On Monday February 2, 2026, Superintendent Patrick Stirk sent a notice to parents in town with the intent of presenting a plan at the February 12th BOE meeting, to dissolve the existing Integrated Day (ID) program currently at Ridge Road and Green Acres elementary schools. While there are legitimate concerns with the curriculum and challenges that have been faced by ID teachers, in many cases, there are also significant benefits to the program. Dissolving the program without preserving the tremendous value that the program also brings is incredibly short sighted. We have the opportunity to ensure our voices are heard to ensure the best possible outcome for the k-5 students in North Haven.

Here is some background information on the ID program:

Key Facts:

• Ridge Road ID began in 1971; Green Acres in 1988
• Created in response to parent advocacy
• Sustained by decades of community support

What Makes ID Unique:

• Learning extends beyond textbooks into interdisciplinary, real-world projects
• Community is built intentionally:
  • within classrooms through collaboration and peer modeling across grades
  • through shared events and presentations at home
  • through family-supported inquiry
  • through project showcases that bring families and students together
• A focus on mentorship and growth enables our children to mature and grow in a safe space

Instructional Reality:

Science of Reading and Common Core Math require grade-level instruction, not single-age classrooms
Paired classrooms already deliver compliant, explicit instruction

Call to Action: Strengthen implementation. Do not eliminate a proven, community-centered program. Address challenges with curriculum without losing the value and benefit that the ID program brings to our children.