Dear BPS Community:

Yesterday, March 21st, was a day for winners.  I was proud to join Bristol Eastern High School student Jean Zendel and her family at the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest Winner’s Ceremony this morning in Middletown.  Jean was the high school winner in the 1st Congressional District. Thank you to Assistant Principal McDermott and Madame DeRoy for joining us.  Special recognition to Mrs. Katy Reddick, the dedicated teacher who worked with her students and encouraged them to participate in the contest.


                                            Jean with Connecticut State Treasurer, Erick Russell

Later, I watched our Bristol Central High School Girls Basketball Team defeat Rocky Hill for the CIAC Division II State Championship.

During half-time the Bristol Central Unified Sports Team played against Rocky Hill's Team.  The cheers, applause, and encouragement from the stands created an atmosphere of celebration and belonging that our athletes richly deserve.




The Bristol Eastern High School Robotics Club, led by Rocco Martino and Michael Leclair, participated in the First Robotics Competition.






Proud of all of our students and thankful for the teachers, coaches, administrators, and family members that provide them with the opportunities to explore and demonstrate their interests, skills, and talents.

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

Board of Finance Budget Hearing:
At its Special Meeting last week, the Bristol Board of Education voted to approve my Superintendent’s Budget Proposal without any reductions. Video of that meeting is available on the Bristol Public Schools YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bristolpublicschools
The proposal is now the Bristol Board of Education’s approved budget and must be presented to the Board of Finance.  A Board of Finance Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, immediately following the Regular Board of Finance meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, Connecticut.
During the hearing, the Bristol Board of Education’s FY 2027 Budget will be presented. Please see the attached agenda for additional information, including the Zoom link for those who wish to attend virtually.

Words Matter Event:
The Bristol Diversity Council invites you to Unity in the Community: Words Matter- The Connection Between Words and Emotion on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Bristol Public Library (Room 2).  This meaningful discussion will explore how the words we choose impact emotions, relationships, and our community. The evening will feature a panel discussion followed by an open mic format.  

Joanne Peluso, English teacher at Bristol Eastern High School, poet, advisor to the Creative Writing Club, and literary magazine editor will be part of the panel along with Dawn Lecer, Tom Lagasse, and Tony Lopes.  The discussion will be moderated by WTNH Anchor Alyssa Taglia.  We encourage community members to attend, listen, share, and reflect as we explore the power of language and connection.


BAIMS Art Show:
Please come out and support the high school art students at the inaugural BAIMS High School Art Show on Thursday March 26th from 5-7pm. Students from BAIMS, Bristol Eastern, Bristol Central, and Bristol Preparatory Academy are participating. This show highlights the exceptional work of talented high school students among a wide variety of classes from AP Portfolio, Pottery to Fashion. Join in on a collaborative mural project during the event! Light refreshments will be served.