AROUND CAMPUS
Horizons boys with activities that they could complete at home , and often checked in with the families to make sure that they were okay and to offer their support . For the summer of 2020 , they pivoted without hesitation and planned and coordinated a virtual summer program that included not only reading and math , but daily exercise classes led by our coaches , art and music classes , and perhaps most importantly , social-emotional learning classes . 100 percent of the boys who participated in the program reported feeling prepared for the upcoming school year , more physically active , and feeling more connected to caring adults .
The experience also led to innovation . As Ms . Lippens notes , “ The spring and summer of 2020 taught the Horizons at Saint David ’ s educators more than perhaps we taught the boys . We were inspired to pilot year-round programming , which is now a permanent feature of our program ; to add both literacy and math specialists to our team so we could better provide personalized learning experiences ; and to hire a social worker so we can better provide support and resources to boys and their families .” Last summer , the boys and teachers were back on campus , and the program was extraordinarily successful .
Ultimately , the success of this program relies upon the efforts of so many : founding director Julie Sykes , the program directors , the advisory board members , all of the faculty and staff , the Horizons students and their families , and of course , the generous families who make delivery of the program possible . During the anniversary celebration we honored two families , the Lapeyres and the Keegans for the continuity and commitment they have demonstrated to Horizons at Saint David ’ s since its inception . We are grateful to them and to all who have worked , volunteered or provided financial support for the program . In the words of Horizons President Dr . O ’ Halloran , “ Our Saint David ’ s community , always generous and caring , has expanded their generosity to serve the greater good in the extended New York City community around our school .”
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