March 31, 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,
Nashville & Parent Resources
This was a tough week for public education, as we had another school shooting. This is a total of two in the last two weeks (Nashville and Denver). Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nashville school and the broader community. The incident reminds us how important it is to communicate to the administration and/or police if you or your child sees any type of behaviors that are of concern. These acts of violence certainly have an impact on our students' social-emotional well-being. At parental request, in the past we have provided parent resources on how to speak with your child about these issues. I am sharing several resources that may help you have developmentally appropriate discussions with your child around this topic.
National Association of School Psychologists, Talking to Children about Violence.
Sesame Street, Talking to Young Children about Violence in the Community.
Common Sense Media, How to Talk to Your Children About School Shootings.
If you feel your child needs extra support in processing their feelings, please do not hesitate to reach out to their administrator.
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).
Annual Parent Feedback Survey
We will soon be administering our annual parent survey to all of our families seeking feedback regarding your perceptions of the culture, climate, and leadership in your child’s school. This anonymous survey is an important opportunity to provide the Bethel Public Schools with valuable input based on your experiences. Please keep an eye out for it following the April break.
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.
Monday, April 3, 2023, Annual Town Meeting at 7:00 PM at BHS Auditorium
Tuesday, April 18, 2023, Town Referendum - Tentative - Date to be set at Town Meeting
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
Department News
Sculpture by Brooke Clay
BHS, Grade 12
Artists on the Rise 2023
On Saturday, March 11th, the following students were celebrated as award winners at the Brookfield Craft Center Artists on the Rise regional art show:
1st Place Ceramics - Nick Adiletti - American Classic - coil pot burger and shake
2nd Place Ceramics - Emily Turek - Into the Hobbit Home - hobbit house slab construction
2nd Place Photography - Alejandro Chimbo - Shadows - digital photograph
1st Place Sculpture - Grace Vitarelli
2nd Place Sculpture - Emzie Zalaznick
2nd Place Painting - Lana Schneider
Several other students were successfully juried into the show as well:
Petra Cirella - Cirque d’Etoiles - mixed media drawing
Brooke Clay - Viola - sculpted and painted stylist head
Sophia Goncalves - Melting Hue - charcoal & pastel still life drawing
Emma Huedepohl - Christmas Farmhouse - ceramic slab house
Alexa Jones - Ornate Snake Pot - ceramic coil pot
Brooke Lohle - Dark Skies Over Hidden Glaciers - acrylic painting
Jolene Ortega - Gnome Home - ceramic slab house
Ava Real - acrylic portrait
Lana Schneider - Mimi - acrylic painting
Sophia Trzyna - Night Terrors - watercolor painting
Health Services Dept. News
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 Grades 7 and 10 must 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
Your child can also pick up a blank form during the school day at either the BMS or BHS Health Offices.
Because the school district must comply with the state regulations, your child will not be allowed to enter school on the first day of the 2023-2024 school year, 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.
Bethel High School Bethel Middle School
Nurse Lisa Davenport, RN Nurse Christopher Cruz, RN
Nurse Jill Kurtz, RN Nurse Michelle Mitchell, RN
300 Whittlesey Drive 600 Whittlesey Drive
Bethel, CT 06801 Bethel, CT 06801
Phone: 203-794-8600 ext. 1262 Phone: 203-794-8669
Fax: 203-830-7350 Fax: 203-794-8083
davenportl@bethel.k12.ct.us cruzc@bethel.k12.ct.us
kurtzj@bethel.k12.ct.us mitchellm@bethel.k12.ct.us
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Music Department News
This Week's Updates & Reminders
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
BHS Post Prom Committee - The BHS Class of 2023 needs your help!
Please read the committee's letter to see how you can help the BHS Post Prom Committee keep our children safe and provide a wonderful lifetime memory for the senior class!
Bethel Education Association Food Drive
Please Help, The Bethel Education Association will be holding its annual Fill A Bus Food Drive to benefit the Bethel Food Pantry on Saturday April 1st, and Sunday April 2nd, 10 AM - 2 PM at the Big Y Stony Hill. Come out and donate if you can.
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
World Autism Awareness Day 4/2 - Wear Red, Monday, April 3rd
See flyer for details
Johnson School 5th Grade Health & Wellness Fair
In celebration of Student Well-Being
Thursday, April 6, 2023
First Session 9 AM - 10 AM
Second Session 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
See flyer for details
Bethel Middle School - BRAVE the SHAVE!!!
Worldwide, every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer. This is unacceptable. Conquering Kids’ Cancers will take a bald statement! On April 6th BMS Student and Staff Volunteers will be shaving their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer at the Brave the Shave Assembly.
You can join with them to help fund life-saving research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Please visit https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/BMS2023 to learn more or email Event Organizer, Joey Sacchinelli at Joey.bravetheshave@gmail.com
Together we can #GiveKidsaLifetime
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!
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
April 7 - Good Friday, Schools Closed
April 10-14 - Spring Recess
May 26 - Professional Learning Day - Early Dismissal K-12
May 29 - Memorial Day Observed
Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events
School Events
BHS Presents
Disney's The Little Mermaid
March 31st & April 1st
Fill A Bus Food Drive
April 1 & 2, 2023
at Big Y Stony Hill
Bethel Education Association
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
BHS Class of 2023 needs your help!
BHS 2023 Post Prom Donation Form
BHS Post Prom Committee
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Teacher Appreciation Week
Purchase by May 1, 2023
https://www.betheledfoundation.org/honor-a-teacher.html
Bethel Education Foundation
Community Events
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Save the Date
Mini Golf "fore" the Library
March 31, 2023 &
April 1, 2023
Bethel Public Library
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
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)
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Autism Acceptance
World Autism Awareness Day 4/2
Wear Red on Monday, April 3, 2023
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Fundraiser
April 12, 2023
4-8 PM
Bethel Softball Association
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Wildlife Tracking & Trailing
April 15, 2023
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Parks & Recreation Day Camp
Registration Begins April 17, 2023
(See flyer for details)
Bethel Parks & Recreation
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
For the LLove of LLamas
April 22, 2023
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge
Grades 3-12
Application Deadline April 28, 2023
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Griffin Mobile Vaccination and/or Health Screening Clinics
April 29, 2023
Bethel Public Library
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Griffin Mobile Vaccination and/or Health Screening Clinics
May 20, 2023
Bethel Public Library
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Volleyball Clinic
Middle School Volleyball Program
Regional YMCA
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
Parks & Recreation Spring Brochure
Registration Begins February 22, 2023
Bethel Parks & Recreation
![](https://www.google.com/images/icons/product/drive-32.png)
2023 Spring Season Registration
Registration Closes April 1st.
Bethel Youth Soccer Association
We Are Hiring
Apply Today!
First Student Bus Company
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".
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:
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
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