Dear BPS Community:

As we approach the holiday break, my heart is truly full.
Across our district, I have been inspired by the generosity, kindness, and joy shown by our staff, students, and families. From the many food and toy drives organized by our schools to the festive spirit days, moments of camaraderie, and simple acts of fun and connection, our community has fully embraced the spirit of the season.
These efforts remind us that our schools are more than places of learning—they are places where compassion, teamwork, and care for others are modeled every day. I am deeply grateful to our students for their enthusiasm, our staff for their leadership and dedication, and our families and community partners for their continued support.

Another highlight of the week was the exciting news that Emily Gao, a senior at Bristol Central High School, has been accepted to Yale University. Congratulations to Emily on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of you.

Emily’s success reflects her hard work, determination, and leadership, and it also stands as a testament to the exceptional BPS staff and administrators who are dedicated to providing our students with the highest-quality education and the preparation needed for a bright and prosperous future.

Please note that all Bristol Public Schools will be open for a full day on Monday, December 22nd, followed by a half day on Tuesday, December 23rd. Schools will be closed Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026. School will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026.  Wishing you all a relaxing and joyful holiday season, and I hope the break brings rest, laughter, and time with loved ones. 

In partnership,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools



Author Visit to Chippens Hill Middle School
Author Mat Heagerty visited Chippens Hill Middle School this past Monday, December 15. Mr. Heagerty, author of LumberJackula and other books, spent time engaging with a small group of students, and I had the opportunity to observe his thoughtful and meaningful interactions.

Mr. Heagerty was honest and transparent as he shared his own challenges as a student and offered valuable insights into his writing process. His message resonated deeply with students, providing both inspiration and encouragement.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Monica Soto for the tremendous work and thoughtful planning that went into making this visit such a success, including securing the funding to support the event. Thank you as well to the Chippens Hill staff and administrative team for ensuring students experienced an inclusive and engaging learning opportunity. Finally, thank you, Mr. Heagerty, for being such an inspiring presenter and positive role model.


Northeast Middle School
Northeast Middle School wrapped up a fantastic food drive this week, thanks to the leadership and creativity of the NEMS Student Council. Students promoted the drive-through morning announcements and posters throughout the building. They added an element of fun by organizing a friendly competition among teams to see who could collect the most items.

By the end of the week, an impressive 1,000 items had been collected. Congratulations to the Northeast Middle School Student Council, and thank you for your hard work, teamwork, and commitment to helping others in our community.




Grinchmas at West Bristol
I had the pleasure of visiting West Bristol School this morning to celebrate Grinchmas and read to Ms. Boulli’s second-grade class. Thank you to the students for being such excellent listeners and for the beautiful Christmas cards. I truly appreciated them.

We are also grateful to the many guest readers who joined in the celebration, including Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and Police Chief Mark Morello, whose participation made the day even more special for our students.

Finally, thank you to Judy Michaud and Sharon Dixon for continuing to promote a love of reading, and to the entire West Bristol administration and staff for making learning fun and allowing students to demonstrate their creativity.



Influenza and Norovirus Update:
Please see the attached letter from the Bristol Burlington Health District with recommendations for mitigation measures to reduce exposures and limit further spread of influenza in our schools.