Bethel Public Schools Newsletter 4.5.12

Bravo!

Yesterday afternoon, 6th grade student Gia Antolini, winner of BMS’ Chopin Piano contest, performed two pieces for the BMS Faculty during their monthly meeting. Gia was poised, polished, and professional! This opportunity is one of many our students all across the district have to shine. Watching Gia perform reminded me again of the many reasons I am so proud of Bethel Public Schools.

Congratulations!

One facet of a strong school culture is the opportunity to recognize the dedication and excellence of school staff. Annually, Bethel Public Schools acknowledges teachers and staff members at an Awards Ceremony in May. Faculties and administrators select their nominees and all come together to celebrate. Please join me in congratulating:

Teacher of the Year:

Amanda Baghdady – BHS

Bryan Watson – BMS

Danielle Westervelt – Johnson

Jamie Demetrius – Berry

Irene Drake – Rockwell

Pillar of the Year:

Deidre Hook – BHS

Donna Savelle – BMS

Janet Troetti – Johnson

Kristine Hopper – Berry

Arlene Brown – Rockwell

Amanda Riley – Systemwide

Rookie Teacher of the Year:

Jessica Wismar – BHS

Kelly Almeida – BMS

Candice Amore-Gallay – Johnson

Lauren Catalano – Berry

Holly Hefferan – Rockwell

CHAMP

Ms. Theresa Yonsky, Director of Fiscal Services

Budget Update

Last night the Board of Finance held their Public Hearing. Many residents attended and many parents expressed their opinions regarding the budget. It was very affirming to listen to the individual testaments of how our schools have positively impacted so many lives. The Board of Finance will deliberate and finalize their budget proposals. Their next regular meeting is April 10th. The next step in the budget process is the Town Meeting. This is scheduled for May 7th. At the Town Meeting budget proposals may be kept level or reduced. All are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

Education Reform in CT

Unfortunately, Senator Boucher has canceled her meeting with us tonight (4/5) and intends to reschedule in May.

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 pares@bethel.k12.ct.us or call (203)794-8601.

Calendar Reminder

Reminder:

April 6th – Schools are closed

April 10 – Conference Day – Early Dismissal – JS & BMS

April 11 – Conference Day – Early Dismissal – JS & BMS

April 12 – Conference Day – Early Dismissal – JS

April 12 – Professional Development Day – Early Dismissal – BMS & BHS

April 16-20 – Spring Recess

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all of the Odyssey of the Mind participants! This past weekend, three teams from Johnson School and two from Berry competed in the State Finals. All the teams did an amazing job representing Bethel Public Schools. They demonstrated team work, awesome creativity and innovation.  One of the Johnson teams, working on the long term problem, You Make the Call, qualified for the World Finals! They came in second in the State.  They are hoping to attend the World Final competition in May in Iowa. Congratulations and good luck to everyone.

Congratulations to the Chopin competition winners:

1st Gia Antolini

2nd Sophia Galante

3rd Pavitra Makarla

Congratulations to these Bethel students for qualifying and competing at the New England YMCA Swim Championships held at Harvard University. 

BHS students Tucker Bjornson & Olivia Wootton. BMS student Amelia Wootton & Johnson student Timmy Joyce!

They swim for the WCYM Mako Swim Team, out of the Brookfield YMCA. The Mako's finished in 2nd place out of 77 YMCA's from all over New England! 

Also swimming for the Mako's are these students, Jonathan Bell, Emma Beers, Danielle Canfield, Michael Renda, Alexandra Schulman, Olivia Herbert, Jenna & Angela Saidman, Christopher Suarez, Jorge Velasquez & Sarre Zinnah. 

Congratulations to all these swimmers on a great season!

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.

Enrichment registration begins on April 30, 2012 at the Bethel Board of Education Office. You may register after April 30th by mail or through the schools. Program information is available on our website or click here for 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

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, April 25th 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

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

Rockwell School News

The Rockwell School Kindergarten Hat Parade will be held Monday, April 9, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Kindergarten Playground.

April 9 – 13 is Spirit Week at Rockwell

We will have a fun filled week next week and the agenda is as follows:

Monday, April 9th – Wear your clothes backwards or inside-out.

Tuesday, April 10th – Wear your pajamas to school.

Wednesday, April 11th - Wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt with your favorite character on it.

Thursday, April 12th – Support your favorite team by wearing a sports t-shirt or hat.

Friday, April 13th - ROCKWELL SPIRIT DAY – Wear your Rockwell gear or blue and white. Show off that Rockwell Pride. We will have a Spirit Assembly for students only, around 2:30 p.m. in the Café.

High School News

Come support BHS Softball Team at the buffet breakfast fundraiser Sunday 4/22 from 9:00am - 11:00am at the Spot, downtown Bethel- click here for more information.

All Sports Booster Club has Bethel Wildcats spirit wear available for sale – click here for more information.

Application for the Mary Edna Cargill Scholarship offered by the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association is available at www.bethelvna.org. This scholarship is awarded to one or more Bethel residents enrolled in or accepted to a degree program in a health-related field. Applications must be completed by May 1st.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BHS BAND PROGRAMS!

The BHS Band Students are working to raise $13,000 in start-up funding for our band programs.  Normally this funding comes from "Quest", the Marching Band's Home Show.  However between a scheduling conflict, and then our favorite, "Storm Alfred" - we were unable to have a show.

We have two on-going fundraisers for which we will receive 40% of your purchases!  Your participation on any level is greatly appreciated!

