on an exciting and insightful journey across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. They will visit at least ten colleges and universities, each offering a unique academic and cultural experience.

At every stop, students will have the opportunity to:

• Engage with college administrators and admissions officers

• Meet successful Carver alumni who will share their college experiences

• Explore potential career and academic paths

• Gain insight into navigating financial aid, scholarships, and campus life

For over five decades, Carver’s Spring College Tour has opened doors for students by exposing them to higher education institutions they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit. Many past tour participants have gone on to attend and graduate from the very schools they visited, proving just how impactful this experience can be.

A Student-Led Initiative

One of the most inspiring aspects of this initiative is that the students themselves are taking an active role in fundraising. They recognize that leadership begins with action, and their efforts to raise money for the tour reflect their commitment to their futures. This is more than just a trip—it’s a life-changing opportunity that fosters independence, ambition, and self-confidence.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Carver community stands behind these young leaders, but we need your help to ensure the 2025 Spring College Tour succeeds. Whether by stopping by Dunkin’ on March 22, donating online, or simply spreading the word, your support will directly impact the future of these students.

Together, we can empower them to reach their full potential and continue Carver’s long tradition of nurturing tomorrow’s leaders today.

Let’s make their dreams a reality! 🚀✨

Bridging the Gap: Carver’s Kindergarten Readiness Program Delivers Remarkable Results in Bridgeport

This past summer, Bridgeport Public Schools entrusted The Carver with an important mission: expanding early learning support to ensure more young learners transition smoothly into their first year of school. Rising to the challenge, Carver brought its tested academic and social-emotional skill development programs to four Bridgeport elementary schools.

The results? Outstanding growth and readiness among these future scholars.

Carver’s Kick Off to Kindergarten program, a 19-day intensive learning experience, provided 58 children with foundational skills in language, physical, and cognitive development. Using the Brigance Screen III, a nationally recognized early childhood assessment tool, educators measured each child's progress before and after the program.

The data speaks for itself:
📌 Average growth: 14 points
📌 Highest individual gain: 45 points
📌 Pre-program average score: 68.5
📌 Post-program average score: 83.5

These measurable gains indicate a stronger foundation in early literacy, numeracy, and school readiness, empowering students with the confidence and skills they need to excel in kindergarten and beyond.

Certified teachers and paraprofessionals, dedicated to early childhood education, shaped a transformative summer experience that will continue to benefit these young learners as they progress in school.

As the school year unfolds, the impact of Carver’s investment in early learning will become even more apparent. By providing children with the tools they need to thrive from day one, we are shaping stronger students, stronger schools, and a stronger Bridgeport community.

👏 A heartfelt thank you to our educators, families, and partners at Bridgeport Public Schools for making this expansion possible. These students' success is proof that early intervention matters—and it works! This program was made possible largely through the generous support and inspired leadership of the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, whose commitment to our mission continues to create a lasting impact on children and families.

Carver’s Summer Transition Programs Prepare Incoming 9th Graders for High School Success

Navigating the transition from middle to high school can be exciting and overwhelming for students and their families. Carver’s Summer Transition Programs at Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon High School ensure that rising 9th graders enter their freshman year with confidence, knowledge, and a strong foundation for academic success.

Designed to ease the shift into high school, these programs provide students with individualized instruction, small group learning experiences, and diverse enrichment activities to support their academic and social-emotional growth. Recognizing that a student’s success is a team effort, the program also engages parents in the process, helping them understand the high school experience and how to support their child’s journey.

Laying the Groundwork for High School Success

Through hands-on learning and interactive workshops, students in Carver’s summer program:

✅ Learn the Basics of High School Navigation – From finding their classrooms to understanding school schedules, students get an early look at life as a high schooler.

✅ Demystify Graduation Requirements – Students dive into high school transcripts, course credits, and graduation requirements to ensure they stay on track for success.

✅ Develop a Personalized Student Success Plan – Using Naviance/Family Connection, students begin to map out their high school journey, exploring career interests, goal-setting, and post-secondary opportunities.

✅ Explore Career Pathways – Students are introduced to different career options and learn how their high school coursework connects to future college and workforce opportunities.

✅ Full-Day Programming with Free Transportation – With working families in mind, Carver’s transition programs offer a full day of learning and enrichment, ensuring every student has access to this vital opportunity.

When these future Norwalk High Bears and Brien McMahon Senators step into their new schools in the fall, they’ll be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

Why It Matters

High school is a pivotal time in a student’s academic journey. By investing in preparation now, Carver is helping students start strong and stay on the path to success. Whether it’s understanding academic expectations, setting career goals, or simply feeling comfortable in a new environment, this program ensures that every student enters high school ready to learn, lead, and excel.

