1. education
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Bristol Public Schools
Spotlight on Education
Fall 2014
Volume 13
www.bristol.k12.ct.us
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
“It Takes a Village:” Bristol Supports the Education of its Children
B
ristol’s Board of Education along with elected and appointed
representatives recognized the rich potential of high-quality,
full-day kindergarten and provided the school system the
funding to implement this important enhancement to its schools.
The benefits have already been realized at every elementary school.
We asked our teachers about the difference a full day program has
meant for their students.
Stafford School: “We can individualize our
instruction for more hours during the day
which has enabled us to know and help
our students better both academically and
socially.” – Colleen Kelly
Hubbell School: “Activities
that we previously did not
have sufficient time for, such
as math centers and reading
groups are now regular parts
of our day.” – Bryan Cistulli
Mountain View: “I got to know
my students much quicker. We
include more developmentally
appropriate
activities
that
include music, art and movement
between instructional tasks.”
– Jen McCaffrey
West Bristol K-8 School: “The
students have become well
acquainted with their new
routine. We are excited to see
the academics of students
progressing and growing faster
than ever.” – Katie Duchemin
Edgewood School: “We now have time for
“Choice Centers” allowing children to learn
how to solve problems and develop their social
skills through play.” – Michelle Bartucca
Greene Hills K-8 School: “With the demands
of the new curriculum, and the globally
competitive world we live in, all-day attendance
is necessary to accomplish all that needs to be
learned.” – Maureen Palmieri
South Side School; “The children are demonstrating
a better understanding of literacy skills. This is
particularly evident in student’s writing samples.
I can already see a huge difference in academic
growth this year as compared to last year.”
– Nicole Cyr/Erin Sexton
Ivy Drive School; “Full day Kindergarten offers
more concentrated learning of math skills,
hands-on math activities and individualized
small group instruction.” – Katje Pearsen
SPOTLIGHT
2
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
From the
Superintendent’s Desk
A Message from the Superintendent of Schools
E
ach year just before school opens, teachers and staff members returned to the district
in late August to begin preparations for student arrival on the first day of school. This
year, we decided to open the school year with a theme that would help to guide us
successfully throughout the year. We selected the power of teams. Why teams you may ask? As
the work gets more challenging and the needs and demands of our students continue to grow,
it takes the power of teams – all of us working together - to successfully meet those needs,
often when facing the reality of diminishing resources. This year’s theme could not have been
a better selection for the work that we are doing this year.
The Bristol Board of Education, working in tandem with the Mayor and with city leaders are
exploring ways that we can better exercise and share our existing resources while creating significant
cost savings. Examples of this team approach are easily found in a new energy audit now being
conducted in all municipal buildings and in the schools as well as the ongoing work in the area of
citywide health insurance cost savings initiatives. This team effort will serve to support both the
schools and the city in the years to come.
The districts leadership team, coupled with the work of highly skilled administrators, teachers and
staff have already accomplished so much this year. For example, these teams have now fully implemented
the Connecticut Core Curriculum across all grade levels. They have successfully launched a new school
year for over 500 kindergartners and their families as Bristol’s new full day kindergarten program.
Our technology team continues to expand the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program that was
started at both Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central last year. This BYOD program will eventually be
expanded to our middle schools across the district. In addition, thousands of Bristol students who will
take the online SBAC standardized testing this year will have full access to laptop computers.
Bristol Board of Education
Superintendent of Schools:
Dr. Ellen Solek
Deputy Superintendent of Schools:
Dr. Susan Kalt-Moreau
Chairperson:
Mr. Lawrence Amara
Vice-Chairperson:
Mr. Genard Dolan
Secretary:
Mrs. Jill Fitzgerald
Mrs. Jennifer Dube
Mrs. Karen Hintz
Mr. Jeffrey Morgan
Mr. Thomas O’Brien
Mrs. Karen Vibert
Mr. Christopher Wilson
Jeanine Audette, in conjunction with her team have garnered the resources, with the help of the
Stocker Foundation and the Bristol Business Education Foundation, to provide our young readers with
a brand-new Bookmobile. In addition, Larry Covino and his Adult Education staff have teamed up
with Rowley Spring Corporation to create a brand-new, award-winning school-to-career program for
adult learners.
The custodial and maintenance teams were busy making all of our schools clean and ready for
student arrival in September. Their continued efforts create a safe and cleanly environment for students
and staff throughout the school year. The district-wide team of secretaries and clerical staff manage
thousands of documents, files, and requests for assistance both during the summer and throughout
the year and our food services team manages to feed breakfast and lunch to thousands of students all
year long.
