Dear Bloomfield Public Schools family:
October is National Principals Month, a time for school districts across the country to affirm and acknowledge the crucial leadership role principals play in directing our schools and in shaping the future of children.
I would like to personally send my appreciation to our school principals here at Bloomfield Public Schools. Their exceptional leadership is helping to transform this district and was crucial in leading families through a global pandemic.
Kudos to Dr. Frank Macchi, Global Experience Magnet School; Jesse White, Bloomfield High School, Dr. Trevor Ellis, Carmen Arace Middle School; Sarah Williams, Carmen Arace Intermediate School; Paul Guzzo, Metacomet Elementary School; Jennifer Dwyer, Laurel Literacy Academy; Samantha Straker, Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School.
The district officially renamed Laurel Elementary School to Laurel Literacy Academy at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday in the school’s gymnasium. Staff, students, district and community leaders were in attendance. The Laurel children, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, performed a Mexican hat dance, as part of the ceremonies.
The Academy supports the development of foundational literacy skills Bloomfield students need to prepare them for future academic success. Literacy will be integrated throughout all content areas at the school. The goal is to have all students reading at grade level in grade 3.
After-school programs began this week at Carmen Arace Middle School.
They run Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There are only 25 slots left. Registration is through the application found in PowerSchool.
There was an Open House Thursday at Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School. Curriculum presentations were provided in each classroom. An optional building tour was conducted after the meeting.
Laurel has also leveraged its partnership with Auerfarm to provide meaningful professional development to staff on farming curriculum, lesson planning, nutritional food and science concepts. Each classroom will grow and taste micro greens this year.
We are encouraging families to attend a Back-to-School event, postponed a few weeks ago, this Sunday, Oct. 8. It runs from noon to 4 p.m., at the Rockwell Green, located on Rockwell Drive. Book bags and supplies will be available for free. There will also be games, entertainment, food and ice cream.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence is reporting more domestic violence cases this year, including an increase in family violence involving children.
A community forum, hosted by the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, is being conducted Monday, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the town's community center, 330 Park Ave. Attendees will learn how to spot signs of domestic abuse and how to help - including available resources.
As part of our efforts to enhance school and family engagement, we are reminding families and members of our community about the district’s re-designed website and new mobile App.
A brief instructional video on how to download the app, via the QR code, is available on our website: www.bloomfieldschools.org/ and social media platforms – X (formerly known as Twitter) ( https://twitter.com/BloomfieldPS) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bloomfieldpsfb).
School will be closed Monday, Oct. 9, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Enjoy the extended weekend.
Dr. James Thompson, Jr.
Superintendent, Bloomfield Public Schools