Strategic Plan
2023-2028
Background
Enrollment
135 under-resourced Greenwich Public School boys in grades K-8, 100% of whom are eligible for free or reduced price lunch.
Nine-Year Partnership
Families enter at Kindergarten and commit to nine years of involvement.
Program Focus
Academics, swimming instruction, and a wide range of academic, athletic, and emotional supports for six weeks in summer and on six Saturdays during the school year.
Parent Programs
Parent programs, on six Saturdays, focus on parenting, community, and social-emotional topics.
Results
Measurable Academic Impact
- Post-program results each summer show an increase in students performing "at or above benchmark."
- And, results show a decrease in students needing "urgent intervention."
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All Alumni of Horizons at Brunswick School now attending Greenwich High School and are thriving:
• Many are taking Honors Classes
• More than half have earned spots in the highly selective GHS AVID program for "students with high acatemic potential"
• Nine have returned to volunteer at Horizons at Brunswick
Postive Emotional Impact
Not only do students make significant academic gains, but they also grow socially and emotionally with the program’s use of the Yale Mood Meter.
Grades 4-8 self-reported positive self-esteem by the end of the summer.
"There is a Horizons teacher that makes me feel good about myself."
85%
"I have a positive attitude about myself."
85%
"I have much to be proud of."
91%
Improved Prospects for the Future
- We see an increased family/caregiver interest and participation in children’s academic careers. Parents learn essential skills in bilingual workshops (e.g., Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Managing Social Media)
- Our alumni currently enrolled at Greenwich High School are considering careers requiring 4-year bachelor degrees.
- Nationally, 97% of Horizons students graduate from high school and 91% go on to attend college or some form of post-secondary education.
- Swimming skills increase confidence and job prospects. 100% of students learn to swim in the program. Six have completed lifeguard training for summer employment, including two employed by Brunswick.
Strategic Plan Process
DEI Guided our Process
Start
Assesment of Mission & Values
Surveys
Students, Faculty and Staff, Parents, Alumni, Volunteers, Horizons Board
Interviews
Brunswick Leadership, GPS Superintendent, School Principals and Assistants, Community Partners, & Other Horizons Affilliates (20 total interviews)
SWOC Analysis
Long Range Financial Assessment
End
New Mission and Vision Statement
Guided by Horizons National
Mission:
Horizons at Brunswick School works to advance educational equity by providing K-8th Greenwich public school boys from under-resourced communities access to joyful and engaging learning opportunities.
Vision:
Our vision is a future in which all children in Greenwich have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to build their own successful futures.
SWOC Analysis
STRENGTHS
- Brunswick's increasing support
- Strong coordinated relationship with GPS
- Faculty & staff satisfaction with making a difference
- Swim Program
- Strong parent satisfaction/commitment
- Strong coordinated relationships with community organizations (YWCS after-school care, Manhattanville grad students for tutoring)
WEAKNESSES
- Older grade engagement
- Awareness within Brunswick Community
- Faculty issues with communication
- Lack of data to evaluate program and support fundraising
OPPORTUNITIES
- Enhance atheletic offerings
- Add STEM/robotics/math projects
- Reimagine 8th grade curriculum/expore Brunswick leadership model
- Go "deeper" into Brunswick community – adult/children volunteers
- Engage parents of student volunteers
- Advisory Board
- Board Awareness
CHALLENGES
- Residual effects of COVID (learning gap, socialization issues)
- Fundraising in light of economic downturn
- Competition for fundraising $
Key Findings
- Executive Director & Program social and emotional benefits of Horizons as the most important. "Alleviating loneliness/boredom" and staying connected to friends were their favorite aspects of the program.
- Students enjoyed the program with 83% of students “strongly liking” or ”liking“ the program. However, 8th Graders were significantly less engaged.
- Parents enthusiastically support the program. When asked, ”What do you not like?“, all but 2 responded, ”We like everything.“
- Overwhelmingly, faculty feel they are making a difference in students’ lives and ”love that part of the job.“
- Students ranked the social and emotional benefits of Horizons as the most important. "Alleviating loneliness/boredom" and staying connected to friends were their favorite aspects of the program.
- Middle School program could be revamped to provide more leadership opportunities across the board and specific incentives for oldest participants to increase engagement.
- Opportunity exists to bolster health, well-being, and professional development for faculty and staff.
Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028
Core Objectives
The Board of Horizons at Brunswick School has approved the following themes for our strategic objectives:
Quality
KEY GOALS
Staff
- Add staff to support programs & families, including a Student and Family Coordinator
- Add more professional teacher training and development
Programs
- Revamp Middle School programming including Signature Field Trips
- Strenghten parent engagement (e.g., initiate annual parent resource fair)
Awareness
KEY GOALS
Marketing/Communications
- Increase brand recognition and distinguish Horizons from other area organizations
- Communicate the value we add to Brunswick and to advancing educational equity in Greenwich
Outreach
- Develop robust Visitor Program
- Build relationships with BPA, Development/Communications, parents of volunteers, Brunswick Trustees
- Initiate an annual community friend-raising event for Brunswick and Horizons families
Stability
KEY GOALS
Financial
- Cultivate and broaden annual appeal and endowment support
- Develop a Corporate Fundraising initiative
Governance
- Engage Board members as fundraisers, tour guides, readers, graduation attendees, etc.
- Expand Board recruitment efforts to include more members of diversity
