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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