Dear BPS Families and Colleagues,

When it comes to effective communication, finding the glass slipper solution is aspirational. Among the challenges in finding that perfect fit is the variability of personal preferences with frequency, duration and types of communication you may receive. Given the same communication, some feel in the loop while others feel left out all while some feel there is not enough communication and others just want it all to stop. How can we make communication more clear while balancing choice and style?

We are excited to announce the launch of ParentSquare, a new communication platform that will significantly enhance the way we connect and engage. This innovative tool will be implemented across our district to streamline communication between parents, teachers, and school staff, ensuring that everyone stays informed and connected. While not the solution for all things, this is a strong move in the right direction.

ParentSquare is a comprehensive communication app designed specifically for K-12 schools. It provides a unified platform where important information can be shared efficiently and securely. With ParentSquare, you can expect improved communication and engagement, all through a single, user-friendly interface accessible via the web or mobile application.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Centralized Communication: Receive announcements, updates, and reminders from the school in one place. No more sifting through multiple emails or platforms.

2. Direct and Group Messaging: Easily communicate with teachers, school staff, and other parents. ParentSquare supports both one-on-one and group messaging.

3. Language Translation: Automatic translation of messages into multiple languages ensures that every family can stay informed, regardless of their preferred language.

4. Event Management: Stay updated on school events with scheduling, RSVPs, and reminders all handled through the app.

5. Secure and Private: ParentSquare prioritizes the security and privacy of our communication, ensuring that all data is protected and accessible only by authorized users.

6. Engagement Insights: The platform provides tools for us to track engagement, helping us understand and improve how we communicate with our community.

ParentSquare will be officially rolled out next school year, however, there are steps you can take in the meantime. BPS employees have received an invitation via email to join ParentSquare and setup their accounts. We encourage all parents and caregivers to do the same when the invitation arrives within the next two weeks. ParentSquare can be accessed via an application (preferred) or via a web browser. Launch resources are provided below.

ParentSquare has the potential to transform the way we communicate within our district, making it easier for you to stay informed, involved, and engaged as partners in your child’s learning.

As we observe Memorial Day, let us take a moment to honor and remember the brave individuals who have sacrificed for our country. Wishing you all a peaceful and reflective holiday weekend. Enjoy your time with loved ones and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tranberg

The Board of Education Communication Survey opened on March 1, 2024 and closed on April 5, 2024. There were 236 responses representing families from all district campuses. Results were discussed at the April 17 and May 15 meetings of the Communication Committee. The conversations were robust and action-oriented. The following list summarizes the prioritized actions that will be implemented to enhance communication between home and school.

• Centralize Communication: ParentSquare is a unified app for school communication allowing families to receive all announcements from the district and their children’s schools and teachers in one place. Additionally, there are options to specify how and when notifications are received. The district hopes that ParentSquare’s intuitive, two-way platform will foster greater communication and family involvement. With ParentSquare, parents can enjoy photos posted by teachers, fill out forms and permission slips, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, and much more.

• Improve Website: The district website will migrate to a new host, Finalsite, that offers features and navigation options superior to the current provider.

• Increase Opportunities for Feedback: Administration and the Board will explore opportunities for stakeholder feedback through focus groups related to specific topics of community and staff interest.

• Develop Procedures: Administration will create and publicize a chain of communication to guide questions, comments and concerns to the appropriate party.

• Celebrate Successes: All parties will commit to looking for the bright spots and identifying student and staff accomplishments worthy of celebration. The district will work to improve efforts in communicating celebrations to the larger community when possible and appropriate.
  

We are excited to invite you to a Parent Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools, scheduled for June 4, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Branford High School Library(Park in the C-Lot and enter through door F3). This event, organized by a Branford High School senior as part of his internship project, will cover important topics such as how AI might be used in schools, responsible use, and ethics.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the innovative ways AI can be integrated into our curriculum, understand the ethical considerations, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of education. Parents of students of all ages are welcome, and you are welcome to bring your children along.