The team of districtwide safety and security task force members will meet this month to implement
newly awarded grant funding in the direction of 3M impact resistant glass coatings that will add yet
another layer of safety and security to all of Bristol’s fourteen school buildings.
We consistently hear the phrase used: “It takes a village to raise a child.” No doubt that is true –
but the power of teams working together towards the common goal of success for each and every one
of our students is an amazing and truly powerful force – one that I continue to be so very privileged
to be a part of.
Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ellen W. Solek
What can you do…to volunteer in our schools?
Tutor | PTA/PTO/ Booster Club | Mentor | Volunteer Coach | Office Helper
Substitutes Needed
The Bristol Board of Education
is currently seeking application for
substitute teachers. Candidates must
possess a minimum of 60 credits or
an Associates Degree. As a substitute
you have computer and phone access
to our system which allows you
to search and select assignments
each day and in advance. You may
choose the grade level and days you
are available to work. Long term
assignments are available for certified
substitutes. The certified substitute
daily rate is $80 and $70 for noncertified substitites.
Applications are available at
www.bristol.k12.ct.us
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
3
Guidance Counselors Wear Many Hats
T
he role of the school counselor has
changed. Instead of just focusing
on schoolwork and careers, today,
counselors support students in a much
broader way. Advising is at the heart of what
they do. They help students handle almost
any problem that arises including academic
challenges, college and career planning and
personal and social issues. They collaborate
with their colleagues to create a positive
school environment. Each day is different.
Among the many tasks filling their days
are: arranging for student, parent and staff
meetings, our testing programs, academic
support, special education interventions,
confirming job-shadowing and internship
opportunities, college visit oversight,
addressing attendance issues, the college
application process, and crisis management
needing immediate attention.
Bristol Eastern Guidance Department Staff
Teenagers are very sensitive to challenges
and unexpected events and at times
require immediate intervention. Guidance
counselors meet these needs through
individual sessions and group-based
workshops. They collaborate with schoolbased and outside services to provide the
supports needed. School counselors know
how to listen and help.
However, each day also brings
celebrations and “aha” moments, students
finally realizing their potential, sharing a
college acceptance or scholarship letter, or
averting a personal crisis. On a typical day,
one counselor helped a senior whose family
was going through financial hardships get
fee waivers for her SAT tests and college
application. Another got an outfit for a
student’s job interview at the job fair they
sponsor, and he got the job!
Recently, more than 300 parents
attended a workshop the guidance
department held to help them navigate
the complicated and confusing college
application and scholarships process. On
a feedback form, one parent wrote, “Just a
few words to let you know how thankful we
are for all your help. My daughter is happy,
and I am relieved.”
Bristol Central Guidance Department Staff
Few careers are as rewarding or
challenging as that of a guidance counselor,
whose job it is to help students as they pass
through an uncertain and confusing time
in their lives. Often you face students “who
don’t want to think about that afternoon
let alone the future,” as one counselor put
it. They sometimes need to be surrogate
parents, mentors, cheerleaders, role models,
detectives, mediators, mind readers or just
a shoulder to cry on. Mrs. Wininger and
Mrs. Amara, Guidance Department Chairs
at Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central
respectively agree, counselors are a “catch
all.” If you don’t know what to do, or you
need something, or you don’t know who to
talk to - come see your counselor, their door
is always open.
4
SPOTLIGHT
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
The Bristol Board of Education Facilities and Programs
T
he Bristol Board of Education’s mission is “to maintain and a
safe and secure environment that provides all students with the
knowledge and skills to successfully complete college, or other
post high school education or training”.
