Dear Member of the Bristol Community:
Have you noticed the new LED electronic sign that has enhanced our school entrance? Or
perhaps you have enjoyed one of the wonderful productions staged by our Footlights group. And
what about the “BC” and landscaping near our soccer fields? Or perhaps you know someone
fortunate enough to earn one of our coveted Blanch McMaster college scholarships? What do
these all have in common? They are the result of support by members of the Bristol community,
just like you. Individuals such as Craig Yarde and Blanche McMaster as well as numerous
Bristol businesses have helped make these things possible. Now, we are asking you to consider
adding your name to our list of sponsors and supporters who help to enrich the lives of our young
people.
Bristol Central High School is not an ordinary school. We see the potential for our school to be
one of the greatest high schools in Connecticut, if not in the entire Northeast. We have proven
that BCHS is a very good comprehensive high school, dedicated to providing a first class
education for each of our students. To that end, Bristol Central High School has worked with the
Board of Education and central office to develop a well-articulated and rigorous academic
program of studies. At the same time we have developed support systems that enable all of our
students to participate in a college preparatory program. While math, English, science, social
studies and world languages are major components of our academic offerings, we also recognize
the importance of providing our students with a curriculum enriched by culture, fitness and the
visual and performing arts. As lifelong learners, we recognize and appreciate the importance of a
well-rounded high school experience and advocate for many enrichment opportunities for our
students.
In addition to our significant role in the teaching and learning process of our students, the Bristol
Central community feels a real responsibility to educating the whole child. Therefore, our
mission includes more than just academics; we provide significant support to our parents and
guardians in the development of the social, emotional and physical well-being of our students.
Our comprehensive support services and the compassion shown by our classroom teachers are
evidence that our students are much more than numbers. Each one is an individual who
represents the future of our city, our state and our country. Towards that end, we want them to be
positive, active, civic-minded people who have discovered and developed the best parts of
themselves in the classroom, in the arts and on the playing field.
I am sure that you have heard of some of what our school has offered to the city of Bristol; the
fund-raising efforts of our Interact Club that last year donated $5,000 to the Bristol Boys' and
Girls' Club Cambridge Park Satellite, the National Honor Society that contributes thousands of
food items to the Salvation Army and the Best Buddies organization that works to include our
special needs students into all our athletic and social events are just a few examples of the
commitment that we have to our town . The generosity and altruism displayed by our students
and staff is legendary. We are now asking that you, as a member of this town, recognize the
efforts of everyone associated with Bristol Central and become a contributor to this great
institution.
Although the Board of Education, the Board of Finance and the Town Council have provided
Bristol Central High School with the necessary funds to implement our instructional programs,
there is always significantly more that we could accomplish with a further infusion of monetary
and professional services support. Preparing students for University level work and the 21st
century work force requires that our students have the opportunity to interact and learn with 21st
century technology. There have been many who have already shown support for our school. If
you feel that you would like to join us on our journey to greatness, I ask you to look over the
attached page that identifies areas for further funding.
Keep in mind that some of these are long-term projects that will continue over several years. Any
support that you might offer would be most appreciated. In addition, you may have a service that
you can provide the school that is not included on this list. So many of you have a special talent
or service that could make the difference in a child’s life, whether as a classroom guest speaker, a
printer of our school calendar or a costume designer for our drama groups; the opportunities for
giving are limited only by your imagination and your generosity.
Bristol Central High School was recently awarded the designation as a Vanguard School by the
State Department of Education. It is gratifying to know that those outside of Bristol recognize the
efforts of everyone here. Now, please consider being one of those who will contribute to this
effort. Your generosity will spread far beyond the walls of BCHS and will serve to enrich far
more than just Bristol Central High School as our students go out into the world.
Please do not hesitate to call me or email me to discuss your thoughts and suggestions for how we
can all work to make Bristol Central High School a model for the state of Connecticut.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Martin J. Semmel