A positive attitude about the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year was the general tenor of the Board of Education’s meeting this past Wednesday.
In her report, Board of Education chair Jennifer Dube welcomed new board member Lorianne Osenkowski, who was appointed by the mayor recently to fill the position vacated when Todd Sturgeon resigned.
Superintendent Dr. Catherine Carbone highlighted the start of the new Pre-K Academy, which will be in its inaugural year. She addressed the strategic plan for the current school year which included how they’re engaging with the community and when their formal planning sessions will be taking place Sept. 20 and 28 and Oct. 4.
Student representatives, from Bristol Eastern and Bristol Central, respectively, presented reports.
BEHS highlighted the beginning of the new swipe system for students which tracks attendance and movement throughout the school. For instance, students will swipe ID card upon entering the school and when leaving classrooms to use the bathroom. In addition, the students noted soccer and football team victories to start the year.
BCHS highlighted how they’re forming a girls Powderpuff football team that donates all their proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation and how they’re looking forward to their first football game next Friday.
The night began with a moment of silence to honor the passing of Ruth Meusel. Meusel was a former second grade teacher at Clara T. O’Connell School.
Erika Treannie and Kristy Riccardone were honored for the Back to School Bash they hosted Aug. 28. The festivities included selling off raffle tickets, giving away backpacks and learning how to sit on the bus. A highlight of the event included Bristol Eastern High School Principal Michael Higgins spending an entire hour and a half in the dunk tank.
The Communications and Community Relations Committee reported that they had put a lot of time into defining exactly what family engagement is and what they can do to emphasize that as the current school year unfolds.
The Operations Committee reported that they are focusing on replacing the underground storage tank at Chippens Middle School with an above ground storage tank. The current tank was red flagged recently because it reached its expiration date.
Also, pertaining to Chippens Hill was whether to proceed with the installation of air conditioning or redirect funds budgeted previously to smaller projects. The lowest bids of just under $9 million were still more than what has been budgeted.
The Policy Committee reported that they are working towards adding tampons to the list of female hygiene products they make available to students. In addition, the committee is also looking into their 2023 legislation summary and discussing more policies and revisions for their next meeting.
Lastly, the Student Achievement Committee highlighted new courses coming to the overall Bristol Public School curriculum. The highlighted courses included computer software, fashion design and one entitled, “If You Love It Teach It.”
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