During the East Haven Board of Education meeting on May 13, 2025, key updates were shared regarding student achievements and new educational programs aimed at enhancing literacy and supporting multilingual learners.

One of the highlights was the announcement that 32 students recently took the Seal of Biliteracy exam, with 23 students set to receive the prestigious cord at graduation. This includes 10 seniors and 19 juniors, who demonstrated proficiency in languages such as Spanish and Turkish. The high pass rate reflects the district's commitment to fostering bilingualism and cultural diversity among its students.

In addition to celebrating student accomplishments, the board introduced a new summer program designed to support early literacy for students exiting kindergarten through third grade who are not yet reading at grade level. This five-week program will focus on bridging the gap between school years through project-based learning, integrating various subjects to enhance the educational experience. The initiative has been made possible through competitive grant funding, which will also help establish a sustainable infrastructure for future programs.

Furthermore, the district is expanding its support for recently arrived multilingual learners through a newcomer-specific program. This initiative aims to build essential communication skills and English literacy, ensuring that these students feel welcomed and supported as they transition into the school system. The program will be hosted at Tuttle and will cater to students across elementary and middle school grades.

The meeting also included an exciting announcement about the completion of a greenhouse project funded by a grant from the School-Based Health Alliance. The board members planned a field trip to the new greenhouse, where they would explore how this space will be utilized across various courses and departments, further enriching the educational environment.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the East Haven School District's dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting diverse student needs, setting a positive trajectory for the upcoming school year.