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1-16-26 East Haven Public Schools District Newsletter

Posted Date: 01/16/26 (04:00 PM)


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East Haven Public Schools

District Newsletter

January 16, 2026
Dear EHPS Community,

This week, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our East Haven High School students. The untimely passing of a young person is an unimaginable tragedy, and our entire community feels the weight of this loss.

Grief is deeply personal, can be triggered by a variety of circumstances, and often manifests in many different ways. During these challenging times, it is vital that we remember we are not alone. We stand together, and we show up for one another.

Please know that throughout our learning community, we have dedicated supports and resources available for our students, staff, and families. If there is anything we can do to assist you or your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s office or student supports team.

Our hearts are with the impacted family, friends, and neighbors as we navigate this difficult journey.

With deepest sympathy,
Adam Swinney, Interim Superintendent
 
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District Highlights

College & Career Readiness EXPO

Join us for the College and Career Expo 2026 on January 22nd, an evening dedicated to helping families with students in grades 8 - 11 navigate dual enrollment and high school academic planning. We will begin in the high school auditorium with an overview of the benefits of earning college credit in high school, the differences between AP and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses, and how to build a strategic four-year college/career pathway starting in the 9th grade. This session is designed to ensure every family understands how early course choices impact a student's long-term success.

Following the opening presentation, families will rotate through three specialized sessions to gain a deeper perspective on the college/career-prep experience. These rotations include a teacher-led discussion on student readiness and the EHPS "Vision of the Graduate," a panel of staff from Gateway, SCSU, and UCONN discussing university expectations, and a student-led session where current learners share their personal advice. This expo is a vital resource for families to identify the supports available to ensure every student can become college and career ready.

 

East Haven Rotary Coordinates Fundraising Drive to Support Students & Families

This past weekend, the East Haven Rotary hosted the 24th Annual Ben Mazzucco Clothe the Children event at Kohl's in Branford.

Through school-level fundraising efforts and donations, the community works together to ensure that students can shop for seasonal items that keep them warm, safe, and confident.

The East Haven Rotary continues to be an integral fixture within our community, and we are so grateful for the partnership that gives back to our students while providing a meaningful opportunity to practice Responsible Citizenship.

Want to help? Donations can be made by mail to East Haven Rotary, PO Box 120598, East Haven, CT 06512, or online by clicking here and choosing 'Ben Mazzucco Clothe the Children' in the drop-down box.

Please click here to watch this fantastic video clip of News Channel 8 highlighting the East Haven Rotary's fundraising efforts that resulted in taking 108 East Haven children on a shopping spree!
 

Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Senator Murphy's Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest will open Monday, January 19th and run through Monday, February 23rd. It is an opportunity available to elementary, middle, and high school students.

Details for this annual writing contest will be accessible starting Monday through this link: https://www.murphy.senate.gov/services/mlk-essay-contest
 

Tuttle 2nd Graders Attend Yale Art Gallery Field Trip

This marks Tuttle's third year participating in visiting the Yale Art Gallery. Each visit continues to be engaging and meaningful for our students.

This year’s trip focused on Writing with Art. Students explored three types of artwork--masks, ceramics, and paintings--through guided activities designed to deepen observation and critical thinking. At each station, students examined design elements, materials, regions of origin, and intended use. They were also encouraged to engage their senses by imagining how the artwork might smell, feel, or sound, which enriched their descriptive writing and overall understanding.

As always, the students were enthusiastic and highly engaged throughout the experience. The gallery is also hosting an upcoming Family Day on Sunday, January 25th. Registration is not required. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to share with their children!
 
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Athletic Spotlight

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Mallory Boney: East Haven Indoor Track

East Haven High School is proud to recognize Mallory Boney as a true Scholar Athlete whose dedication, leadership, and excellence have defined her four-year career in track and field. Mallory, who most recently set the school record in the Indoor Triple Jump is a two year captain of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field team. Leading by example on and off the track, her athletic resume is impressive: she is a three-time All-State athlete in the Heptathlon and Javelin and earned the distinction of being a national qualifier this past year. 

