December 8, 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,
As we wind down to our December Holiday break, there will be a flurry of activities both during the school day and evening events. Pay special attention to our school newsletters, so you are in the know.
As I have said in a previous newsletter, the State of Connecticut has released the second round of HVAC Grants. We are much more hopeful that we may receive the funding as there was a significant increase in the funding allocation. If received, this grant would greatly improve the number of classrooms that have air-conditioning at BHS and ventilation in those classrooms. We did revise and resubmit the grant today. We want to thank our Governor and State Delegation for the increase in funding to accomplish these projects. We will keep you apprised of any updates.
Sandy Hook Promise "Know the Signs"
Our hearts continue to be with our neighbors in Newtown as we commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Shooting next week. We constantly seek ways to ensure all of our students and staff feel safe at school. Given what has happened again in the country over the year it is more important than ever to teach your child, “see something – say something”.
Sandy Hook Promise has a program and video entitled, Know the Signs. It outlines the profiles of children who engage in school violence and/or destructive behavior. In most cases of school violence, the perpetrator is the victim of mean behavior and/or bullying. As a follow-up to my newsletter last week, we urge you to review the information from Sandy Hook Promise and speak to your children about why kindness is so important in our world today.
I would also ask that as adults, we model kind behavior and respectful disagreement, particularly in the holiday season, which for many is a difficult time. If as a society we want to end school violence, then as a community we need to end mean behavior.
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)
Bethel NJROTC Christmas Tree Pick-Up
Please support the Bethel High School Navy JROTC program and let our cadets pick up your
Christmas tree to be recycled.
A $10.00 donation is suggested and goes toward Educational Programs for our cadets. PLEASE request a pick-up and pay using the QR code on the flyer or www.rotc.bright-moments.com
See flyer for further details.
2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration
Beginning July 1, 2024, the Connecticut General Statute requires that children turn five years old on or before September 1 of the school year in order to enroll in kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration will begin on January 8, 2024.
Information will be in the Superintendent’s Newsletter, on our website, and sent to the local preschools.
We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s education!
School Closing/Delay Decisions/Notifications
Families should have a plan for delays, early dismissals, and/or school closings. To be honest, calling delays, early dismissals, or closings are some of the most challenging aspects of my job. I get frequent feedback from parents and students on the topic. Safety is always our top priority. When determining any weather-related decision, we look at the timing of the storm, total accumulation predictions, ability to complete a school clean-up, and road conditions. Please be reminded, that if you feel that conditions are unsafe, you can make the decision that you feel is in the best interest for your children. A few reminders about our process:
I will try and give you a preview of any potential issues through our district’s Bethel Public Schools Facebook page, Instagram, and X (formally Twitter) @BethelCTSuper. By following these pages, it might help your planning.
After a decision is made, if it’s on the same morning of the delay or closure, I will post the decision on the district’s Bethel Public Schools Facebook page, Instagram, and X @BethelCTSuper prior to 5:00 AM. In addition, we send out a text if you have subscribed to receive district text messages. Please note, we do not send out phone calls. Many parents complained that they did not want to receive the early morning calls. Therefore, we also send out an email.
If you have a specific concern or questions about any type of decision, please do not hesitate to call me or send me an email (carverc@bethel.k12.ct.us). A reminder that weather is not an exact science and can be highly unpredictable.
For our young drivers, they frequently remind me on social media that parents will not allow them to drive in inclement weather. Please note, if school is in session, students can always access district transportation.
Reminder: In addition to Facebook, X, email, and texts, announcements are also made over the following radio, television stations, and websites,
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
Please Note: 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.
Circle of Friends Early Childhood Program Information
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
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
December 22 - Early Dismissal K-12
December 25 - 30- Holiday Recess
January 1 - New Year's Day Observed
January 15 - Martin Luther King Day
Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events
See flyers for full details
School Events
Storytime with Santa
BHS Cheerleading Fundraiser
December 10, 2023
Christmas Tree Pickup
January 6, 2023
Bethel NJROTC
BHS Tumbler Fundraiser
Don't Wait Order Now
BHS PTO
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
BHS Ski Club
BHS Students
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Join the Central PTO
Community Events
Stuff-A-Cruiser
Book & Toy Drive
December 9, 2023
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
The Cast of Beatlemania
December 9, 2023
@ New Milford HS
Holiday Gift Making Party
December 12, 2023
Bethel Public Library
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Just Add Water
Photos with Santa
December 9, 2023
Regional YMCA of Western CT
Holiday Gift Making Party
December 12, 2023
Bethel Public Library
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Diaper & Baby Wipe Drive
November 20th - December 20th
Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest
January 5, 2024 Deadline
CONCURSO DE ENSAYOS DE
FECHA DE ENTREGA: 5 DE ENERO 2024
REC Club
Wednesdays & Thursdays
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Newtown Youth & Family Services
SibShops
Monthly on Wednesdays
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Newtown Youth & Family Services
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Life Guard Certification
See flyer for Course Dates
Regional YMCA of Western CT
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 Returnee Program 2023
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=1b26c8b0b3f2
National Honor Society Induction 2023
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=4d1af097a779
Lion King JR.
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=76b86fbfeb10
BOE Meeting November 16, 2023
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=ec732ed817a3
Celebration Parade for the BHS Marching Band National Championship!
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=c02d6f7a351c&apg=4d17c1b509fc
BHS On stage Players present -
The ONe Act Play that Goes Wrong
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=49de9d0650a1&apg=4d17c1b509fc
Johnson School Veterans day Celebration
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=761fbf30ab82
BHS football Seniors Honor a special teacher with their Jerseys
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=fed43a2fe49d
Johnson School Halloween Parades
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=2306f062d4b1
Parents Pre Season Sports Information
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=3443518a4b1c
Watch all BOE meetings Live here
http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=763ff4de0370
All the 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
Policy 1120 - Board of Education Meetings - 10-19-23
Policy 6141.321 - Student Responsible Use of the District's Computer Systems and Internet Safety - 10-19-23
Policy & Regulation 4118.5 - Employee Responsible Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Electronic Communications - 10-19-23
Policy 5131.81 - Electronic Devices - 10-19-23
Policy & Regulation 1330 - Use of School Facilities - 10-19-23
Regulation 5131.911 - District Safe School Climate Plan - 11-16-23
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