Bethel Public Schools Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter 

CALENDAR REMINDER:  The Bethel Public Schools will be in session on Monday, February 20^th and Tuesday, February 21^st.   As you are aware, these changes were made to this school year's calendar in November due to the inordinate amount of weather related closings we experienced earlier this year.

 

Detective Lynn Morris is the new Youth Officer for the Bethel Police Department, taking the place of the recently retired Detective Ralph DeLuca.  She and School Resource Officer Tony Farina will be at the Bethel ProAccess Teen Center on February 23, 2012 from 5-6 PM to answer questions and address concerns related to the youth of Bethel.

 All are welcome, no matter the age. Come meet and greet!  Also, the Bethel Police Department Youth Bureau is on Facebook-check us out, or email questions to lmorris@bethelpd.com! 

 

Topic #1: Kudos to Bethel High Senior Brian Michalka who represented the student body last night in offering a farewell tribute to retiring Superintendent, Dr. Gary Chesley in front of a room filled with our parents, staff, local and state government officials,  regional superintendents, and many other honored guests. Brian was poised, polished and exceptionally well spoken. Brian exemplified the very best of what we have come to expect from our Bethel students. Congratulations on a job well done!

 

Topic #2:  Congratulations to all of the students, staff, and parents who worked together to put on a phenomenal production of Willy Wonka. This production is another example of the many ways our community works in concert to create opportunities for our students to showcase their talents. Many thanks to all those who put in the countless hours that made Willy Wonka an exemplary production and to those individuals and businesses whose financial support made it possible.

 

Topic #3:  Sixty-two BHS and thirty BMS students will participate in this weekend's Science Horizons competition.  This is a regional event comprised of area schools, where middle and high school students display the results of their science fair projects and research. The Science Horizons 2012 Fair will be held in Berkshire hall on the mid-town campus of WCSU, weather permitting.  The winners of this weekend’s competition will move on to the Connecticut State Science Fair,  a yearly, statewide science and engineering fair open to all 7th through 12th grade students.  An important objective of our program is to attract young people to careers in science while developing skills essential to critical thinking.

 

Public viewing of students’ science experiments is scheduled for Saturday, 12:30pm – 2pm and Sunday, 11am-1pm. The awards ceremony begins at 1pm on Sunday. Good luck to Bethel’s scientists!

*For inclement weather announcements, go to: http://sciencehorizons.info/ and click on "Inclement Weather Information." Information will also be posted on Mr. Turek's Moodle page.

 

Topic #4:  Monday evening Feb. 13 at 7 PM Dr. Kevin Smith, newly appointed Superintendent of Bethel Schools will be speaking at the Bethel Middle School PTO Meeting to be held at Bethel Middle School.

 The PTO meeting will begin at 6 PM with Dr. Smith speaking at 7 PM (you may come at 7 if you would just like to hear Dr. Smith).  The PTO meeting is scheduled to be in the Media Center and will move to the cafeteria if more space is needed.  This is open to all Bethel Schools and all are welcome to hear Dr. Smith discuss his transition to Superintendent and his vision for the future of Bethel Schools.  Coffee and tea will be served.

 

Topic #5:  Reminder to Parents about Kindergarten Registration 

If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before January 1, 2013, he/she is eligible to start Kindergarten in August. If you have not already pre-registered, please do so by calling Sue White at 203-830-7355, Monday–Friday, between 9 AM and 3 PM. If you have already received your registration packet, please be sure to call Sue as soon as possible to set up an appointment for the formal registration and your child’s pre-kindergarten screening.

 

Topic #6:  Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting

 Parents of children who will be entering Kindergarten in August are cordially invited to a presentation on the Kindergarten programs at Berry and Rockwell Schools.

 

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – 7:00 PM – Berry School Cafeteria

 Mr. Brian Kirmil, the principal of Rockwell School, and Dr. Kristen Brooks, the principal of Berry School, will explain the focus of the Kindergarten program and answer questions you may have regarding your child’s upcoming Kindergarten experience. 

