8/1 A Bittersweet Goodbye: The 26th and Final Day of Forman Summer
The closing ceremony was a fusion of nostalgia, celebration, and gratitude. As families took their seats, the atmosphere was charged with a blend of pride and sadness. The pinnacle of the ceremony was a poignant slideshow that artfully captured the essence of this summer's experience. As the images flickered on the screen, a wave of memories engulfed the students and their families, evoking laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments of reflection.
Ms. Bloom and Mr. Strawson delivered heartfelt speeches expressing admiration for the academic and social growth and resilience demonstrated by each student throughout the duration of the program. They commended the friendships forged, the skills acquired, and the obstacles surmounted. Applause and cheers reverberated through the room as students were celebrated for their accomplishments, not only academically but also in terms of personal development and character growth. They emphasized the importance of empowering our students and the positive impact it has on them and teachers alike.
The fan-favorite counselor, Will, also gave a speech as a Forman Alumni that resonated with all in attendance. He spoke about the struggles that we face in life and how they can be turned around when we find where we fit in most. For Will, these struggles were in academics and Forman was the solution for him. At Forman School he was able to re-find his confidence and blossom into an adult, finding new passions, new skills, and a sense of community.
The final day at Forman Summer was a rollercoaster of emotions, signifying the culmination of a transformative summer experience. Packed suitcases, communal breakfasts, and a sincerely heartfelt closing ceremony served as reminders of the progress and connections fostered during this time. As the students departed alongside their families, they carried with them memories and friendships that will undoubtedly endure far beyond the summer. While goodbyes were bittersweet, the students left with a profound sense of gratitude for the unforgettable summer they had shared and the bright futures that lie ahead.
We’d like to thank the wonderful students and families for their participation in this program. It will surely be a summer to remember for all of us. We wish you luck in the coming school year and all of your future endeavors. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
The Forman Summer Team
Ms. Bloom and Mr. Strawson delivered heartfelt speeches expressing admiration for the academic and social growth and resilience demonstrated by each student throughout the duration of the program. They commended the friendships forged, the skills acquired, and the obstacles surmounted. Applause and cheers reverberated through the room as students were celebrated for their accomplishments, not only academically but also in terms of personal development and character growth. They emphasized the importance of empowering our students and the positive impact it has on them and teachers alike.
The fan-favorite counselor, Will, also gave a speech as a Forman Alumni that resonated with all in attendance. He spoke about the struggles that we face in life and how they can be turned around when we find where we fit in most. For Will, these struggles were in academics and Forman was the solution for him. At Forman School he was able to re-find his confidence and blossom into an adult, finding new passions, new skills, and a sense of community.
The final day at Forman Summer was a rollercoaster of emotions, signifying the culmination of a transformative summer experience. Packed suitcases, communal breakfasts, and a sincerely heartfelt closing ceremony served as reminders of the progress and connections fostered during this time. As the students departed alongside their families, they carried with them memories and friendships that will undoubtedly endure far beyond the summer. While goodbyes were bittersweet, the students left with a profound sense of gratitude for the unforgettable summer they had shared and the bright futures that lie ahead.
We’d like to thank the wonderful students and families for their participation in this program. It will surely be a summer to remember for all of us. We wish you luck in the coming school year and all of your future endeavors. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
The Forman Summer Team
7/30 Dinosaurs, Deadlines, and the Final Stretch: Day Twenty-Four at Forman
As we near the end of our summer together, today was all about balance, wrapping up academic work while making space for one more shared adventure. This morning, students focused on final assignments and projects, bringing their hard work full circle in the classroom. There’s a clear sense of accomplishment in the air, as students reflect on everything they’ve learned and the progress they’ve made over the past few weeks. Our highlight teacher is Ms. Duncan who has the following to share from her recent classroom activities:
‘Pre-Algebra
We have spent the last few days working on linear equations in standard and slope-intercept form. We have figured out how to find intercepts and how to put the equations on a graph by hand. Our next step will be to look at them on Desmos, an online graphing calculator.
Geometry
We have been studying right triangles this week. We began looking at finding a missing side with Pythagorean Theorem. We then moved on to learning about special right triangles and their relationships, a concept that will come in hand in trigonometry as well. And finally, we will dive into some trigonometry tomorrow to make sure we can find all the missing parts of any right triangles.
Algebra 2
We took a dive into the library of functions and their graphs this week. We also worked on what transformations look like on the graphs and in the equations. The class has now designed a picture that they will transform into a graph using the functions we learned this week. So far, we have a duck, a hibiscus flower, a cat, a triangular cartoon character, and a pig all in the making.’
To make room for a special evening event, we held three activity blocks this afternoon, giving students time to enjoy their last sessions in sports, arts, and enrichment groups. Whether playing hard on the courts, putting finishing touches on creative work, or simply enjoying time with friends, each group made the most of these final moments.
This evening, the whole campus boarded buses for a trip to the movie theater, where we watched the latest Jurassic World film. With popcorn in hand and dinosaurs on screen, students were immersed in action, suspense, and a shared cinematic experience—a fun and fitting way to celebrate the close of our program.
As we head into our final full day tomorrow, the campus is filled with gratitude, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of a summer well spent.
‘Pre-Algebra
We have spent the last few days working on linear equations in standard and slope-intercept form. We have figured out how to find intercepts and how to put the equations on a graph by hand. Our next step will be to look at them on Desmos, an online graphing calculator.
Geometry
We have been studying right triangles this week. We began looking at finding a missing side with Pythagorean Theorem. We then moved on to learning about special right triangles and their relationships, a concept that will come in hand in trigonometry as well. And finally, we will dive into some trigonometry tomorrow to make sure we can find all the missing parts of any right triangles.
Algebra 2
We took a dive into the library of functions and their graphs this week. We also worked on what transformations look like on the graphs and in the equations. The class has now designed a picture that they will transform into a graph using the functions we learned this week. So far, we have a duck, a hibiscus flower, a cat, a triangular cartoon character, and a pig all in the making.’
To make room for a special evening event, we held three activity blocks this afternoon, giving students time to enjoy their last sessions in sports, arts, and enrichment groups. Whether playing hard on the courts, putting finishing touches on creative work, or simply enjoying time with friends, each group made the most of these final moments.
This evening, the whole campus boarded buses for a trip to the movie theater, where we watched the latest Jurassic World film. With popcorn in hand and dinosaurs on screen, students were immersed in action, suspense, and a shared cinematic experience—a fun and fitting way to celebrate the close of our program.
As we head into our final full day tomorrow, the campus is filled with gratitude, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of a summer well spent.
7/29 Hot Days, Cool Treats, and Meaningful Moments: Day Twenty-Three at Forman
With just a few days left at Forman Summer, the campus was buzzing with focus, fun, and reflection. The day began with our typical morning of classes, where students continued building on the strong academic momentum they’ve carried throughout the summer. Ms. Diehl is back to share her final update from her classroom:
‘Over the past two weeks, students in Reading Comprehension explored three types of note-taking methods: the classic outline format, mapping, and two-column notes (also known as Cornell Notes). After trying each method, students chose the format that worked best for their learning to take notes on the final two types of inference questions. This increased both their motivation and autonomy, while also enhancing their understanding and retention of the material. It was a joy to see how creatively students personalized their notes. Some color-coded their information, others added doodles, and a few used fill-in-the-blank templates for support.
Throughout the program, students learned to distinguish between the four types of inference questions: factual, big-picture, predictive, and clarifying. While they found factual questions easier—since the answers could be found directly in the text—they were challenged by the “Think and Seek” questions, which required them to make deeper inferences. Students learned to identify question types by examining the clues in how the question was worded. It was truly rewarding to see their growth in this area, both in comprehension and confidence.
In Reading Principles, students completed Unit 2 of Wilson Just Words, and I’m proud to report that everyone passed the unit test again! This success reflects the hard work and dedication they brought to class each day.
By the end of the unit, students could confidently explain the difference between a blend and a digraph, read and spell high-frequency words, and blend and segment words with up to six sounds. They also learned about welded (or “glued”) sounds, how to tap them out and break them apart, as well as how to mark closed syllables and identify closed syllable exceptions. These foundational skills will support their continued growth as readers in the upcoming school year.
It has been a pleasure to work with this group of students. Their openness, curiosity, and willingness to try something new made this a rewarding and memorable summer of learning.’
This afternoon brought sunshine and summer heat, but that didn’t slow us down. Students stayed active and engaged in their final week of activities, knowing there are only two days left to enjoy their current choices. To help beat the heat, we offered refreshing ice pops between blocks, a small but sweet way to stay cool and energized.
The evening marked our final round of Counselor Chats, a deeply valued tradition where students hear personal stories of growth, challenge, and resilience from their mentors. Tonight’s speakers, Gabriella, Mariee, and Jorie, each offered powerful reflections:
As we inch closer to the end of the program, the combination of warm weather and strong friendships continues to shape what has already been a memorable and transformative summer.
‘Over the past two weeks, students in Reading Comprehension explored three types of note-taking methods: the classic outline format, mapping, and two-column notes (also known as Cornell Notes). After trying each method, students chose the format that worked best for their learning to take notes on the final two types of inference questions. This increased both their motivation and autonomy, while also enhancing their understanding and retention of the material. It was a joy to see how creatively students personalized their notes. Some color-coded their information, others added doodles, and a few used fill-in-the-blank templates for support.
Throughout the program, students learned to distinguish between the four types of inference questions: factual, big-picture, predictive, and clarifying. While they found factual questions easier—since the answers could be found directly in the text—they were challenged by the “Think and Seek” questions, which required them to make deeper inferences. Students learned to identify question types by examining the clues in how the question was worded. It was truly rewarding to see their growth in this area, both in comprehension and confidence.
In Reading Principles, students completed Unit 2 of Wilson Just Words, and I’m proud to report that everyone passed the unit test again! This success reflects the hard work and dedication they brought to class each day.
By the end of the unit, students could confidently explain the difference between a blend and a digraph, read and spell high-frequency words, and blend and segment words with up to six sounds. They also learned about welded (or “glued”) sounds, how to tap them out and break them apart, as well as how to mark closed syllables and identify closed syllable exceptions. These foundational skills will support their continued growth as readers in the upcoming school year.
It has been a pleasure to work with this group of students. Their openness, curiosity, and willingness to try something new made this a rewarding and memorable summer of learning.’
This afternoon brought sunshine and summer heat, but that didn’t slow us down. Students stayed active and engaged in their final week of activities, knowing there are only two days left to enjoy their current choices. To help beat the heat, we offered refreshing ice pops between blocks, a small but sweet way to stay cool and energized.
The evening marked our final round of Counselor Chats, a deeply valued tradition where students hear personal stories of growth, challenge, and resilience from their mentors. Tonight’s speakers, Gabriella, Mariee, and Jorie, each offered powerful reflections:
- Gabriella described herself as the “class clown” growing up, often struggling to stay focused and frequently disruptive. After being diagnosed with ADHD, she began to understand her learning style and advocate for herself. She recently graduated from Gettysburg College and will be starting graduate school in France this fall—a true story of growth and self-discovery.
- Mariee shared that while academics often came easily to her in small class environments, she faced social challenges during the pandemic. She found belonging in the boarding school community and thrived through her love of rowing, which she continues at Hobart College while studying to become a teacher.
- Jorie grew up right here on Forman’s campus, with her mom being a beloved faculty member. She saw herself reflected in the students around her and credits Forman with teaching her how to learn and how to belong. Inspired by her forensics class, she’s now pursuing a degree in criminal justice.
As we inch closer to the end of the program, the combination of warm weather and strong friendships continues to shape what has already been a memorable and transformative summer.
7/28 Final Week Kickoff: Games, Growth, and Gratitude
Today marked the beginning of our final week together at the Forman Summer Program, and the energy on campus reflected both excitement and appreciation for how far we’ve come. The day began with a typical Monday morning of classes, as students returned to their routines with focus and momentum. Ms. Glitz is happy to share one final update from her classrooms:
‘It has been an amazingly quick few weeks, and students are developing positive routines in the classroom. In Science of Studying, we have been looking at what impacts our ability to complete learning tasks and form long term memories. Students have been creating brief presentations on active learning techniques that they will be challenged to teach their classmates in upcoming classes. We are starting to explore the shared and varied experiences related to testing. With a combination of peer interviews and group discussions we hope to develop positive strategies for approaching future testing.
In Going for Gold, we have been diving deep into exploring self chosen research topics. Students have been challenged to develop questions that guide their own research and plan out the tasks to make it manageable. We will be doing a "Passion Blitz Presentation" later in the week to help with considering what is meaningful information to share when trying to get an idea across with limited time.
As we look towards our final week, we will be working to summarize and process all of these wonderful new skills and strategies into our personal approaches to learning.’
In the afternoon, students launched into their final round of chosen activities, and the enthusiasm was clear across campus. A new favorite this week is Board & Video Games, drawing students into friendly competitions and collaborative problem-solving. Over in the gym, the basketball group dove into some high-intensity full-court games, especially enjoying the added challenge of sharing the court with their counselors in a mix of fun and fierce play.
This evening, we wrapped up Mindfulness Mondays with Ms. Bloom, a weekly tradition that has helped students reflect, ground themselves, and grow throughout the month. Tonight’s session marked the completion of the 'Possible Selves' project, giving students the chance to look back on their journey and forward to their future goals. As a final touch, each student wrote a thank-you card to a staff member or peer who has made a meaningful impact on them. The room was filled with warmth, sincerity, and quiet appreciation, reinforcing the deep sense of community that has grown here over the summer.
As we enter our last few days together, it’s clear that this group has built something special, grounded in shared experience, mutual respect, and a whole lot of fun.
‘It has been an amazingly quick few weeks, and students are developing positive routines in the classroom. In Science of Studying, we have been looking at what impacts our ability to complete learning tasks and form long term memories. Students have been creating brief presentations on active learning techniques that they will be challenged to teach their classmates in upcoming classes. We are starting to explore the shared and varied experiences related to testing. With a combination of peer interviews and group discussions we hope to develop positive strategies for approaching future testing.
In Going for Gold, we have been diving deep into exploring self chosen research topics. Students have been challenged to develop questions that guide their own research and plan out the tasks to make it manageable. We will be doing a "Passion Blitz Presentation" later in the week to help with considering what is meaningful information to share when trying to get an idea across with limited time.
As we look towards our final week, we will be working to summarize and process all of these wonderful new skills and strategies into our personal approaches to learning.’
