May 24, 2024
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,
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.
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
IMPORTANT HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION
Student Medications
If your child has any medication in the school health office it MUST be picked up on or before Tuesday, June 11th, before 11:00, by a parent/guardian. EpiPens and inhalers may remain in the health office to be used next school year.
2024 - 2025 school year information: If your child needs medication administered i.e. daily medication, EpiPen, inhaler, any over-the-counter medications, etc., a new/current "Administration of Medication by School Personnel" form is required; this form can be found on the Bethel Public School District website by going to "Departments" - "School Health" - "Forms"
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
Upcoming Calendar Events
May
27 - Memorial Day Observed - Schools Closed
June
7 - BMS Moving Up Ceremony at the Ralph DeSantis Field at 6 PM.
10 - Class of 2024 Graduation Date at the Ralph DeSantis Field at 6 PM.
11 - Class of 2024 RAIN DATE - Graduation
11 - Last Day of School - Early Dismissal K-12 (Tentative, 2 out of the 5 built-in emergency days left if needed.)
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
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
Upcoming Calendar Events
May
27 - Memorial Day Observed - Schools Closed
June
7 - BMS Moving Up Ceremony at the Ralph DeSantis Field at 6 PM.
10 - Class of 2024 Graduation Date at the Ralph DeSantis Field at 6 PM.
11 - Class of 2024 RAIN DATE - Graduation
Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events
See flyers for full details
School Events
Community Events
Bookmark Contest
May 1-May 31st
Bethel Park & Rec Day Camp
Registration Begins
April 22th Online at 9 AM
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
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 Bethel Spring Soccer
See Flyer for Details
Spring Lacrosse
Grades K-8
Registration is Open Now
Summer Reading Skills
Classes offered
See Flyer
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
June 8, 2024
June 23, 2024
July 10, 2024
Regional YMCA of Western CT
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:
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
Regulation 5113 - Student Attendance and Truancy - 12-7-23
Policy 4112.51 - Employment & Student-Teacher Checks – 3-18-24
Policy 4121 - Substitute Teachers – 3-18-24
Policy & Regulation 3542.43 - Food Service Charging – 3-18-24
Policy & Regulation 5112.4 - Disenrollment – 3-18-24
Policy 6159 - Individualized Education Program/Special Education Program – 3-18-24
Policy 5141.21 - Administration of Medication – 3-18-24
Bylaw 9323 - Construction of the Agenda – 3-18-24
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