The Weekly Update #4
April 22nd, 2024
Embracing the Final Stretch
Dear BPS Families and Colleagues,
As we find ourselves nearing the end of the school year, I am amazed how quickly time is passing. When the end of an event is seemingly in sight, the idiom “final stretch" is often relied upon to conjure the determination, perseverance, and the last burst of effort needed before reaching the finish line. Similar to the idiom’s roots in horse racing, the last part of the school year is like the last segment of a track where some of the most complex challenges and important decisions are presented when our bodies and minds are utterly exhausted.
We know, however, the efforts we exert now make all the difference in our outcomes. This is a time when weariness sets in, the initial excitement of the race has faded, and the end seems far more distant than it actually is. Yet, it is precisely during this phase that our resolve is tested and our commitment to excellence shines through.
For our students, it means staying focused on learning, seeking help when needed, and giving their all to school work despite the temptations of the warm and sunnier weather. For our staff, it means continuing to inspire and support students by finding new ways to ignite passion for learning, even when fatigue sets in. For our families, it means offering encouragement and support to help students stay motivated and focused on their goals. For all of us, it means coming together as a community, lifting each other up, and reminding ourselves that we are capable of achieving greatness, even in the face of adversity.
As your Superintendent, I am immensely proud of the resilience and dedication I have witnessed throughout the journey of this school year. Let us carry this spirit forward as we enter the final stretch, knowing that our collective efforts will propel us towards success.
Together, let us finish strong.
Dr. Tranberg
Governor Lamont Visits Branford
Governor Ned Lamont visited Mary R. Tisko Elementary School on Monday, April 15 to encourage school communities to take advantage of solar energy opportunities. Tisko is among our school campuses that has solar panels on the roof. Governor Lamont is working to make clean energy more accessible to schools and excited to recognize Branford for their continued efforts to support renewable energy. In January of 2023 the Branford Board of Education adopted a resolution supporting the Governor's commitment to renewable energy, energy independence, fiscal responsibility and community health, and the health of our air, water, wetlands and coastlines. In the planning and implementation of the clean energy commitment, Branford continues to develop and implement environmental and sustainability education, in alignment with curriculum standards, across all grade levels.
Spring Assessments
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, students will be participating in state-wide assessments aligned with the BPS curriculum. These assessments, including the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) assessment, will take place between April 22 and May 31. Since our curriculum is aligned with these standards, there's no additional preparation needed beyond ensuring your child gets enough rest and eats a healthy breakfast. High school students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses will also take exams beginning in May. If you have questions about AP exams, please contact your student’s teacher or counselor.
The results of these assessments allow us to analyze our performance as a district and aid in identifying strengths and areas for growth. SBA Results will be shared with families in the fall and AP results are typically released over the summer. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or principal.
Board of Education Updates
Lunch With a Mood Boost
The Moodies
Chef John
Branford Public Schools is in proud partnership with Chartwells for our food services program. Recently, students across the district had the opportunity to sample some seasonal healthy snacks thanks to John Turenne, our Director of Dining Services , as well as our talented cafeteria staff. This opportunity is part of Chartwells Mood Boost program. Chartwells developed Mood Boost as a fun and engaging program designed to help students make the connection between what they eat and how they feel. Students across the country can now experience the program that introduces new lunch menus, fun activities and a collection of characters called “Moodies”. Through Mood Boost and other innovative programs, students have unique experiences that aim to have them leave the cafeteria happier and healthier.
ELL Family Literacy Night
Contributed by Kim Volken, ELL Coordinator
This year’s ELL Family Literacy Night brought over 200 people to the Mary T. Murphy school gymnasium on March 28, 2024. This event started in 2013 as a way for our ELL families (K-12) to come together and celebrate literacy and language. ELL Family Literacy Night was originally held at the Blackstone library until BPS outgrew the space. With the exception of the pandemic, (2020-2022) the event has been held every year from 2013 to the present. The literacy activities are geared towards our elementary ELL families with middle and high school English learners and former English learners volunteering and participating in the event. This makes it a full circle moment for many of these students who attended ELL Family Literacy Night as elementary students. Plans are already underway for next year’s fun!
Kindergarten Orientation
Prospective students who turn five years of age on or before September 1, 2024 are welcome to join our kindergarten classes this fall. Kindergarten orientation will take place on May 22nd. This is an excellent opportunity to meet our teachers and learn more about our program. Only fully registered families will be invited to attend. Please register your child as soon as possible as it will greatly aid our planning for the coming school year. See our registration website for more information.
Artificial Intelligence Crash Course
Contributed by Rob Kovi, Director of Technology
In a previous newsletter, we encouraged discussion about AI ethics and the appropriate ways to understand and work with AI to promote critical thinking, AI ethics, and the responsible use of technology. As part of our ongoing commitment to embracing innovative learning tools such as artificial intelligence, we would like to share a great resource that can demystify artificial intelligence (AI) for students and parents.
The 'CrashCourse Artificial Intelligence' series on YouTube is a fantastic opportunity for students (and curious parents!) to explore the fundamentals of AI through engaging and accessible videos. This educational playlist has been specifically designed to make complex AI concepts understandable and relevant, without requiring any prior knowledge of the subject. Each episode breaks down different aspects of AI, from how algorithms learn to the ethical considerations of AI applications. Whether you're a budding technologist eager to understand the underpinnings of machine learning or simply interested in how AI is shaping our world, this series has something to offer.
We encourage WIS and BHS students as well as parents across the district to watch these videos together, discuss the content, and perhaps even explore further reading or practical experiments at home. Engaging with this series will not only enhance your understanding of a technology that is rapidly transforming our society but also equip you with knowledge that is becoming increasingly essential in a wide range of professions and industries.
So grab your device, head over to YouTube, and start your AI education journey with CrashCourse. We hope the experience will inspire and inform you."
AI use in this article- ChatGPT was used to proofread and improve the flow of the article. The image is created using AI using the prompt- Create a photorealistic image of a parent and student learning about AI together. The next photo was created by asking it to regenerate the original request and asking it to make a photo cartoon style in an educational and warm atmosphere.