In the afternoon, students launched into their final round of chosen activities, and the enthusiasm was clear across campus. A new favorite this week is Board & Video Games, drawing students into friendly competitions and collaborative problem-solving. Over in the gym, the basketball group dove into some high-intensity full-court games, especially enjoying the added challenge of sharing the court with their counselors in a mix of fun and fierce play.
This evening, we wrapped up Mindfulness Mondays with Ms. Bloom, a weekly tradition that has helped students reflect, ground themselves, and grow throughout the month. Tonight’s session marked the completion of the 'Possible Selves' project, giving students the chance to look back on their journey and forward to their future goals. As a final touch, each student wrote a thank-you card to a staff member or peer who has made a meaningful impact on them. The room was filled with warmth, sincerity, and quiet appreciation, reinforcing the deep sense of community that has grown here over the summer.
As we enter our last few days together, it’s clear that this group has built something special, grounded in shared experience, mutual respect, and a whole lot of fun.
7/27 Day 21: A Little Bit of Everything
Our final Sunday together had a little bit of everything… sunshine, laughter, and a comforting breeze that made the day feel just right. The sky was mostly clear, with a few soft clouds offering some welcome shade to those who decided to soak up the fresh air out on the green. Whether relaxing in Adirondack chairs with friends, kicking a soccer ball around, or enjoying a friendly game of tee-ball with some of the on-campus families, the beautiful weather definitely helped lift spirits and energize the day.
Inside the student center, the game room buzzed with activity. Students competed at the pinball machines or teamed up on the Nintendo Switch, while others found a creative outlet in the music room, jamming and unwinding with their instruments. Over in the gym, a steady stream of students shot hoops or hit the weights, channeling their energy in all the right ways.
Our off-campus excursions offered even more variety. Some students embraced a little friendly competition at the local bowling alley, while others enjoyed a more relaxed outing at the mall. There, they picked up a few essentials for the final week of Forman Summer, along with candy, casual meals, and, most importantly, shared moments with friends that they'll carry with them long after the program ends.
With our last week of academics now underway, there’s a growing sense of reflection and emotion. The countdown to the finale has begun, and while we’re focused and dialed in, we’re also savoring these final days together. Make sure to check out the photo gallery and join in on the reflection.
Inside the student center, the game room buzzed with activity. Students competed at the pinball machines or teamed up on the Nintendo Switch, while others found a creative outlet in the music room, jamming and unwinding with their instruments. Over in the gym, a steady stream of students shot hoops or hit the weights, channeling their energy in all the right ways.
Our off-campus excursions offered even more variety. Some students embraced a little friendly competition at the local bowling alley, while others enjoyed a more relaxed outing at the mall. There, they picked up a few essentials for the final week of Forman Summer, along with candy, casual meals, and, most importantly, shared moments with friends that they'll carry with them long after the program ends.
With our last week of academics now underway, there’s a growing sense of reflection and emotion. The countdown to the finale has begun, and while we’re focused and dialed in, we’re also savoring these final days together. Make sure to check out the photo gallery and join in on the reflection.
7/26 Thrill Rides and Tired Feet: A Perfect Saturday
Today marked our final full-campus trip of the summer, and we went out with a bang, spending the day at Six Flags New England! After an early breakfast and plenty of excitement in the air, we boarded the buses and set off for a day packed with rides, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
In their self-chosen groups and with their tickets in hand, students received access to all-day park admission, plus a meal, unlimited drinks, and a snack from any vendor, fueling them for nonstop fun. Many students headed straight to the waterpark, where they chased thrills down waterslides, floated along the lazy river, and cooled off in the wave pool. Whether relaxing or adrenaline-seeking, everyone found their perfect pace.
Across the main park, students rode coasters, played games, and made room for classic treats like funnel cakes, pretzels, and ice cream. From high-speed drops to carnival wins, the energy was sky-high all day long. It was a day of connection, celebration, and shared experience, a perfect way to honor the bonds built over the past three weeks.
Back on campus, we gathered for dinner and free time, and the fatigue of a full day of fun was definitely starting to show. Some students relaxed on the green or in their dorms, while others enjoyed a quieter evening with friends. The pace slowed, the chatter softened, and the mood shifted to a calm and content close, marking the end of a truly special day, and the beginning of our final stretch together.
In their self-chosen groups and with their tickets in hand, students received access to all-day park admission, plus a meal, unlimited drinks, and a snack from any vendor, fueling them for nonstop fun. Many students headed straight to the waterpark, where they chased thrills down waterslides, floated along the lazy river, and cooled off in the wave pool. Whether relaxing or adrenaline-seeking, everyone found their perfect pace.
Across the main park, students rode coasters, played games, and made room for classic treats like funnel cakes, pretzels, and ice cream. From high-speed drops to carnival wins, the energy was sky-high all day long. It was a day of connection, celebration, and shared experience, a perfect way to honor the bonds built over the past three weeks.
Back on campus, we gathered for dinner and free time, and the fatigue of a full day of fun was definitely starting to show. Some students relaxed on the green or in their dorms, while others enjoyed a quieter evening with friends. The pace slowed, the chatter softened, and the mood shifted to a calm and content close, marking the end of a truly special day, and the beginning of our final stretch together.
7/25 Storms, Smiles, and Six Flags Eve: Day Nineteen at Forman
Friday wrapped up the academic week here at Forman Summer with a smooth morning of classes and a buzz of excitement building for the weekend ahead. With two weeks of growth behind them, students are fully in rhythm here on campus. Dr. O is back as our highlight teacher and was ecstatic to share recap of recent activity in his classroom:
‘Week 3 Recap: Test Readiness & Project Planning in Action
This week in the Science of Study course, students explored the theme of Test Readiness, building both strategy and confidence as they prepare for any type of assessment. Each day focused on a specific skill: from crafting personalized study schedules, to comparing test formats (like multiple choice vs. short answer), to rehearsing test-day tools that support focus and calm. A major highlight was our Rehearsal Stations, where students practiced breathing techniques, took a timed mini quiz, and customized a personal test toolkit with visuals and affirmations. These hands-on activities helped normalize the stress around testing and reinforced the importance of planning and routine.
In the Going for Gold course, students entered the Midpoint Review stage of their projects. This week centered on reflection, feedback, and refining their work using peer and self-assessment tools. Students practiced giving thoughtful feedback using “Glow & Grow” comments, revisited their goals, and revised their plans based on new insights.
Both classes showed tremendous progress this week, not just in content knowledge, but in self-awareness and independence. As we head into Week 4, students in Science of Study will begin learning how long-term habits are formed and sustained, while Going for Gold students will shift toward building and polishing their final presentations. With strong systems in place, clear goals, and supportive peer environments, our learners are proving they are more than capable of managing their learning with confidence and purpose.’
This afternoon brought a bit of classic New England unpredictability, with a passing storm rolling through. Thanks to quick coordination, all activities sought cover with ease, and the sun reappeared just in time for our fishing and kayaking groups to hit the water. The fishing crew traveled to Bantam Lake, where they hauled in over 10 catches, continuing their streak of success. Meanwhile, students in tennis and volleyball joined forces with basketball during the first activity block, forming what became the biggest game of Knockout we’ve played all summer, a lively, competitive mash-up that had the whole gym buzzing.
As night fell, the community gathered in the Student Center for a special screening of the brand-new Happy Gilmore 2. The entire student body turned out to enjoy the film, laughing along with the antics on screen and digging into a spread of snacks set out for everyone to enjoy. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend with fun, friends, and plenty of popcorn.
With rest and excitement ahead, students are turning in for the night and gearing up for our final Saturday trip: an action-packed day at Six Flags Amusement Park. We can't wait to share all the thrills to come!
‘Week 3 Recap: Test Readiness & Project Planning in Action
This week in the Science of Study course, students explored the theme of Test Readiness, building both strategy and confidence as they prepare for any type of assessment. Each day focused on a specific skill: from crafting personalized study schedules, to comparing test formats (like multiple choice vs. short answer), to rehearsing test-day tools that support focus and calm. A major highlight was our Rehearsal Stations, where students practiced breathing techniques, took a timed mini quiz, and customized a personal test toolkit with visuals and affirmations. These hands-on activities helped normalize the stress around testing and reinforced the importance of planning and routine.
In the Going for Gold course, students entered the Midpoint Review stage of their projects. This week centered on reflection, feedback, and refining their work using peer and self-assessment tools. Students practiced giving thoughtful feedback using “Glow & Grow” comments, revisited their goals, and revised their plans based on new insights.
Both classes showed tremendous progress this week, not just in content knowledge, but in self-awareness and independence. As we head into Week 4, students in Science of Study will begin learning how long-term habits are formed and sustained, while Going for Gold students will shift toward building and polishing their final presentations. With strong systems in place, clear goals, and supportive peer environments, our learners are proving they are more than capable of managing their learning with confidence and purpose.’
This afternoon brought a bit of classic New England unpredictability, with a passing storm rolling through. Thanks to quick coordination, all activities sought cover with ease, and the sun reappeared just in time for our fishing and kayaking groups to hit the water. The fishing crew traveled to Bantam Lake, where they hauled in over 10 catches, continuing their streak of success. Meanwhile, students in tennis and volleyball joined forces with basketball during the first activity block, forming what became the biggest game of Knockout we’ve played all summer, a lively, competitive mash-up that had the whole gym buzzing.
As night fell, the community gathered in the Student Center for a special screening of the brand-new Happy Gilmore 2. The entire student body turned out to enjoy the film, laughing along with the antics on screen and digging into a spread of snacks set out for everyone to enjoy. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend with fun, friends, and plenty of popcorn.
With rest and excitement ahead, students are turning in for the night and gearing up for our final Saturday trip: an action-packed day at Six Flags Amusement Park. We can't wait to share all the thrills to come!
7/24 Waves, Wins, and a Warm Fire: Day Eighteen at Forman
Thursday brought another sunny and seamless day at the Forman Summer Program, with students continuing to build momentum during their morning classes. The comfort of routine is now paired with deepening friendships and growing confidence, both in and out of the classroom. One of our strong teachers from the school year, Ms. Thiel, wrote this lovely letter in regards to her recent classes:
‘Dear Families,
We’re thrilled to share what your students have been up to in their math classes this summer, and there is a lot to celebrate!
Each day, our students begin with a “Math Square” challenge. This engaging warm-up pushes them to think critically about numbers, operations, and problem-solving strategies. At the beginning of the program, these puzzles would take around 15 minutes to complete. Now, students are solving them in under 8 minutes! It’s been incredible to watch their confidence and number sense grow so quickly. Their persistence and determination have truly paid off!
In Pre-Algebra, students have been hard at work strengthening their foundational math skills. They’ve focused on operations with fractions and decimals, solving one- and two-step equations, and working extensively with positive and negative numbers. Negative numbers have been a key concept we’ve revisited throughout the summer, and students are now approaching these problems with greater accuracy and confidence. We’ve also seen impressive growth in their ability to break down multi-step problems and use reasoning strategies to arrive at solutions. It’s been a joy to watch them develop stronger problem-solving skills while also learning how to advocate for themselves and their learning.
Our Algebra 1 students have made excellent progress through challenging content centered around functions. They’ve explored function notation, evaluated functions at specific values, and learned how to interpret and solve equations algebraically. In addition, students have spent time isolating variables and graphing ordered pairs while strengthening their understanding of how to interpret graphs in a meaningful way. Next week, students will be wrapping up the summer session by diving into graphing linear equations, which is a major milestone in the Algebra 1 curriculum. Their enthusiasm and willingness to engage in rigorous content have been truly impressive.
Overall, the summer has been filled with growth, grit, and so much fun. We are so proud of the progress each student has made in such a short amount of time.
Best,
Ms. Thiel’
Afternoon activities ran flawlessly, offering both excitement and ease across campus. The kayaking group took on the challenge of riding the surfing wave at Swift’s Bridge, and for most of the group, it was a triumphant success! On the course, the golf group completed another spirited 9-hole scramble, this time competing for a sleeve of exclusive Forman golf balls, a prize as coveted as it is symbolic of their progress. Outdoor stations stayed cool and hydrated with water jugs at every stop, while our indoor activities provided a welcome air-conditioned break from the summer sun.
As the day wound down, the community came together for a perfect Thursday evening of extended free time, featuring a campfire at the fire pit and plenty of s’mores, prepped and served by our cheerful assembly line of dorm parents and counselors. With marshmallows toasted, chocolate melting, and stories shared under a glowing sky, it was a beautiful and heartwarming close to another happy day at Forman Summer.
‘Dear Families,
We’re thrilled to share what your students have been up to in their math classes this summer, and there is a lot to celebrate!
Each day, our students begin with a “Math Square” challenge. This engaging warm-up pushes them to think critically about numbers, operations, and problem-solving strategies. At the beginning of the program, these puzzles would take around 15 minutes to complete. Now, students are solving them in under 8 minutes! It’s been incredible to watch their confidence and number sense grow so quickly. Their persistence and determination have truly paid off!
In Pre-Algebra, students have been hard at work strengthening their foundational math skills. They’ve focused on operations with fractions and decimals, solving one- and two-step equations, and working extensively with positive and negative numbers. Negative numbers have been a key concept we’ve revisited throughout the summer, and students are now approaching these problems with greater accuracy and confidence. We’ve also seen impressive growth in their ability to break down multi-step problems and use reasoning strategies to arrive at solutions. It’s been a joy to watch them develop stronger problem-solving skills while also learning how to advocate for themselves and their learning.
Our Algebra 1 students have made excellent progress through challenging content centered around functions. They’ve explored function notation, evaluated functions at specific values, and learned how to interpret and solve equations algebraically. In addition, students have spent time isolating variables and graphing ordered pairs while strengthening their understanding of how to interpret graphs in a meaningful way. Next week, students will be wrapping up the summer session by diving into graphing linear equations, which is a major milestone in the Algebra 1 curriculum. Their enthusiasm and willingness to engage in rigorous content have been truly impressive.
Overall, the summer has been filled with growth, grit, and so much fun. We are so proud of the progress each student has made in such a short amount of time.
Best,
Ms. Thiel’
Afternoon activities ran flawlessly, offering both excitement and ease across campus. The kayaking group took on the challenge of riding the surfing wave at Swift’s Bridge, and for most of the group, it was a triumphant success! On the course, the golf group completed another spirited 9-hole scramble, this time competing for a sleeve of exclusive Forman golf balls, a prize as coveted as it is symbolic of their progress. Outdoor stations stayed cool and hydrated with water jugs at every stop, while our indoor activities provided a welcome air-conditioned break from the summer sun.
