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9/7/26 East Haven Public Schools District Newsletter

Posted Date: 09/07/26 (04:00 PM)


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East Haven Public Schools

District Newsletter

September 7, 2026
Dear EHPS Community,

Thank you for your partnership in fostering a positive start to the 2026-27 school year. The connection between school and home is essential for every child's success. Thanks to everyone's collective efforts, we were able to surpass our goal and reduce chronic absenteeism to 15.2% last year. Starting strong in September and October helped students meet their attendance goals even when illness crept up during the winter months. This is tremendous, steady progress for East Haven, and we are eager to continue reducing this number. 

Strong attendance is directly tied to academic success. Missing 2 or more days of school per month places a student in the category of being chronically absent—something we work hard to prevent, since attendance impacts learning at every stage of a child’s education.

  • Preschool: Building strong routines around attendance starts early. Even at age 3, developing the habit of coming to school every day sets the foundation for a child’s future success.
  • Elementary School: Research shows that students who miss more than 2 days per month are at risk of not reading on grade level by the end of grade 3—a key milestone for future achievement.
  • Middle School: Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their peers, prepared for daily lessons, and ready to take on more rigorous coursework that builds the bridge to high school success.
  • High School: Attendance is directly tied to credit. Missing too many days of school may result in loss of course credit, which can prevent students from staying on track to graduate within four years. 

Please help us by continuing to make school attendance a top priority for your child. Our school teams look forward to working with you to ensure that every child attends school regularly and has the best possible opportunity to achieve.

In partnership,
Adam Swinney, Superintendent of Schools
Showing Up Together

District Highlights

Students are welcomed back to school

Welcome Back!

East Haven faculty, staff, and students exchange morning greetings on the first day of the 2026-27 school year. Thank you to our families and district team for fostering such a supportive, welcoming experience!
 

East Haven Yellowjackets are Into Reading

Teachers and students begin full implementation of our new core ELA program for grades K-5. Based in the Science of Reading, HMH Into Reading integrates foundational literacy skill development, rich vocabulary study, in-depth reading comprehension skill-building, and connected writing and grammar. HMH Into Reading supports background knowledge building by centering each unit with an essential question. As they read a variety of authentic texts across multiple genres and formats, students are supported to synthesize and apply their learning. Check out our active readers and writers!
Instructional materials for Module 1 Week 1 of 3rd grade
Student reads about My First Day
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3rd graders read together at the carpet
 
CSDE

2025 State Summative Testing Reports

Please note, this message pertains to students who were in Grades 3-8 last year and took the Smarter Balanced Assessment (ELA & Math). Additionally Next Generation Science Standards Assessment results will be made available for students who were in Grades 5, 8, or 11 last year.

The Connecticut State Department of Education is now providing summative testing reports digitally. Unfortunately, we encountered an issue with their file. We are working to resolve the issue and plan to distribute these student assessment reports as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience as we acclimate to CSDE's new format.
 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 through October 15, EHPS proudly recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. 
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Athletic Spotlight

Athletic Spotlight: John Becker Jr.

John Becker Jr. has been an integral part of East Haven Athletics behind the scenes since 8th grade. He started as the home-game DJ and JV broadcaster for boys hockey, later helping his uncle Rob Becker film the semifinal and championship games during the 2025 championship run.

As a sophomore, John became the sports reporter for Hive TV, EHHS’s weekly video news program. As a junior, he began his sports photography journey through @j.b.global and now also co-manages the official @easthavenathletics Instagram page and will be contributing to the SCC social media pages as a student intern.

John has already filmed and photographed seven EHHS athletic teams and hopes to cover as many teams and events as possible this year. After high school, he plans to attend college and pursue a career in sports broadcasting and journalism. East Haven Athletics is proud to recognize John for his dedication to telling the stories and capturing the moments that make our athletic program special! 

Family Engagement

Family Voices, School Connections & Community Opportunities: Supporting What Matters, Everywhere Learning Happens.

What We're Hearing From Our Families

We want to hear what life is really like for our students and families: what’s going well, what’s challenging, and what matters to you.
Each newsletter, we’ll share a little of what families are telling us!

This week we're asking (click to share):
Unpack Your Day

"Unpack Your Day"

Over the next two weeks, use these prompts any day of the week to talk with your child about school, feelings, and daily experiences in a fun and meaningful way.

What was easy about getting back to school? What was a little tricky?

What is something you hope happens at school this year?

Community Connections

Head to the Hagaman Memorial Library on Saturday, September 26th for a fun adventure featuring our Vision of the Graduate attribute:
Responsible Citizen!

Grab your family and get ready to explorediscover, and hunt!
This month, families will take part in a Community Helpers Scavenger Hunt to learn about the many people who help make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.

Who will you discover? What will you learn?
And how can YOU be a responsible citizen in your community?

