Your January BPS Newsletter is here!

Dear BPS Family, It has been a very exciting start to 2023!  Our students and staff are in full swing and looking forward to finishing the second half of the school year strong!  Last week, we messaged parents and guardians of Grades PK-7 with their child's assigned school for the 2023-2024 school year.  Next week, we will communicate dates for orientation and informational sessions (scheduled for March 2023) for any family assigned to a new school.  In case you missed it, here is my Superintendent Update Looking Ahead in 2023 from earlier this month, which revisited our BPS Equity through Excellence Framework, 2019-2024 District Priorities and Indicators of Success, and some 2022 highlights. Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Educator Carolyn Kielma Named Finalist for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year Honor Yesterday, Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced that Carolyn Kielma – who was recently selected as the 2023 Connecticut Teacher of the Year – has been named by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) as one of five finalists under consideration to become the 2023 National Teacher of the Year, the nation’s highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers.  The five finalists will next be interviewed by the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee, which is managed by CCSSO, and the committee’s final selection for 2023 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring.  We could not be more proud of Carolyn.  This is an extraordinary achievement for Carolyn and her family, Bristol Public Schools, and the State of Connecticut.  She was well-deserving of the state’s highest teaching honor and I know that she will continue to represent our district and state with pride as a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  Carolyn is a talented, dedicated, and exemplary educator and I am truly excited for the impact that she will continue to have beyond her classroom.  Congratulations, Carolyn!  Please click here for the official release. Ivy Drive Principal Emily Gomes to Receive Neag School Alumni Award for Outstanding School Administrator Earlier this week, the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut and its Alumni Board announced the 2023 Neag School Alumni Awards honorees.  Ivy Drive School Principal Emily Gomes will be formally recognized as the 2023 Outstanding School Administrator at the Neag School’s 25th Annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Saturday, March 11, 2023.  Ivy Drive was recently named a Connecticut School of Distinction.  Please click here for the official release. Dr. Kimberly Culkin Named Chief of Talent Management; Dr. Samuel Galloway Named Superintendent of Somers Public Schools As you may know by now, Dr. Kimberly Culkin will commence her new role as Chief of Talent Management of Bristol Public Schools on April 1, 2023.  Dr. Culkin has served as BPS' Director of Special Services since 2019.  Dr. Samuel Galloway will begin his new role as Superintendent of Somers Public Schools on the same date.  Please join me in congratulating Dr. Culkin and Dr. Galloway on the next chapters of their careers!  In addition to twelve years of special education leadership experience, prior to joining Bristol Public Schools, Dr. Culkin served as the Director of Human Resources of Region 14 Schools from 2015-2019.  She will also be teaching a graduate course in educational leadership at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut this spring.  As part of the transition, the position of Director of Special Services was posted immediately with an anticipated start date of April 1.  However, if a candidate is identified and available prior to the start date, the transition will commence sooner. Board Budget Workshops As our administration prepared the 2023-2024 recommended school budget, we continued to progress the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan.  The following aspects of the plan will occur for next school year: Edgewood Elementary School will close in June of 2023 and students will be redistricted for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Bristol Early Childhood Center pre-kindergarten students and school readiness programs will become one program in the newly redesigned Pre-K Academy at Edgewood School for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Our recommended budget also addressed the sunsetting of federal relief funds that served as supports to address post-pandemic learning and facility needs.  Board Budget Workshops were held on January 17 and January 24, 2023. Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt announced that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture awarded 32 grants (72 applications) from the Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant to develop and enhance farm-to-school programs.  Selection was highly competitive, and the review was conducted by a statutorily authorized review panel and Commissioner Hurlburt.  This is the second round of the pilot program, which was funded for two years through the American Rescue Plan Act and administered in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative.   Bristol Public Schools was awarded $24,090 to pilot a new program!    Seed-to-Table is a an after school program that promotes basic gardening and cooking principles and skills.  Principles include food safety, freshness, seasonality, and locality and some skills include garden plantings, care, and harvesting; cooking skills such as washing, peeling, and cutting; and cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, sautéing, and pan-roasting.  Throughout the 18 months, cooking lessons will be taught by local chefs.  The pilot program will be completed over 18 months at Ivy Drive School and Greene-Hills School.  Please click here for the official release. As always, we are BPS! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Dream Without Limits. Leave a Legacy of Strength. 2022-2023 School Year Motto AROUND THE DISTRICT Every month, different schools share a few positive happenings, both inside and outside of their classrooms. Greene-Hills School GHS Kicked-Off 2023 with the Tunnel of Hope Greene-Hills welcomed students back to school in the new year with their signature Tunnel of Hope.  Families, administrators, teachers, staff, and school mascot “Sharpie” greeted students at the main entrance with encouraging messages and slogans for the new year.  As a Kids at Hope School, Greene-Hills believes All Students Are Capable of Success, No Exceptions! GHS Recognizes Students of the Week, Every Week Greene-Hills celebrates one student from each grade level every week who demonstrates their Gator S.H.A.R.P. expectations!  