As the day wound down, the community came together for a perfect Thursday evening of extended free time, featuring a campfire at the fire pit and plenty of s’mores, prepped and served by our cheerful assembly line of dorm parents and counselors. With marshmallows toasted, chocolate melting, and stories shared under a glowing sky, it was a beautiful and heartwarming close to another happy day at Forman Summer.
7/23 Sunshine, Scrambles, and Sunset Showdowns: Day Seventeen at Forman
Wednesday brought sunny skies and easy rhythms to campus, with students starting the day with their usual morning classes, diving deeper into their learning routines and academic progress. As we move further into the second half of the program, it’s clear that confidence, connection, and momentum are all growing stronger by the day. Ms. Stull is back as our highlight teacher of the day with the following update from her classes:
‘I am so impressed with the confidence and growth the students have made in Reading Comprehension class! We are in the middle of week 3 and already we have become so much more comfortable and confident as readers. For the past two weeks, we focused on being more attentive and engaged readers through various reading strategies. We are annotating, identifying main ideas, supporting details, the author’s purpose, literary devices, and practicing visual imagery as we read, all of which help build a strong foundation and deeper understanding. Through the understanding of literary elements such as characterization, setting, plot, theme, and point of view, students are able to be cognizant of the key components to the structure of fictional texts. We delved into creating plot diagrams in order to identify the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and the resolution of a story. The students enjoyed drawing and labeling their own plot diagrams in order to demonstrate their understanding. In addition, we have been exploring non fiction articles where emphasis is placed on supporting claims with textual evidence and identifying the author’s purpose. Using high-interest texts and short passages, students practiced summarizing and answering evidence-based questions. One highlight this week was our “Literary Devices Memory Game”. This activity exercises working memory by requiring students to juggle multiple pieces of information at once—what a term means, where it is located, and how it connects to another card. It reinforces their understanding of literary concepts and their memory skills while also strengthening their ability to retain and process information quickly. It was incredible to see them thinking critically and making connections with confidence.
I am so proud of the effort everyone is putting in, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Our small classes have been ideal for forming friendships and providing a space where we feel comfortable in facing challenges we may have as readers, while at the same time celebrating our successes. As we look ahead to the remainder of our time together, we will jump into inferencing, textual analysis, and continue reinforcing the skills we have been practicing together as readers. This has truly been a rewarding experience as I witness each student making such amazing progress!’
The afternoon was smooth and vibrant, with gorgeous weather setting the scene for both outdoor and indoor activities. Whether students were soaking up the sun on the fields or taking a scenic walk to the V-PAC for their art classes, the energy was relaxed and upbeat. The golf group took to a local course to hold a friendly scramble tournament, which ended in a perfect tie, highlighting the sportsmanship and teamwork that has defined the group this summer. In the art studios, the painting and drawing students continued working on their impressive portraits and still lifes, blending observation and imagination into striking pieces of work.
As evening fell, the entire campus came together on the fields for a beloved summer tradition: Capture the Flag. With music playing, the sun setting, and every student fully immersed in the game, the energy was high and the spirit of friendly competition was everywhere. Laughter echoed, sneakers raced across the grass, and students from every dorm and group came together in a massive show-down. Watching everyone laugh, cheer, and celebrate together was a clear reminder of just how strong the bonds have grown here at Forman Summer.
It was the kind of day that captures the essence of the program, growth, joy, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
‘I am so impressed with the confidence and growth the students have made in Reading Comprehension class! We are in the middle of week 3 and already we have become so much more comfortable and confident as readers. For the past two weeks, we focused on being more attentive and engaged readers through various reading strategies. We are annotating, identifying main ideas, supporting details, the author’s purpose, literary devices, and practicing visual imagery as we read, all of which help build a strong foundation and deeper understanding. Through the understanding of literary elements such as characterization, setting, plot, theme, and point of view, students are able to be cognizant of the key components to the structure of fictional texts. We delved into creating plot diagrams in order to identify the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and the resolution of a story. The students enjoyed drawing and labeling their own plot diagrams in order to demonstrate their understanding. In addition, we have been exploring non fiction articles where emphasis is placed on supporting claims with textual evidence and identifying the author’s purpose. Using high-interest texts and short passages, students practiced summarizing and answering evidence-based questions. One highlight this week was our “Literary Devices Memory Game”. This activity exercises working memory by requiring students to juggle multiple pieces of information at once—what a term means, where it is located, and how it connects to another card. It reinforces their understanding of literary concepts and their memory skills while also strengthening their ability to retain and process information quickly. It was incredible to see them thinking critically and making connections with confidence.
I am so proud of the effort everyone is putting in, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. Our small classes have been ideal for forming friendships and providing a space where we feel comfortable in facing challenges we may have as readers, while at the same time celebrating our successes. As we look ahead to the remainder of our time together, we will jump into inferencing, textual analysis, and continue reinforcing the skills we have been practicing together as readers. This has truly been a rewarding experience as I witness each student making such amazing progress!’
The afternoon was smooth and vibrant, with gorgeous weather setting the scene for both outdoor and indoor activities. Whether students were soaking up the sun on the fields or taking a scenic walk to the V-PAC for their art classes, the energy was relaxed and upbeat. The golf group took to a local course to hold a friendly scramble tournament, which ended in a perfect tie, highlighting the sportsmanship and teamwork that has defined the group this summer. In the art studios, the painting and drawing students continued working on their impressive portraits and still lifes, blending observation and imagination into striking pieces of work.
As evening fell, the entire campus came together on the fields for a beloved summer tradition: Capture the Flag. With music playing, the sun setting, and every student fully immersed in the game, the energy was high and the spirit of friendly competition was everywhere. Laughter echoed, sneakers raced across the grass, and students from every dorm and group came together in a massive show-down. Watching everyone laugh, cheer, and celebrate together was a clear reminder of just how strong the bonds have grown here at Forman Summer.
It was the kind of day that captures the essence of the program, growth, joy, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
7/22 From Mini Golf to Mini Sculptures: Day Sixteen at Forman
Tuesday brought another bright and productive day to the Forman Summer Program. The morning began with classes in full swing, as students continued to dive deeper into their academic routines. Our highlight teacher of the day was Mr. Carter Brochu, who brings incredible energy and insight to his classes: Science of Studying and Learning and the Brain. His hands-on, curiosity-driven approach helps students better understand not just what they learn, but how they learn. He has the following to share from his room:
‘This week in the Science of Studying, students have begun to reflect on the skills they have learned and which ones they particularly find interesting. So far, we have discussed, studied, and practiced using; the spaced study practice, interleaving practice, dual-coding, elaboration, and retrieval practice. Although there is no physical test to study for, students have analyzed case studies, done practice activities, and completed written reflections highlighting their understanding of each skill.
In class today, we began our reflection on what we have learned so far. A significant portion of this course focuses on metacognition, which involves our awareness of our thought process. With this, students completed a self-assessment reviewing the study strategies they used before this course, how effective they were, and then, in comparison, what new knowledge they gained, and whether they plan to implement these skills after the class ends.
We also revisited retrieval practice and explored how sleep impacts memory and learning. As a class, we discussed how the brain needs rest to properly process and store information. Students reflected on how a consistent and healthy sleep schedule can support meaningful learning and improve long-term retention—an important connection when thinking about when and how to study.
It is safe to say that after these reflections and evaluations, these students have made considerable progress in their understanding and application of the skills they have learned. It has been fantastic watching each of them find what works best for them and hearing them discuss how they plan to use these new skills next school year. I am positive that as we continue in this course, students will continue to grow and build on these skills and truly build on their newly found strengths.
In Learning and the Brain, students have been diving into how their minds work and exploring strategies to personalize their learning habits. The focus this week has been on organization and the idea of “working smart.”
We started by discussing the difference between being tidy and being organized, and how each impacts focus, memory, and productivity. Then, students brainstormed what it means to “work smart.” Their ideas included self-discipline, a clear mindset, positivity, staying organized, task management, and breaking large assignments into manageable parts. They agreed that working smart means using helpful tools and strategies to reduce stress and improve outcomes with less wasted effort.
Next, students participated in an interactive activity where they sorted various organizational strategies—like using a planner, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing tasks, or placing reminder notes—into three categories: strategies they already use, strategies they want to try, and strategies they don’t think would work for them. Each student explained their choices, which sparked great conversations and peer-to-peer connections around different habits and preferences.
To wrap up, we practiced task prioritization with a simulation activity. Students were given realistic scenarios—such as forgetting to turn in an assignment, receiving a distracting text during class, or needing to organize their backpack—and had to determine what needed immediate attention, what could wait, and what wasn’t urgent. This hands-on exercise gave students a chance to apply the concepts in a meaningful way.
As we head into the final sessions of the course, we’ll continue developing practical strategies and building habits that help students learn more effectively and with greater confidence.’
In the afternoon, students enjoyed a smooth round of activities, each one filled with collaboration, creativity, and a few unexpected adventures. The golf group took a fun detour to the quirky and colorful Matterhorn Mini Golf Course, where students competed for a coveted grand prize: candy glory. At the river, the kayaking group tackled "The Gates" of the Housatonic, building confidence on low-level rapids while practicing technique and teamwork.
Back on campus, the fitness group impressed with their unity and motivation, working through synchronized workouts and encouraging each other through every set. Meanwhile, students who have been in ceramics for multiple weeks are now pushing their creativity further—crafting fish sculptures and other small, detailed creatures, turning clay into personality-filled works of art.
In the evening, we gathered once again for a moving round of Counselor Chats, where Jeremy, Molly, and Tim shared their personal journeys. Molly, a rising junior at Washington College, is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in psychology. She reflected on her time at Forman, especially the unforgettable experience of studying wolves in Minnesota, and how the school community became like a second family to her. Tim, who studies music engineering at Eckerd College, shared his love for cars and composing music, and how Forman’s strong music program and tight-knit community helped shape who he is today. Lastly, Jeremy, entering his senior year at Dickinson College, is majoring in psychology with a minor in educational studies. He plans to work with children who have learning differences, aiming to be the kind of positive role model he once needed. Jeremy spoke candidly about how Forman was the first school where he felt truly understood—where friends and teachers embraced his ADHD, OCD, dysgraphia, and Tourette's in a way his previous schools never did. Each story was powerful, personal, and deeply resonant for our students.
With positive momentum in the classrooms and creativity thriving in the studios and on the river, the day wrapped up with heart and connection, yet another reminder of what makes this summer so special.
‘This week in the Science of Studying, students have begun to reflect on the skills they have learned and which ones they particularly find interesting. So far, we have discussed, studied, and practiced using; the spaced study practice, interleaving practice, dual-coding, elaboration, and retrieval practice. Although there is no physical test to study for, students have analyzed case studies, done practice activities, and completed written reflections highlighting their understanding of each skill.
In class today, we began our reflection on what we have learned so far. A significant portion of this course focuses on metacognition, which involves our awareness of our thought process. With this, students completed a self-assessment reviewing the study strategies they used before this course, how effective they were, and then, in comparison, what new knowledge they gained, and whether they plan to implement these skills after the class ends.
We also revisited retrieval practice and explored how sleep impacts memory and learning. As a class, we discussed how the brain needs rest to properly process and store information. Students reflected on how a consistent and healthy sleep schedule can support meaningful learning and improve long-term retention—an important connection when thinking about when and how to study.
It is safe to say that after these reflections and evaluations, these students have made considerable progress in their understanding and application of the skills they have learned. It has been fantastic watching each of them find what works best for them and hearing them discuss how they plan to use these new skills next school year. I am positive that as we continue in this course, students will continue to grow and build on these skills and truly build on their newly found strengths.
In Learning and the Brain, students have been diving into how their minds work and exploring strategies to personalize their learning habits. The focus this week has been on organization and the idea of “working smart.”
We started by discussing the difference between being tidy and being organized, and how each impacts focus, memory, and productivity. Then, students brainstormed what it means to “work smart.” Their ideas included self-discipline, a clear mindset, positivity, staying organized, task management, and breaking large assignments into manageable parts. They agreed that working smart means using helpful tools and strategies to reduce stress and improve outcomes with less wasted effort.
Next, students participated in an interactive activity where they sorted various organizational strategies—like using a planner, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing tasks, or placing reminder notes—into three categories: strategies they already use, strategies they want to try, and strategies they don’t think would work for them. Each student explained their choices, which sparked great conversations and peer-to-peer connections around different habits and preferences.
To wrap up, we practiced task prioritization with a simulation activity. Students were given realistic scenarios—such as forgetting to turn in an assignment, receiving a distracting text during class, or needing to organize their backpack—and had to determine what needed immediate attention, what could wait, and what wasn’t urgent. This hands-on exercise gave students a chance to apply the concepts in a meaningful way.
As we head into the final sessions of the course, we’ll continue developing practical strategies and building habits that help students learn more effectively and with greater confidence.’
In the afternoon, students enjoyed a smooth round of activities, each one filled with collaboration, creativity, and a few unexpected adventures. The golf group took a fun detour to the quirky and colorful Matterhorn Mini Golf Course, where students competed for a coveted grand prize: candy glory. At the river, the kayaking group tackled "The Gates" of the Housatonic, building confidence on low-level rapids while practicing technique and teamwork.
Back on campus, the fitness group impressed with their unity and motivation, working through synchronized workouts and encouraging each other through every set. Meanwhile, students who have been in ceramics for multiple weeks are now pushing their creativity further—crafting fish sculptures and other small, detailed creatures, turning clay into personality-filled works of art.
In the evening, we gathered once again for a moving round of Counselor Chats, where Jeremy, Molly, and Tim shared their personal journeys. Molly, a rising junior at Washington College, is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in psychology. She reflected on her time at Forman, especially the unforgettable experience of studying wolves in Minnesota, and how the school community became like a second family to her. Tim, who studies music engineering at Eckerd College, shared his love for cars and composing music, and how Forman’s strong music program and tight-knit community helped shape who he is today. Lastly, Jeremy, entering his senior year at Dickinson College, is majoring in psychology with a minor in educational studies. He plans to work with children who have learning differences, aiming to be the kind of positive role model he once needed. Jeremy spoke candidly about how Forman was the first school where he felt truly understood—where friends and teachers embraced his ADHD, OCD, dysgraphia, and Tourette's in a way his previous schools never did. Each story was powerful, personal, and deeply resonant for our students.
