Verification Before Posting on Social Media

Dear Families, I am writing to ask for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe, calm, and supportive school community. We understand that students may share information at home about situations they perceive at school, particularly when it comes to safety. While these conversations are important, we ask that families exercise due diligence before posting or sharing such information on social media. If you have questions or concerns about something you have heard, please reach out directly to your school’s administration so we can verify the information and provide accurate context. Our administrators are committed to transparency and are always available to address concerns. Posting unverified or unfounded information can unintentionally create unnecessary anxiety, fear, and confusion within our community. It can also divert valuable time and resources as school staff work to investigate and correct misinformation. By working together and communicating directly, we can ensure that our school community remains informed, supportive, and focused on the well-being of all students and staff. Thank you for your continued partnership. Sincerely, Iris White Superintendent of Schools

Thursday, Apr 02 2026

Bristol Community Events - April 2026 - Issue 5

Good Afternoon, As part of our ongoing commitment to be more environmentally friendly and to ensure stakeholders have quick and easy access to critical information and happenings within our community and beyond, Bristol Public Schools will distribute flyers digitally through ParentSquare. Flyers will be sent in a bi-weekly e-blast format around the 1st and 15th of the month. Are you looking to submit a flyer about an event within our community to be distributed? Visit our website for more information:  https://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/flyers   April 2026 : Issue#5 BIG SUPPORTS FOR LITTLE LEARNERS Join us on Thursday April 2, 2026 to learn all about what to expect, and how to support your child through the special education process.  Hear from Special Education Advocate Kevin Daily and Dr Amy Martino, director of Pupil Personnel Services for BPS.   Sponsored by the Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative F.N. Manross Memorial Library April Events   KARATE AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BRISTOL ✨ Little Ninjas & Kickin’ Kids (Ages 4–6) A great introduction to karate! Kids will learn new skills each week through warmups, techniques, and fun games that reinforce focus, teamwork, and coordination. ✨ Little Ninjas & Kickin’ Kids (Ages 4–6) A great introduction to karate! Kids will learn new skills each week through warmups, techniques, and fun games that reinforce focus, teamwork, and coordination. 🕠 Mondays | 5:30–6:00 PM 💲 12-week session: $75 🥋 Traditional Karate (Ages 7 & Up) Students will build strong martial arts fundamentals, including forms, self-defense, and sparring skills—all while improving balance, discipline, and fitness. 🕕 Mondays | 6:15–7:45 PM 💲 12-week session: $85📅  Program begins Monday, April 20 (rolling enrollment—join anytime!) 📧 For more information, contact Steve Beecher at Steve@bbgc.org or call 860-540-3105   Hartford Yard Goats A night that means more  Join us for Deaf Awareness Night in partnership with the American School for the Deaf, as we celebrate and uplift the Deaf community. We’ll also be honoring Connecticut’s most improved students with our friends at ProHealth Physicians.  Hartford Yard Goats vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels  Gates open at 6PM  Tickets:  tinyurl.com/5n99u2kf Be there for a night bigger than baseball.   Hartford Wolf Pack The Hartford Wolf Pack are hosting a Teachers Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 4th and Friday, April 10th!  The offer includes 1 complimentary ticket with the purchase of at least 1 more for that game.  Ticket Link, promo code and all further information is on the flyer being submitted.   Salvation Army - Camp Connri Student & Community Member Employment Opportunity & Summer Camp Information Summer Camp Applications are available by clicking PDF link below: English Camper Application.pdf Spanish Camper Application.pdf For more information visit: http://campconnri.org/     🎶 Downtown Live Presents: M-PACT! 🎤 Get ready for an unforgettable night of world-class vocal music! Join us on Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 PM at the Rockwell Theater in downtown Bristol for a live performance by M-PACT — one of the BEST jazz/pop vocal ensembles in the world! From smooth harmonies to incredible beatboxing, this talented group will leave you amazed and energized all night long. 🌟 📍 Rockwell Theater 70 Memorial Boulevard, Bristol 🎟️ Grab your tickets now: DowntownLiveCT.com Don’t miss this incredible evening of live music right here in Bristol! 🎵✨             Bristol Adult Education Events Sugar Cookie Decorating - Springtime Class, 4/21 @6:00 PM, Bristol Adult Education In this workshop, students will learn the basic techniques of the stained glass craft to create their very own wearable stained glass art.  Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/ Sound Healing/Meditation, on Monday's from 4/20 - 6/1 @6:00 PM at Bristol Adult Education In this workshop, students will learn the basic techniques of Sound Healing/Meditation Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/   Mattatuck Museum April programs and events for kids, teens, and adults at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT.   The Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), in collaboration with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), is hosting the Inclusive School Safety Practices for Students with Disabilities – Parent & Caregiver Dinner Event on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).  This free event will bring together families, educators, disability advocates, and school and community leaders to discuss practical strategies that help support safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. For more information and to register, please see our event flyer. April 27 Parent Event Flyer April 27 Parent Event Accessible Flyer RSVP to April 27 Parent Dinner If you have any questions or need additional information about this event, please email: schoolsafetycenter@wcsu.edu . YMCA Camp Chase Registration is Now Open for Summer 2026 YMCA Camp Chase is a fun, safe, and adventure-packed summer camp where kids unplug, try new things, and build confidence. With nature trails, sports courts, a pool, climbing tower, zip line, archery, and more, every day is full of movement, friendship, and core memories June 15- August 21 Grades K-10 For more information visit:   https://campchase.org/about-camp-chase/   Don't Forget to Follow Us On Facebook! We invite you to follow us on Facebook at the link below and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate our students, staff, and community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KyHMoZgJW/?mibextid=wwXIfr Thank you for your continued support of Bristol Public Schools.

