Dear BPS Community:

I want to take this opportunity to thank our community for the outpouring of love and support you have provided to the family of Madison "Birdie" Barbieri and the staff and students at Stafford Elementary School.  I witnessed this first hand early Monday morning, as staff from the Central Office and schools throughout BPS came to Stafford to provide comfort, hugs, and tenderness to all who needed them.  Principal Farrell has shown exemplary leadership during this time, providing her staff and students with the space and grace to process their grief.  

On Tuesday, therapy dogs visited Stafford School, delighting students and staff alike. Please see photos below.

Please join me tomorrow, Friday, May 2nd, by wearing purple or pink- Maddie's favorite colors, in her memory.

With gratitude,

Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools

Teacher Appreciation Week:  
Next week, from May 5th to 9th, is Teacher Appreciation Week, and our schools are planning events to recognize and show gratitude for the wonderful teachers we have at BPS!  Through every challenge and change, you have continued to show up for our students with compassion, strength, and purpose. You are the heart of our schools and the foundation of our students’ success, and you are appreciated every day!


National School Lunch Hero:   
National School Lunch Hero Day is celebrated on the first Friday of May each year, which is May 2, 2025.  It's a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition staff who prepare and serve meals to students.  The day was created by author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka and the School Nutrition Association to honor the often unsung heroes in school cafeterias.  The Bristol School District is fortunate to have David Foulds and Cheryl Pellerin leading our Food Service Department. He and his team play an essential role in helping to ensure that our students have access to nutritious food—especially those who come to school hungry. We are grateful for their service and all they do to support our students.


The Bristol Fine Arts Department will hold its annual Art Show at the Bristol Board of Education building. 

The Art Show, featuring artwork selected from each of our schools, will be available for viewing in May at the Board of Education building.  We will have two Opening Galas to accommodate all the people who want to see the show.  The display of artwork has transformed our Central Office building. Please come and see the beautiful artwork created by our talented students! Viewing can also be arranged during business hours by appointment through the Fine Arts Office.

 
Art Gallery Exhibition: 
Earlier this school year, BAIMS received a donation of Mr. Richard Santorso's life's artwork. Next week, BAIMS will hold an exhibition of this work.  Please see the invitation below; everyone is welcome.  


 
Bristol Eastern High School Students Participate in Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA):  
On April 29th, the CYSA hosted the Youth Services Bureau at the Capitol, where two students from Bristol Eastern High School had the incredible opportunity to engage directly with legislators and connect with young leaders. Scarlett Fulton participated as a panelist, answering questions from both the moderator and the audience, and had meaningful conversations with the representatives.  Luke Viens actively participated in the Q&A session, asking insightful questions about the issues affecting his community. Both of them did an outstanding job, and BEHS was excited to see them make the most of such a valuable experience.

Please note the change of location for this event from Rockwell Theatre to The Doubletree, Bristol: