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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In North Haven, CT

Home Care North Haven, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Fort Nathan Hale in North Haven, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Haven, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care North Haven, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in North Haven, CT?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care North Haven, CT

Types of Elderly Care in North Haven, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care North Haven, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers North Haven, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Rock Ridge State Park in North Haven, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care North Haven, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local olea or visit Harkness Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care North Haven, CT

Benefits of Home Care in North Haven, CT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in North Haven, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care North Haven, CT

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care North Haven, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Haven, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care North Haven, CT

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers North Haven, CT

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Landing of North Haven
  • Meadow Mills At Whitney Center Assisted Living and Memory Care
  • Evergreen Woods
  • Montowese Center for Health Rehabilitation
  • Chatham Place at Mary Wade
  • Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden
Home Care North Haven, CT

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care North Haven, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Haven, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care North Haven, CT

Latest News in North Haven, CT

Community news: Daytime Gardeners of North Haven to talk about exotic plants

Daytime Gardeners to talk about exotic plantsRare, exotic, hungry, and carnivorous plants will be the emphasis of the Daytime Gardeners of North Haven meeting Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon at the North Haven Recreational Center, 7 Linsley St.Bill Matthews, a biomedical illustrator and animator, will give a presentation on plants such as Malaysian pitcher plants (Nepenthes), American pitcher plants (Sarracenia), sticky sundews (Drosera), and the Venus flytraps (Dionaea).Plants will be on display from his private collecti...

Daytime Gardeners to talk about exotic plants

Rare, exotic, hungry, and carnivorous plants will be the emphasis of the Daytime Gardeners of North Haven meeting Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon at the North Haven Recreational Center, 7 Linsley St.

Bill Matthews, a biomedical illustrator and animator, will give a presentation on plants such as Malaysian pitcher plants (Nepenthes), American pitcher plants (Sarracenia), sticky sundews (Drosera), and the Venus flytraps (Dionaea).

Plants will be on display from his private collection, with some of them available for sale.

A $5 guest donation is suggested.

For more information or to register, call 203-239-1557.

Programs at the senior center

The following programs are held at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center, 189 Pool Road. For more information and to register for programs, call 203-239-5432 or stop by the office. View the newsletter online at town.north-haven.ct.us.

The senior center's annual holiday fair will be held Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with visits from Santa from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The event will feature crafted items, Grannie’s Attic, costume jewelry, cookie walk, raffles, Santa’s Sweet Shop table, bagels in the morning and fried dough in the afternoon. Proceeds will benefit the senior center.

The line dancing mini series will take place Nov. 6 and 13 and Dec. 4 and 18. The cost is $20 for North Haven residents and $40 for nonresidents. Registration begins Oct. 20 and ends Nov. 3. Space is limited.

The low-cost health and wellness pet clinic will be held Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 per pet for qualifying seniors and veterans and $100 per pet for others. The clinic includes wellness checks, rabies vaccines, distemper vaccines, and basic deworming and heartworm testing (dogs only). Additional services are available for an added fee. All cats must be in carriers and all dogs must be leashed. No litters of puppies or kittens. Prior proof of rabies is required for a three-year rabies certificate. To register, visit vetcareeverywhere.org or call 203-239-5432. Registration ends Nov. 7.

Do you have a submission for the community news section? News releases can be sent to [email protected].

Jamila Young is a reporter with the Journal Inquirer. She has been with Hearst Connecticut since June 2023. She is a 2014 Journalism graduate of SCSU. She has previously worked for The Bristol Observer and Step Saver newspapers. When not working, she enjoys going to concerts, comedy shows, watching TV, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.

North Haven School Earns Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools Distinction

Four schools have been named as CT Blue Ribbon Schools, which was created after the Trump administration terminated the national program.NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven elementary school is among the four public schools to receive the newly established Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools distinction.In response to the Trump administration’s recent termination of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that the Connecticut State Department of Education was establishing the Connecticu...

Four schools have been named as CT Blue Ribbon Schools, which was created after the Trump administration terminated the national program.

