How quickly summer has come to an end! School buses are ready to roll and school bells will sound! We are expecting a year filled with opportunities for learning as teachers prepare to challenge our students to think critically in order to make decisive decisions, build and develop content knowledge, master Common Core State Standards, and develop key skills at and above their grade level. It is our expectation that all of our children attending East Haven Public Schools will achieve a level of academic proficiency or beyond, demonstrating excellence in all aspects of their education. To assist them in fulfilling this expectation, we will challenge them to achieve grade-level expectations, to express themselves both in written language and oral presentation, to solve problems through application, and to build character and self-confidence.

Each year, the district selects a theme in which to focus. This year’s theme is “Changing How the Community Values Education!” We, as a district, are renewing our commitment to the children and families of East Haven to ensure that we provide an environment of learning that is academically rigorous, diversified, and safe. Within this focus, we will concentrate on attaining the following goals:

1) Improve communication to parents/families about their child’s progress.

2) Improve attendance and target identified students who are chronic.

3) Better utilize our support staff to improve classroom instruction.

4) Implement a positive public relations campaign for the school district.

5) Plan and implement the master facilities consolidation plan.

We will need to solicit the cooperation of all stakeholders to meet our goals. Families will be key to the schools’ success! We want parents/families to be involved in their children’s education. Engaging your child in conversations about what they have learned at school, encouraging them to read and use basic math skills, and most importantly, making sure they attend school on time and in dress code is very helpful! Attendance is the most important area that families can help the district. Students who attend school regularly, and on-time, perform better academically and have a lower percentage of retention.

Community members are important, too! Through the charitable giving of East Haven United and Apple Rehab, we are able to supply backpacks to our neediest students. Donations such as these provide students with supplies that assist in their preparedness for classroom tasks and homework assignments.

Stay informed about what is going on in your schools by visiting the district (www.east-haven.k12.ct.us) and school websites, download our district app, follow us on twitter and Facebook, and check out our biannual newsletter (the next edition is due the first week in September). Also, save the dates of Sept. 1, 14, and 22 for our Parents and Community Focus Groups at a school near you.