Bethel Public Schools E-News

Superintendent’s News

Congratulations and Thank You! Thursday evening, Bethel Public Schools recognized some of our outstanding staff at its annual awards ceremony. This evening is set aside each year to recognize and pay humble tribute to our district staff that work tirelessly in support of the vision and mission of our schools. Each school recognizes a Pillar of the Year, a Rookie Teacher of the Year and a Teacher of the Year. These individuals are nominated and selected by their peers. Please join me in congratulating:

Pillar of the Year

Deidre Hook – BHS

Donna Savelle – BMS

Janet Troetti – Johnson School

Kristine Hopper – Berry School

Arlene Brown – Rockwell School

Amanda Riley – Bethel Board of Education

Rookie Teacher of the Year

Jessica Wismar – BHS

Kelly Almeida – BMS

Candice Amore-Gallay – Johnson School

Lauren Catalano – Berry School

Holly Hefferan – Rockwell School

Teacher of the Year

Amanda Baghdady – BHS

Bryan Watson – BMS

Danielle Westervelt – Johnson School

Jaime Demetrius – Berry School

Irene Drake – Rockwell School

2012 CHAMP Award – Theresa Yonsky, Director of Fiscal Services

This award is presented annually to an individual in recognition of having a positive influence in uniting schools and community.

Since joining the staff in 2006, Theresa has worked to improve the Fiscal Services department to ensure careful and transparent stewardship of the district’s finances. She has developed the department through a guiding philosophy of continuous growth and professional learning. Ms. Yonsky has cultivated a strong culture of professionalism and responsiveness within the Fiscal Services department which has lead to numerous innovations and improved practices that have benefitted the entire district. Her work has contributed significantly to the development of a strong bond of trust between the Bethel Board of Education and our town government. Through a commitment to transparent budgeting and cost management she has won the respect and admiration of many. Ms. Yonsky is a valued member of the district leadership team and we are all grateful for her presence and for her service to Bethel. It is my great privilege to honor Ms. Yonsky with the recognition as Bethel Public Schools’ CHAMP for 2012.

Brown Bag Lunch

If anyone would be interested in talking about some of these items in person, I invite you to contact my office and join me for a brown bag lunch. Please contact HYPERLINK "mailto:pares@bethel.k12.ct.us"pares@bethel.k12.ct.us or call (203)794-8601.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the BHS Boys Lacrosse Team who played in the SWC Division Two Championship game on Thursday 5/24 and defeated Pomperaug to be crowned SWC DII Champs! The boys lacrosse team finished the regular season with a record of 10 wins and 6 losses, and will advance to the State Tournament and host a game in the first round.

Congratulations! Three BHS films made the cut in the 2012 CT Student Film Festival (CTSFF) 84-HOUR Film Challenge. The BHS Academy films that made the cut included: “In Love, and War” – 9th grade entry from Justin Fargiano, Ellen Dennerlein, Christine Jones, and Paul Tyra, “Fate Lies” – 10th grade entry from Chris Iossa, Danny Tucciarone, Ryan Lampe and Ricardo Pena, and “A Mystery” – 11th grade entry by Lily Ziegler. Lily Ziegler walked away with the award for Outstanding Fictional Short!

BHS also made the cut in the Outstanding History Short category for “The Tet Offensive – A Very Intense Thing” documenting the story of Vietnam War veteran Major Robert C. Yost USMC-Ret. Lily Ziegler and Katie Book, both 11th graders in the Academy program produced this film, which was dedicated to Major Yost.

Board of Education

Special Advisory Committee to the Chairman of the Board of Education Family-School Partnerships

The Board of Education has assembled a special advisory committee to create family participation initiatives and programs for the Bethel K-12 schools that unify organizations within the district towards the common goal of growing student achievement.

The committee goals are:

1. To encourage and support families to participate in their child's education
2. To create a school environment that fosters family involvement
3. To increase effective communication between schools and families
4. To create programs that guide, encourage and help families provide support to their children

The committee is made up volunteer representatives from each school. They are: Janice Chrzescijanek (Committee Chair), Christine Cohen (Berry Parent), Lauren Catalano (Berry Teacher), Dr. Kristen Brooks (Berry Principal), Rebecca Chamberlain (Rockwell Parent), Kris Correard (Johnson Parent), Filomena Weiner (Middle School Parent), Lois Tamburino (High School Parent), Lisa Baker (High School Teacher), Chris Troetti (High School Assistant Principal), Mickie Rutledge (Reading and Language Arts Specialist), Kristen Lacey (Board of Education) and Dr. Janice Jordan (Associate Superintendent).

