Bridgeport Public Schools To Host 2025 Convocation At Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Public Schools will host its annual Convocation Wednesday at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport to kick off the 2025–26 school year, officials announced.

The event will bring together more than 3,000 staff to celebrate achievements and set the tone for student success in the upcoming school year.

Classes begin in Bridgeport on Thursday.

Scheduled to attend Wednesday's Convocation are:

Governor Ned Lamont; Mayor Joseph P. Ganim; Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker; Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery; Board of Education Chair Jennifer Perez; President of the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Danielle Wilken; Union Representatives Sharon Weller, Jeff Morrissey, and Steven Douglas; Vice President of Effective School Solutions, Laine Whitaker; Board of Education Members; Elected Officials; Community Members; and Staff Members.

Effective School Solutions (ESS), a long-time partner of Bridgeport Public Schools, provides high-acuity mental health care support for school district students, and is partnering with the district on a comprehensive behavior education initiative that is designed to help teachers and staff better address the mental health and behavioral needs of students. This training gives educators practical strategies they can use in the classroom every day, while also reinforcing the district’s broader focus on social-emotional learning and student well-being.

This partnership reflects Bridgeport’s leadership in strengthening school-based supports and is in step with Governor Ned Lamont’s call to expand access to innovative mental health services for students across Connecticut.

— Flyer from Bridgeport Public Schools