They are so proud of their students for being S afe, H onest, A lways Respectful, R esponsible, and P roductive. GHS Launched Pet Therapy Program Students and teachers welcomed several therapy dogs into their K-8 classrooms this year.  Graysen, one of their favorite four-legged friends, is a trained therapy dog through Bristol Public School’s Pet Partnership Program and District Family Resource Centers.  Graysen’s owner and Greene-Hill staff member Ms. Fries is able to bring Grayson to school every Friday.  K-8 classes are able to sign-up for a visit with Graysen, who is trained to provide comfort and care to all the students and adults within their school building. Connecticut Children's "PJ Day for the Kids" A Success Students raised funds for Connecticut Children's "PJ Day for the Kids" and all proceeds benefitted their Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  Radio stations 95.7 and KC101 also promoted this special day by an in-person visit to Greene-Hills and some special treats from Dunkin’ Donuts. Mountain View School Students Donated through Can the Principal Food Drive Mountain View students participated in the “Can the Principal” food drive and donated hundreds of canned goods to donate to Brian’s Angels, a local homeless shelter.  Each grade level also brought in different items to prepare sandwiches and pasta to be distributed by Brian’s Angels. STEM Mondays with CTOY Carolyn Kielma National Teacher of the Year Finalist and Connecticut Teacher of the Year Carolyn Kielma has volunteered at Mountain View for STEM Mondays once a month for the past six years.  Mrs. Kielma creates fun, interactive projects for fifth grade students to expand their understanding of science and engineering. The Polar Express Visited Mountain View The Polar Express stopped at Mountain View on a cold day to warm the teacher’s hearts.  The students in Mrs. Kelley’s class decorated their cart and delivered hot cocoa to all of their teachers. Stafford School Math Facts One Step at a Time Stafford teacher Betsy Sheer created a DonorsChoose project that was fully funded at $3,780 by 16 donors before her retirement last school year.  Mathematics is a critical school subject and all students need to remember and recall basic math facts, which are imperative for students to continue to be successful as they progress through each grade level.  By placing addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts on the stair treads in stairwells, these facts will be a visual learning tool and seen on a daily basis.  Students use the stairwells every day to travel to art, music, lunch, and bus arrival and dismissal. Stafford Hosts First Ever Door Decorating Contest Stafford School held its first ever “door decorating contest” in December.  Students invited community heroes to be judges including Chief of Police Brian Gould, Fire Chief Richard Hart, Okee the Fire Dog, and Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano to view all of the doors and announce the winner.  The Hartford Courant covered the event. Jammies Jam a Huge Success With the help of Stafford's PTO and dedicated staff, 298 family members suited up in their pajamas and came to dance as disco lights twirled and music filled the gym.  The students, dubbed the "Happy Hawks", had a great time and danced until bedtime. DONORSCHOOSE SPOTLIGHT The Real Magic School Bus: Virtual Reality Science Experiences at Bristol Central High School This project provided high school students access to virtual field trips using the Oculus Quest virtual reality headset.  Many students have never traveled beyond Connecticut, but the Oculus Quest allows them to explore deep ocean trenches, fly over volcanoes, view Planet Earth from the International Space Station, and shrink down small enough to watch the DNA "code of life" be translated into functioning proteins busily running a cell.  The options are endless when classes are not limited by travel costs and logistics.  The teacher designed lessons with this technology that will take her students out of her classroom and straight into the future of learning.  This project was fully funded at $767 by 11 donors.  The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matched every donation. "I am struggling to find the right words to convey the exact mixture of excited, humbled, and motivated that I felt having received the news that this project was fully funded.  I cannot wait to implement virtual reality experiences with my students.  Now more than ever, it is so important for them to see and understand the wide, amazing world around them, and with technology like this, such opportunities are not impeded by space, time, and travel.  Not even the sky is the limit!  I am already so thrilled with the immediate response of my students to this technology and I am very much looking forward to finding more and more ways to incorporate virtual reality into future lessons. Thank you so much!" - Ms. Zoe Mendal, Teacher at Bristol Central High School For more information and to give to a project, please visit www.donorschoose.org/bristol . BPS ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 Bristol Public Schools Annual Report In case you missed it, Bristol Public Schools published its first-ever annual report.  This report highlights many of the accomplishments of scholars and staff in the classroom, competition, and community throughout the 2021-2022 school year.  Please click here to review the annual report.     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 1.25.23 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Educator Carolyn Kielma Named Finalist for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year Honor   (This story is featured in every local, state, and most national news media.) 1.24.23 Neag School Alumni Board Announces the 2023 Alumni Award Winners 1.16.23 Sunday is a fun day to be at the library 1.12.23 Bristol Elementary Students Combine PE and Coding with Unruly Splats 1.10.23 Hubbell Elementary School celebrates National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 1.8.23 Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant recipients announced 12.24.22  Bristol Central High School might be gaining a sister in Genoa, Italy 12.21.22  South Side School Community Club takes trip to Bristol Police Department, Fire Department, Post Office 12.16.22 Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School holds first art gallery event 12.10.22 Accountability Results Show the Pandemic Impacted Indicators Beyond Test Scores; Ivy Drive School Named School of Distinction Bristol Public Schools 129 Church Street, Bristol, CT 06010 Phone: 860-584-7000 | Fax: 860-584-7611

