Superintendent's Weekly Update- November 8, 2026
Posted Date: 11/08/26 (08:00 PM)
Dear BPS Community,
As we recognize Veterans Day, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. Their courage, steadfastness, and willingness to put their lives on the line in service to others reflect extraordinary strength of character and a commitment to something greater than themselves.
It is especially important that our young people understand that the freedoms we enjoy and the opportunities available to us did not come by chance. They were made possible through the service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of generations of veterans. We must never take these freedoms for granted.
Throughout November, Bristol Public Schools will host ceremonies and special events to welcome veterans into our schools, so that students and staff may recognize and celebrate their service. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for our students to hear their stories, witness examples of courage and character, and develop a deeper understanding of the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that the next generation not only remembers the sacrifices made on their behalf but also learns from the values our veterans represent: bravery, perseverance, integrity, and commitment to others.
To all veterans, including those within our BPS family and throughout the Bristol community, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your example. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families of our veterans, whose support and sacrifices are an important part of their loved ones' service.
May we honor our veterans not only through our words and ceremonies but also through the gratitude, respect, and responsibility we demonstrate every day.
We are forever grateful.
Better Together,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
National School Psychologists Week: November 9–13, 2026
This year, National School Psychologists Week, organized by the National Association of School Psychologists, will be celebrated November 9–13. The theme, "Inspire Connection," highlights the important role school psychologists play in building meaningful relationships, supporting student mental health and academic success, strengthening collaboration, and creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school communities.Our BPS school psychologists are essential partners in helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. They work closely with students, families, teachers, and administrators to identify needs, overcome challenges, and ensure that students have the support they need to succeed.
To our incredible BPS school psychologists, thank you for your expertise, compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students. The relationships you build and the support you provide make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and throughout our school communities.
You truly inspire connection, and we are grateful for all that you do!
Better Together: Relationships, Shared Purpose, and Student Success
This week, I joined superintendent colleagues at the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Summit, centered on the theme “Cultivating a Community of Excellence During Challenging Times.” The opening keynote was delivered by Margaret Wheatley, Ed.D., an internationally acclaimed leadership author.
Wheatley’s published leadership work emphasizes that organizations grow stronger through trusting relationships, meaningful conversations, and a shared sense of purpose. She describes how people develop new ideas and solutions when they have opportunities to learn from one another and contribute to work that matters. These ideas connect directly to our work in Bristol and our theme, Better Together—Learning our way to improvement. When our educators participate in professional learning and bring that knowledge back to their colleagues, we put learning together into practice. When school leaders and district departments work together to address concerns, we strengthen the relationships that help our schools function well. When we seek feedback from students, families, and staff—including through our climate surveys and special education review—we recognize that improving our schools requires the perspectives of the people we serve.
Wheatley also emphasizes that a clear, shared purpose helps people navigate uncertainty. In Bristol, our vision that every student is Connected, Supported, and Engaged provides that direction. It asks us to consider whether our decisions strengthen students’ relationships, provide the support they need, and create meaningful opportunities for learning and participation.
For me, the connection is clear: the way we work together as adults helps create the conditions our students need to succeed. Listening, building trust, sharing responsibility, and learning from one another are essential to making our vision a daily experience for every child. Thank you to our educators, staff, families, and community partners for putting Better Together into action throughout Bristol Public Schools.
Congratulations to Maci!I am incredibly proud to congratulate Maci Hopkins of South Side School on being named one of seven statewide finalists for the Connecticut Kid Governor election! Maci has also been selected to serve on the Connecticut Kid Governor's Cabinet!
What an outstanding accomplishment and tremendous honor for Maci, her family, South Side School, and the entire Bristol Public Schools community! The Connecticut Kid Governor program provides students with an opportunity to experience civic engagement firsthand, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of using their voices to make a positive difference.
Maci's achievement reminds us of the tremendous potential of our young people when they are encouraged to share their ideas, advocate for issues that matter to them, and take an active role in their communities.
As a member of the Kid Governor's Cabinet, Maci will have the opportunity to collaborate with students from across Connecticut, further develop her leadership skills, and contribute to initiatives that positively impact others.
Congratulations, Maci! We are so proud of your willingness to step forward, demonstrate leadership, and represent South Side School and Bristol Public Schools with such distinction.
A special thank you to Maci's family, teachers, and the entire South Side School community for supporting and encouraging her throughout this exciting journey.
Strengthening Special Education Services in Bristol Public Schools
Bristol Public Schools has partnered with the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) to conduct a comprehensive review of our special education programs, services, and resources. This review will help us identify successful practices to expand and areas where we can strengthen support for students with disabilities.
The review will focus on three areas:
- Resources and staffing: How effectively we align our funding, staff, and services with student needs.
- Policies and practices: How our procedures support timely, appropriate services and meet special education requirements.
- Student learning and progress: How our programs and individualized education programs (IEPs) support meaningful student growth.
Family and staff perspectives are essential to this process. I encourage you to share your experiences when opportunities for feedback become available. Your input will help us better understand what is working well and where improvements are needed.