The committee is in the process of defining family participation initiatives to roll-out by August 2012.

We need your input and suggestions. Stay tuned for a parent survey and brainstorming sessions in the Fall.

Questions? HYPERLINK "mailto:bfspcommittee@gmail.com" bfspcommittee@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook "Bethel Family-School Partnerships"

Calendar Reminder

Monday, May 28th – Memorial Day - Schools Closed

Summer’s BEST 2012

SAVE THE DATES: Bethel’s Summer’s BEST Programs will take place this summer from July 2-

July 27, 2012.

Summer’s BEST 2012 has arrived! The Bethel Public Schools will be offering many new and dynamic programs. We hope to create a summertime adventure of discovery, fun, and learning that will build knowledge and enrich your child. The goal of the summer program is to encourage children to explore new skills, talents, and interests as well as maintain and sharpen academic skills, boost academic confidence, and reinforce the value of education.

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.

You may register after April 30th by mail or through the schools. Program information is available on our website or click here for HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/2903/download"Summer’s BEST Brochure and Registration Information

Save the month of July to enroll your child in a rewarding summer experience!

Circle of Friends/Kindergarten News

Apply now for Morning-Care for Sept. 2012!

Applications are now being accepted for Morning Stars, a morning-care program for children in Berry and Rockwell schools. Morning Stars begins at 7:35 AM in room 102 of the high school, and is open on days that school is in session. At approximately 8:35 the children are taken by bus to their school. The fee for this program is $450.00 for the 2012-2013 school year.

Morning Stars is staffed by a teacher, teacher aides, and high school students who are in the Child Development Program at Bethel High School. The high school students plan a variety of projects for the children. In addition to planned activities, the children have an opportunity to read, get help with homework, play board games, socialize, etc.

You may pick up a registration form at your child’s school, or contact Sandy Milsap at HYPERLINK "mailto:milsaps@bethel.k12.ct.us" milsaps@bethel.k12.ct.us (preferred) or 794-8600 ext 102.

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 call your child’s assigned school to set up a registration/screening appointment as soon as possible.

Berry School – 203-794-8680

Rockwell School – 203-794-8690

Johnson School News

Johnson School staff and students were happy to host a record 52 presenters for this year's Career Day. A sincere thank you to the following community members who so graciously shared their professions with us:

Albu, Constantin

Allaby, Lisa

Allen, Tim

Amaral, Peter

Anastasakis, Perry

Arvidson, Maureen

Avery, Betty

Bardwell, Michele

Barnum, Melanie

Barone, Sheryl

Bianco, Phil

Boughton, Heather

Brady, Diana

Carlson, Dave

Chaber, Sensai

Chojnacki, Dr. Matt

Corey, Paul

Craybas, Larry

Creiner, Alyce

DeLuca, Marc

Fargiano, Michelle

Farina, Officer

Fergusson, Endrina

Finaldi, Mary

Fusaro, Marc

Galliford, Thomas

Galvin, Jeremiah

Granfors, Jennifer

Janofsky, Dennis

Lasko, Dr. Dawn

Ledney, Paul

Lemone, Kim

Licari, John

Matturro, Andrew

Monaghan, Madeleine

Morris, Lynn

Muthersbaugh, Marie

O'Grady, Daniel

Olexy, Cristina

O'Malley, Sean

Palmer, Sharon

Piacente, Josy

Rashid, Asif

Renner, Tom

Rinella, Natalie

Riolo, Kristin

Russo, Marc

Shulkin, Jenny

Smith, Dr. Kevin

Thunhorst, Trip

Volpintesta, Rob

Weiner, Michael

Middle School News

Save the Dates - BHS Freshmen Orientation Dates are August 21, 22, 23, 2013 a formal

letter of invitation will be sent home the first week in August.