Your adventure awaits at the Hagaman Memorial Library!
📍227 Main St, East Haven, CT 06512
📅  Saturday, September 26th  🕐 2:00 - 3:30

The Podcast that Brings the Expertise & Resources of Our District Directly to You!

Tune in throughout the year to learn, grow, and exchange ideas with the experts shaping our schools!

Have a topic you'd like to hear about? SUBMIT YOUR IDEA HERE!
 

District Information & Resources

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2026-2027 EHPS District Handbook

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, we encourage all families to take a few moments to review the East Haven Public Schools District Handbook. The handbook provides important information about district expectations, policies, procedures, and resources to help families and students begin the year informed, prepared, and connected to our school community.

Please take a few moments to review the handbook by clicking here so that everyone can begin the school year informed and prepared for a successful year ahead.

*Please note that page 70 provides directions for acknowledging the handbook through PowerSchool Parent Portal.
 

2026-2027 Bus Routes

Click here to access school bus routes for all our schools. Times listed are estimated. Please allow for 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after estimated route times.
 
You can contact the district's bus company, B & B Transportation, with specific questions at: 203-507-2100
 
 

Please Update Your Contact Information in PowerSchool

As a friendly reminder to parents and guardians, please log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal App or Click Here to log in to Powerschool and update your contact information. This ensures that the schools and the district have the most up-to-date information on you and your students.
It is critical that East Haven Public Schools has accurate phone numbers, addresses, and emergency contacts on file for every student. Up-to-date information allows us to reach you quickly in the event of an emergency, weather-related school closure, or urgent matter regarding your child. If your phone number, email, or home address has recently changed, please notify your child’s school office right away.

Keeping this information current ensures:
  • You receive important notifications through our district messaging system.
  • School staff can reach you immediately if your child is sick or there is an emergency.
  • Transportation information (bus routes, stops, schedules) is accurate.
  • Report cards, progress updates, and other communications are sent to the right place.

 

2026-2027 District Calendar

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ymca

The YMCA 2025-26 Before & After School Program at Hays School

Click here for information on the Hays School YMCA before and after school care program available to all East Haven students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Morning TRANSPORTATION to school from the YMCA and afternoon TRANSPORTATION from school to the YMCA is provided!
 
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Enroll Your Child Today!

Did you know that all schools in East Haven have a school based health center where students can access behavioral and/or medical services right inside the school building? Click here to enroll your child today!
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Fire & Crisis Drills

Per CT General Statute 10-231 schools will perform monthly fire and/or ALICE crisis response drills. Students will practice how to quickly exit the building or get to designated safety areas. During an actual emergency, both evacuation and safety are the first priorities.

East Haven District & Community Information & Resources

Join the Fun with Scout Pack 401

Join the fun with Scout Pack 401 for their upcoming Cub Scout and Boy Scout Ice Cream Social, where interested families and current members can enjoy a sweet treat, connect with fellow Scouts and families, and learn more about the year ahead. 

Families are also invited to attend the first Scout meeting of the year and discover the exciting opportunities, activities, and adventures that Scouting has to offer!

Welcome Back Ice Cream Social & Cub Scout Meeting -  September 10th at 6:00 PM at Old Stone Church, 251 Main Street

Boy Scout Meeting - September 10th at 7:15 PM  at Old Stone Church, 251 Main Street.
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Educational Opportunities at East Haven Adult Education

Please don't miss these opportunities at East East Haven Adult Education. Scan the QR code to see all eduational opportunites for Fall 2026 and register now.
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Think about the question - What is cool about local government?

The CCM #LoCoolGov Scholarship is a chance for students around the state to share their vision and make their voices heard by local leaders.

Connecticut middle and high school students can enter the LoCoolGov Scholarship Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. Entries are due September 15, 2026. See the flyer for details and submission information and CLICK HERE for the contest overview.

Create an entry using this central question for inspiration: What is cool about local government? Have fun, and be creative with this project! You may choose to submit an essay, poem, photo, video, painting, multimedia project, or any other medium you find appropriate. Images of three-dimensional art will be accepted.
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PreK Enrollment Continues for Overbrook Early Learning Center

For enrollment information, please click on the link to the district website, to begin the registration process East Haven Public Schools - Student Registration or you can call the main office at 203-468-3305 to set up an appointment. 
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East Haven Family Resource Center

All resources all in one place. New website hub! We've made it easier than ever to find the information and resources your family needs. Everything in one place, always up to date!

Scan the QR code to see all upcoming programs, community resources, family support services, flyers and announcements.
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Upcoming Community Dining Room Events

East Haven Family Meals take place every Wednesday in September (5-6:30pm) at the East Haven Senior Center, 91 Taylor Ave, East Haven. Dine-in meals are for families with children only; everyone is welcome to take a meal to go!

The events are free, no RSVP or registration required. Menus are posted at www.communitydiningroom/programs
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EHPS Quick Links

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you!

East Haven Public Schools

Phone: (203) 468-3261