Norwalk SoNo Branch Library Launches Free Scholar Support for Students, Expanding Resources for Carver Youth

Carver’s 65+ after-school and summer programs rely on the support of dozens of community partners, including the Maritime Aquarium and Earthplace, which connect our students to the wonders of nature. Among the most vital of these partners are Norwalk’s public libraries, which provide invaluable support to students and families throughout our community on a wide range of subjects.

The SoNo Branch Library at 10 Washington Street recently launched an exciting new initiative called Scholar Support, available on Saturdays and Sundays for students ages 10–18. This free program offers four one-hour slots each day, and advance sign-up is required.

Scholar Support provides:

• Homework, writing, and research help for students ages 10–18

• Career path consultations for students ages 16–18, helping teens prepare for college, vocational training, or workforce entry

• Technical skills support for students ages 14–18, recognizing the growing importance of digital literacy

The idea for Scholar Support originated with a former staff member who grew up in South Norwalk and dreamed of creating a local tutoring service. Working with SoNo Branch Manager Marcus Eason, the library team launched the program this fall to meet the academic and career needs of students and families.

To sign up for Scholar Support, call the SoNo Branch Library at 203-899-2790 or visit norwalklib.org/104/SoNo. If slots are full, students will be placed on a waiting list.

At Carver, we celebrate these types of initiatives because they complement the academic, enrichment, and wellness supports our students receive through Carver programs during the week. Together, with trusted partners like the SoNo Branch Library, we are building a Norwalk where every child has the tools, resources, and encouragement to thrive.

How Carver’s Summer Programs Shape Bright Futures for the New School Year

As the 2025–26 school year begins, Carver students enter their classrooms more confident, prepared, and inspired thanks to one of the most creative, diverse, and effective summer program lineups in the nation. This summer, Carver delivered fifteen unique programs, serving 1,314 young people—from rising kindergartners in Bridgeport to rising sixth- and ninth-graders in Norwalk. Together, these programs blended academic support, enrichment, wellness, and joyful memories that will last a lifetime.

Enrichment Camps: A Summer of Learning and Discovery

Carver operated four vibrant enrichment camps at South Norwalk Neighborhood School, the Carver Community Center, Jefferson Elementary, and Kendall Elementary. Students engaged in hands-on math and literacy instruction, project-based learning, and recreation. Days were filled with excitement, from trips to the Maritime Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, Lake Compounce, Nutmeg Bowling, Earthplace, and Stepping Stones Museum. At Kendall Elementary, Carver extended the Norwalk Public Schools Summer Academy with After the Bell Enrichment, adding afternoons of interactive programming through August.

Building Partnerships for Growth

Two new partnerships expanded opportunities this summer. Ridgebury Farms, with support from the Conner Sheehan Fund, welcomed ten campers into a therapeutic, nature-based program that combined animal care, guided reflection, and outdoor learning. Meanwhile, LiveGirl hosted female campers ages 10–13, providing a three-week all-day camp in New Canaan with transportation arranged by Carver—ensuring no child missed out due to a waitlist.

Transitioning with Confidence: Middle & High School Programs

At Nathan Hale, Ponus, Roton, and West Rocks, rising sixth graders tackled morning academics and spent afternoons exploring arts, crafts, and wellness. Special field trips—from a ropes course in New Haven to Grit Ninja and Sky Zone—helped build teamwork and confidence.

For rising ninth graders, students from Norwalk High and Brien McMahon convened at Brien McMahon High School due to construction. Mornings focused on project-based math, English, and science, while afternoons brought enrichment through rowing on the Norwalk River, art workshops, and even movie outings. Students began high school with stronger academic foundations and new friendships.

Expanding Kindergarten Readiness in Bridgeport

Carver’s Kick-Off to Kindergarten program expanded to six sites across Bridgeport, enrolling 63 students—an increase of 18 from the previous year. With a curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science inquiry, and social-emotional learning, this half-day program provides young learners with a strong foundation.

Sleep-Away Camp: Building Resilience in Nature

For the fourth year, Carver sent middle school students to the Ecology School in Saco, Maine.

