Our Schools
East Haddam Schools
Welcome to East Haddam Public Schools! Our district, located in Moodus, East Haddam, Connecticut, serves 1,000 kindergarten through 12th-grade students. We also offer a Smart Start preschool program that focuses on preparing young children for kindergarten.
Please take some time to get to know our schools and administrative staff. We offer a variety of programs and services to support our students and take great pride in developing lifelong learners to succeed in life after high school.
District Vision
East Haddam is a district of distinction where educators value student success, family outreach, and the power of accountable collective efficacy. We develop student passions, knowledge, and civic mindedness, We ensure a nurturing, dynamic learning community where communication thrives, students excel, rigorous instruction is the norm, and the children’s developmental needs are heeded. We believe in the power of not yet and reject ceilings so that students can soar. We love equitably and cultivate an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to persist through adversity.
2024-2025 Board of Education Budget
The 2024–2025 budget passed at referendum. Thank you for supporting our schools!
For full details regarding the 2024–2025 board of education budget, please visit our Business Services page.
A Message From Our Superintendent
I am sharing a letter, regarding school safety, that was sent to all superintendents for distribution to families.
Warm Regards,
Teresa DeBrito
Dr. Teresa DeBrito
Superintendent of Schools
A Message From Our Board Chair
September 16, 2024
Dear Parents and Community Members,
Last evening, the superintendent of schools sent out a communication regarding a potential threat at the Nathan Hale Ray Middle School. In response, we received calls and messages from concerned parents. We understand and respect your concerns and appreciate you contacting us.
At this time, the board of education would like to share the following key points:
Timing of Communications:
It is the policy of the superintendent, central office, and the board of education to send out communications that are of significant importance.
- These communications are sent to ensure transparency and the safety of students and staff.
- Due to the urgency of these matters, communications may be sent out before, during, or after school hours to provide timely updates.
- We recognize that parents might be upset if a communication about a possible threat was sent too early, before any investigation was conducted, or too late, after children were already in school or days later. Not sending out a communication at all could be viewed as ignoring the issue.
- Balancing safety with providing accurate and timely information makes the timing of communication challenging.
- We also encourage families to discuss communications received with their students, so they are aware of situations of importance.
Understanding Different Types of Threats:
We understand that receiving communications about threats can be alarming for parents and community members. It is important to note:
- Threats can take many forms, and not all involve physical harm such as guns, others may include bomb scares, threats of harm to oneself or others, or even property damage.
- Each threat, regardless of its nature, is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by school administrators and law enforcement.
Role of Law Enforcement:
In the event of any threat, it is standard protocol to involve local and state police when deemed necessary by the school administration.
- State police are equipped with the resources and expertise to conduct comprehensive investigations and determine if a threat is creditable.
- This includes visiting the location where a threat was made, interviewing students, parents, and witnesses, and analyzing information on social media or electronic devices.
- These steps are taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff and do not necessarily indicate imminent danger.
- The school administration takes information provided by the state and local police based on their investigations to determine next steps.
Limited Information and Privacy Laws
When limited information is shared, we understand that speculation may arise or more concerns raised. It is important to recognize:
- Both state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), prohibit school employees from disclosing any information that could identify a student. Additionally, State and local police must adhere to laws regarding information of a minor. (Students under the age of 18 are minors.)
- The superintendent and school staff must adhere to these legal guidelines, which may prevent them from sharing certain details.
The Role of Parents and the Community:
We will continue to encourage all parents and community members to remain vigilant and actively monitor what your children are posting on social media, texting, and saying to others and what they are hearing.
- Please be mindful of what your children may be receiving in terms of messages, as well as what they are seeing and hearing online.
- Open communication between parents, students, and the school community is vital to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to act swiftly, carefully, and transparently to protect the well-being of our school community. Clear, timely communication is an essential part of this process, and we ask for your continued support and vigilance in maintaining the safety of all students.
