Bethel Public Schools Newsletter, May 19, 2012

Superintendent’s News

THANK YOU!

Yesterday, Bethel residents approved the spending plan for 2012-2013. The approved budget allows us to retain all of our current teachers, ensures that remedial summer school is offered to the students who need it the most, and provides the resources necessary to continue our current upward trajectory of success as a school district.

I am deeply grateful to the Bethel community for its generous support of the education budget. This column will continue to be used to highlight the many ways tax-payer dollars are invested in our children’s education and attempt to explain in small bites the intricacies of the district budget. Portions of the budget will be highlighted regularly and explained in context and history. The hope is that readers will examine the sections, pose questions, and come to a deeper understanding of how dollars are allocated.

CONGRATULATIONS!

This week we learned that BHS’ NJROTC program once again earned ‘Distinguished Unit with Honors.’ This recognition affirms that our program is one of the finest in the nation and confers nominating privileges to the service academies on our high school principal. Congratulations are extended to Lt. Cmdr Dwinells, Master Sergeant Meehan and all of the students involved in the program.

Remedial Summer School Grades 1-5

The remedial portion of summer school for grades 1-5 is scheduled. 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 pares@bethel.k12.ct.us or call (203)794-8601.

Special Advisory Committee to the Chairman of the Board of EducationFamily-School Partnerships

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

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

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

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

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

Questions? bfspcommittee@gmail.com Like us on Facebook "Bethel Family-School Partnerships"

Monday, May 28th – Memorial Day - Schools Closed

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!

Calendar Reminder

Summer’s BEST 2012

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

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.

Special Education News

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.

CONGRATULATIONS to Tyler Haick, 3rd grader at Rockwell School for winning first prize in the first annual Future Chefs Competition which was held at Bethel High School on Monday, 5/14. Tyler's award-winning Agave Wheat Pancakes with Fruit Salad took first prize. Isabella Zieman placed 2nd with her Oatmeal Fruit Kabobs. Honorable mention went to Bennett LaBree (breakfast burrito), Evan Hornbeck (baked oatmeal) and Rachel Beck (homemade toaster pastries.) Tyler won an iPod iTouch and a iTunes gift certificate. All finalists received medals and a gift bag which included gift certificates to Cupcakes and Milkshakes and Famous Pizza. Thank you to everyone who attended as well as judges Teri Yonsky, Laila Rudinas, Ted Stevenson, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker and guest judge Peter Leone, owner of For Pete's Sake Deli on Stony Hill Road.

This event was sponsored by Sodexo School Services. Since both the Berry and Rockwell School events were so well received, we plan on doing it again next year for another grade.

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.

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

Rockwell School News

Middle School News

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.

Name

Aponte, Briana Bennett, Daniel Berger, Gabrielle Berger, Olivia Cardenas, Andrea Carolina Cazlan, Trevor

Correnty, Matthew Das, Madhumita Davidoski, John DePace, Peter Duffy, Madison Elizabeth Ferguson, Lisa

Filler, Katherine Elizabeth Forese, Stephanie Gauruder, Chelsea Hirst, Stephanie Hitchcock, Allison Johnson, Amanda Renee Kiley, Rachel

Kraver, Sarah Lee, Kun-Woo Lyons, Taylor Charlotte MacNicholl, Kristina Ruth Marchwinski, Kelly McNamara, Shawn Merheb, Joseph Miller, Henry McDaniel Miner, Nicholas Nota, Jessica Parsons, Kelsey Roy, Shelbey Schmidt, Brandon Hernan Schneider, Caroline Taiule, Renato T Tiscia, Lauren E

College

Western Connecticut State University Western Connecticut State University Syracuse University University of Maine

Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College Central Connecticut State University Jacksonville University University of Connecticut

Western Connecticut State University Eastern Connecticut State University Franklin Pierce University Oklahoma State University

University of Rhode Island Salve Regina University Western Connecticut State University University of Connecticut Springfield College Castleton State College University of Rhode Island Gettysburg College University of Connecticut Eastern Connecticut State University University of Connecticut Central Connecticut State University Emerson College Eastern Connecticut State University University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Connecticut La Salle University University of Connecticut Castleton State College United States Military Academy Iona College Fairfield University Dominican College of Blauvelt

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

Click here for our informational flyer - sorry no laptops!

We thank you, in advance, for your support!

BHS Band Boosters

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.

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 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. Click here for more information and registration form.

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

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

(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 Menu for May 21 – May 25

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

Tuesday – Slice of Giant Turkey & Cheese Sub with Lay’s Potato Chips & Watermelon, daily selection of fresh healthy sides.

Wednesday – 100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with Cheddar Goldfish Crackers & 4 oz. Cool Tropic Slushy Drink, daily selection of fresh healthy sides JOHNSON SCHOOL-WIDE BBQ – Choice of Foot-long Hot Dog or Hamburger

Thursday– BeefyNachosservedwithTostito’sChips&AssortedToppings,dailyselectionof 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.

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

Elementary School Lunch News

Bethel Continuing Education News

Guerriero@continuingeducation@bethel.k12.ct.us or 203-794-8600 ext. 450 for additional information.

You can follow Bethel High School Athletics on Twitter @bethelsports

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

If anyone has any questions, please contact Jayme McGovern, BHS Athletic Director at

mcgovernj@bethel.k12.ct.us

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

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), 2:00pm-6:00pm on the grounds of Bethel Middle School. Bring the entire family, your lawn chairs and blankets for an afternoon of games and activities for kids of all ages, sports games, bounce house, dunk tank, music, food and much more. Purchase discount tickets now through June 7th 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.

Bethel Football and Cheerleading Sign Up for the 2012-2013 Season will be held May 19th

from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Bethel Municipal Center. Click here for flyer.

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

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

Sports News & Information

Bethel Education Foundation

Community News & Events

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.

DATE: TIME: LOCATION: DEADLINE: CAMP DEADLINE:

REGISTRATION

Tuesday, May 22nd 9:00am-6:00pm Parks & Recreation Department June 25th for all programs excluding playground camps

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.

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 bethelproaccess.org, click on the calendar

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

Free Prom Tickets! 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. The program will be an informational session for parents to help make their 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.

Those attending will have a chance to get a refund on your prom ticket! 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.

Here is the latest schedule for BEtv. We have concerts from both Johnson School and BHS. Plus both Berry and Rockwell School's have their own Cook-Off Challenges. Remember you can always check our schedule at http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

BEtv Schedule