Please note that in the case of inclement weather, a snow date for this meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2012.

 Topic #7:    Pre-School Screening.  Are you concerned that your child might be experiencing developmental delays?  If so, you and your child (3-5 years old) are encouraged to participate in a Circle of Friends screening.  While meeting the staff to discuss concerns or ask questions regarding your child’s development, your child will take part in informal play activities that include songs and motor activities.   The preschool team includes the Supervisor of Special Education, Preschool Special Education Teachers, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and School Social Worker.

 Screening date: Wednesday, February 22nd from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Pre-registration is appreciated but drop-ins are welcomed.  For more information please contact Katharine MacDonald at 794-8679.  The Pre-school screen is open to Bethel residents only

 

Topic #8:    Get your friends together for the 6th Annual Barnum Ball!  Tickets are on sale now and a table for ten is $650 - a savings of $5 on each ticket.  Join the Bethel Education Foundation, your neighbors, school staff and administrators as we celebrate education in our community at "A Toast to Bethel" on March 24th at the Ethan Allen Hotel.  The event begins with an open bar from 7:00-9:00pm, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions including a ride to school in a fire truck, golf outing, 3-credit WCSU course and much more.  All proceeds benefit the BEF, which supports public and private education and community initiatives in Bethel through grants to teachers, administrators and community members.  Purchase your tickets today using the attached order form or by visiting www.betheledfoundation.org/BarnumBall2012.html.

 

Topic #9:    iPAD Raffle - The students traveling on the Bethel Abroad trip this summer are holding a fund-raiser to offset the cost of their trip to London, Paris, and Barcelona. We are selling raffle tickets for a 16GB iPad 2- 3G at $5.00 each. If you would like to purchase a ticket (and help in this fund-raising endeavor), you can purchase tickets from BHS teachers, Mari Lerz or  Marjorie Overmier, or any of the Bethel Abroad students.

 We will be selling the tickets all spring. The drawing will be held in June.  

 Send cash or check (made out to BHS Student Activities) with your name, address, phone numbers and other important contact info to:

 Bethel Abroad Program

c/o Mari Lerz and Marjorie Overmier

Bethel High School

300 Whittlesey Dr.

Bethel, CT. 06801

 Don't miss out on an opportunity to win a great piece of technology!!!Thanks for supporting the Bethel Abroad program!

  

Topic #10:    The Bethel High Student Film Festival!  The members of Mirage are sponsoring the 2nd annual Bethel High Student Film Festival to be held on Thursday, March 1st at 7 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium. All Bethel High students are invited to submit their short films for the event. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

 Here are the rules:

• The theme is dreams (silly or serious, anything dream-related counts!)
• Time limit of 7 minutes
• Videos are due Thursday, February 23 on DVD to Ms. Lerz or Ms. Overmier
• You must include credits at the end of the video that list your actors, any music you used, any images, graphics, art.  If you used it, credit it!

 Topic #11:  GOODY BAGS ARE BACK AT BHS!  The BHSPTSO is selling Goody Bags so you can send a special message and some tasty treats to your sophomore before they begin the CAPT.  Don’t have a sophomore?  Then say hi to your freshman, junior or senior with a bag.  You can also send them to your favorite BHS staff member.  All money received will benefit the BHSPTSO Scholarship Fund.  Please see the attached flyer. Additional flyers will be available in the BHS Main Office on the counter.

Topic #12:  ATTENTION BHS SENIORS: Central PTO Scholarship applications are available for pick up in the Guidance Department.  Applications are due back to Mrs. Hallock no later than Friday, March 23.  Three $1000 scholarships will be awarded at Scholarship Night.  Applications will be accepted from students who meet the criteria listed on the application.