With positive momentum in the classrooms and creativity thriving in the studios and on the river, the day wrapped up with heart and connection, yet another reminder of what makes this summer so special.
7/21Day 15: Sunshine, Strengths, and Self-Reflection
We launched the first day of Week 3 with our regular morning classes, followed by a vibrant afternoon full of activity and creativity. Mr. Albee is our highlight teacher today and was excited to share the following update from his classes:
‘Today, I taught two sections of “Going for Gold: Long Term Planning and Project Analysis,” and one section of “Learning and the Brain.” The Going for Gold sections have been learning project management skills, and are applying it to a research project of their choice — students have chosen a wide range of topics from what different prominent philosophers have said about the meaning of life, to the role of confirmation bias in the medical field. Every student has turned a topic of interest into an “essential question:” a researchable, open-ended question with a complex answer. They then used a Gantt chart to visually break this project into smaller tasks, and backwards plan those tasks. They are at the stage where many students have completed much of their research, and are working on putting their notes into a presentation. Today, students started class by filling out a self-assessment check-in, comparing their progress to their stated goals, and adjusting their work goals when necessary. For the rest of class, they worked towards these goals, while I met with them individually to support them. As the class continues in the next week and a half, students will have an opportunity to present their projects to the class. Then, we will have a final reflection on what strategies worked well for them, and how they will use them in the upcoming school year.
In Learning and the Brain, students are steamrolling ahead with complex topics about the brain. So far in class, they have learned about the primary structures and functions of the brain, effective studying and note-taking methods, and how to use their knowledge of neuroscience to optimize their learning. Using their knowledge of the importance of interleaved, spaced retrieval practice, they have been building a Quizlet deck of the main concepts and vocabulary, which they study almost daily. Today, they added the concepts of the limbic system, the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as the role of neurotransmitters in those systems. We connected these advanced topics to one we’ve already discussed: how controlling your emotions – and your environment – while learning is essential to retaining information. We discussed what kinds of learning environments (comfortability, background noise, headphones) affect their emotions while learning. Finally, students experimented with different learning environments by studying these terms while listening to hard rock music, classical music, white noise, and silence. We wrapped up class by discussing which worked best (it was rock for one student, white noise for the other). By the end of this course, students will be experts in neuroscience, and how to use knowledge of their own developing brains to make learning more fun, interesting, and rewarding.’
The golf group made the most of the beautiful weather, heading out to the driving range to practice their swings under clear skies. Meanwhile, students at the ropes course took on both the low and high elements, building trust, balance, and courage with every step. Over in the jewelry workshop, students worked with beads and braiding techniques to create personalized bracelets, many made gifts for friends, adding a thoughtful touch to their craft.
This evening, our community came together for Mindfulness Wednesday, a weekly moment to pause and reflect, led by the thoughtful guidance of Ms. Bloom. Students engaged in a reflective activity that invited them to identify their individual strengths across various areas of life, while also setting intentions and goals for personal growth in the weeks ahead. Students left with a strong sense of self and inspiration for self-improvement.
It was a day that balanced energy with introspection, exactly the kind of start we love to see as we settle into the rhythm of another exciting week.
‘Today, I taught two sections of “Going for Gold: Long Term Planning and Project Analysis,” and one section of “Learning and the Brain.” The Going for Gold sections have been learning project management skills, and are applying it to a research project of their choice — students have chosen a wide range of topics from what different prominent philosophers have said about the meaning of life, to the role of confirmation bias in the medical field. Every student has turned a topic of interest into an “essential question:” a researchable, open-ended question with a complex answer. They then used a Gantt chart to visually break this project into smaller tasks, and backwards plan those tasks. They are at the stage where many students have completed much of their research, and are working on putting their notes into a presentation. Today, students started class by filling out a self-assessment check-in, comparing their progress to their stated goals, and adjusting their work goals when necessary. For the rest of class, they worked towards these goals, while I met with them individually to support them. As the class continues in the next week and a half, students will have an opportunity to present their projects to the class. Then, we will have a final reflection on what strategies worked well for them, and how they will use them in the upcoming school year.
In Learning and the Brain, students are steamrolling ahead with complex topics about the brain. So far in class, they have learned about the primary structures and functions of the brain, effective studying and note-taking methods, and how to use their knowledge of neuroscience to optimize their learning. Using their knowledge of the importance of interleaved, spaced retrieval practice, they have been building a Quizlet deck of the main concepts and vocabulary, which they study almost daily. Today, they added the concepts of the limbic system, the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as the role of neurotransmitters in those systems. We connected these advanced topics to one we’ve already discussed: how controlling your emotions – and your environment – while learning is essential to retaining information. We discussed what kinds of learning environments (comfortability, background noise, headphones) affect their emotions while learning. Finally, students experimented with different learning environments by studying these terms while listening to hard rock music, classical music, white noise, and silence. We wrapped up class by discussing which worked best (it was rock for one student, white noise for the other). By the end of this course, students will be experts in neuroscience, and how to use knowledge of their own developing brains to make learning more fun, interesting, and rewarding.’
The golf group made the most of the beautiful weather, heading out to the driving range to practice their swings under clear skies. Meanwhile, students at the ropes course took on both the low and high elements, building trust, balance, and courage with every step. Over in the jewelry workshop, students worked with beads and braiding techniques to create personalized bracelets, many made gifts for friends, adding a thoughtful touch to their craft.
This evening, our community came together for Mindfulness Wednesday, a weekly moment to pause and reflect, led by the thoughtful guidance of Ms. Bloom. Students engaged in a reflective activity that invited them to identify their individual strengths across various areas of life, while also setting intentions and goals for personal growth in the weeks ahead. Students left with a strong sense of self and inspiration for self-improvement.
It was a day that balanced energy with introspection, exactly the kind of start we love to see as we settle into the rhythm of another exciting week.
7/20 Day 14- Sunday Reset: Rest, Choice, and Routines at Forman
It was the definition of a perfect summer Sunday at Forman… easygoing, sunny, and full of choice. Students started the day with a leisurely brunch, followed by a range of optional afternoon activities designed to help them unwind and recharge before the week ahead.
Those craving an off-campus adventure could choose between a trip to the movies to see F1 or an outing to Westfarms Mall for shopping and exploring. Back on campus, students made the most of a peaceful day by choosing their own pace: watching movies or golf in the Student Center, jamming in the music room, playing video games, shooting hoops, working out, or just relaxing on the green with lawn games and friends.
As evening settled in, the campus shifted into our usual Sunday night rhythm. Dorm parents led by example, guiding students through healthy routines like self-care, organizing their spaces, and prepping for a productive week of classes. It was a calm, intentional close to a restful day, just the reset we all needed. We’d like to recognize our maintenance staff for their consistent work that keeps our campus clean and healthy. The lawns have been welcoming to all of our activities, which is evident by the blog posts of our picturesque campus nestled in the woods of Litchfield County.
With Week Three on the horizon, the Forman community is feeling recharged, grounded, and ready to take on what’s next!
Those craving an off-campus adventure could choose between a trip to the movies to see F1 or an outing to Westfarms Mall for shopping and exploring. Back on campus, students made the most of a peaceful day by choosing their own pace: watching movies or golf in the Student Center, jamming in the music room, playing video games, shooting hoops, working out, or just relaxing on the green with lawn games and friends.
As evening settled in, the campus shifted into our usual Sunday night rhythm. Dorm parents led by example, guiding students through healthy routines like self-care, organizing their spaces, and prepping for a productive week of classes. It was a calm, intentional close to a restful day, just the reset we all needed. We’d like to recognize our maintenance staff for their consistent work that keeps our campus clean and healthy. The lawns have been welcoming to all of our activities, which is evident by the blog posts of our picturesque campus nestled in the woods of Litchfield County.
With Week Three on the horizon, the Forman community is feeling recharged, grounded, and ready to take on what’s next!
7/19 Go-Karts, Game Day, and a Walk-Off Win: Day Thirteen at Forman
Our second Saturday at the Forman Summer Program was packed with choice, excitement, and unforgettable moments. After a relaxing start to the day with brunch and free time on campus, students had the chance to sign up for one of two afternoon outings: a Target run or a trip to R&B Sportsworld. While both options were appreciated, the energy was highest at R&B, where students raced go-karts, played arcade games, and tested their skills on the mini golf course. One highlight? A student-turned-coach who helped a friend navigate the go-kart course over headphones, turn by turn, a creative and hilarious display of teamwork!
For our second weekend trip, the whole campus boarded buses for our evening trip to Dunkin’ Park in Hartford to watch the Yard Goats take on their opponent in a lively minor league showdown. We had our own reserved section in center field, complete with a buffet of classic ballpark fare and the perfect view of the action. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, students cheered on a game packed with home runs, great plays, and plenty of crowd energy.
The game delivered a thrilling ending: after going into extra innings, the Yard Goats sealed the night with a walk-off bunt, a rare and exciting finish that had everyone on their feet. Between the community atmosphere, great food, and the joy of being together under the lights, it was a night that will be remembered all summer long.
Here’s to another incredible Saturday and more adventures ahead!
For our second weekend trip, the whole campus boarded buses for our evening trip to Dunkin’ Park in Hartford to watch the Yard Goats take on their opponent in a lively minor league showdown. We had our own reserved section in center field, complete with a buffet of classic ballpark fare and the perfect view of the action. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, students cheered on a game packed with home runs, great plays, and plenty of crowd energy.
The game delivered a thrilling ending: after going into extra innings, the Yard Goats sealed the night with a walk-off bunt, a rare and exciting finish that had everyone on their feet. Between the community atmosphere, great food, and the joy of being together under the lights, it was a night that will be remembered all summer long.
Here’s to another incredible Saturday and more adventures ahead!
7/18 Finishing Strong and Winding Down: Day Twelve at Forman
Today marked the end of Week Two at the Forman Summer Program, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. With sunshine overhead and a sense of accomplishment in the air, students wrapped up their second full week of classes, bringing focus, effort, and pride to their final days before the weekend festivities begin. Ms. Diehl is our highlight teacher of the day and is excited to share some updates from her reading and comprehension classes.
‘Over the past two weeks, students in Reading Comprehension have been engaging in active reading, and today they completed a metacognitive reflection through a worksheet that asked them to think critically about the strategies they've been learning. These include pre-reading strategies, annotation techniques, “fix-it” strategies to support comprehension, and vocabulary-building tools. We’ve also begun exploring inferences: what they are, why they matter, and how they connect to understanding what we read.
In addition to comprehension strategies, I will introduce various note-taking methods, starting with the classic outline format. It’s been exciting to see how students have made this model their own; some color-coded their notes, while others added doodles or visual cues to help them remember key ideas.
Looking ahead, students will continue to develop their comprehension skills while learning to distinguish between four types of inference questions: factual, big-picture, predictive, and clarifying. These strategies will help them become more thoughtful, active readers.
In Reading Principles, students recently completed Unit 1 of Wilson Just Words, and I’m proud to report that everyone passed the unit test—an outstanding accomplishment! We are now moving into Unit 2, where students are learning to distinguish between digraphs and blends. We’re also reviewing the concept of a closed syllable, an essential building block in decoding and encoding.
Students have practiced blending and segmenting three-sound words, and we’ll soon move on to four, five, and six-sound words within a syllable. We are continuing to work on high-frequency words, spelling, and reading both regular and irregular words using a variety of tools, including magnetic boards for multisensory practice.
Next week, we will begin exploring welded (or “glued”) sounds, which will add another layer to students’ decoding and spelling skills.’
The afternoon was all about celebrating progress and enjoying the last day of this week’s activities. In kayaking, students pushed their limits by learning how to ride into a rooster tail (wave), building both skill and confidence on the water. Tennis players faced off against counselors in fun, fast-paced matches, while the basketball group kept things lighthearted and impressive with trick shot challenges and counselor competitions of their own. Over in music, students performed final renditions of their cover songs, wrapping up a week of hard work with some well-earned applause.
After such a full and dynamic week, we slowed things down with a relaxing movie night; a perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other's company. In anticipation of our upcoming trip to the Hartford Yardgoats baseball game tomorrow, we watched the nostalgic Disney favorite "Rookie of the Year," filling the student center with laughter, popcorn, and a few spontaneous cheers.
As we head into the weekend, there’s a strong sense of community, growth, and excitement for what’s still to come. Two weeks down, and so many great memories already made.
‘Over the past two weeks, students in Reading Comprehension have been engaging in active reading, and today they completed a metacognitive reflection through a worksheet that asked them to think critically about the strategies they've been learning. These include pre-reading strategies, annotation techniques, “fix-it” strategies to support comprehension, and vocabulary-building tools. We’ve also begun exploring inferences: what they are, why they matter, and how they connect to understanding what we read.
In addition to comprehension strategies, I will introduce various note-taking methods, starting with the classic outline format. It’s been exciting to see how students have made this model their own; some color-coded their notes, while others added doodles or visual cues to help them remember key ideas.
Looking ahead, students will continue to develop their comprehension skills while learning to distinguish between four types of inference questions: factual, big-picture, predictive, and clarifying. These strategies will help them become more thoughtful, active readers.
In Reading Principles, students recently completed Unit 1 of Wilson Just Words, and I’m proud to report that everyone passed the unit test—an outstanding accomplishment! We are now moving into Unit 2, where students are learning to distinguish between digraphs and blends. We’re also reviewing the concept of a closed syllable, an essential building block in decoding and encoding.
Students have practiced blending and segmenting three-sound words, and we’ll soon move on to four, five, and six-sound words within a syllable. We are continuing to work on high-frequency words, spelling, and reading both regular and irregular words using a variety of tools, including magnetic boards for multisensory practice.
Next week, we will begin exploring welded (or “glued”) sounds, which will add another layer to students’ decoding and spelling skills.’
The afternoon was all about celebrating progress and enjoying the last day of this week’s activities. In kayaking, students pushed their limits by learning how to ride into a rooster tail (wave), building both skill and confidence on the water. Tennis players faced off against counselors in fun, fast-paced matches, while the basketball group kept things lighthearted and impressive with trick shot challenges and counselor competitions of their own. Over in music, students performed final renditions of their cover songs, wrapping up a week of hard work with some well-earned applause.
After such a full and dynamic week, we slowed things down with a relaxing movie night; a perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other's company. In anticipation of our upcoming trip to the Hartford Yardgoats baseball game tomorrow, we watched the nostalgic Disney favorite "Rookie of the Year," filling the student center with laughter, popcorn, and a few spontaneous cheers.
