Message from the Superintendent

Dear Bloomfield School Community,

The first week of school was filled with energy, excitement, and so many reminders of what makes the start of a school year, especially in our District, so special. There is something meaningful about witnessing a child’s very first day of UPK or kindergarten, a student’s first bus ride, the first day of middle school, or a staff member’s first day on the job.

These milestones are never experienced in isolation. They are shared with parents, grandparents, and other loved ones who help make these moments meaningful. I feel incredibly grateful to work in a District where so many people are deeply committed to making each student’s experience positive and memorable.

Here are a few highlights from the week:

Welcoming Our Youngest Learners
 Our UPK teachers, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Hammond, have done an amazing job helping our youngest learners navigate their first days of school, from getting on and off the bus to walking the hallways and settling into new routines. We sometimes forget what it feels like to spend a full day at school for the first time. Their kindness, patience, compassion, and genuine care have made a tremendous impact on our newest students.

A Wonderful Addition to Our Elementary Team
 Elementary Principal Dr. Marchionda and Dean of Students Mrs. Ulmer shared how impressed they have been with our new Elementary School Nurse, Mrs. Proctor. While stepping into school nursing can be challenging, Mrs. Proctor has been on top of everything. They especially recognized her communication with teachers and parents, her interactions with students, and her willingness to step in and support students who are having difficulty adjusting to the back-to-school routine. They could not say enough about her efforts this week.

M/HS Students Happy to Be Back

Our Middle/High School principal, Mrs. Shannon, also shared a wonderful response from a parent: “They all did have a wonderful first day! I haven't seen my child come home this excited from school in a long time!” Comments like this are a wonderful reminder of the impact our staff can have.

Kindness in Action
 Earlier in the week, I saw several elementary students help a classmate who had dropped something. It was a small moment, but a great reminder of the kindness and thoughtfulness our students demonstrate every day. 

Supporting Students Through Transitions
 Returning to school brings many different emotions, and our faculty and staff have worked hard to help students navigate them. Mr. Vaillancourt noted several examples: Ms. Layton sitting on the floor talking with a student about the ups and downs of life; Mrs. Caughlin modeling patience and care during a difficult start to the day; and Mr. Volpe and Mr. Woodworth reminding a student that a new school year can be a new beginning. These interactions may only last a few minutes, but their impact can last so much longer.

Making Mornings Matter
 The first few days of riding the bus can be tricky for our new kindergarten students, making the adults who greet them at arrival especially important. Mr. Vaillancourt recognized Mrs. Erskine as a “rock star” for the way she warmly welcomed students and helped them problem-solve. Whether helping a kindergartner remember who their teacher was or tracking down a missing coat at the lost and found, she helped make those first mornings a little easier.

Our Kindergarten Team
 Our kindergarten teachers have also been amazing as they patiently introduce students to new routines, from hanging coats and navigating the cafeteria line to walking together in the hallways. The energy, patience, and enthusiasm our kindergarten team brings to their work with students has been incredible to see.

As we begin the school year, I am reminded again and again that it is the people in our schools who make these moments special. Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, and families for helping make the first week of school such a positive start. I am excited to see all that this year will bring!

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions or need anything throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Andy Doell

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Photo of the Week: We could not be happier to welcome our students back to school this week!