June 2, 2023
BHS NEWSLETTER
Check out the BHS Information Guide if you have questions about Bethel High School.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Fri., June 2 Senior Class Trip to Holiday Hills
Mon., June 5 & 7 Senior Exams 5, 6, 7 & 8 - details will follow
Fri., June 9 Periods 1 & 2 Exams
Mon., June 12 Periods 3 & 4 Exams
Tues., June 13 Underclassmen Periods 5 & 6 Exams
Tues., June 13 Class of 2023 Graduation, 6 pm, Ralph DeSantis Field @ BHS
Wed., June 14 Underclassmen Periods 7 & 8 Exams
Wed., June 14 Graduation Rain Date
Thurs., June 15 Last day of school - ** BHS make up exams only
Reminder: Agenda Book replacement fee is $10. BHS Photo ID replacement fee is $5.
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
We started celebrating our graduating seniors and one of the more popular events is our annual Graduation Walk through the BPS campus. Yesterday, younger students enthusiastically cheered while the seniors marched through each school. Senior Night was held last night. Students enjoyed getting their Yearbooks, class shirts and viewed the senior video. The weather is beautiful today for our seniors who took the trip to Holiday Hills. We are looking forward to our Graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 13.
As a reminder, please make sure you gather all textbooks and materials that belong to Bethel High School and return them. Also, check PowerSchool to see if there are any outstanding fees on your account. If you have questions about any fees, please stop by the main office to get clarification. Please clear out all belongings in hallway and PE lockers. Do not take the lock from the hallway locker - it is to remain on the locker. Do take the lock from the PE lockers. You will be able to use your lock for PE next year. ALL items left in hallway and PE lockers will be donated to Goodwill. Most importantly, complete all of your assignments and begin to prepare for your final exams.
Sincerely,
Chris Troetti
Character Strong Tip of the Week:
Controlling anger or nervousness doesn't mean denying that the feelings exist. Negative emotions are part of being human. Admitting that we feel angry or nervous actually helps the brain deal with these emotions in the most productive way possible. It allows the brain to move towards thinking about the most appropriate way to manage how I'm feeling. For example, a person may admit they are angry after being cut off in traffic. This allows the brain to move on to considering the best and safest way to manage the situation. In other words, admitting it when a person feels unpleasant emotions such as anxiety or anger is the first step towards maintaining control and best managing the situation at hand.
Are you interested in attending a Character Strong lesson?
Please email Tom Salvador for more information.
For more information about the Character Strong program, please visit the BPS EI website.
From the Nurse
IMPORTANT HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION
1. If your child has any medication in the school health office it MUST be picked up on or before Thursday, June 15th, before 11:00, by a parent/guardian. EpiPens and inhalers may remain in the health office to be used next school year.
2. 2023 - 2024 school year information: If your child needs medication administered i.e. daily medication, EpiPen, inhaler, any over the counter medications, etc., a new/current "Administration of Medication by School Personnel" form is required; this form can be found on the Bethel Public School District website by going to "Departments" - "School Health" - "Forms"
BHS Yearbook News
Preordered yearbooks can be picked up outside of rooms 104 and 105 starting Friday, June 2nd through Thursday June 8th periods 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8.
Thank you!
2023 Yearbook Team
Students are reminded that they are not permitted to park at Berry School. Juniors should park in the Junior Lot (across from the BHS Football Field) and seniors should park in the Senior Lot (above the BHS Main Entrance).
Please check the Parent Portal for fees that are owed to BHS. Lost books, Chromebook repairs, etc. are listed.
If you are unsure of what the specific fee is, please call the Main Office at 203-794-8600 opt. 0.
The BHS Final Exams are just around the corner. Since this is an important academic period, we encourage all students to prepare early and to manage your time wisely as you close out the school year.
Please carefully review the schedule and the guidelines/instructions.
Class of 2024 - Senior portrait appointments are available!
Click here to schedule
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Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program
Fall 2023 through Spring 2024
New facility and location: 190 White Street, Danbury at Western Connecticut State University.
All Tuition expenses are included. Textbooks for all Courses and Materials are included.
Hands-on access to state of the art manufacturing technology in preparation of employment.
Graduates earn 31 college credits in two semesters towards an Associates Degree in Technology Studies.
Upon completion will have earned 2 certificates:
Certificate in Fundamentals of Machine Technology
Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology
OSHA-10 Certification
The program in manufacturing prepares individuals for “hands-on” positions in the manufacturing sector as inspectors, machine operators, CNC machinists and more.
Program meets Monday through Thursday. Class start time is 4:00pm each day.
Attend an Information Session and Tour NVCC AMTC Danbury.
Register to attend one of the Information session dates at www.nv.edu/linde
April 22 – 11:00 to 12:00pm – Saturday
May 3 – 3:00 to 4:00pm – Wednesday
June 2 – 3:00 to 4:00pm – Friday
July 19 – 3:00 to 4:00pm – Wednesday
August 2 – 3:00 to 4:00pm – Wednesday
Would you like an information session at a different date and time? Contact Marlene Cornwell to schedule.
Apply now for Linde Scholarship go to: www.nv.edu/linde
Apply now to NVCC at: nv.edu/admissions-and-aid/getting-started/apply
Select: Fall 2023 Application
Major: Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Certificate – HK60
To learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing Program visit: www.nv.edu/amt
Please share this email with anyone that could benefit and would be interested in a career in
Advanced Manufacturing.
Any questions contact Marlene Cornwell at: mcornwell@nvcc.commnet.edu
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Did you know...students are not allowed to have food deliveries during the school day. BHS does not allow deliveries from Uber Eats, Door Dash, GrubHub, etc. ALL food deliveries will be held in the main office until the end of the school day. School meals (one breakfast and one lunch per student) are FREE until the end of school in June 2023.
School Lunch Update...
We have received additional SMART funds from the State which allows us to offer meals free of charge to all students through the end of this school year. These funds will cover the cost of one school breakfast and one school lunch meal per school day per student. Additional (second) meals, a la carte items, and snacks are not covered by this program and will require payment at the time of purchase.
The State has requested that we communicate the importance of submitting the USDA free and reduced-price meal application so unless you have received a direct certification letter or have already filled out an application this school year, it is imperative that all families that might qualify fill out the application for free and reduced-price meals so we have accurate information to submit to the State. These applications can be found on our website, in the main office of each school, and in the business office at the Central Office (Municipal Center at 1 School Street). If you need guidance on filling out this application, please see the link below.
Please click the links to find out more about:
How to Fill Out the Application for Free and Reduced-price Meals
Addendum C: Information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); a
If you have any questions, please contact your school principal or call or email Jennifer Variale, Director of Finance & Business Operations, at (203) 794-8603 or varialej@bethel.k12.ct.us.
The Center for Empowerment and Education, formerly known as the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, has been working with students in the Bethel Public School system for many years providing educational programs on a wide variety of programs including healthy relationships, sexual harassment, and online safety. The Center for Empowerment and Education is a member agency of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence and has been providing services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in the Greater Danbury area since 1975. The Center has offered sexual assault prevention and awareness programs in community schools for over twenty years.
Since October 1, 2016, all local and regional school districts in Connecticut are required to implement sexual assault awareness and prevention programs in grades kindergarten through twelve, as per Section 17a-101q of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Department of Children and Families (DCF), in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE) and Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, have developed a framework as well as performance indicators for these programs.