Wednesday, Apr 01 2026

Superintendent's Weekly Update- April 1, 2026

Dear BPS Community, Last Wednesday marked the inaugural edition of Superintendent Time with The Bristol Edition . This monthly half-hour program will include three segments: 10 minutes for me to highlight key issues and activities from the past month, 10 minutes to discuss pressing topics, and 10 minutes to address questions from viewers.  Please send discussion topics and questions for the Q&A portion to editor@bristoledition.org in advance of the show. Be sure to type “Superintendent Time” in the subject line. You can also follow  The Bristol Edition on Facebook and YouTube to receive notifications about future broadcasts. Thank you to the Bristol Edition for providing a platform for me to connect with the broader community. In other news, a legacy fund has been established to honor the life and contributions of former Board of Education member and community advocate, Karen Vibert, who passed away last summer. Mrs. Vibert was elected to the Bristol Board of Education in November 2007 and served until January 2023. She also served as Vice-Chair from December 2011 to December 2013 and again from November 2015 to November 2019. Mrs. Vibert raised her family in Bristol, volunteered extensively throughout the community, and dedicated 12 years of service to the Board of Education. Grants from this donor-advised fund will support charitable organizations, with a focus on education and programs that benefit the well-being of children. If you are able, please consider joining me in supporting this meaningful cause or learning more here:  https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/karen-vibert-legacy-fund . The month of April is filled with special opportunities to recognize and show our appreciation for the many staff members who contribute to the success of our schools each and every day. Today, we celebrate Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and on Saturday, April 4, 2026, we recognize National School Librarian/Media Specialist Day. We are grateful for the dedication, care, and expertise our paraprofessionals and library/media specialists bring to their work in supporting our students and school communities.  We truly appreciate all that you do! Tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, 2026, all BPS students and staff are encouraged to wear blue to recognize Autism Awareness Day in support of individuals with autism and their families. As a reminder, all Bristol Public Schools and Offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026 in observance of Good Friday. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting: The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place this evening, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the BOE Auditorium, 129 Church Street. The agenda, which is attached to this post, includes a vote on the high school graduation date and the last day of school. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97752601419?pwd=cXNQbFFZZ01WbGVvbzBJM1hpcXQrZz09 Meeting ID: 977 5260 1419 Passcode: 928900 Bristol Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Ceremony: On Sunday evening, the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame hosted its 27th Annual Jack Hines Scholar-Athlete Award Ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton. One hundred local student-athletes were honored, including four Bristol Public Schools students who each received $2,000 scholarships: Lily Kirk and Julia Pikiell, Bristol Central High School Kaelyn Gonzalez and Corinne Sutula, Bristol Eastern High School Congratulations to all of the award recipients—we are incredibly proud of your achievements. Bristol Eastern High School Lancer Robotics Team: Congratulations to the BEHS Lancer Nation Robotics Team for their outstanding performance competing against strong teams from across the state. This past weekend, they were awarded the  Rookie of the Year Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Hartford. A special thank you to advisors Rocco Martino and Michael LeClair for their dedication and commitment to our students. Congratulations, Kara Jandreau – Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant Recipient: We are proud to share that Bristol Eastern High School teacher Kara Jandreau has been selected to receive a Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant. This prestigious award supports educators in pursuing experiences that enhance their teaching, enrich student learning, and strengthen school communities.  This summer, Kara will travel to Ireland and Scotland, where she will explore the landscapes, culture, and literary traditions of both countries. Her work will focus on how authors transform place, memory, and emotion into art, and how both urban and rural settings can inform inclusive, student-centered classroom practices. This fellowship is funded through the generosity of Dalio Education. This year, only 28 Connecticut teachers were selected—and this marks Kara’s second time receiving this honor.  Yesterday, representatives from Fund for Teachers came to Bristol Eastern to announce the award in person. Congratulations, Kara! Torrington Savings Bank Scholarship: We’re excited to share that the Torrington Savings Bank Scholarship is now open to graduating seniors. This program offers a $10,000 award ($2,500 per year for up to four years) to support post-secondary education. Key Details: Application deadline: May 1, 2026 Finalist interviews: June 16, 2026 Eligibility: Seniors whose families are customers of Torrington Savings Bank Requirements: Recommendations, transcript, college acceptance letter, and a short essay This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to receive meaningful financial support as they pursue their future goals. We encourage all eligible seniors to apply. Please see the attached flyer for more information. First 100 Plus Class of 2026: I am honored to share that I have been nominated by Prudence Crandall as a member of the First 100 Plus Class of 2026. This recognition highlights leaders across Connecticut who are working to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families. I look forward to attending the 15th Annual First 100 Plus Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. Thank You for Your Support: Thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday, March 25, to support Special Olympics athletes during Jersey Mike’s Subs Day of Giving. Bristol raised over $11,000! Your generosity will help send members of Team Connecticut to the Special Olympics USA Games.

