Superintendent Weekly Update- April 11 , 2025

Dear BPS Community,

Please see my latest Superintendent's Weekly Update below. As a reminder, all Bristol Public Schools and Programs will be closed Monday, April 14th, through Friday, April 18th, for Spring Break. They will reopen on Monday, April 21st. I wish you all a wonderful week ahead!

In partnership,

Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools

Connecticut Federation of School Administrators (CFSA) Administrator of the Year:  Congratulations to our own Dr. Jessica Lemos, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, for being recognized with the 2025 Administrator of the Year Award from the CFSA. She was nominated by her colleague, Ms. Courtney Decker, also a BPS Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services.

Dr. Jessica Lemos brings 23 years of experience in education. Prior to her current role, she was the Supervisor of Special Education for Watertown Public Schools, where she established a collaborative partnership with Post University to create a transition program supporting students with disabilities on the university campus.

Before her tenure in Watertown, Dr. Lemos worked with Cheshire Public Schools as the Instructional Leader for the Quinnipiac University Collaborative Transition Programs. In that role, she helped expand services and developed a new curriculum. Additionally, she worked at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, providing support to school districts and families in increasing access to the general education curriculum for students with intellectual disabilities through initiatives such as the Coaches Academy, STAR Team, and Families and Partners grant projects.

Dr. Lemos is a leader who fosters a sense of community and shared purpose by valuing strong relationships and ongoing communication. She encourages collaboration among all stakeholders and promotes educational innovation by nurturing a culture where risk-taking and experimentation are celebrated. She believes it is her responsibility to shape a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and focused on the growth and well-being of all members of the educational community.

CFSA will present this award to Dr. Lemos at their annual dinner at Viron Rondo Osteria in Cheshire on May 6th. 

Charlotte’s Web:  Charlotte’s Web will be presented live at the Rockwell Theater tomorrow, Saturday, April 12th, at 3:00 p.m.   Please see the attached flyers below for more information.

Legislative Update: The Connecticut Legislative Session is now at the midway point. The School and State Finance Project has compiled a summary of key legislation voted out of the Education Committee that affects K-12 education funding and policy in CT. Please click here to access this summary: column 1. 

Chippens Hill Middle School:  Congratulations to the actors, stage crew, and directors of James and the Giant Peach, Jr. Your performance was so impressive, and your hard work shined during the performance! Enjoy photos below:



 
 

K-12 Architecture Week: American Institutes of Architecture (AIA) Connecticut, the Architecture Resource Center, and the Connecticut Architecture Foundation are excited to announce their upcoming K-12 Architecture Week, an engaging educational initiative designed to introduce young minds to the world of architecture and sustainable design.  This year’s program includes two hands-on events for children ages 8–12, where they will build solar roofs. If you know a child in this age group who may be interested in attending, registration is listed below:

• Eli Whitney Museum – April 14th, 1:00–3:00 PM
• New Haven Free Public Library – April 16th, 1:00–3:00 PM

These events are free for all participants thanks to generous support from AIA National ($1,500 grant) and the Connecticut Architecture Foundation ($750 grant).

Support BCHS Italian Teacher Gina Gallo:  The Bristol Board of Education is proud to support BCHS Italian teacher Gina Gallo, who is once again a finalist in a national voting contest—with an incredible opportunity at stake.  The winning school will receive $25,000 and a visit from Bill Nye the Science Guy!

Ms. Gallo's goal is to use these funds to create a student travel scholarship fund, helping to offset costs for study abroad and exchange opportunities—ensuring more students can benefit from global learning experiences.

I am certainly NOT claiming to be America's Favorite ANYTHING...but this is a great opportunity for minimal effort. 
 How You Can Help:
 Vote once a day until May 1—it only takes a moment! VOTING IS FREE!!! 
 Use Facebook to verify your vote.
 Share the link with friends and family!
 Vote here: America's Favorite Teacher - Gina Gallo

Superintendent’s Weekly Update Archive

CLA Financial Operations and Controls Assessment Documents

• CLA Financial Operations and Controls Assessment Summary
• CLA Financial Operations and Controls Assessment

Bristol Community Report – Bristol Leadership Profile Stakeholder Feedback

• Bristol Leadership Profile Stakeholder Feedback