•• The Bristol Adult Education and Continuing Education Center with a
main campus and other locations providing adult learners with countless
learning opportunities
The Board oversees the policies and curriculum that guide learning and
works with the City Council and Board of Finance to assure an adequate
level of funding to meet its mission. Among the facilities and programs the
Board oversees are:
•• Twelve school libraries that support and develop literacy programs and
provide technology resources and instruction
•• The Bristol Early Childhood Center in the north wing of the Beals
Senior Center for preschool aged children
•• Thirty-five athletic fields utilized for both interscholastic and community
sports teams
•• Twelve cafeterias that cook and serve nutritious breakfast and lunch to
thousands of students each day
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
•• A Facilities Department that monitors, maintains and repairs all
mechanical systems in our schools, school grounds, athletic fields and is
responsible for snow removal and the day to day cleanliness of our schools
5
•• A School Safety Task Force that focuses on marinating a safe and secure
learning environment for our students and staff
•• A Technology Center that provides support, maintenance and troubleshooting for all district technology including computers and other
technological tools
•• Performing and Visual Arts that include works of art, musical and
theater productions
•• A centralized warehouse that allows purchasing of larger quantities
of supplies at a lower cost than if each school ordered their
own supplies
•• A Transportation Department works with the bus companies to insure
the safe and efficient transportation of all our students to and from school
6
SPOTLIGHT
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
Community CONNECTION
•• “Minds
in
Motion”
was
held
at
Greene
Hills
School
and
was co-sponsored by the Bristol Business
Education Foundation.
•• Bristol Adult Education Center received grants
from the Tim and Mary Walsh Charitable
Fund at the Main Street Community
Foundation, the board of the Main Street
Community Foundation, Thomaston Savings
Bank, NESMA, the Central CT Chamber
of Commerce, Walmart, Farmington Bank
Foundation and the McPhee Foundation
for their adult education diploma and
certificate program.
•• The Main Street Community Foundation
awarded nearly $135,000 in scholarships to
local students from their scholarship funds.
•• The 99 Restaurant donated $870 from its 15th
anniversary celebration to the Bristol Board
of Education.
•• CHMS teacher Elizabeth Porter received a
$2,500 grant from the Thomaston Savings
Bank Foundation for a school garden.
BEHS Teens in the Drivers Seat was awarded a
$1,000 grant by State Farm Insurance.
•• State Farm Insurance presented the BEHS
Teens in the Driver’s Seat $1,000 for being the
CT high schools’ first place TDS winner.
First grade students with their Rekenreks, an
instructional math tool, made possible through
a donation from Home Depot.
•• Home Depot donated the materials for the
BEHS tech department to create Rekenreks, an
instructional math tool, for all of Bristol’s first
grade classrooms.
Stephen Lewis, President of Thomaston Savings
Bank accepts the Business Partner of the Year
Award for their generous support of programs
in the Bristol Public Schools.
•• The Bristol Board of Education received grants
from Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation and
the Clinton S. Roberts Foundation to support
the WOW “Wonder of Words” Bookmobile.
•• The New England Spring and Metalstamping
Association sponsored the “American Made”
program for high school students to learn
about regional career opportunities in the
manufacturing industry.
•• The CT Youth Forum presented a “Stop the
Stigma” campaign at BEHS.
•• The WFSB Surprize Squad came to Greene
Hills School donating 100 books to Mr.
Desena’s class.
•• Allison Phelan and Jodi Cordova from Bristol
Youth Services run “Girls with a Purpose,”
an empowerment/leadership group at West
Bristol School.
•• The Bristol Family Resource Centers
received 3,923 books from Macy’s Be Book
Smart campaign. Macy’s also awarded the
Bristol Public School mentoring program a
$1,000 grant.
•• Mentors from ESPN have volunteered to help
students in the BEHS AVID program prepare
for college and career choices as well as discuss
job opportunities and the skills needed to be
successful in today’s work place.
•• Bristol Hospital Learning Center presented the
program “Consequences of Distracted Driving”
to students at both Bristol high schools.
•• Liberty Bank Foundation awarded the Bristol
Public School mentoring Program $2,300 for
the West Bristol Leadership Academy peer-topeer mentoring program.
•• The Mike Arburr Foundation donated $1,500
to the Bristol Eastern athletic field lights project.
•• The Family Resource Center at South Side
School received a donation of coats, from the
Giamatti Little League Center.
•• Human resource specialists Brett Bison
(Stop & Shop), Danielle Chateaneuf (Clark
Dietrich) and Garry Berthiaume (Capital
Workforce Partners) held mock interviews
for the vocational educational classroom at
BEHS. Speakers from AXA Advisors, Webster
Bank, PC Techs, Arf Arf grooming, Interior
Design by Helen, and Bristol teachers spoke to
students about career choices.
The Hartford Marathon Foundation sponsored
the Chippens Hill Running Club.
•• The Hartford Marathon Foundation awarded
the Chippens Hill Running Club a grant to
attend a middle school race at Rentschler Field.
