East Hartford Pride Newsletter - January 2026

EAST HARTFORD PRIDE News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume V, Issue V January 8, 2026 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Families and Community, Happy New Year! I hope you and your families enjoyed the winter break, spent quality time together, and made new memories. While I know everyone enjoyed this time, I also know it's exciting to be back in our halls and classrooms recharged and ready to engage. Each new year offers opportunities to look ahead with new thinking as we all learn and grow together.  This is an excellent time to pause, reflect on our current goals, and reset our intentions for continued growth and achievement.  We encourage families to speak with their students, emphasizing the need to be on time and engaged in class every day. Asking for help when needed or setting aside time for reading and homework can also make a big difference.  School engagement and participating in activities are important parts of the EHPS experience. Please make it a 2026 goal to attend a sporting event or performance. Join your school’s PTO, attend a family engagement event, or reach out to your school to learn more about how to get involved. Your presence and partnership matter.   Finally, I’d like to share a few reminders about winter weather. We take weather-related decisions around delays, early dismissals and cancellations very seriously. We consider several factors and utilize many resources to access the best information available. My priority is the safety of both our staff, many who commute from outside towns, and students, including those who drive themselves to school. Announcements regarding any weather-related schedule changes will be communicated directly to families through ParentSquare via email and phone. You can also check our district website, local TV stations and East Hartford Public Schools on social media @EastHartfordPS.  Thank you for all you do to support our students, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.  Sincerely, Thomas Anderson Superintendent   District Holds First L.E.A.D. To Read Day EHPS held its first L.E.A.D. to Read Day (Leaders Empowering Academic Development) on December 5. Superintendent Anderson and his Executive Leadership Team visited Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms and read books with our youngest learners. This day reinforces our shared belief that literacy is the foundation of every child’s academic journey. When leaders are present in classrooms modeling the importance of reading, it brings to life the connection between students’ daily experiences and our district priorities. Photos of Asst. Superintendent Ellen Delgado with Norris students, Facilities Director James Rovezzi with Mayberry students and District Supervisor of Multilingual Programs Elizabeth Peczuh with O'Brien students.   EHHS Senior Earns Full Scholarship Through QuestBridge National College Match For the third year in a row, an East Hartford High School student has earned a full scholarship to their top choice college through the QuestBridge National College Match. Cherish Opoku, an East Hartford High School senior, has been admitted to the College of the Holy Cross and awarded a full, four-year scholarship through QuestBridge’s 2025 scholarship program. This program connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with scholarships to 55 of the nation’s top colleges. Cherish was one of 2,550 students matched out of more than 25,000 applicants this year. “When I opened my match letter, I was in complete shock. I felt very grateful that all my hard work had paid off,” said Cherish. “QuestBridge has lifted a huge financial burden and has brought tremendous joy to my household. It's amazing to see my family so proud and happy.” Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to QuestBridge college partners. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies and travel expenses. Cherish plans to study economics in college and would like to become a financial analyst in the future. “I was drawn to Holy Cross by its diverse community and strong academic programs. The supportive community would allow me to grow both as a person and as a leader," she said. She currently holds a 3.9 grade point average with a rigorous course load including AP Statistics, AP Calculus, and UConn English. She is also vice president of the East Hartford High School Student Council, vice president of DECA, a band section leader and a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the varsity tennis team. "East Hartford High School has amazing, rigorous classes that helped me grow in all academic areas. Our school offers many leadership opportunities and the support that I have received from my teachers and counselors has helped me feel confident through every step of my application,” said Cherish.    EHHS Students Compete in National Culinary Competition Students in East Hartford High School’s Advanced Baking class are taking part in national high school culinary competition. Sodexo's “Top Secret Taste Test” competition tasked students with developing their own creative and original pizza recipes. EHHS students got to taste and provide scores for recipes from other competition participants. Students elsewhere in the country taste-tested the recipes EHHS students submitted. Students’ names and their school locations will remain secret until winners are chosen. The national winner will take home a Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Console. The winning pizza could also be featured on Sodexo’s K–12 menu for schools across the country!   Community Members Bring New and Improved "Book House" to Pitkin Pitkin Elementary School has a brand new little library thanks to support from the community! Pitkin held a ribbon cutting for the school's new “book house” on December 18. It's now ready for students to visit and for them to take a book or leave a book at any time. Earlier this year, the Murphy family reached out after noticing the old Pitkin book house was in need of some love. They asked their contractor to take a look and he reported it would be difficult to repair in its current state. So, the Murphy family offered to purchase all the materials for a new one and their contractor at Wise HandyMan Services constructed and installed it outside the school free of charge!    STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Michelle Sheatsley has been an English Teacher at East Hartford High School for 25 years and currently teaches mostly English Language Learners. An energetic and positive educator, she serves as a leader and motivator for her students and colleagues. Myles Callis is the Behavioral Support Analyst at Woodland School after previously serving as a behavior manager for seven years. WIth his experience and knowledge of the job, he creates relationships built on mutual respect with both his team members and with students.   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Goodwin Elementary students dressed up for PJ Day for the Kids to benefit CT Children's Medical Center and the East Hartford Middle School Choir performing at its winter concert Norris Elementary student artists creating snowy scenes and PreK students at the Early Childhood Learning Center enjoying their gifts from Toys for Tots   FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming events, helpful information and community news   Stay Connected Via ParentSquare Have you downloaded the free ParentSquare app? All East Hartford Public Schools use ParentSquare for communication between school and home. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed, and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to send and receive class information, share pictures and files, see calendar items and much more!  iOS App - Apple Store Android App - Google Play Store   School Meals All East Hartford Public Schools students can receive free breakfast and lunch! View school meal menus, plus nutritional and allergen information, with language translation options on Nutrislice.  Click here for Menus on Nutrislice  For more information on using Nutrislice, read the how-to guides below in English and Spanish. Nutrislice How to Guide - English  Nutrislice How to Guide - Spanish   Available Food Resources Click the link below to learn more about local food resources and assistance available this month. January 2026 East Hartford Food Resource Calendar   Upcoming Events at the East Hartford Public Library Hokey Pokey Party – Music & Movement Program Thursday, January 22 from 5:30pm - 6:00pm Raymond Library, 840 Main Street Join us for a fun-filled music and movement session! Bring the kids to stretch, sing, dance, and explore music together. This program is best suited for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome! Register for a reminder. https://easthartfordct.libcal.com/event/15600935 Teen and Tween Art Afternoon Friday, January 23 from 3:30pm - 4:30pm Raymond Library, 840 Main Street Visit the library to make your own art. We'll take on a different material or project each month. (You might want to wear something you don't mind getting messy, just in case!) For ages 10-18. Register for a reminder. https://easthartfordct.libcal.com/event/15601186 All Upcoming Free Library Events   SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR REMINDERS   January 19: Schools Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20-26: Early Dismissal for Grades 9-12 for High School Exams January 30: Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Professional Development 2025-2026 EHPS Calendar   STAY CONNECTED   Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X More Stories on EastHartford.org Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Jan 08 2026

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - December 2025

EAST HARTFORD PRIDE News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume V, Issue IV December 4, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Families and Community, I hope you and your families are enjoying the excitement that comes with the start of the holidays and our first snowflakes of the season. December is always a joyful time in our schools with winter concerts, family engagement events, and the start of the winter athletics season. You can feel that energy in our classrooms as we reflect on how much our students have already learned and grown this year.  Meanwhile, we are working strategically on the proposed budget for next school year (Fiscal Year 2027). This budget investment reflects our commitment to maintain our strong student programming and services through sound fiscal planning and effectively leveraging state, federal, and private grant funding. Our investment priorities remain clear: creating equitable opportunities for all students, building staff capacity, enhancing student services, updating learning spaces, and offering competitive salaries to our committed staff.   At the annual joint meeting of the East Hartford Board of Education and Town Council, I will share the proposed FY27 Budget of $106,213,941. This modest 1.9% increase over the current fiscal year is driven primarily by contractual salary obligations for our employees. The proposed budget supports a range of student programming, including providing the highest services for all students. Thanks to careful planning and forecasting in all our departments, we are able to mitigate cost escalations in several other areas. These financial adjustments are aligned with our District Strategic Plan priorities and the broader economic reality we are managing. Each item in this budget represents an investment in our students’ potential and in the collective work of Team EHPS.   