Superintendent Weekly Update- March 28 , 2025

Good afternoon,

Please see my weekly update below.  Please note that all Bristol Public Schools will be closed this Monday, March 31st, 2025, in observance of Eid-Al Fitr.  All BPS will reopen on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Have a great weekend.

In partnership,
Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools

National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025:  Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is observed on the first Wednesday of April each year to show gratitude for paraprofessionals' hard work and dedication in schools.  This year, the celebration will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd. The day seeks to bring these professionals to the forefront and show them a little extra love for all the incredible work they do, day in and day out.   Our paraprofessionals are crucial in supporting students and teachers, and their contributions should be acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you paraprofessionals for all you do!

Nominations for Paraprofessional of the Year:   Bristol Public Schools seeks nominations for Bristol's 2026 Paraprofessional of the Year.  The Paraprofessional of the Year Program recognizes outstanding paraeducator contributions to schools and communities. The program honors one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of his/her job, thereby earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, co-workers, and parents. Please click here to complete a nomination form: Para of the Year Nominations

West Bristol (WB) Read Around the World:  Let the Adventure Begin:  Instead of celebrating Read Across America for just one day, WB School took the entire month of March to visit countries. Their program Read Around the World: Let the Adventure Begin, offered virtual field trips to other lands and cultures. Our basic themes were about diversity and appreciation for others' heritage. Students and teachers were sent a packet of slides every morning featuring a new country. Students were also given an opportunity to "pick their own trip", by filling out a travel ticket in the library. Many students were very excited to want to know more about their family's background and traditions.  Students visited over 20 countries during our program. Slides included tours of Puerto Rico, Israel, Japan, Italy and Ukraine. Besides tours, the slides also included, teaching languages, food, traditions, festivals and at least one read aloud book that pertained to that country. In addition, some student readers who took it upon themselves to research the country of their choice and create their own Google slide packet to share with another classroom. Some student readers choose to read picture books to classrooms and discuss how that country was different and how it was similar to our region. WB's goal was simple, give students a view into the lives of people all over the world. When kids embrace diversity, it empowers them to respect and value what makes them different. Click here to see pictures from the event.

Student and Family Resources Pertaining to Immigration Activities 

As a follow-up to the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Guidance to K-12 Public Schools Pertaining to Immigration Activities, below is a list of Connecticut state agencies and other resources that may be helpful to refugee and immigrant families and students.

Connecticut State Agencies:

• The Office of Community Services of the Department of Social Services (DSS) – Refugee Assistance Program
• Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) Immigration Hub
• DCF - V.I.T.A.L. (Voice and Choice; Innovate; Thorough and Accountable; Authentic Youth Engagement; Life Launch) Support for Undocumented Youth and families

Additional Resources:

• Connecticut Organizations - National Immigration Legal Services Directory - Nonprofit Resource Center
• Catholic Charities of Fairfield County
• CRIS | Children’s Community Program of Connecticut
• iASC | Immigration Advocacy & Support Center | CT

Food and Nutrition Resources:

• EHC! SNAP Series: Immigrant & Mixed Status Families - End Hunger CT!

Superintendent’s Weekly Update Archive