Bethel Public Schools Newsletter, May 14

BETHEL PUBLIC SCHOOLS E-NEWS                

Superintendent’s News

CONGRATULATIONS 

Last Sunday morning, Mr. Matt Knickerbocker and I had the pleasure of officiating seventh grade student, Ethan Brown’s attempt to set a world record by reciting in sequence from memory 2,000 digits of Tau.  Ethan was successful in his attempt and recited 2012 digits of Tau in about 90 minutes. Below is the link to the video. Ethan now holds the world record for this endeavor. Bravo!

Ethan made this effort in support of a fundraiser for the Bethel Public Library that he planned, organized, and executed. His work with this endeavor reflects the kinds of values like service to community, perseverance and persistence we seek to instill in all of our children through a comprehensive educational program.  Please join me in congratulating Ethan not just on his achievement but on his desire to channel his effort toward a public good. 

Still time to vote: Bethel’s “Safety Guard‘in” Kid Team will pitch their business idea to Warren Buffett in person on May 21st. Out of 1,000+ entries, four Bethel students have made it to the finals in the Secret Millionaire’s Club “Grow Your Own Business Challenge.” The children are Michael Wipf, age 11; Diana Wipf, age 8; Amanda Carter, age 11, and Rockwell School student Lillian Carter, age 8. You can support them by going online and voting for their idea daily May 7th-14th here. 

Remedial Summer School Grades 1-5   The remedial portion of summer school for grades 1-5 is tentatively planned.  Parents should be looking for invitation letters in the mail. If you have signed your child up for an enrichment class and they are invited to the remedial program, you can receive a refund. Letters are going out this week to parents.  If you have any questions, please call Linda Anderson, Summer School Coordinator, at 203-794-8600 ext. 375

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  or call (203)794-8601. 

The Bethel High School Key Club will be canceling movie night on Friday, May 11th.  We apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Congratulations!

On May 6, 2012, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame DeSantis/McDougal Fairfield County Chapter held its annual Scholar Athlete & Awards Dinner.  Brian Debacher, BHS Senior, was recognized as a Scholar Athlete.  Bruce Martin, Associate Head Coach was honored as well being recognized by the Chapter as the Fairfield County Assistant Coach of The Year.  

Congratulations to the 51 high school musicians who participated in the Hershey Park Competition Festival this past weekend.  

Mixed Choir won 3rd place with a rating of SUPERIOR.

Women's Choir won 1st place with a rating of EXCELLENT.

Band won 1st place with a rating of SUPERIOR.

 Many thanks to Mr. Coachman and Mrs. Neville for all of the time and effort dedicated to the success of our students.

We are very proud of these students for their wonderful performances and excellent behavior.  They always represent our school and town well when they travel. It was a pleasure to hear the positive comments from the adjudicators and audience members.

Please don't miss the upcoming spring concerts here at BHS!

Congratulations!  Kevin Hannequin and Matt Hannequin were recognized as Outstanding Jazz Musicians at the Western CT State University Annual Jazz Ensemble Festival.

The Bethel High School Band programs have clearly illustrated why - for the 7th consecutive year - Bethel CT has been recognized as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education!"

 Congratulations to Ciro Franco and the BHS On Stage Players!  They were one of the high school drama groups selected to perform at the American High School Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland during August 2013.  The two week festival includes performing 4 times in different venues in Edinburgh.  

The BHS On Stage Players are up for 2 Halo Awards for this year's productions "Blithe Spirit" and "Jack and the Beanstalk".  This event is sponsored by the equity theater in Waterbury, "Seven Angels Theatre" and will take place on May 30 at 6:00 P.M. at the Palace Theater in Waterbury.  They will perform a 3 minute segment of "Blithe Spirit." 51 CT High Schools will be participating.  If you are interested, tickets are available.  Contact Seven Angels Theater.  Way to go On Stage Players!

 CONGRATULATIONS to Erin Meier, 3rd grader at Berry School, winner of our first Future Chefs competition sponsored by Sodexo School Services.    Erin’s Bountiful Blueberry Muffins placed first in this live cooking competition that was held in Bethel High School’s culinary arts room on May 9th.  The five finalists, including Madeline Zimmerman, Jenny Wool, Esteban Roman and Julia Krepsztul, prepared their healthy breakfast recipes with the help of Culinary Arts students Stephanie Forese,  Andrea Germinaro, Morgan Chelednik, Kim Atherton and Jocelyn Willsey.  The Seniors will each receive a $100 scholarship from Sodexo for assisting with this event.  The finalists were judged on originality, healthy attributes, easy preparation and kid friendliness of the recipe.  Special thanks to Dr. Smith, Dr. Cosentino, Betty Avery, Derek Muharem and Arelios Fernandes, owner of Jacqueline’s Restaurant, who served as judges.

Rockwell School 3rd graders will compete at Bethel High School on Monday, May 14th.  The five finalists are Tyler Haick, Bennett LaBree, Isabella Zieman, Evan Hornbeck and Rachel Beck.  Our judges will include First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker.  The students will begin cooking at 11:30 a.m., and judging will start at 1:00 p.m.  Please feel free to come by the Culinary Arts Room at Bethel High School on May 14th to check out this fun competition!

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 "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 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

Special Education News

 Attention parents and caregivers of children receiving special education services

The Bethel Special Education PTO and Bethel Special Education and Pupil Services Department are hosting the workshop:

Helping Your Child Get the Most out of their iPad or Tablet

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Bethel High School Media Center

The iPad and other tablets are dynamic technological tools that can aid communication, academic, and other skills for children with disabilities.
In a roundtable session, members of the Bethel assistive technology team will review some basic information as well as some of the latest apps to facilitate your child’s learning.

This is a hands-on learning opportunity – please bring your child’s iPad or tablet with you.

Please RSVP to Denise Howe, co-president, Bethel Special Education PTO at 203.792.6864, denise.howe@comcast.net, or Shannon Vanderheiden,   drshons@hotmail.com.

Berry School News

 You are cordially invited to attend our annual art show and recorder concert scheduled for Thursday, May 17th, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.  Please come and enjoy the beautiful artwork our students created and hear our wonderful third grade recorder concert.  It is sure to be a great evening out!

Rockwell School News

 Third Graders at Rockwell school successfully completed the Trout in the Classroom project. Over the past two weeks, the third graders have released over 100 juvenile brown trout into East Swamp Brook here in Bethel.  The Trout in the Classroom project is an environmental education program in which students raise brown trout from eggs to fry, monitor the tank water quality, learn to appreciate water resources, and begin to foster a conservation ethic. From the time the eggs arrive in November to their release in May, the students apply their developing scientific, literacy and mathematic skills to learn all about trout, their needs and adaptations through their hands on experience in the classroom.  It requires a lot of hard work and dedication from the classroom teacher and the students, but satisfaction of watching the "fingerling" trout swim off into their new habitat makes it all worth it!  Congratulations Third Graders!!

Middle School News

 On Monday May 21st, Detective Bryce, Detective Morris, and Officer Farina from the Bethel Police Department are hosting a parent meeting on sexting, texting and the dangers of social media sites.  This presentation is one you do not want to miss.  It will be from 6:30 - 7:30 in the BMS auditorium.  I strongly encourage all to attend.  This meeting is for parents of children in grades 5 - 8.

Middle School Summer Enrichment Programs

Enrichment programs for Middle School Students will take place from July 2- July 27, 2012 at BMS. Please visit 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

 The date of BMS' spring choral concert had to be changed.  The concert will now be held on Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the BMS auditorium.  All students in Mr. Gorski's 6th grade chorus, 7th and 8th grade Troubadours and Treble Choir are needed to make this performance a success. 

High School News

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

 The Bethel Community Care Coalition, the Housatonic Valley Coalition against Substance Abuse, and the Bethel Police Department will be hosting a pre-prom Ice Cream Social for parents of students attending the Senior Prom.  This event will take place on Tuesday May 22, 2012 from 7-8PM in the Bethel High School cafeteria and will be an informational session for parents to help make their child's prom night fun and safe.  Our featured speakers will be Attorney Colleen Zingaro from the Danbury Office of the State's Attorney and Allison Fulton from the Housatonic Valley Coalition against Substance Abuse.  Prizes include 8 free prom tickets as well as $20.00 off the price of the prom ticket for the first 25 people to sign up and attend the event.  The event is free and open to parents as well as students, but reservations are required.  RSVP to either Hilda DeLucia@203-482-1732 or hildadelucia@sbcglobal.net or Detective Lynn Morris @203-744-7900 or lmorris@bethelpd.com.  

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

Bachman, Holly E

University of Connecticut at Stamford

Barnes, Andrew

University of Connecticut

Bischoff, Kimberly Rose

Western Connecticut State University

Bjornson, Hannah

Western Connecticut State University

Bozzuti, Katherine M

University of South Carolina

Bradshaw, Carolyn Yvette

Iona College

Budd, Kelly

Pace University, Pleasantville Campus

Buzak, Margaret Victoria

Western Connecticut State University

Cuneo, Katerina

Salve Regina University

Denny, Madison

Naval Academy Preparatory School

Fehr, Meghan

Western Connecticut State University

Gallagher, Matthew

SUNY College at Cortland

Gill, Hayley

Eastern Connecticut State University

Hannagan, Erin A

Fairfield University

Hasan, Abdullah

University of Connecticut

Lavras, Marcella Costa

University of Connecticut

Leavey, Allison

University of Vermont

Ligowski, Ariel

Liberty University

Melvin, Nicholas

Northeastern University

Michalka, Brian

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Pagelson, Stephanie

University of Rhode Island

Pischke, Stephanie Jordan

George Mason University

Quirk, Victoria

Southern Connecticut State University

Raso, Rita P

Dominican College of Blauvelt

Schuett, Stephanie

Mount Saint Mary College

Segiet, Steven

University of North Texas

Seifrit, Britney

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College

Spinella, Nicholas

Keystone College

Symon, Elizabeth Louise

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Wichman, Kathryn

Western Connecticut State University

Wissell, Dakota

Saint Michael's College

Zalcman, Aaron

Champlain College

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

Please join us on Wednesday, May 30, 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

The BHS School Counseling Department will be hosting a new program, “College Financial Planning”. Mike Dailey form The College Authority will be presenting valuable information for parents of Sophomores and Juniors. The presentation will be Wednesday, May 16th, from 7:45 A.M. – 8:45 A.M in the Bethel High School Auditorium. Parents are asked to R.S.V.P. with Mrs. Cheryl Hallock at 203-794-8600 ext. 420. 

The following are some of the topics which will be covered in the program:

Instructions on filing financial aid forms and how to qualify for more aid.

Key ways to reduce your child’s college tuition.

Ways to help your child create a “competitive edge” for college admission.

Dozens of helpful tax strategies designed to preserve your assets.

How a private school may cost less than public school (price alone should not be a determinate).

Different ways to pay for college through case studies.

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.

 The annual Bethel High Art Show will be held on Thursday, May 17th at 7:00pm. This year’s theme is "Art Games." Be sure to stop by and see how incredibly busy and productive the High School Art students have been through the school year.

 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. Mailto:maryghio@sbcglobal.net  ,  pcon64@gmail.com , or   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 click here for more information.

 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

FUTURE CHEFS COMPETITION FOR 3rd GRADERS

Mary 14, 2012 – Rockwell Elementary School  Click here for more information.

Elementary Menu for May 14 – May 18

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

Tuesday –   BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH French Toast Sticks with Syrup & Breakfast Sausage,  daily selection of fresh healthy sides.

Wednesday –  100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with ½ oz. Lay’s Potato Chips & 4 oz. Cool Tropic Slushy Drink, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday –   Golden Breaded 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.

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

 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 Winter Guard - Winter guard, also known as the Sport of the Arts, is an activity that combines the athleticism of a sport with the creativity of dance, using flags and ornamental sabers and rifles. Bethel has three winter guard programs, Junior, Junior Varsity and Varsity, all with long winning traditions. 

