Horizons at Harley Fall Saturday Experience – Week 1

Dear Horizons at Harley Supporters,

We’re thrilled to share a glimpse into the incredible learning experiences made possible through your generous support of Horizons at Harley. This past Saturday marked the beginning of our Fall Saturday Experience, where students engaged in hands-on activities designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Middle Schoolers: Baking Bonanza Our middle schoolers jumped into Baking Bonanza, working together to follow a recipe and bake blondies. Beyond the fun of baking, activities like these teach essential life skills and reinforce academic concepts in a real-world context. Research shows that hands-on learning, like cooking, strengthens math and science skills, while also boosting teamwork and communication.

K-2 and 3-5 Students: Nature Detectives, Engineering Challenges, and Ooey Gooey Science Our younger students explored the natural world of the Harley campus in Nature Detectives, uncovering the magic of outdoor learning. Studies demonstrate that time spent in nature improves children’s focus, creativity, and emotional well-being—qualities that are at the heart of our program.

In Engineering Challenges, students built Halloween-themed pinball machines, applying engineering principles while developing problem-solving skills. By encouraging creativity and collaboration, activities like these help students think critically and take ownership of their learning.

In Ooey Gooey Science, students had a blast observing chemical reactions through messy, hands-on experiments. Research shows that experiential science education promotes inquiry and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, engaging students in a way that textbooks simply can’t.

Swimming and Outdoor Fun Every student also had the opportunity to swim in the Harley pool, learning new skills and gaining confidence in the water. We wrapped up the day with a community picnic lunch in the sunshine, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in building strong, supportive relationships.

These enriching opportunities would not be possible without the continued support of donors like you. Your contributions directly impact the lives of our students, providing them with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.

Thank You for Supporting the Trick-or-Trot 5K

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who supported our first annual Trick-or-Trot 5K and Fun Run! Whether you participated, donated, or cheered us on, your involvement made this event a tremendous success. Thanks to your generosity, we raised nearly $3,000 in crucial funds to continue providing our students with enriching experiences that nurture their academic and personal growth. We couldn’t do this important work without you! If you didn’t get a chance to come to the run, you can help support our programming by donating here https://www.horizonsatharley.org/donate/

Thank you for being a key part of this journey with us!

Warm regards,

Claire Labrosa 
Executive Director of Horizons at Harley  
Pronouns: she/her

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