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Superintendent Weekly Update
Good Afternoon, I hope everyone is having a good week. Please see my Weekly Update below. This update will also be posted on our website. Please note that all Bristol Public Schools and Programs will be closed this Monday, February 17th, and Tuesday, February 18th, in observance of President's Day and break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, February 19th. Wishing everyone a great long weekend! Legislative Efforts : Last Friday, Representatives Joe Hoxha and Cara Pavalock-D'Amato met with Director of Finance and Operations Lynn Boisvert, Assistant Director of Finance Jodi Bond, and myself to review the Superintendents Budget Proposal and collaborate on how to advocate for increased funding for our schools. We are thankful to Bristol's legislative delegation for their efforts on behalf of our community. I will be participating in the following meetings, focus groups, and hearings to speak directly to lawmakers and education officials to advocate for more funding for our schools, with more events to follow in the coming weeks: -Alliance Superintendents Special Education Working Group , Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. to meet and plan the next steps for a meeting with the Special Education Legislative Group. -Appropriations Committee Public Hearing, Thursday, February 20th, beginning at 3:00 -Hartford Area Superintendents Association (HASA) meeting with Legislative Education Committee, March 4th, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Kindergarten Registration: We are excited to invite you to register your child for kindergarten! In order to enter kindergarten, your child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2025. Bristol Public Schools makes it easy for you to register through its Central Registration Office at 129 Church Street in Bristol or online by using this link, Kindergarten Registration - Bristol Public Schools . Kindergarten Registration letter waiver process letter Spanish Parent Letter Kindergarten Registration SpanishKindergarten Waiver Process 2025-26 Personnel Appointment: I am pleased to announce that the Board of Education appointed Mrs. Erika J. Coleman as Principal of Ivy Drive School last week. Mrs. Coleman was appointed Interim Principal of Ivy last fall. While serving as Interim, Mrs. Coleman managed daily building operations to maintain continuity and stability and ensure that school operations ran smoothly during the interim period. She has spent her entire career serving the Bristol community in various educational and administrative roles, including Assistant Principal at Greene-Hills and West Bristol, District Assessment Coordinator, Supervisor of Elementary and Pre-K-5 Literacy, and K-8 District Literacy Coordinator. In each of these roles, Mrs. Coleman has been praised for her data-driven decision-making skills, budget management and resource allocation, staff supervision, and curriculum development and implementation knowledge. She serves on multiple professional committees, including the District Continuous Improvement Team and District Culture and Climate Committee, and she has previously served as a Bristol Public Schools TEAM Mentor. Mrs. Coleman is committed to promoting a culture of high expectations, continuous professional growth, and a shared vision for success. Her approach to leadership is rooted in active listening, problem-solving, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of all students. Mrs. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Graphic Communication, a Minor in Art History and K-12 Art Education, and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. She also holds Administrative 092 Certification and Connecticut Professional 102 in Remedial Reading. CALAS Scholarship: The Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Supervisors (CALAS) is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship. The deadline for Scholarship Applications is Saturday, March 1, 2025. Nominations are only open to individuals from school districts represented in the CALAS membership, which includes Bristol. Below are the links with additional information and applications for each scholarship: High School : $1000 College : $1250 Educator : $1500 In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Thursday, Feb 13 2025
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Bristol Public Schools and Offices Closed Tomorrow T...