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Carver’s Senior Youth Development Program New Drone Challenge Made Possible with Support from the Deloitte Foundation

Carver’s Senior Youth Development Program is soaring to new heights—literally—thanks to a grant from the Deloitte Foundation to help students explore the possibilities of a technology career. This funding supports students in grades 9-12 at Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School, providing access to innovative technology programming, including Python-based drone coding, 3D design modeling, and robotics.

At Norwalk High School, students recently put their skills to the test in an exciting Drone Challenge, demonstrating the power of programming and problem-solving in action.

The Challenge: Code, Navigate, and Fly

Students competed in two demanding drone exercises designed to push their technical knowledge and precision flying skills.

1. Obstacle Course Navigation:

• Drones had to maneuver through a structured course featuring height and width challenges.

• Strategically placed fans created unexpected wind resistance, forcing students to make real-time adjustments to maintain control.

• Two freshmen, both enrolled in AP Computer Science, piloted their drones using mobile apps, fine-tuning their skills with each attempt.

2. Automated Flight Pattern:

• An 11th-grade student, using Python code written on a laptop, programmed a drone to execute a precise sequence:

• Hover in place

• Pivot 45 degrees twice

• Capture photos of a fixed point at each interval

• Execute a smooth landing

• This challenge emphasized computational thinking, algorithmic logic, and automation—some of the essential skills in today’s tech-driven world.

Building Futures

The Deloitte Foundation’s grant helps these students explore careers in technology, engineering, and programming through a hands-on learning experience.

Carver is proud to empower students with the skills and confidence to take their ambitions to new heights—one programmed flight at a time.

About the Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

You're Invited! Join Us for the Darien Connections Party – A Night of Celebration!

Norwalk Celebrates Progress: Honoring Black History & Breaking Ground on a New Community Recreation Center

A Night of Tribute and Celebration: Norwalk Public Schools’ 3rd Annual Black History & Heritage Festival

Last Thursday night, Norwalk High School was filled with energy and pride as hundreds gathered to celebrate Norwalk Public Schools’ 3rd Annual Black History & Heritage Festival. This year’s theme, “Hands That Built the Nation,” aligned with the national Black History Month focus on “African Americans and Labor,” spotlighting the immense contributions of Black workers throughout history.

The festival featured student performances, spoken word presentations, and tributes to Black pioneers who played vital roles in shaping American industry and culture. Attendees enjoyed historical narratives, dramatic readings, and a tribute to figures like Harry “Bucky” Lew, the first Black professional basketball player, and tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams.

Dignitaries in attendance included State Senator Bob Duff, State Representative Kadeem Roberts, Mayor Harry Rilling, and several Norwalk Board of Education members, demonstrating the city's commitment to recognizing and uplifting Black history.

One highlight of the evening was the “Black Wall Street” showcase, a tribute to Norwalk’s Black-owned businesses that underscored the importance of economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in the community.

The festival served as a powerful reminder of the resilience, innovation, and contributions of African Americans, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Breaking Ground on the Norwalk Community Recreation Center: A Milestone for the City

Exciting progress in South Norwalk! 🎉 The groundbreaking for the new South Norwalk Community Center marks a major step forward in strengthening local resources and opportunities. As Carver continues to provide before- and after-school and summer programs in South Norwalk, we celebrate this investment in the community—alongside other milestones like the establishment of the South Norwalk Neighborhood School (SONO). 📚🏗️

The next morning, another historic moment took place as U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Mayor Harry Rilling, and State Sen. Bob Duff gathered with local officials and community members to break ground on the long-anticipated Norwalk Community Recreation Center at 98 S. Main St.

This transformative project, a collaboration between the City of Norwalk and the Riverbrook YMCA, has been years in the making. With $2 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Himes in Fiscal Year 2023, the facility will provide residents with a range of youth programs, educational spaces, and recreational amenities.

Key features of the new center include:

• A high school-sized gym

• Multipurpose rooms for dance, Pilates, and community events

• A computer lab and podcasting studio

• A sensory-friendly space for children

• Two commercial kitchens, one dedicated to culinary education

The project also represents a revitalization of the surrounding area, once seen as unsafe but now transformed into a welcoming space for the community.

While no official completion date has been announced, the groundbreaking marks a significant step toward a brighter, more connected Norwalk.

And here is a at-a-glance look at Carver’s own storied history!

Carver’s Afterschool Program at Roton Middle School: A Strong Foundation for Success

At Roton Middle School, Mr. Dean Vaccaro leads a team of school day educators who make Carver’s afterschool program such a success. This dynamic and engaging learning environment balances homework, enrichment, and wellness/ recreation.