Wednesday, Apr 01 2026

Supporting Our Students and Community

Dear Families, It is with profound sadness that we learned of the heartbreaking news involving Mileena Burnham Matthews, a former Bristol Public Schools student, who, along with her mother and little sister, was killed in a tragic act of violence Friday night in Plainville. This loss is deeply felt, and our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy. We ask that you keep the family in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. I have reached out to the Plainville Superintendent to offer our community’s condolences and support, and to ensure we are aligned in providing care for those affected. We understand that news like this can be difficult for both students and adults to process. In times like these, it is important that we come together as a community with care, compassion, and understanding. To support our students and families, we have gathered resources to help guide conversations with children about grief, loss, and traumatic events. These resources are attached to this post and we encourage you to use them as needed. Please take time to check in with your children, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that they are supported. If your child may benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school. As always, we remain committed to the well-being of every member of our school community. In sympathy, Iris White Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Mar 30 2026

Superintendent's Weekly Update- March 22, 2026

Dear BPS Community: Yesterday, March 21st, was a day for winners.  I was proud  to join Bristol Eastern High School student Jean Zendel and her family at the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Winner’s Ceremony this morning in Middletown.  Jean was the high school winner in the 1st Congressional District. Thank you to Assistant Principal McDermott and Madame DeRoy for joining us.  Special recognition to Mrs. Katy Reddick, the dedicated teacher who worked with her students and encouraged them to participate in the contest.                                             Jean with Connecticut State Treasurer, Erick Russell Later, I watched our Bristol Central High School Girls Basketball Team defeat Rocky Hill for the CIAC Division II State Championship. During half-time the Bristol Central Unified Sports Team played against Rocky Hill's Team.  The cheers, applause, and encouragement from the stands created an atmosphere of celebration and belonging that our athletes richly deserve. The Bristol Eastern High School Robotics Club, led by Rocco Martino and Michael Leclair, participated in the First Robotics Competition. Proud of all of our students and thankful for the teachers, coaches, administrators, and family members that provide them with the opportunities to explore and demonstrate their interests, skills, and talents. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Board of Finance Budget Hearing: At its Special Meeting last week, the Bristol Board of Education voted to approve my Superintendent’s Budget Proposal without any reductions. Video of that meeting is available on the Bristol Public Schools YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bristolpublicschools The proposal is now the Bristol Board of Education’s approved budget and must be presented to the Board of Finance.   A Board of Finance Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, immediately following the Regular Board of Finance meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, Connecticut. During the hearing, the Bristol Board of Education’s FY 2027 Budget will be presented. Please see the attached agenda for additional information, including the Zoom link for those who wish to attend virtually. Words Matter Event: The Bristol Diversity Council invites you to Unity in the Community: Words Matter- The Connection Between Words and Emotion on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Bristol Public Library (Room 2).  This meaningful discussion will explore how the words we choose impact emotions, relationships, and our community. The evening will feature a panel discussion followed by an open mic format.   Joanne Peluso, English teacher at Bristol Eastern High School, poet, advisor to the Creative Writing Club, and literary magazine editor will be part of the panel along with Dawn Lecer, Tom Lagasse, and Tony Lopes.  The discussion will be moderated by WTNH Anchor Alyssa Taglia.  We encourage community members to attend, listen, share, and reflect as we explore the power of language and connection. BAIMS Art Show: Please come out and support the high school art students at the inaugural BAIMS High School Art Show on Thursday March 26th from 5-7pm. Students from BAIMS, Bristol Eastern, Bristol Central, and Bristol Preparatory Academy are participating. This show highlights the exceptional work of talented high school students among a wide variety of classes from AP Portfolio, Pottery to Fashion. Join in on a collaborative mural project during the event! Light refreshments will be served.

Monday, Mar 23 2026

Congratulations to Bristol Central High School Girls...

