West Rocks Rising Sixth Graders Put Science to the Test

The week’s largest engineering challenge unfolded over several days. Using only plastic wrap, straws, tissue, paper towels, and tape, students designed devices to protect eggs dropped from the roof of West Rocks.

Week 2 of Carver’s Summer Transition Program at West Rocks Middle School gave rising sixth graders exciting opportunities to predict, experiment, design, and discover, all while building the confidence, relationships, and problem-solving skills that will help them succeed in middle school.

Students began by investigating what happens when M&M’s are placed in water. Before conducting the experiment, they predicted how the colors would react and what would happen to each candy’s familiar “m.” They then carefully observed, recorded, and compared their results. A similar experiment with Skittles allowed students to test new predictions and explore how different candy coatings react to water.

The week’s largest engineering challenge unfolded over several days. Using only plastic wrap, straws, tissue, paper towels, and tape, students designed devices to protect eggs dropped from the roof of West Rocks. The challenge required creativity, collaboration, and persistence as students considered how to cushion their eggs, distribute the impact force, and improve their designs.

Visits from Earthplace and Mad Science of Connecticut brought two complementary forms of STEM enrichment to the program.

Earthplace, a nonprofit environmental education and conservation center in Westport, uses wildlife and nature-based learning to help young people understand ecology, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Its educators introduced students to an owl, a bat, a pigeon, and a bunny. Through these close encounters, students learned how animals survive, how their physical and behavioral adaptations help them thrive, and how Earthplace cares for wildlife that has been injured.

The experience encouraged careful observation, curiosity, and empathy while helping students understand the relationships between animals and their environments. Earthplace has been a memorable part of Carver’s previous summer programming at West Rocks, connecting classroom science to the natural world.

Mad Science approached STEM from a different but equally engaging direction. Its high-energy, lab-style presentation made scientific concepts visible through hands-on experiments involving chemical reactions. Students watched materials transform, considered why the reactions occurred, and participated in activities that made abstract principles exciting and accessible. Mad Science programs use dramatic demonstrations and playful experimentation to introduce young learners to chemistry, physics, engineering, technology, and other STEM fields.

Together, Earthplace and Mad Science gave students two distinct ways to experience science: one grounded in wildlife and the environment, and the other in experimentation and chemical discovery. Their visits complemented the week’s student-led investigations and engineering challenge, reinforcing that science begins with curiosity, careful observation, and a willingness to test ideas.

Led by longtime Carver educator Michael Richards, the Summer Transition Program helps rising sixth graders enter West Rocks with greater confidence, stronger peer relationships, and an eagerness to embrace new academic challenges. Week 2 showed students that learning is especially powerful when they can ask questions, make predictions, learn from unexpected outcomes—and try again.

Literacy, STEAM, and Discovery: Carver and Classical Studies Magnet Academy Celebrate Another Year of Student Success

The students at Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA)

For another successful year, The Carver was proud to partner with Classical Studies Magnet Academy (CSMA) in Bridgeport to provide extended-day learning opportunities that helped students grow academically, creatively, and socially. Thanks to the continued support of the Bridgeport Board of Education and the extraordinary generosity of the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, hundreds of students benefited from a rich after-school experience that extended learning well beyond the traditional school day.

Located on Bridgeport's West Side, Classical Studies Magnet Academy is a unique Pre-K through 8th-grade public school serving more than 400 students. Housed in the oldest school building still in use by the district—a historic 123-year-old structure—CSMA combines classical literature, art, music, project-based learning, and the Paideia instructional approach to create a distinctive educational experience for its students.

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, Carver's extended-day program complemented that mission by providing academic support, STEAM exploration, enrichment opportunities, and family engagement activities designed to help students thrive.

A major focus of the program was literacy. Students participated in grade-level novel studies featuring books such as Cricket in Times Square, The BFG, The Doughnut Fix, and The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. Through guided reading, discussion, writing activities, presentations, and creative projects, students strengthened reading comprehension while exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, entrepreneurship, community, and identity.

Academic tutoring also emphasized math fluency and problem-solving. Teachers incorporated games, puzzles, and collaborative activities that helped students build confidence while developing critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.

Beyond academics, students had opportunities to explore a remarkable range of enrichment activities. Coding, robotics, science investigations, art, cartooning, cooking, astronomy, fitness, jewelry-making, origami, board games, meditation, and dance were just some of the options available to students throughout the year. The program encouraged young people to discover new interests, develop talents, and build meaningful connections with their peers.

