Superintendent Weekly Update- May 30, 2025

Dear BPS Community:

The focus of this weekly newsletter is to highlight the achievements of our staff, students, and families. Have a wonderful weekend.

Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

Staff Achievement Dinner: 
On May 15th, BPS held its 38th Annual Staff Achievement Awards Dinner at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel.  The Staff Achievement Award is designed to recognize any BPS staff member whose actions have had a profoundly positive impact on our students, families, or programs. The program intends to recognize staff who have performed their duties in an exemplary and outstanding manner.  These honorees exemplify our shared commitment to excellence and fulfillment of our mission: To Teach and Learn with Passion and Purpose.  Thank you to all who nominated these wonderful staff members for this well-deserved recognition.
 

1. Bill Mancini - Special Education Teacher, Ivy Drive School
2. Christine Carothers - Food Service, Bristol Eastern High School
3. Courtney Sugarman - Supervisor - Edgewood Pre K
4. Eric Turner - Special Education Teacher - West Bristol School
5. James Hahn - Math Teacher - Bristol Eastern High School
6. John Kelley - Climate Intervention Specialist - Bristol Central High School
7. Dr. Karlene Richardson - Health Occupation Teacher - Bristol Eastern High School

8. Megan McCarthy- Physical Therapist- District Wide

Congratulations to the Students who Achieved the Seal of Biliteracy:  

This spring, 102 students qualified for the Seal of Biliteracy, which is an increase from 91 students last year.  Eight of those students qualified in more than one language. Students qualified in Spanish, Latin, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Haitian Creole, and Arabic, demonstrating the proficiency they have acquired through their coursework in Bristol or their lived experiences. Students who qualify will be awarded the seal upon completing their graduation requirements. Their success represents the rich cultural diversity of Bristol Public Schools and the dedication of students and teachers over many years.  A Special Thank you and Congratulations to all World Language Teachers for the vital role they play in preparing our students to earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy.  Please see the list of students attached.
 

Connecticut Halo Award Nominations: 
Congratulations to the Theater Troupes from BCHS (13) and BEHS (12) on their nominations for the CT Halo Awards.  The Halo Awards are sponsored by the Seven Angels Theater and are regarded as the equivalent of the Tony Awards for Connecticut high school productions. 

Special Kudos to our directors:

BEHS - Jocelyn Perlini, Amy Kelly, Sylvio D'Agostino, May Perlini

BCHS - Lyndsey DiPietro, Lauren Santiago, Gina Gallo

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A FEATURED FEMALE ROLE IN A PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Kiley Alexis as Rose Granger-Weasly/Young Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A FEATURED FEMALE ROLE IN A MUSICAL:

Bristol Eastern High School: Kiley Alexis as Sherrie’s Mother in Rock of Ages

BEST RUNNING CREW:

Bristol Eastern High School: Run Crew for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST DANCING:

Bristol Eastern High School: Rock of Ages

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING MALE ROLE IN A PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Celina Perzan as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING FEMALE ROLE IN A PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Avery Costello as Hermione Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A COUPLE OR DYNAMIC DUO IN A PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Eric DeNoto & Celina Perzan as Albus Potter & Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A COUPLE OR DYNAMIC DUO IN A MUSICAL:

Bristol Eastern High School: Gwen Tanner & Annie Vastola as Anita & Franz in Rock of Ages

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LEADING MALE ROLE IN A CONTEMPORARY PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Eric DeNoto as Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LEADING FEMALE ROLE IN A PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Gwen Tanner as Delphi Diggory in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LEADING FEMALE ROLE IN A CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL:

Bristol Eastern High School: Hannah LaRoque as Sherrie in Rock of Ages

BEST CONTEMPORARY PLAY:

Bristol Eastern High School: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

BEST CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL:

Bristol Eastern High School: Rock of Ages

People Empowering People Graduation Ceremony: 
Earlier this month, I attended the graduation ceremony for a group of five parents who completed the UCONN People Empowering People Program (PEP) requirements.  This program was made possible by a grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education's Parent Trust Fund. PEP is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills.  The group is currently working on their community project, collaborating with Prudence Crandall to support the ongoing community effort to bring awareness to domestic violence and help individuals who are victims of this crime.  The group is currently holding a donation drive with supply drop-off locations at the Bristol Public Library (Children's Department), Greene-Hills School (FRC office), South Side School (FRC office), Bristol Adult Education, and Stop & Shop (Forestville location).  The donated supplies will be given to the individuals that Prudence Crandall serves.  Please see the flyers below for more information on how to make a donation.



Model UN "Mock Conference": 
Today at Bristol Eastern, the Model UN held a "mock conference."  The group's leaders, Luke Viens, Dylan Prince, Makayla Warnat, Adiba Hossain, and Asifa Islam, coordinated the day, alongside their advisors, Wendy Adams and John Stavens.  Each of the conference participants selected a country to represent, as they mimicked what a real conference feels like.  Throughout the morning, they shared positions, crafted resolutions, and debated proposals based on their research.  Ultimately, they crafted final compromise resolutions.
 

Additionally, they were enriched by the presence of Ms. Francesca Testa, an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Connecticut.  She discussed her journey to become a lawyer and work for the Attorney General's Office.  In addition, she shared the various roles that her office fulfills around the state, as well as in Washington.  This group of students will now be better prepared for their international Model UN conference next spring in New York City.  Please see pictures below.

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