Cookie Dough - we are selling tubs of cookie dough @ $15 per tub.  You may view the items we're selling by going to our parent website @ www.bethelband.com.  If you'd like to purchase cookie dough in support of the bands, please email parenthelp@bethelband.com and a student rep will contact you to pick up your order and payment.

Magazines - NO NEW PURCHASES NECESSARY - Of course you can order new magazines if you'd like but you may also simply RENEW your existing subscriptions!  Go to our parent website @ www.bethelband.com  Click on the Fundraiser box on the right side of the Home Page.  Enter the name of a current band student and you're in!  Be sure to check the "Renewal" box on your order so you don't miss any issues of your existing subscriptions!.

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to email us!  We're happy to help in any way needed.  We are very grateful for the ongoing support of our community!

Bethel High School Band Boosters

International Dinner at Bethel High - Bring your friends and family to experience all of the great foods and talents Bethel High has to offer! The World Language Honor Society invites you to our first annual International Dinner on Tuesday, April 10th, at 6 pm in the BHS Cafeteria. The night will include ethnic foods from current language students, competitive skits between classes, musical performances and chopstick and origami tutorials! Admission is free. For any questions or more information, please contact Abdullah Hasan at hasan.abdullah7@gmail.com or Nestor Rodriguez at 2012nestor@gmail.com.

 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!

Elementary School Lunch News

 Elementary Menu for April 9 – April 13

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

 Tuesday – Juicy Hamburger or Cheeseburger with Tator Tots, 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 – BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH French Toast Sticks with Breakfast Sausage , 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

 Save gas Money – Try an Online Class at home! Bethel Continuing Education has a program that makes it easy for you to take high-quality, noncredit online courses, no matter where you are located. We have partnered with ed2go to offer hundreds of online, instructor-facilitated courses. This is your opportunity to brush up on an old skill, learn a new one, or take that course you have always been interested in. Most importantly, you will save money on gas! All of the courses provide well-crafted lessons, expert online instruction, and interaction with fellow students. You have the flexibility to study at your own pace, while still having enough structure and support to complete the course. Classroom access is available 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection. New sessions of each course run every month. They last six weeks, with two new lessons being released weekly (for a total of 12). The courses are entirely Web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and assignments. A dedicated expert instructor facilitates every course; pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback, and facilitating discussions. To learn more, call Angela Guerriero at 203-794-8600 x450 or visit them online at www.ed2go.com/bethel.

Bethel Education Foundation News

 Thank you to everyone who attended the Barnum Ball! The Ball raised $45,000 and had the greatest number of attendees in the BEF's history.  Proceeds from the Ball will help continue our mission of supporting innovative and creative educational projects for children in the Bethel community. Congratulations to Mrs. Donna Burns, 6th grade social studies teacher at BMS who was honored as this year's recipient of the Excellence in Education Award! A big thank you to our generous sponsors, our advertisers, everyone who made a donation and the many volunteers who helped make this event such a successful one.  For more information about the Barnum Ball and the BEF, visit www.betheledfoundation.org or find us on Facebook.

Sports News & Information

 You can follow Bethel High School Athletics on Twitter @bethelsports

Community News & Events

 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. Click here for more information.

The Neuberger Museum of Art offers free programs for families, Family Saturdays. Casual art experiences for the whole family, with tours, hands-on workshops, and performances. Click here for more information.

4TH Annual Youth Education Day Candlewood Valley Chapter, Trout Unlimited. This is a great opportunity to teach your child about cold water conservation and the sport of fishing for children ages 8-18. The event takes place Saturday, April 28, 2012. Click here for more information.

The BETHEL WOMENS' SOFTBALL LEAGUE is currently taking registrations for women that would like to play slow pitch softball in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Teams play two nights/week and games begin after the school year ends (mid June) and go through the 2nd week in August. All ages play but you must be 21 before 6/1/12. Fee is $40. Go to eteamz.com/bethelsoftballwomen for more information or contact Bethel Parks & Rec at 794-8531.

Announcing a SPECIAL INVITATION to all boys entering First to Fifth Grade!

Cub Scout Pack 54 is holding a NEW SCOUT RECRUITMENT NIGHT Wednesday, April 11, 7 - 8 PM at Rockwell’s Cafetoirum. Click here for more info.

Bethel Public Library Board Scholarship This one-year $500.00 scholarship is granted to a high school senior who is a resident of the Town of Bethel, Connecticut, and who plans to attend an accredited degree granting institution. Applications & all required documents are due at the Library before 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

http://www.bethellibrary.org/teen/dnld/scholarship_application_3-12.pdf

Junior Achievement (JA) is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.  JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.   JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world - enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school.

 This school year, Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut working in partnership with community and corporate volunteers will provide empowering programs to approximately 1,790 students in Bethel, CT.  But we need your help! Junior Achievement provides the training, curriculum and Bethel students ready to meet you!  Our volunteers receive a resource kit complete with an easy-to-follow teaching guide and learning materials necessary for program implementation. Volunteers present 5-8, one-hour activities, typically once a week, in a classroom during a convenient time for them within the school day. Volunteers are needed at F.A. Berry Elementary, Bethel High School and Bethel Middle School. For more information please contact Katie Rossi, 203-690-2336 krossi@jawct.org. For more information about JAWCT visit our website, http://jawct.org or LIKE us on Facebook!

BEtv Schedule

 Here's what's on BEtv this weekend. Don't forget to check out BEtv over the long weekend! Some highlights are an all new Cooking Time and the BMS Leadership Song Project. Also, if you were not able to attend the Town Hearing on Wednesday night, don't miss it on BEtv - Stay informed about your Budget! Remember you can always check our schedule at http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308