 Topic #13:  SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Bethel High School Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (BHSPTSO) will be awarding two scholarships to graduating seniors.   In order to apply, you need to complete the application which can be picked up in the BHS Guidance Office, provide two letters of recommendations (only two please), and return them to Mrs. Hallock by the end of school on Friday, March 23.

 Topic #14:  UCONN Women’s Basketball TICKET RAFFLE.  On Friday February 10, (start time approx: 6:45)  Come to the Bethel High School Girls Basketball Game.  Kids wearing Maroon get one free ticket.  Adults can purchase a ticket for $5.00

For—FOUR (4)UConn women’s basketball tickets

      UCONN vs. Notre Dame:  Monday Feb. 27

               At the XL center, Hartford CT

*** MUST BE PRESENT AT BHS GIRLS GAME TO WIN ***

All monies raised go directly to COACHES vs CANCER (coachesvscancer.org)

Please help us fill our gym and raise money for a great cause!

 

You can now follow Bethel High School Athletics on Twitter @bethelsports

 

 Topic #15:    The spring sports parent meeting has been moved from Wednesday February 29th to Wednesday March 7th. This is a MANDATORY meeting for all parents of spring sport athletes at Bethel High School. Please plan to attend. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will be held in the BHS auditorium. The Athletic Director will make an informational presentation to all parents, which will be followed by break-out sessions with coaches for each of our spring teams.

 

Topic #16:    BHS LACROSSE – Coaches, Players and Friends of BHS LAX!

Last year’s Pancake Breakfast Placemat fundraiser was very successful so we are expanding on it this year!  I am looking for 2 or 3 parents and at least 8-10 LAX Players to visit Bethel Businesses for their ads.  I will coordinate this effort with our volunteers.  

 Saturday, February 11^th from 10:00-12:00.

To Volunteer or make a donation

Contact Josephine Simko 203-731-1886

josimko@earthlink.net

 

Topic #17:    BHS LACROSSE - Attention Business Owners!

We have two opportunities for you to promote your business to families and friends of the Bethel High School Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams while supporting the team!

 We would like to offer you a spot for YOUR BUSINESS CARD to be displayed on sponsored PLACEMATS, which will be used at the tables of our Pancake Breakfast.  Last year the placemats looked great!!!  Donate a product or service for to be raffled at our breakfast.

 PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH YOUR BUSINESS CARD AND $20 TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS AD PROMOTION!

Make checks payable to:

ASBC with High School LAX on the memo line

Mail to:

Josephine Simko

4 Windaway Road

Bethel CT  06801

 

For questions and donations contact

Josephine Simko at josimko@earthlink.net or 203-731-1886

Reserve your place in our Ad!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

 Topic #18:    Bethel High School would like to thank Lee Day, owner and founder of Greenwood Physical Therapy in Bethel, CT, for his generous donation of over $10,000 for improvements and enhancements to the high school's weight room and training facilities. Lee has spent countless hours with the Bethel High School athletic staff in figuring out ways to improve the facility to make it fit for all our students, all our athletes, and even our staff members. Lee's donation has helped us kick start this project by providing two brand new treadmills, new stationary bikes, a peg board for climbing, refurbished squat racks, new free weights, and many more items. His kindness is extraordinary, and greatly appreciate by all at Bethel High School.

 

Topic #19:    If you have not done so and wish to join Central PTO there are still directories available for $12.00. Please contact Celaine Brillon at celaine.brillon@gmail.com if you have any questions or wish to purchase a directory.

 Topic #20:    Central PTO will be sponsoring Family Fun Hockey Night with the Danbury Whalers On

February 24, 2012 at 7: 05 pm at the Danbury Ice Arena. All proceeds go to benefit scholarships.  See attached flier for details. We hope to see everyone there. Bethel Central PTO Celaine Brillon, President, Stacey Connors, Secretary & Lilia Silva, Treasurer.

