Dear BPS Community:
On January 19, 2026, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Eddie C. Whitehead NAACP Scholarship Breakfast. In my remarks, I spoke about how Bristol’s young people are carrying forward Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service, leadership, and courage.

Our students are not simply our future leaders—they are leading right now.
That message was powerfully reinforced at last week’s Board of Education meeting, where we proudly recognized the achievements of three remarkable young women who are blazing their own trails as Miss Connecticut Teen titleholders: 2025 recipient Haylee Patton, 2024 recipient Camryn Patton, and 2022 recipient Peyton Troth.

Haylee, Camryn, and Peyton exemplify what is possible when talent, determination, family support, and a strong educational foundation come together. Through their leadership, service, and commitment to excellence, they reflect the very values Dr. King championed and remind us why investing in our young people matters so deeply.

Their accomplishments are a source of pride for our entire community and a powerful reminder that when we support and believe in our students, they rise—not just for themselves, but for others.


                                                                                  Haylee Patton,  Miss Connecticut Teen-2025                                                                                  Camryn Patton, Miss Connecticut Teen-2024

                                                                                 Peyton Troth, Miss Connecticut Teen 2022

During my keynote address at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Eddie C. Whitehead NAACP Scholarship Breakfast, I shared how my childhood experiences shaped the woman and the leader I have become. I have attached the speech to this update and hope it provides insight into the values that guide my leadership and shape my Superintendency.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

Kay Yow Cancer Fund Empowerment Tour:
Bristol Central High School is excited to announce that it is hosting a visit from the Kay Yow Empowerment Tour! This is an exciting opportunity for our student athletes and leaders to learn about and promote Breast Cancer Awareness. We know this event will have a widespread, positive effect on our community.


Big Supports For Little Learners:
Bristol Public Schools is proud to partner with the Bristol Early Childhood Collective on an informative presentation designed to help parents and caregivers better understand the supports available to young children.  Presenters will include Kevin Daly, Special Education Advocate, and Dr. Amy Martino, Bristol Public Schools Director of Pupil Personnel Services.  Please see the flyer below for more information and to register:


Congratulations to Zoey R, who has completed her Eagle Rank, becoming the first Female Scout from a Bristol Troop after successfully passing her Eagle Board of Review last month:



ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) Lessons:
ALICE lessons for students have begun across the district.  Schools are communicating their ALICE lessons daily so families can continue these important conversations with students at home.  I was fortunate to observe an ALICE lesson at Hubbell Elementary School this past week.  If you have questions or concerns regarding the ALICE training, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school administrator or the Office of the Superintendent.