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.

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!

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 #1:     Last weekend Bethel students from both the high school and the middle school competed in the 27th Science Horizons contest at Western Connecticut State University. We had many students participate and had an exceptionally strong showing in the winners’ circle. Congratulations to the following winners:

Senior Biology Category:

2nd Place: BHS Junior, Aiden Ford: “Pigeon Talk: Analyzing the Vocalizations of Fantail Pigeons”

3rd Place: BHS Junior, Griffin Teed: “The effect of the Active Ingredients of Deodorant on Sweat”

4th Place: BHS Junior, Tori Bonagura: “What is this again? A Study of the Correlation between Age and Short Term Memory”

Senior Physical Category:

3rd Place: BHS Junior, Masudur Bhuyan: “Isaac’s Rebel Fluids. A Study of Non-Newtonian fluids”

4th Place: BHS Sophomore, Drew Ziegler: “Driving to School is Exhaust-ing”

4th Place: BHS Sophomore, Josh Yoon: “Recycling”

Junior Biology Category:

2nd Place: BMS 8th Grader, Monisha Das: “Should We Doubt Short and Stout?”

4th Place, BMS 8th Grader, Nicolas Cazzaniga: “The Effect of Different Organic Materials on the Number of Ants Repelled”

Junior Biology Team Category:

3rd Place: BMS 7th Graders, Caroline Crouse and Sara Pallas: “Environmental Effects”

Junior Physical Team Category: BMS 7th Graders, Jessica Macintyre and Kallan Hook: “How Does Combining Metals Lead to Rust Development?”

This strong showing represents another example of Bethel’s culture of high academic achievement. We are very proud of our scientists!

Topic #2:  Congratulations to the following students who auditioned and made it into the Connecticut All-State Music Festival. These students are among the best musicians in the state of Connecticut. The students are Katie Bozzutti, Margaret Buzak, Kevin Hannequin, and Morgan Scails. Congratulations on your outstanding musical achievement.

Topic #3:  At their last meeting on 2/15/12, the Bethel Board of Education approved a budget proposal for 2012-2013 that calls for a 4.79% increase over current spending. This budget increase represents primarily contractual increases in salaries (1.84%), benefits (1.22%), transportation and tuition (.37%), miscellaneous other increases (.10%) and replacement of the one-time federal grant intended to preserve teaching jobs that was earmarked for this current fiscal year (1.26%).

This budget represents status quo funding to preserve and maintain our very high achieving school system. The Board of Education and administrators have worked diligently over recent years to contain costs and respond appropriately to the economic climate. While this spending plan represents a larger increase than in past years, when averaged with spending plans over the past five years, the average cost increase is 2.1%. The work that the Board of Education and administrators have conducted to “bend the curve” and minimize annual cost increases is evident in this average. Beginning 2/20, budget information, including the presentation and Board of Education questions can be found on our website. Community members are strongly encouraged to review posted materials.

Though this budget preserves and maintains our current level of exemplary programming, we are challenged to address the increasing complexity of learning needs of many of our students, challenged to address the significant curriculum and assessment changes required by the adoption of the Common Core State Standards and related new state assessments, and challenged to address the need to reshape our instructional program to meet the 21st century demands of our new global, knowledge economy that calls ALL students to be innovators, critical thinkers and creative, collaborative problem solvers. In Bethel, student achievement has never been higher. The amount of money earned in scholarships has never been higher. The number of students taking advantage of the many co-curricular opportunities has never been higher. We are an incredibly strong system and will become even stronger.

It is our shared vision to make Bethel Public Schools a premier district in the state and nation and to be on the leading edge of educational excellence through providing a rigorous core education driven by a technology-powered pedagogy and access to significant opportunities to learn and grow through authentic real-world experiences. We will continue to provide outstanding early childhood education to stretch and challenge our youngest, identify and close learning gaps, and strengthen our relationships with post-secondary institutions like Western Connecticut State University to provide our students opportunities for advanced studies for college credit in a range of disciplines.

We are proud of the many great accomplishments of our students and school system at every level and are grateful for the significant support shown by the community. Through this budget, we are reaffirming our commitment to maintain and build on our high level of high achievement while making every effort to contain costs.

Topic #4:  Congratulations - Bethel High School Earned a $500 Award In Recognition of Wellness Excellence as Part of Sodexo’s First-Ever Healthy High School Challenge.  National Challenge Included More Than 257,000 Students at 201 Sodexo-Served High Schools Nationally.

Sodexo, the student nutrition provider for Bethel Public Schools presented a $500 cash award in recognition of Bethel High School’s achievement in the company’s first-ever Healthy High School Challenge.  Bethel High School finished the six-week program as a Consolation Award Winner out of 201 participating schools across the country.