Our goal is to use the findings to guide meaningful improvements and strengthen our ability to meet each student’s individual needs. We will share updates as the review progresses.
Thank You to the Bristol Business Education Foundation for a Wonderful Trivia Night!
What a wonderful evening of community support!Thank you to all of our administrators, teachers, staff, and community members who participated in Friday evening's Trivia Night in support of the Bristol Business Education Foundation (BEF).
Founded in 1991, BEF is a nonprofit organization and collaboration between the Bristol Board of Education and the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. Its mission is to support educational opportunities that enhance student learning, achievement, creativity, skill development, and excellence in teaching.
Through the generosity of local businesses, community members, and donors, the Foundation helps fund innovative educational projects and experiences that might not otherwise be possible through traditional public funding.
This partnership is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when our schools, businesses, and community work together on behalf of students.
I would especially like to recognize and thank the dedicated members of the BEF Board of Directors:
- Richard Browning, President – Torrington Savings Bank
- Janice Strasser, Vice President – Highstreet Insurance
- Katie D'Agostino, Treasurer – Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce
- Amber Loukoumis, Secretary – Bristol Public Schools
- Joselyn Benoit – Parent and Community Member
- Rachael Gagnon – Torrington Savings Bank
- Carly Fortin – Bristol Public Schools
- Christine Laprise – Bristol Hospital
- Karen Smith – Community Member
District Program Spotlight: Gifted and Talented Education
One of my priorities this year is to highlight the important work underway across our district and to introduce families to the programs, departments, and dedicated staff members who support our students.This week, I am excited to spotlight our District Gifted and Talented Program, led by District Enrichment Coordinator Alan Theriault. Our Gifted and Talented Program provides students with opportunities to think creatively, solve complex problems, conduct independent research, and explore their interests through challenging and engaging learning experiences.
Following the completion of fall testing, newly identified students have joined returning participants in our citywide enrichment program.
At the elementary and middle school levels, students participate in weekly enrichment sessions that emphasize lateral thinking, project-based learning, creativity, and higher-order problem-solving.
In addition to these weekly sessions, each school has a gifted coach who supports teachers and provides additional enrichment opportunities for students.
Recognizing Our School-Based Gifted Coaches
- Bristol Central High School – Shawn Mirmina
- Bristol Eastern High School – John Stavens
- Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School – Caitlyn Dudek
- Chippens Hill Middle School – Jason Stafford
- Northeast Middle School – Dawn Killiany
- Hubbell School – Chris Fanelli
- Greene-Hills School – Melissa Grant
- Ivy Drive School – Mike Tartarelli
- Mountain View School – Gina Martineau
- South Side School – Leandra Ferony
- Stafford School – Rose Ortiz-Diehl
- West Bristol School – Tina Fusco
Challenging Young Mathematicians: Noetic Math Competition
Our students participating in weekly gifted instruction are preparing for the Noetic Math Competition this November. This national competition challenges students to think deeply, apply mathematical concepts, and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Last year, more than 30,000 students across the United States participated.We are excited to see our students take on this challenge and strengthen their mathematical reasoning, perseverance, and problem-solving skills.
Bringing Research and Creativity Together Through Technology
Students are also learning to use WeVideo, a digital video creation platform, beginning with short, one-minute introduction videos.As the school year progresses, they will use the platform to support independent research, communicate their learning, and develop multimedia projects.
We are particularly excited about a new video production studio at Northeast Middle School, developed through a collaboration between Dean Russo, Library Media Specialist, and Alan Theriault, District Enrichment Coordinator.
This studio will serve as a hub for authentic research, creative expression, and student-produced videos, helping students strengthen their communication, technology, and presentation skills.
Learning Through Service: Go Baby Go!
Beginning in December, many of our gifted students will participate in one of our most meaningful hands-on learning experiences: the Go Baby Go! Program.This initiative is a collaboration among our District Gifted and Talented Program, Central Connecticut State University Professor Dr. Michele Dischino, and BPS physical therapists Angela DeNicolo and Maura Hopkins. Through this program, students will engineer and modify battery-powered, drivable toy Jeeps for children with mobility challenges. Working collaboratively, students will apply engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and creativity to customize each vehicle to meet a child's needs. The experience will culminate in the presentation of the completed vehicles to the children and their families.
What makes this initiative especially meaningful is that our students will see firsthand how the knowledge and skills they develop in school can make a real difference in someone's life.
This is learning at its best: combining academic challenge, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and service to others.
More Opportunities to Challenge and Engage Students
As the year progresses, our students will also prepare for district chess and 24 Math tournaments, both of which continue to grow in participation.Our school-based gifted coaches will offer additional enrichment opportunities tailored to students' interests and strengths, complementing the district's weekly gifted programming.
These activities help students build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and experience the joy of learning through exploration and challenge.
These activities encourage students to think critically, work together, persevere through challenges, and approach problems from different perspectives.
I am grateful to Alan Theriault and our school-based gifted coaches for creating engaging learning experiences that challenge students, nurture their talents, and encourage them to reach their fullest potential.