Eighty-four students and 12 staff immersed themselves in nature on a 105-acre farm. Canoeing, farming, tide pool exploration, carpentry, and nightly campfires deepened ecological literacy, resilience, and peer connection.

Returning students took on leadership roles, welcoming new campers into the fold.

Community Nights: Safe and Empowering Spaces

Closer to home, Carver hosted Summer Run at the Carver Center for 109 youth and the L.O.V.E. Unit at King Kennedy Housing for 34 young people. These evening basketball and empowerment programs kept students engaged in safe, structured, and positive activities throughout July.

Looking Ahead

Carver’s summer programs do far more than fill the summer months—they bridge learning gaps, foster creativity, promote wellness, and strengthen community ties. As the school year unfolds, the impact of these summer experiences will ripple through classrooms and communities, ensuring that Carver youth step into the academic year ready to succeed.

Celebrating Our Athlete of the Week – A Carver First!

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We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on a truly exceptional student from Brien McMahon High School, Nick Sainthyle, who has just been named Athlete of the Week!

What makes this moment even more special? He’s the first soccer player to be awarded as the Athlete of the Week for this season.

A proud junior, Nick Sainthyle balances his academic responsibilities with the passion and commitment he brings to the soccer field. He’s not only dedicated to his sport, but he also consistently maintains above-average grades — a true example of what it means to be a student-athlete.

Nick Sainthyle is the youngest in his family and follows in the footsteps of his two older sisters, both proud Carver alumnae. He is the last in the family to go through the Carver program, and he’s making sure the legacy continues strong.

Since his freshman year, Nick has been a committed member of YDP, and he’s actively participated in the 2024 and 2025 College Tours — preparing for his future both on and off the field.

We’re proud to celebrate Nick Sainthyle not just as an athlete, but as a well-rounded, dedicated young leader in our community. Keep making us proud!

Carver Honored at AIMSE Summer Soiree, Building a Lasting Partnership

L-R: Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, AIMSE members Obie L. McKenzie and Virginia Pokora. Mr. McKenzie is a highly respected financial services executive and former President of AIMSE, known for his senior leadership roles at BlackRock, Merrill Lynch, and UBS, and for his service on various boards and philanthropic foundations.

On Wednesday, September 17, Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin was honored to speak at the Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE) Summer Soiree, held at the beautiful Shore & Country Club in Norwalk.

AIMSE is the only professional organization dedicated to serving the needs of investment management, sales, and marketing professionals. This year’s gathering was made even more meaningful as Carver was selected as the charitable beneficiary, thanks to the leadership of Larry and Virginia Pokora, AIMSE members and longtime Carver friends. Their advocacy resulted in the Soiree raising $10,000 to support Carver programs.

In her remarks, Novelette drew a powerful connection between the financial sector and Carver’s mission:

“Your industry manages more than a trillion dollars in assets. At Carver, we are managing something just as valuable—human potential.”

This spirit of shared purpose was reflected in an invitation to AIMSE members to engage with Carver in ways that go beyond financial support—by mentoring students, introducing them to career paths, opening doors to corporate connections, and joining Carver’s signature community events such as the May gala and June golf outing.

Carver is deeply grateful to AIMSE, the Pokoras, and all who attended for their generosity and vision. We look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring new ways to connect AIMSE’s professional expertise with Carver’s work of helping young people thrive.

Virginia and Larry Pokora standing with Novelette Peterkin

South Norwalk Elementary: A Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Decades in the Making

South Norwalk celebrated a homecoming decades in the making as local and state leaders, families, and educators gathered on September 14, 2025, to officially open the brand-new South Norwalk Elementary School. For the first time in more than 40 years, South Norwalk children will walk to a school in their own neighborhood—a milestone that represents opportunity, equity, and community pride.

A Community’s Dream Realized

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together Mayor Harry Rilling, Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella, State Senator Bob Duff, members of the Norwalk Common Council, state commissioners, and countless community advocates who made this dream a reality.

Norwalk Common Council Member Darlene Young captured the spirit of the day: “The only way you start a community is with a school. Start with the young people.” Principal Randall Austin, a South Norwalk native, called the opening a “full circle moment” in his life. “We are a village,” he said, urging the community to continue building on this sense of unity.

