September 24, 2026
Dear BSD Community,
Welcome back! We have had a great start to the school year across all 11 of our BSD schools! The new BHS/BTC building has naturally captured a lot of attention, and it has been inspiring to see students already thriving in our new labs and shared spaces – a powerful reminder of what our community’s support makes possible! I’ve been to all of our schools and most of our classrooms already, and I am seeing positive energy and learning happening in every single one of our classrooms. After a fantastic time connecting at Playing Fields at Flynn Elementary last week, we are energized for the year ahead.
As a staff, our main focus this year is on taking a collaborative, team approach to understand each of our students deeply, ensuring everyone gets the tailored support they need to reach their highest potential.
Part of this is making sure that our students are safe on our campuses. With that in mind, this week I made the decision to ban e-motos and Class III e-bikes for all students under 16 from all BSD properties. I have been concerned about the physical safety of our students on these bikes, as have many in our community, and my goal is to protect our students…and to comply with the law! Please see below for more information on why we’ve taken this step and what it means for students and families.
Thank you for a great start to the year, and for working to keep our campuses safe.
Tom
Strategic Plan: Take our “Sensemaker” Survey TODAY! As part of the creation of our next 5-year strategic plan, we are gathering information from the community about their experiences in the school district. One way to share your experiences is to take a 10-15 minute survey. The survey can be taken on a phone or any other device. This survey is open to all students, families, staff, and community members. What to expect:
- Time: Takes about 10 minutes.
- What you’ll do: Write or speak a couple of sentences about a recent experience in BSD, then answer a few questions about it.
- 100% Anonymous: We do not collect your name. No one will know which answers are yours.
- Voluntary: You can stop at any time by closing this window.
Still not sure? Watch this video tutorial to see what to expect.
E-Moto and Class III e-Bikes – E-motos and Class III e-bikes are not allowed on school grounds (or anywhere in the City) for students under 16. E-motos are classified as motor vehicles under Vermont law and require riders to be at least 16 years old, licensed, insured, and operating on the road rather than on sidewalks or shared-use paths. Class III e-bikes also require riders to be 16 years or older.
How do you know if your student is riding an e-bike or an e-moto? Some e-motos are marketed as e-bikes, which can create confusion for families. In general, e-motos do not have pedals like a bicycle would and are electric-powered (there are some gas models on the market as well); even small e-motos can go up to 45mph. Families, PLEASE review the graphic below and talk with your student about safe, legal, and responsible riding.
What about e-bikes? Class I and Class II bikes are still allowed on BSD properties. However, these vehicles can go much faster than regular bicycles and can create safety hazards at schools. Therefore, we ask all students and families not to ride any bicycles, scooters, motorized vehicles, etc. on sidewalks on school property.
What about for high school students? As long as students are over 16 and have the proper licensing requirements, these vehicles will continue to be allowed for high school students. As a reminder, e-motos do require a license to ride and may require a parking permit depending on the rules of your campus… please check with your building’s administrative assistant for more information.
Regardless of the type of vehicle your student has, the following applies
- All bicycles and motorized vehicles (scooters, hoverboards, etc.) must be walked while on campus.
- Helmets should be worn at all times – by all riders.
- Pedestrians (anyone who is walking or otherwise standing on a sidewalk or crosswalk) have the right of way. Therefore, slow down or stop when approaching pedestrians.
- Parents are financially responsible for any injuries that their child causes to another person while biking.
- You should know that BPD may begin ticketing parents who provide e-motos and Class III e-bikes to children.
NEW PROCEDURES
Concussion Action Plan
Facilities Rental Procedure and Rates
Substance Use Procedures
Student Accident – First Report
Congrats Sparks! – Please join me in congratulating Sparks, who has received a title change from Director of Equity to Executive Director of Equity. As a leader of both our safety and equity efforts, the title change aligns with the broad scope of responsibilities he carries every day and is a well-deserved recognition of the leadership role Sparks already fulfills on BSD’s executive team. Thank you, Sparks, for your decades of commitment and all you do for BSD students, staff, and families!
Returning Student Registration – We need your help to make sure all student info is up to date! Only 76% of forms have been completed. Smith families still lead the way with an 81% completion rate, but we need everyone to get to 100%. Please help by completing these forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal today.
Secondary Associate Director of Teaching and Learning – We are pleased to welcome Bindu Sunil as our new Associate Director of Teaching and Learning for Secondary Education. Bindu brings more than 20 years of experience in education, with leadership roles spanning classroom, school, district, consulting, and state-level contexts. Throughout their career, Bindu has developed deep expertise in secondary curriculum and instruction, mathematics, assessment, MTSS, instructional coaching, collaborative teams, and data-informed improvement. Previous roles include serving as a school improvement consultant, Mathematics Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools, district math coach, math specialist, and classroom teacher. A consistent through-line in Bindu’s work is a commitment to ensuring that all students have equitable access to rigorous, engaging, and culturally responsive learning experiences.
Teaching and Learning Restructure Complete – The addition of Sunil completes our hiring for the newly structured Teaching and Learning Team, and rounds out a very strong team to support our priority work to improve academic achievement and reduce academic disparities. As a reminder, we have consolidated the curriculum side of our Teaching and Learning Team from five employees to four and moved the department under our Executive Director of School Leadership, Lauren Klaffky. Our goal has been to strengthen the team while also reducing the overall number of positions… I’m excited about the future ahead for this team!
- Katherine Grykien, Director of Curriculum
- Nina Oropeza, Elementary Associate Director of Teaching and Learning (K-5)
- Bindu Sunil, Secondary Associate Director of Teaching and Learning (6-12)
- Executive Assistant – Apply today to join us!
ML Program Director – While we have not yet concluded our search for a fulltime director of programs for multilingual learners, the good news is that Kirsten Kollgaard, Winooski School District’s former ML Director, has agreed to work as a part-time acting director while we continue our search. Kirsten Kollgaard is very well respected, and having her on board has allowed us to start the school year strong. Please join me in thanking her and welcoming Kirsten into the role.
The ParentSquare App – Families – don’t forget you can download the ParentSquare App at any time! (Just search for “ParentSquare” in your phone’s app store.) You’ll still receive all district and school communication via email or text even if you don’t, but the app has a lot of features that will help you better connect with your school and teachers. Already 26% of our families—1,111 parents—have installed it! Questions? See the ParentSquare Family FAQ to learn more.
Coffee with Tom is BACK – Monthly at Skinny Pancake – Join me and other BSD leaders for coffee (or tea!) at the Skinny Pancake! Through May, I will be at the Skinny Pancake once a month from 8-9AM. I will come prepared with some updates, but mostly just be ready to listen and connect. This year, I will again be joined by other District leaders on a rotating monthly basis. Join us and ask questions and provide feedback about the work happening in BSD. Come late, leave early, or stay the whole time; either way, coffee is on us! See you there! Save the Dates! All events start at 8AM. The guest list will be updated soon!
October 16 –
November 20 – Lauren Klaffky
December 18 – Katherine Grykien
January 15
February 19
March 19
April 16 – Bonnie Ryder
May 21
Pride Parade and Playing Fields – We had an amazing week of community building! Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Pride Parade and at Playing Fields!
AAFM Kids Calendar Contest (Enter by November 2) – The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is hosting an art contest! Students in grades K-4 (as of fall 2026) are invited to send in drawings that show what farming in Vermont looks like to them. Whether that’s apples, dairy, maple taps, or beyond, they want to see it. Submissions of traditional (pen/pencil/paint) or digital art are accepted and can be accompanied by a story or written description of up to one paragraph. Further information and entry details can be found on the Agency of Agriculture’s website.
