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05/12/2020 12:00 AMGovernor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut schools would be physically closed for the remainder of the 2019-’20 school year, leaving schools throughout the state to continue with virtual learning. East Haven Public Schools was prepared for the announcement and the administration and staff have continued to make adjustments to serve their students.
“Our distance learning is going well and we, as educators, support staff, and an educational community, are learning just as much, right alongside our kids,” said Superintendent of Schools Erica Forti. “I am so impressed with the way our teachers and staff are continually improving the way they use, integrate, and leverage technology during distance learning. Everyone is working really hard to keep our students connected and engaged and our parents supported and informed.”
Forti has seen that participation has varied at each grade level, but districtwide, between 85 and 90 percent of students are engaging in distance learning. She credits this number to the support staff that are reaching out to help families and responding to questions. Those needing support can contact the East Haven Technology Department at 203-468-3911.
Distance learning will continue through Friday, June 12 with no school for students on Mondays, May 22 and 29. At this time, there is still no access to the buildings, but parents will receive communication as to when students can return to the building to retrieve any personal items that were left in classrooms and lockers.
Grads and More
With the physical cancellation of school came the cancellation of many other events, such as the spring sports season, field trips, prom, and promotions and graduation. The school district is also working with the building administration and the finance office to adequately refund families for any canceled field trips or activities.
The administration is working with the East Shore District Health Department and first responders to discuss options for various end-of-year activities, including graduation. High School Principal Vinny DeNuzzo has solicited feedback from seniors and staff to incorporate their input into the overall consideration and design.
“East Shore Health and our local first responders have been incredibly supportive in providing data and guidance to ensure that we are planning and thinking in a way that ensures the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and community,” said Forti. “Our students deserve a special and memorable event regardless of the circumstances. They have sacrificed a lot and we are committed to ensuring we achieve this on their behalf.”
With the challenges that virtual learning presents, Forti recently sent out guidance on how grading will be handled for the final term of the school year. Younger students will receive report cards with marks of Consistent, Moderate, Minimal, and None based on participation and effort.
At the high school level, traditional grading will continue, though students are also being the option to opt into a Pass/Fail grade for classes. Any student with incomplete work can enroll in the Summer Academy, though at this time, it is unsure of whether it will be an in-person or online format. An honor roll will not be published, but those with a B+ average or better will receive a Certificate of Distinction.
“We understand the challenges that come with learning and working from home, as well as the magnitude of variables each household is facing, so we are very empathetic to this,” said Forti, who said she has seen many positives despite the challenges, including “the pride everyone has for our district, the kindness and positivity spread throughout our town, and the courage everyone has employed to make our community a healthy and better place.”
Looking ahead, the district continues to plan for safely opening the Summer Academy as well as a safe return to the 2020-’21 school year. When it is deemed safe, announcements about orientations for students going into new school buildings will be made.
A Return to Normal
Forti, a superintendent representative for the ACES Regional Education Support Center advisory team, said that she, East Haven Public Schools, and the Connecticut State Department of Education have been planning for the future.
The team will meet every Tuesday through the end of May to create a comprehensive list of considerations and recommendations for re-opening schools across the state. The list will then be submitted to the governor and the commissioner of the CSDE. Feedback can be submitted through my.thoughtexchange.com/493894984.
“This is really important and will require a lot of planning, resources, and guidance to reopen in a manner that, first and foremost, is safe and secure for students and staff,” said Forti. “While plans for the health and wellbeing of our educational community will be a priority, we also need to think about the educational component as well and plan strategically to support the transition back and the support students may need.”
Resources
Meals For All Children 18 Or Younger: Breakfast and lunch will be served daily through June 12 for any child 18 years or younger at Tuttle, Momauguin, and East Haven High School from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. On Fridays, enough food for children to eat through the weekend is provided. More information about the Summer Meal Program will be forthcoming.
Technology Support: If a student or guardian is in need of technology support during distance learning, contact the East Haven Technology Department at 203-468-3911.
Parents/Caregivers in Need of Someone to Listen & Talk to: Call 211 or 1-833-258-5011 or visit www.talkitoutct.com for support Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated schools were closed for the 2020-'21 school year.