The Bethel Winter Guard will be holding a clinic, and would like to invite all boys and girls, from third grade through high school, to stop by and learn more about our sport.

WHEN: Friday May 11, 5:30 – 8:00pm

WHERE:  Bethel Middle School Gym

For more information, please contact Cindy Keane at HYPERLINK ckeane40@aol.com or (203) 798-8694

Bethel Education Foundation

Mark Your Calendars!  Celebrate the start of summer vacation with the Bethel Education Foundation at the second annual Family Summer Kickoff, Thursday, June 14th (rain or shine), 4:00pm-8:00pm 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.  Purchase discount tickets now using the   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.  For more information, visit www.BethelEdFoundation.org.

Community News & Events

 Free Amber Alert registration – Saturday, May 19th 10 AM – 2 PM at the 67 Stony Hill Road, (4H Grounds).   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.   Click here for more information.

Bethel Parks & Recreation SUMMER REGISTRATION 2012 -  Click here for more information.

REGISTRATION

DATE: 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.   Click here for more information.

Plumtrees School Association is Seeking Associate Members - The Plumtrees School was built in1867 as a one room school house for the Plumtrees District of Bethel. The school served the community from 1867 through 1970. At its closing, it was the last operating one room school house in America. The Plumtrees School now serves the community as an educational museum. The original Plumtrees School Association was established in 1939. The Association was formed by parents to assist in providing school materials and maintenance to the school. Today the Plumtrees School Association is a non-profit corporation registered with the state of Connecticut. The Town of Bethel has granted a Historic Easement to the association which charges the association with overseeing the preservation of the school building, contents and grounds. The Association also holds an Annual Christmas Party and gives tours to school groups, scouts and others who are interested in seeing a traditional one room school. The Association is now seeking associate members. Associate membership costs $15per year and helps to fulfill it’s the mission. Association Members will assist the board with the preservation of this town treasure. To become a member please visit the website  plumtreesschoolassociation.com or contact  shaniburkespecht@hotmail.com.

Annual Kids Fishing Derby - Sponsored by the Bethel Fish & Game Association

Saturday, May 12, 2012

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Children only to age 15. Eats and drinks provided. Fishing prizes and plaque will be awarded.

Free raffle for all kids that participate

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.

The Bethel Women’s Club is sponsoring “FLAGS on the GREEN” – Flags may be purchased in honor of any current or former members of the military or you may salute all military who have served.    Click here for more info

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   click on the calendar tab and scroll beneath the calendar for the form and additional details.  

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt at Pro Access this Friday from 7-10PM.  Bring your flashlight and friends!  It’s going to be a blast!!!

Relay for Life meeting for members of the Pro Access Relay for Life team Monday, May 15 from 7-9PM at Pro Access.  Please bring your t-shirt and team money. 

Pastel Drawing Art Class – Wed. May 16, May 23 and June 6 from 3:30 to 5PM.  This class is opened to experienced and first-time art students.  Studetns made some beautiful creations in our last charcoal art class with instructor Laura McCormick.  Please RSVP by Monday, May 15.  Cost: $20 for all 3 classes. 

Pro Access will be opened Wed. and Thursday May 16 and 17 from 2:30 to 6PM.  

Movie Night Friday May 18.  We will be watching the movie Jack and Jill.  Proceeds from this movie night will benefit Relay for Life.  Cost: $2 includes popcorn.  Drinks and candy sold separately. 

LOCKOUT!  Will be on Friday, May 25.  We will be going lazer tag, movies, bowling and the diner for breakfast.  We will board a coach bus at 9PM and spend the night doing those activities.  Pick up is at Pro Access at 7AM.  Cost: $50 (limited financial assistance spots are available on a first come first serve basis)  May 18th is the deadline to pay and RSVP for the Lockout. 

For questions please contact Hilda DeLucia at  HYPERLINK "mailto:hilda@bethelproaccess.org" hilda@bethelproaccess.org or call us at 203-778-7522.