• Your September BPS Newsletter featuring the 2021-202...

    Dear BPS Family, It is officially fall and the weather already feels like the season is changing!  Our scholars are thriving in the new school year and we are heading into family-teacher conferences in October.  Last week, administrators and coaches met for learning walks to share best practices across the district.  Innovative sessions such as these increase student achievement and support teacher growth.  We will continue to release this monthly (September-June) district digital newsletter that will feature the many positive happenings of Bristol Public Schools.  You will hear from us, and we want to hear from you, as we strive to deliver our scholars a well-rounded public education experience! 2021-2022 Bristol Public Schools Annual Report I am very excited to share with you our district’s first-ever annual report!  This report highlights many of the accomplishments of our scholars and staff in the classroom, competition, and community throughout the 2021-2022 school year.  Please click here for the official release of the annual report. Business Education Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser The Bristol Business Education Foundation is hosting its annual Trivia Night Fundraiser for the first time since 2019.  The event is on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol.  Please click here to register today and for more information on purchasing tickets and/or becoming a sponsor. CHET Dream Big! Competition The CHET Dream Big! Competition by the Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office as Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) launched earlier this month.  The competition is open to all Connecticut students in grades K-12.  This year, more than $450,000 in CHET 529 College Savings Plan – Direct Plan (“CHET 529 Direct Plan”) account contributions will be awarded.  There will be three $25,000 prizes, fifteen $7,500 prizes, and 240 $500 prizes.  To enter, students are asked to answer – in the form of a drawing, essay, or video – a question focusing on their dreams of the future (depending on their Grade Level Group), as defined in the official rules.  Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59pm on October 21, 2022.  For more program details, please visit www.chetdreambig.com . Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan and Redistricting In case you missed my recent updates this month, please review the below information in regard to the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan and the topic of redistricting. Phase I of the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan The 2022-2023 school year will be filled with many milestones related to Phase I of our Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan.  The Reimagining BPS 2023 plan occurs in two phases over the next three to four years and will meet the following four BPS Board of Education goals established in March of 2020: Renovate old and outdated schools. Redistrict to create parity in class sizes and demographics. Adopt consistent grade configurations and instructional models across all schools aligned to the developmental plane of the child. Increase access to full-day prekindergarten programming. During this school year, the following aspects of the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan will occur: BAIMS opened and welcomed middle and high school students in August of 2022. Edgewood Elementary School will close in June of 2023 and students in all K-8 schools will be redistricted. Bristol Early Childhood Center prekindergarten students and school readiness programs will become one program in the newly redesigned Pre-K Academy at Edgewood School in the Fall of 2023. We will await to hear from the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management regarding the acceptance of our Northeast Middle School building project. Opportunities to Learn More About Redistricting PTO Meetings with Dr. Carbone and Dr. Dietter Edgewood School on September 20 at 7:00-8:00pm Stafford School on September 27 at 6:30-7:30 pm Ellen P. Hubbell School on October 12 at 5:00-6:00 pm Mountain View School on October 13 at 6:30-7:30 pm West Bristol School on October 18 at 6:15-7:15 pm Greene-Hills School on October 20 at 6:00-7:00 pm South Side School on October 25 at 7:00-8:00 pm Ivy Drive School on November 3 at 6:30-7:30 pm Northeast Middle School on November 7 at 6:30-7:30 pm Family Feedback Sessions with Dr. Carbone and Dr. Dietter We will host two family feedback sessions at Bristol Eastern High School on October 19, 2022, at 6:30 pm and Bristol Central High School on November 17, 2022, at 6:30 pm. As always, we are BPS!  We are better together and stronger than ever! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Calendars 2022-2023 School Year Calendar District Event Calendar Board of Education Calendar Employment Opportunities Seeking highly-qualified, talented, and diverse educators to join Bristol Public Schools. In the News 9.26.22 60th year of the Mum Festival 'went great' 9.13.22 What’s Right With Schools: Bristol school gives students the freedom to explore their creative side 9.2.22 Bristol elementary school holds last back-to-school parade 9.2.22 Edgewood School students march in a parade, celebrate first week of school 9.2.22 Bristol School Begins Final Year Before Closing 8.29.22 Bristol kindergartener rides in fire truck on first day of school 8.29.22 Students return to school on fire trucks 8.24.22 Ready to Start: Bristol Public Schools faculty looking forward to new academic season 8.23.22 Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School, Rockwell Community Theater will open Monday Bristol Public Schools 129 Church Street, Bristol, CT 06010 Phone: 860-584-7000 | Fax: 860-584-7611