Beyond her success in athletics, Mallory excels in the classroom. She will graduate with honors, is a proud member of the National Honor Society, and consistently demonstrates integrity, character, and leadership among her peers. Her ability to balance rigorous academics with high-level athletic performance sets a standard for all student-athletes. Mallory Boney is also a well-deserving recipient of the SCC Winter Scholar Athlete recognition, and we look forward to watching her continued success in the years ahead. 
 

It's Biddy Night @ East Haven High School!

The admission to tonight's EHHS Boys Basketball game versus Banford is free to Biddy players and one accompanying adult.

Athletics represent one component of a well-rounded educational experience. Please CLICK HERE to check out our Athletics Department website and access information related to Youth Programming in East Haven. There are so many community-based opportunities to get children moving and forging meaningful friendships through team sports.
 

Family Engagement

Vision of the Graduate "Unpack Your Day" Weekly Prompt

EHPS Backpack

"Unpack Your Day"

Use this prompt any day of the week to talk with your child about school, feelings, and daily experiences in a fun and meaningful way.

Week of 1/19: What is one rule you followed that helped keep everyone safe?

Week of 1/26: What is something you want to keep practicing this week?

Vision of the Graduate Family Learning Adventures:

Check-out these fun, hands-on experiences that give families the chance to learn, explore, and grow together, connecting the attributes students are building at school to meaningful moments at home and in the community.

SEE BELOW ⬇️
January VOG Learning Adventures
After your Learning Adventure, scan or click the QR code above
to share your story and enter our monthly raffle
for a chance to win gift cards, gift baskets, or experience vouchers!
vog
 
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District Information & Resources

Weather Related Delays & Cancellation Updates

Here are ways the district communicate delays and cancellations due to inclement weather. Decisions are made collaboratively with Public Works and the Bus Company with safety as our top priority.

  • Phone, Text Messages and Email via our Parent Square system. Please make sure your child’s school has updated phone and email information.
  • News Channels - WTNH, FOX 61, WVIT-30, WFSB-3 & NECN
  • EHPS Website features an alert banner with a weather related announcement appearing on all web pages. All school websites as well as the district website will feature weather related announcements.

Please Update Your Contact Information
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.
Log Into PowerSchool Here
 
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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!

Attendance Matters

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Guidelines to Help Families Determine How Sick is Too Sick for School

Chronic absenteeism can often be driven by uncertainty about when children should stay home due to illness. Families are encouraged to use clear health guidelines when making this decision. Balancing student health with regular school attendance helps prevent the spread of illness while supporting consistent learning and strong attendance habits.

Send your child to school if...
  • Mild cough, runny nose, and no other symptoms.
  • Able to participate in normal activities.
  • Mild stomach ache without vomiting/diarrhea. 

Keep them home if...
  • Fever: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hrs without medicine to return).
  • Vomiting/Diarrhea: More than twice in 24 hours, or watery stools (need 24 hrs without symptoms to return).
  • Sore Throat: Severe or with fever/swollen glands (may need antibiotics).
  • Rashes: With fever or behavior changes, or oozing/uncovered sores.
  • Behavior: Abnormally tired, irritable, pale, or unable to participate.
  • Cough: Heavy, persistent, or keeps them up all night. 
 

East Haven District & Community Information & Resources

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Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 Openings for Role Model Peers for the 2026-2027 School Year

Deer Run Elementary School-Role Model Peer Application 2026-2027 School Year
Deer Run Elementary School will be screening applicants for role model peer slots for the 2026-2027 school year. The role model peers learn alongside students receiving special education services. Our classrooms are taught by a certified Special Education Teacher and are supported by paraeducators. Screenings will take place in the Spring by appointment.

CLICK HERE for the link for the 2026-2027 Role Model Peer application.

