Questions & Answers for K-8 Parents During the COVID-19 Shutdown

Question - Can students/parents come into the school to get personal items from their lockers?

Answer - At this time no students/parents are allowed in the building. If school reopens this will clearly not be an issue. In the event we are closed long-term, we will allow students in the building based on the guidance we receive from either the East Shore District Health Department or the Governor’s Office.

Question - When will the continued online education start and what will it entail?

Answer - Our K-12 continued education learning will launch on April 1st for all students. Classes WILL be held during the week of April vacation (April 13th-17th) so plan on having your child prepared to work during this time. There will be no classes on Good Friday (April 10th) and Memorial Day (May 25th). You will receive specific details from your child’s teacher soon.

Question - What if I don’t have internet access at home?

Answer - Frontier has the CT Lifeline Discount Program to help qualified low-income individuals pay for telephone or qualified internet services. Visit Frontier’s Website for information or call (800) 921-8101. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is currently free for new customers who meet low-income qualifications. Visit Comcast’s website for information or call (800) 934-6489.

Question - What do students do if they experience technology issues?

Answer - Technology issues can be addressed by reaching out to their teacher, school principal or Technology Services department, via email at techsupport@east-haven.k12.ct.us.

Question - What if my child has an IEP and receives special education services?

Answer - We will begin providing educational opportunities to students Pre-K to12, during this school closure beginning on April 1st. During this period of school closure due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the East Haven Public Schools will be providing continuity of educational opportunities to meet the individualized needs of special education students to the greatest extent possible. Special education teachers are working with classroom teachers to adapt learning materials for their students, and where appropriate, special education and related services staff are also creating learning materials specific to a student’s IEP goals and objectives

Question - Will students have access to counselors, social workers, school psychologists, speech/language pathologists (SPL), occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), BCBA’s?

Answer - School teams are evaluating how best to implement experiences with SPL, OT, PT and BCBA’s during the mandatory school closure. They will be using a variety of strategies included, but not limited to, individual, small group, embedded in a google classroom, etc. They and case managers are working with parents to explain adjustments that must be made in the best ways to communicate and schedule. It may be unfeasible or unsafe for students and staff, during the current emergency school closures, to provide some hands-on related services such as physical therapy or occupational therapy to students.

Question - What is the status of the administration of the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and the Next Generation Science Standards Assessment (NGSS) for 5th and 8th-grade students?

Answer - The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has received approval from the United States Department of Education for Connecticut to waive these assessments this year. Therefore, the district will not be administering these assessments.

Question - Are behavioral services offered by Community Health Center (CHC) still available?

Answer - Community Health Center (CHC) is offering behavioral telehealth services to all existing School-Based Health Center behavioral health patients that are currently enrolled. If students are seeking medical services normally addressed through their School-Based Health Center, they are encouraged to reach out to their nearest Community Health Center.

Question - Will there be parent-teacher conferences?

Answer - We will assess student’s learning as best we can during our online continued education. If parent conferences are necessary we will communicate all the necessary information and details with parents.

Question - What is the status of Spring sports and other school activities?

Answer - At this time, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) has postponed the Spring season until further notice. During our school closure, there are no sports activities, practices, field trips or school-related activities.

Question - Will end of year events (stepping up ceremonies, plays, field day, etc.) take place?

Answer - If school reopens and the Governor’s Office issues guidance on functions with a specific number of people, we will make decisions about these events.

Question - Will there be Summer School?

Answer - At this time no decision has been made. This will depend on the status of the reopening of schools based on the guidance we receive from the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Governor’s Office.

Question - How long will free breakfast and lunch be available for my child?

Answer - Daily drive-through service for breakfast and lunch at Tuttle, Momauguin and East Haven High School will be available from 9:30 am - 10:30 am every day. On Fridays, we will provide enough food for students over the weekend as well. This will continue for as long as we are closed. We welcome anyone to come and get breakfast and lunch for children 18 years old or younger.

Question - What about registration for new or kindergarten students entering East Haven schools for 2020-2021?

Answer - Schools are closed and will not be open for registration. For updates and information regarding registration click here: EHPS Registration

Question - What if my family needs support with something not listed on this document?

Answer - Julie Oca Church, the Family & Community Engagement Coordinator can be reached by text, call or email. Call/Text 203-376-4810 Email: jchurch@east-haven.k12.ct.us