Please RSVP by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you there!

This letter was AI generated(ChatGPT4o) using a detailed question and answer chat conversation and then edited for our use. The image was then created using AI. The image prompt was “To inspire visual interest, can you create an image appropriate for the letter we just created”

The Branford School Aged Child Care (SACC) program will continue to provide quality child care for children in grades Pre-K through 6 in the coming school year. Before and after school care is available, operating Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and includes coverage on minimum days at no extra charge. A summer camp is also available for children who have completed kindergarten through grade 4. The program, which supports working families, follows the Branford Public Schools (BPS) schedule for delays, dismissals, and closings, and requires that all enrolled children attend BPS. Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. Program information and registration forms can be found online.

Recently, a team of math coaches, department leaders, teachers, and district administrators participated in workshops about Building Thinking Classrooms. Developed by Peter Liljedahl, this approach transforms math classrooms with strategies like using vertical whiteboards for group work, frequently changing student groups, and tackling rich, open-ended problems. This approach helps students become more independent, think deeply, and work together effectively.

One key strategy is "thin slicing," which breaks lessons into small, manageable parts to keep students engaged and ensure they make steady progress. Learning is reinforced through regular, focused discussions where students reflect on their work, and teachers introduce important vocabulary and concepts to help solidify understanding. Our team is excited to learn more and start using these methods in our classrooms.

In the heart of Branford, where the essence of community shines, lies the Access 18-22 Transition Program—a beacon of empowerment for post high school students with transition only service needs stepping into adulthood. Within its walls lies a multi-faceted program offering a Post-Secondary educational experience that provides young adults with the community based instruction and vocational training needed in order to master transition skills and move on to independent adulthood and employment.

The newly established partnership between the transition program and Chartwells, the district’s food service provider, plays an important role in the program. Chartwells found an ideal ally in the students of the transition program. Together, they embarked on a journey to nurture the budding talents of the students, fostering a sense of purpose and skill development in the culinary arts and food service industry. Through this partnership students participated in the culinary experience during school lunch preparation. Guided by seasoned professionals, students learned the intricacies of food preparation, customer service, and kitchen management.

Students in the Access program continue to hone their restaurant and entrepreneurship skills while running the Indian Neck Cafe where breakfast and lunch is planned, prepared, sold and served to faculty in the building every Wednesday. This has been a very positive experience for all members of the building allowing for Access to build on its in house community involvement. The students and faculty of Access even catered a paraprofessional luncheon to show their appreciation.

The Family Resource Center School Readiness Program is another collaborative partner of Access. Recognizing the importance of early childhood education and the nurturing environment it provides, the transition program forged a bond with the daycare, creating a pathway for students to explore the realm of childcare and education. Guided by compassionate educators, they are honing their communication skills, patience, and empathy—essential qualities for any future career path. Students in both the Access transition program and the Branford High School vocational training course, have found success in working alongside the staff at the Early Years Center and are developing their skills in working with young children.

Completing this trifecta of BPS collaboration was the Sliney School custodial staff, custodians of not only the physical space but also the spirit of inclusivity and support. Together, they embraced the concept of vocational training, recognizing the value of hands-on experience in the realm of facility cleanliness and maintenance. Side by side with the custodial team, students are becoming stewards of their environment, learning the importance of cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail. Each task, from sweeping the floors to wiping down the tables after a busy school lunch session, became an opportunity to cultivate responsibility and pride in their work—a foundation for future endeavors. The leadership the custodial staff at Sliney School has taken on in modeling these employment skills to our students, as well as being the natural supports in place, has provided a positive experience that will continue to foster the growth of post school employment success.

Through these collaborative efforts, the Branford Access 18-22 Transition Program and BHS Vocational Studies, has not only provided students with employment opportunities but has also fostered a sense of belonging and purpose within the school community. As students graduate from the program, they carry with them opportunities for future employment and the confidence to pursue their dreams.