“From Punishment to Possibility”: Governor Lamont Signs Historic Juvenile Justice Reform Bill at Carver

Yesterday, on July 17, 2025, the Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium at The Carver Community Center in Norwalk was filled with emotion, pride, and purpose as Governor Ned Lamont held a cer emonial bill signing for Senate Bill 1542 — a landmark juvenile justice reform law aimed at protecting Connecticut’s youngest residents from unnecessary and traumatic encounters with the justice system. Here is WTNH’s NEWS 8 coverage of the event, Eyewitness News 3, the State of CT Network, and Norwalk’s Instagram video of the event.

This ceremonial occasion was a powerful statement about what Connecticut values in terms of youth, safety, and community. Governor Lamont was joined by State Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk), a proud Carver alum who introduced the legislation, and State Senator Herron Gaston (D-Bridgeport), who co-authored the bill. Both men offered deeply personal reflections about their own experiences of being handcuffed by police as children — Gaston when he was just 14 years old.

“When I was 12 years old, I was walking with my cousin,” Roberts recalled. “Officers pulled us over and said we fit the description of a robbery. We were handcuffed. It was traumatizing as a child. This bill is for every young person who has ever experienced that.”

The new law — signed officially on July 8 and taking effect on October 1 — makes Connecticut the first state in the nation to enact such protections. Among its key provisions:

Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling

• A ban on the use of handcuffs on children under age 14, except in cases involving active threats or court orders.

• A gradual increase in the minimum age for arrest, from 10 to 12 in 2026, and to 14 in 2028.

• A shift toward developmentally appropriate responses that prioritize dignity, empathy, and the long-term well-being of youth.

“This is not just a bill,” said Sen. Gaston. “It’s a message — a shift in how we value young people. No child should have to carry the trauma of being treated like a criminal for just being a kid.”

Carver board member Drew Seath welcomed guests and spoke on behalf of Carver, noting the powerful symbolism of holding this momentous event in a community space dedicated to youth success. “Carver stands for hope, opportunity, and second chances,” he said. “This bill reflects those same values.”

The ceremony brought together a sea of Carver summer campers, who listened intently as speakers addressed them directly. “Kids are still growing up — one traumatic incident can change your life,” Rep. Roberts told them. He dedicated the bill to youth impacted by the justice system, invoking names like Khalief Browder and members of the exonerated Central Park Five, reminding the audience of the stakes involved in getting youth justice right.

Governor Lamont praised Carver’s work, calling it “essential” for keeping children safe, engaged, and learning. He then turned to the campers and, in true Carver spirit, challenged them to a dance-off, creating a joyful, unforgettable moment as the children surrounded him at center court while he signed the bill into law.

State Senator Herron Gaston (D-Bridgeport)

Rep. Steve Stafstrom, chair of the Judiciary Committee, urged thoughtfulness in law enforcement’s approach to youth: “Just the sheer act of being handcuffed is traumatic. This bill doesn’t prevent handcuffing. It says: stop and think.”

Brittany LaMarr of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee framed the legislation as a catalyst for healing: “This is how safety and justice come together — through evidence, empathy, and mutual respect.”

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling also voiced strong support for Carver and the bill, underscoring the central role community-based organizations play in preventing youth violence and promoting lifelong success.

As the event concluded, Drew Seath extended a heartfelt invitation to Governor Lamont to return when Carver’s new Teen Center opens. The Governor, smiling and surrounded by kids, accepted without hesitation.

Carver is honored to have hosted this landmark moment — one that affirms what we believe every day: children are not problems to be solved, but possibilities to be nurtured. SB 1542 is a step toward that future.

Global Roots, Global Futures: How Carver and Norwalk Public Schools Are Shaping the Next Generation of Global Citizens

Carver’s long-standing commitment to nurturing global citizenship finds powerful synergy with Norwalk Public Schools’ growing adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of education. Together, these efforts are transforming how young people in Norwalk experience the world — preparing students not just for academic success, but for compassionate and thoughtful engagement in an increasingly interconnected world.

