Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter 

CALENDAR REMINDER:  The Bethel Public Schools will be in session on Monday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 21st.   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. 

This newsletter marks my first as Bethel’s new Superintendent. It is my hope that readers continue to find this newsletter informative and view it as a useful tool for keeping abreast of the many great events and accomplishments occurring weekly in Bethel’s schools and community. My first week on the job has been spectacular. Having the opportunity to visit all of our schools and see firsthand the high quality instruction taking place in every classroom and witnessing the diversity of programming reaffirms my fundamental belief in the power of our schools to transform lives and build opportunity for our students. – Kevin Smith

Topic #1:    Ahead of the Pack!    We want everyone to know that the Bethel Schools will be featured as part of a documentary on Connecticut Public Television on February 9th, beginning at 8:30 p.m.  The show is about the Connecticut student achievement gap.  The film crew came to Bethel because our schools are being featured as role models for other districts in how to overcome the achievement gap.  A large number of Bethel teachers were interviewed as part of this show.  We are widely recognized in Connecticut as a high-performing school system.  It is great to have affirmation --- and it does help home prices!

Topic #2:  Bravo! On Wednesday February 1, 2012, Bethel High School recognized senior student-athlete Brandon Schmidt as he signed a commitment letter to play football for Army at West Point University. Brandon finished his high school career with over 3,000 rushing yards and over 1,500 passing yards. Brandon played the quarterback position his junior and senior years, and also played running back and defensive back. Brandon was a captain his senior year, a 3-year starter, and a 3-year letterman at BHS. He earned All-Conference recognition for the SWC in his senior year, and was elected to Hearst Media's All Area Team. Brandon's parents, Sandra and Guillermo, and his little brother Thomas attended the signing at BHS. Also at the signing showing their support were four of Brandon's football coaches: Head Coach Jason Gill, Associate Head Coach Bruce Martin, and assistant coaches Noel Gill and Ned Bellardinelli. Dr. Cosentino, along with assistant principals Gary Lawlor and Chris Troetti were also there to wish him good luck.

We at BHS are so proud of Brandon and his commitment to West Point to play Division I football. Brandon will surely contribute to West Point's renowned reputation as one of the most prestigious and revered universities in the country.

Topic #3:  Congratulations!  The Bethel High School Marching Band has been invited to march and represent the state of Connecticut in the 2013 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.  This invitation has been presented to the Bethel High School Marching Band, based on a personal nomination from Congressman Christopher Murphy. 

Topic #4:  This past Wednesday, Bethel Middle School joined 2 million others in celebrating National Digital Learning Day. Sponsored by the Alliance for Academic Excellence,Digital Learning Day is a nationwide celebration of innovative teaching and learning through digital media and technology that engages students and provides them with a rich, personalized educational experience. Teachers and students shared the many cutting edge technology applications they are using to improve learning and raise student achievement. BHS celebrates Digital Learning Day today with lessons using ipads, ted.com, prezi, cell phones, 3D digital world applications, flip cameras and much more.

Special Report:   On January 30, members of the Bethel Board of Education met with a group from BHS's Naval Junior ROTC program:  program founder Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells accompanied by cadets Michael K., Ricardo P., Romana P., and Devon S.

Ted Stevenson wrote the following:

BHS ROTC: A successful program in crisis

In the Navy's most recent annual inspection, conducted in December 2011, the program received an overall rating of Outstanding, as it has regularly done over its decade-long history.

According to Commander Dwinells, the program represents a broad cross-section of the BHS student population, both academically and racially. It embraces honor students as well as those who struggle with learning. About 2 percent of the 205 cadets currently in the ROTC program are African American, 20 percent Hispanic, and 78 percent Caucasian.

By any measure, this is an exemplary program, and it has grown steadily over the years – to the point at which it is now, in a sense, facing a crisis:

Commander Dwinells and Master Sergeant Joseph Meehan make up the entire teaching staff (supplemented by a generous amount of volunteer time on the part of Mrs. Dwinells). As mentioned, the current population of the NJROTC program is 205 cadets (including 71 women), which makes for very large class sizes.

Moreover, among the eighth graders at BMS who will be BHS freshmen in the fall, no fewer than 138 students (including 51 females) have expressed strong interest in joining the program.

Given this impending population explosion, Dwinells expressed concern that without the services of an additional instructor, program quality would suffer. Although not the sole reason for this meeting with the Board, this issue became a dominant theme of the evening's conversation.

When asked by the Board if there was any feasible way of limiting enrollment, Dwinells voiced firm opposition to that option, since, as he stressed, there is no fair way to implement it.

In terms of curriculum, the NJROTC program places heavy stress on character development, with substantial time devoted to leadership and citizenship training, and military drill. Other areas of study include flag etiquette, survival skills, first aid, military history, outdoor orienteering, and marksmanship. "Everyone shoots," Dwinells said, going on to point out that marksmanship is intensive exercise in concentration and fine motor and visual skills.

Asked by the Board what they found most valuable about their ROTC experience, several of the cadets responded that their ROTC activities provided real life skills, as opposed to academics for academics sake. "I'm currently taking calculus," cadet Kaluta said, "but I'm not sure I'll ever have a use for it later in life."

As we delved more deeply in to this issue, cadets pointed out that in this program they get training in motivation, life planning – even study skills, which, of course has a positive impact on their academic studies.

With a third instructor in place, Commander Dwinells told the Board he would be freed up to develop new coursework. One of his pet projects would be a class teaching about U.S. interests around the world.

He also expressed interest in working with STEM teacher Gene Waring to develop a course that would teach hands-on practical skills – things like how to change a tire and how to repair a toilet. "I can integrate an equation," cadet Pilepich commented, "but I have no idea how to fix a toilet."

