Dear Bloomfield Public Schools family:
Friday, Sept. 15, was the start of national Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time when our country celebrates the contributions, cultures and rich histories of Americans whose ancestors were reared in Spanish- speaking countries.
This year's theme is Prosperity, Power and Progress.
Here in Bloomfield, we have a growing number of Latino students in our schools. Their presence enriches the educational and cultural experience of students, staff and our diverse community.
As we closed week two of the 2023-24 school year, the district received celebratory news that five Bloomfield High School students have been recognized nationally by the College Board for academic success on standardized assessments and in the classroom.
The College Board promotes college-readiness by developing and administering standardized tests for those in Pre-K to Grade 12. Its National Recognition Program identifies high-achieving sophomores and juniors from underserved communities across the country. It is an accomplishment viewed favorably by colleges and universities when receiving college applications. In addition to highlighting that a student has done well on standardized testing, the Board’s recognition also indicates the student carries a grade-point average of at-least 3.5 at their school.
Congratulations to the following BHS students:
Angel Calderon
Austin Davis
Charles Fennell
Jaida Foster
Sergio Rose Jr.
Improving classroom instruction and student performance continues to be a central theme for our district, which relies heavily on our academic-performance data to shape curriculum and guide instruction. We regularly conduct professional development sessions for teachers and staff so they can keep abreast of best-practices to engage and motivate students.
As we begin a new year, I would like to welcome the 27 new teachers in our district. Bloomfield, they are learning, is a very unique Connecticut suburban school district – with urban-like challenges. The new hires will play key roles in re-affirming our culture to motivate students to aspire for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.
We are also proactive in the development of future teachers and provide them with hands-on classroom experiences. There will be six student-teachers in classrooms this year. They attend the University of St. Joseph, Eastern Connecticut State University, the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University. Additionally, 14 student-interns, interested in a career in education, will be observing classroom-instruction -- and performing light tasks - each week.
There was an orientation tonight at Carmen Arace Middle School for parents/guardians of students selected for the district’s Gifted & Talented program, known as SOAR. Students in grades 4 through 8 are eligible for SOAR.
Reminder: All enrolled students in district will receive a free healthy breakfast and lunch at school during the 2023-24 school year. Children will not have to pay a fee or submit an application. This free-meals program is part of a national program, known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
We are also reminding our community to download the new district App, which will give you more immediate access to news about our schools.
We are looking forward to a productive week.
Dr. James Thompson, Jr.
Superintendent, Bloomfield Public Schools