December 10, 2024

Bloomfield Public Schools is excited to announce Ms. Nicole Jones as the District Teaching and Learning Specialist.

Ms. Nicole Jones is a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience dedicated to advancing high-quality teaching and learning. Most recently, she served as an Education Consultant in the Turnaround Office at the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). In this role she provided technical support and assistance to schools and districts to improve student outcomes, fostered equity and increased academic excellence. Her prior roles include Humanities and Arts Project Manager in CSDE’s Academic Office and Arts and Humanities Supervisor for secondary education for Windsor Public Schools. In these capacities, Nicole led initiatives to develop comprehensive curriculum, professional learning, and instructional practices. Ms. Jones' first day is today December 9th and her office will be located at the Bloomfield Board of Education.

Ms. Jones comes with a wealth of experience, including state, district, and classroom experience specific to curriculum development and implementation. In her new role, Ms. Jones will be responsible for curriculum development and implementation in alignment with Connecticut’s graduation requirements and state standards.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. McKenzie Hudson as the district's Career and Community Support Specialist.

Ms.Hudson has recently joined the School to Career and Family Engagement Offices. A proud Hartford native, McKenzie brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her journey with the Greater Hartford YMCA has spanned 10 years, during which she excelled in several impactful roles, including Teacher’s Aide, Administrative Assistant, Human Resource Assistant, and, most recently, Membership Engagement Coordinator for the Wilson-Gray YMCA in Hartford. McKenzie’s passion is rooted in nurturing youth and empowering them to embrace confidence in their unique gifts and talents. McKenzie brings an inspiring energy and unwavering dedication to creating positive change. McKenzie’s office is located at Bloomfield High School.

McKenzie brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for empowering young people to discover their unique talents and embrace their full potential. Her dedication to youth development, combined with her expertise in community engagement and program development, makes her an incredible asset to the Bloomfield Team.

The School-to-Career Office at Bloomfield Public Schools has kicked-off the 2024-2025 school year with exciting and impactful start!

This year began with the Naviance Interest Inventory, a valuable tool that helps our students explore their passions and identify potential career paths. By analyzing the survey results, we’re tailoring our partnerships, programs, and experiential learning opportunities to align with our students' unique interests and aspirations. Students in grades 6 through 12 have already started the process of uncovering careers where they can thrive, setting the foundation for their future success.

To further prepare our students for the world beyond the classroom, we’ve launched our workshop series for the year. The first in the series focused on financial literacy, equipping students with essential knowledge about saving, investing, stocks, and financial planning—skills that will empower them throughout their lives. Another exciting workshop in marketing, media, and broadcasting introduced students to photography, videography, editing, social media content creation, and even strategies for monetizing social media platforms. These hands-on workshops are designed to provide students with the practical skills they need to navigate today’s fast-changing career landscape.

Our students also have access to our newly launched panel series, offering insights and advice from industry professionals. This year’s panels will cover a range of topics, including leadership and personal development, careers in the trades industry, careers in the healthcare industry, and much more. These events are invaluable opportunities for students to connect with experts and gain firsthand knowledge about the paths they’re exploring.

“The School to Career Office remains committed to fostering growth, curiosity, and confidence in our students as they prepare to pursue their dreams. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build meaningful experiences and opportunities for our young leaders!” Chris Prescott, School to Career Coordinator.

For more information about our programs, workshops, and events, please contact Chris Prescott, School-to-Career Specialist, at cprescott@blmfld.org.

Are you interested in pursuing a trade after leaving high school? If so, don't forget to write down these important dates coming up:

• December 17th - 11:00-12:30- Trades Panel Discussion (sign up with Mr. Prescott)
• December 18th - 9:15 (Warhawk Block) Information about careers and apprenticeships in HVAC, Plumbing, Pipefitting and Welding (sign up with Mrs. Trombino at BHS)
• January 8th - 9:15 (Warhawk Block) Information about careers and apprenticeships for electricians (sign up with Mrs. Trombino at BHS)
• January 24th - 10:15 Information about careers and apprenticeships in Sheet Metal (Sheet Metal Workers build the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and exhaust system ducts in commercial and industrial buildings and homes. These workers make a very wide variety of metal fittings and equipment for the construction industry) (sign up with Mrs. Trombino at BHS)

This month’s staff shout-out is Chef Lise Jager, the head Chef in the kitchen at Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School. She is just an amazing person who pours her heart into cooking healthy meals for children and supports the school at large. When she is not making meals and delivering them efficiently, she squeezes in time to do cooking projects with children in both individual classrooms per child lead inquiry or in school wide experiences.

During cooking experiences, she takes time to explain ingredients, process and the nutritional values behind foods. She also finds developmentally appropriate ways for children to participate. She has made all kind of food with classrooms (breads to smoothies)! Most recently she made mashed potatoes with children in the school’s “Kid’s Kitchen.” She also prepares and plates foods locally grown and delivered by Auerfarm (Bloomfield) and Newgate Farm (Windsor) such as bean salad, kale, and squash soup. The goal is to expose children to delicious healthy foods and plate locally grown when we can.

