March 24, 2023

 Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools E-News 

“Our Primary Purpose is to Improve Student Achievement”

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This Week's Content

Superintendent's News

Christine Carver, Ed.D.,

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,


2023-2024 Proposed Education Budget Update

There will be an Annual Town Meeting on the budget on Monday, April 3 at 7:00 PM at Bethel High School.  If you are new to Bethel, the purpose of the Town Meeting is for registered voters to vote on moving the Town and School budget to the full electorate in the form of a budget referendum (election).  The Board of Education budget moving forward is a 3.9% increase over last year.  We have updated our District Financial Dashboard to reflect the new changes.  We were able to recommend reductions to the Board of Education budget to the Board of Finance due to the fact that we went out to bid on our health insurance.  The reductions will not affect any current programs or services to our students.   Babysitting will be provided at the Town Meeting  (for children that are toilet trained).


State of Our Students Update

In January of 2023, the Bethel Public Schools hosted a community forum entitled State of our Students.  Parents, Town officials,  students, faith-based organizations, staff, and community members gathered to analyze data regarding the emotional well-being of youth. Please click on this link to see the group analysis.  


A similar group gathered in March of 2023 to brainstorm proposed solutions to the themes that emerged.  As student emotional well-being is the responsibility of all of us, the group looked at the themes from a variety of perspectives:



In our discussions with the District Safe School Climate Committee, one of the biggest preventative measures in ensuring  the positive well-being and safety of our youth is delaying access to smartphones.   Here are some ideas that came from the group that we felt were worth communicating.  

Analysis of the problem….

Anxiety is increased through the constant feed of information on cell phones.  24/7 access to news stories perpetuates feelings of worry,  helplessness, and depression.   In addition, students are not always able to discern credible/unbiased sources, despite instruction in that area.  Lastly, they are not always aware of the algorithms put into place by social media companies that stream more information to them based on their “clicks”,  thereby perpetuating the negative information.


Cyberbullying and mean behavior over technology is a problem. It has only gotten worse in the last several years.  Almost all verified acts of bullying in our schools start through technology.    Cyberbullying in schools becomes very difficult to combat because although we can create limits to the use of technologies during the school day, we do not have control over access to devices.  


Incivility has become normalized and technology has influenced relationships because we don't speak to each other enough.  


Online predatory behavior is becoming much more commonplace.   Children and youth are communicating almost on a daily basis with people they don't know.   This happens through gaming, social media, and other apps that are popular among our students.  It is becoming more common that these predators are trying to “meet”  our students through grooming behavior.   Oftentimes, the predator is impersonating someone of a similar age.


What we can do about it…..

Parents

For parents, delay allowing your child to get a smartphone.   Wait until 8 (grade)  is a great parental resource on why you should wait to give your child a smartphone.  If your child already has a smartphone there are a variety of products that parents can purchase to monitor your child’s online behavior such as Bark or Qustodio or you could employ parental controls to limit your child’s access.  We ask that parents look at their child’s cell phone and pictures, at least weekly to monitor online behavior.   


Talk to your children about the impact of algorithms associated with online behavior and the influence it has on their emotional well-being.  


Parents and staff should be aware of social media sites and apps that are dangerous.  The minimum age of most social media sites is 13.   It is not at all uncommon for students to develop accounts that their parents are not aware that they have.  This article will tell you how children may hide apps on their cell phones so they are not visible.  


Report incidents that are of concern to our SROs and school administration.   Acts of hate and/or violence are almost always known in advance of the incident.  


Support our School Administrators in holding our students accountable and set consequences for student behavior.   Often we hear parents say, “my child does not lie” or blame others for their child’s actions.   While it is true that other students may need consequences for their actions, do not assume that they have not been given to them.   Children may not tell the truth all of the time, especially when they are in trouble.  By setting consequences at home and school, we work together to demonstrate an understanding of acceptable behavior.    


Lastly, do not try and solve all of your child’s problems.  Let them experience failure.  Allowing failure at young ages builds resiliency skills and develops social-emotional skills.  This article not only speaks to why it is so important to allow your children to fail but also provides tips on how parents can develop resiliency.    


