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Superintendent's Weekly Update- January 16, 2026
Dear BPS Community, This Monday, January 19, 2026, all Bristol Public Schools will be closed in observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At Bristol Public Schools, we believe Dr. King’s words and legacy speak directly to the heart of public education. Each day, our students, educators, and staff are called to greatness through service to others, a shared commitment to equity, and a passion for learning that unites us all. Together, we continue the work of teaching and learning with purpose, preparing students not only for academic success but to serve, lead, and uplift others. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Board of Education Budget Workshop: The Bristol Board of Education will hold its first Budget Workshop for the development of the 2026–27 Board of Education Budget on: Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:00 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers 111 North Main Street and via Zoom During this workshop, I will present the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget. Zoom Information: Bristol Board of Education - January 24, 2026 - Budget Workshop Meeting Meeting ID: 914 9511 1557 Passcode: 538029 _____________________________________________________________________________ Meeting with Bristol Legislative Delegation: Thank you to Representatives Cara Pavalock-D'Amato, Mary Fortier, and Joseph Hoxha for taking the time to meet with Director of Finance Jodi Bond and me last Thursday to discuss the current status of education funding in Bristol. Senator Henri Martin was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. We appreciated the opportunity to share our district’s needs and to engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can collaborate to advocate for increased education funding, support that is critical to sustaining high-quality educational opportunities for our students while helping to ease the burden on local taxpayers. We value your partnership and continued commitment to the Bristol community. ICE Enforcement Action Protocol Update In consultation with our legal counsel at Shipman & Goodwin , Bristol Public Schools implemented an ICE Enforcement Action Protocol last year. These protocols are designed to protect students and staff, ensure compliance with the law, and provide administrators with clear guidance should Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any immigration officer come to school property or request information. While there have been no substantive legal changes, Shipman & Goodwin has issued an updated version of its guidance, and our protocols have been revised accordingly. The updated protocol is attached for your reference. Our schools remain safe, welcoming environments for all students. Bristol Public Schools continues to be guided by established legal protocols and the advice of counsel. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Superintendent. Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program is available to students who: Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance School District, and Are enrolled in an approved educator preparation program in Connecticut. Eligible students may receive up to $10,000 annually for undergraduate or graduate programs. Application Deadline: February 6, 2026. Please see the attached flyer for more information 10th Annual Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair The 10th Annual Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair will take place on: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Bridgeport This free event is the l argest college fair in Connecticut, featuring over 185 colleges, universities, businesses, military representatives, and gap-year programs . All high school students and their families are encouraged to attend.
Friday, Jan 16 2026
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ALICE Implementation Update
Dear BPS Community: Please see attached communication regarding ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) Implementation. Best, Iris
Thursday, Jan 15 2026
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Superintendent's Weekly Update- January 11, 2026
Dear BPS Community: Last Wednesday evening, the Bristol Education Foundation hosted a reception honoring this year’s Mini Grant Award recipients. The awardees were also recognized during the Staff and Student Recognition portion of the regular Board of Education meeting. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thank you to the Bristol Education Foundation for your continued generosity and support of Bristol Public Schools. I look forward to visiting classrooms to see these innovative proposals come to life. Thank you to Maura Hopkins, Occupational Therapist at Ivy Drive School, for sharing these photos highlighting our students and their New Year’s resolutions centered on kindness and fun. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) Implementation: What is ALICE? ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate . It is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to responding to violent critical incidents, including active threat situations. Unlike traditional lockdown procedures that rely on a single response, ALICE provides staff with options so they can make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of an incident. What ALICE Is — and Is Not ALICE is: A framework that empowers adults to make situational decisions Focused on communication, awareness, and safety Designed to be flexible, not one-size-fits-all ALICE is not: A mandate to take physical action A replacement for law enforcement A program that encourages unsafe behavior Staff Training Comes First Over the past several months, all district staff have participated in ALICE training led by certified district trainers. This training included clear explanations, guided scenarios, and opportunities for questions and feedback. Ensuring that adults are well-prepared and confident is a critical step before any student instruction takes place. Student Instruction Will Be Age-Appropriate Students will be introduced to ALICE concepts only after staff training and family communication. Instruction will be: Age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive Focused on awareness, listening to trusted adults, and following directions Free from graphic content or simulations At the elementary level, ALICE lessons use an age-appropriate children’s book and scripted lesson plans designed specifically for young learners. Middle and high school students will receive instruction tailored to their developmental level. Family Communication and Support We believe transparency and partnership with families are essential. Once student instruction begins, families will receive an information summary for each of the five ALICE lessons. Our goal is to prepare students and staff in a calm, thoughtful, and supportive way—without causing fear—while ensuring we are doing everything possible to keep our school community safe. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school administrator or the Office of the Superintendent. Congratulations to Bristol Central High School: Bristol Central High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll by the College Board as a Bronze-level recipient. This recognition reflects the school’s strong commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework and supporting student success: 40% of seniors took at least one AP exam, 30% earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and 8% completed five or more AP exams . The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering meaningful results while broadening student participation. Schools earn this honor annually based on criteria that emphasize fostering a college-going culture, increasing opportunities to earn college credit, and strengthening college readiness. The Honor Roll includes four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum . We are immensely proud of the Bristol Central High School administration, staff, and students for this outstanding achievement. Bristol Central to Host P.S. I Love You Day 2026: I’m pleased to share that P.S. has selected Bristol Central High School, I Love You, to host a Wellness Event focused on supporting student well-being and strengthening connections to community resources. P.S. I Love You Day 2026 will take place on Friday, February 13 , and the 2026 theme is “Be the Light.” The event will feature a variety of interactive stations, facilitated by community partners, that provide students with opportunities to engage in fun, calming, and wellness-focused activities. Students will also learn about local resources available to support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. P.S. I Love You Day is a registered nonprofit organization in New York State dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health. Its mission is to instill hope in those affected by mental illness and to foster a supportive, inclusive community where individuals feel welcomed, loved, and supported. We are proud that Bristol Central High School has been chosen to host this meaningful event and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and school community. Bell City Broncos Training: This free, five-week training program is open to the public and provides a great opportunity for youth to train indoors during the winter months at no cost. Registration is required and can be completed using the link below: https://www.bellcitybroncos.org/rsvpfortraining .
Monday, Jan 12 2026
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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Dear BPS Community: We are grateful for our partnership with the Bristol Police Department. Please join me in thanking them for their ongoing support and for helping to keep our schools and community safe. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools
Friday, Jan 09 2026
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Superintendent's Weekly Update- December 31, 2025
Dear BPS Community, I hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school this Friday, January 2, 2026 . As we close out 2025, I would like to share some pictures of the wonderful work done by the Kids in the Middle program. Kids in the Middle is a partnership between Bristol Public Schools and the United Way. It serves as an incredible opportunity for our middle school and older students to connect with something bigger than themselves. The program provides a safe and fulfilling opportunity for our youth to actively engage with both the school and local communities. This holiday season, our students have been spreading cheer and goodwill. From craft nights at the nursing home, sorting food drive goods, and preparing feast boxes for families, to holiday bingo and Challenger Program celebrations, our students have been touching lives with kindness and sharing the magic of the season. I am excited to announce that that Kids in the Middle participated in the Festival of Food Creations Gingerbread House Competition , which benefits the St. Vincent DePaul Shelter, and their "Kindness Village" entry won the Youth Award. Kids in the Middle is looking forward to a new year filled with adventures that foster a love of volunteering and giving back to both the school and local communities. Please see the collages of pictures from these events. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Dad's Up Front Fathers Luncheon Dad's Up Front’s mission is to eliminate barriers that prevent fathers from being fully present and engaged in their children’s lives by offering advocacy, coaching, and community-based support. The organization is hosting a fathers’ luncheon on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Bristol Boys and Girls Club. Please see the flyer below for more information. Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council The Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is designed to empower parent leaders by keeping them informed about important matters within BPS. As a PAC member, you will also collaborate with the Superintendent to provide input on district priorities and initiatives. PAC will meet on the following dates (all Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) at the Bristol Board of Education: January 29, 2026 March 3, 2026 May 28, 2026 September 24, 2026 November 19, 2026 If you are interested in participating in this council, please Scan or Click QR on the attached flyer. Bristol Bulldogs The Bristol Bulldogs Youth Flag Football Program will begin in Spring 2026. The NFL FLAG Spring Season is the ultimate way to level up before the fall. Registration will be available soon on SportsEngine. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Wednesday, Dec 31 2025
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All Bristol Public Schools and Offices Closed, Tuesd...