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven elementary school is among the four public schools to receive the newly established Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools distinction.

In response to the Trump administration’s recent termination of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that the Connecticut State Department of Education was establishing the Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools Program to “continue the tradition of recognizing and highlighting schools that are excelling in academic success.”

The U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program had “honored and celebrated the top performing schools across the United States” for more than four decades before being terminated by the Trump administration, according to Lamont.

Four Connecticut public schools have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the honor. Each of the schools were nominated by Connecticut State Department of Education earlier this year for the national program before USDE announced that it was being discontinued, according to a news release.

The honorees include:

“Congratulations to this year’s honorees on earning this well-deserved distinction, which highlights the extraordinary teaching and learning taking place every day in their classrooms,” Lamont said. “I also want to thank Commissioner (Charlene) Russell-Tucker for ensuring that this important recognition continues here in Connecticut, even as the federal program has come to a close, so that we can honor and uplift the great work happening in our schools.”

Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner (CSDE) Charlene Russell-Tucker said, “This announcement provides the opportunity to highlight what is possible when educators, students, families, and communities work together effectively. Their collective efforts serve as the foundation for student success.”

Read more from the news release below:

CSDE used data from the Next Generation Accountability System to nominate schools for the award. Current recipients were nominated based on 2023-2024 accountability results. All selected schools in Connecticut were designated as Schools of Distinction. There are two categories of schools for this award: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Three of Connecticut’s four schools earning the Connecticut Blue Ribbon School award were identified in both categories.

Green Acres Elementary School (North Haven) – Exemplary High Performing and Achievement Gap Closing

Green Acres is one of four elementary schools in North Haven. There are 404 students enrolled in Grades PK through 5. About 40% of students are students with high needs. In 2023-2024, the school earned an overall accountability index of 85.6, the highest value earned by this school since 2015-2016. The accountability system includes subject performance indices (SPI) for English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. The SPI target for all schools and student groups is 75, which is an indication that on average students are performing solidly in the desired achievement level. In 2023-2024, Green Acres students exceeded SPI targets for the all students group in ELA, math, and science. Students with high needs are closing in and achieving at least 95% of the SPI target in all subjects. Given the strong overall performance and particularly strong growth in ELA, Green Acres earned School of Distinction status for three consecutive years.

Green Acres credits their success to collaboration and consistency. They work to build and maintain strong partnerships among students, families, teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators and instructional coaches. These relationships have supported the challenging shift toward a structured literacy approach to instruction. Each day there is an instructional routine that gives students what they need. Students requiring extra support are provided Scientific Research Based Intervention (SRBI) services by interventionists while classroom teachers and coaches are providing targeted instruction and enrichment to small groups of students. Interventionists and classroom teachers monitor student progress carefully and communicate results to parents regularly. The process is designed to be fluid so that students can enter and exit support as needed.

House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy (New Britain) – Exemplary High Performing

HALS Academy is a small middle school serving 152 gifted and high-achieving students from New Britain. This school enrolls students in Grades 6-8, more than half of whom are eligible for free or reduced priced meals. Students at HALS have demonstrated consistently high performance over many years, earning HALS School of Distinction status every year since 2016-2017.

The school’s accountability index, which is a percentage of possible points earned, was 87.9 in 2023-2024, the highest index value for the school since 2015-2016. The accountability index value is driven in part by mathematics, English language arts, and science achievement that exceeds the state target for all students and students with high needs. Academic growth in mathematics also was its strongest to date in 2023-2024 with students on average achieving nearly 90 percent of their growth targets. Finally, less than 3% of students were chronically absent, a rate lower than every year reported for this school since 2016-2017.

HALS Academy meets the needs of their middle school learners by creating a small learning community where students feel increasingly connected to the staff and their peers during their time at HALS. To this end, educators loop with their students, meaning teachers follow their students through the middle school grades. This allows teachers and students to forge strong relationships and avoid some of the transitions experienced by students during this important time. The counseling office is situated in the middle of the main hallway providing visibility and accessibility for all students. School counselors work in partnership with the social worker and school-based health center staff to support the whole student, creating the conditions for students to reach their full potential.