Dear BPS Community: Congratulations to the Bristol Central Girls Basketball Team on their incredible 58–52 victory over Rocky Hill High School to win the CIAC Division II State Championship!  It was an exciting and hard-fought game, with both teams demonstrating outstanding athleticism and perseverance. I’ll admit—there were moments I could barely watch because of the tension! Even when Bristol Central fell behind, they never gave up. They kept pushing forward with determination and resilience until the very end. This team truly showed the heart of champions and made our entire community proud. A special shoutout to Coach Gaudet for his constant encouragement and leadership throughout the game. Well done, Rams! Thank you to everyone who traveled to Mohegan Sun to cheer them on! In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools

Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Superintendent's Weekly Update- March 15, 2026

Dear BPS Community: The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. One important way we protect our school community is through our visitor safety protocols. All visitors are required to enter through the main office, present a valid ID, and sign in before going anywhere in the building. When leaving, visitors must also sign out. These procedures help us know who is in our buildings at all times and ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. As Superintendent, I also follow this same protocol each time I visit our schools. Safety expectations apply to all of us. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of our families, partners, and community members in respectfully and patiently following these procedures. Your support helps us maintain safe schools for every student and staff member.  Thank you for helping keep our schools safe. As a reminder, all BPS schools and programs will be closed this Friday, March 20th, in observance of Eid Al-Fitr. The  Bristol Education Foundation (BEF), in partnership with BPS, is proud to support the incredible programs happening in our schools every day. You can help make a difference! Consider making a donation or sharing the attached flyer to help spread the word and support opportunities for our schools. Donate here:   http://www.bristoledfoundation.com/donations .  Thank you for supporting our schools and our students! In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Changes to School Calendar: The Board of Education has scheduled a Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m.  On the agenda is a discussion of the 25-26 School Calendar and possible changes to make up for the number of snow days: BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING Wednesday, March 18, 2026 6:00 P.M In- Person (BOE Auditorium) & Virtual (via Zoom) The Bristol Board of Education will hold a Board of Education Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education in the BOE Auditorium, located at 129 Church Street, and via the Zoom Meeting Platform. Please log in to the meeting with the following link: Board of Education  Meeting Bristol Board of Education - March 18, 2026 - Special Meeting  Meeting ID: 962 0519 2335 Passcode: 656911 Bus Patrol: In 2024, the legislature passed, and the governor signed  Public Act 24-107 :  An Act Concerning Illegally Passing a School Bus, which strengthens enforcement of Connecticut's school bus stop-arm law and allows municipalities to use camera technology to improve safety for students getting on and off buses.   Last week, Mayor Ellen, Police Chief Morello, BPS Director of Transportation Collin Uryase, and I met with Brad Macdowall from BusPatrol , a company that collects and combines AI-powered stop-arm cameras, interior cameras, and edge processing to detect violations and enhance student safety.   How the System Works Cameras installed on buses – AI-powered stop-arm cameras and interior cameras detect violations. Violation captured automatically – When a vehicle passes a bus with the stop arm deployed, the system records video and license plate data. Evidence review – Each incident is reviewed before being sent for approval. Citation issued – If approved, a citation is mailed to the vehicle owner with a link to view video evidence. Program funding – The program is violator-funded , meaning no upfront cost to the district or taxpayers. A representative from Bus Patrol will attend the Board of Education Special Meeting this Wednesday, March 18th, to review the program and answer any questions Commissioners may have. Please also see the attached materials for more information. Eileen Krause Scholarship: The Eileen Krause Scholarship is now open for applications for any Connecticut woman who will be attending a two or four-year college for the first time next year.  Applicants must submit an essay explaining how a specific Connecticut Woman's Hall of Fame inductee resonates most with them and why: Invention Convention: Mountain View School held its Invention Convention this past Friday.  I was impressed as each student proudly and confidently presented their invention. Congratulations to the two winners, Cora and Johnathan, who will now move on in the competition at UCONN.  Thank you to Gina Martineau for inviting me to attend and for all of the coordination and support she provided to the students.  Thank you also to the family members who provided inspiration and support to the students as they completed their projects! Nominations for 2027 Paraprofessional of the Year: Paraprofessional of the Year Nomination Form