Dear BPS Community: All Bristol Public Schools and Offices will be closed today, December 23, 2025. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and New Year. Be Safe. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools
Tuesday, Dec 23 2025
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Superintendent's Weekly Update- December 19, 2025
Dear BPS Community: As we approach the holiday break, my heart is truly full. Across our district, I have been inspired by the generosity, kindness, and joy shown by our staff, students, and families. From the many food and toy drives organized by our schools to the festive spirit days, moments of camaraderie, and simple acts of fun and connection, our community has fully embraced the spirit of the season. These efforts remind us that our schools are more than places of learning—they are places where compassion, teamwork, and care for others are modeled every day. I am deeply grateful to our students for their enthusiasm, our staff for their leadership and dedication, and our families and community partners for their continued support. Another highlight of the week was the exciting news that Emily Gao, a senior at Bristol Central High School, has been accepted to Yale University . Congratulations to Emily on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of you. Emily’s success reflects her hard work, determination, and leadership, and it also stands as a testament to the exceptional BPS staff and administrators who are dedicated to providing our students with the highest-quality education and the preparation needed for a bright and prosperous future. Please note that all Bristol Public Schools will be open for a full day on Monday, December 22nd, followed by a half day on Tuesday, December 23rd. Schools will be closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026. School will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026. Wishing you all a relaxing and joyful holiday season, and I hope the break brings rest, laughter, and time with loved ones. In partnership, Iris White Superintendent of Schools Author Visit to Chippens Hill Middle School Author Mat Heagerty visited Chippens Hill Middle School this past Monday, December 15. Mr. Heagerty, author of LumberJackula and other books, spent time engaging with a small group of students, and I had the opportunity to observe his thoughtful and meaningful interactions. Mr. Heagerty was honest and transparent as he shared his own challenges as a student and offered valuable insights into his writing process. His message resonated deeply with students, providing both inspiration and encouragement. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Monica Soto for the tremendous work and thoughtful planning that went into making this visit such a success, including securing the funding to support the event. Thank you as well to the Chippens Hill staff and administrative team for ensuring students experienced an inclusive and engaging learning opportunity. Finally, thank you, Mr. Heagerty, for being such an inspiring presenter and positive role model. Northeast Middle School Northeast Middle School wrapped up a fantastic food drive this week, thanks to the leadership and creativity of the NEMS Student Council. Students promoted the drive-through morning announcements and posters throughout the building. They added an element of fun by organizing a friendly competition among teams to see who could collect the most items. By the end of the week, an impressive 1,000 items had been collected. Congratulations to the Northeast Middle School Student Council, and thank you for your hard work, teamwork, and commitment to helping others in our community. Grinchmas at West Bristol I had the pleasure of visiting West Bristol School this morning to celebrate Grinchmas and read to Ms. Boulli’s second-grade class . Thank you to the students for being such excellent listeners and for the beautiful Christmas cards. I truly appreciated them. We are also grateful to the many guest readers who joined in the celebration, including Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and Police Chief Mark Morello , whose participation made the day even more special for our students. Finally, thank you to Judy Michaud and Sharon Dixon for continuing to promote a love of reading, and to the entire West Bristol administration and staff for making learning fun and allowing students to demonstrate their creativity. Influenza and Norovirus Update: Please see the attached letter from the Bristol Burlington Health District with recommendations for mitigation measures to reduce exposures and limit further spread of influenza in our schools.
Friday, Dec 19 2025