Respectfully,
Patricia Stricker
Patricia Stricker
Chair, East Haddam Board of Education
A Message From Our Superintendent
September 15, 2024
Dear East Haddam Public Schools Staff and Families,
I am writing to inform you about a situation that occurred earlier today. This afternoon, the state police were notified of an electronic communication from a middle school student, which was immediately perceived as a potential threat. The state police responded swiftly, handling the situation with the utmost seriousness and care.
In response, we have taken all necessary safety measures, including an increased police presence at the school. These actions are in place to ensure that everyone on our campus feels safe and secure. We recognize that incidents like this are understandably concerning, and we appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our entire school community.
I would also like to encourage you to regularly monitor your child’s cell phone use, including social media activity and communications. Vigilance in this area is crucial to keeping our community safe. Rest assured, we do not take any potential threat lightly and remain fully committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
Once again, the state police have taken the appropriate steps to ensure everyone’s safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Teresa DeBrito
Dr. Teresa DeBrito
Superintendent of Schools
A Message From Our Superintendent
September 4, 2024
Dear East Haddam Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this evening. Today’s tragic loss of life in Wilder, Georgia was due to a heinous act of violence. There are no words to describe the pain and suffering endured by the Apalachee High School community. Our prayers are with all who have been affected.
As a staff, we do not want to introduce students to details about this violent act. However, we understand that they may be exposed to the news of horrifying events through media outlets. It is critically important that children process their emotions with an adult who can guide them through confusion and fear. Our school counselors and mental health professionals are available to offer any needed support. The following resources have been developed to help families speak to children about tragedies and include a link to local crisis centers.
- American Psychological Association
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Urgent Crisis Centers
Although the new school year just begun, our school administrators have already scheduled upcoming emergency drills. These occur throughout the school year and include fire and lockdown drills. All students are trained and prepared to ensure that students also understand and follow safety procedures.
In addition, our district safety and emergency response team meet regularly to review and enhance safety protocols. This includes an upcoming planned district safety audit, led by law enforcement. I share this information not to alarm, but to offer assurance that we are continuously vigilant in our decisions and adhere to security protocols. The safety and well being of our students and staff is always our priority.
I sincerely assure you that we all carry a deep sense of responsibility to keep our schools safe. Thank you for your attention and ongoing support. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Teresa DeBrito
Dr. Teresa DeBrito
Superintendent of Schools
A Message From Our Superintendent
August 28, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Welcome to an exciting new school year! We had a phenomenal welcome back convocation for our entire staff. I am eager to share insights and messages from our keynote speaker, Ken Nwadike, a renowned advocate for peace and positive change. Ken’s work, including his “Free Hugs Project,” highlights the power of kindness and unity and fostering understanding. His messages resonated deeply with our district vision, shown below. He shared his life story and the impact of one teacher, who did not know him as a student, but spoke to him in the hallway one day. That one conversation led to a whole new world for Ken, a world of possibilities. The important role that educators have in opening doors for our students cannot be understated.
This year, we have several new initiatives, focused on fostering a culture of interconnectedness amongst all students, caring about their learning and each other. I am happy to provide a preview of the implementation of the Leader in Me program, designed to empower our high school students with essential leadership skills and personal growth tools, drawing on the inspiration from Stephen Covey’s principles, helping children to develop habits of effectiveness and character that will serve them throughout their lives. We aim to cultivate a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and vision in our students, preparing them to be proactive and resilient leaders in any situation. We intend to expand these principles into all the high school years, beginning this year with 9th grade.
Additionally, we are piloting new reading programs at the elementary school, focused on the science of reading. Teachers were able to spend time reviewing materials in June and are ready for the kick off. At the middle school level, we have partnered with the Department of Justice for the implementation of the School-SPIRIT program which empowers students to solve issues, improve collaboration, enhance student problem-solving skills, and address conflict.
Your support and engagement are vital in reinforcing the importance of our partnership, focused on the growth and development of children. I wish you and your child a great school year!
Warm regards,
Teresa DeBrito
Dr. Teresa DeBrito
Superintendent of Schools