Students also collaborated across grade levels on hands-on STEAM challenges, working together to design inventions that addressed real-world problems. These projects fostered creativity, teamwork, communication, and innovation while demonstrating that learning can be both rigorous and fun.

Family engagement remained an important part of the program as well. Events such as the school's "Lights, Camera, Literacy" Family Night brought families together to celebrate reading, storytelling, and learning while strengthening the connection between school and home.

The Carver extends its deepest gratitude to the City of Bridgeport for its continued partnership and commitment to providing high-quality opportunities for Bridgeport students. We are especially thankful to the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, whose steadfast support has helped sustain this work year after year.

The foundation's mission is to improve lives by expanding educational, children's, and cultural opportunities—values that perfectly align with the goals of this partnership. The foundation was established in memory of John and Ethel Kashulon, lifelong Bridgeport residents whose legacy continues to create opportunities for young people throughout the city. Carver is honored to remain one of the organizations entrusted to carry that legacy forward.

Together, with dedicated educators, engaged families, community partners, and generous supporters, we are helping students build the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed in school and beyond. We look forward to continuing this important work at Classical Studies Magnet Academy for many years to come.

A Ball, A Bridge, A Better Community: Full Court Peace, Hudson Sonesson, and Carver Team Up to Give Back

Carver’s Shannon Singleton-Bates with Hudson Sonesson, a student at St. Luke’s School with the donated basketballs.

For young people, a basketball is more than just a piece of sports equipment. It can be an invitation to play, a reason to gather with friends, a source of confidence, and sometimes the beginning of a lifelong passion. Thanks to a partnership between a generous student, a longtime community advocate, and a valued Carver supporter, dozens of local youth recently received that opportunity.

When Hudson Sonesson, a rising 10th-grade student at St. Luke’s School, wanted to find a meaningful way to give back, he connected with Carver Recreation Coordinator Shannon Singleton-Bates through Mike Evans, founder and CEO of Full Court Peace. Hudson’s idea was simple but powerful: provide new basketballs to children who could benefit from them.

Through his efforts, Hudson secured 20 brand-new basketballs for Carver youth. Shannon distributed many of the basketballs to children participating in Carver programs, while also sharing some with young people she encountered during her travels to Bridgeport and other communities. The result was a gift that extended far beyond a single location, spreading opportunities for play, recreation, and connection across multiple neighborhoods.

The donation is another example of the longstanding relationship between Carver and Full Court Peace, a Connecticut-based nonprofit founded by Mike Evans. For more than a decade, Full Court Peace has used basketball as a tool to bring together young people from different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The organization supports local communities through court restoration projects, equipment donations, coaching resources, and youth programming designed to strengthen relationships both on and off the court.

Its impact has been remarkable. To date, Full Court Peace has helped restore 251 basketball courts in communities across the United States and around the world, creating safe and welcoming spaces where young people can play, learn, and build friendships.

Carver has been fortunate to benefit from Full Court Peace’s generosity for many years. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike Evans and members of the Full Court Peace team brought basketballs, chalk, bubbles, pencils, and encouragement to Carver youth at the Carver Community Center. That spirit of giving continues today through partnerships like this one.

We are grateful to Hudson Sonesson for choosing to invest in local youth, to Shannon Singleton-Bates for ensuring the gifts reached children who would benefit most, and to Mike Evans and Full Court Peace for their continued commitment to creating opportunities through basketball.

Sometimes community impact begins with a single ball in a young person’s hands. This summer, that simple gift is helping young people across our region get outside, stay active, and experience the joy of the game.

A Summer of Learning, Friendship, and Opportunity: Hundreds of Children Gather at Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School for Carver Summer 2026

For the first time, two of The Carver’s signature summer camp programs are operating together under one roof at the beautiful new Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School, bringing hundreds of Norwalk children together for a summer filled with learning, friendship, exploration, and fun.

Traditionally, one of these camps has been held at The Carver Community Center and the other at Concord Magnet School. This summer, however, both programs have found a home at Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School, a temporary one for the Carver Enrichment Summer Camp while The Carver Community Center undergoes a major transformation, including extensive renovations and the completion of the new two-story Teen Center connected directly to the gymnasium.

The new location could not be more fitting.

Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School opened to students during the 2025-2026 school year, becoming South Norwalk’s first dedicated neighborhood elementary school in more than 40 years. Built to serve local families and strengthen community connections, the school has quickly become a source of pride for the neighborhood. This summer, its bright classrooms, modern learning spaces, and welcoming campus are providing an ideal environment for children ages 5-13 to learn, grow, and thrive.