Five student ambassadors joined Principal Austin, Assistant Principal Francheska Rodriguez, and distinguished guests in cutting the ribbon, a symbolic moment marking not just the completion of a building, but the restoration of a neighborhood’s heart.

Carver’s Longstanding Role in South Norwalk

Carver has stood alongside South Norwalk families throughout this journey. Long before and while the new school was being constructed, Carver provided before- and after-school and summer programming at Concord Magnet School, ensuring continuity of enrichment and academic support. Many of those students now fill the classrooms and hallways of South Norwalk Elementary, where Carver continues to operate After the Bell programs designed to help every child thrive.

Carver knows this school is more than brick and mortar—it is a hub for opportunity, belonging, and family connection. From homework help and literacy supports to hands-on STEAM enrichment and wellness programs, Carver is proud to be part of the vibrant new chapter unfolding in South Norwalk.

State Leadership that Makes Dreams Possible

The $78 million school was made possible thanks to state funding that covered 60% of the cost, relieving Norwalk taxpayers of the full burden. Senator Bob Duff, a lifelong Carver advocate, played a pivotal role in securing this investment. His commitment to educational equity extends far beyond South Norwalk Elementary. Senator Duff is also a key force behind the major state funding driving Carver Community Center’s current renovation project—another transformational investment that will serve generations of children and families.

Looking Ahead

As Mayor Rilling reflected, watching children walk hand-in-hand with their parents to the first day of school was a moving reminder of why this matters. Superintendent Estrella called the building an investment not only in South Norwalk but in the future of the city as a whole.

For Carver, the opening of South Norwalk Elementary is both a celebration and a continuation of our mission. We are honored to support this neighborhood school with the same dedication that has guided us for decades—ensuring that every child, in every community, has the chance to succeed.

Carver Selected as Inaugural Partner for the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program

Carver is proud to announce that we have been chosen as an inaugural partner in the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program—an extraordinary initiative designed to open doors and expand horizons for underrepresented students pursuing higher education.

The Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program is a non-tuition-based needs program, fully funded and established by Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.).

This groundbreaking program addresses disparities in college access and success by combining non-tuition-based financial assistance and partnerships with organizations like Carver to provide students with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need not only to enter college but also to thrive throughout their academic journeys.

Carver’s Role as Inaugural Partner

As the program’s charity partner, Carver will:

• Identify and Nominate Students who would most benefit from this life-changing opportunity.

• Integrate S.T.A.R. Resources with Carver’s own Future Readiness and college support services.

• Build Community by fostering peer networks and encouraging student participation in workshops and mentoring activities.

• Collaborate with S.T.A.R. to monitor outcomes, share updates, and adapt support structures to meet evolving student needs.

Why This Matters

Carver has a long track record of helping students overcome barriers to higher education, with 100% of Carver seniors graduating on time since 2005 and 88% of our scholarship recipients completing college within six years. By partnering with Stand Together Against Racism, we’re taking this commitment to the next level—joining forces with a program that provides holistic, continuous support throughout the college years.

This partnership amplifies Carver’s mission to ensure every student is prepared not just to enter college but to succeed and graduate ready for the future.

We are deeply honored to be an inaugural partner of the Rising S.T.A.R. College Success Program and excited to see the transformational impact this program will have on Carver students and families in the years ahead.

Carver Students Experience the Excitement of the HBCU NY Classic at MetLife Stadium

For the second year in a row, this past weekend, Carver’s Future Readiness Coordinators Isiah Gaddy and Iman LaBorde-Mobley took 15 Carver students to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for an unforgettable experience: the HBCU New York Football Classic, held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium.

The highly anticipated matchup featured Howard University (Bison) vs. Morehouse College (Maroon Tigers)—a rivalry that stretches back decades and continues to represent the best of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). More than just a football game, this annual classic is a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, culture, and community.

Students witnessed not only the excitement on the field but also the unforgettable traditions that define an HBCU Classic. The day was filled with marching band battles, step shows, cultural expos, and alumni gatherings, showcasing the energy and pride that have made HBCUs a cornerstone of American education and cultural life.