Requirements:  
  • East Haven Resident
  • Students must be fully toilet trained, requiring no assistance from adults
  • Guardians transport students to and from school daily
  • Students must exhibit age-appropriate skills across developmental domains (communication, social, motor)
 

Overbrook Pre-K Info Night

Overbrook Pre-K Info Night is on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 6 - 7 PM, through Zoom. Families must register in advance to receive the link. Students must be 2.8 - 5 years old. Join us to learn about our preschool program! We look forward to meeting you! Scan the QR code to register for Pre-K info night. 
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East Haven Academy Lottery Information - 2026-2027 School Year

Lottery applications can be accessed by clicking here beginning January 12, 2026 and ending March 6, 2026. Your child must be entering Grade 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. Follow the steps outlined below to submit an application online by March 6, 2026.
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East Haven Adult Education Programs for Spring 2026

East Haven Adult Education is offering a high school completion, ESL Citizenship program free to East Haven residents. Enrichment classes are also availalbe. Scan the QR codes for the course catalog and to register for Spring 2026 programs.
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East Haven's Mobile Food Pantry

Distributions are every other Tuesday 2-2:45 p.m. at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, 355 Foxon Rd., East Haven
Walk up distribution. No residency required. Please bring your own bag.

Dates for 2026: 
January 20
February 3 & 17
March 3, 17 & 31

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Foxon Recreation League Girls Softball

Multi town reacreational travel. Sign up at Hays School, 1 Maple Ave., East Haven. Early Bird Special: $100 per child if registered before February 1st. $125 if registered after February 1st. For more information contact Lou Jason: 203-214-7165
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East Haven Little League Winter Clinic

East Haven Little League winter clinic registration is now open! The dates are every Sunday from February 15th through March 15th from 1-4 PM (division times TBD). The location is the CT Sportsplex in Branford. The cost is $85 per child. Register online with the QR code.
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After School Enrichment Program

East Haven Youth Services has partnered with the East Haven Board of Education creating an exciting, new after-school enrichment program. Students can engage in fun, hands-on ways to explore new interests once the school day ends!

Choose from:
  • STEM Challenges
  • Creative Baking/Cooking
  • High Energy Adventure Sports Program

The next program starts at Deer Run on Thursday, February 5th. Register NOW to save your spot!
Each program will be for 3 weeks. The cost is $30 for a 3 week program.
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Creative Arts Workshop

Summer Arts Adventures, sponsored by Creative Arts Workshop, located in the Audubon Arts District in New Haven. Weekly summer sessions from June 22nd through August 17th from 9am-4pm for ages 5-12. The program cost is $495 per week.

Classes take place in fully equipped art studios. Weekly themes include:
Clay, comics and cartoons, computer art, graphic novels, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, bookmaking, sewing, sculpture, collage and more!

Program Weekly Schedules are as follows:
June 22-26 & June 29- July 2
July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24 & July 27-31
August 3-7, August 10-14 & August 17-21
 

East Haven Youth Services Teen Center

Come hang out with old friends and make some new friends! This program is for students in grades 6 through 8. The program runs every other Friday continuing January 16th through March 6th, from 7-9:30 p.m.You must be pre-registered to attend the Teen Center. Please register at: easthavenrecreation.org
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Kids Free Birthday Cake Kit for Ages 1-17

Need a little extra help in providing your child a birthday cake? Look no further... You will be provided with a kit to make your own birthday cake. Scan the QR code to sign up. Sponsored by Cherie's Sweet Treats.
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East Haven Family Resource Center

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Join the Family Resource Center Playgroup

Ages 2 and under meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am to 11:30am. Ages 2-5 meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30am to 11:30am. Please register for playgroups in advance with the QR code or contact (203) 468-3305.
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EHPS Quick Links

2025-2026 Quick Links

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you!

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East Haven Public Schools

Location: 35 Wheelbarrow Lane, East Haven, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 468-3261