Monday, Mar 16 2026

Bristol Community Events - March 2026 - Issue 4

Good Afternoon, As part of our ongoing commitment to be more environmentally friendly and to ensure stakeholders have quick and easy access to critical information and happenings within our community and beyond, Bristol Public Schools will distribute flyers digitally through ParentSquare. Flyers will be sent in a bi-weekly e-blast format around the 1st and 15th of the month. Are you looking to submit a flyer about an event within our community to be distributed? Visit our website for more information:  https://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/flyers   March 2026 : Issue#4 Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative Events SNACK & CHAT Join us Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Children'sDepartment in the Bristol Public Library to learn how to prepare for Kindergarten! Sponsored by the Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative BIG SUPPORTS FOR LITTLE LEARNERS Join us on Thursday April 2, 2026 to learn all about what to expect, and how to support your child through the special education process.   Hear from Special Education Advocate Kevin Daily and Dr Amy Martino, director of Pupil Personnel Services for BPS.    Sponsored by the Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative   Bristol Public Library Events Bristol Public Library's Spring Festival, Saturday, March 28th from 10 AM-2 PM for all ages. No registration necessary.   Pose for a free family photo with the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, & craft your way into warmer weather.   Hartford Wolf Pack The Hartford Wolf Pack are hosting a Teachers Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 4th and Friday, April 10th!  The offer includes 1 complimentary ticket with the purchase of at least 1 more for that game.  Ticket Link, promo code and all further information is on the flyer being submitted.   March is the Month of Giving at Jersey Mikes March 25, 2026 Jersey Mikes will donate 100% of their sales to the Special Olympics Connecticut Athletes   Spring Biddy Basketball Biddy Basketball is a 7-week fundamental program that teaches youth basic basketball skills through one hour sessions of either practices or games. Practices are scheduled for one hour sessions between 5pm-7pm. The first 4 sessions are practices from 6pm-7pm. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE. The maximum program fee is $55 and a membership to the Boys & Girls Club. Activities are priced so that everyone may participate. Spring Biddy : Ages 7- 9 yrs. old Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning MARCH 24th and ending MAY 21st TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Beecher at Steve@bbgc.org   57th Annual Honoring Heroes Banquet   Monday, March 30, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Bristol Double Tree by Hilton This event recognizes the everyday courage of our local Police, Firefighters, EMTs, and other First Responders who protect our Community and support our families.   Your registration helps the Exchange Club of Bristol advance our mission of Community Service, Americanism Programs, Veterans, Youth Programs, and Child Abuse Prevention. Please complete the Order Form below to reserve your spot and stand with us in honoring these heroes. 🎖️🚓🚑 Order Form to Reserve Your Spot   Northwest Devo Northwest Devo was created with a simple goal: to give young riders a positive place to grow through mountain biking. What started as a small group of passionate riders has grown into a supportive community built on effort, encouragement, and a shared love of being on the trail. We believe mountain biking teaches more than just technical skills. It builds confidence, resilience, and character. Through structured riding, teamwork, and consistent support, we help riders of all ability levels challenge themselves, develop strong habits, and gain confidence at their own pace. Every rider’s journey looks different—and that’s exactly how it should be. Not every rider wants to race, and that’s okay. Many of our athletes ride simply to improve their skills, push their limits, and enjoy being part of a team. For those who do want to compete, we offer opportunities to race locally in our grassroots XC events, as well as in the New England Youth Cycling (NEYC) series for riders in  5th through 12th grade. Whether a rider’s goal is personal growth or lining up on race day, we provide a path that supports both. Our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where young riders can grow as athletes and as people—building confidence, learning responsibility, and discovering the joy of working hard toward something meaningful. For more information visit:  www.nwdevo.com   Shamrock Run & Walk Bristol CT Shamrock Run & Walk Bristol CT  takes place on March 21st at Chippens Hill Middle School.  Packet pick-up / Registration 7:00am Kids Fun Run - 8:45am 2 Mile Run - 9am     &     2 Mile Walk - 9am 5 Mile Run - 10am Be cheered on by Sonar from the Wolfpack hockey team, MOJO from the Bristol Blues, Benny the bowling pin from Sparetime Entertainment and the cow from Chick-fil-A.  Sign up at www.ctshamrockrun.com to be sure to get your t-shirt and swag bag!                      Bristol Adult Education Events Handmade Moments - A Birthday Greeting Card Class, 3/18/26, 6:00 - 8:00 PM This beginner-friendly card making course introduces students to the joy of creating handmade greeting cards using paper crafting techniques. We’ll have fun with hands on practice of layering, stamping, simple die-cutting, and embellishing while creating 2 finished Birthday greeting cards. No prior experience is required. This course encourages creativity, relaxation, and confidence in artistic expression. Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/ Chair Yoga Class, starts 3/19/26 from 2:00 - 2:45 PM This beginner-friendly chair yoga class that start March 19, 2026 at 2:00pm Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/ All Levels Yoga Class - Spring Session, starts Thursday, March 19th 6:00 - 7:00 PM This all-level yoga class starts March 19, 2026 at 6:00pm Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/ Stained Glass Jewelry Class - March 23, 2026 at 6:00pm In this workshop, students will learn the basic techniques of the stained glass craft to create their very own wearable stained glass art.  Please register using the website, or scan below:  https://bristol.coursestorm.com/   Mattatuck Museum March & April programs and events for kids, teens, and adults at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT.   The Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), in collaboration with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), is hosting the Inclusive School Safety Practices for Students with Disabilities – Parent & Caregiver Dinner Event on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).  This free event will bring together families, educators, disability advocates, and school and community leaders to discuss practical strategies that help support safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. For more information and to register, please see our event flyer. April 27 Parent Event Flyer April 27 Parent Event Accessible Flyer RSVP to April 27 Parent Dinner If you have any questions or need additional information about this event, please email: schoolsafetycenter@wcsu.edu .   Bristol Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer  Bristol Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer  Bristol Bulldogs Youth Flag Football registration. April 19th, 2026 start of the Spring Season  Bristol Eastern High School  To help the youth of Bristol and surrounding towns play Flag football at a competitive level while having fun and being mentored by great coaches." For more information visit: https://bristolyouthfootballcheer.sportngin.com/   YMCA Camp Chase Registration is Now Open for Summer 2026 YMCA Camp Chase is a fun, safe, and adventure-packed summer camp where kids unplug, try new things, and build confidence. With nature trails, sports courts, a pool, climbing tower, zip line, archery, and more, every day is full of movement, friendship, and core memories June 15- August 21 Grades K-10 For more information visit:   https://campchase.org/about-camp-chase/   Bell City Broncos Youth Football Want to play tackle football? Now registering for our Spring League!  Our spring football program (ages 8 - 14) is where the journey begins. Free indoor training starts now, official practices begin March 1 and games will be played from April to June ending with playoffs and a championship game in June.  Our fall football program (ages 5 - 13) is where the journey begins. Free indoor training starts mid July, official practices begin August 1 and games will be played from September to November ending with playoffs and a championship game in November. Visit our website for more information: www.bristolcitybroncos.org   Don't Forget to Follow Us On Facebook! We invite you to follow us on Facebook at the link below and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate our students, staff, and community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KyHMoZgJW/?mibextid=wwXIfr Thank you for your continued support of Bristol Public Schools.

