East Haven Public Schools

August 13, 2010

Dear East Haven Board of Education Employee:

Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! We are fast approaching a very exciting new year.  As a member of our district team, I know you are aware of the many changes that will greet you when you return.

Let me begin by thanking you for the many hours and extensive efforts that so many of you put forth in packing up your classrooms in order to accommodate the reconfiguration of the elementary and middle schools.  I understand the magnitude of this task and truly appreciate the time you spent in doing so. Your efforts were followed by Mr. Travaglino orchestrating an efficient move of furniture and materials. Those of you who have been in your classrooms already can appreciate the organization and effort on everyone’s part that made all of this possible.

After an extensive interview process conducted by two interview committees, three (3) elementary principals and a new high school principal have been appointed. I know you will join me in welcoming them to our district. The new administrators are:

Steve Anderson, Principal of EHHS
Jackie Bacon, Principal of D. C. Moore School
Paul DeBernardo, Principal of Ferrara School
Joanne Manginelli, Principal of Momauguin School

Among our initiatives this year, the high school will continue the NEASC self-study, more staff will be engaged in instructional rounds, and SRBI practices will continue to be implemented.  Data team facilitation support provided by ACES will continue this year. All 3-5 schools, JMMS and EH Academy will be receiving job-embedded differentiation training. Our Pre K-2 schools and reading consultants will be working on early literacy and reading strategies from Literacy How.

We all know that change can be difficult, but I hope you will embrace the opportunities that come with the changes we are about to embark on. As a district we are poised for growth and success. Yes, there will be challenges as we emerge in our new grade configuration under the leadership of new administrators, but there will also be amazing opportunities to establish new school communities, build on our mission, and challenge our students to be the best they can be. Our future is now.

I look forward to greeting you on September 1. Coffee will be served at 8 a.m. in the EHHS lobby followed by opening remarks in the auditorium.

Sincerely,

Anthony R. Serio
Superintendent of Schools

ARS/jmb