Our Commitment to Connection, Community, and Supporting the Whole Child
At Horizons, we cherish the six weeks of concentrated time with students each summer, but our mission goes well beyond this period. As summer ends and students return to school, our dedication to fostering community, creating meaningful connections, and supporting the whole child continues through our year-round programming.
A central strength of the Horizons model is an unwavering commitment to fostering enduring relationships with both students and their families over an extended period. By engaging with the same cohort of students from early childhood through their teenage years, the model creates a stable and supportive environment where long-term growth and development can flourish. This continuity allows for a deeper understanding of each student's unique needs, strengths, and challenges, which in turn supports more personalized and effective interventions.
Sustaining these relationships requires more than just maintaining a presence over several years. To truly build and nurture a thriving community, it is essential to cultivate genuine, trusting relationships not only between students but also with their teachers and other adults. During our school year programming, students benefit from the familiarity of working with many of the same teachers and volunteers who have supported them over the summer. This continuity not only reinforces trust and security but also helps students feel more comfortable and engaged in their learning journey.
Our Super STEAM Saturdays are a key component of this approach. These monthly events are designed to be both enriching and enjoyable, offering students the chance to dive into hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Each session is structured to include creative projects, interactive exploration, and opportunities for socializing, all of which contribute to a sense of community and belonging.
With students attending a diverse array of 16 different schools, these Saturdays serve as a vital touchpoint for them to connect with peers from other schools. They can share experiences, discuss their current school year, and foster friendships across different educational environments. This not only helps to build a supportive network among the students but also allows them to find common ground.
Additionally, Super STEAM Saturdays extend their community-building benefits to parents and caregivers. These gatherings provide a space for them to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with one another. By addressing various topics of interest and concern, these meetings help to strengthen the overall sense of community among participants, reinforcing the support system that benefits both students and their families.
Equally important is a focus on the whole child, taking a full-circle view of support for students as they grow and expand into young adults. Throughout the school year, we remain actively engaged with students' academic progress and social-emotional well-being. We achieve this by fostering strong connections with school administrators, teachers, and specialists. These relationships allow us to stay informed about students' performance, identify any challenges they may be facing, and coordinate efforts to address their needs effectively. This collaborative approach helps us provide targeted support that aligns with students' experiences in their school environment.
We also recognize that families are integral to a child’s success and well-being. Therefore, we make it a priority to stay in touch and offer support in times of celebration, transition, and loss. Our goal is to be a source of comfort and encouragement for families, reinforcing the support network that surrounds each student. We are committed to staying informed about students' involvement in extracurricular activities, interests and achievements outside the classroom so we can offer encouragement and support in these areas as well. We also emphasize the importance of healthy living, promoting activities and habits that contribute to overall well-being.
As we begin a new school year, we are excited to continue our mission of connecting, supporting, and building a strong community with all Horizons students and families. Our dedication to fostering Connection, Community, and Holistic Support remains at the heart of our efforts.