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Superintendent's Weekly Update- January 11, 2026

Posted Date: 01/11/26 (07:19 PM)
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Dear BPS Community:
Last Wednesday evening, the Bristol Education Foundation hosted a reception honoring this year’s Mini Grant Award recipients. The awardees were also recognized during the Staff and Student Recognition portion of the regular Board of Education meeting.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thank you to the Bristol Education Foundation for your continued generosity and support of Bristol Public Schools. I look forward to visiting classrooms to see these innovative proposals come to life.



Thank you to Maura Hopkins, Occupational Therapist at Ivy Drive School, for sharing these photos highlighting our students and their New Year’s resolutions centered on kindness and fun.







In partnership, 
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) Implementation:
What is ALICE?
ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. It is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to responding to violent critical incidents, including active threat situations. Unlike traditional lockdown procedures that rely on a single response, ALICE provides staff with options so they can make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of an incident.

What ALICE Is — and Is Not
ALICE is:

  • A framework that empowers adults to make situational decisions
  • Focused on communication, awareness, and safety
  • Designed to be flexible, not one-size-fits-all
ALICE is not:
  • A mandate to take physical action
  • A replacement for law enforcement
  • A program that encourages unsafe behavior
Staff Training Comes First
Over the past several months, all district staff have participated in ALICE training led by certified district trainers. This training included clear explanations, guided scenarios, and opportunities for questions and feedback. Ensuring that adults are well-prepared and confident is a critical step before any student instruction takes place.

Student Instruction Will Be Age-Appropriate
Students will be introduced to ALICE concepts only after staff training and family communication. Instruction will be:
  • Age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive
  • Focused on awareness, listening to trusted adults, and following directions
  • Free from graphic content or simulations
At the elementary level, ALICE lessons use an age-appropriate children’s book and scripted lesson plans designed specifically for young learners. Middle and high school students will receive instruction tailored to their developmental level.

Family Communication and Support
We believe transparency and partnership with families are essential. Once student instruction begins, families will receive an information summary for each of the five ALICE lessons.  

Our goal is to prepare students and staff in a calm, thoughtful, and supportive way—without causing fear—while ensuring we are doing everything possible to keep our school community safe.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school administrator or the Office of the Superintendent.

Congratulations to Bristol Central High School:
Bristol Central High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll by the College Board as a Bronze-level recipient. This recognition reflects the school’s strong commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework and supporting student success:
  • 40% of seniors took at least one AP exam,
  • 30% earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and
  • 8% completed five or more AP exams.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering meaningful results while broadening student participation. Schools earn this honor annually based on criteria that emphasize fostering a college-going culture, increasing opportunities to earn college credit, and strengthening college readiness. The Honor Roll includes four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. We are immensely proud of the Bristol Central High School administration, staff, and students for this outstanding achievement.

Bristol Central to Host P.S. I Love You Day 2026:
I’m pleased to share that P.S. has selected Bristol Central High School, I Love You, to host a Wellness Event focused on supporting student well-being and strengthening connections to community resources.
P.S. I Love You Day 2026 will take place on Friday, February 13, and the 2026 theme is “Be the Light.”

The event will feature a variety of interactive stations, facilitated by community partners, that provide students with opportunities to engage in fun, calming, and wellness-focused activities. Students will also learn about local resources available to support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

P.S. I Love You Day is a registered nonprofit organization in New York State dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health. Its mission is to instill hope in those affected by mental illness and to foster a supportive, inclusive community where individuals feel welcomed, loved, and supported. We are proud that Bristol Central High School has been chosen to host this meaningful event and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and school community.

 Bell City Broncos Training: 
This free, five-week training program is open to the public and provides a great opportunity for youth to train indoors during the winter months at no cost.
Registration is required and can be completed using the link below:
https://www.bellcitybroncos.org/rsvpfortraining.