Dear BPS Community:
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff, a proposal to establish a policy permitting armed security personnel in our schools was recently approved by the School Safety Committee. This proposal is now scheduled to be reviewed by the Policy Committee at its upcoming meeting this Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. at the Bristol Board of Education Auditorium, 129 Church St.  A virtual option is also available.  Please see the login information below:

Join Zoom Meeting  https://zoom.us/j/95720875685?pwd=ZTEzQm96Nk9sald3dnJBUXQrQjgrQT09 
Meeting ID: 957 2087 5685 Passcode: 111937 

If the Policy Committee approves the proposal, it will then move forward for a final vote at the Bristol Board of Education meeting on November 5.

Our middle, K-8, and high schools currently have School Resource Officers (SROs) who are armed. SROs are employees of the Bristol Police Department. The armed guards under discussion would be BPS employees. This proposed policy aims to allow for a phased implementation, beginning next school year with our Director of School Safety and Security, who would be the first to carry a firearm under clearly defined guidelines and training requirements. Any future expansion of armed security presence would be carefully planned and aligned with our district’s budget, safety priorities, and community input.  Please know that this process will comply with all state and local regulations.  Our top priority remains the well-being and safety of every student and staff member in the Bristol Public Schools. 

We encourage all community members to stay engaged and informed as this discussion continues. The Policy Committee meeting is open to the public, and we welcome your voice in this critical dialogue.  If you would like to submit written testimony, you may do so by emailing it to Deputy Superintendent Mary Hawk at maryhawk@bristolk12.org. If attending the meeting in person, you may sign up that night to provide public comment. 

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

2026 Bristol Paraeducator of the Year:
On Thursday, October 16, we honored our 2026 Paraeducator of the Year, Mr. Daniel Costa. Thank you to the Office of Pupil Personnel Services, led by Director Amy Martino, for organizing this event and facilitating the Paraeducator of the Year process. Thank you to Food Services Director David Foulds and Cheryl Pellerin for preparing the refreshments. Daniel’s journey into education wasn’t traditional. After years of leading Scout and Camp programs and managing operations, Daniel brought his rich experience and leadership to our school system in 2019, and we are better for it. He began as a one-to-one paraeducator supporting a student with significant needs. Daniel fulfilled that role with patience and empathy.

What sets Daniel apart is not just his professionalism but his quiet and humble nature.  He leads by example, and all who work with him are impressed by his belief in every student's potential. Now serving in our Community Vocational Program, Daniel continues to transform lives by preparing students for independence, self-advocacy, and success beyond the classroom. 

On behalf of our entire district, thank you. Thank you for your humility, your dedication, and your unwavering belief in the power of education. We are so proud to honor you as the 2026 Bristol Paraeducator of the Year.

National School Bus Safety Week:

Monday, October 20, begins National School Bus Safety Week, a nationwide initiative highlighting the importance of safe student transportation. This week is also a time to honor the dedication of school bus drivers, monitors, and staff, the everyday heroes who make safe rides possible.  When you find yourself driving behind a school bus, please obey Connecticut State Law requiring motorists to stop for a school bus displaying red flashing lights.

This week, Ivy Drive School received the District Attendance Award for September!  As a reward, Ivy had a very special visitor, the Attendance Unicorn, who surprised the students on Tuesday with a schoolwide celebration. Students and staff lined the hallways, cheering and showing their Dragon pride as the trophy was delivered!  Keep up the great work, Ivy community!
   

Educators Rising:

Last Monday, I had the privilege of guest speaking in Mrs. DiLernia's Educators Rising Class at Bristol Eastern.  Educators Rising, a division of Phi Delta Kappa International, is a program that provides a curriculum, experiences, and other resources to help high school students explore and prepare for careers in education.  The students asked good questions as we discussed my journey to become a Superintendent, the benefits and challenges of the superintendency, the role of the Board of Education, and the structure of local government in Bristol.  I also shared what I look for when interviewing new teacher candidates and when observing instruction.  

State of the Student Conference: