During last Wednesday's meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a policy authorizing armed security officers in our schools. The SROs will all still be in the schools; this is in addition to and will provide an added layer of security. All armed security officers must be retired law enforcement officers and will be vetted in collaboration with the Bristol Police Department. This program will be rolled out slowly beginning next year, with Mr. Stephen Cabelus, our District Director of Safety and Security.

MP Planning, the group that is assisting BPS with Phase II of Redistricting, presented the boundaries for Chippens Hill Middle School and Northeast Middle School.  The Recommended Middle School Redistricting Plan Maps can be viewed on our BPS website:  https://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/ Please go to the homepage and click on BPS Redistricting Address Search under BPS Redistricting Plan Documentation. A Parent Meeting/Community Forum with MP Planning and the District will take place on Wednesday, November 19th, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the BOE Auditorium.

Also during the meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved naming the new Northeast Middle School gym the Sgt. Alex Hamzy Gymnasium. The 

Native American Heritage Month:
Native American Heritage Month 2025 is celebrated throughout November to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.

Connecticut Kid Governor Visit:
Mountain View School was a stop on last week's Connecticut Kid Governor Annual Statewide Election Rally Bus Tour. Connecticut's Kid Governor is a civics education program created by the Connecticut Center in residence at Connecticut's Old State House. The purpose of the visit was for staff to speak to students, build excitement around the Kid Governor Program, the Statewide Election, and candidates for the 2026 Kid Governor, and to emphasize the importance of voting. Kid Governor Keudy Martinez and some of his Cabinet Members were present to speak to students. Please see photos from the visit below.

Artist Visit to BAIMS:
Seth Stuart, an actor, singer, and dancer known for his Broadway roles in "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," made a special visit to BAIMS. The visit started with an interactive Q&A and a rap battle between Seth and Principal McCabe, and concluded with a choreography session with the school's 8th graders.

November Month of Gratitude and Giving:
We can be proud of our administration, staff, and students who have shown the "All Heart City" spirit with acts of kindness and generosity this month. Below is just a sample of some of these acts of  kindness:
-Community Vocational Program students used money they earned to donate to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa (please see photo below).
-On Wednesday, November 12th, West Bristol will kick off their "Get Fed Up With Hunger" Food Drive as part of Grinchmas. The food drive will culminate on Friday, December 19th, during their Grinchmas Gala.
-Throughout November, Ivy Drive is hosting a Food Drive to support families in its community. Students are encouraged to bring in canned or dry non-perishable food items, which will be donated to Brian's Angels Outreach here in Bristol. 
-At Greene-Hills, students completed several service projects and displays of kindness, including making sandwiches for Brian's Angels Outreach and placing random kindness notes in school library books. 

 Join Our Team — Make a Difference Where It Matters Most!:

Are you passionate about helping children learn and grow?

Bristol Public Schools is looking for caring, dedicated paraeducators to support our students and teachers.

Why You'll Love It:

• Work the same hours as your child's school day.
  
  

• Be part of a warm, welcoming team that makes an impact every day.
  
  

• Help shape the future of the children in your own community.
  
  

No evening or weekend hours — just meaningful work that fits your family's schedule!