Thursday, Jan 26 2023

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT EDUCATOR CAROL...

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT EDUCATOR CAROLYN KIELMA NAMED FINALIST FOR THE 2023 NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONOR (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced that Carolyn Kielma – a science teacher from Bristol Eastern High School who was recently selected as the 2023 Connecticut Teacher of the Year – has been named by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) as one of five finalists under consideration to become the 2023 National Teacher of the Year, the nation’s highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers. The five finalists will next be interviewed by the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee, which is managed by CCSSO, and the committee’s final selection for 2023 National Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring. “Connecticut has the best public school teachers in the nation, and I am delighted to hear that our extraordinary teachers are receiving national recognition for their service,” Governor Lamont said. “Ms. Kielma has provided so many students in the Bristol Public Schools system with a top-level education, and I’ve heard nothing but extraordinary compliments about her from her colleagues and students, many of whom I had the honor of meeting late last year when we visited Bristol Eastern High School to surprise Ms. Kielma with the announcement that she has been selected as Connecticut Teacher of the Year. She has made a real impact on the lives of many young people, and I thank her for her dedication to Connecticut’s public schools.” “We are so proud and excited to have Carolyn Kielma represent Connecticut as a National Teacher of the Year finalist,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Carolyn is a dedicated educator, focused on providing all her students the best possible, highest-quality learning experience. She believes that learning is not about knowing the right answer – it is a process of discovery. Carolyn is also a model of inspiration for her peers and is so deserving of this honor.” “We could not be more proud of Carolyn,” Dr. Catherine Carbone, superintendent of Bristol Public Schools, said. “This is an extraordinary achievement for Carolyn and her family, Bristol Public Schools, and the State of Connecticut. She was well-deserving of the state’s highest teaching honor and I know that she will continue to represent our district and state with pride as a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. Carolyn is a talented, dedicated, and exemplary educator and I am truly excited for the impact that she will continue to have beyond her classroom. Congratulations, Carolyn.” “I cannot wait to head to our nation’s capital and get to work to elevate this career. I am ready to work with my teacher colleagues across all disciplines and grade levels, states and territories to reform policy and practice that continues to promote equity and inclusion, while providing opportunities for all of our scholars to be successful," Kielma said. " I am ready to show the nation how valuable and vital teachers are to the health and future of our society as I inspire others to view our job as respected, desired, and prestigious.“ Ms. Kielma has taught her love of science to students in Connecticut since 2002. For the last 15 years, she has taught biology, biotechnology and forensics, environmental science, anatomy and physiology, and the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) class at Bristol Eastern High School. Since earning a bachelor of science degree in biology from Susquehanna University and a master of science degree in secondary education from the University of New Haven, Ms. Kielma has found her greatest reward comes from the successes of her students – not just in science, but in life. Ms. Kielma believes teaching is not only about curriculum but also helping young people become better humans. Her goal is to provide an inclusive environment, where all students feel valued, accepted, and treated with equity. She believes learning is not about knowing the right answer; it is a process of discovery. As AVID coordinator at her school, Ms. Kielma works to close the achievement gap by providing opportunities that prepare all students for college readiness and success in a global society. She provides professional development to inspire teachers across her district and travels nationwide to train teachers in engagement strategies that promote equity and inclusion. Ms. Kielma recently received a fellowship grant from Fund for Teachers to study wolves, bears, and elk at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and within Yellowstone National Park and share her experiences virtually with her urban students. She also coordinates STEMonday, a monthly science, technology, engineering, and mathematics challenge that connects and builds relationships between elementary and high school students. ###

