Week 11

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OUR MISSION

Garden School, in the independent tradition, affirms the primacy of learning. We empower every student in our educationally diverse community to meet responsibly the challenges of everyday life by promoting academic achievement, personal development and social involvement. We further believe that by recognizing each student’s individual identity, Garden School fosters the self-worth necessary to succeed.

OUR VISION

Cultivating Success In Every Child.

OUR VALUES

Resilience. Empathy. Service. Patience. Equity. Confidence. Trust.

(RESPECT)

OUR MOTTO

Be the ROSE - Bringing Love, Beauty, and Growth to our GARDEN..

CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMP DIRECTORS

MARIA VICTORA, M.S.Ed

Educational Director, PKFA and 3K Programs,

Email: mvictora@gardenschool.org

Phone: (718) 335-6363

CRISTIAN MCCARTHY, M.S.Ed

Lower Division Math Teacher and Educational Technology Chair

Email: cmccarthy@gardenschool.org

Phone: (718) 335-6363

RORY DUNCAN, M.S.Ed

Transportation Coordinator/Asst. Kindergarten Teacher

Email: rduncan@gardenschool.org

Phone: (718) 335-6363

Message From Our Camp Directors

Hello Camp Families!

As we conclude the 2025 edition of our Garden School Summer Camp Enrichment Program, we hope this newsletter has effectively communicated the myriad of experiences that your children participated in over the past 11 weeks.

Rather than bidding farewell, we choose to focus on the anticipation of reconvening next summer. It has been both a privilege and a honor to engage with your family, and we genuinely appreciate your decision to select Garden School, amidst a plethora of camp options, as a secure and nurturing environment for your children this summer.

In observing the emotional responses of our campers during the closing week, it is clear that they have formed significant attachments to both their peers and counselors. This emotional investment is clear of the supportive system we strive to cultivate—one that exemplifies the core values of RESPECT: Resilience, Empathy, Service, Patience, Confidence, and Trust. Many campers expressed their sentiments with visible emotion, reflecting the deep-rooted connections developed within our community, as they embraced the ethos of being a ROSE in our Garden.

We appreciate your trust in us to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment from the moment your children arrived until their departure each day. Our objective is to consistently meet and exceed the standards expected of us. In our pursuit of on-going improvement, we have created an Exit Ticket Survey, which we encourage you to complete. This feedback is vital for assessing and refining our program as we plan for the upcoming 2026 summer.

If we fell short of your expectations in any capacity, we extend our sincere apologies and welcome your constructive criticism to aid in our improvement process. Our commitment centers around delivering exceptional service characterized by compassion and joy.

Thank you once again on behalf of the entire Garden School community. We eagerly await the opportunity to reconnect in Summer 2026!

Your Garden School Summer Camp Team,

THE DAZZLING ART GALLERY CORNER

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BUZZ SQUAD

At summer camp, our toddlers explored the theme of nature through a fun and creative art activity. Using their fingers and bright paints, they crafted their own fire log artwork, blending colors to mimic glowing flames. This sensory experience allowed them to connect with nature while expressing their creativity, making it a joyful and hands-on way to learn and play.

MONARCHS ON THE MOVE

CATERPILLAR REFLECTIONS

Our Caterpillar group soared into the sky as they transformed into dazzling butterflies, showcasing their incredible creations! To cap it all off, the campers dove into a spectacular pool day on the final day of camp—what a thrilling and unforgettable way to wrap up an amazing summer!

THE BUTTERFLY TRAIL ADVENTURE

LITTLE WINGS, BIG ADVENTURES.

The Jr. Butterflies are engaged in enrichment work that focus on numbers, shapes, and counting skills. They practice early math concepts while building focus, fine motor skills, and a love for learning. We encourage both independent work and collaborative learning in a fun classroom setting.

HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR

The Garden School Community extends its warmest wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling academic year to all students and families—both new and returning. May this year be filled with:

• Meaningful learning

• Joyful growth

• Limitless opportunities to discover, connect, and thrive together.

LOST AND FOUND AND MEDICATIONS PICK-UP

We still have a few items remaining in our Lost and Found that need to be picked up. Any unclaimed items will be donated to the Garden School’s Key Club, a student-led service organization. These items will then be shared with other organizations as part of their community service initiatives. Additionally, if you have medication that was left in the nurse’s office, please stop by to pick it up no later than Thursday, August 28, 2025.

THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO SHINE!

THE ACADEMIC YEAR AHEAD

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