•• ESPN, Webster Bank, Bristol Board of
Education, First Bristol Federal CU, Bristol
Hospital, Vitrano, Preleski and Wynne, Tracy
Driscoll, The Barnes Group, Quality Coils, Exper
-Tees, Thomaston Savings Bank, Renaissance,
Center Street Associates, COCC, Yarde Zone
and Etter Engineering sponsored students for
the Chamber networking breakfast with guest
speaker John Skipper, president of ESPN.
•• Wells Fargo donated 500 college information
packets for the college fair held at BCHS
•• ESPN, United Way, Corporate American Family
Credit Union, and Walmart donated backpacks
and school supplies to Bristol students.
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
7
Bristol Adult Education Diploma and
Certificate Program
I
n the spring of 2014, Maria Groody then
supervisor of Adult Education and John
Dellalana, President of Rowley Spring
and Stamping collaborated to develop a
pilot program in which adult learners would
receive their high school diploma as well as a
certificate in basic manufacturing. The Adult
Education Diploma and Certificate program
(AEDAC) is comprised of four components
GED preparation, a targeted manufacturing
skills class, the National Workforce
Readiness Credential and hand’s on training
at Rowley. In August over fifty regional
business, educational and community leaders
came together at a press conference with
Senator Richard Blumenthal to introduce
and support this program. AEDAC
provides participants the opportunity to
get the education and training they need to
be qualified to fill an employment gap that
exists in the manufacturing sector. While
there are other programs available for high
school graduates, this is the first program of
its kind for adult learners and could become
Jim Albert, John Dellalana and Larry Covino at
the AEDAC press conference
a model for other adult education programs
in the region. Through the generosity
and support of the Dollar General Adult
Literacy Foundation, the Tim and Mary
Walsh Charitable Fund at the Main Street
Community Foundation, the board of
the Main Street Community Foundation,
Thomaston Savings Bank, the New England
Spring and Metalstamping Association,
the Central CT Chamber of Commerce,
Walmart, the McPhee Foundation and the
Farmington Bank Foundation this vision
became a reality. Currently seven students
are enrolled in the program and doing very
well. Larry Covino the new Supervisor of
Adult Education stated, “AEDAC is off to
a great start and our adult learners are very
engaged in their classes and thankful to have
this opportunity. We are so grateful to the
Foundations who believed in the promise
of this project.” AEDAC is a partnership
of a highly motivated and passionate adult
education center and a company who
believes in supporting their industry as well
as their community, both eager to collaborate
to create a pipeline of trained employees
to replace the aging skilled workforce
and keep our economy moving forward.
AEDAC was just awarded the outstanding
regional workforce program award by the
Connecticut Economic Resource Center.
Bristol Taking the Lead in Protecting their Student Athletes
T
he Connecticut Legislature passed a
law regarding concussion education
that includes a plan that would not
only educate student-athletes and parents,
but also require each parent and athlete to
sign an informed consent form developed
by the athletic department that attests they
are aware of the signs and symptoms of
concussion and return-to-play requirements.
Even though most of the changes go into
effect beginning July 1st of 2015, Bristol
in compliance with the CIAC began
implementation for the 2014-15 school year.
A coach must immediately remove a studentathlete from participating in any intramural or
interscholastic athletic activity that is observed to
exhibit signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent
with a concussion following a suspected blow
to the head or body, or is diagnosed with a
concussion, regardless of when such concussion
may have occurred. Upon removal of the athlete
a qualified school employee must notify the
parent or legal guardian within 24 hours that
the student-athlete has exhibited the signs and
symptoms of a concussion.
Bristol holds pre-season meetings for parents
and athletes that address the following:
•• The recognition of signs and symptoms of
concussion
•• The means of obtaining proper medical
treatment for a person suspected of sustaining
a concussion
•• The nature and risks of a concussion, including
the danger in continuing to engage in athletic
activity after sustaining a concussion
•• The proper procedures for allowing a student
who has sustained a concussion to return to
athletic activity
•• Current best practices in the prevention and
treatment of concussion
Bristol requires each parent to read a packet
of information on concussions and sign-off on a
consent form before their child can participate
in a sport. These materials are available in
both Spanish and English. The Bristol Board
of Education also has a link to an informative
video on concussion on all middle and high
school websites. The Bristol athletic department
is utilizing multiple delivery methods to reach
all the families of student/athletes.
8
SPOTLIGHT
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
Giving Back
•• The Bristol Board of Education Dress Down
days raised in September, $2,704 for the Henry
Barnard Fund and in October $2,463.75 for
the Board of Education Immediate Response
Fund. Last year the district donated a total of
$25,227.45 to 10 Bristol programs.
•• The Greene Hills’ Art Club raised $712
through various fund raisers for multiple
charitable organizations. They also raised $400
through the sale of pumpkins and sundaes for
their charity fund raiser.
•• Greene Hills School raised $631 for its sister
school, the Hope and Care School in Kalonga.
•• BCHS honored local veterans at their first home
football game at Muzzy Field. They also raised
funds for Fisher house at the VA hospital in West
Haven. BEHS also hosted a veteran’s appreciation
football game and raised funds for Homes for
the Brave. BEHS students are participating
in a Madden Football game tournament with
proceeds going to Houses for Heroes.
•• Edgewood student Peyton Troth organized
Coloring for a Cause collecting crayons and
coloring books for homeless shelters, children’s
hospitals and police stations.
•• Under the direction of BECH teacher Michael
Schleer students from both high schools raised
$160 in cash and $2,000 in supplies for the
Bristol Hospital Parent and Child Center.
•• Both BCHS and BCHS held American Red
Cross Blood Drives.
•• The BCHS Interact Club and Student Council
held the 13th Annual Senior Citizens’ Prom.
The BCHS jazz band performed.
•• West Bristol’s “Kids in the Middle” hosted a
month-long celebration of school spirit. Wolf
Central presented a program on their mascot
the wolf.
•• BEHS students helped clean Memorial
Boulevard School for the Veteran’s Day
activities.
•• BEHS boys and girls soccer teams volunteered
to practice and play with Top Soccer an
program designed to get kids with physical or
mental challenges active and playing soccer.
Adult Education ELS students collecting coats.
•• The ESL students at the Bristol Adult
Education Center held a winter coat drive for
the St. Vincent DePaul Shelter.
•• The BCHS Interact Club worked with the
Rotary Club at the Mum Festival to offer free
emergency identification kits for children. They
helped collect finger prints photos and DNA
samples for parents. They also volunteered at
the Indian Rock Nature Center’s Field Day.
•• The Information Processing 1 class at BEHS
created certificates of appreciation for the
veterans at the Newington VA Hospital.
•• The Greene Hills’ band and chorus donated
$250 to I Thirst International and Care School
in Uganda.
•• The West Bristol band and chorus donated
$210 to the Joshua Chora Fund for Community
Counseling.
•• Sara Hillman, Michaela Daddario and Matt
Markam organized a food drive at BEHS for
the Bristol homeless shelter. They also baked
cookies for the fire department in honor of fire
safety month.
•• NEMS National Jr. Honor Society raised $100
for the American Cancer Society.
Bristol students at the Iwo Jima Monument on
Veteran’s Day
•• Sixty students from Bristol Eastern created
certificates of appreciation that were distributed
to veterans attending the Iwo Jima memorial
service on Veteran’s Day.
Northeast Middle School Jr. Honor Society
Bristol Eastern students promote breast cancer awareness.
•• BEHS teachers Stacia Archangelo and Ashley Ingvertsen worked with seniors to clean Page Park and
the BEHS campus of litter. They also sold pink bracelets, created a bulletin board and organized a
walk for breast cancer awareness raising $100 for Bristol Hospital.
•• The BEHS Spanish National Honor
Society held a bake sale of homemade pet
treats during parent conferences. All proceeds
benefit the Save-A-Sato Foundation to help of
Puerto Rico’s homeless and abused animals.
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
9
Awards and Accolades
Bristol’s 2015 Teacher of the Year
G
reene Hill School special education teacher Sharon Compolo was named
Bristol’s 2015 Teacher of the Year. A teacher for the past 11 years, Mrs. Campolo
is proud to represent Bristol. Superintendent Dr. Ellen Solek praised her stating,
“Sharon is a highly committed and exemplary teacher. She is a lifelong learner who is
always looking for ways to increase her knowledge and help her students grow.” Outside
of the classroom Campolo is also actively involved in many district and community
events. She is proud of her work as part of the CT Dream Team, a collaborative statewide group working on the implementation of the Common Core.
•• The Adult Education Diploma and Certificate
program won the Central Region Award from
the CT Economic Resource Center as an
exemplary workforce development program
making a significant impact on the economy.
It was also awarded a special recognition
award from the New England Spring and
Metalstamping Association.