Proposed FY27 Budget Because our budget focuses on what impacts students most, it’s essential that we continue to hear from the families we serve. We strive to be as strategic and efficient as possible in addressing all aspects of the work we do for your children. For that reason, I encourage all families to take our Family Feedback Survey if you haven’t done so already. Your voice is critical. It helps shape our priorities and guide our decisions.   EHPS Family Feedback Survey Thank you, as always, for your continued support and engagement. Have a wonderful holiday season!  Sincerely, Thomas Anderson Superintendent   High School Students Give Back and Build Community East Hartford High School held its annual Community Awareness Day on November 26. Every year, the EHHS student body spends the Wednesday before Thanksgiving participating in community service and community building activities around their school and around town. This year, students helped out at the East Hartford Public Library, raked leaves in senior citizens’ yards, cleaned up parks and trails, washed trucks at the East Hartford Fire Department, volunteered at local churches and the Hillstown Grange, lead activities at our elementary, middle and PreK schools, and much more. They entered the Thanksgiving break knowing they have the power to make a difference in their community. At Connecticut IB Academy, the whole school takes part in Community Building Day on the day before Thanksgiving break. Students were challenged with team building activities facilitated by student leaders. These activities help improve communication, collaboration and problem solving skills. Meanwhile, students are strengthening their relationships and building a more positive school community.   O'Brien Community Hosts Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day On November 14, O’Brien Elementary School students, staff and family members walked in honor of Ruby Bridges, who at just six years old became a symbol of bravery and progress during school desegregation. The nationally celebrated Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event marks the date 65 years ago when Ruby walked to school escorted by U.S. Marshals as the first Black student to attend an all-white school in the south. O'Brien commemorated those historic steps by wearing purple (Ruby’s favorite color), walking around their school building as a community, and sharing messages about unity, courage and kindness.   Hornet Band Students Selected for State Honor Band Festival East Hartford High School’s Omenihu Nwokoma (Senior), Olivia Aboagye (Senior), Ajanie Njie (Junior) and Ben Scheer (Junior) were selected to play in the Connecticut ASBDA (American School Band Directors Association) Honor Band Festival held at Meriden’s Maloney High School on November 12. The Hornet Band students were nominated by their band director. Then, an ASBDA committee selected them to participate. They were able to share their talents on stage with other Connecticut student musicians and did a great job representing East Hartford.   STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Rachel Pipke is the 8th grade science teacher and 8th grade team leader at Sunset Ridge Middle School. Under her guidance, students gain the knowledge and confidence to lead their own experiments, discover what works and what doesn't, and develop the critical thinking skills they'll need to succeed in high school and beyond. Gabrielle Elwood is the speech language pathologist at Goodwin Elementary School who works to help students improve their communication and reach their individual goals. Her impact on her school community also extends beyond her classroom as she plans events, assists other team members and gets to know every Goodwin student.   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Thanksgiving Parade at the Early Childhood Learning Center (view full video here) and check presentation from the Goodwin Elementary community to the VFW during Goodwin's Veterans Day Assembly Physical Education fun at Woodland School and math learning with vertical boards at O'Connell Elementary   FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming events, helpful information and community news   Dish it Out! Take the Student Meals Survey! Our child nutrition department would like your feedback about school meals. Help make your students' dining experience better by taking this short 2-minute survey. Both parents and students are invited to participate. If you have multiple students, please take one survey per student. Click here to take the survey:  https://qrflash.me/a/GNnndx.     Holiday Fest on the Green Stop by the Town Green on Friday, December 5 as East Hartford comes together to celebrate all of the amazing celebrations that happen during December! The Town Holiday Market starts at 4:00 PM and will feature vendors, food trucks, free kids crafts (while supplies last), an ice sculpture, and free balloon animals, all while DJ Jimmy Jams keeps the holiday tunes playing! Around 5:45 PM, the Double A Dance Academy will be doing a holiday performance to kick off the Annual Tree Lighting! At 6:30 PM, Santa will arrive on his trusty firetruck and chose a child to light up the tree! There will also be caroling, selfies with Santa, and free cocoa & cookies for the kids!    Breakfast With Santa East Hartford High School's annual Breakfast with Santa event will be on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the EHHS cafeteria.  Tickets are $5 per person, which includes food, crafts and games!   Upcoming Events at the East Hartford Public Library Living Out Loud: GSA with the Health Collective Tuesday, December 9 ⋅ 6:00 – 7:00pm Raymond Library, 840 Main St., East Hartford, Meeting Room 2A Join us for Living Out Loud, a GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) meeting facilitated by the Health Collective! LGBTQ+ teens and allies in grades 9–12 are invited to explore identity, wellness, and community in a supportive, inclusive space. Come connect, share, and thrive together. Free pizza will be provided! Free to attend, register for a reminder. BringtheHoopla’s Winter Break Hula Hoop Jam Monday, January 5, 2026 ⋅ 2:00 – 3:00pm Raymond Library, 840 Main St., East Hartford, Meeting Room 1 Shake off the winter chill and get moving with BringtheHoopla! Kids ages 6 and up will learn fun hula hoop tricks, play active games, and explore creativity using colorful, handmade hoops. This high-energy program promotes movement, confidence, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment—no experience needed. Registration is limited, so sign up early to save your spot! Free to attend, please register each child separately. Click here for registration. Visit the library for winter break family fun, with activities for all ages taking place during the school recess. Library programs are open to the public and free of charge. Click the buttons below for more information. Winter Break at the Library All Upcoming Free Library Events   Teen Girls Support Group East Hartford Youth and Social Services is welcoming new young women from East Hartford to the Teen Girls Support Group this winter. This safe and supportive group will focus on topics such as self-care, building healthy relationships, and self-esteem. The group is free and open to East Hartford teen girls ages 15-18. It will run on Mondays from January 26 – March 16 at the East Hartford Community Center. Please view the flyers below for more information and click here to register.   SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR REMINDERS   December 12: Early Dismissal PreK-Grade 12 for Professional Development December 23: Early Dismissal PreK-Grade 12 December 24 - January 6: Schools Closed for Holiday Recess 2025-2026 EHPS Calendar   STAY CONNECTED   Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X More Stories on EastHartford.org Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Dec 04 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - November 2025

EAST HARTFORD PRIDE News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume V, Issue III November 6, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Families and Community, October was another fantastic month at East Hartford Public Schools. We continue to see students acquire new skills, grasp new concepts, and grow academically and socially every day. We also had a month full of vibrant and engaging celebrations, including those recognizing students in the Academy of Finance, Hispanic Heritage Month, CT Grown for CT Kids Week, and the opening of our new EHPS STEM Lab. We are thrilled to share two of our schools were recently recognized by the CT State Department of Education as “Schools of Distinction.” Only 140 schools earned this recognition for performing within the top 10% statewide in academic achievement or student growth during the last school year.  Schools are identified through the state’s Next Generation Accountability System, which evaluates performance across 12 key indicators, including academic achievement, performance growth, chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, physical fitness, and the arts.   Connecticut IB Academy was recognized again this year for high performance.  CIBA earned an accountability index score of 89.61 out of 100 across all indicators. Mayberry Elementary School earned the “School of Distinction” recognition for high growth in Math for all students and among students with high needs. In this academic growth indicator, Mayberry ES students earned 83.6% compared to a state-level average of 62.3%. High needs students at Mayberry ES earned 83.8% compared to a state-level average of 55.9%.  Outside of these exciting recognitions, East Hartford Public Schools improved its overall performance in ELA, Math, and Science from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025 for all students and among those with high needs.   I know you all share the pride I feel for the hard work and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our students and entire staff. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I am thankful for your ongoing support, your partnership, and your trust as we continue to serve the children of East Hartford Public Schools.  Sincerely,   Thomas Anderson  Superintendent     EHPS Honors Hispanic Heritage Month with Lessons and Celebrations Each year, from September 15 to October 15, people across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At EHPS, students and staff celebrated through engaging classroom lessons and community events and activities that highlighted these cultures and the rich diversity in East Hartford. At O'Connell Elementary, students and staff participated in the school’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week, open to all students regardless of background. Each day had its own theme such as Sports Day, Fly Your Flag Day and Traditional Clothing Day. At East Hartford Middle School, Spanish classes showcased their creativity through a Hispanic Heritage Month t-shirt design contest. EHMS is also looking forward to hosting its second annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration for school families later this month. At East Hartford High School, students stayed after school for the annual Café con Leche event. Students enjoyed salsa dancing, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and karaoke, followed by a delicious buffet of traditional dishes.   EHPS Launches New Elementary STEM Lab The new EHPS STEM Lab opened this month, designed to give elementary students elevated hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 5th grade classes began their visits to the new space located at East Hartford High School on October 20.    