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National Special Education Day
Dear BPS Families and Staff, Today, Bristol Public Schools observes National Special Education Day, which commemorates the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law on this day in 1975. IDEA granted children with special needs access to free and quality public education. On this day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our students with disabilities and the dedication of our administrators, teachers, staff, and families, who work tirelessly to provide a nurturing, supportive, and individualized learning experience for each child. I want to express my deepest appreciation to the special education educators, specialists, supervisors, paraeducators, and support staff who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. Your commitment and passion help create an environment where every student can grow, learn, and achieve their fullest potential. In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Monday, Dec 02 2024
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear BPS Community, As a reminder, all BPS schools and programs will be closed for Thanksgiving Recess on November 28th and 29th, 2024. All BPS schools and programs will resume on Monday, December 2, 2024. This time of year reminds us to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work in such a welcoming and engaged community. I am truly thankful for your partnership as we continue to fulfill our mission To Teach and Learn with Passion and Purpose. Let us continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and collaborate to overcome challenges. Together we can accomplish so much for the benefit of our students. I hope you have a healthy, restful, and happy recess and can enjoy this time with family and friends. May this time of year bring you and your family warmth, joy, and peace. Happy Thanksgiving! In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Nov 27 2024
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Hubbell School Named a 2023-24 Connecticut State Dep...
Good Morning, Bristol Public Schools Community: With pride and honor, I congratulate Hubbell School on being named a 2023-24 School of Distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The school of distinction is given to schools in the top 10 percent of the state for their performance and/or growth as measured by the Connecticut Next Generation Accountability System. Hubbell School was recognized for ELA Growth for All Students and High Growth for High-Needs Students-ELA. Hubbell's Accountability Index 79.8 was also above the state average of 70.8. These accomplishments testify to the dedication and collaboration of the Hubbell community, including building leadership, teachers and staff, students, and families. They acknowledge the sustained academic achievements, high-quality instruction, and positive school climate that have made Hubbell School a place where students thrive, grow, and succeed. Together, we will ensure that Hubbell School remains a place of excellence. Next Generation Accountability Reports can be viewed on Edsight ( https://public-edsight.ct.gov/overview/next-generation-accountability-dashboard/next-generation-accountability-results?language=en_US ). In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Nov 20 2024
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Business Education Foundation Trivia Night a Huge Su...
Dear BPS Families and Staff, Thank you to all of our administrators, teachers, staff, and community members who came out to support the Bristol Business Education Foundation! A special thank you to the following people and sponsors for making last Friday's Trivia Night a success. Board of Directors Joselyn Benoit Parent and Community Member Richard Browning - Interim President Torrington Savings Bank Michelle Crowley - Secretary Liaison to the Board of Education and Trivia Night Event Lead Katie D'Agostino - Treasurer Central CT Chambers of Commerce Scott Gaudet Principal, Greene Hills School Rachael Gagnon Thomaston Savings Bank Christine Laprise Bristol Hospital Dr. Susan K. Moreau Community Member and Former Superintendent of BPS Donna Osuch School Readiness Program Karen Smith Community Member Janice Strasser Tracy-Driscoll Sponsors Hartford Distributors QA&M Architecture Thomaston Savings Bank Torrington Savings Bank Bristol Health Dr. Susan K. Moreau and Family Bristol Association of Principals and Administrators O'Brien Funeral Home Sign Source M&T Bank David Preleski & Family The Write Fit College and Career Coaching ABOUT BEF Founded in 1991, the Bristol Business Education Foundation (BEF) is a nonprofit organization led by community business leaders dedicated to supporting the mission of Bristol Public Schools. BEF is a collaboration between the Bristol Board of Education and the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. The Foundation funds, promotes, and supports educational endeavors to improve learning, achievement, skill development, creativity, and excellence in teaching. The Foundation and its members recognize the importance of quality schools and provide a way to improve education for innovative projects through private donations and grants that the City of Bristol and public funding sources cannot support. BEF Mini-Grants Program The BEF Mini-Grants program is a way for educators to supplement activities and methods they wish to put into practice in their classrooms. Through an application process, teachers or teams of teachers submit proposals, which can be no greater than $2,000, for review by the Mini-Grants Committee. Each year, approximately $15,000 is awarded to programs that meet the following selection criteria: Innovation Impact on Student Achievement Technology Educational Merit Sustainability Programs that improve student mastery of targeted content areas such as reading, writing, science, math, and physical fitness Collaboration with Arts and Culture In partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Thursday, Oct 31 2024
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Northeast Middle School Groundbreaking Ceremony
Dear BPS Community, Yesterday, we held a groundbreaking ceremony for Northeast Middle School. This new school represents our belief that every child deserves access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that will inspire and engage them. Thank you to our school board, mayor, community members, and local leaders for their unwavering support and dedication to this project and our Northeast Middle School Building Committee for their commitment and guidance. I’d also like to recognize the Bristol Public Schools Facilities Team, led by Mr. Peter Fusco, Tara Landon, and Craig Sgro, who are helping to keep the project on pace and budget. To Principal Sonstrom, your vision for this school has fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation. You have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have a learning environment encouraging growth and creativity. We promise this new space will empower teachers to continue inspiring and educating our students in ways we have only dreamed of until now. Most importantly, this school will be where our students can explore, grow, and prepare for the exciting future ahead of them. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our children, where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In Partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Oct 23 2024
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Making It Official!