Good afternoon, Due to the impending storm tomorrow, all Bristol Public Schools and Offices will be closed on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Stay safe. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Feb 05 2025
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National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, 2025
Dear BPS Community, This week, February 3rd-7th, 2025, we celebrate National School Counseling Week. At this time, we pause to recognize the unique contribution of school counselors within our school system. Our counselors are not only academic advisors, but they are also critical in supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our students. Their commitment to student success is admirable and often life-changing. Their efforts go far beyond the classroom, and we are grateful for everything they do to help foster a supportive, nurturing environment for all. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Monday, Feb 03 2025
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BPS on a Two-Hour Delay, Monday, February 3, 2025
Dear BPS Community, Bristol Public Schools will be on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 3, 2025. Stay safe. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Monday, Feb 03 2025
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Support for our Coaches and Student Athletes
Dear BPS Community, Over the past six months, I have affirmed that Bristol Public Schools first priority is the safety and well-being of all students. This priority extends to athletics. Athletics is an important outlet for student leadership, growth, character development, and self-confidence. Our student-athletes continually inspire us with their commitment, resilience, and teamwork both on and off the field. As we celebrate their achievements, it is equally important that we focus on their well-being—physical, mental, and social-emotional. Coaches play a vital role in our youth’s development, and it is crucial that they have the skills and supports they need to thrive in this role. Our goal is to foster and facilitate positive relationships between coaches with student-athletes and families. Our coaches, teachers, and administrators each play a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment throughout every stage of our students’ educational journey. Together, we support student-athletes through intentional goal- setting—both individually and as a team—while emphasizing academic and athletic growth, providing personalized guidance and feedback, and maintaining clear, open communication with students and their families. When student- athletes or their families have questions or concerns, we prioritize direct communication between students, families, and coaches, ensuring that our coaches remain attuned to students' experiences and perspectives. The Athletics Department is dedicated to the holistic development of athletes, coaches, and teams. This includes supervising coaches and teams, delivering constructive feedback, and facilitating professional learning to enhance coaches’ technical expertise, instructional strategies, and communication skills. If concerns arise that a team environment does not align with our commitment to fostering a positive and growth-oriented experience, the Athletics Department may initiate a thorough review. This process may involve interviewing student-athletes, meeting with families, observing practices and competitions, and consulting with coaches, assistants, and other relevant individuals. Consistent with the goal of supporting the holistic development of student-athletes, actions that could be taken after the review is conducted can include facilitated conversations to assist in the restoration of the coach-student relationship, additional student supports, continued professional development for coaching staff, increased targeted supervision and feedback, administrative consequences, revision to athletic policies, or other necessary interventions. In most cases, the outcomes of such reviews remain private and confidential. Formal communication regarding a student-athlete’s continued participation and experience will be shared only with those directly involved in the review process. Bristol Public Schools will continue to strive to cultivate an environment where respect, inclusion, encouragement, and a sense of belonging are at the heart of every classroom and every athletic team. A positive culture not only enhances performance but also fosters lifelong friendships and character development. May we make a commitment to continue to work together to build a school system that reflects our values and who we want our children to be. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Jan 29 2025
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Dear BPS Community, Our number one priority continues to be our students' safety. We are committed to protecting our students' rights to a quality education and fostering a sense of safety and belonging for all. We recognize the challenges and concerns that many of our families may face regarding immigration enforcement, particularly in light of the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Per the Connecticut Trust Act , it is important to understand that ICE cannot enter non-public areas of an organization without consent or a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge. Such a judicial warrant must be issued by a federal court and signed by a federal judge. While ICE visiting a school is not something we have cause to anticipate at this time, out of an abundance of caution, the school administration will be briefed with direction should the situation arise. The following building protocol remains in place: All visitors must check in via the intercom and, if permitted entry, sign in with the front office. Unauthorized individuals should not be granted access. Students are not permitted to leave school with anyone other than a parent or legal guardian or without specific permission from a parent or legal guardian. This is the information we currently have, but please be aware this is an evolving situation. Please also note that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is working with the Governor's Office to provide districts with further guidance. This guidance will also be shared with the community as it becomes available. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Friday, Jan 24 2025
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School Closed- Monday, January 20, 2025 for Dr. Mart...
Dear BPS Community: This is a reminder that all BPS Schools and Programs will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday. All BPS Schools and Programs will reopen on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Thursday, Jan 16 2025
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BPS Schools and Programs Closed this Monday, January...
Dear BPS Community, Happy New Year! I hope you and your families have health, peace, and happiness this year. Please note that all BPS Schools and Programs will be closed on Monday, January 6th, 2025, in observance of Three Kings Day. All BPS Schools and Programs will reopen on Tuesday, January 7th. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Thursday, Jan 02 2025
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Aspiring Educator Diversity Scholarship- Spring 2025...
Dear BPS Community: The Aspiring Educator Diversity Scholarship for Spring 2025 is open! This scholarship is open to ALL graduate and undergraduate education students of color who graduated from an Alliance School District in CT (Bristol Public Schools is an Alliance District). Please see the attached flyer for additional information. If you have questions, contact Owen Quinn at owen.quinn@ct.gov. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Tuesday, Dec 31 2024
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BPS 2 hour delay, Monday, December 16, 2024
Good Morning, Bristol Public Schools is on a two hour delay, today, Monday, December 16, 2024. Stay safe. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of SchoolsMonday, Dec 16 2024