Fall E-Newsletter 2023
Students on the first day of class for the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic school year.
Extended School Year: In Review
During Extended School Year this summer, students participated in on campus work-based learning programs and internship opportunities inclduding: Horticulture, Landscaping, Seamstressing, Woodworking, among others.   
At Charlton, we maintain our therapeutic learning community all year round. During the summer months we offer our students an Extended School Year, where we prioritize our Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS) program. Students are provided with work-based learning programs and internship opportunities. Once their skills are strengthened, they are matched with our generous community partners so students can participate in job shadowing, internships, and part-time job opportunities.

This summer students had several opportunities for hands-on engagement, empowering them to develop new capabilities and pride in their work. In the woodshop, students learned how to use power tools and manufactured unique bookshelves. In sewing class students learned how to sew by hand and with a machine. They produced pillows, pillow cases, skirts, pajama pants, tote bags, and shorts. Students then had the opportunity to sell their wares at an on-campus farmer’s market.

Projects focused on the sciences offered our students opportunities to explore their aptitude for STEM-related careers. Through the generous support of Toshiba, students learned to pilot the Chasing M2 Underwater ROV. With the ROV they explored our on-campus freshwater pond and collected samples from the ecosystem to study under microscopes. Students also studied Newton’s Third Law of motion in an interactive lab using air pressure race cars.

Our Art Education program provided the students a positive outlet for creative self-expression in a collaborative art project on campus. Students used recycled materials to make their mark, beautifying the fence around our old tennis courts.

Over the course of the summer, students developed many occupational skills. We at Charlton look forward to celebrating their continued success in the coming school year.
Students and staff modeling skirts sewn in Ms. Swett’s class throughout Extended School Year.
September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. As a nonprofit mental health care center providing 24/7 evidence-based clinical support to incredibly bright but psychologically-complex young women, this day resonates with our mission and work everyday.

We attune to the needs of our students through intensive individualized support that is based on trusting relationships, saving one life at a time by empowering students with the skills they need to thrive into adulthood.
175th Anniversary Seneca Falls Convention
Zoe P. (left) and CEO of COFCCA Kathleen Brady-Stepien at the NYS Executive Mansion in celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention.
July 20th marked the 175th Anniversary of the historic women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, NY and we joined Governor Kathy Hochul and others at the New York State Executive Mansion to celebrate the occasion. We were honored to be in attendance and represented by recent Charlton School alum, Zoe P.

As Governor Hochul said in her remarks, “175 years since Seneca Falls, it’s more important than ever that we protect and strengthen the rights that generation of women have fought for.” We remain optimistic that our alums and intelligent and empathetic young women like them will continue to lead the way and become the future leaders that we need to thrive as a healthy society.

"I was very pleased that younger people were asked to speak," Zoe remarked following the event. "The Governor also spent a good amount of time discussing the intersection of racism, ableism and classism with the historic stuggle for women's rights, which I appreciated."

Zoe is currently enrolled in SUNY Geneseo where she is taking classes in English, Anthropology and Ethnolinguistcs. In her free time, Zoe founded the Second Choice Exchanges group which has a mission to provide a platform for arts of a lesser pursuit -- including but not limited to playlists, visual poetry, scriptwriting with no intention to perform, among others.

Special thank you to Kathleen Brady-Stepien and our friends at the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) for extending the invitation.
Resources from the Summit for Youth Mental Health:

  • Governor Hochul recognized the problem, including the vulnerability of adolescent girls and the latest CDC statistics on feelings of hopelessness and suicidality among youth. See more HERE.

  • The Born This Way Foundation provdies a free certificate program designed to increase mental health literacy and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. See more HERE.