Bristol Public Schools' 2025 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Anne Tacinelli, was officially recognized this afternoon at the Board of Education. Congratulations to such an outstanding educator!
Thursday, Oct 10 2024
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Welcome Dr. Megan M. Riley, Dean of Pupil Personnel ...
Dear BPS Community, I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan M. Riley to the position of Dean of Pupil Personnel Services for Bristol Public Schools. Dr. Riley has served Bristol Public Schools in various capacities, including Inclusion Specialist/Special Education Teacher, District-Wide Homebound Tutoring Coordinator, and most recently, Interim Dean of Pupil Personnel Services. Prior to Bristol, she previously worked in North Carolina as a Special Education/Department Chair, where she conducted informal and peer observations/evaluations, participated in the interviewing and hiring process for all special education teachers and staff, and ensured that all reporting timelines and requirements were met for compliance. Across all of her roles, Dr. Riley has collaborated with special education teachers, paraeducators, administrators, and related service providers to reduce barriers and provide inclusive opportunities for students. Since August 2023, Dr. Riley has served as the District-Wide Homebound Tutoring Coordinator, where she has managed district-wide tutoring (homebound, supplemental, parochial) for all students and tutors, supported families during the transition of students to out-of-district placements, and assigned ongoing monitoring of tutors, ensuring IEP tutoring hours and academic needs are met and ongoing progress reported. Dr. Riley earned a Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education from Buffalo State College, a Master's Degree in Special Education: Severe/Profound Disabilities from Western Carolina University, a Master's in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Dr. Riley is a strong advocate for all learners. She is also an effective communicator who prides herself on her ability to build trust and sustain positive relationships. She will continue to be an asset to our district, and I look forward to working with her in her new role. In Partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent
Thursday, Oct 10 2024
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We want to hear from you!
Dear BPS Families, Our district values your feedback and we want to hear from you! We are currently surveying BPS families, students, and staff in order to gain insight into your perception of our school and district effectiveness. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the educational and emotional needs of our learners and prepare them for college and their future careers, we need your feedback. To administer these surveys, we have partnered with Panorama Education to conduct our 2024 Family, Student, and Staff Survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses confidential. The survey should not take more than a few minutes to complete, and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district as good as they can be. You may complete the survey online during the month of October using a computer, tablet, or smartphone by opening the link that will be sent to you by email. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please do not hesitate to contact us at 860-584-3361. Thank you, Iris White Acting Superintendent
Thursday, Oct 10 2024
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Free Greater Bristol Community Health Fair
The Bristol Burlington Health District is holding a free Greater Bristol Community Health Fair on Saturday, October 5th, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rockwell Park Amphitheater. Over 40 vendors will provide our community with information, health screenings, and many community resources for children and adults. There will also be fun kids' activities, great raffles, and free food for the first 200 attendees! Flyers in both English and Spanish are attached. In Partnership, Iris White Acting Superintendent Bristol Public Schools
Thursday, Sep 26 2024
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
Dear Bristol Public Schools Community, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year in the United States from September 15th to October 15th to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to our country. Their achievements, voices, and stories enrich our collective experience and reflect the strength found in our diversity. Bristol Public Schools is committed to fostering an environment where every student’s heritage is valued and celebrated. Our Office of Teaching and Learning has shared resources with district educators to help students learn more about the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. This month, classrooms across our district will participate in various activities and events, including special classroom projects and discussions highlighting significant contributions made by Hispanic and Latinx individuals throughout history. As we celebrate, let us also reflect on the importance of inclusivity and respect in our daily lives. By understanding and appreciating the unique backgrounds and perspectives of those around us, we build a stronger, more connected community. Let us make this National Hispanic Heritage Month a meaningful and enriching experience for all. Sincerely, Iris White Acting Superintendent Bristol Public Schools
Monday, Sep 16 2024