    Friday, Sep 30 2022

  • BPS Receives Recognition at Bristol Mums Festival

    Parade floats from Ellen P. Hubbell, West Bristol, Ivy Drive, and Edgewood received recognition today at the 60th Annual Bristol Mums Festival.  Hubbell was awarded First Place in Best Youth.  West Bristol  was awarded Second Place in Best Youth and the Hometown Hero Award.   Ivy Drive was awarded Third Place in Best Youth and garnered the Parade Chair Award.  Edgewood received the Mayor’s Award.  Bristol Eastern's senior Olivia Chapdelaine was crowned as Bristol’s Miss Chrysanthemum 2022.  The festival was hosted all weekend on the field at the newly renovated and restored Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School.  Congratulations to all BPS participants! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Monday, Sep 26 2022

  • Superintendent Update

    Dear BPS Families, It is officially fall and the weather already feels like the season is changing!  Earlier this week, administrators and coaches met for learning walks to share best practices across the district.  Innovative sessions such as these increase student achievement and support teacher growth.  Our classroom visits at Hubbell Elementary School and Chippens Hill Middle School focused on mathematics instruction and implementation of curriculum materials. CHET Dream Big! Competition The CHET Dream Big! Competition by the Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office as Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) launched earlier this month.  The competition is open to all Connecticut students in grades K-12.  This year, more than $450,000 in CHET 529 College Savings Plan – Direct Plan (“CHET 529 Direct Plan”) account contributions will be awarded.  There will be three $25,000 prizes, fifteen $7,500 prizes, and 240 $500 prizes.  To enter, students are asked to answer – in the form of a drawing, essay, or video – a question focusing on their dreams of the future (depending on their Grade Level Group), as defined in the official rules.  Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59pm on October 21, 2022.  For more program details, please visit www.chetdreambig.com or see the attachments. Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan and Redistricting In case you missed my update last week, please click here for updates on the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan and the topic of redistricting. Annual Bristol Mums Festival Today is the official kickoff to the 60th Annual Bristol Mums Festival located on the field at the newly renovated and restored Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School.  The festival is Friday, September 23-Sunday, September 25. BBHD Baby Shower Bristol-Burlington Health District is sponsoring a community baby shower for any Bristol/Burlington resident/family who is either expecting or already has an infant child/children.  The event is free and there will be many healthcare providers and agencies on site.  Please see the attached invitation for more information. Energy Assistance Programs Please see the attached flier in regard to energy programs that can assist families and staff who may be experiencing challenges with their energy bill. Have a great weekend! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Friday, Sep 23 2022

  • Community Update and Positive Case Reporting

    Good Afternoon Staff, Scholars, Parents, and Guardians, The collaboration between BPS and the Bristol Burlington Health District continues to inform and promote the health and well-being of our schools and community. Below is information related to positive COVID cases reported to Bristol Public Schools.   Grade Configuration Cases this Period 8/30 - 9/19 : Total for 22-23 SY: HS and B-Prep 9-12 38 38 MS 6-8 37 37 K-8 42 42 PK-5 54 54 Summary Totals: 171 171   To report a positive COVID test result, please use the reporting tab on your schools homepage or call your school nurse directly.  COVID test kits are available, by request, at all BPS locations.   Information regarding BBHD sponsored vaccine and booster clinics will be forthcoming and communicated via parent square.  Additional information can be found at the links below: Launching into Healthy Learning Pk-12 Operational Strategies Respiratory Disease Prevention Strategies Pk-12 Be safe and be well - Mike

    Tuesday, Sep 20 2022

  • National Hispanic Heritage Month

    During September 15-October 15 , we will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions that the Hispanic and Latinx communities have made to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.  This is also a dedicated time to celebrate the voices, contributions, and accomplishments of our Hispanic and Latinx students, families, and staff. Hispanic Heritage Week was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.  In 1988, the commemorative week was expanded to a month and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.  September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and resulted in the independence of the New Spain Colony (now Mexico and the Central American nations of Costa Rica,  El Salvador,  Honduras,  Guatemala,  and Nicaragua). I would like to acknowledge the emphasis that the Bristol Board of Education has made to hire a highly-qualified and diverse staff by its inclusion in our district’s goals.  One of our district Indicators of Success states that Bristol Public Schools will to continue to implement a multi-tiered recruitment and retention Talent Development Plan to ensure certified and non-certified staffing represent the demographics of our district and community.  I am truly proud of our continued efforts to employ an educator workforce that reflects the students and families whom we serve. In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Thursday, Sep 15 2022

  • Congratulations, Mrs. Alyssa Keane!