This innovative initiative is the result of a partnership between EHPS and the Connecticut Science Center, aimed at deepening young students’ understanding of science through authentic, hands-on investigations using real-world lab equipment. All 450 East Hartford 5th grade students will visit the lab twice during the 2025-2026 school year, participating in extended STEM lessons designed and led by Connecticut Science Center educators.    The first lab session, running through November 12, is called Planet Hunters. Students simulate a real-world NASA Mission and explore what planets need to sustain life by conducting investigations involving light, temperature, and gravity. A second session will be held in the spring, featuring new experiments and experiences that will continue to build STEM skills, interest, and curiosity to prepare students for success in middle school.  Click here to view news coverage of the STEM Lab from WTNH News 8!   New School Garden Open at Sunset Ridge East Hartford's 4th school garden is now officially open at Sunset Ridge Middle School! As part of CT Grown for CT Kids Week, the East Hartford Farm to School program invited community partners and supporters to a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating this new learning space. After the ceremony, Sunset Ridge students planted garlic they'll harvest next summer. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the ongoing work of East Hartford's Farm to School team who are committed to supporting local agriculture and providing all students with access to nourishing, culturally inclusive school meals, hands-on learning in outdoor spaces, and an understanding of where food comes from. Other farm-to-school programming this month included: Cafeteria taste tests with foods from local farms Pitkin Elementary School's pumpkin paint night where guests painted locally grown pumpkins Goodwin Elementary School's 2nd grade field trip to Handel Family Farm in East Hartford Mayberry Elementary School's harvest dinner featuring a menu of food from local farms   EHHS Seniors Named "Commended Students" in National Merit Scholarship Program East Hartford High School Seniors Aiden Paradis and Farah Shahab have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Last month we shared two CIBA seniors, Naga Sai Aditya Narayana and Keira Sullivan, also earned this recognition. All four students received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizing their achievements and exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, this is an immense accomplishment. Those named Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers across the country on the 2024 PSAT.   STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Kristin Florek is a first grade teacher at Silver Lane Elementary School. She creates a warm, welcoming environment in her classroom where all students feel the safety and support they need to do their best. Azaria Hernandez has been the behavior manager at Langford Elementary School for seven years. She creates bonds with students, helps them develop strategies and skills for handling emotions, and makes sure they're ready to learn.   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Langford Elementary kindergarteners learning about elections and Pitkin Elementary kindergarteners learning about fire safety with the East Hartford Fire Department East Hartford HS Academy of Finance hosts its annual networking breakfast and East Hartford MS hosts a visit from best-selling author Max Brallier   FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming events, helpful information and community news   Navigating the Government Shutdown: SNAP & Food Resources The Town of East Hartford is sharing information for those families impacted by the Federal Government shutdown and the disruption to SNAP benefits. Click here to access this help page, including details for those looking for supplemental assistance and those who may be able to help during this time of need.   Upcoming Events at the East Hartford Public Library Makerspace Program: Metal Stamping Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 – 7:30pm Make a personalized necklace or charm for yourself or a loved one. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Register for a reminder. Raymond Library, 840 Main St., East Hartford, CT Nintendo Switch 2 Free Play: Mario Kart World Saturday, November 8 from 11:00am – 12:30pm Get ready to race in Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2! Compete in friendly matches, test your racing skills, and challenge other people in this fast-paced gaming session designed just for tweens and teens ages 10 - 17. Whether you're a pro driver or new to the game, everyone is welcome. Register for a reminder or just drop in and play! Raymond Library, 840 Main St., East Hartford, CT Visit the library website to see the full line-up of free events for all ages! https://easthartfordct.libcal.com/   Breakfast With Santa East Hartford High School's annual Breakfast with Santa event will be on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the EHHS cafeteria.  Tickets are $5 per person, which includes food, crafts and games! SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR REMINDERS   November 11 : Schools closed for Veterans Day November 26: Early Dismissal PreK-12 November 27-28: Schools closed for Thanksgiving Recess 2025-2026 EHPS Calendar   STAY CONNECTED   Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X More Stories on EastHartford.org Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Nov 06 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - October 2025

EAST HARTFORD PRIDE News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume V, Issue II October 2, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Families and Community, It's great to see our students, teachers, and staff members hitting their stride this school year. Students are engaging in a variety of lessons, including fractions, character analysis, geometrical equations, government and politics, and more. They are challenging themselves to strengthen their critical thinking every day.  As we continue to move forward, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been and how that affects our future opportunities. Each year, our students participate in several state assessments that help us better understand their academic progress and growth. The CT State Department of Education recently released results from assessments last spring. These results are just one of many tools we use to guide curriculum and instruction, support individual student needs, and ensure we are preparing every learner to maximize their potential. Although we have several areas in which to be proud, below you’ll find a few highlights from these results:  SBAC - Smarter Balanced Assessment (Grades 3-8):    EHPS academic performance “accountability index” improved in ELA, Math and Science  3rd grade ELA and Math proficiency percentages are the highest they've ever been since the SBAC test was introduced      NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards (Grades 5, 8, 11):   EHPS proficiency percentages are the highest they’ve ever been since the NGSS test was introduced  11th grade improved proficiency percentage from 28% to 44%     LAS Links Assessment for English Learners:   East Hartford Middle School, Sunset Ridge Middle School, and 5 elementary schools increased Literacy growth from 2024 to 2025      SAT:    The percentage of 11th grade students achieving measured readiness increased in both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (up 6 percentage points) and Math (up 5 percentage points)    We celebrate these highlights while also examining this data closely to inform where we can continue to grow. Our areas of growth are incorporated as focal points in our district strategic plan.  We will continue to make decisions based on data and the impact on our students and staff.  Sincerely,   Thomas Anderson  Superintendent    Mayberry Elementary Students Enjoy Farmers' Market at School Mayberry Elementary students enjoyed a pop-up farmer's market right outside their school as part of the East Hartford Farm to School Program. Students in grades K-5 got to "shop" for farm fresh foods from Handel Family Farm (East Hartford), Holcomb Farm (Granby), Cold Spring Farm (Colchester) and Shop Rite with apples from Rogers Orchard (Southington). Students chose one piece of produce from each stand to take home and enjoy! This event was made possible through the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant, which helps bring fresh food and fun learning opportunities like this to our students.   HS Students Accepted to UConn Financial Literacy Program 17 students from East Hartford High School and Connecticut IB Academy are part of the Fall 2025 Financial Literacy and Innovation Program (FLIP) cohort at UConn. This program provides students from around Connecticut with critical financial skills and real-world business exposure. “I had a longtime interest in personal finance and I believe that it’s very important for everyone in this world to learn about it as we come into an increasingly difficult economy,” said CIBA Junior Gavin Preuss about why he applied to the program. “It’s also a career that I’m interested in pursuing.” Students are bussed from East Hartford to take part in six Saturday sessions on UConn’s campus. The program began on September 20 and runs through November 1. Through interactive learning and exposure to companies and business leaders, students are learning the basics and importance of personal finance, budgeting, investing, and saving money. But in addition to gaining financial knowledge, students have financial incentive to complete the program. Participants earn a $35 stipend per session—up to $250 for attending all six sessions. Students who complete the program are also eligible for a $2,500 per year scholarship—up to $10,000 total—if they enroll at UConn. “I feel like the $35 and the scholarship are more motivating for students, but I also feel the classes are beneficial for people who don’t really have that much experience in financial literacy,” said Taleah Davis, Junior at CIBA. “The takeaways from that class can really help you in the long run and help you manage your money.” Jaylen Estrella, Senior at EHHS, said that has been his personal experience with the program thus far. Though the stipend and scholarship opportunities drew him to FLIP initially, he’s already learning practical financial tips he can apply to his life. “After me going there twice, I began to learn new things about money, business and my financials,” said Jaylen. “At first, I was not financially stable. I used to get money and spend it, but now I know how to invest, get a bank, about different credit cards and debit cards, what to do and what not to do, and what to trust and what not to trust. So, I really appreciate them for teaching me what to do.” 12 students from EHHS are participating in the program: Angela Adu, Miriam Agyemang, Christiana Bawuah, Ama Ennin, Ashley Escalona Contreras, Jaylen Estrella, Janessa Garcia Vasquez, Cherish Opoku, Michelle Owusu, Tahsin Subah, Tyler Tishwell, and Alexa Velez. Five students from CIBA are taking part: Taleah Davis, Katelyn Griffin, Jshaun Herbert, Ayanna Musumeci, and Gavin Preuss.   CIBA Seniors Named "Commended Students" in National Merit Scholarship Program CT IB Academy Seniors Naga Sai Aditya Narayana and Keira Sullivan have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students will receive a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizing their achievements and exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, this is an immense accomplishment. Those named Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers across the country on the 2024 PSAT.   STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Jennifer Mejia is the School Social Worker at the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) meeting student and family needs. She finds creative ways to build social/emotional skills even at 3-5 years old that students can take with them as they continue to learn and grow. Carla Bidwell is the Secondary Mathematics Coach at East Hartford Public Schools supporting 38 teachers across a variety of math subjects. Through research, data meetings, lesson planning, observations and co-teaching she does what it takes to ensure those teachers have what they need to excel in their roles.   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS O'Connell Elementary Kindergarteners working hard on Fundations and Goodwin Elementary 5th graders learning about the Earth's rotation Pitkin Elementary 1st graders learning about sound with the CT Science Center and East Hartford Middle School 8th graders leading the first Student Council meeting of the year   FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming events, helpful information and community news   ParentSquare Preferences As you know, East Hartford Public Schools uses ParentSquare for ALL communication between school and home. But you can decide how you receive those messages and notifications! Are you receiving too many or too few notifications about school updates? Do you want to read your posts and messages in a language other than English?  Check out the video tutorials below in English and Spanish on how to set your own notification and language preferences. ParentSquare: Change Your Language and Notification Settings ParentSquare: Cambiar el Idioma y la Configuración Notificaciones   School Meals All East Hartford Public Schools students can receive free breakfast and lunch! View school meal menus, plus nutritional and allergen information, with language translation options on Nutrislice.  Click here for Menus on Nutrislice  For more information on using Nutrislice, read the how-to guides below in English and Spanish. Nutrislice How to Guide - English  Nutrislice How to Guide - Spanish   East Hartford Fall Fest East Hartford Parks & Recreation invites you the Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4th, from 11:00am-3:00pm, at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the event will be on Sunday, October 5th from 11:00am-3:00pm. Fall Fest is one of the Town’s largest events, averaging over 2,000 participants the past few years, with fun activities celebrating the autumn season for the entire family. Entry to the event is free. However, there is a $5-fee for visitors that provides unlimited access to attractions, games and a pumpkin decorating activity that participants will get to take home.   Tuesday Night Tunes ft. EHHS Students! East Hartford's Tuesday Night Tunes concert series continues this month with the East Hartford High School Jazz Combo and Jazz Band! Come out and watch our EHHS students showcase their amazing talent! The concert is on Tuesday, October 7th from 6:00-7:30 PM at the East Hartford Community Center. This is a FREE and family-friendly event!   Trick or Treat Trail East Hartford is hosting its Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00-3:00 PM on the East Hartford Town Green. Town departments, local businesses, and nonprofits will be there with decorated spaces, wearing costumes, and handing out treats to the kids! This event is FREE to East Hartford residents ages 13 and under.   Teen Girls Support Group East Hartford Youth and Social Services is welcoming new young women from East Hartford to the Teen Girls Support Group this fall. This safe and supportive group will focus on topics such as self-care, building healthy relationships, and self-esteem. The group is free and open to East Hartford teen girls ages 15-18. It will run from October 22 – December 17 at the East Hartford Community Center. Please view the flyers below for more information and click here to register.   SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR REMINDERS   October 3: Schools Closed for Professional Development October 13: Schools Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day October 14-17: Early Dismissal PreK-Grade 8 for Pre-K, Elementary & Middle School Parent Conferences November 4: Schools closed for Election Day/Professional Development 2025-2026 EHPS Calendar   STAY CONNECTED   Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X More Stories on EastHartford.org Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Oct 02 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - September 2025

EAST HARTFORD PRIDE News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume V, Issue I September 4, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Families and Community,   Welcome to another school year! Thanks to our dedicated staff, our supportive families and our incredible East Hartford students, the year is off to a fantastic start. We are excited for the possibilities and opportunities this new year brings for all of our 6,500 students and our community as a whole.   We know students learn, grow and achieve at the highest levels when we all work together with coherence. The EHPS team remains focused on cultivating the talents of the “whole” child to promote their complete well-being, while elevating their thinking and awareness. With our district strategic plan as our guide, we are preparing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to compete and thrive at the highest levels on a global stage. Our new EHPS Vision of the Graduate, outlined later in this newsletter, provides more details.  Each school year provides a revitalized commitment to working together for our children. Please be involved, reach out to your child’s teacher(s) to connect and be sure to attend upcoming parent/teacher conferences this fall. We encourage you to attend sporting events, concerts and family nights at your schools. Also, be sure to follow East Hartford Public Schools on social media! We are celebrating good news from our school district every day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.  Finally, my 2025 State of the Schools address will be Wednesday, October 8 at 8:30am at the EHPS Conference Center (30 Remington Rd). I will outline our district’s strategic plan and goals for this year and beyond.  Have a great school year!  Sincerely,   Thomas Anderson  Superintendent     EHPS Debuts New "Vision of the Graduate" East Hartford Public Schools is proud to debut our new and reimagined Vision of the Graduate. The Vision of the Graduate is a guiding framework that defines the skills, knowledge and values every East Hartford student should embody by the time they graduate in order to succeed in an ever-changing world. The new Vision was developed through the efforts and collaboration of the Vision of the Graduate Committee, comprised of principals, district leaders, students and parents. Together this group researched ​future-ready and global competencies ​and the skills needed for success in higher education, the workforce, and citizenship. The result is a forward-thinking Vision that will shape both curriculum and culture from PreK through Grade 12. It will guide East Hartford educators as they help our students grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals and ensure every EHPS graduate is ready to thrive.  The EHPS Vision of the Graduate is comprised of seven elements detailed below: Self-Motivated Learner Takes initiative, shows resilience, and strives for continuous improvement. Curious Inquirer Seeks knowledge, asks thoughtful questions, and expands understanding. Critical Thinker Analyzes information, makes informed decisions, and solves complex problems. Creative Innovator Applies passion and creativity to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Effective Communicator Expresses ideas clearly and confidently, tailoring communication to the audience. Collaborative Team Member Works effectively with others, shows empathy and flexibility, and contributes positively. Engaged Citizen Takes responsibility for actions, makes positive societal impacts, and contributes to communities.   CIBA Ranked #1 High School in CT for 2nd Year in a Row For the second year in a row, Connecticut IB Academy (CIBA) has been named the #1 high school in Connecticut in the U.S. News & World Report high school rankings. The International Baccalaureate (IB) school was also recognized among the nation’s top public high schools, ranking #109 out of 17,901 high schools nationwide. U.S. News and World Report evaluates schools on their performance on state-required assessments, graduation rates, and how well they prepare students for college. CIBA has a 100% graduation rate, 97% of students took at least one IB exam, and 91% of students passed at least one IB exam. “This ranking is a testament to the hard work and passion of the entire CIBA community,” said Principal Michelle Marion. “We are deeply proud of our students’ commitment to excellence, the high expectations set by our staff, and the support from families that helps make this achievement possible. The rigorous IB framework has empowered our students to not only meet but exceed expectations.”   EHPS Opens 10th School-Based Health Center on Norris Campus East Hartford Public Schools celebrated the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of its 10th school-based health center in partnership with InterCommunity Health Care this summer. Located in the newly renovated former North End Senior Center, this health center will serve the Norris Elementary School community. The EHPS school-based health centers provide primary care and behavioral health services beyond the scope of the school nurse. With a signed parental permission form, students can receive complete health care services during school hours, including diagnoses and treatment of minor injuries and illnesses, physical examinations, immunizations, individual and family counseling and crisis intervention. EHPS School-Based Health Centers The renovated facility is the result of a strong partnership between the Town of East Hartford and the school district. The building operated as a senior center until the early 2000s and was then used as a meeting space and storage facility. The Town and EHPS made an agreement last year to repurpose the space. The other half of the building houses the district’s new Professional Conference Center, which will serve as a central hub for professional development, educator training, instructional innovation and collaboration across the district.   Hundreds of Families Attend 2025 Back to School Rally East Hartford Public Schools geared up for the new school year with its annual Back to School Rally on August 6 drawing hundreds of families to the East Hartford Town Green for an event filled with celebration, support and school readiness. Even Governor Ned Lamont joined in on the fun! Students and their families connected with community organizations, town and local services, and other vendors while listening to music, playing games and enjoying food. The highlight of the event was the distribution of 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, which were free for district students. Thanks to the generosity of local organizations, businesses and individuals, along with the hard work of our volunteers and staff, this annual event once again helped ensure East Hartford students have what they need to succeed.   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Establishing routines at the Early Childhood Learning Center and Langford Elementary School Team building activities at O'Brien Elementary School and CT IB Academy   FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Upcoming events, helpful information and community news   Stay Connected Via ParentSquare All East Hartford Public Schools use ParentSquare for communication between school and home. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed, and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to send and receive class information, share pictures and files, see calendar items and much more!  Check out the video tutorials below in English and Spanish on how to activate your ParentSquare account and update your notification and language settings. ParentSquare: Activate Your Account ParentSquare: Activa tú Cuenta   School Meal Menus View school breakfast and lunch menus, plus nutritional and allergen information, with language translation options on Nutrislice.  Click here for Menus on Nutrislice  For more information on using Nutrislice, read the how-to guides below in English and Spanish. Nutrislice How to Guide - English  Nutrislice How to Guide - Spanish   East Hartford Latin Festival The Town of East Hartford invites all to attend the 3rd annual Latin Festival! The event will take place on Saturday, September 13th from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Great River Park (301 East River Drive). Admission is FREE. In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Center at 50 Chapman Place.  The Latin Festival is a family-friendly, community event filled with fun activities for children and adults alike. Bring your family and friends to enjoy games, dominoes, food trucks, and live music performances! There will be a variety of cultural live performances by local artists.   SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR REMINDERS   September 18: Early Dismissal PreK-Grade 12 for Professional Development October 3: Schools Closed for Professional Development October 13: Schools Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day October 14-17: Early Dismissal PreK-Grade 8 for Pre-K, Elementary & Middle School Parent Conferences 2025-2026 EHPS Calendar  STAY CONNECTED  Like and Follow EHPS on FacebookFollow EHPS on InstagramFollow EHPS on Twitter/XMore Stories on EastHartford.orgTown of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Sep 04 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - June 2025

East Hartford Pride News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume IV, Issue X June 5, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Public Schools Community,  I am sure you're all excited for the warmer weather and to wrap up our last few days of the 2024-2025 school year. As a reminder, June 11, a half day, is the  last day for all East Hartford Public Schools. As superintendent, I am proud of every one of our 6,500 students. From the inquisitiveness and energy I saw in Pre-K to the maturity and focus of the high school seniors, they have all accomplished so much this year. We celebrate students who worked hard to learn new skills and knowledge and are progressing to the next grade level. We are especially excited for those students transitioning from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school.   Graduation represents the culmination of collective effort and commitment. We will honor the Class of 2025  next week starting with Woodland School and Synergy High School on June 9. CT IB Academy and East Hartford High School’s commencements are the following day on June 10. In recent weeks, our schools have held awards nights and signing events, recognizing the Class of 2025’s high school achievements and their future plans.   Photos from Synergy High School's Awards Ceremony East Hartford’s collective graduating class has earned nearly $10 million in college scholarships, and students have been accepted to more than 80 higher education institutions in state and around the country. In addition to those heading to 2-or 4-year colleges, students have made plans to attend trade schools, enter the workforce and proudly serve in the military.  Photos from Senior Signing Day at East Hartford High School The  Seal of Biliteracy is a tremendous accomplishment and 101 graduating seniors have earned this distinction. We anticipate that additional students will earn the seal based on AP and IB exam results released during the summer. The seal will appear on their diplomas and high school transcripts after demonstrating their ability to speak two or more languages. Special congratulations to EHHS Senior Shifa Shaikh who earned the Seal of Triliteracy in Hindi and Gujarati. This year, EHPS also has our first student who has earned the seal in Twi.  Please join me in congratulating all of our soon-to-be graduates on all of their accomplishments. Have a safe and enjoyable summer! We look forward to seeing you at our Back to School Rally on August 6 and on August 27, the first day of the 2025-2026 school year! Sincerely,  Thomas Anderson Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools   EHHS Teams Win State Championships! EHHS Boys Outdoor Track & Field The East Hartford High School Boys Outdoor Track and Field Team won the Class LL State Championship on June 2. The last time EHHS won this title was back in 1990!  EHHS Esports - Super Smash Brothers Gold Hornets Team East Hartford High School's Esports program won another state championship this spring! The Super Smash Brothers Gold Hornets Team won its 3rd state title on May 6. This is the 5th overall state championship for the program!    O'Connell School Knocks Down Hunger Students at O’Connell Elementary School created a giant cereal box domino chain on June 5 to help knock down hunger! Over the span of two weeks, K-5 students at O'Connell, plus O'Connell staff members, collected a total of 1,997 unopened cereal boxes. These boxes created a domino chain that took 3.5 minutes to fall, and stretched through several hallways and across the courtyard connecting the two O'Connell buildings! The school donated the cereal to South Congregational Church to benefit local families in need this summer.                                                                                                                                                              Sunset Ridge 8th Graders Showcase Community Projects 8th grade students at Sunset Ridge Middle School showcased the results of their hard work on their IB Middle Years Programme Community Projects. For these year-long projects, students research then take action on a community need of their choice. This year's topics included school safety, vaping awareness, hydration, breast cancer awareness, animal welfare, mental health and setting boundaries. During the showcase event on May 23, 8th graders had the opportunity to share their projects with fellow students and members of the community, while reflecting on the impact their projects made.    EHPS Hosts First Adaptive Field Day East Hartford Public Schools held our first Adaptive Field Day on May 5. This event is for elementary school students in the district’s self-contained classrooms with physical or cognitive deficits who are unable to fully participate in their schools’ regular field day activities. Around 130 students in grades K-5 were bussed from their schools to East Hartford High School to enjoy modified and sensory activities catered to their needs and abilities.                                            Though the event had to move inside due to rain, students had a great time rotating through around 20 different adaptive activities from obstacle courses and bowling to bubbles and spin art. East Hartford Special Education and Physical Education teachers collaborated with Doctor of Physical Therapy students at the University of Hartford to create these activity stations ensuring all students could participate and enjoy.   CIBA Teacher Chosen as Presidential Teaching Award Finalist Rachel Buck, a mathematics teacher at Connecticut IB Academy, has been selected as a Connecticut finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Ms. Buck, an East Hartford Public Schools teacher for the past 22 years, is now one of three CT middle school or high school mathematics teachers eligible to receive a PAEMST award, the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers. Ms. Buck said, "I truly love having the opportunity to inspire students to learn and think critically, both in the classroom and within the larger school community. As a teacher, I strive to create a classroom where students feel safe asking questions, making mistakes and taking risks." Learn more about Ms. Buck and the PAEMST Awards by clicking here.    STAFF SPOTLIGHT Congratulations to the 2025-2026 East Hartford District Teacher of the Year, Drew Dunnack!  Señor Dunnack   has taught Spanish at  O'Connell Elementary School since 2020. As the only elementary language teacher in the district, he created a curriculum that makes learning Spanish fun and accessible to young students. He works to share his passion for learning languages with all of the 500+ students he sees each week, whether they are new to Spanish or speak the language at home.                                                                                         SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS   O'Brien 5th Graders at the Hartford Marathon Foundation's FitKid Run, EHMS 6th Graders at the Annual Fishing Derby, and Mayberry Elementary School Students Performing at Multicultural Night   EHPS FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Register For Kindergarten! East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten families! Parents are encouraged to register their student this month in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.  For the 2025-2026 school year,  y our child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten . All children turning 5 after September 30, 2025 will enter kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. The registration process begins online. For more information on kindergarten at EHPS and how to register visit  easthartford.org/kindergarten .   Save the Date: East Hartford Public Schools Back to School Rally!  This year's Back to School Rally will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 3:30-6:30 PM at East Hartford's Alumni Park (1021 Main Street). The rain date is August 7. Come get ready for the new school year with a free backpack, school supplies and community resources!   East Hartford Parks and Recreation is celebrating  CT Trails Day again this year. The department will host a 2-mile guided hike this Sunday, June 8th at 10:00 AM at the Nature Park. Park at 340 Long Hill Street to join the hike!   East Hartford Juneteenth Community Celebration The Town of East Hartford invites you to attend the fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration! Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. The event will take place on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street. This family-friendly, community event will have fun activities for children and adults alike, including vendors, food, entertainment, bounce house, face painting, powerful storytelling and so much more. Admission is FREE.   Click here to learn more .   Free Summer Music in East Hartford This Summer!  East Hartford residents and families have several opportunities to enjoy free music this summer.  The  Tuesday Night Tunes series will continue with its "Summer Addition" on the second Tuesday of the month: June 10 (Wickham Library), July 8 (Community Cultural Center) and August 12 (Senior Center Garden).  Sounds of Summer also returns this year for 8 Thursdays in a row starting June 12. These concerts are held from 6-8 PM at Great River Park Amphitheater.   Follow East Hartford Parks and Recreation on Facebook for more details!    School District Calendar Reminders: June 10: Early Dismissal PreK-12  June 11: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Early Dismissal PreK-12 Like and Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X View More Stories and Updates at EastHartford.org Read the Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Jun 05 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - May 2025

