Character Strong Tip of the Week:  

In December we celebrate feelings of joy and hope for the future.  For some, this time of year can be difficult finding reasons to feel optimistic. To feel joy, notice when someone does something you appreciate and tell them.  Also, find opportunities to help others in small ways. Just saying hello can make a person's day better. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

If you are interested in volunteering in our community, click here to learn more about the Bethel Community Cares Coalition. 

Are you interested in attending a virtual Character Strong lesson?  Please email Tom Salvador for more information on upcoming virtual sessions.

For more information about the Character Strong program, please visit the BPS EI website.

Free/Reduced Lunch Application 

Working papers are available all year long from the Main Office @ BHS.  Please read this important letter.

The process is as follows:

1. The student gets a job.

2. Employer gives the student a “Promise of Employment”.  This letter MUST have ALL of the following information: the business information (preferably on company letterhead), hourly wage (currently minimum wage is $15.00), the hours per week and a DETAILED list of tasks (no vague descriptions like ‘cleaning’ are permitted). If the letter does not have all that information, we cannot issue Working Papers.

3. Student emails or brings a copy of the Letter of Intent to Hire to the Main Office at BHS – call first (203-794-8600 opt. 0) to make sure someone is available.  Secretaries prepare the working papers and give them to the student.

Please don’t wait until the last minute as this may impact your start date at your new job.

 Exceptions to the need for the ED-301(Working Papers)

1. If the employer is a licensed summer camp, a municipality, state or federal employer, Working Papers are not required BUT the same prohibitions for time/days of work apply – especially with 14 and 15-years old. The prohibitions for the hazardous tasks which apply to all minors also apply – see the Hazardous Occupations Orders in the Manual. Working on roofs, use of certain machinery etc. are all prohibited.

2.  Agricultural Jobs – We do not issue Working Papers for minors to be employed on farms. When we say agriculture or farm work, we are implying work that is directly related to the function of the farm: dealing with animals, planting, picking product etc. If you get this kind of job, you must simply provide proof of age (14-17) to the employer and if you are under 16 years old, you are not permitted to use ladders or power-driven equipment.

PLEASE NOTE that this ceases to be agriculture when it is work in retail stores (not just a produce stand on the side of the road). If you are working in a STORE like a garden center, this is not agriculture and does require Working Papers.

3. Minors under 16 do not work AT ALL ANYWHERE (including agriculture) during the school year, EXCEPT that a 15-year-old may work in a Grocery Store as a cashier, bagger or stockperson and only on a Saturday for no more than 8 hours. Work is restricted to periods of school vacation (defined as when school is out of session for 5 days or more) and never on a day followed by a school day.

·       At 14 we issue Working Papers for a minor to work as a caddy or in the pro shop of a private or municipal golf course during school vacations.

·       At 15 we issue Working Papers to work in retail as a cashier, bagger or stock person during school vacations or for the grocery store exception during the school year.