•• Dr. Ellen Solek, teachers Lisa Dubay, Lindsey
DiPietro and Kathleen Fields, Commissioner
Genard Dolan and occupational therapist Bonnie
Adelson received Spirit of SEPTO (Special
Education Parent Teacher Org.) Awards.
•• The BEHS band was invited to march in the
Big E and at Gillette Stadium for a UMASS
football game.
Peter Kelley from First Bristol Federal Credit
Union congratulating Sharon Campolo.
the International Innovation Workshop of
ArtScience in Paris.
•• BCHS students Phil Andrews, Maria Sato,
Nicole Tabak, Benjamin Marcil, Michael
Lauretti and Jared Greenbacker participated
in the ASBDA honors band festival.
•• Bristol Central‘s Angela Garcia-Clark was
selected as an intern for the Hartford Chorale.
•• Bristol Eastern band director Amy Dauphinais
was appointed chair of the CT All-State band
and was selected to present workshops at the
Midwest Band Convention in Chicago.
•• Bristol Eastern’s Brianna Root has been
selected to the all-state volleyball team.
Philip Andrews being congratulated by
representatives of the U.S. Army.
•• Phil Andrews a drummer with the BCHS
band was one of 125 students chosen to be
a member of the prestigious U.S. Army AllAmerican Marching Band and will perform
at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San
Antonio Texas. Members of the selection tour
visited BCHS to officially welcome him. He
and his brother Simon were selected to the
Macy’s All-American Marching Band that
performed in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
•• At the 2014 Halo Regional Theater
Awards, Bristol Central received the Best
Choreography Award for the “Wizard of
Oz” and Billy Matthews received the Mickey
Rooney Award.
•• The South Side Bookshare students
received the Extraordinary Youth Volunteer
Award from the Family Resource Center.
Jeanine Audette received the Outstanding
Community Champion Award.
BCHS teacher Michael Shleer, Haley Knox and
Athena Giannopoulos were honored by the
Parent and Child Center.
•• BCHS students Haley Knox and Athena
Giannopoulos and teacher Michael Schleer
were honored by the Bristol Hospital Parent
& Child Center for their volunteerism
targeted at filling the Caring Closet.
•• Chippens Hill teacher Michelle DeGennaro
received the 2104 Staff Award from the Bristol
Board of Education mentoring program.
•• The BCHS representatives to Boys State were
Andre Damon-Smith, Jean-Souvern Rioux and
Dillon Howard. The Girls’ State representatives
were Haley Knox and Rachel Petke. The BEHS
representative was Kenny Tenan.
•• BCHS students Emily Mitchell and Brianna
St. Onge part of Team Write 2 represented the
Bristol Boys and Girl’ Club ArtScience Lab at
Khadaijia Brooks signed a letter of intent to play
for D-1 Marshall University.
•• Bristol Eastern’s basketball player Khadaijia
Brooks signed a letter of intent to play for D-1
Marshall University.
•• Ivy Drive School received the Outstanding
Program Award by the CT Association of
Schools for their Science Fair program.
10
SPOTLIGHT
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
Bristol Board of Education’s New WOW “Wonder of Words” Bookmobile
R
eading creates the foundation for
student learning. On November 3rd
the Bristol Board of Education was
proud to hold the dedication of the WOW
“Wonder of Words” Bookmobile. The
bookmobile designed by Merritt Graphics
is fun and exciting and will bring children
running as it pulls into their neighborhoods.
Dr. Susan Moreau Deputy Superintendent
of Schools reflected on how important the
local library and story time was to her and
the impact it made on her life. This project
which harnesses the power and strength of
community partnerships was made possible
through the generosity of a $34,000 grant
from the Stocker Foundation and financial
support from Crowley Auto Group, The
Bristol Business Education Foundation,
The Clinton S. Roberts Foundation and the
Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation. Ryan
Humble who spoke on behalf of the Stocker
stated, “Based on the research we know,
providing children with print materials helps
them learn to read. This program promotes
reading in neighborhoods where access to
the library is limited.” Christopher Ziogas
from the Roberts Foundation stated “We are
happy to partner with the Business Education
Foundation to enrich the lives of the youth
in our community.” The program goals are
to decrease the summer learning slump, build
literacy skills, and create a life-long love of
reading. It is an innovative proactive effort
to promote family literacy and decrease the
achievement and opportunity gap. In the fall
and spring it will make stops at pre-school
centers throughout the city. In the summer
the WOW mobile will travel to five different
neighborhoods bringing interactive readalouds, a lending library and enrichment
Ryan Humble from the Stocker Foundation with
the new WOW “Wonder of Words” Bookmobile
programs to neighborhoods where children
do not have easy access to the public library.