East Hartford Pride News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume IV, Issue IX May 1, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Public Schools Community,  We’re entering the last full month of the school year and it’s a great time to reflect on how our students have grown since August 28. They have learned new concepts, developed new skills, engaged in challenging assignments and completed large projects. They have grown their circles to include new friends and have diversified their thinking. As educators, few things are more rewarding than seeing our students maximize their potential and achieve their goals. This month, many of them will demonstrate their learning through state assessments, as well as AP and IB exams. We appreciate their dedication and the seriousness with which they approach these opportunities to showcase what they’ve learned.  Our students continue to thrive beyond the classroom, excelling in extracurricular activities and athletics as they grow into well-rounded individuals. Congratulations to the students from East Hartford High School’s engineering classes and engineering club who took first place in the novice division at the CT Electrathon race on April 25! After earning 4th and 6th place finishes last year, they were proud to see their hard work and dedication pay off on the track.  We are currently hosting our EHPS Fine and Performing Arts Showcase at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center. The opening reception featured music performances by several student groups, and you can view artwork from grades K-12 on display through May 3rd. We also recently hosted the district’s annual All-Town Strings Concert, which is a great opportunity for our string musicians to get together to showcase their talents.                                                                                                                           Please check our  district calendar page and pay attention to your messages on ParentSquare, so you don’t miss any of the exciting events, concerts, games, matches and celebrations to come this spring.   Finally, I’d like to share an early congratulations to the Class of 2025 as they finalize their plans for after graduation. It’s another excellent year for college acceptances as our students have been accepted to more than 80 higher education institutions around the country and state. Whether our seniors are entering the workforce, the military or continuing their education at 2- or 4-year colleges, we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. Thank you for making East Hartford proud!   Sincerely,  Thomas Anderson Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools   Vote for our Future Chefs Challenge National Finalist! An East Hartford student is a top 5 national finalist in the 2025 Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge and you can help her become the champion! Josie Tedesco, a 5th grade student at O'Connell Elementary, won East Hartford's Future Chefs cook off in March. She then advanced to the regional judging round and her "Yummy Yogurt Bowl" recipe was chosen as a regional winner.  Now, she's one of 5 national finalists who are in the running to be the country's top student chef. Public voting is open through May 9. Click here to watch Josie's recipe preparation video and to cast your vote.   EHHS Engineering Students Selected for Pratt & Whitney Internship Seven students from East Hartford High School’s Academy of Engineering pathway have been accepted into the Future Ready Lab paid summer internship program at Pratt & Whitney – RTX.  The engineering pathway at EHHS continues to grow and this year the program earned its certification from the National Academy Foundation. Through this certification, EHHS students were eligible to apply for the Pratt & Whitney internship for the first time. Engineering students worked closely with ReadyCT staff to prepare their applications and prep for in-person interviews at Pratt & Whitney’s facility. Seven students interviewed and all seven were selected for the program.  "It will definitely open doors," said Junior Jay Baysignavong, one of the accepted interns. "I wanted to see what this could lead me to and the opportunities I could get thereafter." These students will work alongside Pratt & Whitney engineers this summer to gain hands-on experience while exploring future careers.  Junior Aryanna Balancier, who was also selected for the internship, said, “I’m most excited to do a lot of hands-on projects and actually do what I could be doing in the future. Because there’s no better learning than hands-on learning.” In addition to the in-person internships, EHHS students were also eligible to apply for virtual paid internships with RTX.  This program is nationwide with more than 600 applicants for 200 positions. Five EHHS students were selected to participate from this national pool.   “It’s very gratifying,” said Sophomore Joseph Rodriguez, who earned the virtual internship. “My parents always pushed me to do my best and pushed me to work harder and harder, and it’s allowed me to get all these opportunities.”   Silver Lane Students Ride to School on the Bike Bus A group of 3rd-5th graders from Silver Lane Elementary School students biked to school on April 25 via the first Silver Lane Bike Bus. On a bike bus, adults and children ride to school together with arranged meet up points similar to a bus route. This initiative builds community, promotes school attendance, and provides a fun and active way to get to school. Silver Lane Physical Education Teacher Leigha Knapp worked with the East Hartford Police Department and the CT Department of Transportation to plan the bike bus route. She also gathered bicycle and equipment donations from several organizations, including Bike Bus World and Bike for Kids CT, prior to the initiative's launch. The next Silver Lane Bike Bus will be on National Walk and Bike to School Day on May 7. Read more about this event in the news stories linked below. Journal Inquirer Story:  East Hartford students bike to school with community members in town's first-ever 'Bike Bus' WTNH News 8 Story:  ‘Bike bus’ gets East Hartford elementary school students to class in a fun way   STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Jen Kelly is a first grade teacher at Norris Elementary School who has been teaching for 20 years, including 18 years in East Hartford. She believes and models that learning can be fun, while maintaining structure and high expectations for her students.                                                      Steven Lewie is the Lead Maintainer for East Hartford Public Schools who works with his team to keep our buildings and campuses clean, operational and safe. Whether he's assigning crews to take care of problems or fixing one himself, he stays calm and prioritizes tasks to ensure it all gets done.                                                  SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Credit For Life financial literacy fair at Synergy Alternative High School, Arbor Day Celebration at Goodwin Elementary and Family Math Night at O'Brien Elementary EHPS FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD Join InterCommunity Health Care for the  4th annual East Hartford Healthy Community Connections event on Wednesday, May 7 from 4-6 PM at the Early Childhood Learning Center. Bring the whole family along for some healthy food and fun! There will be FREE bags of food, a fresh produce scavenger hunt, raffle prizes, face painting, refreshments, and vendor booths with free activities and giveaways. Rain Date: Thursday, May 8   EHPS is hosting a screening of the award-winning documentary  Counted Out on May 14 at East Hartford Middle School. This is open to students, parents, families and members of the community. Counted Out is about the changing impact of mathematics on social, economic, medical and political power. It explores the growing importance of math in the 21st century and how it can empower or marginalize.   Click here to view the trailer. The film is appropriate for all ages, and Spanish subtitles will be available. Because elementary students may find it less engaging, an alternative activity will be offered for younger children who attend.  Family Dinner at 5:00 PM from Rosa's Restaurant Film Screening & Elementary Activity at 5:30 PM Debrief & Discussion at 7:00 PM Registration is encouraged but not required. Click here to register.    QPR Gatekeepers Suicide Prevention Training May is Mental Health Awareness Month. East Hartford's Youth and Social Services is hosting a suicide prevention training for East Hartford residents on May 15 at the East Hartford Senior Center from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. The training will cover topics including common causes for suicidal behaviors, warning signs and how to get help for someone in a crisis. QPR Gatekeepers is sponsored by the QPR Institute and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Click here to register. .    Are you looking to navigate the world of special education with more confidence and support? The EHPS  Empowering Families in Special Education Fair  is designed just for you. This event is a unique opportunity to connect with experts, gain invaluable insights, and access a wealth of resources tailored for every stage of your child’s educational journey, from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Join us for informative breakout sessions, a resource fair, sensory and social/emotional learning activities, face painting, refreshments and much more on Thursday, May 22 from 4:00-6:00 PM in the East Hartford Middle School cafeteria. Together, let's create a brighter future for our children!   It's time for Kindergarten Registration! East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten families! Parents are encouraged to register their student by June in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.  For the 2025-2026 school year,  y our child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten . All children turning 5 after September 30, 2025 will enter kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. The registration process begins online. For more information on kindergarten at EHPS and how to register visit  easthartford.org/kindergarten .   School District Calendar Reminders: May 23 : Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Staff Professional Development  May 26 : Schools closed for Memorial Day Like and Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X View More Stories and Updates at EastHartford.org Read the Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, May 01 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - April 2025

