October 13, 2023
Newsletter
Bethel Public Schools E-News
“Our Primary Purpose is to Improve Student Achievement”
This Week's Content
Superintendent's News
Christine Carver, Ed.D.,
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
The war in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel has been dominant in the news and on social media. As you are aware, the images being displayed on news outlets and social media have been violent and disturbing. As I have communicated many times, particularly on TikTok, exposure to this violent content can have a devastating impact on our students' mental health. I continue to urge families to monitor what their children are viewing and/or to delete accounts that do not filter content that exposes our students to horrific content associated with the conflict.
In our schools, we are highly aware that the conflict is personal for many of our families. If you feel that your child has expressed anxiety, fear, or sadness as a result of these events, please let your school administrator or school counselors know, and we will support them. It is our deepest hope that there will be peace in the region soon.
The Connecticut State Department of Education has recently provided districts with resources that might aid you in helping you process such violence with your children. These resources include:
How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: This publication from UNICEF offers specific tips for families to support and comfort their children.
Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults effectively navigate these issues with young children.
Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association provides tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.
Resources Addressing Trauma, Violence, and Grief in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: While many of the resources in this document are specific to mass shootings, it includes many excellent resources to address trauma, crises, and other disasters.
National School Bus Safety Week
Next week is National School Bus Safety Week, October 16-20, 2023. School Bus Safety Week reminds drivers to be aware of school buses, obey the bus's stop sign, and come to a complete stop when a school bus's stop sign arm is extended out and the red lights are flashing. Please take a moment to thank our bus drivers for helping keep our children safe when being transported.
2024 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students
Congratulations to Sofiane Hilmi, Toby Johnson, Surya Kumar, Brian Nguyen, Tristan Scott, Rohan Sinha, and Hannah Van Rijnswou who were named commended students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship program. About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. They are among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition by taking the 2022 PSAT.
2023 CT Outstanding Elementary Level Art Educator of the Year
Congratulations to Brittany Kearney, Rockwell School Art Teacher. Brittany has received the 2023 Connecticut Outstanding Elementary Level Art Educator of the Year. This award recognizes and celebrates her exemplary contribution to the field of visual arts education in Connecticut.
Trick or Treat Street
Annually, the Bethel Chamber of Commerce sponsors Trick or Treat Street. This year it is on Saturday, October 28th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Municipal Center Lawn and Greenwood Ave. It is a tremendously fun event, with a costume contest at the conclusion at the Municipal Center Lawn at 3 PM. Prepare for some spine-tingling outfits and wickedly good fun! This is a great family event. Hope to see you there!
Pep Rally, Football, & Charity Day Photos on Flickr
Dan DeBlois, District Photographer, will post photos on Flickr throughout the school year. Follow Dan on X (formerly Twitter) @DanDeBlois to be notified when photos are posted then go to Flickr and take a look.
Do you want to be the first to know when school is delayed or canceled in bad weather? Follow me at Instagram & Threads @christinelcarver, Bethel Public Schools Facebook Page, X @BethelCTSuper, and Bethel Public Schools Website We post photos of school and district events, general communications, and school closing/delay information. Also, be sure to check out our bethelpublicschools Flickr page
This Week's Updates & Reminders
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
K-5 FAMILY MATH NIGHT
You are invited to our K-5 Family Math Night on November 16, 2023, from 6:00-7:30 PM at Johnson School. This is an interactive night for families to engage in fabulous math games and take some home too! Come Do Math with us! It will be MATHTASTIC!
Please RSVP by 11/9/23
Brotherhood In Action Food Drive
As I mentioned last week, food insecurity in our country is a concern. We know that a hungry child will not be academically successful and we want all of the children in our community to thrive. Brotherhood In Action is holding a food drive from October 23rd through November 6th food collected will be distributed back to the children in Bethel.
So we are asking our staff, students, and community members to bring in non-perishable food items to donate to Brotherhood In Action. (please see flyer for more details). Bins will be placed in the lobbies of all the schools from October 23rd through November 6th to collect those items. Please support our community!
Flu Vaccinations
A few parents have asked if the schools would be hosting a flu vaccination clinic this Fall for children. Fortunately, there are many options to get those vaccinations in the community, so we will not be hosting a separate clinic. If you click this link, you will get a list of community providers for flu vaccinations for children. The Department of Public Health recommends that children 6 months or older should receive the flu vaccine.
Upcoming Calendar Events
October 25, 26, 27, Conference Day - Early Dismissal - K-12
October 25 - Professional Learning - Early Dismissal - BHS (*BHS No Conferences)
October 26 - Conference Day (Evening) & Prof. Learning - Early Dismissal -BHS
Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events
School Events
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
SUPPORT THE BHS THEATER PROGRAM!
Current Fundraisers
Spirit Wear & Dinner's Ready
See flyer for details.
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Trunk or Treat
An accessible & sensory-friendly
Halloween event for everyone including children with disabilities & their families.
Sunday, October 29, 2023
2pm-4pm
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Join the Central PTO
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
BHS Ski Club
BHS Students
See flyer for details
Brotherhood In Action Food Drive
October 23rd - November 6th
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Bethel Winter Guard invites all BPS 3rd-8th grade students to join
Registration closes the end of October
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
BMS PTO
Fundraiser for Outdoor Play @
Bethel Middle School &
Volunteer Opportunities
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
We're Hiring
EdAdvance
See flyer for details
Community Events
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Household
Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
Saturday, October 14th, 2023
9:00am - 2:00pm
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Town of Bethel
Battle of the Badges Charity Event
Fire vs Police
October 14, 2023
FREE ADMISSION
See flyer for details
Bird Week
FREE EVENT - ALL AGES
October 15, 2023
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Race for Catherine
October 15, 2023
Catherine Violet Hubbard
Animal Sanctuary
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Cheers to 50 Years!
October 16, 2023
BYSA
Book Signing
5 Authors
October 17, 2023
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Bethel Buddy Walk
October 22, 2023
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
WHOO GOES THERE!
October 29, 2023
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
NEW ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS
Class Dates Start
November 5, 2023
Regional YMCA of Western CT
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Just Add Water
Fall Swim Lessons
Regional YMCA of Western CT
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Life Guard Certification
See flyer for Course Dates
Regional YMCA of Western CT
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Be the Future
Learn to be a Swim Instructor
Class Runs
November 4 - December 16, 2023
Regional YMCA of Western CT
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
The Cast of Beatlemania
December 9, 2023
@ New Milford HS
See flyer for details
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Bethel Parks & Recreation
Fall 2023 flyer
Registration Begins August 31, 2023
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
The CHET Dream Big! Competition
https://www.fidelity.com/about-chet/dream-big-competition
Enter by Nov. 6th
Acerca de la Competencia CHET Dream Big!
https://www.fidelity.com/about-chet/espanol/dream-big-competition
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.
School-Based Health Center
Do you want to be the first to know when school is delayed or canceled in bad weather? Follow me at Instagram & Threads @christinelcarver, Bethel Public Schools Facebook Page, X @BethelCTSuper, and Bethel Public Schools Website We post photos of school and district events, general communications, and school closing/delay information. Also, be sure to check out our bethelpublicschools Flickr page
FAQs
Bethel Public Schools App
Check out the App for the Bethel Public Schools. If you go into your App Store and type in Bethel Public Schools, you should be able to install it for free. The App can provide you quick mobile access to information commonly requested.
Our calendars, time schedules, social media feeds, athletic schedules, district social media, lunch menus, etc. are all in the App. You can even call the schools from the App.
After you download the App, you will be prompted to select the schools from which you want to get information. Essentially, this is the "news", push notifications, and the "events calendar". This is a screenshot of what the App looks like.
Bethel Public Schools Digital Learning Resources
Bethel Public Schools is committed to innovative teaching and learning using 21st-century personalized curriculum with 1:1 digital resources available in a protected anytime, anywhere learning environment. While we are dedicated to providing rich, relevant, and rigorous resources we will only do so in compliance with Federal and State laws on student data privacy. On the district’s website, the Student Data Privacy pages are designed to inform and address staff, students, and parents on using approved digital resources in our district.
If you are new to the district, we have a Blended Learning website to support our students, staff, and families as they use digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. It is a wonderful resource—please bookmark this site!
BEtv - See what's new this week!
BHS Spirit week Fall Pep Rally
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=f03c5d9722f1
Latest BOE Meeting :September 21, 2023
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=11ece3d55e34
Missed any part of Convocation 2023? Check it out here
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=c73eb1a50d77
Want to check out the decades of Convocation view it here
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=49ae51721cc6
Latest BOE Meeting
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=5c89fefcd9e0
Check out our full line up here
https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/betv/home
Watch when you want to watch? Go to our Video On Demand Channel
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show-videos?g=4d17c1b509fc&page=1&filter=vod
Watch LIVE Events from BEtv
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/Show-Videos?g=13639a4f&page=1&filter=live
Board of Education Policy Updates
The Bethel Public Schools, as a learning community devoted to the academic and social growth of our children, creates educational opportunities that inspire competence, creativity, teamwork, and a drive to excel. In an environment of trust and respect, high expectations for student performance are evident in the discussions, actions, and policies of the Board of Education. Board of Education policies can be found on our district website. As a way to increase communication about Board of Education policies, we include Board of Education policy updates in this section of our newsletter as they are approved by the Board. You can find the Board of Education policies on the district website at Bethel Board of Education Policies
Recently Revised/Reviewed Policies & Regulations:
Regulation – 5131.911 – District Safe School Climate Plan – 10-21-21
Policy/Regulation 5118 - Nonresident Students - 10-21-21 & 3/17/22
Policy/Regulation 1140 - Distribution of Materials- 10-21-21
Policy 1170 - Recognition of Citizens, Staff Members, Members of Board of Education, Students- 10-21-21
Policy 1312 - Public Relations- 10-21-21
Policy 3524.2 Green Cleaning- 10-21-21
Policy/Regulation 5141.3 - Health Assessment and Immunizations - 10-21-21
Policy 5131.911 - Bullying & Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Intervention - 11-18-21
Policy/Regulation 1220 - Citizens Advisory Committee- 12-16-21
Regulation 1221 - Citizens Advisory Committee for the BOE- 12-16-21
Policy 1331 - Smoking in School Facilities- 12-16-21
Policy 1411 - Law Enforcement Agencies- 12-16-21
Policy/Regulation 4118.231 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco-Free Workplace - 12-16-21
Regulation 2232 - Electronic Records and Information - 2-15-22
Policy 5141.231 - Chemical Health Policy for Student-Athletes - 2-15-22
Regulation 5118 - Nonresident Students - 3-17-22
Regulation 5111 - Admission - 3-24-22
Policy 1416 - Fiscal Authorities 4-21-22
Policy 1700 - Otherwise Lawful Possession of Firearms on School Property - 4-21-22
Policy 2000 - Concept and Roles in Administration - 4-21-22
Policy 2111 - Equal Employment Opportunity - 4-21-22
Policy 2112 - Professional Learning - 4-21-22
Policy 2113 - Grievance Procedures - Title IX - deleted 4-21-22
Policy 2130 - Job Descriptions - 5-19-22
Policy/Regulation 2131 - Superintendent of Schools - 5-19-22
Policy 2141 - Recruitment and Retention of the Superintendent of Schools - 5-19-22
Policy 2142 - Evaluation of the Superintendent - 5-19-22
Policy 6162.52 - Student Privacy (PPRA) - 6-21-22
Policy 6162.51 - Student Surveys (deleted) replaced with Policy 6162.52 - Student Privacy (PPRA) - 6-21-22
Policy 6141.51 - Enrollment in an Advanced Course or Program and Challenging Curriculum - 6-21-22
Regulation 5131.911 - District Safe School Climate Plan - 10-20-22
Policy 6148 - FAFSA - New Policy - 10-20-22
Policy 2150 - Administrative Staff - 10-20-22
Policy 6146.1 - Grading/Assessment Systems- 10-20-22