Gildersleeve School (Portland) – Exemplary High Performing and Achievement Gap Closing

Gildersleeve School serves Portland’s 253 students enrolled in Grades 2-4. Forty-three percent of students are considered students with high needs, defined as students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and/or from low-income families. This school was identified as a Focus school in 2018-2019 based on mathematics growth for their students with high needs. Since that time, academic growth in mathematics and English language arts for all students and students with high needs has increased significantly. The school credits this success to professional learning teams formed with the purpose of refining instruction and implementing evidence-based strategies to meet the academic needs of all students. This has led to Gildersleeve’s identification as a School of Distinction in multiple categories in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.

The Gildersleeve community also tends to the social-emotional development of their students. Each month, there is a whole-school assembly led by students that introduces a new social-emotional learning (SEL) topic. These monthly meetings are the springboard for weekly SEL classes led by the school social worker and reinforced by classroom teachers throughout their lessons. The Gildersleeve mascot is a bee. Students earn “Way to Bee” cards for demonstrating SEL skills during their daily interactions with peers. The program fosters positive behaviors and a strong sense of belonging. Gildersleeve students want to be in school, and the data support that. Chronic absenteeism rates improved from 13.3% in 2021-2022 to 3% in 2023-2024.

Weston Intermediate School (Weston) – Exemplary High Performing and Achievement Gap Closing

Weston Intermediate School (WIS) enrolls 478 students in Grades 3 through 5. Approximately 18% of students are students with high needs. The school’s accountability index of 88.5 in 2023-2024 was the highest recorded for WIS since 2015-2016. For three consecutive years, WIS has been identified as a School of Distinction, but 2023-2024 was a particularly strong year with WIS earning School of Distinction status in all possible categories. In terms of academic achievement for all students, the school exceeded the SPI target of 75 in ELA, math, and science, and the trendlines are on an upward trajectory post-pandemic. Students with high needs earned their highest SPIs in ELA and mathematics compared to all previous years.

The data suggest that WIS students are thriving. The expert educators of WIS believe that “students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.” In every classroom, teachers emphasize student voice and the student’s active role in learning. This is evident in the high degree of choice students have when selecting books to read and topics to research. In mathematics, students are at the heart of problem-solving with teachers serving as facilitators who encourage rich discussions. Science lessons are inquiry-driven and unit design for social studies prioritizes student curiosity, engagement, and voice. WIS describes what sets their school apart as their “commitment to innovative and creative programs that enhance the educational experience” while valuing student interest.

In prior years, schools that received the National Blue Ribbon award would have attended a convening in Washington, D.C. to celebrate their accomplishments with the USDE secretary and exchange ideas with educators from across the country. Though such a national convening will not occur, CSDE will instead host an awards recognition and celebration luncheon for the four schools on Oct. 8 in North Haven.

Award-Winning Mexican Restaurant Opening New Location In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a fast-growing Mexican-fusion chain restaurant, is opening its newest location in North Haven.The restaurant, located at 410 Universal Drive D Store #01B, will officially open on Friday, Sept. 26.The North Haven restaurant will be the brand’s sixth location in Connecticut, joining stores in Meriden, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, and Stamford.The new location is locally owned and operated by Hiren Patel, who recently opened the Meriden location in August.To celebr...

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a fast-growing Mexican-fusion chain restaurant, is opening its newest location in North Haven.

The restaurant, located at 410 Universal Drive D Store #01B, will officially open on Friday, Sept. 26.

The North Haven restaurant will be the brand’s sixth location in Connecticut, joining stores in Meriden, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, and Stamford.

The new location is locally owned and operated by Hiren Patel, who recently opened the Meriden location in August.

To celebrate the event, the North Haven location is offering a free taco with the purchase of any item throughout the day, according to a news release.

