May 24, 2024 

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,

Staff Awards

I am deeply grateful for all of our staff.  Their individual and collective contributions make the Bethel Public Schools a superior school system, which I am extremely proud to lead.

 

Yesterday we celebrated what we do well as a system.  Our staff awards highlight excellence in our field, our dedication to improving teaching and learning, celebrating the excellent programs we provide our students, strong leadership within our Board of Education, and recognizing individuals who contribute to our system in extraordinary ways.   Please join me in congratulating the following honorees:


Pillar of Bethel Award:

Bethel High School – Maura Dundie, Secretary to Assistant Principal

Bethel Middle School – Denise Sullivan, Academic Support Tutor

Ralph M.T. Johnson School - Joe Melo, School Counselor

Frank A. Berry School – Michele Russo, Secretary to the Principal

Anna H. Rockwell School – Janet Murray, Paraeducator

Bethel Public Schools – Kylie D'Arcangelo, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Education & Pupil Services


Rookie Teachers of the Year:

Bethel High School – Jonathan DosSantos, Mathematics Teacher

Bethel Middle School – Brianna Lutz, Social Studies Teacher

Ralph M.T. Johnson School - Sanya Kayfus, Grade 5 Teacher

Frank A. Berry School – Fran Demers, Elementary Teacher

Anna H. Rockwell School – Jake Craybas, Special Education Teacher


Teacher of the Year:

Bethel High School – Michele Leary, Science Teacher

Bethel Middle School – Nate Rinas, Physical Education Teacher

Ralph M.T. Johnson School - Margaret Genuario, Music Teacher

Frank A. Berry School - Mandy Esposito, Elementary Teacher

Anna H. Rockwell School – Keri Luchsinger, Elementary Teacher


Friends of Bethel Award

Dan Carter, First Selectman, Town of Bethel


CHAMP Award

Rebecca Chamberlain, BPS Parent/PTO


Educational Service Awards


10 Years of Service

Melissa Anderson, Annie Brudvig, Mary Caravetta, Christine Carver, Noelle Chiafari, Julie Danner, Maura Dundie, Pnina Flynn, Kathleen Germinaro, Alexander Grennan, Beth Grieco, Leslie Kaye, Danielle Legnard, Robert Mcevoy, Jose Melo, Laura Montero, Michele Russo, Rebecca Tate, Linda Westlake


20 Years of Service

Jessica Bouchard, Mark Doolan, Catherine Emerick, Anthony Fernandes, Cindy Feuerman, Danielle Greto, Reine Issa, Stacie H Kaye, Michael Krupnikoff, Keri Luchsinger, Jeff Moscowitz, Doris Murphy-Mortimer, Suzanne Nuzzo, Elizabeth O’Keeffe, Michael Pierce, Casey D Ragan, Erin Tegmier, Michele Walsh, Karen Wilson


30 Years of Service

Gary Lawlor, Michele Leary


40 Years of Service

Joanne Torpey


Retirees

Trisha Dee, Rod Doble, Mark Dwinells, Bob Germinaro, Kristine Komorowski, Fran Peters, Debra Roper, Karen Rowe, Laila Rudinas, Lisa Vance


Creativity, Innovation, & Excellence in Education:

Jen Aponte, Frank A. Berry School

Marilena Baldino, Frank A. Berry School

Marianna Bedoya, Bethel Middle School

Lisa Blum, Frank A. Berry School/Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Erin Brown, Districtwide

Kristine Calzone, Frank A. Berry School

Brandi Chapman, Bethel Middle School

Katie Ciskowski, Bethel High School

Jill Claridge, Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Mike Cohen, Frank A. Berry School/Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Cheryl Daly, Ralph M. T. Johnson School/Bethel Middle School

Kate DeGruttolo, Frank A. Berry School

Fran Demers, Frank A. Berry School

Jill DeRosa, Frank A. Berry School

Clare Detwiler, Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Catherine Emerick, Bethel Middle School

Leah Esposito, Bethel Middle School

Heather Farisello, Districtwide

Annette Gallaer, Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Shawn Ingraham, Bethel Middle School

Linda Knauff, Bethel High School

Shelby Land, Frank A. Berry School

Danielle Legnard, Frank A. Berry School

Kari Leonard, Frank A. Berry School

Tony Liberati, Anna H. Rockwell School

Mary Liquori, Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Keri Luchsinger, Anna H. Rockwell School

Danielle Lynch, Frank A. Berry School

Mattea McGill, Bethel High School

Jess McGlinchey, Frank A. Berry School/Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Doris Murphy, Bethel Middle School

Majorie Overmier, Bethel High School

Micki Paradise, Frank A. Berry School

Michelle Pashaian, Frank A. Berry School

Herbert Perlman, Bethel Middle School

Joe Perreault, Ralph M. T. Johnson School

Mary Plunske, Anna H. Rockwell School

Jennifer Rooney, Bethel Middle School

Brittany Shea, Frank A. Berry School

Amanda Stephens, Anna H. Rockwell School

Samantha Tisi, Bethel Middle School

Jenn White, Frank A. Berry School School


Bethel Education Foundation's Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Award:

Jake Craybas, Elementary Recipient

Debra Tierney, Secondary Recipient


Impact of Technology Video Series

As we have said in previous communications, we are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of technology on the physical and mental health and overall safety of our students. In response to that concern, the Social Emotional Learning and School Climate Collaborative has developed a series of videos to address a variety of issues that we are seeing.  Below are the next videos of the series you will receive in the next few weeks.  Our goals are to educate you on the issues and discuss ways to partner to keep our students safe.  Please watch! 