Chef Lise is supported by: the fabulous Food Service Director, Nick Carambelas, who backs nutrition and healthy eating initiatives at Wintonbury, two outstanding Wintonbury Teachers, Amy Albrecht and Lisa Thomas who plan and coordinate scheduling whole school cooking experiences alongside the stellar Sue Crawford, an ABAA at Wintonbury who teams with Lisa and Amy, Pearline Watson, kitchen staff with Chef Lise, who teams with her kitchen side and our farms (Auerfarm and Newgate Farm)! Wintonbury is a recipient of the CT Grown for CT Kids grant which allows us to fund these types of farm to table offerings.

Eating is health and fun with you Chef Lise – thank you!

Recently, a group of detectives from the Bloomfield Police Department visited with Bloomfield High Schools' Forensic Science class students to share insights into their careers and real-life cases. During the session, they provided valuable information about the field of law enforcement, detailing their experiences and responsibilities. The detectives also hosted a Q&A session, offering guidance on education and career paths for students interested in the field. Their visit gave students a deeper understanding of the profession and how to prepare for a potential career in Criminal Justice.

This is just one of the opportunities for career exploration occurring at BHS. Thank you, Mrs. McCaughey, for organizing this opportunity for our students and allowing them the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement related careers.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. the Bloomfield Public Schools, along with Bloomfield Social & Youth Services, will be hosting another Family Workshop Series. Get into the festive spirit with this wreath workshop, a perfect family activity to kick off the season! Participants will craft a personalized holiday wreath using fresh greenery, vibrant decorations, and your own creativity!

As always dinner and childcare are provided free of charge. The event will be held from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Bloomfield Community Center. Please click here to register.

From December 2 through December 19, all schools are participating in our 3rd Annual “Stuff the Bus” food drive to support the Bloomfield Food Bank at Leisure Services. Students and families can drop off non-perishable food items at their school. The drive will culminate in a “Stuff the Bus” at each school to pick up our donations on December 19. We would like to thank our School Climate Specialists for coordinating this event, and to DATTCO for donating the bus to the district free of charge.

On Friday, December 13, 2024, the district schools will participate in “PJ Day for the Kids” in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This is a statewide initiative to raise funds, spirits and awareness about kids battling cancer. Last year, the district raised a total of just under $2,000.00.

At Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School (WECMS) an “All School Family Project” is happening right now for Kindness Day. A Kindness Tree will be created in the school lobby displaying special acts of kindness shared by WECMS families.

On November 12, 2024, the Board of Education adopted policy 5131.911 – Connecticut School Climate Policy. This is a required policy change under Public Act 11-232, An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws. This policy replaces the previous Bullying Behavior in Schools district policy.

The policy provides guiding principles and systemic strategies to support and promote positive school climate where all students thrive academically and socially.

The administrative regulations include a form for students, parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, and school employees to report any alleged challenging behavioral incidents. Challenging behavior is behavior that negatively impacts school climate or interferes with the learning or safety of a student or the safety of a school employee.

Connecticut School Climate Policy

Adopted Policy

Administrative Regulations

All Board of Education policies can be viewed on our district website: BOE Policies

The Board of Education has created a new email address to receive ideas from the Bloomfield community.

The new email address is boe@blmfld.org.

While all correspondence is welcome, this virtual suggestion box is not intended for the resolution of individual issues. For urgent, personal concerns please speak with a classroom teacher, school leader or central office administrator.

-The Bloomfield Board of Education

The students of the Donald F. Harris Sr. Agriscience & Technology Center are hosting a Holiday Bazar on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 5:00-8:30 p.m. The event will include food, activities and music. The Agriscience annual Holiday Wreath Sale is also underway. Fresh wreaths and poinsettias are available to purchase.

Kindergarten enjoyed a great trip to the Connecticut Science Center on December 4, 2024. They explored various STEAM exhibits and had a chance to participate in extras as well. They represented Laurel in a great way!

On November 25, 2024, Ms. Calabro's and Mr. Taylor's 7th grade social studies classes took a very unique field trip. The Wintonbury History Society sponsored and narrated a bus tour of 8 historical locations in Bloomfield. The students were able to stop at the Filley House, one of 8 traprock farmhouses in the country, and see the current restoration efforts. This field trip was meaningful for the students as they recently completed a Bloomfield history project in their social studies class researching the very landmarks on this bus tour.

Come out and support Bloomfield High School’s Music Department at their Holiday Concert this Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit as you listen to a variety of musical selections by the BHS Chorus and Band.

December 14, 2024: BHS Football vs Ansonia at 10:30 a.m. at Rentschler Field - Class 'S' Championship Game. Tickets can be purchased on GoFan! Everyone must have a ticket to attend.

December 14, 2024: BHS Varsity Track and Field at Hillhouse Developmental Meet at Hillhouse High School at 10:00 a.m.

December 20, 2024: BHS Varsity Track and Field at Hillhouse Invitational at Hillhouse High School at 4:30 p.m.

For a full list of upcoming winter sports games, click here.

As a reminder the schools' holiday recess will run from Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1. Schools will open again Thursday, January 2, 2025.

District offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1.