Good Morning,
​Happy Spring!
Please see my weekly update below.  Have a great week.

In ​partnership,
Iris White
Acting Superintendent of Schools

Update on United States Department of Education:   Last week, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the dismantling of the United States Department of Education (USDOE).  The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has released a statement reassuring the public that the USDOE has stated that they will continue to deliver on all statutory programs under their direction, and to date, the CSDE has not experienced any interruption in funding for any USDOE programs that the CSDE administers.  “Education is fundamentally a state and local endeavor, and here in Connecticut, our focus remains on the critical work happening in our districts each day. The CSDE will continue to monitor developments at the federal level, however our top priority remains the policies and initiatives in Connecticut that ensure all 508,402 students receive the high-quality education they deserve and that the over-120,000 educators and school staff are supported.”  

Congratulations to the BAIMS Royal Bees Drone Team! This weekend, the BAIMS Middle School Drone Team won the Best All-Around Middle School Drone Team Award at their competition hosted at the Gilbert School! They have qualified for the Regional Competition in West Virginia at the end of May. Congratulations, and best of luck in the competition! Please see photos from the competition below.

Invention Convention at Mountain View: Mountain View School held an Invention Convention on Friday, March 14th. One of Mountain View's students placed two years in a row and is heading to Nationals this Spring for last year's invention. Congratulations to Camden, who won 1st place with his Super Tooth Invention, and Grayson, who won 2nd place with his Sealight Invention.  



Coffee Cart:   The Coffee Cart came through a Bristol Education Foundation Grant awarded to BPS staff members Colin Broderick, Erin Wininger, and Jennifer Croce three years ago.  The Coffee Cart has provided opportunities for students to connect with staff and develop valuable communication, organization, and social skills.  It has provided funds for program incentives, end of year rewards/lunch, and has been used to help us support the Bristol community by buying supplies to make sandwiches and meals for Brian's Angels. The endeavor has given the students so much that the class has decided to give back to the organization that made the Coffee Cart start-up possible. All of last week's Coffee Cart proceeds will be donated to the Business Education Foundation annual appeal.

The Business Education Foundation (BEF), in partnership with Bristol Public Schools, continues to work together to
support wonderful programs in our schools. This would not be possible without YOUR support —we are grateful to those who have helped us be a force for change and sustained growth within our excellent public school system.

In 2025, the BEF is celebrating 34 years of working to help ensure that Bristol’s students have the necessary
opportunities to develop the skills and attitudes our community will need in the future. The Foundation supports
programs that have made a lasting impact on the Bristol schools and its students.  Since 1991, the BEF has awarded over $465,000 to Bristol educators, allowing them to realize their innovative visions and educational desires thanks to YOUR support!

 The BEF needs and appreciates your support. Your donation makes a difference. Gifts of any size have an impact and are tax-deductible. Please use the attached form OR donate online at bristoledfoundation.com/donations.