East Hartford Pride News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume IV, VIII April 3, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Public Schools Community,  Spring is here, bringing warmer temperatures and a renewed sense of energy and excitement! As we approach spring recess from April 14-18, we encourage our students and staff to take this time to relax, recharge, and return refreshed. When we reunite on April 21, we’ll embark on the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year with focus and determination. Our teams are committed to finishing the year strong while also preparing for enriching summer programs and the bright future ahead. Let’s make this season one of growth, achievement, and celebration!  We have finalized our EHPS budget for the upcoming school year (Fiscal Year 2026) in alignment with the town’s budget vote on March 10. Throughout this process, our teams have worked closely with the Mayor and his team to ensure a balance between fiscal responsibility and the critical needs of our students and community. Through strategic planning and collaboration, we adjusted our FY26 budget request from a 2.8% increase over the current year to a final 1.66% increase. Although this allocation is not what we need to expedite progress, we were able to minimize the impact of this reduced investment to maintain current staffing and prioritize essential student services. The East Hartford Board of Education will vote to adopt our budget for next school year during its next regular meeting on Monday, April 7 at CT IB Academy at 7:00 pm. Our commitment remains steadfast in providing the best possible educational experience for all EHPS students.   On the topic of critical funding for our students, we were proud to host Governor Ned Lamont, state lawmakers and education advocates at East Hartford Middle School last month as Governor Lamont signed the HB7163 bill ( photo from bill signing above ). This legislation directed an additional $40 million to several towns and cities across the state to support special education services during this school year. This funding helps districts like East Hartford as we strive to ensure all of our students have the resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  We know our students are the future of our community and we hope to see you out there this spring cheering them on at sporting events, concerts, awards ceremonies and graduations!   Have a safe and refreshing break!  Sincerely,  Thomas Anderson Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools   Dozens of Volunteers Join EHPS for Read Across America Day East Hartford Public Schools celebrated literacy in March with our annual participation in Read Across America. Each year we partner with the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut to bring volunteers into our schools as guest readers.  On March 6, these visitors read to every kindergarten and first grade classroom at East Hartford's elementary schools sharing the story “I AM MORE THAN" by LeBron James. The American Eagle Federal Credit Union donated the books, which ensured each class received a copy to keep in their room's library.    CIBA Students Recognized for STEM Aptitude and Aspirations (From L-R) Sam Ramasubramaniam, Bryanna Boroze, Brooke Lincoln, Mariam Welbeck, and Jannah Sallam  Five Connecticut IB Academy (CIBA) students have been recognized by the National Council of Women in Technology (NCWIT). The “Aspirations in Computing” High School Award honors students in grades 9-12 for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions.  CIBA Junior Mariam Welbeck was named an NCWIT award winner for the state of Connecticut. She says she’s always wanted to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and has been working toward that goal at CIBA. After initially thinking this award wasn't for her, she was encouraged to apply after considering how technology and computing intersect with her interests in the medical field.  “It feels kind of validating. It’s really nice that someone sees my efforts and what I’ve been doing through high school and appreciates it,” Mariam said in response to receiving the award.  Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, persistence, and future plans. The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star designations. Seniors Bryanna Boroze and Brooke Lincoln and Junior Jannah Sallam earned Connecticut Honorable Mentions. Junior Sam Ramasubramaniam was named a Connecticut Rising Star. All five students are active members of CIBA’s Biomedical Olympiad Club. Their club advisor Dr. Shilpa Choudhary encouraged them to apply for the awards, with support from Principal Michelle Marion.  “We are very proud of them and how they are role models for other students, not just within the school, but for all students across the country passionate for STEM,” said Dr. Choudhary.  All Connecticut winners will be honored at the Aspirations in Computing Award Celebration later this month.    EHPS Elementary Students Compete in Future Chef Cook Off Elementary school students showed off their kitchen and culinary skills in the 15th annual Sodexo Future Chef Competition on March 20. Three finalists competed in the cook off after submitting their favorite fruit or vegetable side dish recipe for consideration. Josie Tedesco, a 5th grade student at O’Connell Elementary, won the grand prize for her "Yummy Yogurt Bowl" recipe. Goodwin 3rd Grader James Kearns was a finalist with his James’ Kindness Fruit Kebabs, along with Goodwin 5th Grader Elizabeth Saucier who made Celery Butterflies.  During the cook off, East Hartford High School culinary students assisted the elementary chefs with preparation and plating. A panel of four judges scored each dish in several categories including originality, ease of preparation, healthy attributes, and taste. As the grand prize winner, Josie won an iPad and will now move on to the regional competition with winners from Sodexo’s other K-12 school programs in the area. All of the finalists took home Fitbits, cookbooks, and cooking supplies for their hard work.    STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Lauren Tierinni is a Special Education Teacher at O’Brien Elementary School and has taught in East Hartford for 21 years. She uses positivity and flexibility to help her students reach their individual goals as she advocates for inclusion in her school, community and beyond.                                                                   Joe DiLeone is the Assistant Network Administrator for East Hartford Public Schools who ensures network systems are functioning behind the scenes at all of the district’s schools and buildings. He puts 100% into his work and is dedicated to problem solving because he truly cares.           SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Pi Day Recitation Winners at O'Brien Elementary, 5th Grade Writing Celebration at Norris Elementary and  Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day at O'Connell Elementary   EHPS FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD BUNNY BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY The EHHS Student Council is hosting its annual Bunny Breakfast for the community on Saturday, April 5 from 9am-12pm in the East Hartford High School cafeteria.  The egg hunt portion of the event will begin at 11am.  There is a $5 entry fee.    It's time for Kindergarten Registration! East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten families! Parents are encouraged to register their student by June in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.  For the 2025-2026 school year, y our child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten . All children turning 5 after September 30, 2025 will enter kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. The registration process begins online. For more information on kindergarten at EHPS and how to register visit  easthartford.org/kindergarten .   School District Calendar Reminders: April 14-18 : Schools Closed for Spring Recess  April 24 : Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Staff Professional Development. Like and Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X View More Stories and Updates at EastHartford.org Read the Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Apr 03 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - March 2025

East Hartford Pride News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume IV, VII March 6, 2025 Superintendent's Message  Dear East Hartford Public Schools Community,   I appreciate your support as we work with the Mayor and Town Council to finalize our budget request for next school year (Fiscal Year 2026). We strive to be fiscally responsible as we ensure our schools, staff and students have the resources they need. We have been very strategic in our planning and have reduced our requested budget increase from 2.8% to 2.05% over the current fiscal year. This revision reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritize essential student services while also being responsive to the broader financial realities of our community. Each year we will work to minimize any requested increase as we meet contractual obligations, including salaries and other required costs. We remain committed to making the most meaningful and effective investments in our students, staff, and community. We know an investment in East Hartford schools is an investment in our town’s future.   Our work to secure grants and outside funding allows us to provide students with additional opportunities and supports. We recently hosted U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and several town, district and industry leaders at Synergy High School’s new manufacturing lab. Last year, Senator Blumenthal and Senator Chris Murphy helped us secure $730,000 in federal grant funding to create this lab and fill it with state-of-the-art equipment. The lab opened this fall offering students high-tech training without leaving their school building.  This lab is just one example of the excellent programming we offer our students to prepare them for college and career.  We are proud of so many of our seniors who are receiving acceptances to colleges and universities all over the country. As we enter spring, we look forward to hearing more about their decisions and their exciting plans for the future.   Sincerely,    Thomas Anderson Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools   Two EHPS Seniors Receive Full UConn Scholarships Two East Hartford Public Schools seniors have received full merit scholarships to the University of Connecticut. East Hartford High School Senior Joy Frimpong received UConn’s Day of Pride Scholarship and Connecticut IB Academy Senior Brooke Lincoln received UConn’s Nutmeg Scholarship. Each scholarship is only awarded to 20 recipients statewide. The scholarships cover both direct and indirect costs of attendance for four years, including tuition, fees, housing, meals and textbooks. Joy Frimpong - EHHS "Pursuing higher education has always been my family's dream for me, as well as my own. Now, without the financial burden, I can fully commit to this dream. My family and I are overwhelmed with gratitude for winning this competitive award, which will support me for the next four years." "The resources and support within this district are limitless. Without Ms. Brown's summer college bootcamp, I wouldn't have even known about this scholarship. I'm deeply grateful for the adults who truly connect with students and engage in campus life. Every club, class, and event has shaped my thinking and brought me to this point. I’m forever grateful for my 17 years in this town and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way." Brooke Lincoln - CIBA "It’s an honor to be one of the ones selected and to be recognized for the work I’ve put in throughout high school. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, teachers, and peers; I am very grateful for how they helped me reach this point. This scholarship has eased the monetary burden of college for me and my family, and gives me the chance to attend an excellent university without the financial pressure we faced before." "CIBA helped me become an academically balanced student by providing me with a well rounded education. More significantly, CIBA gave me the opportunity to develop critical skills such as leadership and cooperation. I had the chance to participate in so many experiences —from clubs to community service— that were central to my application." Read more about the scholarship recipients here.    O'Connell 5th Graders Present Research on Global Issues The 5th grade exhibition is the culminating activity of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. For this activity, O'Connell Elementary School 5th grade students chose and researched a community relevant and globally significant issue. They worked for months on this research and presented their findings during the exhibition event on February 12 in front of their classmates, families and other special guests. This year, some of the issues students chose included ocean pollution, food safety, anxiety, animal abuse, hurricanes, carbon footprint, and internet safety.    Schools and Students Celebrate Chinese New Year As East Hartford students study the Chinese language, they also learn about Chinese culture. Chinese language students celebrated the Lunar New Year in various ways this year, while including other classmates in the festivities and learning.  At East Hartford High School, students took part in several cultural activities such as fan painting and a chopstick competition, then enjoyed snacks and a traditional red envelope symbolizing good wishes for the new year ahead! CT IB Academy celebrated the Chinese New Year with a program featuring dancing, singing, a fashion show and more! Chinese language students from all four grades performed for their classmates to welcome the Year of the Snake. At Sunset Ridge School, Chinese language students from grades 6-8 put on grade level performances, followed by classroom activities for all students to learn more about the Chinese New Year.    STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Staci Porch is the First Assistant Principal at East Hartford High School and has been a part of the EHHS team for more than two decades. While managing many of the school's systems behind the scenes, she also works to be visible to students and build trusting relationships with them.                     Javier Smith is the Administrative Assistant at Mayberry Elementary School who brings kindness and a love for service to his job every day. He works tirelessly to solve problems and find answers for Mayberry’s teachers, staff, students and families.                                                   SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS The Children's Museum STARLAB visits ECLC, Book Bingo at Silver Lane Elementary and 100th Day of School at Norris Elementary EHPS FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD It's time for Kindergarten Registration! East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten families! Parents are encouraged to register their student by June in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.  Please take note of the below age requirements for kindergarten students . For the 2025-2026 school year: Your child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten . Children who turn 5 between September 2 and September 30, 2025 must apply for a waiver by March 30, 2025.  Children will be given an assessment to determine kindergarten readiness. All children turning 5 after September 30, 2025 will enter kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. The registration process begins online. For more information on kindergarten at EHPS and how to register visit easthartford.org/kindergarten .   Bunny Breakfast - Hosted by EHHS Student Council The EHHS Student Council is hosting its annual Bunny Breakfast for the community on Saturday, April 5 from 9am-12pm in the East Hartford High School cafeteria.  The egg hunt portion of the event will begin at 11am.  There is a $5 entry fee.    School District Calendar Reminders: March 10 : Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Staff Professional Development  March 11-14 : Early Dismissal for PreK-Grade 5 for PreK and Elementary Parent Conferences  March 13 : Early Dismissal for Grades 6-8 for Middle School Parent Conferences Like and Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X View More Stories and Updates at EastHartford.org Read the Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Mar 06 2025

East Hartford Pride Newsletter - February 2025

East Hartford Pride News from EHPS - Schools that are the Pride of our Community Volume IV, Issue VI February 6, 2025 Superintendent's Message Dear East Hartford Public Schools Community,  A thriving society—one where every individual, regardless of background, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to unlock their full potential – has equity as its cornerstone. By fostering environments that nurture critical and analytical thinking, we empower all people to contribute meaningfully to their local communities and the world. Our unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers, ensuring that education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are within reach for everyone, is how we make true progress. As we celebrate  Black History Month , we recognize that Black history is American history—woven into the fabric of our nation's story. The month originated in 1926 as Negro History Week, founded by Carter G. Woodson to ensure the significant contributions of Black Americans were acknowledged and incorporated into mainstream teachings. Today, it serves as a reminder that history must be accurate, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse voices that have shaped our country. By embracing the full spectrum of our collective history, we foster a society where all Americans feel valued, empowered, and inspired to build a future rooted in justice, knowledge, and unity. This year, our schools are recognizing the contributions of Black Americans in many ways from weaving them into classroom lessons and activities to sharing facts about these historical figures throughout the day. I appreciate each of you for your commitment to all our students and for using your sphere of influence to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. O'Brien Students Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day We are excited to share East Hartford Public Schools is 1 of only 7 districts statewide chosen by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) to participate in an  innovative artificial intelligence (AI) in education pilot program . The state program will take place through the end of this school year focusing on students in grades 7-12. In East Hartford, select classrooms at East Hartford Middle School, East Hartford High School and Connecticut IB Academy will participate and gain hands-on experience in AI tools such as Cloud Navigator and MagicSchool.  We will work to see how these tools can be integrated into the classroom and enhance the teaching and learning process for both teachers and students. Throughout the pilot program, CSDE will monitor progress and outcomes at districts like ours, sharing best practices to guide future technology integration efforts across the state. We look forward to learning more about how these tools can support students’ academics and workforce readiness.  Sincerely,    Thomas Anderson Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools   Norris Students and Families Learn CPR February is Heart Health Month! Norris Elementary School worked with the American Heart Association to teach both students and parents hands-only CPR, a basic skill needed to assist in a medical emergency.  4th and 5th grade students learned how to check to see if someone is unresponsive and how to call 911. Then they practiced hands-only CPR using manikins and learned the basics of using an automated external defibrillator (AED). First responders from the East Hartford Fire Department and Police Department joined in on the lesson to assist students as they practiced.  The American Heart Association also provided this training during one of Norris School’s Parent Café events. Parents were able to receive the information in both English and Spanish.  Throughout the month, Norris is sharing additional resources from the American Heart Association to support students and families in developing healthy habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.   EHHS Earns AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award East Hartford High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) during the 2023-2024 school year. Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students in their communities. EHHS was one of only 847 schools or institutions nationwide to receive this award for last school year. Award contenders must either have reached 50% or higher female representation in its AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. AP Computer Science Teacher Ray Campbell said he had 15 female students in his class last year out of the 23 total students enrolled.  "I'm lucky to teach several electives that are popular with a broad range of students including Photography and Graphic Design. When someone has the academic talent to take AP, I encourage them to sign up,” said Campbell. He added, “In our world, everyone should not only use computers, but know how they work and a bit about how to program them."   4th Graders Enjoy Air Museum Field Trip East Hartford 4th graders recently had the opportunity to visit the New England Air Museum during a school field trip. Students got an up close look at the museum's aircraft while learning about the science behind aviation.  Snapshots from Langford, Silver Lane and Goodwin Elementary Schools below   STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Jevon Williams is a 7th grade math teacher at East Hartford Middle School and an East Hartford graduate himself. He naturally relates to his students and keeps them engaged as he inspires them to think critically and solve problems.                             Damani Brandon is a Guidance Specialist at Synergy Alternative High School who sets high expectations for her students while being understanding of their struggles. She works with them to ensure they reach their goals, succeed in school and are ready for life after graduation.    SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS Cozy Literacy Night at Mayberry, 6th Grade Team Day Dance at EHMS and Family Vision Board Night at Pitkin EHPS FAMILY BULLETIN BOARD It's time for Kindergarten Registration! East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new Kindergarten families! Registration opened on February 1st. Parents are encouraged to register their student by June in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.  Please take note of the below age requirements for kindergarten students . For the 2025-2026 school year: Your child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten . Children who turn 5 between September 2 and September 30, 2025 must apply for a waiver by March 30, 2025.  Children will be given an assessment to determine kindergarten readiness. All children turning 5 after September 30, 2025 will enter kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. The registration process begins online. For more information on kindergarten at EHPS and how to register visit easthartford.org/kindergarten .   School District Calendar Reminders: February 14   : Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Staff Professional Development February 17 : Schools and District Offices Closed for Presidents' Day  February 18 : Schools closed for Staff Professional Development  March 10 : Early Dismissal PreK-12 for Staff Professional Development  March 11-14 : Early Dismissal for PreK-Grade 5 for PreK and Elementary Parent Conferences  March 13 : Early Dismissal for Grades 6-8 for Middle School Parent Conferences Like and Follow EHPS on Facebook Follow EHPS on Instagram Follow EHPS on Twitter/X View More Stories and Updates at EastHartford.org Read the Town of East Hartford Newsletter

Thursday, Feb 06 2025