Friday, Mar 13 2026

Superintendent's Weekly Update-March 8, 2026

Dear BPS Community: I attended two events this past week that left me truly inspired. On Thursday night, I had the honor of serving as a judge for the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year competition. Each of the candidates demonstrated remarkable poise, compassion, and character. They spoke passionately about their desire to serve their community and improve children's lives. Congratulations to Victor and Josie for being selected. As superintendent, I am incredibly proud of the way they represent the very best of our students and our community. Their intelligence, resilience, and strong character were evident and inspired everyone in the room. Victor and Josie are thoughtful, driven young people who are already making a positive impact, and I have no doubt they will grow into outstanding leaders in the years ahead. On Friday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Invention Convention at South Side School. Student ingenuity, imagination, and creativity were on full display, and the students enthusiastically engaged judges as they explained their inventions. Congratulations to Maci and Sofia, who will now move on to the Connecticut finals. A special thank you to teacher Leandra Ferony for coordinating such an outstanding event and providing students with this wonderful opportunity to showcase their ideas and talents.  Our community has a bright future with students like these leading the way. I am also grateful to our Mayor, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, and members of the City Council who have attended multiple events at our schools since being elected. It means so much to have them present, spend time with our students, administrators, and staff, and learn more about the great work happening in our schools. I concluded my week by welcoming the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents ( CALAS ) to Bristol for their annual scholarship fundraiser at Ventana’s Restaurant. CALAS is a professional organization and an official state affiliate of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), dedicated to fostering quality education for Latino students and developing Hispanic/Latino educational leaders. It was an honor for our community to host such an important event that supports students and future leaders in education. On Saturday, I attended the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where I had the opportunity to spend time with Bristol Board of Education Commissioner Robert Parenti and Eric Feeney, founder of Friends of Feeney. The mission of  Friends of Feeney is to help children and families who need assistance after heartbreak and tragedy. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to meet a family who shared how they benefited from the generosity and support of Friends of Feeney after a traumatic event. It was a meaningful way to end a week filled with inspiring examples of community, service, and support for our students and families.   In Partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools                                                                                         Invention Convention at South Side School                                                                                    Boys and Girls Club Youth and Junior Youth of the Year Legislative Advocacy: This week, I submitted testimony to the Legislative Education Committee on two important public education funding bills: Senate Bill 7 and House Bill 5002. Both proposals address the “foundation amount” used in Connecticut’s Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula—the base amount of funding the state provides per student. This foundation amount has not been increased since 2013, despite significant cost increases for school districts. Updating this figure and tying future increases to inflation is an important and necessary step to ensure sustainable and equitable funding for public schools. Senate Bill 7, introduced by State Senator Martin Looney, would increase the foundation amount from $11,525 per student to $15,500 over four years and then adjust it annually for inflation. As part of this proposal, urban superintendents are advocating for the foundation amount to increase to $13,500 in the first year (Fiscal Year 2027), rather than $12,500. House Bill 5002 would also increase the ECS foundation amount by tying it to inflation beginning this year. This would raise the per-student amount from $11,525 to an estimated $12,210, with adjustments continuing annually moving forward. My submitted testimony is attached.  I continue to have productive conversations with Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu regarding the school budget and ways we can implement thoughtful structural changes to reduce costs while continuing to support the needs of our students and schools.  In the coming weeks, the Bristol Board of Education will vote on my proposed Superintendent’s budget. Following that vote, we will present the Board of Education’s adopted budget to the Board of Finance on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. School Calendar: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share feedback regarding the school calendar and options for making up school days lost due to inclement weather. Community input is an important part of this process, and I appreciate the thoughtful comments and perspectives shared.  A Board of Education meeting will soon be scheduled to vote on the resolution. Once the meeting date is confirmed, additional information will be shared with the community. Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP): Once again this year, the Bristol Department of Emergency Management, in conjunction with Bristol Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, has conducted the FEMA  STEP Program for 5th-grade students in the city schools.  The program has been well-received by the principals and teachers. The STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning) Program is a FEMA-generated program that educates students on emergency preparedness.  This approximately 90-minute program introduces students to emergency preparedness for themselves and their families through an interactive FEMA PowerPoint presentation.  Students also receive a student manual and a backpack containing a flashlight (batteries included), a whistle, and a Mylar blanket. The STEP curriculum follows the guidance of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers Common Core State Standards.  Many thanks to Harley Graime, City of Bristol Emergency Management Director, for coordinating the program with us every year. Presentation at Ellen P. Hubbell School Presentation at West Bristol School Read Across America Week and United Way Read Across America Day: Schools across Bristol recently celebrated Read Across America Week and United Way Read Across America Day by welcoming guest readers into our classrooms to share the joy of reading with our students. We were especially proud to host the United Way Read Across America Day kickoff at the Bristol Senior Center, where we welcomed volunteers who then traveled to schools in both Bristol and New Britain to read with students. It was wonderful to see so many community members come together to support literacy and inspire a love of reading. Thank you to all the guest readers who generously gave their time, and to the sponsors who helped make the day possible, including Bristol Health, Otis, and American Eagle. Partnerships like these help create meaningful experiences for our students and strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.        Read Across America Day Kick-Off at the Bristol Senior Center                                                    With the guest readers at the Read Across America Day Kick-Off at the Bristol Senior Center                                                                       MyAmerica Project: Eighth-grade students at Chippens Hill Middle School (CHMS) will be participating in the MyAmerica Project as part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. As part of this meaningful initiative, students worked in groups of four to five to design a square patch that represents their ideas, values, and vision of America. Each group hand-drew its design onto a piece of fabric, which will then become part of a much larger project. The patches will be sewn together with contributions from students across all 50 states to create a giant American flag that will be displayed on Boston Common in Massachusetts. This powerful project was originally created after the events of 9/11 as a way to bring people together and celebrate unity across our country. It is inspiring to see our students take part in such a symbolic effort as we approach this historic milestone.  Thank you to Mrs. Danielle Federowicz, Red Team 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, for organizing the effort at CHMS.