Bethel High School is partnering with the Center for Empowerment and Education and their education team to provide programs to our Grade 9-12 students that align with the guidelines set forth in the state-wide framework. You can learn about the Center from their website: https://thecenterct.org
Please see below the programs that will be offered in each grade level:
9th Grade via Health classes:
Healthy Relationships & Dating Violence
In the United States, 1 in 3 teens is a victim of sexual, emotional, verbal or physical abuse by a dating partner. This program analyzes the root cause of this issue, power and control, and sheds light on unhealthy relationship dynamics. Students will learn to identify “red flag” behaviors and where to seek help for themselves or a friend.
Cybersafety
This program on cybersafety teaches students about online dangers such as bullying, online strangers, sexting, geotagging, etc., as well as what they can do to stop these behaviors and protect themselves. This workshop helps students understand what sexting is, why it happens, and the legal, social, and emotional consequences associated with it.
11th Grade via Health classes:
Got Consent? Addressing Sexual Assault
This program helps students understand sexual assault by explaining specific laws, statistics, and debunking myths about perpetrators and victims. Our interactive clicker technology allows teens to anonymously input answers for all to see, creating a meaningful and profound discussion. Through activities and conversation, students learn what consent is and when it can and cannot legally be given. Students will learn of the options and resources available in the aftermath of an assault.
Flirting or Hurting? Addressing Sexual Harassment
This program about sexual harassment focuses mainly on understanding and communicating personal boundaries. Students identify the difference between flirtatious behaviors and sexual harassment, along with the continuum of harmful acts that can constitute sexual harassment. Students learn laws and consequences associated with harassment.
12th Grade (Spring 2023 during Wildcat Time):
Know Before You Go
This program is for students in 12th grade and explores campus sexual assault and the importance of consent. Analyzing campus culture and social norms, students will learn to identify behaviors, attitudes, and customs which lay the groundwork for sexual violence to flourish. The second half of this program will focus on empowering students to be “upstanders” in potentially harmful situations. Attendees will gain tools that will allow them to intervene in safe, non-violent ways to help end sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Students will also learn about Affirmative Consent and the policies and laws in place regarding college campuses’ response to sexual assault.
If you do not wish for your child to attend these programs, please notify BHS Asst. Principal, Mari Lerz at (203) 794-8600 ext. 1400.
If you have any questions about the programs, contact Michele Cousens (she/her/ella)
Prevention Education Coordinator, The Center for Empowerment & Education, 2 West Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810 Phone (203)731-5200 x251, michele.c@thecenterct.org
Message from the Health Office
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY:
It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian.
Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc.
The BHS Pathways Program is designed to connect students with specific interests to a concentration of study. This program allows students to increase their depth of knowledge, participate in internships and/or other varied experiences and provides them with an opportunity to earn a certificate upon graduation. There are six Pathways:
If a student is interested in signing up for a particular Pathway, we ask that he/she fill out the Pathway Sign-Up Form. Please note: To ensure students in the senior class qualify to complete a Pathway, they must sign up before the end of November during their senior year. Any student in the graduating classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026 can sign up for a Pathway throughout each school year.
If you have further questions about the Pathways Program, please contact Mr. Troetti, BHS Principal: troettic@bethel.k12.ct.us or 203-794-8600 ext. 1402.
Working papers are available all year long from the Main Office @ BHS. Please read this important letter.
The process is as follows:
The student gets a job.
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 $14.00), 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.
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.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The Board of Education complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting the exclusion of any person from any of its educational programs or activities, or the denial to any person of the benefits of any of its educational programs or activities because of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or gender identity or expression, subject to the conditions and limitations established by law.
It is the policy of the Board that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law is prohibited, whether by students, Board employees or third parties subject to the control of the Board. The Board’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities, including athletics. It is also the policy of the Board to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, alienage, disability (including pregnancy), veteran status, or gender identity or expression.
Title IX District Coordinator, Dr. Kristen Brooks, Assistant Superintendent, 1 School Street, Bethel, CT 06801, 203-794-8613 Section 504 District Coordinator, Dr. Christine Sipala, Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, 1 School Street, Bethel, CT 06801, 203-794-8616