Community News

Bridgeport, CT – April 25, 2025 – Bridgeport Public Schools leaders, alongside representatives from Effective School Solutions (ESS), state legislators, and other city and state officials, gathered this month to celebrate the strengthening of a vital partnership aimed at enhancing mental health support in Bridgeport schools. This collaboration addresses the increasing mental health challenges students face and is a key part of a long-term strategy to provide sustainable, cost-effective solutions for emotional and behavioral well-being. 

The partnership between BPS and ESS focuses on creating a comprehensive mental health continuum, prioritizing inclusion-based practices while ensuring students receive the necessary support within their school communities. This initiative responds to the rising number of students dealing with mental health challenges, chronic absenteeism, and behavioral issues. 

The collaboration directly addresses key challenges facing Connecticut school districts, including the need for specialized mental health services, rising costs of outplacements for students with high needs, and scalable models for effective support. 

Key Outcomes of the BPS-ESS Collaboration: 

• Direct Clinical Care and Wraparound Services: 
  ESS provides intensive Tier 3A clinical care to students in need, with a 10-person team supporting 147 students across six high-need schools. 

• Professional Development & Coaching: 
  ESS is training and coaching Behavioral Learning Center (BLC) staff, equipping them with tools to support students’ mental health needs. 

• Outplacement Reduction and Consultation: 
  ESS is identifying students who may benefit from returning to district programming, reducing costly outplacements. This has already resulted in 35 students returning or being removed from out-of-district programs, saving an estimated $2.7 million. 

• Mental Health Continuum Consultation: 
  ESS is helping BPS develop and implement best practices for school-based mental health care. 

Key Results from the Initiative: 

• Absenteeism: 
  73% of students with chronic absenteeism have significantly reduced their absences. 

• Behavioral Improvement: 
  70% of students with disciplinary issues have seen a significant decrease in incidents. 

• Academic Performance: 
  69% of students with GPAs below 2.0 have either maintained or improved their GPA. 

• Parent Satisfaction: 
  93% of parents/caregivers reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the support their children have received. 

"This partnership with ESS is a game-changer for our district," said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools. "By integrating mental health services within our schools, we are addressing critical needs and ensuring our students have the support to succeed both academically and emotionally. This collaboration is a model for how we can create lasting impact." 

Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to continuing this work, building a sustainable and inclusive support system that will ensure students in Bridgeport receive the mental health services they need to succeed. 

Bridgeport, CT — April 23,2025 — Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the four-time Super Bowl champions and eight-time NFL title holders, the New York Giants, to launch Girls Flag Football in the city. This initiative will kick off with the inaugural 2025 Girls Flag Football Jamboree on Sunday, June 8, at Bridgeport’s beloved Seaside Park—a landmark 375-acre waterfront park known for its baseball fields, picnic areas, scenic oceanfront walkway, sandy beach, and lighthouse.

The Jamboree, free and open to girls ages 13 to 18, will introduce young women to flag football in an inclusive, high-energy setting. All participants will receive uniforms, and teams from across the region are encouraged to register in advance.

"We’re not just hosting a tournament. We’re setting a new standard," said Paul Catuccio, Athletic Director for Bridgeport Public Schools. "With the support of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and the energy of our students behind us, June 8 will be a milestone for girls' athletics in Bridgeport."

"This partnership with the New York Giants is a transformational moment for our students and our city," added Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools. "By bringing this nationally supported program to one of Bridgeport’s most iconic spaces, we’re creating new possibilities for our young women to lead, grow, and thrive—on and off the field." Hosted in collaboration with Northeast Flag Football, this event is part of a larger national movement to expand access to sports for girls and to champion gender equity in athletics, with direct support from major professional organizations like the New York Giants.

Event Details

What: 2025 Girls Flag Football Jamboree

Who: Girls ages 13–18

When: Saturday, June 8 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Where: Seaside Park (Soccer Fields), Bridgeport, CT

Cost: Free Uniforms: Provided To register your team or for more information: Contact: Paul Catuccio at pcatuccio@bridgeportedu.net Additional Info & Registration: NEFELCT@hotmail.com

Bridgeport Public Schools thanks the New York Giants, North East Flag Football, and the entire community of supporters who are helping bring new, inclusive athletic opportunities to the next generation of Bridgeport athletes.

After a devastating fire on December 24, 2024, displaced two families with six students in the Bridgeport Public Schools community, Bridgeport Rotary and the district quickly stepped in to support. Though the holidays were marred by this tragedy, the partnership continues to help the affected families recover. Bridgeport Rotary donated gift cards for the displaced students, allowing them to purchase new uniforms and return to school with confidence. Acting Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery personally delivered the gift cards, demonstrating the district’s commitment to its students’ well-being. 

This collaboration marks the start of an ongoing effort, with Bridgeport Rotary planning to adopt several schools and establish a "Uniform Closet" to provide essential supplies for families in need. Edward Davis, a representative from Bridgeport Rotary, emphasized the importance of restoring normalcy and hope for these students and their families. Together, Bridgeport Rotary and the district showcase the power of community solidarity in helping families overcome adversity and thrive. To learn more or become a partner, visit https://bit.ly/BPS-PARTNERS. 

Bridgeport Public Schools has united with mayors and superintendents from Connecticut’s five largest cities to urge Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to increase education funding during the 2025 legislative session. Facing a $39 million budget deficit, the district remains committed to ensuring every student has the resources necessary to succeed, despite financial challenges. Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery and Mayor Joseph Ganim emphasized the urgency of equitable funding to support the district's high-need students. The coalition calls for adjustments to the per-student foundation amount, eliminating fiscal barriers, and prioritizing funding for underserved communities to help all students thrive. Investing in education is seen as investing in Connecticut’s future.  

Bridgeport Public Schools, in partnership with the City of Bridgeport’s Hall Neighborhood House and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, proudly announces the dedication of The Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center at Jettie S. Tisdale School to the Rosnick Family. This dedication honors the Rosnick Family’s longstanding contributions to education and their unwavering support for students in Bridgeport. 

The Alan Wallack STEM Learning Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides hands-on learning experiences, advanced technology, and resources to help students thrive in the 21st-century workforce. This program, which began at Hall Neighborhood House, has expanded to a dozen K-8 schools in Bridgeport, with plans to reach all 28 schools within the next decade. 

Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools, expressed appreciation for the Rosnick Family's generosity, saying, “This dedication represents the power of collaboration and the incredible impact that happens when our community comes together. It is through partnerships like this one that we create lasting opportunities for our students to succeed.” 

Mayor Joseph Ganim also acknowledged the importance of these partnerships, highlighting the vital role the STEM program plays in preparing students for future success. 

Thanks to generous donations, this initiative has not cost taxpayers, ensuring students have access to these resources without a financial burden on the community. 

Bridgeport Public Schools is proud to collaborate with the City of Bridgeport and the Alzheimer’s Association to support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on April 26, 2025, at Seaside Park. This meaningful community event aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions of families nationwide. 

Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools, shared, “As a community, we stand together in the fight against Alzheimer’s. This disease affects so many families, and we are proud to support them by raising awareness, funds, and offering hope for a cure. We are united in this cause, and together, we will make a difference.” 

The walk will unite families, educators, and local leaders in Bridgeport to show support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and to contribute to groundbreaking research and support services. Through this partnership, Bridgeport Public Schools is helping to foster a stronger, more compassionate community dedicated to fighting Alzheimer's and providing hope for those affected.