Horizons

Building Brighter Futures Since 1 964 Hosted at New Canaan Country School

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HORIZONS WINTER PROGRAM:

Project-Based Learning in Action

More than 90 Horizons students in Grades 1–10 participated in academic and enrichment project-based learning during the Horizons Winter Program. The five-week program, which met on Saturdays during January and February, had something educational or enriching for everyone. Students were also thrilled to be back on the Country School campus and to have the opportunity to reunite with friends, teachers and staff.

Six Horizons high school seniors also returned to serve as teaching assistants, a great training experience for future jobs in education (such as the Summer Program).

Students in Grades 1–4 participated in literacy, physical education and art, while students in Grades 9–10 participated in enrichment programs such as cooking, woodshop and theater. The Winter Program culminated with a potluck meal, and families had the opportunity to review student projects and celebrate being together as a community.

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Noelle and Josiah whipped up healthy egg muffins in cooking class. Camila and Aracely worked on matching shapes and colors. Andrew, Siaretta and Adrian received coaching during physical education class from Teaching Assistant Sofia. Janelly and Jorge crafted cabinets in woodshop class. Grade 1 Teacher Lilani Balasuriya worked on literacy skills with Aaron and Christopher. Jeinner, Jason, Kevin, Marcelo, Melany, Aiden, Axel, Dayana, Michelle and Noah presented cabinets they made in woodshop with NCCS Creative Arts Teacher Chris Lawler. 6 4

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Read more: www.horizonskids.org For more about Horizons and ways to get involved

New Horizons Pool TO OPEN SUMMER 2020

Swimming has always been a cornerstone of the Horizons Summer Program. Swimming is a life and safety skill that many disadvantaged children fail to acquire. In predominantly minority communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average. In addition, swimming provides a perfect vehicle for socialemotional learning — giving students an opportunity to overcome fear, build confidence, and become emotionally and physically more fit.

As a result of the Country School long-range campus master plan, the existing Horizons pool will be taken down by the end of the school year. Construction of a new and improved pool began in the fall. The new pool is located in

a sunny spot behind the woodshop, and will be 25 feet longer than the current pool and able to accommodate more students at one time. The design includes a larger shallow end to provide more instructional space, four lanes for competitive swimming, and a pool house with restrooms and showers. Horizons graduates repeatedly cite that learning to swim at Horizons gave them confidence that they carried into the classroom and beyond. Horizons students look forward to diving into the new pool.

For more information on Horizons or the pool, reach out to Executive Director Nancy von Euler at nvoneuler@horizonskids.org.

Oh, What a Night! HORIZONS COMEDY NIGHT FUNDRAISER

More than 280 Horizons at NCCS supporters enjoyed an evening of laughter, picnic-style food and drinks and 1 inspirational speeches on Jan. 24. Entertainment was provided by stand-up comedians Bob DiBuono and Adam Muller, and prizes were awarded to acknowledge the fun and festive decorations provided by those who purchased tables.

Emcee Kevin Thompson (Horizons ’02), captivated the audience with his story of facing and overcoming childhood challenges, and described how Horizons helped shape him into the successful educator, athlete, artist and parent he is today. His testimonial illustrated for all in attendance the transformational impact of the Horizons program upon the lives of underserved children and youth.

Funds raised from the event will support the Horizons at Country School program.

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3. The evening’s Committee Chairs Sue Mackey, Mandi Morgan and Kelly DeGulis. Kevin Thompson (Horizons ’02) emceed the fundraiser. David Kieske, Kristie Godina, Brian McCormick, Shannon Kieske, Katie McCormick and Jennifer Nelson 4.

5. James Knowles ’94 and Maureen Knowles, Tucker Golden ’90 and Gwen Golden, Elena Kavanagh Phillips ’91 and Nick Phillips and Sean Flanagan The winner for Most Creative Table Décor featured a campout theme and a cleverly handcrafted centerpiece complete with campfire and a fishing pond with running water.

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