Reading is like any other exercise if it is not
practiced students will lose their “reading
fitness” which impacts their progress when
they return to school.
Bristol’s Education, Business and Community Leaders Form Council to Help Students
T
he Bristol Board of Education has
partnered with the leaders from
local businesses and community
organizations to create the Bristol Business
Advisory Council. The mission of the
Advisory Council is to promote the
advancement of and interest in Science,
Technology, Engineering Manufacturing and
Mathematics (STEM) education and career
opportunities for Bristol students.. The goals
of the council are to:
•• Facilitate communication and interaction
between educators, students, families, policy
makers and business leaders to increase interest
in STEM education and career paths by
Bristol students.
•• Encourage local/regional businesses to offer
Bristol students hands-on STEM-related
learning and employment experiences.
•• Increase Bristol student awareness of local/
regional STEM opportunities.
•• Coordinate development of curricula and
programs that support business needs and
prepare students for careers in STEM.
The Council hosted the program “American
Made” for high school students in our region
to explore career opportunities through
a presentation by an informative panel of
local business leaders representing different
manufacturing and industrial companies.
Members also sponsored students for the Central
CT Chamber breakfast with featured speaker
Bristol seniors network with representatives
from ESPN at the Chamber breakfast.
ESPN President John Skipper. The Council ’s
future plans include a manufacturing tour and
career fair.
Bristol Business Education Foundation Brings Back Minds in Motion
M
Students work on a project with guidance from
Home Depot Bristol at Minds in Motion.
inds in Motion was brought back
to Bristol on Saturday, October
18th at Greene-Hills School after
a long hiatus. The event was a collaborative
one between Bristol Public Schools Gifted
Program and the CT Association for the
Gifted, and was co-sponsored by the Bristol
Business Education Foundation.
run by several of Bristol Public Schools’ talented
staff members, as well as staff from Talcott
Mountain Science Center, Imagine Nation, The
CT Science Center, Home Depot and The New
Britain Youth Theater to name just a few. Adult
workshops were very well received, and began
with a keynote address from Dr. Del Siegle, Head
of the Department of Educational Psychology at
the University of Connecticut.
Minds in Motion consisted of a day of hands
on, enriching workshops for both students and
parents and was open to any interested child in
grades K through 8. Children’s workshops were
In all, approximately 80 students and 50
parents attended the daylong event and offered
rave reviews.
Excellence Now
Success Tomorrow
11
Alumni Support Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central Projects
T
he staffs at both Bristol Eastern
and Bristol Central high schools
are passionate about helping their
schools. Most of the Board of Education
capital improvement dollars need to be
directed at items like replacing roofs and
upgrading heating systems. Chris D’Amato
and John Stavens teachers at BEHS had a
vision of putting lights and other upgrades
on their athletic field to bring football and
other sports back to their campus. BEHS
alumni Dan Toscano, Jay Ray, and Bill Sweet
and family donated because they felt athletics
are beneficial both to the individual and
the community. Gina Gallo and the drama
department at BCHS knew the squeaky
broken chairs in their auditorium needed
to be fixed and started a drive to renovate
them. Support came from BCHS Alumni
Graham Washburn, Aaron Bohigian and
Laura and Emily Kaczmarczyk. Alumni
saw the intrinsic value in donating funds to
help these projects become a reality. Alumni
support is very important not only to colleges
and private schools but to our public high
schools as well. There are many ways alumni
can give back:
•• Provide job-shadowing or internship
experiences at their place of employment
•• Donate an item(s) needed for specific
programs, a sign, books, lumber etc.
Both high schools are developing a directory
of alumni. Please go to either of these emails
and send you contact information to your alma
mater and keep connected. Please join your
fellow alumni in supporting your high school.
•• Be a guest speaker
Bristol Eastern: http://monosnap.com/image/
I9ZGSlgFf03NhLIb9XLbvdXPjKsXrd
•• Financially support programs/projects that
had an impact during your high school career
Bristol Central: BCHSalumniorganization@
gmail.com
School Math and Literacy Nights: Provide Opportunities for
Parents to Learn How to Help Their Students Succeed
A
ll learning starts with a student’s
ability to read. One great way of
learning how to promote reading
at home is for parents and family members
to attend Family Literacy Night at their
student’s school. Literacy nights are the
perfect opportunity for students to bring a
parent, or other important adult to school
for a fun and sociable experience. Family
literacy nights are often developed by
building literacy coaches, reading teachers,
classroom teachers and administrators who
all work hard to develop their students into
strong readers. These special events stress
the importance of reading and teach how
it can be supported at home. Reading 20
minutes a day, sharing picture books, songs,
poetry, and storytelling, are just a few ways
the family can promote literacy and create
ready readers. Parents and family members
should check their school websites for
school events such as literacy nights, book
fairs, and links to great online educational
websites that help develop good reading
skills and habits.
