Classes for the West Haven Public Schools 2020-2021 school year will begin on Tuesday Sept 8. All schools will be operating on a shortened-day schedule with breakfast and lunch sent home with students each day. All students are required to wear a mask at all times unless on a designated mask break.
Schools have rearranged classrooms to account for social distancing. Officials have removed extra furniture such as desks, carpets, file cabinets, and tables to keep children separated as much as possible. During the day, students must wear masks, but breaks will be provided as needed. Schedules have been designed at all buildings to limit transitions and cohort students as much as possible.
Bus Service: The schedule is posted here, or can be found www.whschools.org. Call Jean Mitchell, Winkle Bus representative (203) 937-4331 with any questions regarding bus routes. Guidelines for bus service are based on School Board Policy #3541 (see policy on www.wshchools.org).
School personnel will closely monitor the number of children on every bus and make any necessary adjustment to avoid large numbers. It is also important to note that children are required to wear masks while riding the bus; monitors will be assigned to elementary school runs. Winkle Bus Company has provided us with their guidelines and cleaning protocols, which is available on our website on www.whschools.org. These guidelines address ventilation and thorough cleaning procedures.
New Student Registration: All students new to the West Haven School District should be formally registered at their incoming school. Call (203) 937-4300 for information as to school assignments by home address. The district’s residency policy requires that all students, without exception, produce bona fide proof that they live in West Haven. As evidence of residency, the parent or legal guardian of each student must provide the school building administrator with the following most recent documents: Mortgage statement or lease provision, with landlord name and phone number; AND a current utility bill (phone, cell, cable, UI, gas, water).
Parents must accompany all new registrants who are under eighteen years of age. They are also required to present educational and health records obtained from the school that was previously attended.
School Schedules: On opening day (shortened school day), September 8, 2020, school opening/ closing schedule is as follows:
~~ Haley, Mackrille, Pagels, Savin Rock, and Washington Elementary Schools will admit students at 8:55 and dismiss at 1:20;
~~ Forest Elementary School will admit students at 8:20 and dismiss at 12:50;
~~ Carrigan Intermediate School will admit incoming fifth and sixth grade students at 8:10 and dismiss at 12:30;
~~ Harry M. Bailey Middle School will admit incoming seventh and eighth grade students at 7:45 and dismiss at 12:15;
~~ West Haven High School students are to report at 7:30 and dismiss at 11:50.
“With social distancing protocols in place we understand students will need to adjust but we are also confident that teachers will make this an exciting return, providing students with creative ways to socialize and connect,” said Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro. “Our entire staff is truly looking forward to welcoming students back and know that safety has been and will continue to be our number one priority.”
Please log on to our website at www.whschools.org for all school updates.