Carver has always believed in the power of global experiences to shape young minds. From 2011 to 2015, Carver high school students partnered with NicaPhoto to collaborate with youth in Sonrisa de Dios, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Nagarote, Nicaragua. Through poetry, photography, and shared storytelling, Carver students connected with their peers digitally and in person — even helping establish an organic garden in Nicaragua. Their cross-cultural journey was beautifully captured in a published photojournal book.

In 2018, Carver was invited by the Concord Consortium to help test an innovative pilot called Learning Everywhere, connecting students with museums in the UK, France, and across the U.S. through cutting-edge technologies. Whether nudged by a smartwatch or guided by a mobile prompt, students were encouraged to explore new areas of interest in immersive, curiosity-driven ways — all aimed at expanding worldviews and making global learning feel personal and tangible.

Carver students have also been introduced to global conversations through WeR1Voice, founded by internationally acclaimed musician Morris Pleasure. Through this initiative, Carver students have promoted the Ghana National Museum on Slavery and Freedom and made digital connections with youth in Tanzania, giving them a voice on a world stage and deepening their understanding of global cultures and shared histories.

Sometimes, Carver’s support is highly personal. When one of our students was selected to travel to Japan through the Center for Global Studies, Carver stepped up to help fund the experience. It’s a reflection of our belief that international opportunities should never be out of reach for the students we serve.

These experiences perfectly complement the vision now unfolding across Norwalk Public Schools. The district recently announced that Naramake Elementary School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and Roton Middle School have officially been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer two of its globally respected educational programs. These schools join Brien McMahon High School, which has offered the IB Diploma Program since 2017.

This milestone positions Norwalk Public Schools to offer a comprehensive K–12 IB continuum — a globally recognized pathway that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and academic excellence. It’s a vision that aligns deeply with Carver’s values and programming, including our cultural celebrations and cooking classes that honor the diversity of our student body. In fact, Norwalk’s families speak 59 different languages and represent more than 70 countries — global citizenship isn’t an idea here, it’s a lived reality.

Carver is proud to play a role in reinforcing and extending the impact of the IB mission — “to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Whether through international exchanges, digital global classrooms, or everyday lessons that celebrate our shared humanity, Carver and Norwalk Public Schools are together helping students discover that the world is both vast and within reach.

Together, we are not just preparing students for graduation — we are preparing them to lead, serve, and thrive in a global society.

Carver’s “Kick-Off to Kindergarten” Expands in Bridgeport: 90 Children Begin Their Learning Journey This Summer

This summer, Carver and Bridgeport Public Schools are celebrating an inspiring milestone: the expansion of the “Kick-Off to Kindergarten” program, now serving 90 children across five elementary schools in Bridgeport. What began several years ago as a pilot program has evolved into a powerful partnership and a lifeline for families eager to give their children a strong and confident start to their school careers.

Designed for incoming kindergarteners with little or no prior classroom experience, Kick-Off to Kindergarten introduces young learners to their first school experiences through a joyful blend of social-emotional learning, academic exposure, literature, and enrichment. Four schools each host 15 students, and one school hosts 30 students for a 19-day, four-hour-a-day program that includes breakfast, lunch, and foundational instruction—all led by certified BPS teachers and early childhood-credentialed paraprofessionals.

This summer, Carver is proud to bring this transformative early learning opportunity to Cesar Betalla, Geraldine Claytor, Interdistrict Discovery (which has two classrooms this year), Jettie Tisdal (a new school added this year), and Waltersville Elementary School.

The 2024 program, conducted at four of the aforementioned schools (Jettie Tisdal is new this year), was a resounding success. Using the nationally recognized Brigance Screen III, educators measured student progress from the start to the end of the program:
📚 Average growth: 14 points
📚 Highest individual gain: 45 points
📚 Pre-program average score: 68.5
📚 Post-program average score: 83.5

These gains represent far more than numbers. They tell the story of children arriving at school more confident, curious, and ready to learn. Families are seeing it. Teachers are seeing it. And the entire Bridgeport community is benefiting.

The John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation helped make our innovative programs in Bridgeport possible. Their ongoing commitment to Carver’s work in Bridgeport has helped bring opportunity, enrichment, and readiness to hundreds of children. Because of their support, we are opening doors and opening futures.

Since launching our first BPS partnership in 2018 with the Classical Studies Magnet Academy Extended Day Program, Carver has remained deeply committed to Bridgeport’s youngest learners. “Kick-Off to Kindergarten” is an investment in stronger students, stronger schools, and a stronger Bridgeport.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our BPS partners, the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, early childhood educators, and Carver families for believing in what’s possible when we work together. The success of this initiative proves what we’ve always known: early intervention matters—and it works.

Important Program Update: FY 2025-26 5th Grade Scholars Program Temporarily Suspended

Carver has made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend our 5th Grade Scholars Program for the 2025-2026 school year while we await further guidance from the Trump Administration regarding the future of the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative.

Carver was recently awarded four multi-year 21st CCLC grants totaling $1,770,900—an extraordinary achievement that affirms the strength of our programming and our longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunity. These competitive grants, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), represent the only federal funding stream dedicated exclusively to after-school programs. Out of 35 awards statewide, Carver received four—the most of any grantee in Connecticut.

However, as of July 1, 2025, a statewide freeze on 21st CCLC funds has been imposed due to federal-level actions, halting critical payments just weeks before the new school year. School districts and nonprofits alike are grappling with the consequences—having already approved budgets, staffing, and contracts based on expected funding.

To be clear, no other Carver programs have been impacted at this time. Carver’s After the Bell programs at Norwalk’s elementary schools are continuing as planned, and parents may still enroll their children in those programs for the upcoming academic year. Please contact our Director of Elementary School Programs,Tricia Massucco (203) 838-4305, Ext 115; tricia@the-carver.org, with your inquiries.

This situation, however, is a moving target. The abrupt freeze is already affecting summer programs, childcare support for working families, professional development for educators, and services for students with additional learning needs. These real-time and repeated disruptions may affect families in different ways depending on the provider, school, or district.

We encourage all parents to contact their school administration and any other school-day or after-school providers to confirm whether any of their own expectations for the coming school year have been affected.

Carver remains committed to delivering high-quality academic and enrichment programs, and we are advocating alongside our partners to see this vital funding restored. We will share further updates as soon as they become available. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

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 fundamentals of basketball and enhances athletic abilities while fostering teamwork and leadership skills. This all-summer program offers participants rewarding activities and experiences in a safe, inclusive environment surrounded by friends and mentors.

Mo’s Summer Run 2025: Basketball, Leadership, and Life Lessons Light Up the Carver Courts Three Nights a Week

Carver’s gym is buzzing again!

Mo’s Summer Run 2025 is in full swing, using both the Richard Whitcomb Gymnasium and Carver’s newly refurbished outdoor basketball courts at 7 Academy Street to host an exciting, expanded summer schedule. The program now runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, offering free basketball training for elementary, middle, and high school students in a safe, structured, and high-energy environment.

Now in its 16th season, Mo’s Summer Run continues to be one of Carver’s most beloved programs. Founded in 2009 by community mentor and coach Maurice “Mo” Richardson, the program was created to keep Norwalk youth off the streets and on the court—where they learn not just the fundamentals of basketball, but also critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, and healthy living.

This year’s expanded weekly format includes:

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Elementary School Training

• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Middle School Training

• 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: High School Scrimmages and Games

Each session is tailored to the developmental level of its players, ensuring younger students learn the basics while older youth can showcase their competitive edge in spirited scrimmages and organized games.

On Friday nights, the program reaches its peak energy as local legends—alumni who once trained at Carver and went on to play at the high school, collegiate, and even professional levels—return to inspire, mentor, and compete. It’s more than a basketball run—it’s a community reunion with heart.

Mo’s Summer Run has been repeatedly featured in The Hour and other local outlets for its transformational impact, serving as a positive force during the critical summer months. By combining high-level basketball with meaningful mentorship, Mo’s Summer Run continues to shape not just better athletes but stronger citizens.

For more information, contact (203) 822-2545. Join us this summer at Carver—where the lights stay on, the ball keeps bouncing, and the future gets brighter with every game.

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Principal Damon Lewis Named National Middle School Principal of the Year

We are thrilled to share an extraordinary update to a previous blog post celebrating one of Norwalk’s finest educators—Dr. Damon Lewis, Principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy.

He was just officially named the 2025–26 National Middle School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)!

See the video above that captures the moment of the announcement!.

This prestigious national recognition follows Dr. Lewis’s earlier honor as Connecticut’s 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year, awarded by the Connecticut Association of Schools. Selected as one of just three finalists from across the country, Dr. Lewis received the national award during the Illuminate Gala at the UNITED Conference in Seattle on July 9, co-hosted by NASSP and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

According to an NPS news release:

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers on the national level,” Dr. Lewis said. “It is a testament to the support I have been provided by Norwalk Public Schools in working with our community of learners including staff, students and families.”

Throughout his tenure at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Dr. Lewis has exemplified the very best in educational leadership. His efforts to build a nurturing, academically rigorous, and inclusive learning environment have left a lasting impact on students, families, and staff alike. True to his character, Dr. Lewis emphasized that his goal was never to be seen as the “best principal,” but simply to do “the best job for the community I serve.”

“We are extremely proud of Dr. Lewis for receiving this well-deserved national recognition,” said Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, who nominated him for the award. “His deep commitment to his students, staff and school community is evident in everything he does. We have long recognized his outstanding leadership here in our district, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that excellence celebrated at both the state and national levels.”

From all of us in the Norwalk Public Schools community—and especially from the students and families of Ponus Ridge—congratulations, Dr. Lewis! This national honor is a reflection not only of your leadership, but of the powerful community you’ve helped build. We couldn’t be prouder.

From Fireballs to Therapy Dogs: Carver’s West Rocks Summer Transition Program Helps Rising 6th Graders Build Confidence and Curiosity

A few days ago, Carver’s Summer Transition Program at West Rocks Middle School welcomed rising 6th graders into a world of discovery, confidence-building, and middle school readiness. From Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 31, 2025, students are gathering each weekday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM for a full day of academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and unforgettable hands-on experiences designed to ease their journey into middle school.

The program blends fun with purpose, helping incoming West Rocks students get to know their new school, meet future classmates and teachers, and build the skills—academic and social—they’ll need for a strong start this fall.

Towering Confidence with STEM Challenges
Here, students were given a classic engineering challenge: using only 25 sheets of paper and tape, they had to build the tallest freestanding tower that could hold the weight of a textbook. The challenge demanded teamwork, planning, and perseverance. Watching the towers rise—and sometimes fall—was just as educational as seeing which ones held strong. Most importantly, the students learned that success often grows from trial, error, and creative collaboration.

Reading to Hank the Therapy Dog
One of the most heartwarming highlights was a visit from former West Rocks teacher Jen Duran and her beloved therapy dog, Hank. Students were introduced to the concept of therapy animals and how they help people feel safe, calm, and supported. The next day, each student had the opportunity to read aloud to Hank, a gentle and judgment-free listener. This activity helped students practice fluency and build reading confidence in a relaxed setting, easing some of the academic anxieties that can come with entering a new school.

Fire & Ice with Mad Science

For a thrilling afternoon, Mad Science’s “Fire & Ice” live show turned the school cafeteria into a scientific wonderland. In a series of dramatic demonstrations, students learned about chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, and sublimation. Highlights included:

• Foggy dry ice storms and sizzling scissors

• A floating beach ball held aloft by air currents

• Vanishing flash paper that disappeared in a flash of fire

• Fire experiments that safely wowed the crowd and brought science to life

The interactive, high-energy presentation captivated students, igniting their curiosity about chemistry and physics in a way that lectures never could.

