Attention:
Successful 2020 Virtual Summer Program
Horizon at Brunswick's virtual six-week summer program concluded on August 6th. We are proud to report that approximately 85% of our 118 boys were engaged and excited to learn with us this summer. The success of summer 2020 is due to the educational acumen of our Academic Director; the organization of our Program Coordinators; our talented teaching staff and dedicated volunteers; the valuable technology provided by Greenwich Public Schools; and the generosity of our patrons. Although it was not easy to offer a strong academic summer program virtually for Kindergarten through 7th grades, we are proud of the following results.
2020 Summer Program Highlights
• Up to 29 hours of synchronous math and language arts instruction
• 30 Students in grades K-7 benefited from additional reading specialist support
• 15 students in grades K-5 benefitted from additional math specialist support
• 25 students in grades 3-5 participated in reading help generously provided by 17 Manhattanville Colllege Master's program students
• 46 student volunteers from local schools (Greenwich High School, Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, Sacred Heart) helped our students have a productive and engaging summer
• Enrichment Courses included: Physical Fitness, STEAM, art, Latin, yoga, martial arts, pen-pal program with volunteers, mindfulness, virtual field trips, social-emotional learning, academic Jeopardy games
• Widespread practice of Yale University's Social-Emotional 'Ruler' program to understand and manage emotions, set goals, and make informed decisions
• Social-emotional tools taught included: breathing techniques, sharpening listening skills, practicing empathy, loving yourself, showing gratitude, and discussing how to help out at home and in the community
Note: We were unable to perform our pre- and post- testing this summer due to our on-line program.
Inspiring.
Building.
Transforming.
Horizons at Brunswick School, an academic and enrichment program serving low-income Greenwich public school boys, seeks to improve educational outcomes over nine years in grades K through 8 by reducing the achievement gap.
The Good We Do
Our Mission
For Greenwich public school boys in Grades K through 8 who qualify for federal free or reduced-price lunch and perform at or below grade level, Horizons at Brunswick School works to improve educational outcomes and change life trajectories. Through a balance of academics, enrichment, swimming, recreational sports and confidence-building strategies, the program cultivates in each boy a love of learning, skills for success, and inspiration to pursue his dreams. Three differentiating factors distinguish Horizons at Brunswick School: an early start in Kindergarten, academic continuity through summer, and a nine-year commitment to every student.
Our transformative program is a powerful testament to the impact of Greenwich Public Schools and Brunswick School uniting as community partners to improve educational outcomes of Greenwich boys in need. With a long and strong commitment to the Greenwich community, Brunswick School generously provides use of its facilities and resources, but no direct financial support. All other expenses are funded entirely through private philanthropy.
Why We Do It
the Challenge
The Problem
Nearly 7% of Greenwich residents live below the poverty line, and 20% of Greenwich public school students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Research shows that low-income students experience a “summer slide,” a substantial and cumulative erosion of math and reading skills that can ultimately leave them years behind their peers. Two-thirds of our students enter our program performing below grade level.
The Opportunity
With input from the Greenwich Public Schools, we identify and address the needs of our students* to help close the achievement gap in our community. (*During the school year, our students largely attend Julian Curtiss, Hamilton Avenue, New Lebanon elementary schools and Central and Western middle schools.)
The Result
Students improve in reading and math scores over the six-week summer session. Schools see an increase in attendance. Students gain a love of learning, a basic understanding of water safety and swimming skills, and improved self-esteem.
How We Do it
Our Program
Six-Week Summer Program
Students are recommended by their teachers and are re-enrolled for consecutive summers, starting after their Kindergarten year and continuing through middle school. The student teacher-ratio is 5:1, and classes are led by veteran public and private school teachers who work alongside with assistant teachers and classroom assistants. The enrollment fee for families is $35 per summer and preference is given to siblings. Our program began with two classes of 15 Kindergarten and first-grade students in the summer of 2014. We now serve 118 boys Kindergarten through 7th grade.
School-Year Saturdays for Students and their Families
At the same time, parents attend bilingual educational workshops led by teachers and industry professionals. Topics include school-year success, nutrition and health, safety, finance and core parenting skills.
Leadership
Board of Directors
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Alexandra Marks, Chair
Jill Ciporin, Vice-Chair
Frank Carroll, Treasurer
Angelique Bell
Nancy Better
Gretchen Bylow
B. Cort Delany
Lisa Errico
Maryellen Feeley
Ellen Flanagan
Kathleen Harrington
Sally Mann
Lisa G. Matthews
Thomas Murray
Suzanne Peisch
Jeffrey Pribyl
Kirsten Riemer
Angela Riera
Jeanne Savitt
Charles M. Shaffer III
Kathleen Signer
Deanne Winokur
Ex Officio:
Marianne Ho Barnum, Executive Director
Thomas W. Philip, Head of School, Brunswick School
Advisory Board:
Jamie Better
Terry Boyd
Jill and John Coyle
James DeNaut
Ed Feeley
Carlos Hernandez
Robert Taylor