In our technology series, please listen to our School Resource Officers and Meghan Stabile speak about the dangers of inappropriate content online.   


Inappropriate Content 

Awarding of HVAC Grant for Bethel High School

We want to let you know that we wrote and received the grant to provide increased air conditioning and ventilation at Bethel High School.  While the grant will not cover all spaces at Bethel High School, it will provide improvements to a significant number of classrooms, particularly in the English and mathematics wings.  The total project is $4,180,007, and Bethel will be reimbursed at 47.14% of eligible expenses (grant amount).   We anticipate the project will begin sometime next school year and will be completed both while school is in session and during holiday breaks, hopefully during the 2025-2026 school year.  This may cause some classrooms to be relocated for short periods of time.  While it will be a short-term sacrifice for some, I think you will agree that the end result will be worth it!

This Week's Updates & Reminders

Grad&Dad BEF Fundraiser 2024 (1).pdf

IMPORTANT HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION 

Student Medications

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, 2023 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 2024 - 2025 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 Lydia Petitti, 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                                                                  petittil@bethel.k12.ct.us

2023-2024 Calendar - BOE Approved 3-2-23 - Revised 2-14-24.pdf

Upcoming Calendar Events

May


June

Spring 2024 Newsletter.pdf

Bethel High School Alumni Association Spring Newsletter

IMPORTANT NOTICE

We have mentioned several times in our newsletter the need for help to continue the operation of our Alumni Association. The average age of our board is above 80 years old, and we need new, younger members to continue providing newsletters and operation of the Association. In the event we have to become inactive due to lack of participation, the board has proposed continuing to provide scholarships to two deserving Bethel High School graduates until the current fund held by the Bethel Public Schools administration is depleted.  If you wish to help with the continuation of our Bethel High School Alumni Association, you may contact any of the board members listed in this newsletter, or write to: Bethel High School Alumni Association, 300 Whittlesey Drive, Bethel, CT 06801.

Any and all help to continue our Association will be gratefully appreciated.

The Brian Kirmil Arts Scholarship 

Dear BPSD family and friends,


I’m honored to share with you that I am serving as the Chairperson for the newly established Brian Kirmil Arts Scholarship, in honor of the late A. Brian Kirmil, who served as principal of Rockwell School from 1996 to 2013.

 

We are looking for initial donations to start a yearly $500 scholarship in Brian’s name that will be awarded to a graduating senior from Bethel High School who has participated in our district arts programs. (Music, theater, dance, visual arts, etc.)


To make a tax-deductible donation and read more about the scholarship, please visit:

 

https://www.betheledfoundation.org/kirmil-scholarship.html


We are hoping to raise $5,000 by April 28th of this year, which will fund our scholarship for the first 10 years.


Please consider making a donation and sharing this link with anyone and everyone who knew Mr. Kirmil so we may keep his memory alive through this arts scholarship.

 

A very special thanks to The Kirmil Family, all our committee members, and to the BEF for their support in establishing this scholarship.


Thank you so much and "have a sparkling day"!


-Dennis J. Arcano

Brian Kirmil Arts Scholarship Chairperson             

K-3 General Music, Anna H. Rockwell & Ralph M.T. Johnson Elementary Schools 

Newsletter - Kindergarten Registration 24-25 (2).pdf

2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration is Open

Beginning July 1, 2024, the Connecticut General Statute requires that children turn five years old on or before September 1 of the school year to enroll in Kindergarten. 

Circle of Friends Early Childhood Program Information

COF OS 2.12.2024.pdf
Circle of Friends Flyer 24.25.pdf

Upcoming Calendar Events

May

June


Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events

See flyers for full details 

School Events

Community Events

BOOKMARK CONTEST2024.pdf

Bookmark Contest

May 1-May 31st 

2024 Summer Camp.pdf

Bethel Park & Rec Day Camp

Registration Begins 

April 22th Online at 9 AM

Summer flyer 2024.pdf

Bethel Park & Recreation

Summer 2024

Registration Starts May 6, 2024

Summer Theater Summer 2024

Parks & Recreation

Girls Lacrosse Camp

Wednesdays 6/19-7/31

Bethel Park & Recreation

Bethel Youth Cheerleading Spring Cheer Camp

Thursday Nights in May


EarlyBird Pricing at Workspace.pdf

WorkspaceCT Summer Programs

Earlybird pricing for WorkspaceCT summer experiences for kids and teens runs for two more weeks. Use code EARLYBIRD15 by March 31 for 15% off all summer programs.  See their summer offerings here: https://www.workspacect.org/summerprograms 

2024 Spring Flyer (1).pdf

2024 Bethel Spring Soccer

See Flyer for Details

Spring Lacrosse

Grades K-8

Registration is Open Now

529 University of Bridgeport Elem PHONE.pdf

Summer Reading Skills

Classes offered

See Flyer

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary


CVH102874_mch_fly_butterflyprty_8.5x11.pdf

June 8, 2024

Bug Bazaar.pdf

June 23, 2024

Firefly Flyer.pdf

July 10, 2024

Regional YMCA of Western CT

Sping 1 AD - Untitled Page (1).pdf

Swim Lessons

See Flyer

Regional YMCA of Western CT

Swim Lessons:

We Offer Lessons Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Classes all prices are listed in the flyer along with a clickable link to our registration site. 


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 & Data Privacy 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 approved digital resources, student data privacy legislation, and data breach notifications.


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!

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: 


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.  


2023-2024 Free Reduced Lunch Press Release

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