Questioned by the Board about possible outside sources of funding a third faculty member (who, he said would, ideally, be an accomplished, dynamic woman Petty Officer), Dwinells made it clear that he has devoted considerable thought to this question and that he is pursuing all options.

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. We will ask you for some basic contact information so we can send you a packet of registration paperwork (packets are being sent out this week). You will then be asked to call back by Friday, February 24th and make a formal registration appointment for April. Hope to hear from you soon.

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:    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 #10:  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 #11:    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 #12:    Attention Business Owners!  We have a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to families and friends of the Bethel High School Boys Lacrosse team 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!!!

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

Make checks payable to:

ASBC with BHS Boy's LAX on the memo line

Mail to:

Josephine Simko

4 Windaway Road

Bethel CT  06801

Any Questions contact Josephine Simko at josimko@earthlink.net or

203-731-1886 to reserve your place in our Ad!!

Topic #13:    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 #14:    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 #15:    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 #16:  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 #17:  Bethel Softball Association: If you missed signing up on Wednesday, additional sign-ups for players in grades K-12 wishing to play softball in the spring will take place this Saturday, February 4 at the Municipal Center in Meeting Room "A" from 9AM-12PM. Fees: $65 for one player and $80 for a family.  Please email questions to

bethelsoftball@sbcglobal.net. 

Topic#18:  Bethel Youth Wrestling K-8 is pleased to announce the following placements at the Western Connecticut Youth Conference Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, January 28th -29th, 2012 at the Danubury Pal Center and Ridgefield High School.  This was a double elimination tournament with over 200 wrestlers each day who competed from all over Western Connecticut:  1st Place Champion - Max Lynch and Nicholas Cote!!!!!  Third Place - Spencer Hoch, Tyler Cole, Clayton Thunhorst, Jack Lynch and Thomas Smith!  4th Place - Justin Masicioli, Miles DeRosa and Michael Mason!  This was quite an accomplishment for these fine young wrestlers.  Congratulations!!! 

Topic #19:  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.

Pro Access February Highlights: 

Zumba every Thursday

7th and 8th grade Valentine's Day Party - Feb 10th

Sycamore - Feb 14th

Girls Only Program facilitated by Tao-Girls Rule author, CJ Golden.  First group meeting on  - Feb 15th

Pro Access will host a Business After Business for the Bethel Chamber of Commerce – Feb. 16th

7th and 8th Grade Boys "All Nighter"  - Feb 17th

All the pizza you can eat at Famous Pizza - Feb 21st

Finance Awareness Program for High Schools called the National Financial Capability Challenge – begins Feb 22nd

Meet and Greet Bethel Police Youth Officer Lynn Morris - Feb 23rd

Some new programs for March include:

2012 Fitness Challenge – which begins March 6

A Tastefully Simple Party - March 1st

Visit www.bethelproaccess.org for more information or call 203-778-7522. 

Topic #20:    The BETHEL PARK & RECREATION flyers have been distributed to the schools.       

Registration begins Saturday, February 4th from 9:00am-12:00pm in the Municipal Center.  The flyer is currently online at www.bethelparksandrec.com. 

Topic #21:    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 #22:    Elementary Menu for January 30 – February 3

Monday –  Oven-Baked Coleman’s All Natural Chicken Tenders with Corn on the Cob  OR Gardenburger on a Roll,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Tuesday –  Homemade Beef-a-Roni with Fresh-Baked Breadstick & Tossed Salad,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Wednesday –  100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with  ½ oz. Lay’s Potato Chips, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday – Golden Chicken Patty on a Roll with Carrot Short Cuts, 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 #23:    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 1st                        9:30am to 12:00pm

                February 8th                        9:30am to 12:00pm

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

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

On February 15th 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 #24:  Tune in this weekend to some tunes from the Johnson School's Band and Orchestra! Also, if you have a Junior and want to know what steps they should be taking now to get ready for college be sure to watch "The Next Step for Juniors". Remember you can always check out what's on BEtv at http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

Schedule for Friday, 2/3/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:28AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

2:00AM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

3:28AM    

BOE Budget Meeting

5:00AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

5:30AM    

Next Step for Juniors

6:00AM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

6:30AM    

Next Step for Juniors

7:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

7:58AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

8:30AM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

10:00AM    

Next Step for Juniors

10:28AM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

10:50AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

11:45AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

 Schedule for Saturday, 2/4/2012

12:00PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:28PM    

BOE Budget Meeting

3:00PM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

4:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

5:30PM    

Next Step for Juniors

6:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

6:58PM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

7:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

8:00PM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

9:28PM    

BOE Budget Meeting

11:00PM    

Next Step for Juniors

11:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

Schedule for Sunday, 2/5/2012

8:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

8:58AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

9:30AM    

Next Step for Juniors

10:00AM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

12:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

1:00PM    

Next Step for Juniors

1:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

10:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting

11:32PM    

Next Step for Juniors

Schedule for Monday, 2/6/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:28AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

2:00AM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

3:28AM    

BOE Budget Meeting

5:00AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

5:30AM    

Next Step for Juniors

6:00AM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

6:30AM    

Next Step for Juniors

7:00AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

7:58AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

8:30AM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

10:00AM    

Next Step for Juniors

10:28AM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

10:50AM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

11:45AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

12:00PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:28PM    

BOE Budget Meeting

3:00PM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

4:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 6

5:30PM    

Next Step for Juniors

6:00PM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Smith & Dr. Jordan

6:58PM    

Bethel Schools Today Dr. Chesley & Dr. Smith

7:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

8:00PM    

Johnson School Strings and Band Concert

9:28PM    

BOE Budget Meeting

11:00PM    

Next Step for Juniors

11:30PM    

BHS Happenings Eddy Awards

Cindy Feuerman 
Media Technology Specialist 

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