This blog post highlights how students receive academic support through innovative tools like UPchieve for Teachers and interactive learning activities like the Math Challenge Jeopardy! Game.

UPchieve: Free, Online STEM Tutoring for Carver Students

One group of students at Roton Middle School benefits from UPchieve for Teachers, an online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors in STEM subjects. This Verizon-supported national initiative provides financial backing and over 1,000 Verizon volunteer Academic Coaches to help students succeed.

How it works:

• Students log in and select a subject they need help with.

• UPchieve matches them with a certified tutor in real time.

• Tutoring takes place in a safe, text-based chat and virtual whiteboard environment.

• Students earn rewards: After completing five sessions, students receive a $10 gift card as an incentive.

• Verizon also provides Carver students with laptops, ensuring they can use UPchieve at school and home.

• Educators track progress seamlessly, making sharing updates with teachers and parents easy.

By integrating with platforms like Google Classroom and Canvas, UPchieve ensures a smooth learning experience while empowering students to take charge of their academic success.

Math Challenge: A Jeopardy! Game that Makes Learning Fun

For students looking to reinforce their math skills, Carver’s Math Challenge offers an exciting, game-based approach to problem-solving. Modeled after the classic Jeopardy! This activity turns math review into a friendly competition that keeps students engaged.

Game Setup:

• A game board is organized into categories such as multiplication, fractions, geometry, and problem-solving strategies.

• Point values increase with difficulty, encouraging students to challenge themselves.

• Team play: Students work in teams to choose a category and answer questions.

• Scoring: Correct answers earn points, while incorrect answers may lead to point deductions or opportunities for opposing teams to steal.

This format strengthens math proficiency and encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and confidence in problem-solving.

Enrichment Activities: From 3D Snowflakes to Survival Structures

Beyond homework help, Carver’s afterschool program also nurtures creativity and critical thinking through hands-on enrichment activities:

• Art Enrichment: Students crafted 3D Snowflakes to be donated to the school’s upcoming Frozen production, fostering artistic expression and school community involvement.

• Science Enrichment: Students worked in teams to construct survival structures using natural materials they found outside, testing their ability to design shelters that could withstand inclement weather—a great way to learn engineering and problem-solving skills in a real-world context.

Meet Dean Vaccaro: The Leader Behind Carver at Roton

As the Director of the R.A.M.S. (Carver) Afterschool Program and an 8th Grade U.S. History Teacher, Mr. Dean Vaccaro brings a passion for education and student success to Carver’s afterschool initiatives. A National Board-Certified Teacher, Vaccaro has developed creative ways to engage students, from organizing historical scavenger hunts to coaching students in geography competitions. His leadership ensures that Carver’s program at Roton Middle School is a launchpad for academic growth and personal development.

Empowering Students for Success

Carver’s afterschool program at Roton Middle School offers students a well-rounded learning experience, blending academic support, enrichment opportunities, and recreational activities. Students receive the support and inspiration they need to excel through partnerships like Verizon’s UPchieve, creative math challenges, and hands-on STEAM projects.

Celebrating Dr. Alexandra Estrella: A Stalwart Advocate for Educational Equity and Carver’s Students

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, for being named a 2025 recipient of the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. This prestigious honor recognizes education leaders who have made significant strides in advancing the status of women and minorities in education and addressing social justice issues in schools.

Dr. Estrella has been a champion for educational equity, breaking down barriers to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Since joining Norwalk Public Schools in 2020, she has transformed the district with a bold vision for excellence, inclusion, and opportunity. Her leadership has been instrumental in closing achievement gaps, fostering diverse leadership, and expanding access to high-quality education for all students.

A Powerful Partner to Carver and Our Families

At Carver, we have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Estrella, whose steadfast commitment to our students and families has strengthened our partnership with Norwalk Public Schools. Through her support, Carver has expanded academic enrichment programs, enhanced after-school and summer learning opportunities, and provided critical resources that uplift students from all backgrounds.

Dr. Estrella’s collaborative leadership has ensured that community-based organizations like Carver can flourish as key partners in student success. She helps to bridge opportunity gaps and nurture the next generation of leaders. Her passion for empowering students, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, aligns with Carver’s educational equity and excellence mission.

A Well-Deserved Honor

Dr. Estrella will be honored at AASA’s 2025 National Conference on Education in New Orleans, where she will receive the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award alongside Nettie Collins-Hart, Superintendent of Hazelwood School District in Missouri.

This recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives. We at Carver extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Estrella and look forward to continuing our shared mission of ensuring that every student in Norwalk has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Thank you, Dr. Estrella, for your extraordinary leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to our students and families!