As we head into the weekend, there’s a strong sense of community, growth, and excitement for what’s still to come. Two weeks down, and so many great memories already made.
7/17 Calm, Connection, and Campus Vibes: Day Eleven at Forman
Thursday brought another beautiful day to campus, and with it, the familiar comfort of our summer rhythm. Morning classes ran as scheduled, with students continuing to build momentum in their academic work and routines as we near the end of Week Two. Today’s highlight teacher is Ms. Duncan who is eager to share updates from her math classes:
‘Pre-Algebra class;
We spent time today solidifying the order of operations, and working on solving equations. We took the numbers 1-4 and performed operations on them to create the values 1-24. It took a great deal of manipulation, trial and error, and perseverance to accomplish this goal. The three students in this class have become accustomed to working together and realize teamwork is the best way to go.
Geometry:
In geometry class we have been studying the interior and exterior angle relationships in polygons. We also have learned the relationship of the angles when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. The students have been working together identifying angle relationships and supporting one another in the process. We also just dove into circles, by finding the names for all of the parts, and finding missing angles and arcs. The visual element of geometry has been a plus for our students.
Algebra 2:
In Algebra 2 class we have been exploring binomial expansion using Pascal's triangle and combinations. We have also been looking into sequences and series, both arithmetic and geometric. We also explored a more challenging problem, finding the explicit formula for quadratic sequences. The students have been collaborating and have welcomed the challenges I have presented.’
The afternoon was equally smooth, as students made the most of this week’s activity blocks, enjoying time outdoors, creating in studios, and connecting with their groups. There was a sense of eagerness in the air as students also signed up for next week’s activities, looking ahead to fresh opportunities and adventures that await. In the meantime, metalsmithing and ceramics are putting finishing touches on their individual projects, volleyball and tennis are alternating between competing and breaks in the shade, and soccer has capitalized on our gym space. Kayaking has taken to the river for a 4-mile cruise down the Housatonic River.
As always, Thursday evenings at Forman offer a more relaxed pace. With extended free time across campus, students spread out to enjoy games, conversations, and creative projects, while counselors were stationed in key areas to ensure fun, safety, and support. Whether playing pickup sports, gaming in the Student Center, or just relaxing with friends under the setting sun, tonight was all about connection and choice. Some were even lucky enough to catch glimpses of the Perseid meteor shower this evening thanks to our minimal light pollution and abundance of night sky here in Litchfield County.
These quieter evenings are a meaningful part of the Forman Summer experience… moments where friendships deepen, laughter carries across the green, and students simply enjoy being together in a space where they can be themselves.
Looking forward to closing out the week strong tomorrow!
‘Pre-Algebra class;
We spent time today solidifying the order of operations, and working on solving equations. We took the numbers 1-4 and performed operations on them to create the values 1-24. It took a great deal of manipulation, trial and error, and perseverance to accomplish this goal. The three students in this class have become accustomed to working together and realize teamwork is the best way to go.
Geometry:
In geometry class we have been studying the interior and exterior angle relationships in polygons. We also have learned the relationship of the angles when parallel lines are cut by a transversal. The students have been working together identifying angle relationships and supporting one another in the process. We also just dove into circles, by finding the names for all of the parts, and finding missing angles and arcs. The visual element of geometry has been a plus for our students.
Algebra 2:
In Algebra 2 class we have been exploring binomial expansion using Pascal's triangle and combinations. We have also been looking into sequences and series, both arithmetic and geometric. We also explored a more challenging problem, finding the explicit formula for quadratic sequences. The students have been collaborating and have welcomed the challenges I have presented.’
The afternoon was equally smooth, as students made the most of this week’s activity blocks, enjoying time outdoors, creating in studios, and connecting with their groups. There was a sense of eagerness in the air as students also signed up for next week’s activities, looking ahead to fresh opportunities and adventures that await. In the meantime, metalsmithing and ceramics are putting finishing touches on their individual projects, volleyball and tennis are alternating between competing and breaks in the shade, and soccer has capitalized on our gym space. Kayaking has taken to the river for a 4-mile cruise down the Housatonic River.
As always, Thursday evenings at Forman offer a more relaxed pace. With extended free time across campus, students spread out to enjoy games, conversations, and creative projects, while counselors were stationed in key areas to ensure fun, safety, and support. Whether playing pickup sports, gaming in the Student Center, or just relaxing with friends under the setting sun, tonight was all about connection and choice. Some were even lucky enough to catch glimpses of the Perseid meteor shower this evening thanks to our minimal light pollution and abundance of night sky here in Litchfield County.
These quieter evenings are a meaningful part of the Forman Summer experience… moments where friendships deepen, laughter carries across the green, and students simply enjoy being together in a space where they can be themselves.
Looking forward to closing out the week strong tomorrow!
7/16 Creativity, Confidence, and Competition: Day Ten at Forman
Another warm and sunny day graced our campus as students continued to settle into the steady rhythm of Week Two. With classes running smoothly, students built on the progress they’ve made so far, diving deeper into their academic goals and strengthening their classroom connections. Our highlight teacher, Mr. Leach, is happy to share some examples of this progress and his connection to his classes:
‘Unlocking Our Voices: Week One in Writing Class
Welcome to our Writing 1 class, where we're on a journey to discover the power of words through grammar, structure, and expression. This course is designed to meet students where they are – with support from assistive technology, research-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help everyone grow as a writer.
What We’re All About:
In this class, writing is just about rules–it’s about expression. By strengthening grammar skills and learn how to organize ideas clearly, students build the confidence and tools they need to communicate effectively. Whether we’re writing stories, essays, or persuasive letters, our goal is to become stronger, more independent writers.
Throughout the summer, we’ll be asking ourselves some big questions:
Week One and Two: Building the Foundation
Through week one, we’ve been laying the groundwork for strong, expressive writing. Our focus has been on the essential building blocks of clear communication, while also beginning to craft a personal narrative about our past school experiences.
We also began exploring assistive technology tools to support our writing process–tools like speech-to-text, spelling, and grammar checkers, and graphic organizers to help us brainstorm and structure ideas.
Looking Ahead:
As we continue, we will dive into writing different types of essays and experimenting with narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Our goal? To become confident writers who can revise, edit, and express ideas clearly, with a little help from grammar, tech tools, and a lot of practice.’
The afternoon brought a calm, productive energy to activities, with students focused and engaged across campus. In ceramics, artists put the finishing touches on their independent projects, including beautifully crafted pinch pots, coil pots, and trays. It's been inspiring to watch their ideas come to life over the past week, and the results are as impressive as they are creative.
Meanwhile, our whitewater rafting group took things up a notch, heading out to a new section of the Housatonic River. With each paddle stroke, students gained greater confidence navigating more challenging waters, pushing themselves to apply the safety and technique skills they’ve been practicing. The teamwork and enthusiasm on the water were contagious. Music is feeling the cohesion also, learning vampire by Olivia Rodrigo.
This evening, the fun moved indoors to the VPAC for another round of Win-it Wednesday, this time featuring fast-paced Minute to Win It challenges. The competition was fierce and full of laughter as each dorm took on each other in a bid for first place bragging rights. From stacking cups to face-the-cookie, the crowd cheered each other on with the kind of spirit that makes Forman Summer feel like one big family.
With creativity in the studios, confidence on the river, and camaraderie in the theater, today had a little bit of everything. In addition to celebrating another great day here at Forman Summer, we’d like to give a special shoutout to our dorm parent Zoe, who received the Silver Award from the Connecticut Art Director’s Club this week. In addition to being a strong leader in the dorm, Zoe has earned an amazing scholarship opportunity for graphic arts and we couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team. Here's to continuing the momentum as we head into the second half of the week!
‘Unlocking Our Voices: Week One in Writing Class
Welcome to our Writing 1 class, where we're on a journey to discover the power of words through grammar, structure, and expression. This course is designed to meet students where they are – with support from assistive technology, research-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help everyone grow as a writer.
What We’re All About:
In this class, writing is just about rules–it’s about expression. By strengthening grammar skills and learn how to organize ideas clearly, students build the confidence and tools they need to communicate effectively. Whether we’re writing stories, essays, or persuasive letters, our goal is to become stronger, more independent writers.
Throughout the summer, we’ll be asking ourselves some big questions:
- How does grammar help shape our voice?
- How can technology support our writing?
- What’s the best way to organize an idea?
- Why do we write differently for people and purposes?
Week One and Two: Building the Foundation
Through week one, we’ve been laying the groundwork for strong, expressive writing. Our focus has been on the essential building blocks of clear communication, while also beginning to craft a personal narrative about our past school experiences.
- Apostrophes – We practiced using apostrophes to show possession and contractions—an important detail that adds precision and polish to our writing.
- Sentence Fragments – We learned how to recognize incomplete thoughts and revise them by adding the missing elements, such as subjects or verbs.
- Run-ons and Comma Splices – We explored these common sentence errors and practiced how to correct them using periods, conjunctions (like FANBOYS), and semicolons to create smoother, more logical flow.
- Sentence Structures – We studied the four types of sentence structures—simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex—to bring variety and rhythm to our writing.
- Writing from the Heart – We launched our “Letter from the Heart” project to begin writing with voice and purpose, using personal experience as inspiration.
- CAST Paragraph Work – To bring everything together, we began applying what we’ve learned to a 10-sentence CAST paragraph structure. This helped us organize our ideas as we drafted a narrative focused on a past school experience.
We also began exploring assistive technology tools to support our writing process–tools like speech-to-text, spelling, and grammar checkers, and graphic organizers to help us brainstorm and structure ideas.
Looking Ahead:
As we continue, we will dive into writing different types of essays and experimenting with narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Our goal? To become confident writers who can revise, edit, and express ideas clearly, with a little help from grammar, tech tools, and a lot of practice.’
The afternoon brought a calm, productive energy to activities, with students focused and engaged across campus. In ceramics, artists put the finishing touches on their independent projects, including beautifully crafted pinch pots, coil pots, and trays. It's been inspiring to watch their ideas come to life over the past week, and the results are as impressive as they are creative.
Meanwhile, our whitewater rafting group took things up a notch, heading out to a new section of the Housatonic River. With each paddle stroke, students gained greater confidence navigating more challenging waters, pushing themselves to apply the safety and technique skills they’ve been practicing. The teamwork and enthusiasm on the water were contagious. Music is feeling the cohesion also, learning vampire by Olivia Rodrigo.
This evening, the fun moved indoors to the VPAC for another round of Win-it Wednesday, this time featuring fast-paced Minute to Win It challenges. The competition was fierce and full of laughter as each dorm took on each other in a bid for first place bragging rights. From stacking cups to face-the-cookie, the crowd cheered each other on with the kind of spirit that makes Forman Summer feel like one big family.
With creativity in the studios, confidence on the river, and camaraderie in the theater, today had a little bit of everything. In addition to celebrating another great day here at Forman Summer, we’d like to give a special shoutout to our dorm parent Zoe, who received the Silver Award from the Connecticut Art Director’s Club this week. In addition to being a strong leader in the dorm, Zoe has earned an amazing scholarship opportunity for graphic arts and we couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team. Here's to continuing the momentum as we head into the second half of the week!
7/15 Sunshine, Sports, and Stories: Day Nine at Forman
Tuesday brought clear skies, warm sunshine, and an upbeat rhythm across campus as students settled into their second week of summer learning and connection. Classes ran smoothly, with students continuing to grow in both confidence and academic independence. Dr. O is one of our strongest (literally) teachers here at Forman. As our science department chair, strength and conditioning coach, and health and wellness teacher, we are grateful for all he contributes to our culture. He shared the following updates from his class:
‘In our Science of Studying – Studying Smarter, Not Harder course, students have been exploring research-backed strategies to improve focus, memory, and overall learning efficiency. We began by learning how the brain grows through neuroplasticity, and how tools like spaced practice and retrieval (quizzing yourself) strengthen memory over time. Students journaled daily, reflected on their learning habits, and engaged in interactive activities—including a game of Uno, where each card played required them to recall and share a study strategy. It was a fun and creative way to reinforce key concepts while practicing memory and attention.
In the Executive Functioning – Going for Gold course, students started with Milestone 1: the research phase of their long-term projects. They chose meaningful topics, gathered information, and began mapping out what they learned. From there, the focus shifted to organizing their research and building visual task plans to track progress. We introduced systems like Must / Should / Can prioritization, progress trackers, and self-reflection tools to help students break big goals into manageable action steps. Each student is learning how to manage their own time and decisions using practical, real-world executive functioning strategies.
Across both courses, students are building lifelong skills to help them become more focused, self-aware, and independent learners. They’re not just learning what to study—they’re learning how to study and how to manage their thinking. Whether through brain-based study strategies or real-time project planning, students are making exciting progress and growing more confident each day. We’re proud of the effort they’ve shown and look forward to the continued momentum in the weeks ahead.’
The sunny weather made it an ideal afternoon to dive into activities with no disruptions, and plenty of action! A few activity highlights stood out today: students in the basketball group took on a fun and unexpected challenge, closest to the pin on the golf simulator competing head-to-head with Mr. Carbone for bragging rights. Meanwhile, the volleyball group raised the intensity and fun with a variation of the game called nuke-em, turning up the competitive spirit with lots of laughter and teamwork.
The evening brought the second round of Counselor Chats, a powerful Forman tradition that gives our community the chance to learn from alumni who’ve walked in their shoes. Tonight, we heard from three incredible voices, Will M., Ben R., and Will D., all of whom were chosen by student vote to share their personal journeys.
With a day full of sunshine, spirited games, and powerful storytelling, Forman continues to be a place where fun, growth, and connection happen side by side. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
‘In our Science of Studying – Studying Smarter, Not Harder course, students have been exploring research-backed strategies to improve focus, memory, and overall learning efficiency. We began by learning how the brain grows through neuroplasticity, and how tools like spaced practice and retrieval (quizzing yourself) strengthen memory over time. Students journaled daily, reflected on their learning habits, and engaged in interactive activities—including a game of Uno, where each card played required them to recall and share a study strategy. It was a fun and creative way to reinforce key concepts while practicing memory and attention.
In the Executive Functioning – Going for Gold course, students started with Milestone 1: the research phase of their long-term projects. They chose meaningful topics, gathered information, and began mapping out what they learned. From there, the focus shifted to organizing their research and building visual task plans to track progress. We introduced systems like Must / Should / Can prioritization, progress trackers, and self-reflection tools to help students break big goals into manageable action steps. Each student is learning how to manage their own time and decisions using practical, real-world executive functioning strategies.
Across both courses, students are building lifelong skills to help them become more focused, self-aware, and independent learners. They’re not just learning what to study—they’re learning how to study and how to manage their thinking. Whether through brain-based study strategies or real-time project planning, students are making exciting progress and growing more confident each day. We’re proud of the effort they’ve shown and look forward to the continued momentum in the weeks ahead.’
The sunny weather made it an ideal afternoon to dive into activities with no disruptions, and plenty of action! A few activity highlights stood out today: students in the basketball group took on a fun and unexpected challenge, closest to the pin on the golf simulator competing head-to-head with Mr. Carbone for bragging rights. Meanwhile, the volleyball group raised the intensity and fun with a variation of the game called nuke-em, turning up the competitive spirit with lots of laughter and teamwork.
The evening brought the second round of Counselor Chats, a powerful Forman tradition that gives our community the chance to learn from alumni who’ve walked in their shoes. Tonight, we heard from three incredible voices, Will M., Ben R., and Will D., all of whom were chosen by student vote to share their personal journeys.
- Will M., currently attending Iona College as a criminal justice major, spoke about his aspirations to work at the federal level, as well as how the relationships he built at Forman, particularly with peers and staff, shaped his confidence and direction.
- Ben R., studying business administration at the College of Charleston, reflected on his love of travel and his favorite Forman experiences during Winterim trips abroad. His future plans include a career in real estate.
- Will D., a student at Providence College, is still exploring his path, possibly toward education or business, but shared his love for boating and his ambition to become a licensed captain one day. His calm confidence and adventurous spirit resonated deeply with students.
With a day full of sunshine, spirited games, and powerful storytelling, Forman continues to be a place where fun, growth, and connection happen side by side. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
7/14 Day 8: New Week, New Challenges, Same Forman Spirit
Week Two is officially underway, and what a great Monday it was to kick things off! After an exciting and restorative weekend, students jumped back into classes with fresh energy and growing confidence. One of our most spirited teachers, Ms. Reilly is happy to share the following excerpt:
“We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel…is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become.” -Ursula K. Le Guin
‘I am thrilled to welcome Forman Summer students to my Critical Reading and Reading Comprehension classes. Each student contributes to creating a community of readers and writers who discover the passion and knowledge of why reading is important to generate connections. These classes are a cohesive forum for intentional writing, reading comprehension strategies, and critical analysis of engaging Novels.
In our Critical Reading A Block class, as well as our Reading Comprehension B Block class, students are reading Ghost by Jason Reynolds. They are exploring the Novel written by the talented and award-winning Author, Jason Reynolds. His style of prose entices the students to devour the novel.
For example, Tyler in our Reading Comprehension B Block class stated today that he loved the book! He was enthralled by the action of Ghost, as the main character, navigated his complex life with hope from his new track coach.
In the Reading Comprehension C Block class, students are examining the classic Antigone by Sophocles. Students have delved into complex Essential Questions such as :
This afternoon brought a classic New England surprise, a passing summer storm that temporarily shifted our outdoor activities indoors. Despite the sudden change, the energy remained high as students adapted with flexibility and continued making the most of their afternoon. We were especially excited to launch several new activities this week, giving students the opportunity to explore fresh interests and skills. Our white water rafting group kicked off their program with a focus on kayak safety, learning how to perform wet exits and building confidence with hands-on practice at Mohawk Pond. The Forman ropes course officially opened today, offering students the chance to climb, balance, and challenge themselves on high elements that build trust and teamwork. We also began our swimming activity, with students traveling to the Torrington Pool for laps, games, and relaxed time in the water.
These additions bring even more variety to our afternoons, and it's exciting to see students trying new things, encouraging each other, and embracing the range of experiences our summer program offers.
As the skies cleared, so did the pace of the day, finishing with free time and the a whole campus activity led by Ms. Bloom. Everyone came together for the launch of a reflective and creative project called “Possible Selves,” led by Ms. Bloom. This multi-week activity encourages students to explore their identities, strengths, and future goals through guided self-reflection and artistic expression. In this first session, students completed an “About Me” one-pager, filling it with personal traits, important memories, inspiring quotes, and drawings, followed by a thoughtful questionnaire focused on their strengths and aspirations as learners and individuals. The energy was thoughtful, collaborative, and inspiring as students began crafting a personal narrative they’ll continue to build on throughout the summer.
“We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel…is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become.” -Ursula K. Le Guin
‘I am thrilled to welcome Forman Summer students to my Critical Reading and Reading Comprehension classes. Each student contributes to creating a community of readers and writers who discover the passion and knowledge of why reading is important to generate connections. These classes are a cohesive forum for intentional writing, reading comprehension strategies, and critical analysis of engaging Novels.
In our Critical Reading A Block class, as well as our Reading Comprehension B Block class, students are reading Ghost by Jason Reynolds. They are exploring the Novel written by the talented and award-winning Author, Jason Reynolds. His style of prose entices the students to devour the novel.
For example, Tyler in our Reading Comprehension B Block class stated today that he loved the book! He was enthralled by the action of Ghost, as the main character, navigated his complex life with hope from his new track coach.
In the Reading Comprehension C Block class, students are examining the classic Antigone by Sophocles. Students have delved into complex Essential Questions such as :
- What is the relationship between individual conscience and the law?
- What makes a hero or a tragic figure?
- How do power and status influence decision-making?
- Analyzes character motivations, themes, and structure in Antigone, using close reading strategies, self-questioning, paraphrasing, graphic organizers, and metacognitive strategies
- Explores philosophical concepts like justice, fate vs. free will, civil disobedience, and moral responsibility.
- Compares Antigone to modern texts and real-world dilemmas.
This afternoon brought a classic New England surprise, a passing summer storm that temporarily shifted our outdoor activities indoors. Despite the sudden change, the energy remained high as students adapted with flexibility and continued making the most of their afternoon. We were especially excited to launch several new activities this week, giving students the opportunity to explore fresh interests and skills. Our white water rafting group kicked off their program with a focus on kayak safety, learning how to perform wet exits and building confidence with hands-on practice at Mohawk Pond. The Forman ropes course officially opened today, offering students the chance to climb, balance, and challenge themselves on high elements that build trust and teamwork. We also began our swimming activity, with students traveling to the Torrington Pool for laps, games, and relaxed time in the water.
These additions bring even more variety to our afternoons, and it's exciting to see students trying new things, encouraging each other, and embracing the range of experiences our summer program offers.
As the skies cleared, so did the pace of the day, finishing with free time and the a whole campus activity led by Ms. Bloom. Everyone came together for the launch of a reflective and creative project called “Possible Selves,” led by Ms. Bloom. This multi-week activity encourages students to explore their identities, strengths, and future goals through guided self-reflection and artistic expression. In this first session, students completed an “About Me” one-pager, filling it with personal traits, important memories, inspiring quotes, and drawings, followed by a thoughtful questionnaire focused on their strengths and aspirations as learners and individuals. The energy was thoughtful, collaborative, and inspiring as students began crafting a personal narrative they’ll continue to build on throughout the summer.
7/13 Day 7: Exploring, Unwinding, and Planning Ahead
The first Sunday of the Forman Summer Program brought blue skies, warm sunshine, and a welcome change of pace as students enjoyed a relaxing day balancing fun and preparation for the upcoming week. Brunch provided some additional time for rest this morning before fueling ourselves for the day ahead.
With a variety of options on the table, students signed up for off-campus trips or stayed behind to enjoy a slower day on campus. For those ready to explore, buses headed out for two exciting destinations. One group traveled to the movies to catch the new Superman film, enjoying popcorn, air conditioning, and cinematic adventure. Another crew headed to the Danbury Fair Mall for some well-deserved retail therapy, returning with shopping bags, stories, and a few treats to make dorm life a little sweeter.
Back on campus, some students took advantage of the calm atmosphere and open spaces. Some gathered in the Student Center to watch the Wimbledon final, while others spent the afternoon playing video games, creating art in the craft room, or squeezing in a workout at the gym. The flexible schedule and sunshine gave everyone a chance to reset in their own way.
As the sun began to dip, everyone returned to campus for evening free time before heading back to their dorms for a cozy end-of-week check-in. Counselors and dorm parents met with their dorms to reflect on the first week, share laughs, and make plans for the week ahead. Sunday evenings are reserved for dorm cleanup and healthy nighttime routines, modeled by staff.
Week one is officially behind us, and we’re heading into week two with stronger friendships, growing confidence, and a real sense of community. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
With a variety of options on the table, students signed up for off-campus trips or stayed behind to enjoy a slower day on campus. For those ready to explore, buses headed out for two exciting destinations. One group traveled to the movies to catch the new Superman film, enjoying popcorn, air conditioning, and cinematic adventure. Another crew headed to the Danbury Fair Mall for some well-deserved retail therapy, returning with shopping bags, stories, and a few treats to make dorm life a little sweeter.
Back on campus, some students took advantage of the calm atmosphere and open spaces. Some gathered in the Student Center to watch the Wimbledon final, while others spent the afternoon playing video games, creating art in the craft room, or squeezing in a workout at the gym. The flexible schedule and sunshine gave everyone a chance to reset in their own way.
As the sun began to dip, everyone returned to campus for evening free time before heading back to their dorms for a cozy end-of-week check-in. Counselors and dorm parents met with their dorms to reflect on the first week, share laughs, and make plans for the week ahead. Sunday evenings are reserved for dorm cleanup and healthy nighttime routines, modeled by staff.
Week one is officially behind us, and we’re heading into week two with stronger friendships, growing confidence, and a real sense of community. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
7/12 Climbing, Crafting, and Cannonballs: Day six our High Meadow Adventure
Our first Saturday of the Forman Summer Program was nothing short of spectacular! With clear skies, sunshine, and high spirits, we set off for our first campus wide trip, a full day of fun and adventure at High Meadow Resort.
After a healthy breakfast to fuel up, students boarded the buses with excitement and anticipation. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the welcoming staff at High Meadow and an impressive range of activities to dive into. From rock climbing and mini golf to horseback riding and arts and crafts, there was something for everyone. And of course, the pool with its extra springy diving board quickly became a favorite spot to cool off and make a splash.
Throughout the day, the High Meadow staff kept the energy high with a variety of events and games, including a hula hoop contest, a pie-eating competition, limbo, and 3v3 and knockout basketball tournaments. Forman Summer Program was proud to bring home 1st place ribbons for both the pie eating AND the hula hooping competitions. The DJ kept the beat going with music that had everyone dancing between activities, and the grill stayed hot with plenty of delicious food and snacks to keep everyone fueled and happy.
As the sun began to dip, we made our way back to campus, tired but smiling. The energy began to mellow as students settled into extended free time, spreading out across the campus and capitalizing on all the locations we have to offer.
It’s days like today that truly highlight what the Forman Summer Program is all about: exploration, community, and creating memories that will last well beyond the summer. We’re proud of our students for diving into new experiences and grateful to the incredible team at High Meadow for making it such a special day.
Here’s to more adventures ahead—and maybe a little extra sleep tonight!
After a healthy breakfast to fuel up, students boarded the buses with excitement and anticipation. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the welcoming staff at High Meadow and an impressive range of activities to dive into. From rock climbing and mini golf to horseback riding and arts and crafts, there was something for everyone. And of course, the pool with its extra springy diving board quickly became a favorite spot to cool off and make a splash.
Throughout the day, the High Meadow staff kept the energy high with a variety of events and games, including a hula hoop contest, a pie-eating competition, limbo, and 3v3 and knockout basketball tournaments. Forman Summer Program was proud to bring home 1st place ribbons for both the pie eating AND the hula hooping competitions. The DJ kept the beat going with music that had everyone dancing between activities, and the grill stayed hot with plenty of delicious food and snacks to keep everyone fueled and happy.
As the sun began to dip, we made our way back to campus, tired but smiling. The energy began to mellow as students settled into extended free time, spreading out across the campus and capitalizing on all the locations we have to offer.
It’s days like today that truly highlight what the Forman Summer Program is all about: exploration, community, and creating memories that will last well beyond the summer. We’re proud of our students for diving into new experiences and grateful to the incredible team at High Meadow for making it such a special day.
Here’s to more adventures ahead—and maybe a little extra sleep tonight!
7/11 Wrapping Up the Week with Sunshine and Skill: Day Five at Forman
What a beautiful Friday here in Litchfield County! The sun was shining, the breeze was light, and the energy on campus reflected a week well spent. As we wrapped up the first full week of classes, students walked into the day with confidence, routine, and a growing sense of accomplishment.
Across classrooms, it was clear just how much progress has been made in just five short days. Our small-group and individualized instruction has helped students build strong connections with their teachers and with each other, setting a solid foundation for the weeks ahead. Ms. Tutolo is our highlight teacher and has the following to share from her writing classes:
‘Writing is alive and well on Forman campus this summer; in fact, it’s thriving! Especially in room 106, home of Ms. Tutolo’s Writing I and Writing II courses. Alright, alright… I can admit it, I’m probably a little biased… but you would be too if you could see all of the impressive writers I get to work with this month! Some of them might not know it yet, but all of them have enormous potential and unique voices that deserve to be heard.
On the first day of classes, we all spent some time getting to know each other – students gained some insight into my background and classroom expectations, while I got a sneak peek into the varied personalities I’m lucky enough to be working with this month. It’s no secret that writing is an incredibly vulnerable act to participate in, and for many, a remarkably challenging task to complete. For this reason, I love discovering as much as possible about each individual student, because the more I know about the people in front of me, the more I can transform their class into the ideal environment for learning and growth.
The questions were simple – What’s your favorite subject in school? What are you hoping to get out of this class? The objectives of the questions, however, are a little more layered than they seem. A person’s favorite subject in school reveals quite a bit about their personality, their learning style, and where they feel their skills currently lie. The second question, on the other hand, offers some direct insight into a student’s confidence level when it comes to writing and what they feel their primary area for growth might be. Though they weren’t required to do so, almost every student was willing to share the reasoning behind their responses, allowing a great deal of connections to form and comfort to build in only an hour’s time.
The second day of classes brought with it the first writing assignment of the summer, which was a letter to me, designed to reveal their authentic author’s voice, attention to detail, and ability to organize their ideas. The latter was the true challenge, as they were asked to include details ranging from their favorite color to their best friend from home to what they’re already loving about their experience at Forman. I’m so incredibly proud to share that almost every student was willing to read their letter aloud, even those who were originally hesitant to do so. This was the first true step toward understanding that there’s something great in every piece of writing, especially when one allows their personality to shine through in the work they do.
We then carried that lesson into today’s class, where we began brainstorming topics we’re interested in for the purpose of writing a structured, academic paragraph. We talked about how the biggest mistake most writers make is rushing this part of the process and jumping into the easiest argument to make, rather than the one that sparks their passion and, as a result, brings life and voice into their writing. This is when one of my favorite parts of teaching emerged – as soon as their smiles started appearing, I knew they were beginning to see that writing isn’t just a task to complete, it’s also something they can enjoy.
In upcoming classes, students in both Writing I and Writing II classes will learn how to turn their ideas into well written paragraphs, and those paragraphs into thoughtfully organized essays. While Writing I students will be focusing more on structure and Writing II students will be diving more into the research world, all students will be spending this month building up the skills and confidence they need in order to face any future writing assignment with a sense of independence rather than helplessness and a burst of curiosity rather than confusion. I can’t wait for these brilliant individuals to see what they can create when they set their minds to it – we’re in for an exciting summer, that’s for sure!
This afternoon, our fishing group tried their luck at a new spot, casting lines in the Bantam River both from a bridge and a boat launch. Surrounded by nature and soaking in the sun, students enjoyed the peaceful change of scenery and continued to show their growing skill and patience as anglers.
Meanwhile, in metalsmithing, the workshop was alive with creativity and focus. Students have been learning the detailed art of soldering and sawing, applying these techniques to their own independent projects. Some students are crafting twisted metal pieces or exploring wrapped wire designs, showcasing impressive artistry and attention to detail.
With another gorgeous sunny day, outdoor activities across campus thrived. Whether on the courts, the trails, or simply relaxing with friends, students took full advantage of the perfect weather. This evening we winded down by enjoying watching The Parent Trap on the big screen in the student center with an abundance of pizzas and snacks.
As we head into the weekend, it’s clear that our summer community is growing stronger each day. Friendships are deepening, confidence is building, and creativity is flourishing. Week one is officially in the books, and what a fantastic week it’s been!
Stay tuned for weekend highlights from our first whole camp outing and more moments from this unforgettable summer at Forman.
Across classrooms, it was clear just how much progress has been made in just five short days. Our small-group and individualized instruction has helped students build strong connections with their teachers and with each other, setting a solid foundation for the weeks ahead. Ms. Tutolo is our highlight teacher and has the following to share from her writing classes:
‘Writing is alive and well on Forman campus this summer; in fact, it’s thriving! Especially in room 106, home of Ms. Tutolo’s Writing I and Writing II courses. Alright, alright… I can admit it, I’m probably a little biased… but you would be too if you could see all of the impressive writers I get to work with this month! Some of them might not know it yet, but all of them have enormous potential and unique voices that deserve to be heard.
On the first day of classes, we all spent some time getting to know each other – students gained some insight into my background and classroom expectations, while I got a sneak peek into the varied personalities I’m lucky enough to be working with this month. It’s no secret that writing is an incredibly vulnerable act to participate in, and for many, a remarkably challenging task to complete. For this reason, I love discovering as much as possible about each individual student, because the more I know about the people in front of me, the more I can transform their class into the ideal environment for learning and growth.
The questions were simple – What’s your favorite subject in school? What are you hoping to get out of this class? The objectives of the questions, however, are a little more layered than they seem. A person’s favorite subject in school reveals quite a bit about their personality, their learning style, and where they feel their skills currently lie. The second question, on the other hand, offers some direct insight into a student’s confidence level when it comes to writing and what they feel their primary area for growth might be. Though they weren’t required to do so, almost every student was willing to share the reasoning behind their responses, allowing a great deal of connections to form and comfort to build in only an hour’s time.
The second day of classes brought with it the first writing assignment of the summer, which was a letter to me, designed to reveal their authentic author’s voice, attention to detail, and ability to organize their ideas. The latter was the true challenge, as they were asked to include details ranging from their favorite color to their best friend from home to what they’re already loving about their experience at Forman. I’m so incredibly proud to share that almost every student was willing to read their letter aloud, even those who were originally hesitant to do so. This was the first true step toward understanding that there’s something great in every piece of writing, especially when one allows their personality to shine through in the work they do.
We then carried that lesson into today’s class, where we began brainstorming topics we’re interested in for the purpose of writing a structured, academic paragraph. We talked about how the biggest mistake most writers make is rushing this part of the process and jumping into the easiest argument to make, rather than the one that sparks their passion and, as a result, brings life and voice into their writing. This is when one of my favorite parts of teaching emerged – as soon as their smiles started appearing, I knew they were beginning to see that writing isn’t just a task to complete, it’s also something they can enjoy.
In upcoming classes, students in both Writing I and Writing II classes will learn how to turn their ideas into well written paragraphs, and those paragraphs into thoughtfully organized essays. While Writing I students will be focusing more on structure and Writing II students will be diving more into the research world, all students will be spending this month building up the skills and confidence they need in order to face any future writing assignment with a sense of independence rather than helplessness and a burst of curiosity rather than confusion. I can’t wait for these brilliant individuals to see what they can create when they set their minds to it – we’re in for an exciting summer, that’s for sure!
This afternoon, our fishing group tried their luck at a new spot, casting lines in the Bantam River both from a bridge and a boat launch. Surrounded by nature and soaking in the sun, students enjoyed the peaceful change of scenery and continued to show their growing skill and patience as anglers.
Meanwhile, in metalsmithing, the workshop was alive with creativity and focus. Students have been learning the detailed art of soldering and sawing, applying these techniques to their own independent projects. Some students are crafting twisted metal pieces or exploring wrapped wire designs, showcasing impressive artistry and attention to detail.
With another gorgeous sunny day, outdoor activities across campus thrived. Whether on the courts, the trails, or simply relaxing with friends, students took full advantage of the perfect weather. This evening we winded down by enjoying watching The Parent Trap on the big screen in the student center with an abundance of pizzas and snacks.
As we head into the weekend, it’s clear that our summer community is growing stronger each day. Friendships are deepening, confidence is building, and creativity is flourishing. Week one is officially in the books, and what a fantastic week it’s been!
Stay tuned for weekend highlights from our first whole camp outing and more moments from this unforgettable summer at Forman.
7/10 Pancakes, Progress, and Play: Day Four at Forman
Day four at the Forman Summer Program brought a perfect blend of structure and freedom, learning and laughter. With cooler temperatures in the high 70s and a fresh breeze in the air, it was the ideal setting for another fulfilling day on campus.
We started the morning with a student favorite: chocolate chip pancakes, a sweet start that fueled everyone for a productive day of classes. The consistency of our academic routine is already creating noticeable momentum across classrooms. Mr. Leach has pounced on the opportunity as our highlight teacher with the following write-up of his classes:
Unlocking Our Voices: Week One in Writing Class
Welcome to our Writing 1 class, where we're on a journey to discover the power of words through grammar, structure, and expression. This course is designed to meet students where they are – with support from assistive technology, research-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help everyone grow as a writer.
What We’re All About:
In this class, writing is just about rules–it’s about expression. By strengthening grammar skills and learn how to organize ideas clearly, students build the confidence and tools they need to communicate effectively. Whether we’re writing stories, essays, or persuasive letters, our goal is to become stronger, more independent writers.
Throughout the summer, we’ll be asking ourselves some big questions:
Week One: Building the Foundation
Through week one, we’ve been laying the groundwork for great writing. Our focus has been on the building blocks of clear communication:
Looking Ahead:
As we continue, we will dive into writing different types of essays and experimenting with narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Our goal? To become confident writers who can revise, edit, and express ideas clearly–with a little help from grammar, tech tools, and a lot of practice.
The afternoon brought another round of student-chosen activities, each one buzzing with focus, teamwork, and fun. In running, students worked on setting the pace for each other and learning how to run as a cohesive pack. Basketball shifted from games of HORSE and knockout, with evenly matched teams keeping the games close and engaging. The fishing group kept up their impressive streak, reeling in at least two catches yet again. They’re earning a reputation as the most consistent anglers on campus! Over in music, the band proudly mastered their cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, filling the room with grunge-era vibes and well-earned pride.
With the comfortable weather, outdoor activities like tennis, field sports, and pickleball felt even more enjoyable, giving everyone a chance to move, breathe, and enjoy nature.
Thursday evenings at Forman are all about extended free time, and tonight didn’t disappoint. Students spread out across campus, playing games outside, diving into video and arcade games in the Student Center, and continuing to work on their art, music, and creative projects. This unstructured time gives students the freedom to pursue their passions, unwind with friends, and make the most of every corner of campus.
As we near the end of our first week together, it’s amazing to see how much growth, joy, and connection can happen in just a few days. The friendships are deepening, routines are taking shape, and the campus is alive with positive energy.
We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
We started the morning with a student favorite: chocolate chip pancakes, a sweet start that fueled everyone for a productive day of classes. The consistency of our academic routine is already creating noticeable momentum across classrooms. Mr. Leach has pounced on the opportunity as our highlight teacher with the following write-up of his classes:
Unlocking Our Voices: Week One in Writing Class
Welcome to our Writing 1 class, where we're on a journey to discover the power of words through grammar, structure, and expression. This course is designed to meet students where they are – with support from assistive technology, research-backed strategies, and plenty of encouragement to help everyone grow as a writer.
What We’re All About:
In this class, writing is just about rules–it’s about expression. By strengthening grammar skills and learn how to organize ideas clearly, students build the confidence and tools they need to communicate effectively. Whether we’re writing stories, essays, or persuasive letters, our goal is to become stronger, more independent writers.
Throughout the summer, we’ll be asking ourselves some big questions:
- How does grammar help shape our voice?
- How can technology support our writing?
- What’s the best way to organize an idea?
- Why do we write differently for people and purposes?
Week One: Building the Foundation
Through week one, we’ve been laying the groundwork for great writing. Our focus has been on the building blocks of clear communication:
- Apostrophes – We practice using them to show possession and contractions, a key detail that adds precision and clarity to writing.
- Sentence Fragments – We learned how to spot incomplete thoughts and fix them by adding missing pieces like subjects or verbs.
- Run-ons and Comma Splices – We talked about these common sentence errors by practicing how to connect or separate ideas properly using periods, conjunctions, and semicolons.
- Writing from the Heart – Using simple sentence structures, we started our “Letter from the Heart” project, helping us connect writing with personal voice and purpose.
Looking Ahead:
As we continue, we will dive into writing different types of essays and experimenting with narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Our goal? To become confident writers who can revise, edit, and express ideas clearly–with a little help from grammar, tech tools, and a lot of practice.
The afternoon brought another round of student-chosen activities, each one buzzing with focus, teamwork, and fun. In running, students worked on setting the pace for each other and learning how to run as a cohesive pack. Basketball shifted from games of HORSE and knockout, with evenly matched teams keeping the games close and engaging. The fishing group kept up their impressive streak, reeling in at least two catches yet again. They’re earning a reputation as the most consistent anglers on campus! Over in music, the band proudly mastered their cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, filling the room with grunge-era vibes and well-earned pride.
With the comfortable weather, outdoor activities like tennis, field sports, and pickleball felt even more enjoyable, giving everyone a chance to move, breathe, and enjoy nature.
Thursday evenings at Forman are all about extended free time, and tonight didn’t disappoint. Students spread out across campus, playing games outside, diving into video and arcade games in the Student Center, and continuing to work on their art, music, and creative projects. This unstructured time gives students the freedom to pursue their passions, unwind with friends, and make the most of every corner of campus.
As we near the end of our first week together, it’s amazing to see how much growth, joy, and connection can happen in just a few days. The friendships are deepening, routines are taking shape, and the campus is alive with positive energy.
We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
7/9 Beat the Heat and Bring the Fun: Day Three at Forman
Day three of the Forman Summer Program was full of energy, creativity, and a touch of competition. With the sun shining once again, we made the most of our second full day of classes and afternoon activities, keeping the momentum going as students dove into their academic work and hands-on enrichment.
Today’s highlight teacher is none other than Diantha Giltz. With her engaging lessons and presence in afternoon art activities, Ms. Giltz has quickly established rapport with her students. She has the following to share about her classes today:
‘We had a great second day with a wide array of thoughtful questions and clever observations. In Science of Studying, we have been focusing on how cognitive load impacts our ability to effectively complete tasks and develop long term memories. Building off of a fun physical illustration of the concept yesterday where students were asked to complete a simple task under harder and harder circumstances, we examined the concept today with a lively discussion. This will continue to be built upon as we develop a personal tool box of strategies to utilize in order to get the most out of our study time and self.
In Going for Gold, we built on our day one brainstorming session for topics we will utilize to model the research process. Students developed mind maps to start to visualize how questions and concepts branch off of a single topic developing a complex structure of ideas. We concluded the class today with a prioritization game to illustrate that the tasks matter as well as the order we do them. As we build on that, we will look for strategies of how to approach research specifically, and learning more generally through how we structure learning for ourselves to add meaning.
Throughout the upcoming days both groups will work on personal goal setting and looking at the structure and strategies that serve them best.’
Thanks to another beautiful day, outdoor activities were in full swing, and we made sure to beat the heat with plenty of water breaks and by utilizing shady spots around campus for games and relaxation. The basketball elective put a heavy emphasis on the game Knock Out, while students in ceramics continued working on their pots that will make their way to the kiln soon. Whether crafting in ceramics and jewelry or breaking a sweat on the courts, students stayed active and energized.
After dinner, students enjoyed some well-earned free time—a chance to unwind, socialize, and prepare for the highlight of the evening: Win-it Wednesday! Held in the VPAC theater, this week’s event brought students together for a spirited round of Kahoot trivia, featuring a fast-paced and fun challenge all about brand logos. Laughter, cheers, and a bit of friendly rivalry filled the room as students raced to the top of the leaderboard for a chance to win prizes like school store gift cards and dorm privileges. Bonus points were awarded for sportsmanship and all dorms benefited.
The night wrapped up with happy faces and tired feet, and we’re certain students will head to bed feeling accomplished, connected, and ready for another great day ahead.
We’re only three days in, and the Forman Summer spirit is already shining bright. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to learn, grow, and play together!