“Following the excitement of our Meriden opening, we’re thrilled to be expanding just south in North Haven,” Patel said. “This community is a great fit for the Bubbakoo’s experience, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to enjoy the creativity and flavor the brand is known for. Our goal is to make Bubbakoo’s a favorite spot for families, friends, and food lovers across the area.”

Bubbakoo’s Burritos was founded by Paul Altero and Bill Hart in 2008. Their first store opened in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and they now have locations across 16 states.

The new Bubbakoo’s Burritos location will offer classic menu items that the brand is known for, including the newly renamed Papi Hibachi (hibachi-style steak and shrimp) burrito, Saucy Snack Wraps, the Nashville burrito, the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, customizable entrées, and more, according to the news release.

“The North Haven opening marks another strong step for our growth in Connecticut,” Bubbakoo’s Burritos CEO Chris Ives said. “Building on the success in Meriden, this location gives us the chance to share our creative menu and commitment to hospitality with even more guests nearby. We’re confident the community will embrace Bubbakoo’s as a local favorite and are eager to see all of our guests’ delicious creations.”

Bubbakoo’s Burritos recently ranked on Franchise Times list of the Top 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, and also landed on the 2023 Inc. 5000, ranking highly among America’s fastest-growing private companies, according to the news release.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos was also named the #1 Fast Food Quesadilla by The Daily Meal in 2024.

For more information on Bubbakoo’s Burritos, visit its website here.

North Haven Election 2025: Sally Buemi Running For Board Of Selectmen

Sally Buemi shares with Patch why she should be re-elected to the North Haven Board of Selectmen.NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in North Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and more.North Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.Sall...

Sally Buemi shares with Patch why she should be re-elected to the North Haven Board of Selectmen.

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in North Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and more.

North Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Sally Buemi is running for re-election to the North Haven Board of Selectmen as a Petitioning Candidate.

Occupation: Lawyer, 42 years

Family:I have an older sister and brother and 3 nephews and one niece and one great nephew

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?no

Previous public office, appointive or elective:Yes. 12 years on Board of Selectmen (I am the incumbent Third Selectman), first elected in 2013. Also, elected to the Board of Finance and served 4 years. Also, appointed to the Community Services Commission and served 2 years.

Why are you seeking this office?I am a lifetime North Haven resident and I enjoy giving back and helping my hometown. As Third Selectman for the past 12 years, I have worked hard to help my community and I want to continue to do so. There are many challenges ahead, and I think I have the experience and knowledge to contribute positively and collaboratively.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:Taxes. We need to reduce our rate of spending increases. I have been fighting for controlled spending for years. We must make some difficult budget decisions. We must look, line by line, at each budget request and use our existing resources more efficiently. We must have a moratorium on creating new positions in future budgets, at least until we are able to increase our top line revenue sources through economic development. Three years in a row of significant tax increases are breaking the backs of our taxpayers, especially senior citizens and young working families.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?I have 12 years of experience as a Selectman. I have knowledge and expertise of our town budget, our Town Charter and state statutes. My opponent for Third Selectman has no experience in town government and no experience in municipal budgets. I am a lifetime resident with a proven record of community involvement.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?We need to amend our Senior Tax Freeze Ordinance to increase the number of people who can apply. We recently amended this ordinance to include a "claw back" provision which requires the town to be reimbursed at a later date for the tax savings. Because the town will eventually be paid back, I think it is appropriate to increase eligibility.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I have been a very impactful and influential Third Selectman for the past 12 years. Besides my Selectmen meetings, I regularly attend the Board of Finance meetings and offer my opinions and suggestions, especially for the budget, during public comment. I work collaboratively with my colleagues, and I support and even enhance many of the First Selectman's initiatives. For example, I initiated the 3-tiered tax phase-in plan for our Tax Incentive Ordinance. My plan was ultimately included in the Ordinance approved by the town meeting. I have kept people informed about town affairs in my local newspaper column called "I was just thinking." I have also performed very well the ceremonial functions of the Board of Selectmen. I organized a special tribute to World War II veterans, World War I veterans and Vietnam veterans. I initiated the 9-11 ceremonies on the Green. I participated in Dr. Suess reading programs at Clintonville School, and many other similar events. I also wrote significant provisions in our First Responder Surviving Spouse Benefit Ordinance and I extended the benefits to volunteer firefighters. I have developed positive relationships with most department heads in town. I have always put the best interest of the town as my priority, and I have earned the respect of my colleagues in town government. Many citizens contact me by phone or email, and even by letter, asking for my help. They contact me because they trust I will do my best to help with the situation. As an attorney, practicing law in North Haven for 40 years, I have the legal knowledge that helps me contribute positively and effectively to the many legal issues that come before the Board of Selectmen.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?My father always told me that hard work pays off.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?I will continue to do my best to make my hometown an even better community for all of our citizens.

