Good Afternoon,
I hope everyone has had a good week. My Superintendent's Weekly Update is below. Have a wonderful weekend.

UBI Donation:
A special thank you to Edward Bohnwagner, CEO, and Fred Brown, Vice President of Marketing from UBI Federal Credit Union, for their generous book donation for every kindergartner in Bristol Public Schools. This thoughtful contribution will undoubtedly significantly impact our students, fostering their love for reading and supporting their educational growth.
Please see the pictures below from the donation ceremony at Mountain View School on Wednesday, February 19.

Celebrate Public Schools Week 2025!:  
Next week, February 24-28, 2025, is Public Schools Week, a time to honor the incredible work of our public schools and the educators, staff, parents, and school board members dedicated to supporting students. This year's theme, Community Engagement, highlights how schools and their communities work together to advance student achievement and success. In my next weekly update, I would like to highlight examples of how BPS schools partner with our families and the larger community to support student success. Administrators and PTA/PTO/Booster Club Leaders, if you have examples you would like me to include, please email those to me at iriswhite@bristolk12.org.  

SERC 2025 Parental Involvement Recognition Award: 
Congratulations to Mrs. Marissa Lachance, President of the West Bristol PTO, for winning the SERC 2025 Parental Involvement Recognition Award!  This award honors her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the West Bristol community.  Award recipients are based on the following criteria:

• Active involvement in their child's/children's school and/or community
• Support of their local school and contributions to a high-quality education for all children
• Evidence of their ability to make a difference in their local school and/or community
• Dedication and advocacy to ensure equity for all parents and their children

In her post to the West Bristol community, Principal LeVasseur states that Mrs. Lachance's "impact extends beyond our school walls-she volunteers in Play and Learn Groups, helps families connect with the school, coordinates our school's participation in the Bristol Mum Parade, and has even led efforts in Bristol's Relay for Life, strengthening community ties and making a lasting difference.  Her dedication to equity, parent engagement, and student success makes her truly deserving of this recognition."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Action Protocol:
Earlier this month, immigration attorneys from Shipman and Goodwin facilitated a virtual meeting with Bristol Public Schools administration to review the latest information regarding ICE enforcement and answer questions.  As a result of this meeting, the attorneys developed an enforcement protocol for all BPS to follow if they should receive a visit from ICE.  A letter to BPS families regarding ICE enforcement will be posted here soon.

Milton Fischer Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity:  
The Milton Fisher Scholarship is a four-year scholarship worth up to $20,000 (up to $5,000 per year). It is open to High School Seniors and first-year College students from Connecticut and the New York Metropolitan area.

More information and the online application can be found on their website.

The attached flyer can also be posted or distributed to interested students. Applicants must complete the online application on or before May 15, 2025.

In partnership,

Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools