Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: New Haven Teacher, 50, Charged After Investigation Revealed 'Inappropriate Contact With Student:' NHPD

Spotted on the New Haven calendar: Italian Festival 2026

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Wednesday August 26th Patch AM
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Hey there, New Haven! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Sound School teacher charged after New Haven police probe student contact
  • New Haven honors Assistant Chief Ettienne's 25 years of police service
  • How late Jitter Bus Cafe can pour beer and wine now

Also on today's calendar: Italian Festival 2026 and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 82, low: 70.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 80 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Haven Teacher, 50, Charged After Investigation Revealed 'Inappropriate Contact With Student:' NHPD (patch.com) — New Haven readers are learning that a 50-year-old Sound School teacher has been charged after police say he met privately and communicated inappropriately with a student outside normal school channels. New Haven police obtained a warrant following an April report from the family and Board of Education, and district officials say the teacher was removed from the classroom, will not return, and that added supports and safety discussions are planned for Sound School students.
   

2. Congrats Are In Order: For 25 Years, NHPD Asst. Chief Ettienne Has Led With Passion, Dedication, Purpose (patch.com) — New Haven residents are being invited to celebrate Assistant Chief Bertram Ettienne's 25 years with the city's police department, from his early patrol and homicide work to his current leadership of the Patrol Division. The department highlights his steady, compassionate approach to some of New Haven's most serious cases and his long-term commitment to serving local neighborhoods.
   

3. Jitter Bus Cafe on Grand Avenue to serve beer, wine for cultural events after New Haven BZA gives OK (nhregister.com) — New Haven's Board of Zoning Appeals has cleared the Jitter Bus Cafe on Grand Avenue to serve beer and wine at cultural events up to three times a month, with limits on hours and noise. Neighbors, the local alder, and the Historic Wooster Square Association praised the cafe as a community asset that supports artists and neighborhood activity.
   

4. Connecticut absenteeism is falling. Who's still missing school? (nhregister.com) — New Haven's public schools have slashed chronic absenteeism by 20 percentage points in a single year, keeping nearly 4,000 students in class thanks in part to the state's LEAP home-visiting program. The piece explains how statewide absenteeism is improving but still above pre-pandemic levels, and explores why structural barriers, poverty, and mental health challenges keep many Connecticut students—especially in high-poverty districts—out of school.
   

📸 Around New Haven

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🗓 Upcoming Events in New Haven

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📣 New Haven Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday August 26
  • Coffee & Conversation: The Beecher Building Project →
    Woodbridge, CT Calendar, 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge
    10:00 am
  • Needle Arts
    North Branford Public Libraries 1720 Foxon Rd, North Branford, CT, 06471, US
    10:30 am
  • Mahjong Meetup
    Derby Neck Library 307 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby, CT 06418
    11:00 am
  • Turkey Hill School Back to School Picnic
    Orange Public Schools 107 Grannis Road
    5:00 pm
  • Race Brook School PTA Back to School Picnic
    Orange Public Schools 107 Grannis Road
    5:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Obituary: Louis J. LaViola (Porto Funeral Homes) —Porto Funeral Homes Read on Patch
  • Hello, is anyone looking for a full size mattress with metal bed frame.
    I need it out of my apartment by this Wednesday as I am moving this Wednesday and can't take it with me. Mattress is in good condition and has had a… (Nextdoor Downtown North)
  • Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable carpenter who can repair openings in an attic, ceilings, or roof?
    I'm dealing with squirrels and mice getting inside, and it's been really tough to sleep at night because of it. (Nextdoor Newhallville)
  • Advanced Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation posted a job opening for Recreation Aid in New Haven. Apply here.
  • Elior posted a job opening for Shipping & Receiving Clerk in New Haven. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Haven here.

Ok New Haven! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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