Monday, Mar 09 2026

FRC Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter March 2026 Director’s Thoughts We are entering March feeling overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support shown by the Bristol Community. Last month, Governor Lamont released his proposed budget adjustments, which include a detrimental cut to FRC funding. FRCs across the state asked their communities to advocate on our behalf to the legislature - in total, we received  467  letters of support, with  100  of those letters coming from the Bristol community! Thank you to all of the families, students, teachers, district staff, and community partners who took action on our behalf!  We want to take this opportunity to share a few quotes from the many amazing letters you shared with us. “As a teacher, our Family Resource Center has educated my students, their parents, and myself. They support students' academic achievement, parents' understanding of their children's needs as they develop, and teachers' understanding of how to best support students with different needs. They have connected countless families with supports in our community for food, clothing, and childcare.” “FRC has made sure my children do not go without food and many other resources such as coats and gloves for winter and Christmas toys and essentials.” “The FRC is an imperative part of our community. I have spoken to children who describe it as a place they can get extra clothes and snacks that cannot be provided at home. I have seen children bring home food to help their families through tough times. For my family, it has been an irreplaceable resource for finding support for my young children and community for myself in trying to navigate special ed services and early childhood programming.” “The FRC at the school I teach in holds our school together.” “The FRC has helped out our daughter so much! Through the programs she had blossomed in the classroom and at home. She has come out of her comfort zone so much, and she is gaining confidence in herself.” Program Spotlight! We would like to thank our amazing local and state grant partners!  Their support allows us to staff 3 full-time FRCs in Bristol, as well as funding the supplies and other necessary expenses for many of the FRCs’ programs for students and families.   This month, we’d like to highlight a mini grant with a big impact!  Thanks to the  Bristol Rotary Club , we are able to partner with one of Bristol’s community gems, The Environmental Learning Centers of CT, and fund field trips for our weekly Play & Learn group participants.  So far this year we’ve visited Barnes Nature Center and Indian Rock Nature Preserve.  Our small participants have loved seeing (and often touching!) the diverse wildlife that is native to our region, while learning about their homes, what they like to eat, and how they survive the cold winter months. Donation Requests We are accepting gift cards to local grocery/department stores and transportation services (e.g. Stop & Shop, Aldi, ShopRite, Walmart, Uber/Lyft, Cumberland Farms/ gas stations).  Several BPS families have experienced major losses this year (house fires, serious illness/injuries, etc).  In addition, the rising costs of food and other basic living expenses has hit many members of our community extra hard.  Having cards on hand allows us to provide direct assistance quickly, when needed.  Please contact your FRC for more information. We are also ALWAYS in need of children's socks, underwear, and sweatpants/leggings, in sizes 5-18!  (Gently used is absolutely fine for clothing; socks/underwear must be new only, please).  Each FRC has several children come down to see us every single day, due to various types of mishaps occurring before or during the school day.  It can be a hardship for parents to bring in a clothing change during the day, especially those who travel longer distances for work.   Parenting and Family Support Although we are in the coldest part of winter, it’s never too early to start dreaming of warmer days and planning for summer fun.  211 Child Care  is an online database of youth programs, child care providers, summer camps, and more. Parents can search for programs based on their child’s ages, interests, and more. Here in Bristol, the largest three summer camp programs are through the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, Indian Rock Nature Preserve, and Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services.  These programs fill up quickly, so early registration is key!  Summer 2026 information can be accessed on each organization’s website: see below for more information. Indian Rock:  https://elcct.org/education/summercamp/ Financial assistance is available to qualifying families!  Applications are due on March 1st, 2026. Applications received after March 1st will be accepted based on camp space availability.  Scholarship application is linked  here. Bristol Boys & Girls Club:  https://www.bbgc.org/programs/summerprogram Bristol Parks & Rec:  https://bristolct.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx?type=activities Additional limited scholarships are available for qualifying families; please contact your FRC or the individual programs for more information.  Most summer programs also accept  Care 4 Kids . Generation Power CT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program  opens its final assistance cycle of the season from Monday, March 2 through Tuesday March 10. Eligible Connecticut households may receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses. Click the link below to learn more about eligibility requirements and access application materials: https://gpct.org/gethelp/ All Around the Town Read to your Favorite Horse! Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center 733 Hill Street, Bristol, CT Monday March 2,  2:00 pm - 5:00 pm  Registration required -  https://www.shepardmeadows.org/events-calendar   Celebrate National Read Across America Day with us by bringing your favorite book to read to your favorite horse!  Spring Story Time  Manross Library, ages 5 and under Thursday March 5, 10:00-10:30 AM | Every Thursday  No registration required Spring is on its way! Drop into the library for a celebration of the spring season filled with songs, stories and movement. Pajama Storytime Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St Plainville, CT 06062 United States Thursday March 5, 6:00 pm  No registration required  Wear your pajamas and bring your best stuffed animals for this cozy storytime Playful Learners with Miss Emma! Imagine Nation A Museum Early Learning Center, ages 3 and under Friday March 6, 10:30-11:30 AM | $12.51 per session Registration required –  imaginenationct@gmail.com This is an ongoing program for children under 3 years old! Each week, children and their parents will explore play-based learning in our museum studios. The hour-long program includes gross motor fun in the kinetic studio, an educator-led activity or experience, and time to explore the museum together.  Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Demonstration Indian Rock Nature Preserve, 501 Wolcott Road, Bristol, Connecticut, 06010 Saturday March 7, 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM Pre-registration Preferred  but Walk-ins are Welcome Breakfast is $10 per adult, $7 per child. Children 12 months and under are free. Dine in or take out pancakes (plain, apple, and chocolate chip) served with pure maple syrup, bacon/ sausage, and choice of coffee, milk, or orange juice. When you come for breakfast, be sure to visit our animals indoors and our outdoor maple sugaring demonstrations. Learn how to identify a Sugar Maple and try your hand at tapping a tree. See the different methods that Native Americans and colonists used to collect and boil sap to make maple syrup and sugar. Learn how you can make maple syrup in your own backyard on a small scale and visit our mobile sugarhouse to learn how we make our maple syrup. If pure maple syrup is one of your favorite things, ELCCT’s own maple syrup and maple candy will be available for sale. Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater BAIMS, 70 Memorial Boulevard, Bristol, CT 06010 March 7, 7 PM: HUSH Crew (K-Pop Dance) March 14, 7 PM: Fleetwood Macked (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) For more information or to purchase tickets, click  here. All Things Green  Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center 175 Shrub Road, Bristol, CT, 06010 Sunday March 15, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm  No registration required  Members: Free Non-member children: $5 Join us for an indoor St. Patrick’s scavenger hunt! Follow the clues to the pot of gold! Children are welcome to join staff and volunteers for an ongoing St. Patrick’s Day craft activity to take home. The Cycle of Persephone: Kid-Friendly Greek Story Time The Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave, Bristol, CT March 20, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Celebrate the First Day of Spring with Us with myth, music, and movement. Story time is included with regular museum admission—no additional ticket required. To register or for more information, click  here. Crafts and Fun!  Leprechaun Lookers  Materials Needed 2 Paper towel or toilet paper rolls Green paper or green paint  Scissors Glue  Ribbon  Decorative materials  glitter, pom poms, gems, stickers, pipe cleaner, etc Instructions Cut out green paper to fit your paper rolls OR paint the rolls green  Glue the 2 paper rolls together, making sure the ends are lined up Decorate the 2 rolls  Cut and glue ribbon to the inside of the binoculars   Check us out on Instagram!     Follow us on Facebook!     Read more on our Website!        Bristol Family Resource Centers South Side School       Greene-Hills School       West Bristol School                                                                                                21 Tuttle Road           781 Pine Street                   500 Clark Avenue

Wednesday, Mar 04 2026