Dear BPS Community:
I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

Tomorrow, Monday, May 18th, we celebrate School Speech Pathologists Day!  Our speech pathologists make a profound difference each day by helping students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and overcome challenges that impact learning and social development. Their expertise, patience, compassion, and dedication create opportunities for students to find their voices and reach their fullest potential.

We are deeply grateful for the care and professionalism they bring to our schools and for the strong partnerships they build with families, teachers, and staff. Their work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is lasting and immeasurable.




Also, tomorrow, there will be a Joint Meeting of the City Council and the Board of Finance at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, Connecticut.  During this meeting, the joint board will vote on the final city budget package. Please see the meeting agenda attached.  The next step for the Bristol Board of Education will be to schedule a meeting to vote on the 2027 school district budget.


In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools


Congratulations to Chippens Hill Middle School:
Congratulations to Chippens Hill Middle School for being selected as a statewide winner of not one, but two prestigious 2026 Challenge to Educational Citizenship Awards from the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS)!

The awards recognize the school's outstanding projects, "Mindful Mondays" and "Kids in the Middle," which were selected by the State Student Advisory Council on Education and the Commissioner of Education.  A plaque will be presented to school representatives on June 2, 2026, in Cheshire, CT.  

15th Annual Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Breakfast and Awards Ceremony:
On Friday morning, I had the privilege of attending the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) First 100 Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, an inspiring event honoring and celebrating Connecticut leaders who work tirelessly to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families. I was proud to have been nominated by Prudence Crandall as one of the First 100. 

We are proud of the continued partnership between Bristol Public Schools and Prudence Crandall Center, which reflects our shared commitment to supporting the social-emotional well-being, safety, and healthy development of our students. CCADV has been awarded a $36,000 Seedlings Grant to continue and expand their meaningful work over the next three years, from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028.

As part of this initiative, Bristol Public Schools will receive $3,000 annually (for a total of three years) to help support our participation in the project. The focus at the secondary level will continue to center on critical topics, including healthy relationships, self-esteem and boundaries, dating abuse prevention, safe use of technology, and education that empowers students to recognize and build respectful, healthy relationships.

We are grateful for this partnership and for the opportunity to continue providing our students with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.






Youth and Student Prevention Leaders Awards Ceremony:
Last Wednesday, May 13th, the City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services hosted its annual Bristol Youth and Prevention Leaders Awards Ceremony at Bristol Central High School. This special event recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer service and made meaningful contributions to their schools, service organizations, and the greater Bristol community.

The list of award recipients was truly impressive and served as a powerful reminder of the outstanding young people we are fortunate to have in Bristol Public Schools and throughout our community. These students exemplify leadership, compassion, service, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

On behalf of Bristol Public Schools, congratulations to all of the awardees on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your dedication, service, and leadership. You make Bristol proud, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact you will have on our schools and community.

Edgewood Pre-K Academy Move to Greene-Hills:
As renovations begin at the Academy’s permanent location, Bristol Public Schools has decided to relocate the Pre-K Academy program from the Giamatti facility to Greene-Hills School beginning next school year. This move is part of a broader district effort to consolidate operations and maximize resources while continuing to provide a high-quality learning environment for our youngest learners.

We are grateful for the partnership and support we received while utilizing the Giamatti space over the past year. At Greene-Hills, students and staff will continue to have access to safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning spaces designed to support student growth and success.
District staff is actively working to ensure a smooth transition for students, families, and staff. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.