Schools & SROs 

Our schools and SROs pledge to continue to create digital citizens that educate students about credible sources, online safety, and investigations of allegations of cyberbullying, bullying, or mean behavior.   Let us know if you think your child has been communicating with individuals online that they should not be and we will help you with reporting it to the Bethel Police Department.  


The schools pledge to continue to filter out websites and apps that are harmful, educate our students on the dangers, and investigate concerns as they arise.  We will continue to implement our policies to limit the use of cell phones during the school day and appropriate use of technology for instructional purposes.  


Lastly, we will continue to implement our District Safe School Climate Plan.  

CABE Board Member Appreciation Month

The Month of March is Connecticut Board of Education Appreciation Month.  We would like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to our hardworking and dedicated board members.  


Melanie O’Brien, Chair

Jennifer Ackerman, Vice Chair

Jen Larsen, Secretary

Scott Clayton

Kara DiBartolo

Bill Foster

Courtney Martin

Daniel Nostin

Cathy Schaefer


We thank you for the time and effort you devote to board business to assure that our schools are providing the best education possible for our community’s children!

2023-2024 Proposed Education Budget Info. & Dates

Board of Education 2023-2024 Budget Dates

As the schedule develops we will post it here, on the website, and in other district communications. 

Please Note:  Prior to the budget being set for the referendum, 2023-2024 Education Budget Information can be found here in the Superintendent’s Bethel Public Schools Newsletter each week and on District Dashboard our website.  District Dashboard - 2023-2024 Education Budget Information

This Week's Updates & Reminders

The auction ends at 8pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023


https://virtualauction.bid/2023BEFAuction 

Bethel Winter Guard - Friends & Family Night - FREE Admission

Saturday, March 25, 2023

5:00 - 8:00 PM at Bethel High School Gym

See flyer for details.

3-26 hockey.pdf

Bethel Winter Guard - Hockey Game Fundraiser

Sunday, March 26, 2023

3:00 PM at Danbury Arena, Danbury

Purchase tickets at https://tixr.com/e/47903 with code BEWG in section 105

BWG Guard teams are free!

50% goes to support Guard! 

See flyer for details.

Summer’s BEST Enrichment Programs Pre-K-Grade 2

The Bethel Public Schools will be offering exciting and dynamic Summer Programs this Summer. We will offer one session of programs for grades Pre-K through Grade 2 (this is the current grade of your child). We will be combining our most popular programs to offer a variety throughout the morning. Class sizes are limited to 15 students each. We hope to create a summertime adventure of discovery, fun, and learning that will enrich your child. The Enrichment programs are self-funding. The cost of each program is set to cover the cost of the teacher and the materials. You will be sending your child to a fun, safe, educational program at Berry School.  

Save July 5- July 21, 2023, to enroll your child in a rewarding summer experience!

Summer Brochure 2023


Sincerely,

Linda Anderson

     Coordinator of Community Programs

Questions? Please email Linda Anderson at: AndersonL@bethel.k12.ct.us 

STEAM Expo -April 19th - Save the Date

Kindergarten Registration is Open!

Attention Families!!!


Do you have children that will be 5 on or before January 1, 2024 and ready to join the Bethel Public Schools family?

If the answer is yes, please complete the registration process for your child to attend kindergarten in the fall.  

 Please see the info below for our process. 


Kindergarten Registration for the 

2023-2024 school year is now open!


To access the kindergarten registration site, go to our district website, www.bethel.k12.ct.us, scroll down, and click on the “Registration” link in the maroon circle halfway down the page. Select BPS Pre-Registration Form K-12. There you will begin the online process to formally register your child for kindergarten. 


At the completion of your online registration, an email will be sent to confirm that the parent portal account has been created AND all of the online enrollment forms have been filled out.  At this time, we anticipate that in-person appointments will take place in March & April (no registration appointments will take place until all of the online registration is complete). This appointment will take approximately 15 minutes as long as all of the required paperwork is provided. Students do not need to attend this appointment with their parents.  Parents/guardians will be contacted using the email provided during online registration to make a kindergarten screening appointment, which usually takes place at the end of May.  More information will follow on this step of the process.


If you are a parent of a current Circle of Friends student, you do not need to complete the online registration. Kindergarten registration instructions will be sent home with your child. 


If you have any questions about the process or need help, please contact the District Registrar at (203) 830-7355.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events 

School Events

BWG Friends and Family 2023.pdf

Friends & Family Night

March 25, 2023

FREE ADMISSION

Bethel Winter Guard

3-26 hockey.pdf

Hockey Game Fundraiser

March 26, 2023

Bethel Winter Guard

Post Prom Fundraiser

March 28, 2023

Post Prom Committee

BHS Presents

Disney's The Little Mermaid

March 31st & April 1st

Community Events

We Are Hiring

Apply Today!

First Student Bus Company

GS Week Food Drive (2023).pdf

Food Drive

March 13 - March 31, 2023

Bethel Girl Scouts

Pets and Vets 101.pdf

Pets & Vets 101

March 26, 2023

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary 

Egg Hunt 2023 for schools.pdf

Egg Hunt

March 30, 2023

3:30 - 5:30 PM

Park & Recreation

Mini Golf Digital Flyers-1.pdf

Save the Date

Mini Golf "fore" the Library

March 31, 2023 &

April 1, 2023

Bethel Public Library

Mini Golf Digital Flyers-2.pdf

Save the Date

Mini Golf "fore" the Library

March 31, 2023 &

April 1, 2023

Bethel Public Library

FREE Event

In advance of his visit to the BPS 

Story Time w/Josh Funk

April 2, 2023

@ the Bethel Public Library

(Registration Required - See flyer for details)

Bethel Softball Chipotle 2023 fundraiser flyer.pdf

Fundraiser

April 12, 2023

4-8 PM

Bethel Softball Association

Wildlife Tracking.pdf

Wildlife Tracking & Trailing

April 15, 2023

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary 

Day Camp 2023.pdf

Parks & Recreation Day Camp

Registration Begins April 17, 2023

(See flyer for details)

Bethel Parks & Recreation

LLama Flyer.pdf

For the LLove of LLamas

April 22, 2023

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary 

Parent Flyer.pdf

Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge

Grades 3-12

Application Deadline April 28, 2023

volleyball Clinic - Untitled Page (1).pdf

Volleyball Clinic

Middle School Volleyball Program 

Regional YMCA  

Spring Flyer 2023.pdf

Parks & Recreation Spring Brochure

Registration Begins February 22, 2023

Bethel Parks & Recreation

2023 Spring Soccer Flyer.pdf

2023 Spring Season Registration

Registration Closes April 1st.

Bethel Youth Soccer Association

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. 

Do you want to be the first to know when school is delayed or canceled in bad weather? Follow me at:  @BethelCTSuper In order to enhance communication with parents, in addition to our Twitter feed, we have a Facebook page at Bethel Public Schools, and Instagram at @christinelcarver We post photos of school and district events, general communications, and school closing/delay information. Please “like” our page!  Also, be sure to check out our bethelpublicschools Flickr page

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.

BEtv - See what's new this week! 

Check out the Annual town Hearing on the Town Budget

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=7901fafe8c9f


What are some of the things to love about Bethel Schools?

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=5d769b484622


BMS Variety Show 2023

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=deadd3587659


Latest BOE Meeting

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=5c89fefcd9e0


BPSD 2nd Public Forum on the State of Our Students

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=fde14af1c835


Berry Roars at its February School Assembly!

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=e8fd51f7e450&apg=4d17c1b509fc


BHS Kindness Assembly 2023

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=fa26b254fe0f


If you have a student Athlete participating in Spring Sports please watch the

Spring Sports Meeting for Parents. Presented by Athletic Director Mark Caron

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=ab032297fa42



Meet Johnson Schools resource officer in their JStv Interview

http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=6049abd5fe69&apg=4d17c1b509fc



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


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: 

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