Wednesday, Jan 25 2023

Early Release Schedule 1/25/23

Good Morning, All BPS schools and programs will follow an Early Release schedule today, January 25, 2023. No PM Pre-k and all afterschool programs and activities are cancelled. Be safe and be well - Mike Michael Dietter, Ed.D Deputy Superintendent

Wednesday, Jan 25 2023

Potential Early Dismissal Tomorrow 1/25

Dear BPS Families, Given tomorrow's weather forecast, please ensure that you have arrangements for your child in the event of a potential early dismissal from all BPS schools and programs.  Unfortunately, the weather forecast is not clear enough to make a decision this evening.  In the event of an early dismissal, we will try to make a decision and notify you between 8:00-9:30am tomorrow, as we would need to adjust breakfast and lunch schedules. In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools

Wednesday, Jan 25 2023

Tragedy in Los Angeles

Dear BPS Families, The tragedy in Los Angeles, California, reminds us of the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.  Messages like this are far too frequent.  Violence in all forms is reprehensible and this tragic event highlights that mental health has no age. Teen mental health is a growing concern for our nation.  As educators, we strive to create intellectually safe learning spaces that support our scholars as they process unsettling events.  Our students are watching, listening, and learning.  If your child needs any further support, our school psychologists, school counselors, and other social-emotional support staff are here to help.  Please see the attached resources and do not hesitate to reach out. The resiliency and willingness to learn that our scholars continue to show in the midst of distressing national news is truly remarkable.  One community at a time, we can set the example that humanity is inherently good. In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Jan 23 2023

Early Release Inclement Weather January 23, 2023

Good Morning, All BPS schools and programs will follow the Early Release schedule today, January 23, 2023.  There will be no PM pre-k and all afternoon activities will be rescheduled. Thank you - Mike Michael Dietter, Ed.D Deputy Superintendent

Monday, Jan 23 2023

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to our families and staff that celebrate and follow the lunar calendar!  I hope that this year is filled with good health, happiness, and optimism for you and your families.  Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year and while it is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, this holiday is also celebrated in Korea, Mongolia, Singapore, Tibet, Vietnam, and many Asian communities worldwide. Cultures celebrating Lunar New Year have different ways of greeting each other during the holiday.  In Mandarin, a common way to wish family and close friends a happy New Year is “Xīnnián hǎo,” meaning “New Year Goodness” or “Good New Year.”  Another greeting is “Xīnnián kuàilè,” meaning "Happy New Year."  Traditional greetings during Tết in Vietnam are “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) and “Cung Chúc Tân Xuân” (Gracious wishes of the new spring).  For Seollal, South Koreans commonly say "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (May you receive lots of luck in the New Year), while North Koreans say "Saehaereul chuckhahabnida” (Congratulations on the New Year). Happy New Year! Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Sunday, Jan 22 2023

2023-2024 School Placements

Dear BPS Families, This message is for Grades PK-7 parents and guardians.   Today, you will receive an email with your child's assigned school for the 2023-2024 school year.   You will be asked to input a pin to access the letter.  Each letter is personalized; therefore, it has a security measure similar to the way you access report cards. Later this month, we will communicate dates for orientation and informational sessions (scheduled for March 2023) for any family assigned to a new school. In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Wednesday, Jan 18 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dear BPS Families and Staff, Today, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader and champion for racial equality in the United States.  On this day, we promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Bristol Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all students regardless of race, nationality, ethnic group, primary spoken language, socioeconomic class, age, ability, exceptionalities, sexual orientation, family structure, or gender have access to equal learning opportunities.  Through our partnership with the Connecticut Center for School Change and the creation of our Equity Leadership Team, we are examining current and best practices to explore racial awareness and identity, create equity-centric classrooms, and support the unique needs of each child in our classrooms. As Dr. King eloquently said, "I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear." I hope you are enjoying your three-day weekend! In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Monday, Jan 16 2023

Superintendent Update

Dear BPS Families, As a reminder, all BPS schools and programs will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 16, 2023.   All BPS schools and programs will resume on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.  In case you missed it, here is last week's update, Looking Ahead in 2023 , which revisited our BPS Equity through Excellence Framework, 2019-2024 District Priorities and Indicators of Success, and some 2022 highlights. New Board of Education Commissioners It was my pleasure to introduce two new Bristol Board of Education Commissioners, Jill Fitzsimons-Bule and Maria Pirro Simmons, earlier this week.  Both Commissioners were sworn in at the City Council meeting and their terms commenced immediately.  We look forward to their future leadership and collaboration. Board Budget Workshops As our administration prepares the 2023-2024 recommended school budget, we will continue to progress the Reimagining BPS 2023 Plan.  The following aspects of the plan will occur for next school year: Edgewood Elementary School will close in June of 2023 and students will be redistricted for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Bristol Early Childhood Center pre-kindergarten students and school readiness programs will become one program in the newly redesigned Pre-K Academy at Edgewood School for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Our recommended budget will also address the sunsetting of federal relief funds that served as supports to address post-pandemic learning and facility needs.  Board Budget Workshops will be held on January 17 and January 24, 2023, at 6:00pm in the Board of Education auditorium. Dr. Kimberly Culkin Named Chief of Talent Management; Dr. Samuel Galloway Named Superintendent of Somers Public Schools I am excited to share that Dr. Kimberly Culkin will commence her new role as Chief of Talent Management of Bristol Public Schools on April 1, 2023.  Dr. Culkin has served as BPS'  Director of Special Services  since 2019.  As you may know, Dr. Samuel Galloway will begin his new role as Superintendent of Somers Public Schools on the same date.  Please join me in congratulating Dr. Culkin and Dr. Galloway on the next chapters of their careers! In addition to twelve years of special education leadership experience, prior to joining Bristol Public Schools, Dr. Culkin served as the Director of Human Resources of Region 14 Schools from 2015-2019.  She will also be teaching a graduate course in educational leadership at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut this spring.  As part of the transition, the position of Director of Special Services has been posted immediately with an anticipated start date of April 1.  However, if a candidate is identified and available prior to the start date, the transition will commence sooner. Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt announced that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture has awarded 32 grants (72 applications) from the Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant to develop and enhance farm-to-school programs.  Selection was highly competitive, and the review was conducted by a statutorily authorized review panel and Commissioner Hurlburt.  This is the second round of the pilot program, which was funded for two years through the American Rescue Plan Act and administered in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative. Bristol Public Schools was awarded $24,090 to pilot a new program!   Seed-to-Table is a an after school program that promotes basic gardening and cooking principles and skills.  Principles include food safety, freshness, seasonality, and locality and some skills include garden plantings, care, and harvesting; cooking skills such as washing, peeling, and cutting; and cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, sautéing, and pan-roasting.  Throughout the 18 months, cooking lessons will be taught by local chefs.  The pilot program will be completed over 18 months at Ivy Drive School and Greene-Hills School. In partnership, Catherine M. Carbone, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Friday, Jan 13 2023