Regulation 6146.1 - Grading/Assessment Systems - This regulation has been deleted - 10-20-22
Policy 6146.11 - Weighted Grading and Calculation of Grade Point Averages, New Policy - 10-20-22
Policy/Regulation 5113 - Student Attendance and Truancy - 12-15-22
Policy 5141.21 - Administration of Student Medications in the Schools - 12-15-22
Policy 4118.235/4218.235 - Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Children or Reports of Sexual Assault of Students By School Employees - New Policy - 12/15/22
Policy 2210 - Administrative Discretion in Absence of BOE Policy - 1-19-23
Policy 2220 - Representative and Deliberate Groups - 1-19-23
Policy 2222 - Administrative Council - 1-19-23
Policy 2231 - Policy and Regulation Systems - 1-19-23
Policy 2300 - Role of Board of Education and Superintendent - 1-19-23
Policy 6144.1 - Curricular Exemptions - 4-20-23
Regulation 6153 - Field Trips - Day Trips and Overnight Trips (Curricular and Extracurricular) - 4-20-23
Regulation 6153.1 - International Field Trips - 4-20-23
Policy/Regulation 4111 - Recruitment and Selection - 5-18-23
Policy/Regulation - 4111.1 Equal Employment Opportunity - 5-18-23
Policy - 4111.3 Minority Recruitment Plan - 5-18-23
Policy/Regulation - 4112 Appointments and Conditions of Employment - 5-18-23
Policy/Regulation - 4112.5 Security Checks and Fingerprinting - 5-18-23
Regulation 5141.11 - School Bus Accidents - 9-21-23
Regulation - 4112.4 Health Examination - 9-21-23
School Bus Routes 2023-2024
2023-2024 Bus Routes are posted on the district website under “Departments” on the menu bar and then “Transportation Information”
If you have questions with regard to the Bus Routes, please contact the Bus Company directly at 203-748-8091.
School Closing/Delay Information
In the morning when it is necessary to close school due to inclement weather or have an unscheduled early dismissal due to forecasted inclement weather for the afternoon, the “Schools Closed” or “Early Dismissal” announcement will be made over the following radio, television stations, websites, Twitter, and text message via our SchoolMessenger communication system.
WLAD AM Danbury 800 on the dial
WINE AM Brookfield 940 on the dial
WICC AM Bridgeport 600 on the dial
WEBE FM Bridgeport 108 on the dial
WEZN FM Bridgeport 100 on the dial
TV Channel 3, TV Channel 8, & TV Channel 6.
Bethel Public Schools Website – www.bethel.k12.ct.us
Connecticut Weather Website – www.ctweather.com
Follow me on Instagram & Threads @christinelcarver, Bethel Public Schools Facebook Page, X @BethelCTSuper, and Bethel Public Schools Website
When school is in session for the day and it is necessary to have an unscheduled early dismissal (click for times) due to weather or other emergency an “Early Dismissal” announcement will be made. You will be notified by our automated message system, SchoolMessenger, via voice, text message, email, and appropriate announcements will be made over the above radio, television stations, websites, and Twitter.
*Therefore, it is important your contact information is accurate and you update your contact information promptly if this information changes. If during the school year any of your demographic information were to change, you can update it at any point by contacting your child’s school directly.
The SchoolMessenger caller ID for all phone notifications is: (855) 326-1797.
**Please add this number as a contact in your phone so you can easily identify the call is coming from the Bethel Public Schools.
Please Note: There will be no school activities, including athletics, on days when school is closed due to inclement weather.
For emergency announcements, SchoolMessenger notifications are sent out as soon as decisions are reached. Being on the notification list is not a substitute for monitoring your local media (radio, TV and so on) in situations where a delay in opening or school closing is an obvious possibility (such as when the weather forecast calls for snow). The BPS website, is updated as media calls are made.
Please note, although the district does not charge you for this service, it does not pay for text message charges that may be incurred by you for sending or receiving text messages. Check with your wireless carrier for possible charges.