Running from July 6 through August 7, both camps offer full-day programming from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended-day options available until 5:30 p.m. Designed to support both students and working families, the programs combine academic enrichment, creative exploration, recreation, and social-emotional development in a safe and nurturing setting.

Whether children are entering kindergarten, in middle school, or simply looking for an engaging summer experience, Carver's programs are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and keep young minds active throughout the summer months.

Each day is filled with hands-on learning opportunities, collaborative projects, outdoor activities, and enrichment experiences led by experienced educators and community partners. Students participate in STEM activities, literacy and math enrichment, arts programming, team-building exercises, and special presentations from organizations such as the Maritime Aquarium and other local partners.

Just as importantly, summer camp provides opportunities for children to develop friendships, practice leadership skills, and strengthen the habits that contribute to success in school and beyond.

Families consistently tell us they value Carver summer programs because they offer:

• A safe, nurturing environment

• Engaging, hands-on learning experiences

• Opportunities to build lasting friendships

• Structured days that support working families

• Exciting field trips and enrichment experiences

• Meaningful preparation for the upcoming school year

While the location may be different this year, the mission remains the same: ensuring that every child has access to high-quality summer learning opportunities that help them stay connected, continue growing, and return to school ready to succeed.

As construction crews continue their work at The Carver Community Center, the sounds of learning, laughter, and discovery are alive and well at Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School—where hundreds of children are making memories, building skills, and experiencing the very best of summer at The Carver.

Building More Than Towers: Rising 6th Graders Strengthen Skills for Success at West Rocks Middle School

As students prepare for the important transition from elementary school to middle school, Carver's Summer Transition Program at West Rocks Middle School is helping rising 6th graders build confidence, connections, and critical thinking skills—one challenge at a time.

Led by Michael Richards, Director of the Summer Transition Program and a certified teacher at West Rocks Middle School, the program provides rising 6th graders with a supportive environment where they can become familiar with their new school while developing the academic and social-emotional skills needed for success.

In addition to meeting their new peers and getting acquainted with their new school and teachers, Week One introduced students to a series of increasingly complex engineering and problem-solving activities designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.

The challenge began with a simple task: using only paper and tape to build a tower strong enough to support a book. The following day, students were given similar materials along with popsicle sticks and asked to apply what they had learned from their first attempt to improve their designs. As the week progressed, the challenges became more ambitious. Students worked together to construct the tallest possible structures using plastic cups and cardboard tissue rolls before culminating the week with a classic engineering test—building towers from spaghetti and marshmallows.

While some structures stood tall and others collapsed along the way, every challenge provided valuable lessons. Students collaborated with teammates, tested ideas, revised their plans, and learned that failure is often an important step toward success.

More importantly, they demonstrated the very skills that will help them thrive in middle school: communication, resilience, critical thinking, and the confidence to tackle new challenges.

As these future West Rocks students prepare for the school year ahead, they are already building a strong foundation—not just for taller towers, but for a successful transition to middle school and beyond.

We look forward to sharing more highlights from the Summer Transition Program throughout the summer as students continue exploring, learning, and growing together.

From Norwalk to Maine: How Carver’s Summer Initiative is Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Student Success

For many young people, summer camp is a cherished tradition filled with adventure, discovery, and lifelong memories. Through Carver’s New England Ecology Camp Initiative, that experience becomes much more than a summer getaway—it becomes a multi-year journey of growth, confidence, leadership, and academic success.

Each summer, Carver students entering grades 6 through 9 (this summer we are adding rising 10th graders) travel to Maine to spend a week at The Ecology School at River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre campus nestled along a scenic bend of the Saco River just minutes from the coast. There, students explore forests, fields, rivers, and working farmland while participating in hands-on environmental science, outdoor education, team-building activities, and personal development experiences.

What makes this program unique is its long-term design. Each year, a new cohort of rising sixth graders attends camp for the first time. They are joined by returning students from previous years, creating a continuous pathway that allows participants to return summer after summer until their final experience as rising ninth graders. This rolling-cohort model helps students build lasting friendships, deepen their connection to nature, and strengthen their confidence as they progress through the critical middle school years.

The impact extends far beyond the week students spend in Maine.

A recent longitudinal analysis of Carver’s New England Ecology Camp participants found that students who attended the program consistently outperformed their peers in mathematics growth. Over three years, the percentage of camp participants meeting their NWEA MAP math growth goals increased from 59% to 67%, while the gap between camp participants and non-participants widened from 5 percentage points to 9 percentage points. Researchers concluded that the program appears to have a meaningful and cumulative impact on academic growth over time.

The study also found that camp participants maintained reading growth comparable to their peers, demonstrating that a nature-based, experiential learning environment supports academic development without sacrificing literacy outcomes.

Since launching in 2022, the program has grown rapidly. What began with just 17 students has expanded to serve 89 unique participants, with students returning for multiple summers. This steady growth reflects the trust families place in the experience and the profound impact students bring home.

At The Ecology School, students learn to paddle rivers, investigate ecosystems, work collaboratively, solve problems, and challenge themselves in new ways. For many, it is their first experience living away from home, sharing responsibilities with peers, and seeing a different part of New England. These moments build independence, resilience, curiosity, and leadership—qualities that support success both inside and outside the classroom.

Carver believes that education happens everywhere. Through the New England Ecology Camp Initiative, students gain not only unforgettable summer memories, but also the confidence, skills, and experiences that help prepare them for a bright future.

Because sometimes the most important classroom has no walls at all.

Public Notice: The Carver to Submit 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Proposal for Side by Side Charter School

At The Carver, we believe every young person deserves opportunities to discover new interests, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for future success. Today, we are pleased to announce another important step toward expanding those opportunities for Norwalk students.

The Carver, in partnership with Side by Side Charter School, intends to submit an application to the Connecticut State Department of Education for funding under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, Cohort 22 (2026–2027). This post serves as formal public notice of our intent to apply. The application submission deadline is July 8, 2026.

The Proposed Program

If awarded, the grant will support an innovative after-school program serving approximately 45 students in grades 5 through 8 at Side by Side Charter School beginning in September 2026. The program will operate Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 5:30 PM throughout the school year, providing 128 days of high-quality academic support and enrichment. Transportation home will be provided at no cost to participating families.

Students will receive certified-teacher-led homework assistance and targeted instruction in literacy and mathematics while participating in an exciting array of hands-on enrichment experiences. Program offerings include environmental science, engineering design, robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, app development, cybersecurity, digital photography, financial literacy, renewable energy, visual arts, chess, wellness, and social-emotional learning. Students will engage in authentic, project-based experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving while preparing them for success in high school, college, and future careers.

Family engagement will be woven throughout the program through STEM family nights, financial empowerment workshops, student showcases, cultural experiences, wellness events, and celebrations of student achievement. These opportunities strengthen the partnership between home and school while creating meaningful learning experiences for the entire family.

This proposed program reflects The Carver's commitment to preparing young people not only to succeed academically, but also to become confident innovators, thoughtful leaders, and engaged members of their communities. By combining rigorous academic support with immersive, real-world learning experiences, the program will help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

A copy of the completed grant application will be available for public review upon request following submission.

The Carver is grateful for the continued partnership of Side by Side Charter School, our community partners, families, educators, and supporters who share our vision of equipping every student with the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed.

Welcome to Carver Summer 2026!

Across Norwalk and Bridgeport, and even soon in Maine, children and teens are arriving for the first day of Carver Summer 2026, launching five weeks of learning, enrichment, adventure, and opportunity.

More than 1,000 young people will participate in Carver summer programs this year, making this one of the organization's largest and most impactful summers yet.

At the new Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School, hundreds of children ages 5-13 are beginning their summer camp experience, enjoying a full schedule of academics, recreation, arts, wellness activities, special events, and opportunities to make new friends. For many families, this marks the start of a summer tradition that creates memories lasting long after August arrives.

Students attending After the Bell Enrichment Camp at Jefferson Elementary School will engage in hands-on science, art, marine science, engineering, social-emotional learning, and weekly field trips that transform summer into an exciting learning adventure.

At Kendall Elementary School, approximately 150 students enrolled in After the Summer Bell will continue their day following Norwalk Public Schools Summer School, participating in enrichment activities and receiving quality care through the afternoon hours.

Across Norwalk, rising sixth graders are beginning Carver's Middle School Transition Program, building the academic, organizational, and social-emotional skills needed for a successful start to middle school this fall. Rising ninth graders are similarly preparing for high school through programs designed to strengthen confidence, readiness, and student success.

In Bridgeport, 90 young learners are participating in Kick-Off to Kindergarten across six sites, helping ensure they enter school this fall ready to learn and thrive.

One of Carver's most distinctive summer opportunities is its partnership with The Ecology School in Maine, a multi-year outdoor learning experience that gives students the chance to enjoy a traditional New England sleepaway camp while developing confidence, independence, and leadership skills. This year, the program has been rescheduled from June to August 7–14 due to the extended school year. Held at The Ecology School's River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre campus situated on a scenic bend of the Saco River just twenty minutes from the Maine coast, the experience immerses students in hands-on environmental education and outdoor adventure. Participants explore forests, fields, rivers, and coastal ecosystems while canoeing, hiking, conducting scientific investigations, and building lasting friendships. Each summer, a new cohort of 25 rising sixth graders attends for the first time and is joined by returning cohorts from previous years, creating a unique progression in which students continue participating each summer through the summer before ninth grade. The result is a powerful four-year experience that combines outdoor exploration, personal growth, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership in a setting unlike anything most students have ever encountered.

The summer excitement will continue throughout the coming weeks. Students will participate in leadership and mentorship programs, enjoy field trips and special activities, and later this summer travel to Maine for an unforgettable outdoor learning experience at The Ecology School.

Behind every program is a dedicated team of educators, counselors, youth development professionals, and community partners committed to helping young people discover their strengths, build new skills, and realize their potential.

Today is more than the first day of camp.

It is the beginning of thousands of learning experiences, friendships, discoveries, and moments of growth that will shape the summer of 2026.

Welcome to Carver Summer 2026.

Public Notice: The Carver to Submit 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Proposal for Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School

At The Carver, some of our favorite news to share is news about what's coming next for Norwalk's children—and today we have another exciting opportunity to announce.

The Carver, in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools and Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School, intends to submit an application to the Connecticut State Department of Education for funding under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, Cohort 22 (2026–2027). This post serves as formal public notice of our intent to apply. The application submission deadline is July 8, 2026.

The Proposed Program

If awarded, the grant will support a comprehensive after-school program serving approximately 84 students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School beginning in August 2026. The program will operate Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 PM throughout the school year, providing students with a safe, engaging, and academically enriching environment beyond the regular school day.

Led by certified teachers and experienced youth development professionals, students will participate in daily homework assistance, literacy and mathematics enrichment, hands-on STEM investigations, coding and robotics, engineering challenges, visual arts, wellness and recreation activities, leadership development, and social-emotional learning. Family engagement will be a central component of the program through educational workshops, family learning events, student showcases, and bilingual outreach designed to strengthen the connection between home and school.

Located in the heart of South Norwalk, Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School is the city's first new neighborhood elementary school in more than 40 years, created to serve a diverse and vibrant community. The proposed 21st CCLC program will build upon that vision by expanding opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while supporting working families with high-quality extended learning opportunities.

This proposed program reflects The Carver's longstanding partnership with Norwalk Public Schools and our shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to exceptional educational opportunities regardless of circumstance.

A copy of the completed grant application will be available for public review upon request following submission.

We appreciate the continued support of our students, families, educators, community partners, and the greater Norwalk community as we work together to expand opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and succeed.

As July 4th Weekend Concludes, Carver Prepares to Welcome Summer 2026

As families across our communities enjoy the final day of the Independence Day weekend, The Carver is preparing for one of the most exciting moments of the year: the start of Carver Summer 2026.

Tomorrow morning, classrooms, camp spaces, gymnasiums, and playgrounds across Norwalk and Bridgeport will come alive as more than 1,000 children and teens begin a summer filled with learning, exploration, friendship, and fun.

For many students, summer means new adventures. Some will be preparing for their first day of kindergarten through Carver's Kick-Off to Kindergarten program. Others will be making the important transition to middle school or high school. Hundreds more will participate in enrichment camps, leadership programs, sports activities, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences designed to help them continue growing long after the school year ends.

This year also marks an exciting change as many of our summer programs move to the beautiful new Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School in South Norwalk while renovations continue at the Carver Community Center. The new school will provide an outstanding setting for young people to learn, create, play, and build lasting memories.

Summer learning has always been about more than academics. It is about confidence, curiosity, friendships, leadership, and helping young people discover new possibilities for themselves and their futures. Every Carver summer program is designed to support the whole child through engaging experiences that promote academic growth, social-emotional development, physical wellness, and personal achievement.

As we wrap up a holiday weekend that celebrates freedom, opportunity, and community, we are reminded of the importance of creating opportunities for every child to thrive. We are grateful to our families, staff, teachers, community partners, and supporters whose commitment makes these programs possible year after year.

Tomorrow, a new summer begins.

We can't wait to welcome our students.