Superintendent's Weekly Update- April 1, 2026
Dear BPS Community,
Last Wednesday marked the inaugural edition of Superintendent Time with The Bristol Edition. This monthly half-hour program will include three segments: 10 minutes for me to highlight key issues and activities from the past month, 10 minutes to discuss pressing topics, and 10 minutes to address questions from viewers. Please send discussion topics and questions for the Q&A portion to editor@bristoledition.org in advance of the show. Be sure to type “Superintendent Time” in the subject line. You can also follow The Bristol Edition on Facebook and YouTube to receive notifications about future broadcasts. Thank you to the Bristol Edition for providing a platform for me to connect with the broader community.
In other news, a legacy fund has been established to honor the life and contributions of former Board of Education member and community advocate, Karen Vibert, who passed away last summer. Mrs. Vibert was elected to the Bristol Board of Education in November 2007 and served until January 2023. She also served as Vice-Chair from December 2011 to December 2013 and again from November 2015 to November 2019.
Mrs. Vibert raised her family in Bristol, volunteered extensively throughout the community, and dedicated 12 years of service to the Board of Education. Grants from this donor-advised fund will support charitable organizations, with a focus on education and programs that benefit the well-being of children. If you are able, please consider joining me in supporting this meaningful cause or learning more here: https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/karen-vibert-legacy-fund.
The month of April is filled with special opportunities to recognize and show our appreciation for the many staff members who contribute to the success of our schools each and every day.
Today, we celebrate Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and on Saturday, April 4, 2026, we recognize National School Librarian/Media Specialist Day. We are grateful for the dedication, care, and expertise our paraprofessionals and library/media specialists bring to their work in supporting our students and school communities. We truly appreciate all that you do!
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, 2026, all BPS students and staff are encouraged to wear blue to recognize Autism Awareness Day in support of individuals with autism and their families.
As a reminder, all Bristol Public Schools and Offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026 in observance of Good Friday.
In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education Regular Meeting:
The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place this evening, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the BOE Auditorium, 129 Church Street. The agenda, which is attached to this post, includes a vote on the high school graduation date and the last day of school.
The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/97752601419?pwd=cXNQbFFZZ01WbGVvbzBJM1hpcXQrZz09
Meeting ID: 977 5260 1419
Passcode: 928900
Bristol Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Ceremony:
On Sunday evening, the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame hosted its 27th Annual Jack Hines Scholar-Athlete Award Ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton. One hundred local student-athletes were honored, including four Bristol Public Schools students who each received $2,000 scholarships:
- Lily Kirk and Julia Pikiell, Bristol Central High School
- Kaelyn Gonzalez and Corinne Sutula, Bristol Eastern High School
Bristol Eastern High School Lancer Robotics Team:
Congratulations to the BEHS Lancer Nation Robotics Team for their outstanding performance competing against strong teams from across the state. This past weekend, they were awarded the Rookie of the Year Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Hartford.
A special thank you to advisors Rocco Martino and Michael LeClair for their dedication and commitment to our students.
Congratulations, Kara Jandreau – Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant Recipient:
We are proud to share that Bristol Eastern High School teacher Kara Jandreau has been selected to receive a Fund for Teachers Fellowship Grant. This prestigious award supports educators in pursuing experiences that enhance their teaching, enrich student learning, and strengthen school communities. This summer, Kara will travel to Ireland and Scotland, where she will explore the landscapes, culture, and literary traditions of both countries. Her work will focus on how authors transform place, memory, and emotion into art, and how both urban and rural settings can inform inclusive, student-centered classroom practices.
This fellowship is funded through the generosity of Dalio Education. This year, only 28 Connecticut teachers were selected—and this marks Kara’s second time receiving this honor. Yesterday, representatives from Fund for Teachers came to Bristol Eastern to announce the award in person. Congratulations, Kara!
Torrington Savings Bank Scholarship:
We’re excited to share that the Torrington Savings Bank Scholarship is now open to graduating seniors. This program offers a $10,000 award ($2,500 per year for up to four years) to support post-secondary education.
Key Details:
- Application deadline: May 1, 2026
- Finalist interviews: June 16, 2026
- Eligibility: Seniors whose families are customers of Torrington Savings Bank
- Requirements: Recommendations, transcript, college acceptance letter, and a short essay
First 100 Plus Class of 2026:
I am honored to share that I have been nominated by Prudence Crandall as a member of the First 100 Plus Class of 2026. This recognition highlights leaders across Connecticut who are working to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families.
I look forward to attending the 15th Annual First 100 Plus Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.
Thank You for Your Support:
Thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday, March 25, to support Special Olympics athletes during Jersey Mike’s Subs Day of Giving. Bristol raised over $11,000! Your generosity will help send members of Team Connecticut to the Special Olympics USA Games.