Dr. James Thompson, Jr.

Dear Bloomfield Public Schools family:

Here is our update as of Tuesday, December 19, 2023:

Bloomfield High School (BHS) has been busy with its college-and-career readiness expectations. The school recently held a Financial Aid night for parents/guardians of seniors. Also, for the past two weeks, BHS has hosted twice-weekly SAT-preparation programs for juniors. These sessions conclude March 21, 2024. They will better equip students with the critical-thinking strategies needed to excel on the new digital SAT.

DISTRICT UPDATES

Laurel Literacy Academy, as part of its continuous push for mastery in reading, writing and comprehension, will soon be launching its One Book One School initiative. Flat Stanley will be the featured children’s book. Students will read about, and discuss, the traveling adventures of the main character.

Last week, winter concerts were hosted at Bloomfield High School, Carmen Arace Middle School and Carmen Arace Intermediate School. The concerts were well attended. We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

 The State of Connecticut recently changed the kindergarten-entry age. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year all children entering kindergarten must be five years of age on, or before, September 1. Attached is a letter from Principal Jennifer Dwyer to current and future Laurel Literacy Academy students. Please click the link for additional information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15QHiTlWMUcPNkpZRxPWHyip-EdXZeUCK/view

 Since the launch of our redesigned website, we have seen  12,000 visits from our community to find valuable district information and learn about what is happening in our schools. I would like to thank you for your support and interest in Bloomfield Public Schools. We continue to encourage everyone to download our district app on your Android or Apple device.

ATHLETICS

Congratulations to the Bloomfield High football team for winning the CIAC Class S state title on December 9, over Cromwell-Portland. The football program has competed in five consecutive CAIC state titles, previously winning in 2018.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

 The deadline to fill out our district-wide Climate Survey is Thursday, December 21. The anonymous responses allow our schools to continue building a positive school climate and culture. Families can click here to access the survey link.

 The next Family Workshop Series will be held on Thursday, January 11, at 6:00 p.m.  The topic is “The ABC’s of Credit & Borrowing” and will focus on how to build good credit. These free community workshops are provided in partnership with Bloomfield Social & Youth Services, as well as other partners.

 As a reminder the district’s holiday recess will run from Friday, December 22 through Monday, January 1. Schools will open again Tuesday, January 2, 2024. District offices will be closed on Friday, December 22, Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.

 Starting in January, we will be moving from a weekly update to a monthly bulletin of what is happening across the district.

 I wish our families, staff and students a wonderful holiday and happy New Year.

 Sincerely,

 Dr. James Thompson, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools