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Superintendent's Weekly Update- December 7, 2025
Posted Date: 12/07/25 (06:24 PM)
Dear BPS Community:
Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, which is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
Thank you to the Greater Bristol NAACP for inviting me to be the keynote speaker at their annual Eddie C. Whitehead/Martin Luther King, Jr Scholarship Fund Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. at Bristol Eastern High School. I look forward to sharing my experiences and talking about how Bristol Public Schools is preparing the next generation to carry on Dr. King’s legacy of service.
This fund was established in 2021 by the Greater Bristol Branch of the NAACP as part of the chapter’s goal of achieving equality through educational opportunities. The scholarship is named in memory of two trailblazers: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Dr. Eddie C. Whitehead, a Bristol resident who was a community leader and one of many community members and pastors who spearheaded the establishment of the Bristol NAACP in 1985.
In partnership,Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
Circle of Security Parenting Program:
We are happy to announce a new parenting resource for students aged 0-8. Please see the flyer below for additional information. Dinner and childcare will be provided free of charge to all registered participants. This program will be offered in English and Spanish. To register, email Kelly at kellyharrison@bristolk12.org or call 860-919-5587.
Bristol Boys and Girls Club OM Show:
The Bristol Boys and Girls Club is once again sponsoring its annual OM show and has opened its portal for students to sign up. This show raises money for the Bristol Boys and Girls Club and has become a big tradition in town. This year's show is called Curtain Call, and rehearsals for children aged 5-11 will be on Sunday afternoons for approximately 1 hour each week. Rehearsals start January 4, 2026, and the show is scheduled for April 17th and 18th, 2026. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program:
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is pleased to share that the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester. This scholarship supports the development of future educators and provides financial assistance to students preparing to enter the teaching profession.
The scholarship is open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) who graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District and are pursuing a degree in education.
Key Details:
- Up to $10,000 in annual financial assistance is available for eligible students.
- Students must be enrolled in a Connecticut-approved educator preparation program.
- The program is established by the Connecticut Legislature and administered by CSDE.
- Application Deadline: February 6, 2026.
Coffee with the Superintendent:
Our next Coffee with the Superintendent will be held in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club:Wednesday, December 10, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cambridge Park — 117 Davis Drive, Bristol
All families and community members are welcome to participate. Please see the attached flyer with the registration link.
B.U.D.D.Y (Building Up Diverse Dynamic Youth) Program:
Thank you to Nicky Yanke, Paraeducator in the LEAD Program at Stafford Elementary School, for presenting at last Wednesday's Board of Education Meeting on the B.U.D.D.Y. (Building Up Diverse Dynamic Youth). The purpose of the BUDDY Program is to connect adults in the building with students in the LEAD Program. These adults provide encouragement, support, and fun by regularly connecting with their students. This connection can take many forms, including activities like drawing, going for a walk, or regular check-ins. We are grateful for programs such as the BUDDY Program, which provides our students with another trusted adult in their lives. Thank you to Principal Farrell, Ms. Yanke, and the staff at Stafford School for all you do to ensure that all of our students receive the support they need to succeed and feel a part of their school community.
Student-Athlete Leadership Council Presentation:
During last Wednesday's Board of Education Meeting, members of the Student-Athlete Leadership Council from Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central shared the Fall Sports Presentation, which highlighted team participation. These student leaders developed the presentation on their own and did an excellent job recognizing their fellow athletes and showcasing the talent at their respective high schools. As a reminder, all Board of Education meetings are uploaded to our Bristol Public Schools YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@bristolpublicschools.
Scheduled Budget Workshops:
We will soon begin our public budget workshop sessions. These workshops provide opportunities for our community to hear discussions around district priorities, resource allocation, and our efforts to support high-quality instruction and student success.Budget Workshop #1 — Superintendent’s Proposed Budget
Saturday, January 24, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Bristol City Hall — Council Chambers
Budget Workshop #2
Tuesday, February 3, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Board of Education Auditorium
Both meetings will be open to the public. For those wishing to participate remotely, a Zoom link will be shared in advance on the BPS district website and via ParentSquare.
Your engagement is critical as we work together to design a fiscally responsible and student-centered budget that advances academic growth, operational stability, and equitable access for all students.
Additionally, Mayor Ellen Zoppo Sassu and I are planning a training for the Board of Education, City Council, and Board of Finance on Education Finance Law, on Tuesday, January 13th, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bristol City Hall Council Chambers. Attorneys Tom Mooney and Jessica Ritter will present the training from Shipman and Goodwin. This training will be open to the public, and a Zoom link will be shared for those who would like to participate remotely.