Dear BPS Community:
I want to share an update on the Bristol Public Schools budget and what it means for our students, staff, and community.  This is a challenging moment. Budget decisions are never just about numbers; they directly impact people, programs, and opportunities for students. We understand there is concern, and we take that very seriously.
The Board of Education originally approved a thoughtful FY2027 budget designed to:

• Support student needs
• Maintain programs families rely on
• Provide necessary staffing and services

• A final vote by the Board of Finance (scheduled for April 28)
• A final vote by the City Council (scheduled for May 18)
• Possible additional funding from the state (Education Cost Sharing-ECS funding)

• No final decisions about cuts have been made
• It would be premature to identify specific reductions at this time

• Clearly outlining the financial situation
• Explaining the scale of the challenge
• Preparing responsibly for different budget scenarios

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools

Staff Recognition Days:
As we close out April and head towards May 1st, Bristol Public Schools will celebrate the following Appreciation Days and acknowledge the hard-working staff members who contribute to our district's success every day!

Grade 2 Science

In partnership with Roaring Brook Nature Center, all Grade 2 students in Bristol Public Schools had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on outreach program designed to deepen their understanding of the life science standards.

During this experience, students worked alongside a Roaring Brook facilitator to explore how flowering plants change throughout their life cycles in order to survive. They dissected a tulip each, exploring the different parts of the flower and how they function together as a system. They investigated the pollination cycle, learning how bees and other pollinators play a critical role in supporting plant life and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. One of the most exciting discoveries for students was identifying the tiny pockets of developing seeds within the tulip, helping them understand how plants reproduce and continue the cycle over time.

These meaningful community partnerships provide students with authentic, engaging learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and strengthen their ability to connect scientific concepts around them.

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24 Game Tournament:

A total of 48 students in Grades 4 and 5 from across the district competed in an exciting series of rounds to determine this year’s champion. Students participated in two preliminary rounds, solving more than 50 cards of varying point values. The top 16 students advanced to the semi-final round, where the highest scorer at each table earned a spot in the finals.

The final four competitors demonstrated incredible skill and focus, solving 30 challenging cards in just ten minutes. For the first time in tournament history, the championship round ended in a tie between Hunter Jandreau, grade 4 at West Bristol, and Andrew Garrity, grade 5 at Greene-Hills. The winner was ultimately decided in a thrilling sudden-death round, where Andrew secured the title on the final card.

The students have been meeting before or after school for the past two months to practice their problem-solving skills, and it was evident that the hard work paid off. All who attended were impressed by the students’ composure, perseverance, and ability to think quickly and flexibly while solving problems.

Art Donation for Ivy Drive School
Last Friday, during my recent monthly visit to Ivy Drive School, I had the pleasure of witnessing a wonderful surprise! The Rohr family presented Principal Erika Coleman with a stunning painting of the school’s beloved mascot, Emerald the Dragon, specially commissioned for Ivy Drive.
The artwork was created by Gustavo Zuluaga, a Colombian-born artist whose inspiring journey has gained international recognition.