This past school year, Brookside and Tracey Elementary Schools were the first schools to adopt Carver’s newest initiative, an after school program to prepare 5th graders for transition to their respective middle schools.

Brookside’s principal, Sandra Faoies, serves on Carver’s Board of Directors. Carver honored Tracey’s principal, Theresa Rangel, at the 2019 Child of America gala.

The Carver Foundation of Norwalk was the lead applicant in a highly collaborative proposal to the (federal government’s) 21st Century Learning Centers highly competitive grant program. Carver received the funding necessary (a five-year commitment) to expand after school enrichment services to 5th grade students attending these two schools and to provide a Summer Transition Program for some of these students who will be entering Ponus Ridge and Nathan Hale Middle Schools respectively in the fall.

Carver after school 5th grade students participating in Brookside Elementary School’s production of “Alice in Wonderland”

At Brookside Elementary School, Carver’s after-school personalized learning model compliments regular school day learning for 5th grade students with certified teachers and other professionals delivering Literacy, Math, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Science, enrichment, recreation and wellness programming through structured activities that have been proven by Carver to achieve significant academic improvement.

In the photos below you’ll see our after school students participating in the school’s musical this year, Alice in Wonderland.

The Brookside after-school program provides students (a minimum of 4 days per week, 2.5 hours per day, not including field trips, career fairs, etc.) with a variety of learning opportunities that compliment and enrich school-day instruction, utilizing the Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI) three-tier learning framework.

Under the inspired leadership of Brookside’s Head Program Coordinator, Alma Samuel, who is a 5th grade teacher at Brookside during the day, this Carver program emphasizes successful instruction for students through high quality core education practices, as well as targeted interventions for students experiencing difficulties. Carver ensures the differentiation of instruction for all learners, including students performing above and below grade level expectations and English language learners.

The after school program offers services not available during the school day and collaborates with Brookside’s school day teachers, counselors and parents to assess students’ needs. The program incorporates comprehensive use of Brookside Elementary School’s facilities free of charge.

See the photos of a day in the life of Carver’s after school program at Brookside Elementary School here in a Facebook album and below.