Dear BPS Community:

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and is looking forward to Spring Break next week, April 13–17.
This week, we celebrate National Assistant Principals Week—an opportunity to recognize the leadership, dedication, and countless ways assistant principals support our students, staff, and school community each and every day. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, yet its impact is felt throughout our entire school.

                                                                          Bristol Central HS "Ram"ily


The Board of Finance will hold its second workshop on the city budget on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public, and the agenda is attached for your review. Please note that no vote will be taken at this workshop. The Board of Finance has scheduled its vote on the city budget for April 28.  We will continue discussions with the City regarding the Board of Education budget and will share updates as they become available.

In partnership,

Iris White
Superintendent of Schools


Read Around the World:
In the entire month of March, Judy Michaud, Library Media Assistant at West Bristol School, created travel destinations so that students could see how much in common they had with other students from around the world. Instead of utilizing the Dr. Seuss theme for Read Across America, West Bristol concentrated on common ground, acceptance and pride for your heritage.  Students went to 41 different destinations. Midway through the month,   students were allowed to fill out boarding passes with the country of their family's origin.  West Bristol culminated the program with a spirit day where students had to go home and talk to their parents/grandparents about their cultural backgrounds. With that knowledge, students were asked to create a flag from their country.  The kids wore their flags all day on their spirit day, to show their pride for their family tree. 



  
Words Matter Event:
As Superintendent, I want to thank the City Diversity Council for sponsoring last week’s Words Matter: The Connection Between Words and Emotions event at the Bristol Public Library, moderated by WTNH Anchor Alyssa Taglia. I am especially grateful to Joanne Peluso, Bristol Eastern High School teacher and member of our District Equity Leadership Team, for representing our schools as a panelist.
This event delivered an important message that resonates deeply with our work as educators and as a community: words matter. The language we choose has the power to uplift or to harm, to build connections or to create division. Teaching our children to understand this impact is essential. They are always listening, always learning, and often modeling what they see and hear from the adults around them.
One of the most powerful takeaways was the importance of pausing before reacting, choosing words with care, and recognizing that our everyday interactions shape not only emotions, but relationships and school climate. If we want our children to be kind, empathetic, and respectful, we must model that behavior in our own words and actions.

We also value the continued partnership with the City Diversity Council. Marcus Patton and Dave Rackliffe have met with our District Equity Leadership Team, and BAIMS Principal McCabe and I recently attended a council meeting to further explore opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can continue to create learning environments where every student feels seen, heard, and respected.





Congratulations to Bristol Central High School and Bristol Eastern High School!:
Both schools will be honored at the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Awards Ceremony on April 23, 2026, in recognition of being among the original seven high schools to partner with the program. As UConn ECE celebrates its 70th anniversary, this recognition highlights the lasting impact of its founding partner schools. 

Dedication of Gymnasium in Memory of Lt. Dustin DeMonte:
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Bristol Public Schools will honor the life and enduring legacy of Lt. Dustin DeMonte with a special dedication ceremony at Greene-Hills School. During this event, the school’s gymnasium will be officially named in his memory, recognizing his service, sacrifice, and lasting impact on our community.



Don't Forget to Follow Us On Facebook!
We invite you to follow us on Facebook at the link below and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate our students, staff, and community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KyHMoZgJW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Thank you for your continued support of Bristol Public Schools.