Today’s highlight teacher is none other than Diantha Giltz. With her engaging lessons and presence in afternoon art activities, Ms. Giltz has quickly established rapport with her students. She has the following to share about her classes today:
‘We had a great second day with a wide array of thoughtful questions and clever observations. In Science of Studying, we have been focusing on how cognitive load impacts our ability to effectively complete tasks and develop long term memories. Building off of a fun physical illustration of the concept yesterday where students were asked to complete a simple task under harder and harder circumstances, we examined the concept today with a lively discussion. This will continue to be built upon as we develop a personal tool box of strategies to utilize in order to get the most out of our study time and self.
In Going for Gold, we built on our day one brainstorming session for topics we will utilize to model the research process. Students developed mind maps to start to visualize how questions and concepts branch off of a single topic developing a complex structure of ideas. We concluded the class today with a prioritization game to illustrate that the tasks matter as well as the order we do them. As we build on that, we will look for strategies of how to approach research specifically, and learning more generally through how we structure learning for ourselves to add meaning.
Throughout the upcoming days both groups will work on personal goal setting and looking at the structure and strategies that serve them best.’
Thanks to another beautiful day, outdoor activities were in full swing, and we made sure to beat the heat with plenty of water breaks and by utilizing shady spots around campus for games and relaxation. The basketball elective put a heavy emphasis on the game Knock Out, while students in ceramics continued working on their pots that will make their way to the kiln soon. Whether crafting in ceramics and jewelry or breaking a sweat on the courts, students stayed active and energized.
After dinner, students enjoyed some well-earned free time—a chance to unwind, socialize, and prepare for the highlight of the evening: Win-it Wednesday! Held in the VPAC theater, this week’s event brought students together for a spirited round of Kahoot trivia, featuring a fast-paced and fun challenge all about brand logos. Laughter, cheers, and a bit of friendly rivalry filled the room as students raced to the top of the leaderboard for a chance to win prizes like school store gift cards and dorm privileges. Bonus points were awarded for sportsmanship and all dorms benefited.
The night wrapped up with happy faces and tired feet, and we’re certain students will head to bed feeling accomplished, connected, and ready for another great day ahead.
We’re only three days in, and the Forman Summer spirit is already shining bright. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to learn, grow, and play together!
7/8 Learning, Creating, and Connecting: Day Two at Forman
Our second day at the Forman Summer Program brought energy, curiosity, and inspiration as students settled into their routines and began exploring all that the summer has to offer.
This morning marked the official start of classes, and our students hit the ground running! With help from staff, everyone made sure they were comfortable navigating campus and finding their classrooms with confidence. Our small class sizes and individualized instruction ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. In just a short amount of time, our educators begin building strong instructional relationships that help students gain confidence and make real progress during our short time together.
We are pleased to share the following update from our first highlight teacher, Ms. Stull, who is a well-established teacher here at Forman:
‘There’s something magical about a first day! I always look forward to the sense of possibility, the spark of new beginnings, and the excitement of a room full of blank slates, waiting to be discovered for all they have to offer. That magic was alive today as we kicked off our first day together in Reading Comprehension class.
We began with getting to know each other through introductions, sharing facts about ourselves and how our reading journey has been for us. I am always taken aback by the responses I receive in regards to the impact reading has had. I am impressed with how vulnerable we were with each other and how reading has impacted us. “I want to become a better reader”, “I just wish I could understand and remember what I read”, to “I like to read but it takes so long”. No matter their answers, every student brought something unique and that's what will make this time together special. The students engaged in literacy ice breakers where they were able to connect with each other through fun and create a comfortable environment, fostering a positive learning experience and a place of feeling safe to share and interact. When asked if they would rather lose the ability to read or the ability to write, the majority said they would rather be able to read because if you can read, you can do anything. This growth mindset will take these students far!
Looking ahead, we will set specific reading goals for ourselves and will revisit these goals during our time together to make sure they are attainable. Throughout the summer program, we plan to delve into what it means to be an active and engaged reader so that we can both comprehend and retain what we read. We will do this by reading short stories, passages, and articles all while identifying the author’s purpose, using inferencing skills, supporting our claims with textual evidence, and summarizing the main idea and supporting details. The art of annotating will also be a focus in order to assist in comprehension. I look forward to the next month together as we become more confident readers. Today was all about connection and finding comfort amongst each other as we continue on in our reading journey!’
The afternoon was filled with excitement as we launched our first round of student-selected activities. Ceramics, metalsmithing, tennis, fitness, basketball, pickleball, and jewelry making, were all met with students eagerly jumping into hands-on learning, athletic challenges, and opportunities for creative expression. The energy on campus was contagious, with students exploring new interests and enjoying familiar passions in a relaxed and supportive setting.
As the sun began to set, students gathered for our first evening of Counselor Chats, a powerful Forman Summer tradition where counselors share their personal stories, offering wisdom, perspective, and hope. Tonight’s speakers were three Forman alumni from the Class of 2021, each of whom inspired us with their honesty and resilience:
It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and heartfelt connection; everything we hope to foster during our time together at Forman Summer.
Stay tuned for more stories and snapshots as the week unfolds!
This morning marked the official start of classes, and our students hit the ground running! With help from staff, everyone made sure they were comfortable navigating campus and finding their classrooms with confidence. Our small class sizes and individualized instruction ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. In just a short amount of time, our educators begin building strong instructional relationships that help students gain confidence and make real progress during our short time together.
We are pleased to share the following update from our first highlight teacher, Ms. Stull, who is a well-established teacher here at Forman:
‘There’s something magical about a first day! I always look forward to the sense of possibility, the spark of new beginnings, and the excitement of a room full of blank slates, waiting to be discovered for all they have to offer. That magic was alive today as we kicked off our first day together in Reading Comprehension class.
We began with getting to know each other through introductions, sharing facts about ourselves and how our reading journey has been for us. I am always taken aback by the responses I receive in regards to the impact reading has had. I am impressed with how vulnerable we were with each other and how reading has impacted us. “I want to become a better reader”, “I just wish I could understand and remember what I read”, to “I like to read but it takes so long”. No matter their answers, every student brought something unique and that's what will make this time together special. The students engaged in literacy ice breakers where they were able to connect with each other through fun and create a comfortable environment, fostering a positive learning experience and a place of feeling safe to share and interact. When asked if they would rather lose the ability to read or the ability to write, the majority said they would rather be able to read because if you can read, you can do anything. This growth mindset will take these students far!
Looking ahead, we will set specific reading goals for ourselves and will revisit these goals during our time together to make sure they are attainable. Throughout the summer program, we plan to delve into what it means to be an active and engaged reader so that we can both comprehend and retain what we read. We will do this by reading short stories, passages, and articles all while identifying the author’s purpose, using inferencing skills, supporting our claims with textual evidence, and summarizing the main idea and supporting details. The art of annotating will also be a focus in order to assist in comprehension. I look forward to the next month together as we become more confident readers. Today was all about connection and finding comfort amongst each other as we continue on in our reading journey!’
The afternoon was filled with excitement as we launched our first round of student-selected activities. Ceramics, metalsmithing, tennis, fitness, basketball, pickleball, and jewelry making, were all met with students eagerly jumping into hands-on learning, athletic challenges, and opportunities for creative expression. The energy on campus was contagious, with students exploring new interests and enjoying familiar passions in a relaxed and supportive setting.
As the sun began to set, students gathered for our first evening of Counselor Chats, a powerful Forman Summer tradition where counselors share their personal stories, offering wisdom, perspective, and hope. Tonight’s speakers were three Forman alumni from the Class of 2021, each of whom inspired us with their honesty and resilience:
- Hannah, a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in special education, will be starting her new career at a school specializing in autism. She bravely shared her struggles with academics before joining the Forman Summer Program, which helped her find the right environment and ultimately led her to attend Forman full-time. Her journey is a reminder that the right support can make all the difference.
- Dylan, a graduate of Connecticut State University with a degree in early childhood education, also shared her passion for music, something she discovered and nurtured during her time at Forman. She recently released a new track, Let It Ring, and gave students a special sneak peek. The performance was met with roaring applause and admiration.
- Luke, currently completing his degree at UConn with a concentration in fisheries and wildlife, spoke about his experience growing up and how he once doubted the possibility of attending college. Thanks to Forman, his path took a different turn. He’s now got his sights on a career in conservation work in Yellowstone National Park.
It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and heartfelt connection; everything we hope to foster during our time together at Forman Summer.
Stay tuned for more stories and snapshots as the week unfolds!
7/7 Sunshine, Smiles, and Sundaes: Day One at Forman
Today marked the exciting start of the Forman Summer Program, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day to welcome our students! With warm sunshine, smiling faces, and a packed schedule of activities, it was the perfect beginning to what promises to be a memorable summer.
We kicked off the day with registration, where students checked in and met our friendly staff. Laughter and chatter filled the air as returning students reconnected and new ones began making fast friends. From there, everyone moved into their dorms, getting settled into their new home away from home.
While settling in and making new friends, everyone gathered for a delicious lunch in the dining hall. Recharging for an afternoon full of activity and saying farewell to their families. Campus tours followed, giving students a chance to explore our beautiful grounds, discover key locations, and get oriented for the weeks ahead. Our seasoned counselors, all of whom are Forman School alumni, answered questions and sparked excitement for the month ahead.
The afternoon continued with ice breakers, setting the tone for a welcoming and inclusive community. Whether it was sharing fun facts or solving challenges together, students jumped right in and began building bonds that will last all summer long. We found common interests and gained perspective on the variety of places our students are joining us from. This summer, we’re proud to welcome 53 students from 7 countries and 16 states.
Downtime in the dorms allowed everyone to unpack and set up their rooms before indulging in the popular “build your own mac n’ cheese” dinner. We are always amazed by the camaraderie that begins on Day 1, as groups of students already start forming friendships and making room at their dinner tables for one another.
But the biggest surprise of the day? A special visit from the ice cream man! Students lined up with excitement, choosing their favorite frozen treats to cap off the day on a sweet note.
It’s been a fantastic first day full of connection, adventure, and joy. We’re so excited for the summer ahead and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Stay tuned for more updates and photos from Forman Summer!
We kicked off the day with registration, where students checked in and met our friendly staff. Laughter and chatter filled the air as returning students reconnected and new ones began making fast friends. From there, everyone moved into their dorms, getting settled into their new home away from home.
While settling in and making new friends, everyone gathered for a delicious lunch in the dining hall. Recharging for an afternoon full of activity and saying farewell to their families. Campus tours followed, giving students a chance to explore our beautiful grounds, discover key locations, and get oriented for the weeks ahead. Our seasoned counselors, all of whom are Forman School alumni, answered questions and sparked excitement for the month ahead.
The afternoon continued with ice breakers, setting the tone for a welcoming and inclusive community. Whether it was sharing fun facts or solving challenges together, students jumped right in and began building bonds that will last all summer long. We found common interests and gained perspective on the variety of places our students are joining us from. This summer, we’re proud to welcome 53 students from 7 countries and 16 states.
Downtime in the dorms allowed everyone to unpack and set up their rooms before indulging in the popular “build your own mac n’ cheese” dinner. We are always amazed by the camaraderie that begins on Day 1, as groups of students already start forming friendships and making room at their dinner tables for one another.
But the biggest surprise of the day? A special visit from the ice cream man! Students lined up with excitement, choosing their favorite frozen treats to cap off the day on a sweet note.
It’s been a fantastic first day full of connection, adventure, and joy. We’re so excited for the summer ahead and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Stay tuned for more updates and photos from Forman Summer!
Welcome Summer Program Families!
Dear Forman Summer Families,
As the school year wraps up, we're counting down the days until we kick off Forman Summer this July! This program is designed to give your child a fun, meaningful experience that encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and discover just how much they're capable of. I'm truly honored to lead such a special program and to work alongside a talented and energetic team that’s ready to make this summer one to remember.
We’ve put together an Orientation that’s all about building connections, having fun, and jumping into new adventures. You can find the full Orientation schedule here. Our program begins on July 7th. Be sure to take a look at the packing list and fill out the roommate questionnaire to help your child get ready for the summer ahead. You’ll also find links to the weekday daily schedule and the Parent/Student Handbook. All of these resources can be found anytime on the Forman Summer blog under the "Important Information" tab.
Our Dean of Academics for the summer, Brittany Bloom, will be reaching out to families soon to discuss course placements.
If you have any questions as we get closer to July, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to meeting your child and being part of what I know will be an incredible summer!
Thank you!
John Strawson
Director of the Summer Program
[email protected]
860.567.6215
Forman School Summer Program
12 Norfolk Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
www.formanschool.org
Travel Information
If you are flying into Connecticut to join us, below are possible options for your air travel:
Click here for a Visitor's Guide to facilitate your planning.
Closing Ceremony — August 1st
The Forman Summer Program closing ceremony will take place on Friday, August 1st, at 10:00 a.m. in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The ceremony will run for approximately 45 minutes. Students will move out of their dorms and leave campus immediately afterward.
We are looking forward to meeting you and your child! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
As the school year wraps up, we're counting down the days until we kick off Forman Summer this July! This program is designed to give your child a fun, meaningful experience that encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and discover just how much they're capable of. I'm truly honored to lead such a special program and to work alongside a talented and energetic team that’s ready to make this summer one to remember.
We’ve put together an Orientation that’s all about building connections, having fun, and jumping into new adventures. You can find the full Orientation schedule here. Our program begins on July 7th. Be sure to take a look at the packing list and fill out the roommate questionnaire to help your child get ready for the summer ahead. You’ll also find links to the weekday daily schedule and the Parent/Student Handbook. All of these resources can be found anytime on the Forman Summer blog under the "Important Information" tab.
Our Dean of Academics for the summer, Brittany Bloom, will be reaching out to families soon to discuss course placements.
If you have any questions as we get closer to July, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to meeting your child and being part of what I know will be an incredible summer!
Thank you!
John Strawson
Director of the Summer Program
[email protected]
860.567.6215
Forman School Summer Program
12 Norfolk Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
www.formanschool.org
Travel Information
If you are flying into Connecticut to join us, below are possible options for your air travel:
- Bradley International Airport (39.2 miles, 55 minutes)
- Laguardia Airport (94.3 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes)
- JFK International Airport (100 miles, 1 hour and 50 minutes)
- Logan International Airport (134.3 miles, 2 hours and 20 minutes)
Click here for a Visitor's Guide to facilitate your planning.
Closing Ceremony — August 1st
The Forman Summer Program closing ceremony will take place on Friday, August 1st, at 10:00 a.m. in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The ceremony will run for approximately 45 minutes. Students will move out of their dorms and leave campus immediately afterward.
We are looking forward to meeting you and your child! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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