Middle School Summer Enrichment Programs

HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3562/download" Enrichment programs for Middle School Students will take place from July 2- July 27, 2012 at BMS. Please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/" www.bethel.k12.ct.us and download a registration form under the summer school link. If you have any questions, please call Linda Anderson at 203-794-8600 ext. 375

High School News

Class of 2012 Graduation - The Board of Education approved the graduation date for the Class of 2012. The Bethel High School graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 6:00 PM at WCSU's O'Neill Center.

BHS would like to congratulate the following students who have made their post secondary decisions and have reported their plans using Naviance Family Connection.

Name

College

Alves, Pedro Henrique

Western Connecticut State University

Apellaniz, Kristen

Western Connecticut State University

Ayala, Juan Camilo

Central Connecticut State University

Bellantoni, Matthew Philip

Central Connecticut State University

Bernabe, Thalia

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Binda, Bernardo

Western Connecticut State University

Binda, Gabriel

Western Connecticut State University

Bohrman, Brianne Lynn

Central Connecticut State University

Braisted, Travis

University of Connecticut

Buchholz, Anne

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Campbell, Ryan

Daniel Webster College

Caraluzzi, Nina Rosemarie

Western Connecticut State University

Carrijo, Lucas Miranda

Eastern Connecticut State University

Chelednik, Morgan

San Diego State University

Chica, Erick

Western Connecticut State University

Cleary, Alanna

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Connelly, Dylan James

Norwalk Community College

Conroy, Amanda

Western Connecticut State University

Daluz, Phillipe

Eastern Connecticut State University

Damraksa, Nick

Drexel University

D'Arco, Nicole Christine

University of Connecticut

Dehoff, Shawna

New England College

Dolan, Samuel

Fisher College

Eberlein, Jennifer

Quinebaug Valley Community College

Evaristo, Yesenia

Southern Connecticut State University

Feuerman, Eljay

Western Connecticut State University

Filippakos, Christina E

University of Connecticut

Furniss, Benjamin

Western Connecticut State University

Gallagher, Kevin James

Porter and Chester Institute (Watertown)

Geist, Katelynn Jean

Western Connecticut State University

Grant, Paige Alanna

Western Connecticut State University

Howard, Raquel

Curry College

Howell, Chantel A

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Izquierdo, Carlos Ivan

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Kellogg, Jarrett

Norwalk Community College

Kelly, Brendan

Lincoln Technical Institute

Kelly, Matthew

Eastern Connecticut State University

Kelly, Megan

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Kessler, Matthew

United States Marine Corps

Kim, Richard

Norwich University

Kim, Seul Ki

University of Connecticut

Leibowitz, Evan

Western Connecticut State University

Leite, Sean Taylor

Western Connecticut State University

Mago, Kaylene Tara

University of Connecticut

Manere, Brian

University of Connecticut at Torrington

Martinez, Alyssa Mercedes

Boston University

Martins, Guilherme Augusto

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Mathews, Jessica Rey

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Matos, Brandon

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Attention BHS Underclassman Families: The Yearbooks will soon be here!

ALL preordered books will be distributed during the school day on Thursday, June 7th.

The remaining books will be on sale for a limited time only beginning June 7th on a first come, first serve basis. See Ms. Lacey in room 105 periods 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8; or in room 212 periods 4, 5 and 6. Checks for $85 should be made payable to “BHS Yearbook”.

Attention BHS Class of 2013 Families:

Your Senior Portraits have been scheduled and you should receive an appointment card in the mail from Lifetouch Studios. Appointment times are also posted in the old front entrance of the high school. Portraits are on June 6th, 7th and 8th in the auditorium.

Please email Rebecca Lacey with any questions: HYPERLINK "mailto:laceyr@bethel.k12.ct.us" laceyr@bethel.k12.ct.us

And the 2013 BHS Musical is??????????

Please join us on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium where we will show the movie version of next year's musical. Children of all ages are welcome! Admission is $2.00. Snacks and beverages will be sold. Thank you for your support! Deidre Hook - Producer

Mirage Coffee House - Everyone is cordially invited to attend the annual Mirage Coffee House at Bethel High School on Friday, June 8th at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. This event features the creative talents of our BHS student body: musical performances, monologues, skits, stand-up comedy, short films, poetry readings, etc. We will be announcing the winners of the Mirage contest and distributing over $600 in prize money. Admission for event is $5.00. This includes a free copy of the 2012 edition of the Mirage Literary Arts magazine. All additional copies will be sold at $3.00 each. See you there!!

Bethel Student Families and District Staff Members! Please don't forget to send your handheld electronics into school for collection and disposal by the BHS Band Boosters. All collection boxes are located in the offices. This is a great way to dispose of these items safely for the earth, while helping our wonderful High School Band programs - A true WIN WIN!

HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3593/download" Click here for our informational flyer - sorry no laptops!

We thank you, in advance, for your support!

BHS Band Boosters

The Bethel Mile - June 2, 2012 - Join us for THE BETHEL MILE Road Race at the Bethel Municipal Center in Bethel, CT to benefit The TJ Burke and James Thomsen Memorial Scholarships. Two Bethel High School senior athletes receive $1000 scholarships each year in memory of TJ and James. HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3494/download" Click here for more information and registration form.

Parents of the class of 2012, as part of the post prom activities, we would like to establish a memory wall for the students. We are looking for class pictures from all of the pre-school, elementary school and middle school grades. If you have class pictures to share, please send an email to Michele, Mary, or Paula letting us know what year and school. We will contact you if we need that particular year and school.

In addition to class pictures, we would like to put up miscellaneous candid pictures of the kids from birthday parties, scouting events, Halloween parades, team pictures, etc. The pictures may be dropped off in the main office, in room 221, or sent electronically to Mary, Michele, or Paula (our email addresses are listed below). Please mark all pictures with your name and what school year it is from, Rockwell/Berry, etc. so that we may return them to you.

( HYPERLINK "mailto:maryghio@sbcglobal.net" "_blank" maryghio@sbcglobal.net, HYPERLINK "mailto:pcon64@gmail.com" "_blank" pcon64@gmail.com or HYPERLINK "mailto:mimbrad@sbcglobal.net" "_blank" mimbrad@sbcglobal.net.)

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact Michele, Mary or Paula. We need additional volunteers for our Picture Committee so if you would like to help out, please let us know as well.

All Sports Booster Club has Bethel Wildcats spirit wear available for sale – HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3205/download" click here for more information.

Elementary School Lunch News

Elementary Menu for May 28 – June 1

Monday – MEMORIAL DAY – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday – Oven-Baked Coleman’s All-Natural Chicken Tenders with Steamed Carrot or a Garden Burger on a Roll, daily selection of fresh healthy sides.

Wednesday – 100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with Tiny Twist Pretzels & 4 oz. Cool Tropic Slushy Drink, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday – Ziti with Meatballs & a Homemade Breadstick , 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.

Bethel Continuing Education News

INSTRUCTORS WANTED: Do you have a hobby or subject that you would like to be paid to teach to other adults? Bethel Continuing Education is looking for instructors for the Fall 2012 semester. Teachers are needed to teach Spanish, French and Italian languages, cooking, jewelry-making, yoga, kick boxing, computers, photography, dancing or gardening? Please contact Angela Guerriero@continuingeducation@bethel.k12.ct.us or 203-794-8600 ext. 450 for additional information.

Sports News & Information

You can follow Bethel High School Athletics on Twitter @bethelsports

Girls Lacrosse made it to the SWC finals and played against a strong Weston team losing 12-8. The girls will advance to the state tournament next week.

Softball lost a tough 2-0 decision in their SWC semifinal game against Oxford. They will advance to the state tournament next week, and are seeded high enough to potentially host two state games.

Baseball lost a very close game to number one seeded Pomperaug in the SWC quarterfinals. Bethel was the 8th seed in the tournament.

Golf will send one player, Mike Kaluta, to the SWC tournament at Ridgewood Country Club.

The Fall Sports Parent Information Meeting will be held on Wednesday May 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium. Parents of Fall 2012 athletes are expected to attend. At this meeting, Jayme McGovern, BHS Athletic Director, will go over sign up procedures, pay to play, and important parent information for the fall season. After this, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the fall sport coaches to discuss tryouts, schedules, games, expectations/guidelines, and ask questions.

