Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Takes Top Honors at Carver Innovators Robotics Showcase at NHRL

Excitement, teamwork, and school pride filled the arena on April 21 as The Carver’s middle school robotics students gathered at NHRL in Norwalk for the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Robotics. With two teams from each of Norwalk’s four middle schools—Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and West Rocks Middle School—the event brought together students, families, teachers, and supporters to celebrate creativity, persistence, and hands-on learning.

Throughout the showcase, students put their skills to the test in a series of lively robotics challenges, including Precision Parking, Tunnel Run, Retrieval & Transport, and the Line Follow Sprint. Using the ERIC robot, they demonstrated not only growing knowledge of gears, motors, sensors, and structural design, but also the patience, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are at the heart of STEM learning.

Mary Martini, The Carver’s Manager of Middle and High School Programs, served as the emcee, guiding the event with energy and encouragement. Novelette Peterkin, CEO of The Carver, and Rafael Soliven of Conair served as judges, while NHRL staff were on hand throughout the competition to help troubleshoot and support students as needed.

After a terrific afternoon of competition, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy took top prize, with Nathan Hale Middle School earning second place. But the real victory belonged to all of the students who stepped into the spotlight, rose to the challenge, and showed what can happen when young people are given opportunities to explore innovation in a fun, supportive environment.

The Carver extends heartfelt thanks to the many people and partners who made this special event possible. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and families for encouraging and cheering on our students. Special thanks to our sponsors—NHRL, Conair, Sound Control Technologies, BMW of Darien, and Terex—for investing in opportunities that help students build confidence and skills. We are also especially grateful to The McChord Foundation for its valued support of Carver Innovators and its belief in the power of hands-on learning to inspire young people.

And thank you to NHRL for hosting this exciting showcase and for helping make robotics more accessible to the next generation of builders, makers, and problem-solvers.

Programs like Carver Innovators remind us that when students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and persevere, they do far more than build robots. They build confidence. They build skills. And they begin to imagine bigger futures for themselves.

Carver Innovators Challenge Kicks Off with Exciting Speed Chess Showcase at The SoNo Collection

The Carver Innovators Challenge launched an exciting new chapter yesterday, April 20, 2026, with the Carver Innovators Student Showcase: Chess at The SoNo Collection. The Chess event brought together students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, and the CASPER program at Carver Community Center, along with their families, educators, sponsors, and community supporters. We witnessed and celebrated strategic thinking, perseverance, and the power of hands-on enrichment in action.

This Fairfield County initiative connects students, educators, and corporate partners through immersive learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving. Over six weeks, K–8 students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and the CASPER program at the Carver Community Center have been working alongside Carver educators, corporate mentors, and professional instructors to build skills in engineering, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking.

A Showcase of Strategy and Focus

Yesterday’s event featured a lively speed chess tournament, where students competed in timed, one-on-one games and earned points based on their performance. The fast-paced format challenged students to think quickly, stay focused under pressure, and apply strategy with confidence.

The showcase began with welcome and opening remarks from Tricia Ciccone, Carver Director of Elementary School Programs, who thanked students and their families, recognized The SoNo Collection for hosting the event, and acknowledged the support of the program’s sponsors.

During her remarks, she highlighted Carver’s commitment to helping students develop critical life skills through STEM-based enrichment programs, including chess. Through hands-on, project-based learning, Carver continues to create opportunities for students to strengthen critical thinking, patience, problem-solving, and confidence.

First-place winners who tied in the Carver Innovators Student Showcase Chess Tournament at The SoNo Collection on April 20, 2026.

Following the opening, Waid Ramsubhag, Carver Manager of CASPER and Jr. YDP at the Carver Community Center, reviewed the rules of play before the tournament officially began. Students then competed across five rounds of play, with each round lasting approximately 10–15 minutes, including transitions. The tournament built excitement round by round as students advanced through the competition and spectators cheered them on.

The afternoon concluded with awards and final thoughts from Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin, who also shared Carver’s enthusiasm about expanding the program to include additional schools next year.

