Superintendent's Weekly Update- October 25, 2026
Posted Date: 10/25/26 (08:00 PM)
Dear Bristol Public Schools Families,
As electric bicycles (e-bikes) become increasingly popular among students, I want to take a moment to share important safety information with our families. While e-bikes offer a convenient and enjoyable way for students to travel to school, visit friends, and explore our community, they can also pose significant safety risks when operated improperly.
Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, increasing the risk of serious injury in a crash. It is important that students and families understand the rules of the road, the differences between e-bikes and other motorized vehicles, and the precautions necessary to keep everyone safe.
I encourage parents and guardians to review the attached safety information with their children and reinforce these important reminders:
E-Bike Safety Tips for Students and Families
- Always wear a helmet. Connecticut law requires all e-bike riders to wear a helmet, regardless of age. A properly fitted helmet is essential to protecting against serious head injuries.
- Be visible. Use a white front light, a red rear light or reflector, and reflective materials. Wearing bright or reflective clothing helps motorists see riders, especially during early morning and evening hours.
- Follow traffic laws. E-bikes are considered vehicles and must follow traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic, obey stop signs and traffic lights, and use appropriate hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Know your e-bike's classification. Not every electric-powered bicycle qualifies as an e-bike under Connecticut law. Some higher-powered vehicles are classified as motor-driven cycles or motorcycles and require a valid driver's license.
- Understand speed and age restrictions. E-bikes with throttles are limited to 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist e-bikes can reach 28 mph. Children under age 16 are not permitted to ride Class 3 e-bikes.
- Avoid unsafe modifications. Altering an e-bike to increase its speed or power may change its legal classification and create additional safety risks.
I ask families to have conversations with their children about responsible riding habits and to ensure that any e-bike they operate is appropriate for their age, meets Connecticut's legal requirements, and is used safely.
The attached resource provides additional guidance, including an explanation of the different e-bike classifications, important safety precautions, and illustrations of proper bicycle hand signals.
As a school district, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. Whether students are walking, riding bicycles, using e-bikes, or traveling by bus or car, we all share a responsibility to help them arrive at school and return home safely.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students and our Bristol community safe. Please see the attached document for more information.
Better Together,
Iris White
Superintendent of Schools
Stay Connected with Bristol Public Schools Through ParentSquare
Bristol Public Schools utilizes ParentSquare to stay connected with families and maintain open communication with parents, guardians, and staff. One important feature of ParentSquare is its ability to send timely notifications during emergency situations, such as a shelter-in-place or lockdown. We understand that text messages and notifications can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, during an emergency, it is essential that all families have equal access to important school safety information and timely updates.
Please take a moment to ensure you are opted in to receive ParentSquare text messages.
How to Re-Enable Text Messages
If you previously replied STOP to ParentSquare text messages, you can opt back in by replying START to any ParentSquare text message you have received or by texting START to 66458.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community informed, connected, and safe. We are Better Together!
Celebrating Dana Martin, 2027 Bristol Public Schools Paraeducator of the Year
On Tuesday, October 20, Bristol Public Schools proudly honored Dana Martin of Northeast Middle School, recipient of the 2027 Ann Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award, during a special recognition ceremony!
Dana exemplifies the very best of our profession through her compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication to helping every student succeed. She goes above and beyond to ensure that students feel seen, valued, and supported while building their confidence, independence, and belief in their own potential.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when Dana was first surprised with the news of her selection. Before the announcement could even be made, her students rushed to surround her with hugs and excitement. Their reaction spoke volumes about the meaningful connections she has built and the lasting impact she makes every day.
Dana is more than a paraeducator — she is a champion for students, a trusted colleague, and an inspiration to our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of the Northeast Middle School family!
Please join us in congratulating Dana on this well-deserved honor!
Better Together, we celebrate the educators who make a difference in our students' lives every day!
NEMS Tiger Cafe:
I had the pleasure of visiting the Tiger Cafe at Northeast Middle School, where students were busy serving up snacks, baked goods, coffee, and even dirty sodas!
While the treats were wonderful, what impressed me most was the exceptional customer service! From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted, asked if I was enjoying my purchase, and invited to visit again soon.
What a wonderful example of students developing important real-world skills, including communication, teamwork, responsibility, and customer service, while building confidence and pride in their work.
Congratulations to the students and staff who make the Tiger Cafe possible! Thank you for such a welcoming experience. I will definitely be back!
Carly Fortin, BPS Chief Academic Officer Honored
On Sunday, October 18, Connecticut Rivers Council of Scouting America honored Carly Fortin as one of "Our Influential Women". This program recognizes women who inspire, lead, and influence in communities of Connecticut. Carly was chosen for her dedication to Bristol schools through practical, student-centered leadership and continuous support for teachers. Congratulations, Carly!
Family Resource Centers
Last week, I highlighted the wonderful work of Bristol Adult Education and the importance of the many programs and services our district provides beyond the traditional classroom. This week, I would like to shine a spotlight on another invaluable resource for our families: the Bristol Public Schools Family Resource Centers (FRCs), located at West Bristol, South Side, and Greene-Hills Schools.
Our Family Resource Centers play an essential role in strengthening the connections between home, school, and community. Serving hundreds of children and families each year, these centers provide programs, resources, and individualized support designed to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while empowering parents and caregivers.
What Do Our Family Resource Centers Offer?
The work of our FRCs extends well beyond the classroom and includes:
- Early Childhood Learning and School Readiness: Weekly Play & Learn groups, early childhood activities, and home visits that help families support their children's development and prepare them for school.
- Parent Education and Leadership: Programs such as Parents as Teachers and the University of Connecticut's People Empowering People initiative, which provide parenting strategies, encourage family engagement, and strengthen parent leadership and advocacy.
- Student and Family Support: Assistance with essential needs, including clothing, groceries, and other resources for families experiencing financial hardships or unexpected challenges.
- Social-Emotional Development: Opportunities for children to develop confidence, leadership, positive relationships, and important interpersonal skills.
- Community Connections: Family literacy activities, educational field trips, and partnerships with local organizations that connect families to valuable experiences and resources.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sandra Grodin, Laura Callahan, and the dedicated Family Resource Center staff for their compassion, commitment, and tireless efforts to support Bristol's children and families. I also want to thank our community partners, including the Bristol Rotary Club, whose generosity helps expand opportunities for our youngest learners.
Thank you to our FRC team for helping make Bristol Public Schools a community where all students and families feel supported, connected, and engaged.
Registration for BEF Annual Trivia Night is Friday, October 30th at 5:00 p.m.
The Business Education Foundation's Annual Trivia Night registration deadline is Friday, October 30th at 5:00 pm. If you plan to join us for this awesome event, you need to register ASAP! We hope to see you there!!