    Dear BPS Families, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Alyssa Keane as Dean of West Bristol School! Mrs. Keane has served Bristol Public Schools for seventeen years as a third, fourth, and fifth grade teacher at Greene-Hills School and most recently as a district literacy coach at South Side School.  She was named Bristol Public Schools' 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year and was a Connecticut State Teacher of the Year semi-finalist.  Mrs. Keane led our New Teacher Induction Academy and served on several district and SEL curriculum development committees, the district equity leadership team, and was a TEAM mentor and CREC resident teacher.  She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Merrimack College, a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Alyssa Keane on her new role! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Thursday, Sep 15 2022

  • WTNH/News 8 BAIMS Feature

    What’s Right With Schools: Bristol school gives students the freedom to explore their creative side Please click here or the link above to watch a special WTNH/News 8 feature on the Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Wednesday, Sep 14 2022

  • Wednesday Dismissal Reminder

    Hello, Just a reminder, today Wednesday, September 7th, Bristol Public Schools will be following the Wednesday dismissal schedule. Please see the schedule below for your scholar's dismissal time. Grade Level  Start/End Duration AM PreK @ K-5 9:05 – 11:25 2 hrs. 20 mins PM PreK @ K-5 12:40 – 3:00 2 hrs. 20 mins AM PreK @ K-8 8:15 – 10:40 2 hrs. 25 mins PM PreK @ K-8 12:00 – 2:25 2 hrs. 25 mins Grades K-5 @ K-5 9:05 – 3:00 5 hrs. 55 mins Grades K-8 @ K-8 8:15 – 2:25 6 hrs. 10 mins Middle School 8:15 – 2:25 6 hrs. 10 mins High School 7:35 – 1:35 6 hrs. 0 mins

    Wednesday, Sep 07 2022

  • First Week of School!

    Dear BPS Families, We had a fantastic first week to kick-off the 2022-2023 school year!   As a reminder, all BPS schools and programs will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 5, 2022.   All BPS schools and programs will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. First Week Reminders Please ensure that all opening day documents are signed and returned to your child's teacher and building administration, if applicable.  Additionally, please alert the Board of Education staff if there are any questions or concerns about your child's bus route. BPS Athletic and Extracurricular Spectator Guidelines A reminder to our BPS scholars attending school and district events, scholars attending interscholastic athletic events and extra-curricular performances and activities assume the same special responsibilities as athletes.  Scholars are reminded that they also serve as representatives of our school and district.  Scholars and spectators are expected to behave in a manner that will bring credit to themselves and Bristol Schools.  All BPS students will follow the student  conduct at school activities  while attending BPS home games and when attending games off campus to support Bristol High School athletes.  Additionally, scholars and parents should familiarize themselves with  Policy 5144  Suspension and Expulsion. Expectations Spectators/scholars will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner (no swearing, cat-calls, use of derogatory names, fighting, etc.). Smoking or use of alcohol is prohibited.  This rule pertains to all home and away contests.  Failure to comply with these regulations will result in disciplinary action by the administration. Spectators/scholars will not be allowed to leave the stadium/contest/performance and return. Spectators/scholars will be required to sit in the bleachers or designated area except when they are purchasing items from the concession stand or using the restrooms. Spectators/scholars who throw food, drink, or other items will be escorted from the venue, will not be allowed re-admittance, and may be banned from the venue for the remainder of the school year. Pre-k through grade 8 students must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver readily identifiable at time of entry.  Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to review behavior expectations and guidelines referenced above. Any spectator/scholar who demonstrates unbecoming behavior or behavior that violates BPS spectator expectations will be required to leave school grounds immediately.  Reentry to future events will be determined on a case-by-case basis. At the conclusion of the contest, all spectators/scholars must immediately leave the field/arena; loitering is prohibited. All spectators/scholars attending school contests must have secured transportation and leave school grounds no more than 15 minutes after the conclusion of the game.  Spectators remaining beyond 15 minutes may be subject to restriction from future events. ParentSquare Overview for Parents We will continue to utilize ParentSquare for all school-to-home communications again this school year.  ParentSquare is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with our district and schools.  It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to send and receive school and class information, share pictures and files, see calendar items, sign-up to volunteer, and schedule parent-teacher conferences all in one centralized place.  For even more convenience, please download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices). ParentSquare Overview (English) ParentSquare Overview (Spanish)   First Day of School Video We hope that you have a restful and joyful three-day weekend and look forward to seeing our scholars on Tuesday, when we will continue to live into our 2022-2023 districtwide theme of dreaming without limits ! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Friday, Sep 02 2022

  • Congratulations, Ms. Michelle Cantin!

    Dear BPS Family, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Michelle Cantin as Dean of Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School and Northeast Middle School! Ms. Cantin has served Bristol Public Schools for the past decade beginning as a fifth grade and then seventh grade teacher.   For the past three years, she has served as a district secondary math coach with a focus on middle school instruction.   Over the years, Ms. Cantin has served as a 3-5 Literacy Leader, Middle School Curriculum Coordinator, CIIC Champion, and Team Leader in the district.  She has also been a member of the District Curriculum Council, Professional Learning Planning Council, and District Continuous Improvement Team.  Ms. Cantin has worked across all Bristol middle schools to support our growth in mathematics.   She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in curriculum construction, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in educational leadership all at the University of Connecticut. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Cantin on her new role! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

    Friday, Sep 02 2022