Sponsors and Community Partners

Carver proudly recognized the organizations that helped make the program possible:

• ConAir

• Sound Control Technologies

• BMW of Darien

• Terex

• National Havoc Robot League (NHRL - Presenting Sponsor)

• The SoNo Collection (event host)

• Special thanks to The McChord Foundation

What’s Next: Robotics Showcase Today

The excitement continues today, April 21, with the second public event in the Carver Innovators Challenge:

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase

April 21, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

This second showcase will spotlight the engineering, creativity, and teamwork students have been developing throughout the program, giving the community another opportunity to celebrate their innovation and growth.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is a powerful investment in students’ futures. By bringing together schools, families, educators, and corporate partners, Carver is helping young people discover their strengths and build the confidence to thrive in STEM and beyond.

Free Weekly SMART Teens and Family & Friends Support Groups on Zoom

Positive Directions is offering a free weekly support group designed especially for teens ages 16–18 who are looking to make positive changes in their lives while coping with substance misuse or mental health challenges. The SMART Teens group began on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and now meets every Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. on Zoom. Teens can access the Zoom link at Positive Directions’ groups page.

This free offering creates a safe, accessible space for young people to find support, strengthen coping skills, and take meaningful steps toward healthier choices. By making the group available online, Positive Directions is helping ensure that teens can connect with guidance and encouragement from wherever they are.

Positive Directions is also continuing its free SMART Family & Friends online support group for loved ones of people struggling with unhealthy or addictive behaviors. That weekly group helps participants build coping skills, improve communication, and restore balance in their own lives. It meets on Thursdays from 6–7 p.m., with Zoom access also available through the Positive Directions groups page.

Together, these free supports offer help not only for teens in need of encouragement, but also for the families and friends who care about them most.

Conair Visits Carver Innovators Robotics Team at Ponus Ridge, Inspiring Students Ahead of Showcase

From right to left, Conair team members Nick Sheth of the IT Department, Rafael Soliven, a Product Engineer, and Elena Rebimbas, a college student working in Conair’s Engineering Department through a Co-op Program. On the left is Carver’s Manager of Middle and High School Programs:, Mary Martini.

Carver was proud to welcome representatives from Conair, an early sponsor of the Carver Innovators Challenge, to meet with the 6th- and 7th-grade students on the Carver Innovators Robotics Team at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is an exciting new Fairfield County initiative designed to connect students, educators, and corporate partners through hands-on learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving.

During the visit, students shared their experience building Eric the robot, a challenging project that called for patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Many of the robot’s parts were created using the school’s 3D printer, giving students the opportunity to see how design ideas can become real working components.

The students also heard from Rafael about his work as an engineer, including the process of designing, developing, and testing products such as hairdryers. His remarks helped students make a powerful connection between what they are learning now and the kinds of careers they may pursue in the future.

Mary spoke proudly about how much the students have grown since the first day of the program and said she is excited to build on this year’s success by increasing the level of difficulty in the future. That growth was on full display as students described the collaboration, persistence, and creativity required to bring their robot to life.

Now, the Ponus Ridge team is looking ahead to next week’s Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase, where they hope to take the top prize for their school. Conair team members are looking forward to cheering them on, and Rafael is expected to return as one of the judges.

The Carver Innovators Challenge brings together K–8 students from Norwalk schools with corporate mentors and professional instructors for six weeks of immersive enrichment focused on engineering, strategy, collaboration, and leadership. Through the program, students gain hands-on experience in robotics engineering and coding, build strategic thinking skills, grow in confidence through public competition, and develop abilities that support future STEM learning and careers.

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase
April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation while bringing the community together to recognize the power of STEM learning. Sponsorship of the program lets companies invest directly in the future workforce of Fairfield County and engage employees in meaningful community service.

Carver is grateful for the leadership support of The McChord Foundation, NHL, Conair, Sound Control Technologies, Terex, and BMW of Darien, whose partnership is helping make these opportunities possible for students across Norwalk.