The company created the Healthy High School Challenge as a fun and interactive way to get high school students thinking about making healthy food choices.  Through this program, students earned points for their school every time they selected healthy foods in the cafeteria and other Sodexo-served locations in schools.  Students also earned double points for purchasing the featured healthy item of the week.  Each school’s points were totaled and the top 56 nationally earned between $500 and $5,000 for student-organized activities.

Topic #5:  Middle School Extracurricular activity group photos will be held at Bethel Middle School on Tuesday, February 21. Please see the attached schedule for time and location.

Topic #6:  Middle school yearbooks are still on sale. They may be ordered online at JostensYearbooks.com or by submitting the attached form (with a check for $36 made out to BMS Yearbook) to Mrs. Malatesta in the Library Information Center.

Topic #7:  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 #8:  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 #9:    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 #10:    Excellence in Education Award nominations now being accepted!  The Bethel Education Foundation invites you to nominate a candidate for the Excellence in Education Award which will recognize and honor a superior educator whose creativity and innovation within the classroom, school, or district have had a significant impact on student performance and achievement and provide an ongoing model of excellence in encouraging all learners and educators to excel.  If your child's education has been positively impacted by an educator in the public, private or parochial schools in Bethel, please visit us at www.betheledfoundation.org for a link to the nomination form. The winner will be recognized at BEF's Barnum Ball on March 24th and be presented with a commemorative plaque and $500 grant. Deadline for nominations: February 29, 2012.

Topic #11:    "A Toast to Bethel!" Join the Bethel Education Foundation, your friends, neighbors, school administrators and faculty as we celebrate education in our community at the 6th Annual Barnum Ball on Saturday, March 24th at the Ethan Allen Hotel. The event kicks off at 7:00pm with an open bar until 9:00pm followed by dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. 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 ticket order form or visit us at www.betheledfoundation.org/BarnumBall2012.html.

Topic #12:    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 #13:    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 #14:  The Bethel High School Symphonic Band Cordially invites the Bethel Community to attend:

Exchange Concert with the New Fairfield Band

Location:    New Fairfield High School

Date:    Next Wednesday 2-22-12

Time:    7PM

Admission:    FREE

Please share this invitation with your neighbors, family and friends,  The students and Directors have been working hard to present and evening of wonderful music!

Questions?  Please email parenthelp@bethelband.com  Hope to see you there!

BHS Band Boosters

Topic #15:  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 #16:    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 #17:  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.

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

Topic #18:    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 #19:    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 #20:    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 #21:    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 #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.

• 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.
• 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 20 – February 24

Newly appointed Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Smith, will be a special guest server during lunch at Berry School on Thursday, February 23rd. 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LUNCH NEWS

Monday –  Oven-Baked Coleman’s All Natural Chicken Tenders with Dinner Roll and Steamed Green Beans  OR Gardenburger on a Roll,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Tuesday –  Cheesy Italian Dunkers with Marinara Sauce & Tossed Salad,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Wednesday –  100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with  Cheddar Goldfish Crackers, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday –  Beefy Nachos served with Tostito’s Chips & Assorted Toppings, 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 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 #27:  Here's what's on BEtv this weekend. Did you miss Dr. Smith's presentation at BMS? Don't worry you can still hear his plans for the Bethel Publics Schools on BEtv. Also, Dr. Consentino talks with some members of the BHS Marching Band on the Principal's Wrap.

Schedule for Friday, 2/17/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:30AM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

3:00AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

3:28AM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

5:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

5:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

6:00AM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

7:00AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:45AM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

9:00AM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

10:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

10:30AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

Schedule for Saturday, 2/18/2012

12:00PM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

1:40PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

3:00PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

3:45PM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

5:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

6:00PM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:30PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:10PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

7:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

8:00PM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

9:15PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

10:00PM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

10:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

11:00PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

11:30PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

Schedule for Sunday, 2/19/2012

8:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

8:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

9:00AM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

10:28AM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

12:00PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:30PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

10:00PM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

11:32PM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

Schedule for Monday, 2/20/2012

12:00AM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

1:30AM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

3:00AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

3:28AM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

5:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

5:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

6:00AM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

7:00AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:45AM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

9:00AM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

10:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

10:30AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

12:00PM    

BOE Budget 1-24-2012

1:40PM    

BOE Meeting 1-19-2012

3:00PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

3:45PM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

5:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

6:00PM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:30PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:10PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

7:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

8:00PM    

JS Strings & Band Concert

9:15PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

10:00PM    

*Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

10:30PM    

Principal’s Wrap - Winter Sports

11:00PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

11:30PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 7

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