Working on Math Skills
Parents volunteer at Mountain
View School
Like literacy nights, Family Math Nights are
an opportunity for parents to learn a variety of
ways to help their students gain math knowledge.
Teachers share important information about
how students are learning to solve problems.
For example, a fourth and fifth grade math
night at Hubbell School last year taught parents
about multi-digit multiplication methods. The
students worked through problems with their
parents and explained why the methods worked.
Students also like to share games that can be
played at home, such as fun ways to practice
basic facts. Finally, families learn about online
and print resources that can keep kids engaged
in great math activities. One of our favorites
is www.BedtimeMath.org, a free site which
provides daily problem solving to use along with
a bedtime story at night. Do you and your child
a favor and checkout these great websites!
12
SPOTLIGHT
ON
EDUCATION
Bristol Public Schools
Bristol Board of Education Members Attend
CABE/CAPSS Convention
B
ristol Board of Education members
(from l to r) Karen Vibert, Chris
Wilson, Genard Dolan and
Karen Hintz recently attended the annual
CABE/CAPSS Convention. The annual
convention, hosted by the Connecticut
Association of Boards of Education and
the Connecticut Association of Public
School Superintendents was held at the
Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton, CT. The
convention hosted attracted more than 500
school board members and superintendents
from across the state. Workshop Discussions
and keynote speakers focused on the
challenges and opportunities in educational
leadership.
Numerous
educational
sessions were offered covering important
educational issues such as working with
municipal officials to achieve a common
goal, transformational leadership, schools
and public safety, and more.
The topics covered at the Convention
workshops coupled with the ability to network
with many other superintendents and board
members from across the state continues to
support and to improve professional practice
as educators from across the state engage in
solving the challenges that face all of us in public
education.
Superintendent Ellen Solek commented
Bristol Board of Education
Selects Student Representatives
T
he Board of
Education
has brought
back the program
of having student
representatives
sit
on the Board of
Education.
They
report on all activities
and
important
information
from
their respective high
schools. Seniors Nick
Savino from Bristol
Central and Sophia Bristol Board of Education student
Dzikas from Bristol representatives
Nick
Savino
and
Eastern were chosen Sophia Dzikas
after a rigorous
selection process involving and an hour-long interview process.
Students who were not selected will serve on a Student Advisory
Council which will meet four times a year with administrators and
commissioners to discuss issues in education. The board is committed
to implement significant student representative programs.
on how valuable the annual CABE/CAPSS
Convention is. “Professional development
at the leadership level provides us with
valuable information including innovations
in educational practice, legislative initiatives,
and our ability to interact with members of
the Connecticut educational community.
Our Board’s professional approach to today’s
educational issues is reflected in the time and the
dedication they so generously give in attending
this important conference every year.”
SAT Scores on the Rise
T
he administration and staff of Bristol’s two high schools
are proud of the newly released data showing an increase in
Bristol students’ scores on the SAT tests in all three target
areas: mathematics, critical reading and critical writing. Scores on all
three areas rose an average of 16 points and the number of students
scoring 600 or above increased in total by 8.5 %. According to Carly
Fortin, Principal at Bristol Eastern, “Our teachers have focused on
the Common Core State Standards which address many of the skills
that are needed on the SAT. Using a model that incorporates literacy
into all subject
areas,
teachers
have
focused
on the areas of
focused
reading,
understanding
vocabulary, analyzing the meaning in text, and defending a claim based
on evidence. All of these skills contribute to a student being able to
read more difficult text with greater understanding.” Peter Wininger,
principal of Bristol Central added, “Teachers have increased the
rigor of instruction and assessment in their classrooms. Following
the work of Norman Webb, students are consistently challenged
to increase their depth of knowledge to extend their reasoning and
apply critical thinking skills in the classroom.” Both agree through
the adoption of the new math curriculum and textbook program
students are more engaged using critical thinking skills to solve
problems based on real world scenarios.