A Season of Celebration: Norwalk Public Schools Shares Key End-of-Year Dates

As the school year moves toward its final chapter, Norwalk Public Schools has announced several important dates that will help families prepare for a season filled with celebration, reflection, and milestone moments.

The official last day of school will be Wednesday, June 24. Students will be dismissed two hours early on both Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24. Norwalk Public Schools will also be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

The district has also approved the 2026 high school graduation and middle school promotion schedule, marking a special time for students, families, educators, and the entire Norwalk community.

High School Graduation Dates
Center for Global Studies — June 12 at 6 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium
Norwalk High School & P-TECH Norwalk — June 16 at 11 a.m. at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport
Brien McMahon High School — June 17 at 6 p.m. on Jack Casagrande Field at BMHS

Middle School Promotion Dates
Roton Middle School — June 15, 5 p.m. at BMHS Auditorium
Nathan Hale Middle School — June 15, 5:30 p.m. at NHS Auditorium
Concord Magnet School — June 15, 6 p.m. at CMS/Ponus Ridge Campus Auditorium
West Rocks Middle School — June 15, 7 p.m. at Norwalk Concert Hall
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy — June 15, 7:30 p.m. at BMHS Auditorium

These dates represent more than calendar milestones. They mark the close of one year of learning and growth and the beginning of new journeys for Norwalk students across the district. From middle school promotions to high school graduations, June will be a time for families and school communities to come together and celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and promise of Norwalk’s young people.

Walk, Connect, and Celebrate Wellness at the 5th Annual NorWALK for Mental Health

Teen Nights Out Returns with a Free Creative Hangout

Staples High School Student Nikhil Bhadra Helps Bring Life-Saving Water Safety Instruction to Tracey Students

A remarkable student-led effort is creating new opportunities for children in Norwalk to gain confidence in the water and learn life-saving skills.

The Carver is proud to partner in a new initiative made possible by a $2,400 grant from the Bhadra Water Safety Foundation, which will provide 10 students from Tracey Elementary School in The Carver’s After the Bell before- and after-school program with access to water safety instruction beginning April 15, 2026. Goldfish Swim School in Norwalk will deliver lessons through a collaboration to expand access to structured swim instruction and foundational water safety education for Carver students.

At the center of this inspiring effort is Nikhil Bhadra, a sophomore at Staples High School in Westport, whose vision and determination are helping open doors for younger students. Through his nonprofit initiative, WaterSafety4Kids, Nikhil has focused on helping children from underserved communities gain access to swim lessons and water safety education. His leadership reflects the very best of youth service: seeing a need, taking action, and working to create meaningful change.

Accepting the check on behalf of The Carver is CEO, Novelette Peterkin, with the presentation made by Nikhil’s father, Raj Bhadra. The moment reflects a powerful story of young leadership in action — one student stepping forward to help make other children safer and stronger.

This partnership is about equipping children with skills that can protect them for a lifetime, while also building confidence, courage, and comfort in the water. For many families, access to this kind of instruction can be difficult to secure. Thanks to Nikhil’s initiative and the support behind it, Tracey students will now have the chance to learn in a structured, encouraging environment designed to help them succeed.

And this is only the beginning. Nikhil is continuing his fundraising efforts to support even more young people, including participation with friends in an upcoming Hartford Marathon Foundation 5K in October, with proceeds intended to help expand access to swim instruction for additional students.

The Carver extends its heartfelt thanks to Nikhil Bhadra, the Bhadra Water Safety Foundation, WaterSafety4Kids, and Goldfish Swim School for making this opportunity possible. We are honored to be part of a partnership that brings together youth leadership, community generosity, and practical support for children and families.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and stay safe — and thanks to this extraordinary initiative, more Tracey students will do exactly that.

Roton Students Build “ERIC” as Sound Control Technologies Visits The Carver Innovators Challenge

There was a real sense of accomplishment at Roton Middle School this week as students in The Carver Innovators Challenge completed the build of their robot and welcomed special guests from one of our Innovators Challenge sponsors, Sound Control Technologies (SCT).

Joining the visit were Jody Neaderland, SCT Executive Vice-President, and her son, Jacob Neaderland, a Roton graduate now attending Purdue University. Jacob has a personal connection to robotics at Roton, having worked with Carver’s FIRST® LEGO® League competitions during his time at the school. Together, he and his mother were impressed by the advanced robotics opportunities now being offered to students through this exciting Carver initiative.

Their visit came at just the right moment. Roton students had just finished building their robot — a Level 2 Battle Rob named ERIC — and the pride on their faces said it all. For these students, ERIC represents far more than a completed machine. It reflects teamwork, persistence, creativity, and the thrill of seeing an idea come to life with their own hands.

The Carver Innovators Challenge is designed to connect students, educators, and corporate partners through hands-on learning in robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving. Over six weeks, students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School work alongside Carver educators, professional instructors, and industry volunteers in an immersive experience focused on engineering, strategy, collaboration, and leadership.

At Roton, that learning is already taking shape in powerful ways. After successfully building ERIC, students will now begin preparing for a series of challenges leading up to the Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase in April.

That showcase will take place at the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) in Norwalk, one of the most exciting venues anywhere for young people to experience robot combat and applied engineering in action. NHRL is the world’s largest and most accessible robot combat organization, hosting high-energy matches in which hobbyist-built robots face off in a secure arena. For students, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world design, technology, and competition.

Programs like this help students develop practical STEM skills while also building confidence, resilience, and problem-solving ability. Just as important, visits from partners like SCT show students that professionals from the business community are paying attention, cheering them on, and investing in their success.

The Carver is deeply grateful to Sound Control Technologies for its support of The Carver Innovators Challenge and for making experiences like this possible. Seeing leaders like Jody and Jacob Neaderland spend time with students sends a powerful message: innovation matters, effort matters, and the next generation of builders and thinkers is worth believing in.

We look forward to cheering on these remarkable students as they continue to refine ERIC and prepare for the big event ahead.

Upcoming public events include:

Carver Innovators’ Chess Tournament
April 20 | 4:15–6:15 PM
The SoNo Collection

Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase
April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events will celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation while bringing the community together to recognize the power of STEM learning.

🚀 Thank You to Our Founding Sponsors of the Carver Innovators Challenge

The Carver is proud to recognize and thank our founding sponsors of the Carver Innovators Challenge — a bold new initiative designed to empower the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders.

We are deeply grateful to:

Conair
Terex
BMW of Darien
Sound Control Technologies

Their early leadership and commitment are helping bring this vision to life — creating hands-on opportunities for students to explore robotics, chess, and strategic problem-solving in ways that build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills.

💡 Empowering the Next Generation

The Carver Innovators Challenge is an exciting Fairfield County initiative connecting students, educators, and corporate partners through immersive, high-impact learning experiences.

Over six weeks, K–8 students from Norwalk schools work alongside Carver educators, professional instructors, and corporate mentors to develop skills in:

• Engineering and robotics

• Strategic thinking through chess

• Collaboration and teamwork

• Leadership and problem-solving

Participating students from Fox Run Elementary School, Tracey Elementary School, Roton Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School will soon showcase their learning at two community-wide events:

♟️ Carver Innovators’ Chess Tournament

📅 April 20 | 4:15–6:15 PM
📍 The SoNo Collection

🤖 Carver Innovators’ Robotics Showcase

📅 April 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 National Havoc Robot League (HAVOC/NHRL)

These events celebrate student creativity, perseverance, and innovation — and demonstrate what’s possible when community and industry come together to invest in young people.

🌟 Join Our Sponsors — Build What’s Next

Our founding sponsors have set the tone — but this is just the beginning.

We invite additional companies and community partners to join this growing movement. Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to:

• Engage directly with students and future talent

• Support meaningful STEM and enrichment education

• Demonstrate leadership in community impact

• Align your brand with innovation, equity, and opportunity

👉 Go here to see the Sponsorship Opportunities]

Together, we are not just supporting a program — we are building a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders ready for a world of possibility.