 Topic #21:    We are currently seeking an individual to help supervise students while they are eating lunch at Johnson School. The hours are 10:45 am to 1:45 pm each day school is in session. Please submit your application online at www.applitrack.com/bethel/onlineapp. If you have any questions, call Laila Rudinas, Human Resources Manager at 203/794-8611.

 

Reminder:    The Board of Education employs this weekly e-newsletter as a tool to publish information about school and community events.  We are grateful for the positive feedback we receive about this simple publication.  This newsletter is not restricted to those having children in the Bethel Schools.  If you know of a neighbor or friend who would like to receive this e-newsletter, let them know that they can go to:  www.bethel.k12.ct.us Click on the link Click here to subscribe to the Superintendent eNewsletter then enter name and email address. That will make them a subscriber.   No email address provided to the Board of Education is shared with or sold to any other organization or business.

 

Topic #22:  Bethel Continuing Education:  Registrations are still being taken for courses beginning February 13.  Please go to www.bethel.k12.ct.us and then select the link for Continuing Education from the left-hand menu.  We are pleased to announce we are accepting credit card payments in addition to checks and money orders.  In addition to classroom courses, we are offering over 300 online-instructor facilitated courses in topics from elder care, computers, writing, SAT/ACT prep, languages, accounting and so much more.  Please call 203-794-8600 x450 or email continuingeducation@bethel.k12.ct.us with questions or if you would like to offer a course in the fall.

 

Topic #23:  Pro Access:  In addition to being opened most Wednesdays and Thursdays after school and on Friday nights and hosting Open Gyms the following highlights some of our upcoming February activities.  Please check out our website at www.bethelproaccess.org for more information or email the Director, Hilda DeLucia at hilda@bethelproaccess.org or call at 203-778-7522 with questions or to RSVP.

 

In order to offset the costs for some of the programs and services provided by Pro Access, we are holding a raffle at Bethel Middle School.  Students will be able to take a chance to “Be Mr. Marotta for the Day!”  The winning student will shadow and spend a day with Mr. Marotta.  Tickets will be sold at BMS during the week of Feb. 13 during lunch.  1 raffle ticket will be $3 and 2 raffle tickets will be $5.  Please support this raffle which will help us raise money to allow Pro Access to continue to provide affordable programs and activities for our teens. 

 

• Pro Access is having a Valentine’s Day Party this Friday 2/10 from 7-8:45 for 7^th & 8^th Graders.  Games, dance contests and more.  Cost: $6 RSVP helpful.
• Friday night Feb. 17 we will be having an “All Nighter for Boys” we’ll be playing dodgeball, basketball and more. Drop off is at 8:30 PM and pickup is Saturday at 7AM.  Cost: $5 RSVP necessary.
• Come meet the girls Author, CJ Golden on Feb. 15 from 3-5PM.  Her book is all about helping girls develop a sense of self confidence and inner strength to deal with the pressures teen girls experience in today’s culture.  This event is $5 which includes a copy of her book.  We will meet monthly thereafter for 4 months.  The entire program will cost $25  RSVP necessary.
• Sycamores on 2/13 Cost: $5
• A financial literacy program will be starting on Feb. 21.  This 4 week program will help high school teenagers understand ways to save, invest and make the most of their money.  The program has been developed by the US Treasury department and will be facilitated by David Whitmore from Family Wealthcare.  RSVP necessary. 
• Come meet Lynn Morris the new Police Dept. Police Officer on Feb. 23 from 5-6PM. 

 

Topic #24:    Calling ALL youth Photographers to an Amateur Gallery Art Show.   Themes for the show-almost anything.  Bethel Photoworks is having a youth art show March 10, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.  This will be a Juried Art show.  Framed art needs to be handed in by March 3 to be judged.  Bring it in by February 24 if you need the photograph to be framed. There will be special pricing for 8 X 12 photos as well as 10 X 14 photos.

