Meghan Fluckiger Named Full-Time Executive Director of Horizons Rectory School

Rectory School has appointed Meghan Fluckiger as full-time Executive Director of Horizons Rectory School, marking a new chapter and milestone for the six-week summer academic and enrichment program, expanding this cornerstone partnership between the school and the surrounding Northeast Connecticut communities.

As Horizons Rectory School completes its third summer of operation and already shows signs of success, Meghan’s first year in her new role has focused on continued support for returning students, building new partnerships with local districts, and expanding offerings as the program grows steadily. She takes over for David Farrell, who initially formed the groundwork for the program as part-time Executive Director while teaching and coaching at in the middle school.

Rectory Schools’ commitment to deepening its impact across the region meant that a director would be required to continue to expand the program's success. Head of School Julie Anderson said that the choice to appoint Meghan was obvious. “As new towns and donors have joined, all have put their trust in Horizons Rectory School because of what she has built, from the relationships with superintendents, to the support, care, and moments that she has provided for local families.”

Fluckiger, a Rectory Faculty member since 2010 and former English Department Leader, helped build the Horizons curriculum from the ground up — developing its daily schedule, lesson planning, and instructional approach while David launched Horizons at Rectory School.

Teaching fifth grade for nine months of the year, she could have enjoyed her summer respite, but the opportunity to support students with reading is a passion of hers and aligned perfectly with Horizons' mission. She was recruited to be the lead teacher for the summer of 2024 and jumped at the chance. “This program lets my passion reach a much larger landscape,” She said, “and Elementary Literacy is what I actually went to school for; Being able to see students fall in love with reading is the most rewarding thing as a teacher.”

Horizons Rectory School serves elementary students from partner districts, current participants include Killingly, Pomfret, Putnam, and Thompson. The program is designed to combat the "summer slide" through a model built around three hours of direct, systematic phonics and literacy instruction each morning, followed by afternoons of enrichment, including daily swim lessons, art, and STEM activities. “The curriculum follows a lot of what Rectory’s Elementary School already does,” she added. “Being in the same spaces allows us to follow all best practices and helps us provide a very intentional educational environment where students receive focused attention throughout the summer.” 

As Executive Director, Fluckiger will focus on scaling the program while preserving the cohesive, relationship-driven culture that has defined it. Her priorities for the coming year include deepening partnerships with current partners and developing new relationships throughout Northeastern Connecticut. She also hopes to expand by adding a dedicated reading specialist and creating more community events for those new or unsure what to expect in the summer. 

"We want as many people as possible to see our program in action," Fluckiger said, describing plans to invite prospective families and community members to visit and experience Horizons firsthand. Looking ahead three to five years, she envisions the program serving

grades one through five. “My first year we had 10 students,” Fluckiger said, “Now the returners eagerly welcome new students to the class, and as new grades are introduced, we feel confident that we are able to bring a fun and engaging summer experience with dynamic summer camp elements.” To see that through, her full-time role as Executive Director may take her away from the classroom, but it will enable her to meet with community members seeking to support and realize her vision. 

Horizons is a national nonprofit organization well established in communities across the country. Once students are accepted into the program, they are guaranteed a spot in the following summer’s cohort, and data indicate that those students are more likely to pursue higher education. To qualify for the program, students must be receiving free or reduced-price federal lunch program, determined by federal income guidelines. 

Fluckiger emphasized that Horizons' impact extends well beyond the summer session. "It's not just six weeks," she said. Families remain connected to program resources year-round, including support in areas like food access, transportation, and mental health, often facilitated through community partners such as TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group). A key part of her vision is educating parents alongside their children, so families can continue to support learning at home. 

For Fluckiger, success is measured in more than test scores. "Seeing academic growth and new skills are important – yes,” she said. "But it's also social and emotional: kids knowing who they are as students and building the confidence to take risks." She pointed to small but meaningful moments her students have shared with her as signs the program is working, from trying a new food in the dining hall, to being brave in the pool, discovering a love of reading, or proudly sharing their work with family who visit the class.

Also joining the effort is former executive director of TEEG, Anne Miller. Her role as committee chair, working alongside Julie Anderson, includes overseeing the program's implementation. “Meghan’s experience and leadership speak for themselves,” They said, “Her appointment positions Horizons to expand its reach across the region while staying rooted in the relationships and creating a place for each family to feel safe and supported.” The next chapter will begin in the fall as Meghan looks to add an additional cohort for the summer of 2027. 

For more information, visit www.rectoryschool.org/summer/horizons-rectory-school or contact Rae Dykeman, Director of Communication, at 860.963.6740 x341.