Dear Horizons at Harley Supporters,
As we wrapped up our second week of summer programming, one thing has become increasingly clear: Horizons is so much more than a summer program. It is a place where children feel safe, discover new passions, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
Whether students were baking homemade peach pies, journaling about gratitude, learning to play soccer, exploring nature, reading quietly with friends, or performing on stage, every experience was intentionally designed to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
This week reminded us that learning doesn't stop when school ends—it simply looks different.
"What Horizons Means to Me"
A Safe Haven to Grow
One of the most meaningful moments from this week came from a writing reflection in one of our 3rd grade classrooms. As students practiced expressing their thoughts through writing, they were asked to reflect on what Horizons means to them.
There is no greater measure of success than hearing a child describe Horizons as a place where they feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. While we are proud of the academic growth our students make each summer, reflections like this remind us that the relationships they build, the confidence they gain, and the sense of belonging they experience are just as transformative.
Soccer for Everyone
This week our soccer fields were filled with energy, teamwork, and plenty of smiles.
Some students arrived having played for years, while others were kicking a soccer ball for the very first time. Regardless of experience level, everyone found encouragement, challenged themselves, and celebrated one another's successes.
Our coaches have created an environment where skill development, confidence, sportsmanship, and fun are equally important. Watching friendships grow alongside soccer skills has been a highlight of the week.
Small Classes, Lasting Impact
Farm-to-Table Fun
Our K–2 Farm to Table Cooking & Baking class transformed fresh summer peaches into delicious homemade mini peach pies topped with whipped cream.
Students practiced measuring, mixing, following recipes, and working together in the kitchen while learning where fresh ingredients come from. Experiences like these blend literacy, math, science, and life skills into joyful hands-on learning.
The smiles after that first bite said it all!
Growing Hearts and Minds
Our 8th graders spent time this week reflecting on their "Attitude of Gratitude" journals before settling in for silent reading.
These quiet moments help students strengthen literacy while also building self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional wellness. Taking time to appreciate the positive moments in our lives is an important part of developing resilience and confidence.
A Day at the Zoo
This week Horizons at Harley students and Harley Summer Experience campers joined together for a memorable field trip to Seneca Park Zoo.
Students explored animal habitats, learned about conservation, asked thoughtful questions, and experienced the joy of learning together outside the classroom. Shared field trips like these help strengthen friendships across programs while bringing science to life.
Broadway Takes the Stage
Our talented performers in James and the Giant Peach Jr. have spent the week preparing for their performances through singing, acting, dancing, and teamwork.
The production has become much more than a musical—it's an opportunity for students to build confidence, express creativity, solve problems together, and experience the excitement of bringing a story to life.
We are so proud of the dedication our performers have shown and cannot wait to see them shine on stage!
One of the highlights of this week was our students' incredible commitment to showing up ready to learn each day. On Thursday, four of our nine Horizons classrooms—Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 6th Grade, and 7th Grade—achieved perfect attendance, helping our program reach an outstanding 95% attendance rate for the day.
This is an achievement worth celebrating. Research consistently shows that regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, and summer attendance is especially important for preventing learning loss. Every day our students are here, they are strengthening their academic skills, building meaningful relationships, developing confidence, and participating in enriching experiences that simply can't be replicated at home.
A 95% attendance rate during a voluntary summer program reflects the dedication of our students, the support of our families, and the commitment of our staff to creating a program where children are excited to come each day. Thank you to every family who prioritizes summer learning and helps make moments like this possible.
Why Horizons Matters
Sometimes our students say it best.
This week, one student described Horizons as:
"My safe place. My getaway. My safe haven."
Those words remind us that academic growth is only part of our mission.
Every day, our staff works to create an environment where students feel welcomed, challenged, celebrated, and loved. When children know they belong, remarkable learning follows.
Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, and supporters for making another unforgettable week possible.
We can't wait to see what Week 3 has in store!
Help Make Horizons Possible
Every joyful moment, every book read, every swimming lesson, every field trip, and every caring relationship our students experience is made possible through the generosity of our community.
If these stories inspire you, we invite you to invest in the futures of Rochester children. Your gift helps provide six weeks of high-quality summer learning, nutritious meals, swimming instruction, enrichment opportunities, transportation, and caring mentors who help every child thrive.
No gift is too small - every donation helps ensure that Horizons at Harley remains a place where children feel safe, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Make a gift today and help change a child's summer - and their future.
With gratitude,