August 18, 2023 

Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools E-News 

“Our Primary Purpose is to Improve Student Achievement”

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BPS Threads

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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,

Welcome to the New School Year!

It is my great pleasure to welcome you back to school for what promises to be another great year in Bethel!  I cannot believe school starts in a little over a week on Monday, August 28th


We welcome back all of our returning families and welcome our many new families to the Bethel Educational Community. On behalf of our Board of Education and our entire staff, we wish you the very best as we embark on this new school year.  


Our new teacher orientation starts on the 21st.  We are excited to welcome a new group of exceptional educators to the Bethel Public Schools!  We know that they will continue to provide the highest quality instruction to the children of Bethel.  In our interview process with them, we always share that we have the best children and families in the state.  


We want to express our appreciation for your support of our schools!  Please remember, your best source of information is in the district and school newsletters and/or district-sponsored social media pages.   As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We look forward to the start of the school year.


2023-2024 Calendar & School Times Schedule 

Reminder - Monday, August 28th - the First Day of School is a FULL DAY.  In July we mailed home a copy of the 2023-2024 School Calendar and School Times Schedule, linked below.  Please note that the last day of school will be adjusted due to any emergency weather days.  There are five (5) days built into the calendar for that purpose. 


2023-2024 School Times Schedule 

2023-2024 School Calendar


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!



Parent Portal

In previous communication regarding demographic forms updates, the district asks that parents update their child’s information through the Parent Portal prior to the start of school.  Having that updated information, including emergency contacts, is critical.  Due to a feature within PowerSchool, it is only when you complete all of these forms that you will be able to view your child’s schedule and teacher assignment(s).  If you do not see your Student’s Schedule once ALL forms are completed, please contact your child’s school.  

 

If you have not done so already, please review, update, and complete the student demographic forms for each Bethel Public Schools student in your family.  Linked is a parent guide with instructions for our data collection system and click here to access the  Parent Portal. If you have any questions regarding demographic updates or the Parent Portal, please contact your student’s school directly.  Below is the contact information for those experiencing difficulty with the Parent Portal.  Please be aware, the district or school does not monitor social media to answer questions, we highly recommend that you reach out to the school to get accurate and helpful information.


Circle of Friends

Bernie Bryant 

203-794-8686 x3106

bryantb@bethel.k12.ct.us


Berry School 

Michele Russo 

203-794-8686 x3101

russom@bethel.k12.ct.us


Rockwell School 

Karen Rowe 

203-794-8688 x5501

rowek@bethel.k12.ct.us


Johnson School 

Rachel Caram 

203-794-8700 x4508

caramr@bethel.k12.ct.us


Bethel Middle School 

BMS Main Office Staff

203-794-8670

michalskih@bethel.k12.ct.us

thompsonk@bethel.k12.ct.us

mcnamaras@bethel.k12.ct.us


Bethel High School 

BHS Main Office Staff

203-794-8600 x 0

dombroskis@bethel.k12.ct.us 

sargavakianr@bethel.k12.ct.us

dundiem@bethel.k12.ct.us 

 

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

Reminder CT Summer Meals - Ends Late August

FREE Summer Meals Kids & Teens 18 and Under

CT Summer Meals is a federally funded program administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). It provides children and teens 18 years-old and under with nutritious meals during the summer at no-cost, no ID required or questions asked. Meal sites can be found all over Connecticut from now to August while school is out. Use the link below to find a location near you. *Please note that map information is updated regularly during the summer months and discontinues when the program ends in late August.

Summer Meals Site Locator Map


School Bus Routes

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.


This Week's Updates & Reminders

2023-2024 Open House Dates

Bethel High School

September 13 – 6:00 PM

 

Bethel Middle School

September 14 – 6:00 PM

 

Johnson School

September 28 – 6:00 PM


Rockwell School

September 21 – 6:00 PM

 

Berry School

September 20 – 5:30 PM

2023-2024 School Lunch Program

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.  

SCHOOL HEALTH UPDATES 

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. 

2023 Connecticut Sales Tax-Free Week

2023 CT Sales Tax-Free Week dates are 

Sunday, August 20, through Saturday, August 26, 2023


During CT Tax-Free Week, there will be no sales tax charged on any item of clothing or footwear sold for $100 or less in the State of Connecticut.

See the CT State website for more details:


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.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Flyers, Fundraisers &, Community News & Events 

Community Events

summer concert series flyer (1).pdf

Town of Bethel

Summer Concert Series

Sundays in August

BSA 2023 Fall flyer.pdf

2023 Fall Softball

Register Today

Ages PreK 4 - 16

Pack 156 Flyer (1).pdf

Join Cub Scout Pak 156!

Open to Girls & Boys, K-Grade 5

See Flyer for Details

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

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! 

Welcome Back to a new school year with new programs on BEtv!


Stay tuned to watch Live Stream, Broadcasts, and On Demand here

https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/betv/home

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 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.

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