East Haven Public Schools
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Dear EHPS Community,
It is difficult to find the words to express the profound sadness our school community is facing. Our community continues to process the tragic event this past Thursday that claimed the life of five-year-old Cooper Villano, a cherished kindergarten student at Deer Run Elementary School. Cooper brought immense joy, warmth, and light to everyone around him. His bright smile and spirit touched the hearts of his classmates, teachers, and all who knew him.
Our heartfelt condolences remain with the Villano family during this heartbreaking time. As a district, our highest priority is to lift up, comfort, and care for the classmates, families, and EHPS staff members who are mourning. Grief counselors and support staff remain on site and available across our schools to assist students, staff, and families in need of support. Additionally, counselors from School-Based Health Care will continue to be available for students and families seeking support. Drop-in opportunities have been added for this week. (See below for more details.)
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With memorial services for Cooper announced for Thursday, September 24th, we invite all staff and students across the district who wish to participate and show their support to join us in a special day of remembrance. On Thursday, we encourage everyone to wear blue or a sports jersey to school in honor of Cooper’s memory and the light he brought to our district.
We have seen a tremendous outpouring of support, love, and solidarity from the East Haven community over the past several days. For anyone wishing to show their support for the Villano family or contribute to local initiatives organized in his honor, details on these community efforts can be accessed here: Opportunities to Show Support for the Villano Family.
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Thank you for your continued compassion as we lean on one another and stand united in support of the Villano family and our school community.
In partnership,
Adam Swinney
Superintendent of Schools
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Counselors from School-Based Health Care will be onsite at East Haven High School on Tuesday (2-5pm), Wednesday (Noon-5pm), and Thursday from (2-5pm). This is a drop-in space for any family seeking support in navigating their own feelings or supporting their children at home. Therapy dogs will be onsite Tuesday and Thursday. Simply check-in at the EHHS foyer, and someone will direct you.
Unexpected losses in our community can be confusing and scary for our children. Please know your school’s School-Based Health Care (SBHC) clinic has licensed behavioral health clinicians ready to help your child during these difficult times.
Your child(ren) are welcome to speak with a SBHC clinician at school, or your family can call 475-231-6978 (Prompt 1 or 2 for English or Spanish, then Prompt 3) to connect with a support provider. This line can also be used to schedule a virtual visit.
For ongoing support, families are encouraged to enroll their students in SBHC services online at sbhc1.com/enroll.
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Choosing kindness, together. In honor of International Peace Day, the JMMS community united to celebrate peace and practice kindness. This annual tradition is symbolic of the JMMS team's commitment to making school a place where every single student feels they belong. |
Sixth-grade students from Joseph Melillo Middle School spent a day at Camp Hazen YMCA strengthening teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills through a variety of hands-on activities.
Working in groups, students challenged themselves through team building activities, the rock wall or alpine tower, and an adventure in the woods. The experience encouraged students to build confidence and work together to overcome challenges.
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Tuttle School is grateful to be the recipient of a generous grant from Premier Subaru of Branford through the Adopt-a-Classroom program! This partnership provides valuable resources to support student learning and has expanded this year to reach an even broader group of educators, including coaches, pupil services staff, and support staff whose work impacts students across the school. Representatives from Premier Subaru recently visited Tuttle to meet the team and delivered cases filled with classroom supplies for immediate use. We are incredibly thankful for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting our students and staff! |
Originally from Madrid, Spain, Cristian began playing soccer at age four and eventually earned the opportunity to train at the prestigious Rayo Vallecano de Madrid Academy. When his family moved to Rockcastle County, Kentucky, in 2023, he discovered that his new high school did not have a soccer program. Rather than letting that obstacle stop him from competing, Cristian embraced the challenge and began playing basketball as a freshman.
After transferring to Southwestern High School in Pulaski County, Cristian continued developing as both a basketball and soccer player before arriving at East Haven High School for his senior year. Now a Yellowjacket, he brings an international background, diverse athletic experience, and a strong work ethic to the court.
For Cristian, athletics are about more than wins and losses. He values discipline, resilience, hard work, and the determination to keep pushing forward. Inspired by role models Kobe Bryant and David Goggins, he believes that “their mentality and their capability to keep going no matter the situation or circumstances teach valuable lessons, not only in sports, but also in life.”
After graduating from East Haven, Cristian hopes to return to Spain to attend college and continue playing basketball. His journey—from a young soccer player in Madrid to a multi-sport athlete in Kentucky and now East Haven—demonstrates his ability to embrace change, overcome challenges, and make the most of every opportunity.
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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!
The school year is officially underway! Last newsletter, we invited families to share what the back-to-school experience has been like for their children. We heard about excitement, new routines, big feelings, and the many different ways families are settling into the year.
Every family’s experience is unique, and hearing those perspectives reminds us that there is no one “right” way to start a new school year. As we settle into new routines, we’ll continue listening to families and strengthening connection, belonging, and partnership across our school community as we look forward to a year of learning and growth together!
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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 is something you're proud of from today?
What did you do to make that happen?
What was something new you learned today?
What made it interesting to you?
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Hagaman Memorial Library Family Programming:
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 explore, discover, 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.
Your adventure awaits at the Hagaman Memorial Library!
📍227 Main St, East Haven, CT 06512
📅 Saturday, September 26th 🕐 2:00 - 3:30
Farms to Families FREE Produce Distribution:
We are excited to partner with Farms to Families to provide FREE produce to our EHPS families!
Stephanie Rivellini & Gisela Layedra will be distributing fresh produce at different schools over the upcoming weeks! No matter which school your child/children attend, you are welcome to visit any distribution site!
Be on the lookout for the Parent Square post each week that will reveal the date, time & distribution site!
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District Information & Resources |
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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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! |
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. |
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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. 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. |
East Haven District & Community Information & Resources |
In collaboration with the United Way, the Circle of Security program begins October 6th and meets every Tuesday through November 10th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the East Haven Recreation Department, 1 Maple Street, East Haven.
Join us for this free, safe and supportive parenting workshop. Please call Gisela Layedra at (203) 468-3261 Ext. 21006 for more information.
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East Haven Family Meals 5-6:30pm take place every Wednesday at the East Haven Senior Center, 91 Taylor Ave, East Haven. Senior Center 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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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. |
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.
Here is what you can find:
- Upcoming events & programs
- Community resources
- Family support services
- Flyers & announcements
- Food, clothing & diaper distribution
- Playgroups & family activities
- Registration links & updates
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