SchoolMessenger alert for Text messages
For all NEW parents/guardians:
Reminder to New BPS Parents/Guardians - SchoolMessenger:
The district uses the SchoolMessenger notification service to send important information to families through phone calls, emails, and text messages.
To comply with wireless carrier requirements and protect against unsolicited text messages, you may receive a text message on the wireless cell phone number which the district has on your file, requesting that you "opt-in" to receive important information from the district via our SMS text messaging service.
The message you receive will come from our 'short code', 67587 and read similar to the following:
"Bethel Public School messages. Reply Y to subscribe or STOP to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Visit schoolmessenger.com/txt for info"
So that you may continue to receive these important messages, we encourage you to reply with "Y" or "Yes" when you receive such a verification message. If you do not reply, you will not receive any further text messages from our schools.
To opt-out of all text messages from SchoolMessenger, visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com/txtmsg/ or reply with "STOP" to the opt-in message that you receive. If you opt-in, but later decide to opt-out, simply send "STOP" to 67587. You may also reply "STOP" to any message from our organization.
Please check with your wireless carrier for information about your mobile service plan and any possible charges related to text messaging. Our organization does not reimburse for any charges associated with sending or receiving text messages. See flyer for details/QR Code.
SchoolMessenger Call-In Message Retrieval
As you know, our automated message system, SchoolMessenger, allows us to communicate important information to parents, guardians, and staff via voice, text message, and email. Our SchoolMessgenger account now has a Call-in Message Retrieval feature.
The Call-In Message Retrieval feature is a powerful option that allows SchoolMessgenger phone call recipients to dial a toll-free number where they can replay previous phone notifications that they may have missed, or someone else answered the call, in cases where a cell phone call was dropped before the message could be completed, the reception was poor and/or the recipient was unable to understand the message.
The SchoolMessenger caller ID for all phone notifications and Call-In Message Retrieval is: (855) 326-1797
*Again, please add this number as a contact in your phone so you can easily identify the call is coming from the Bethel Public Schools.
Please Note: When a recipient wants to call into the system to listen to a message they might have missed, they simply hit re-dial on their phone, and, if their caller ID is not blocked, the system will identify them and play back the most recent 10 calls to that number from the past 30 days - including the time/date that the message was sent.
If the recipient has their caller ID blocked, the system will prompt them to enter the number that received the original call, after which the system will replay the recent messages to that number.
School Health Updates 2023-2024
CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings
The Bethel Public School District follows the mandated screening guidelines as set by the State of Connecticut.
NON-COMPLIANCE:
The Connecticut General Statutes (Section 10-204a and Section 10-206) require local boards of education to ensure that each child attending school be adequately immunized and have an up-to-date health assessment (physical) on file. The Bethel Public School District requires that all students who enter Grade 7 and Grade 10 have a mandated health assessment dated on or after July 1, 2022, in order to be compliant.
These forms can be found below:
STATE OF CT - HEALTH ASSESSMENT RECORD: Age 5 - Grade 12
Because the school district must comply with the state regulations, your child will not be allowed to begin 7th grade/10th grade on the first day of the 2023-2024 school year, 8/28/23, unless you provide the school with an updated health assessment and/or documentation with the necessary immunizations completed before that date.
Please provide the proper documentation to your child’s school; paperwork can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to your child’s school.
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.
*** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport.
School Lunch Program 2023-2024
Bethel Public Schools have opted into the State Transition Assistance for Breakfast and Lunch Expenses (STABLE) funds. These funds will provide one breakfast meal per day at no cost to ALL students and one lunch meal per day at no cost for students eligible for reduced-price meals. Because free lunch status has been extended for the school year 2023-2024 to include reduced eligible students, it is important that all families who might qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch submit an application as soon as possible. Applications can be found on the Bethel Public Schools' website under departments, Foods & Nutrition, or in the main offices at each school.
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, 203-794-8613 1 School Street, Bethel, CT 06801
Section 504 District Coordinator: Dr. Christine Sipala, Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, 203-794-8616 , 1 School Street, Bethel, CT 06801
Credits