Dear Bloomfield School Community,

I hope you’ve had a great week and have been enjoying the beautiful fall weather!

Before I share a few thoughts and some exciting Homecoming information, I want to take a moment to share a few observations and highlights from our Leadership Team:

• Our Earth Science teacher, Ms. Rafalowska, is working in collaboration with EduTech to bring in drone expert Bill Campo to help with a science lab. This lab will create a meaningful and exciting opportunity for students.
• Our Chemistry teacher, Ms. Mazzara, has done an outstanding job transitioning into her new role teaching Chemistry. Her preparation over the summer, including attending professional development sessions and redesigning course material, has already had a powerful impact in the classroom. Last week, her students were actively exploring crosscutting concepts in science.
• Our 4th and 5th grade students have done a wonderful job modeling school-wide expectations after lunch. They are a wonderful group who serve as great role models for our other students.

• Our Middle/High School Physical Education teachers, Mr. Hicks and Mrs. Murray, are working hard to design meaningful instruction that promotes lifelong fitness, wellness, and healthy decision-making for all students. They are also working to plan various field trips for students throughout the year as part of the Physical Education curriculum.
• Our incredible cafeteria team continues to serve delicious and healthy meals while making positive connections with students and staff each day. Their efforts don’t go unnoticed!

This week I also received another email that commended our School Community. This email was from a parent who wanted to express appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and support shown following her son’s recent injury during a boys’ varsity soccer game. She writes:

“The compassion and support demonstrated by students, families, and staff have been truly inspiring. The generous “get well” baskets provided by teammates, families, and the soccer booster club, along with the steady stream of encouraging emails and texts from coaches, friends, teachers, and front office staff, were greatly appreciated by our family.

These acts have reminded us just how special Bloomfield is. It’s clear that our district is more than just a place of learning; it’s a community built on support and kindness. The responses our family has received should make the entire district proud.”

 This week, I had the opportunity to attend a Bloomfield Rotary Meeting. During the meeting one of the Rotary members shared a presentation on Artificial Intelligence. As I listened to the presentation, it was a great reminder that one of the most important, and complex, responsibilities we have as a school district is preparing our students for a future that is rapidly changing. Many of the careers our students will pursue haven’t even been invented yet. This reality presents both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge.

In today’s world, it's no longer enough to simply teach content. We must also focus on equipping students with adaptable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. These are the skills that will serve them well, whether they’re entering a field that exists today or forging a path in one that will emerge tomorrow. Here in Bloomfield, our faculty and staff are working diligently to integrate technology, problem-solving experiences, and real-world applications into our curriculum so students are better prepared to thrive no matter what the future brings.

Of course, we recognize that preparing students for unknown futures requires innovation, flexibility, and ongoing support, not just from within our school district, but from the entire community. Fortunately, here in Bloomfield, we have a deeply engaged and supportive school community that understands the importance of a world class education.

Speaking of community support, we are getting ready to celebrate one of our most cherished traditions, Homecoming Week! This is a time when our school spirit truly shines.

Our annual Homecoming Parade down Main Street is a tradition few Districts still maintain, and it beautifully reflects the strong bond between our School District and community. This year’s Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th at 9:30 AM. Whether it’s class banners hanging near the PAC, the hallway of senior portraits dating back to 1912, or the amazing turnout at games and events, the pride in our District is clear and powerful.

This summer, several alumni groups returned for reunions and school tours. Their stories and memories were a powerful reminder that what happens here leaves a lasting impression. I am continually grateful to be part of a District where students, faculty, staff, families, and the broader community all share a commitment to excellence and tradition.

For a full list of events this week you can visit our website at: www.bloomfieldcsd.org

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

PICTURES OF THE WEEK:

This summer the Bloomfield Class of 1970 gathered for a reunion and tour of the Middle/High School. The most popular spot on the tour was our hallway that holds our Class Pictures. Our earliest Class Picture is of the Class of 1912.