Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us. Children, in particular, have experienced increased mental and behavioral health concerns due to anxiety caused by the changes they have experienced in their lives, extended isolation and loss of family members. Parents have struggled to find local mental health providers to help their children cope or recommend appropriate treatments.

The DCF Behavioral Health Resource Guide will provide valuable points of contact to parents who are already dealing with difficult situations and hopefully have them access services earlier before their children experience a worsening mental health problem. Accessing supports is a sign of strength and this document provides families one more added support as they are empowered to connect with services in their local communities.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today announced that Hamden Middle School is one of 8 schools in Connecticut to be named as a "No Place for Hate" school!  Hamden Middle School’s designation as a "No Place for Hate" institution recognizes the school’s commitment to taking a stand against all forms of hate and creating an inclusive school community. Read ADL's Press Release and view ADL's National 2020-2021 NPFH Recognition Video. You may also want to view Governor Lamont's congratulatory video about the No Place for Hate recognition, as well as his support for the NPFH vision to be spread state and nationwide. 

We couldn't be prouder of our HMS community and their efforts!

The Hamden Public Schools Early Learning Program currently has openings for Hamden 3 & 4 year olds at the Alice Peck location (35 Hillfield Road, Hamden). Contact Director Jisel Cordero at 203-407-2254 for more information.

The program is 9 hours/day, 5 days a week, year-round program with a sliding scale for fees. 

Applications being accepted now.

Hamden is proud to have been one of only 57 organizations nationwide selected to be part of the The Bridges Collaborative, a new initiative with the goal of advancing racial and socioeconomic integration and equity in America’s schools. Since this is an issue of great importance to us in Hamden, we applied and were selected into the inaugural cohort of 57 school districts, housing authorities and other organizations which together represent more than 3.5 million children nationwide.  

The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank that has worked for decades on school integration, launched the Bridges Collaborative in October 2020. 

Decades of research show a myriad of positive benefits for students who attend diverse and integrated schools, including higher test scores, higher graduation rates, and also many positive social and civic outcomes.

Over the next two years, as part of the inaugural cohort, Hamden will work and learn with cohort practitioners from across the country, and hopefully build grassroots momentum and develop successful approaches for integration in our schools.

COVID-19 has changed life for all of us, but children, especially those in their teens, may be experiencing particularly great stresses at this time. Feelings of isolation, loss, uncertainty and fear may be heightened.  The CT Department of Public Health has issued a brief list of recommendations and supports to help our youth. Please take a few moments to read Youth Suicide Prevention - Public Health Alert and Call to Action.