 These Framed pieces of art should be for sale - have a price in mind!  Photography tips and mini classes will be available in January.  Black and white or Color photography will be accepted.  Print size NO LARGER than 11 X 14 will be accepted and hung.  NO PORTRAITS  -this means no people faces****

 Judging will be broken up by approximate school ages…     Rockwell & Berry-5-8 years, Johnson-9-11, middle-12-14 years,     BHS- 15-18years.  Note-   many photo art shows require white matting and black frames….this will NOT be a requirement but just something to keep in mind when framing your photograph.  CONTACT Ray Flanigan at 203.748.1999 or bethelphotoworks.com

Bethel Photoworks Gallery---14 Depot Place    

 

Topic #25:    Elementary Menu for February 13 – February 17

 Newly appointed Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Smith, will be a special guest server during lunch at Johnson School on Monday and at Rockwell School on Friday. 

 

Monday –  Oven-Baked Coleman’s All Natural Chicken Nuggets with Mashed Potatoes  OR Gardenburger on a Roll,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Tuesday –  Juicy Hamburger or Cheeseburger with Tater Tots,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Wednesday –  100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with  Tiny Twist Pretzels, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday –  Zesty Meatball Parmesan Sub with Tossed Salad, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Friday  - Freshly-Made Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza with Tossed Salad & Fresh-Baked Cookies or Tuna Sandwich, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

 

LUNCH PRICES –

Elementary - $2.45

Secondary - $2.85

 

Each lunch includes a main item, up to two sides and a milk.

 

Topic #26:    The Greater Danbury Community Health Center Mobile Health Van will provide access to primary Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health care to residents from the surrounding communities.  The BETHEL VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION located at 70 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel will host the van in their parking lot on the following Wednesdays in  February.

                February 22^nd                     9:30am to 12:00pm

                February 29^th                     9:30am to 12:00pm

 

On February 15^th the van will be at the Bethel Senior Center, 1 School St., Bethel.  There is a sliding fee schedule based on family income.  For more information please call 203-743-0100  - ext 342

 

Topic #27:  Here's what's on BEtv this weekend! Dr. Cosentino sits down with the Winter Sports Captains on Principals Wrap and take a look at some digital learning at BMS.  

 

Schedule for Friday, 2/10/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:30AM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

3:00AM    

Next Step for Junior

3:30AM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

4:30AM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

4:58AM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

6:30AM    

Next Step for Junior

7:00AM    

Principle’s Wrap Winter Sports

7:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

8:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

8:45AM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

10:00AM    

Principle’s Wrap Winter Sports

10:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

11:00AM    

Next Step for Junior

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

Schedule for Saturday, 2/11/2012

12:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

1:35PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

3:00PM    

Principle’s Wrap Winter Sports

3:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

4:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

5:30PM    

Next Step for Junior

6:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

6:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

7:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

8:00PM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

9:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

10:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

10:30PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

11:30PM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

Schedule for Sunday, 2/12/2012

8:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

8:30AM    

Next Step for Junior

9:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

10:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

10:30AM

JS Strings and Band Concert

11:43AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:00PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

1:30PM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

10:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

11:32PM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

Schedule for Monday, 2/13/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:30AM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

3:00AM    

Next Step for Junior

3:30AM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

4:30AM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

4:58AM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

6:30AM    

Next Step for Junior

7:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

7:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

8:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

8:45AM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

10:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

10:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

11:00AM    

Next Step for Junior

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

12:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

1:35PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

3:00PM    

Principle’s Wrap Winter Sports

3:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

4:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

5:30PM    

Next Step for Junior

6:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

6:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

7:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

8:00PM    

JS Strings and Band Concert

9:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning Academy Ms. Tierney Bill of rights

10:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap Winter Sports

10:30PM    

Bethel Schools Today-Dr. Smith and Dr. Jordan

11:30PM    

Cooking Time 2009 ED1

 

Cindy Feuerman 
Media Technology Specialist 

Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D.Superintendent of SchoolsBethel Public SchoolsP.O. Box 253Bethel, CT 06801(203) 794-8601