Lamont declares Stage 2 drought in parts of CT as dry weather continues

Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday bumped up the drought classification for parts of southern Connecticut, as the state has seen a run of dry weather during early fall.The governor's announcement raises the drought advisory to Stage 2 for Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. All of Connecticut previously had been at Stage 1, the governor's office said.During the advisory, people and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by shutting off automatic outdoor irrigation systems, fixing leaky plumbing and f...

Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday bumped up the drought classification for parts of southern Connecticut, as the state has seen a run of dry weather during early fall.

The governor's announcement raises the drought advisory to Stage 2 for Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. All of Connecticut previously had been at Stage 1, the governor's office said.

During the advisory, people and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by shutting off automatic outdoor irrigation systems, fixing leaky plumbing and following water conservation requests by municipalities and water suppliers.

"The lack of rain over these last several months has impacted all of Connecticut, and in particular the regions around Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties,” Lamont said in a statement. "The purpose of increasing these counties to Stage 2 is to raise awareness that as this lack of rain continues, there is a possibility that this emerging drought event could intensify."

The state Drought Preparedness and Response plan uses a five-tier system to measure drought, ranging from Stage 1 or "below normal conditions" to Stage 5, considered an "extreme drought."

Stage 2, the level parts of southern Connecticut were raised to, is considered "incipient drought."

The state's declaration comes as the U.S. Drought Monitor has for weeks listed parts of southern Connecticut under moderate drought. Notably, however, the areas marked as under moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor are southern parts of New London and Middlesex counties along the coast, as well as the southeastern tip of New Haven County — areas mostly farther east and south than the counties in the state declaration.

The rest of Connecticut is considered to be abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought monitor. The organization's assessment is released weekly on Thursdays, with the report dated from Tuesday each week.

(Parts of northern New England are in worse shape. The most recent U.S. Drought monitor map designated a strip of territory stretching from central Vermont and New Hampshire across southern Maine as under extreme drought, the second highest level under its five-tier system.)

The governor's office said the decision to declare a Stage 2 drought advisory was recommended by the state's Interagency Drought Workgroup, a group with representatives from several state agencies. The group met last Thursday and made the recommendation based on data that included "precipitation, surface waters, groundwater, reservoirs, soil moisture, vegetation, and fire danger conditions," the governor's office said in a news release.

The state's daily Forest Fire Danger report has pegged the risk of brush fires as "high" on several recent days, including both Monday and Tuesday. The drought advisory also comes about a year after Connecticut saw a particularly active fall fire season that included a large blaze on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden.

Meriden Mayor Kevin M. Scarpati said in a statement Tuesday that while his office supports Lamont's call to conserve water, the city is not "near drought triggering levels."

"The Meriden Water Division monitors the city’s surface water capacity weekly and presently reports that all reservoirs are at or above sufficient capacity for supply," Scarpati said.

In the immediate forecast, Tuesday night and Wednesday are expected to bring some showers as a cold front approaches the area, with scattered rainfall totals of above an inch possible. Most areas should see between a half-inch and an inch of rainfall.

The last time drought advisories were issued in the state was on Nov. 9, 2024, when all eight Connecticut counties reached Stage 2, the governor's office said.

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