East Hartford Public Schools is committed to promoting student success through creating
School Environments that support student Safety and Wellness, and Belonging and
Connections through intentional, ongoing refinement and enhancement of school climate
practices.
According to legislation, school climate is defined as:
“The quality and character of school life, with a particular focus on the quality of
relationships within the school community. School climate reflects patterns of
people’s experiences of school life and includes the norms, goals, values,
interpersonal relationships, teaching, learning, leadership practices, and
organizational structures within the school community.”
East Hartford Public Schools recognizes that a strong school climate is foundational to
academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and positive relationships for students,
staff, and families.
How School Climate Work Is Led
Each school is required to develop a School Climate Improvement Plan, which:
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Is aligned with the Connecticut School Climate Standards; and
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Includes protocols and supports to enhance classroom safety and guide the
prevention, identification, and response to challenging behavior
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Is informed by school climate survey results, School Climate Committee
recommendations, and other relevant data
Each school has a School Climate Specialist who plays a key leadership role in advancing
school climate efforts. This includes:
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Leading the development and implementation of the school’s School Climate
Improvement Plan
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Supporting prevention, identification, and response to challenging behavior
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Promoting restorative and relationship-centered practices
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Facilitating the work of the School Climate Committee
The School Climate Committee is a diverse group of school stakeholders - including staff,
families, students (as appropriate), and community partners - who collaborate to review relevant
data, reflect on school experiences, and inform strategies, supports, and interventions that
strengthen school climate.
A Comprehensive and Connected Approach
East Hartford Public Schools recognizes that school climate is comprehensive and
interconnected, requiring alignment across classrooms, schools, the district, and the broader
community. For this reason, school climate work is not limited to individual improvement plans
alone. It is also embedded within our:
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District and school Strategic Plans
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Whole Child initiatives and Wellness Policy
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Student support systems and programming
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Family and community partnerships
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EHPS Vision of the Graduate
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Academic Program Guides
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Parent/Student Handbook
This integrated approach ensures that school climate efforts are coordinated, responsive,
and reflective of our shared commitment to safe, supportive, and engaging learning
environments for Every Child, Every Day.
Links to school climate improvement plans and related resources can be found below.