School-Year Outreach and Education

     

While our “Six Weeks Of Happiness” over the summer are the heart of the Horizons approach, our commitment to our students and families continues year-round. Some of our school year outreach includes:

Super STEAM Saturdays - Held monthly during the academic year, Super STEAM Saturdays offer participating students an opportunity for sustained academic enrichment through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math activities.  This monthly program is also key to the retention of students from kindergarten through 8th grade, which is critical to students’ continuing academic progress and achievement.

Family Check-ins– During family check-ins, we don't just inquire about our students, but their parents and siblings as well. We know our students' success is largely dependent on the well-being of their families, which is why we do all we can to ensure our Horizons families are supported and primed for success. 

Agency Referrals– Because we stay in close contact with our Horizons families, we often become aware of needs that arise. We connect our families to other agencies or services in the region and follow up to ensure they found the resources they needed.

School Visits– We are always met with surprised smiles when we show up to visit our students in the fall and spring of each school year. We love seeing that moment of recognition when it dawns on our students that Horizons is not just a one-time summer event, but a bigger part of their lives.

Meetings with Teachers and Administrators – Our close relationship with our two partner schools, Avery's Creek Elementary and Ira B. Jones Elementary, allows us to work in partnership with teachers and administrators to best serve our students' needs. Because we involve our partner schools deeply in the selection of new students each year, collaboration is built into the process from the get go.

Emergency Needs Assistance – Grant dollars are available to assist students and families with basic living needs including housing and food insecurity.

Holiday Parties– Whether at our annual Halloween bash, the bowling alley, swimming pool, or potluck dinner, our great big Horizons family loves to come together and have fun!