At Carver’s West Rocks Summer Transition Program, rising 6th graders are getting ready for middle school while discovering how fun, engaging, and empowering learning can be. From STEM experiments to emotional literacy, from team-building to reading with furry friends, the summer experience is helping students grow into confident learners and kind classmates, ready to hit the ground running this fall.

Thank You, Mr. Richards!

Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Michael Richards for his exceptional leadership and dedication to our students at West Rocks Middle School. As a longtime Carver teacher, Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher, Subject Area Leader, and Director of Carver’s Summer Transition Program, Mr. Richards continues to inspire both students and colleagues through his commitment to academic excellence, positive school culture, and meaningful enrichment experiences. His work has helped countless rising 6th graders feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive. Thank you, Mr. Richards, for all you do!

Young Scientists Take Root at Carver’s SONO Summer Camp with Garden 101: Hydroponics in Action

This summer, Carver’s SONO Summer Camp at the South Norwalk Neighborhood School is buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and chlorophyll! From July 1 to August 8, 2025, children ages 5 to 13 are diving into the exciting world of soil-free gardening through a dynamic, hands-on science program: Garden 101: Hydroponics in Action.

Running weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (with extended day options until 5:30 PM), this journey introduces Carver campers to the science and sustainability of growing plants in water instead of soil. Designed for students in grades K–8, the hydroponics curriculum makes STEM learning tangible, joyful, and incredibly green.

So… What Is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than traditional soil. With the help of containers, oxygenating air pumps, and nutrient monitoring, students learn how roots can thrive in a water-based environment, with some systems even built by the students themselves!

Each Week, A New Scientific Adventure:

• Week 1: Setting the Stage – Students build a safe, inclusive, and curious science classroom culture.

• Week 2: What Is Hydroponics? – Campers explore and compare hydroponics with traditional gardening.

• Week 3: Soil-Free Survival – A deep dive into how roots, stems, and nutrients work in a hydroponic setup.

• Week 4: Tracking and Troubleshooting – Students take on the role of real scientists, monitoring plant health and environmental variables.

• Week 5: Harvest and Reflect – The grand finale includes harvesting greens, presenting findings, and celebrating growth—of both plants and minds.

What Campers Gain:

• STEM Mastery – Real-world science through inquiry and experimentation

• Science Journaling – Daily reflections build vocabulary and observation skills

• Life Skills – Collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving

• Environmental Awareness – A hands-on introduction to sustainability and innovation

Bilingual materials, interactive journals, and age-appropriate lessons ensure that every child is engaged, inspired, and empowered to grow—both figuratively and literally.

By summer’s end, Carver’s young learners don’t just leave with leafy greens—they walk away transformed into confident, curious young scientists, ready to keep growing long after the school bell rings.

Stay tuned for more stories from across Carver’s summer programs serving more than 1,400 students across Norwalk and Bridgeport!

Roton Camp Kicks Off Summer with Beach Olympics, Team Spirit, and Big Wins for the Girls!

Carver’s Summer 2025 is officially off to a splashing start—and Roton Camp brought the energy with an unforgettable Beach Olympic Games at Calf Pasture and Shady Beach!

Over 50 campers joined in on a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition, building memories that will last all summer long. The beach transformed into an Olympic arena with classic contests like the egg toss, a hilarious wheelbarrow race, and a spirited tug of war that pitted boys against girls, who pulled off a crowd-cheering victory!

After the games, campers enjoyed lunch by the water at Ripka’s Beach Café, followed by free swim and time to relax and recharge by the shore. It was a perfect day of sun, sand, and shared celebration.

This beach day is just one shining example of how Carver’s summer programs nurture joy, connection, and personal growth. With more than 1,400 students participating across Norwalk and Bridgeport, Carver is proud to offer experiences that blend academic enrichment, social-emotional development, and summer fun—from rising kindergarteners to high school leaders-in-training.

The Roton Camp Beach Olympics reminded us all: when kids come together with encouragement, creativity, and community support, everyone wins.