For Carver students, the event was an opportunity to experience first-hand the spirit and legacy of HBCUs—institutions that have shaped generations of leaders. Many students are beginning to consider their own college journeys, and attending the Classic offered them a powerful vision of the history, tradition, and future opportunities that HBCUs provide.

As Carver continues to guide students toward success in high school, college, and career, experiences like the HBCU NY Classic help broaden horizons, inspire aspirations, and connect students to a community that values excellence, culture, and belonging.

Honoring National Hispanic American Heritage Month: Celebrating History, Culture, and Contributions

Carver is proud that Hispanic students represent more than half of our student body, bringing with them a wealth of culture, heritage, and spirit. We celebrate their achievements every day, honoring their contributions to our schools and community as an essential part of Carver’s success.

From September 15 to October 15, we join the nation in celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the profound history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

This annual observance highlights the rich diversity of traditions, identities, and legacies that Hispanic and Latino communities have carried across generations, shaping the fabric of American society in countless ways.

The celebration begins on September 15, a date of great historical significance as it marks the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Soon after, Mexico commemorates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18, underscoring the vibrant spirit of freedom and resilience that defines this month of remembrance and pride.

Each year, major federal cultural institutions—including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Gallery of Art, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum—collaborate to honor Hispanic Americans’ achievements. Their joint programming ranges from exhibitions and concerts to lectures, digital collections, and educational resources that illustrate how Hispanic American communities have shaped U.S. history, art, politics, science, and society.

As we reflect on this month, let us celebrate the countless stories of courage, creativity, and achievement that have enriched our nation—and recommit ourselves to ensuring that the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities are recognized and uplifted for generations to come.

Bankwell Renews Grant to Strengthen Carver’s Academic, Wellness, and Financial Literacy Programs

Carver is proud to announce Bankwell’s renewed grant in support of our youth development mission. Bankwell, a Connecticut-based bank, has been a steadfast partner, demonstrating time and again that their commitment to community is more than words—it is action.

For many years, even during the pandemic, when Carver needed to adapt quickly to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs, Bankwell was there. Their thoughtful partnership continues today, providing resources that touch every corner of our programming—from academic enrichment and wellness to preparing our high schoolers for college, such as their luggage drive for Carver’s 50th annual Spring College Tour a few years ago.

We are especially grateful for the leadership of Nancy Caccia, FVP | Community Relations at Bankwell in the New Canaan branch. Nancy is a true advocate for Carver, volunteering her time for holiday events, making introductions to strengthen our network, and now helping us launch a new financial literacy course for middle schoolers. This program will equip young people with critical life skills that will serve them well into the future.

Bankwell’s gifts are generous, timely, and deeply rooted in a concern for the well-being of our students. Their impact is felt in the classroom, in the Carver Community Center, and in the lives of the thousands of young people we serve each year. We remain grateful for friends like Bankwell who continue to come through for Carver in spectacular ways.

🍦 Rowayton Civic Association Brings Sweet Welcome Back Ice Cream Social to Carver 🎉

The new school year kicked off with a sweet surprise at the Carver Community Center! Thanks to the generosity of the Rowayton Civic Association (RCA), our CASPER K–5 students enjoyed a special “Welcome Back Ice Cream Social” complete with gallons of delicious ice cream and all the toppings they could dream of.

Longtime Carver friend and RCA trustee Jen Capelo—a tireless advocate for our students—donated the toppings, making the event extra festive. Laughter, sprinkles, and smiles filled the room as our young learners celebrated the start of another exciting year of growth and discovery at Carver.

Founded in 1911, the Rowayton Civic Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to enriching the cultural, recreational, and environmental life of Rowayton and its neighbors in greater Norwalk. From educational programs and community festivals to supporting initiatives like Carver through the RCA Discretionary Grant Program, the association has been a steadfast champion of community spirit and service for more than a century.

Carver is grateful for RCA’s commitment to our mission and for always finding creative ways to let our students know they are supported and celebrated. With partners like RCA, Carver students head into each new school year with confidence, joy, and a sense of community behind them.