If anyone has any questions, please contact Jayme McGovern, BHS Athletic Director at HYPERLINK "mailto:mcgovernj@bethel.k12.ct.us" mcgovernj@bethel.k12.ct.us

The BHS Volleyball Team is hosting a camp August 18 - 21 for all girls interested in trying out for the team. Please contact Maureen DeFazio at HYPERLINK "mailto:mdbd5@sbcglobal.net" mdbd5@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bethel Education Foundation

Tickets Now On Sale! Celebrate the start of summer vacation with the Bethel Education Foundation at the second annual Family Summer Kickoff, Thursday, June 14th (rain or shine), 2:00pm-6:00pm on the grounds of Bethel Middle School. Bring the entire family, your lawn chairs and blankets for an afternoon of games and activities for kids of all ages, sports games, bounce house, dunk tank, music, food and much more. To purchase discount tickets use the HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3594/download" ticket order form. All proceeds benefit the BEF which supports public and private education and community initiatives in Bethel through grants to teachers, administrators and community members.

Community News & Events

Music from the Heart – An Afternoon Recital of Broadway Favorites, In honor of McKenzie Newsome, Sunday, June 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Ave. $5.00 per person suggested donation.

Healthy Families, Happy Lives - Sunday, June 3rd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Bethel Municipal Center. Sponsored by MOMS Club of Bethel.

Free Workshops for Parents/Teens

11:30 to 12:15 - Domestic Violence/Dating Violence

12:30 to 1:15 - Cyber Safety - Keeping your Kids Safe Online

1:30 to 2:15 - Take a Stand - A Team Approach to Bully Prevention

2:15 to 3:00 - Child Sexual Abuse - Know the Warning Signs

Children's Room

Carnival- type games provided by Pro Access, Bethel's Teen Center

Free Secure Babysitting for children 3+ - provided by Bethel Girl Scouts.

Free crafts provided by Bethel Girl Scouts.

Face Painting for children by BHS Art students

Free Entertainment for children. Magic Show, Martial Arts Demo, Dance performance by Bethel School of Dance, Local band performance by "The Guys Over There" and a DJ.

Vendor fair/raffles will be held in the municipal center gym.

Bethel Lightning Lacrosse team (grades 4-5) will be having their last home game next Wednesday night, May 30, at 7 p.m. All are invited to come and support the team.

Sunday, May 27 at 2:00 in Bennett Park the Bethel Land Trust will be holding it's annual meeting. We will be hosting Horizon Wings, which is a raptor rehabilitation and education organization. They will be bringing 5 live birds of prey - hawks, owls, etc. We will talk about how these birds ended up in rehab, about the habitat they need to thrive, and about what you can do to preserve it. This is a free, family friendly event. Refreshments will be served. HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3592/download" Click here for flyer.

The Hat City Cyclists club is hosting its 20th annual Cyclefest event on Sunday, June 10th, at the Bethel Middle School. In conjunction with that event, they are facilitating a Bicycle Safety Rodeo from 9 AM to 1 PM. for kids 5 to 14 years. HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3493/download" Click here for more information.

Bethel Parks & Recreation SUMMER REGISTRATION 2012 - HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3529/download" Click here for more information.

REGISTRATION

DATE: Begins Tuesday, May 22nd

TIME: 9:00am-6:00pm

LOCATION: Parks & Recreation Department

DEADLINE: June 25th for all programs excluding playground camps

CAMP

DEADLINE: Session I: When we reach our limit or June 8th

Session II & III: July 2nd

All participants must be registered before the first day of the program. Once a program has begun no registrations will be accepted.

Bethel Parks & Recreation Summer Playground Camp 2012

Registration begins Tuesday, April 24, 2012 for Bethel Residents at the Parks & Recreation office during regular office hours from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Non Residents may register starting May 1, 2012. Playground camps are for Bethel Residents and Non Residents for an extra non-resident fee of $15.00 per session. HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/file/3202/download" Click here for more information.

ProAccess Teen Center News & Events

BALLOON-A-GRAD - Surprise a Bethel graduate with a delivery of balloons the morning of graduation. Place your order through Pro Access today. For $15 we will deliver one mylar and 2 latex balloons with your personalized message. Go to HYPERLINK "bethelproaccess.org" bethelproaccess.org, click on the calendar tab and scroll beneath the calendar for the form and additional details.

BEtv Schedule

Here's what's on BEtv over the long Memorial Day Weekend. Aunt Pat & Justin talk with NJROTC Cadets about Lady Leadership. Plus a bevy of fantastic music from all our schools! You won't want to miss a beat! Remember you can always check our schedule at HYPERLINK "http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308" http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

BETHEL PUBLIC SCHOOLS E-NEWS