Dear BPS Community,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "We as a society have not yet learned to disagree without being violently disagreeable." His words echoed in my head all week, as we witnessed several violent acts and honored the anniversary of 911.  911 is a day that forever changed our nation—we are reminded of the fragility of peace and the enduring strength of unity in the face of adversity. We remember the lives lost, the heroism displayed, and the countless individuals and families who still carry the burden of that day.

As educators and leaders, we have a responsibility to foster dialogue over division, understanding over intolerance, and empathy over anger. Our schools must be sanctuaries of thought, learning, and respect—places where students can explore diverse perspectives while feeling safe and valued.  We aim to equip our students with the skills to reason effectively, articulate their ideas and thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing, and also to demonstrate an understanding of other perspectives and needs, while listening with an open mind.  These skills are all identified in Bristol Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate and will be invaluable to our students.  During my Bristol Central High School Graduation speech, I reminded the graduates that they are the next generation and that they are the ones from whom we look to learn from our mistakes and strive to make this a more peaceful and better world for all.  Freedom of speech is a fundamental tenet of our democratic society, and we look towards the next generation to protect it.

In these uncertain times, I am grateful to lead a school system and community that is All Heart. In the face of such challenges, it is more important than ever to prioritize our mental health and well-being. As a school district, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our students and staff. I encourage everyone to make space for reflection, rest, and connection—whether that means taking a break from the news, talking to a counselor or trusted adult, or simply checking in with a friend or colleague.

Take care of yourselves- and each other.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools