Bethel Public Schools Weekly E-Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter 

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.

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

Special congratulations to Mr. Derek Muharem who was named Principal of Bethel Middle School at last night's Board of Education meeting.

Topic #1:    This year, the third grade students at Rockwell and Berry Schools will be learning about science and engineering through their participation in the Invention Convention program.  We are looking forward to kicking off this unit very soon.  We are looking for old or broken appliances that would be appropriate for the students to take apart and examine the inner workings. We will begin collecting them at both schools after the first of the year. If you have a small household or office appliance you are willing to donate,please consider dropping it off in your school’s office. The items will be collected from the schools as they come in. 

Suggestions:

• Blender
• Iron
• Toaster
• Keyboard
• Computer Tower
• Hair Dryer
• Old radio
• Vacuum
• Coffee Maker (with out carafe)
• Phone
• Fan
• Electric Pencil Sharpeners
• Printer

Please do not send in monitors, TV's, cameras, or microwaves.  We will also be collected assorted odds and ends...  Old kitchen utensils; broken toy cars, trucks (things with wheels)
sand paper (any size or grade); elastic bands of every size; duct tape; wood scraps; paper tubes
screw in hooks and eyes

Topic #2:    The 9th Annual Bethel Navy JROTC military ball is fast approaching. It is scheduled for Sunday, February 19th from 4-9:30 PM at the Aqua Turf. U.S. Senator Blumenthal is the guest of honor for the second time!

In an effort to save money and minimize costs, the Bethel NJROTC boosters have collected over 40 ball gowns that are free to "borrow" for the event.  The boosters are also making arrangements for discounts with local beauty salons, etc.  Occasion's of Bethel is also offering discounted prices for gowns. Please e-mail Bethelnjrotcboosters@gmail.com for more information.  For the gentlemen who need a Tuxedo, Mr. Albert Quell, owner of Bogeys Tuxedo, offers a discount of $89.99 for a complete set, and he will donate $5.00 to the NJROTC booster club for each rental.

Special Report:    Dr. Chesley requests that Board of Education members occasionally spend part of a day to see for themselves the programs that taxpayers are funding.  Part of the visitation includes a submission of a written report to the community about what the Board member say.  We believe Board members have an obligation to see for themselves before they are asked to make decisions about programs.  Board member Scott Clayton made a recent visit and submitted the following: 

On Monday, January 9th I had the unique opportunity to tour Berry, Rockwell and Johnson schools.  I observed teachers using differentiated instruction and intervention techniques that supported all ability levels.  I observed teachers monitoring learning and adjusting instruction in response to student performance.  I observed teachers providing meaningful, appropriate and specific feedback to students during instruction with the specific purpose of improving their long term performance.  What impressed me the most is that I saw teachers integrating learning activities that make real-world and promote interdisciplinary connections.   As a member of the BOE, I feel that it is my duty to understand the scope of what goes on in our schools, specifically when it comes to the range of individual programs.  I am thankful that Dr. Chesley, Dr. Smith and Ms. DiBiase invited me to accompany them.  Our children are in good hands!

Topic #3:    2012 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards!  This year Ms. Tinios and Ms. Berescik submitted artwork from Bethel Middle School to the juried 2012 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards.  The exhibition is held at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT in January.  The following students were included in this group: 

Emily Rogers

Abraham DeFeo

Karen Duffy

Michael Fusaro

Jessica Macintyre

Jesse Sage-Robinson

Benjamin Webb

Molly Waters

We are proud to announce that Benjamin Webb’s gargoyle sculpture was selected for an Honorable Mention award.

Topic #4:    "I want the world.  I want the whole world.  I want to lock it all up in my pocket. It's my bar of chocolate. Give it to me now." --Veruca Salt
Travel to a world of pure imagination when Bethel High School presents the stage musical of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.” The family-friendly production features lavish sets and memorable songs. Performances are Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m., with a special matinee on Sunday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students/senior adults. Order tickets now with the attached form!  

Topic #5:    Get your friends together for the 6th Annual Barnum Ball!  Tickets are on sale now and a table for ten is $650 - a savings of $5 on each ticket.  Join the Bethel Education Foundation, your neighbors, school staff and administrators as we celebrate education in our community at "A Toast to Bethel" on March 24th at the Ethan Allen Hotel.  The event begins with an open bar from 7:00-9:00pm, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions including a ride to school in a fire truck, golf outing, 3-credit WCSU course and much more.  All proceeds benefit the BEF, which supports public and private education and community initiatives in Bethel through grants to teachers, administrators and community members.  Purchase your tickets today using the attached order form or by visiting www.betheledfoundation.org/BarnumBall2012.html.

Topic #6:    Boy Scout Troop #71 Pancake Breakfast will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ St. Thomas Church on Greenwood Avenue from 9:00A.M. until 12:00 P.M.  The cost is $8.00 per person- $5.00 for children from ages 3 -10- under three -free.  What a deal!  Come help support the Boy Scouts and enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, fruit, bacon, sausage and beverages. 

 

REMINDER:    Parents whose children will be 5 years old on or before January 1, 2013, your child will be eligible to start kindergarten in August, 2012.  If you have not already pre-registered, please do so by calling Sue White at 203-794-8755, Monday - Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. We will ask you for some basic contact information so that we can provide you with paperwork prior to our formal registration in April.  If you know a friend or neighbor fitting this category, please let them know if they don’t already receive this newsletter.

 Topic #7:    Pre-School Screening!  Are you concerned that your child might be experiencing developmental delays?  If so, you and your child (3-5 years old) are encouraged to participate in a Circle of Friends screening.  While meeting the staff to discuss concerns or ask questions regarding your child’s development, your child will take part in informal play activities that include songs and motor activities.   

 The preschool team includes the Supervisor of Special Education, Preschool Special Education Teachers, Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and School Social Worker.   The screening date is Wednesday, January 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.

Topic #8:    The HVCASA Drug-Free Schools Committee is sponsoring a series of winter workshops for parents.  Attend one, two or all three! (Free) 

February 15th-- Tech Savvy Safe Families.    Presented by Senior Asst. State’s Attorney, Richard Colangelo Internet Safety Tips & Social Media Guidelines for All Ages. 

March 14th -- Teens on the Road.   Presented by Officer Chris McManus & Guest Graduated Licensing Laws in CT & Safe Driving 4 Life. 

When: 7pm-8:30pm

Where: Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse

69 Stony Hill Road

Phone: 203-743-7741

Email: hvcasa@snet.net

Website: www.hvcasa.org (more info & upcoming events)

7th Annual Regional Parent Awareness Confer

Topic #9:    Thirty Bethel High students will be traveling abroad this summer to visit the spectacular cities of London, Paris, and Barcelona.   In order to prepare for the trip, students will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 218 on January 26, March 15 and May 23 to learn more about these countries, their culture and language. We still have a few more open spots for any other interested students. Please see Ms. Lerz or Ms. Overmier for an application. You may also contact us at: lerzm@bethel.k12.ct.us or overmierm@bethel.k12.ct.us

Topic #10:    SAVE THE NEW DATE!  Friday, February 10th.  It continues to be a “Lucky Day” for Renewal House!!  Renewal House is a transitional housing program for people 58 years old or more, who have been displaced and are transitioning back to independent living. Eran Troy Danner and his band have rescheduled our postponed benefit concert for Friday, February 10, 2012. We were knocked out by the October storm, but we’re back and ready to rock!  And dance! 

 The concert will be held in the grand ballroom on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside Campus.  The doors will open at 7:30pm.  A mashed potato bar along with citrus sparkler punch and fruited waters will be served from 8pm.  There will be a wine, beer, and seasonal cocktail cash bar available for those with ID.   Eran and the band will perform from 9pm until midnight.

 Tickets are $50, but I have arranged a large group discount for us!  Tickets are $40.  So, come on out and support your community your community and enjoy our “Lucky Day” with us.                                                  

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!  To purchase your tickets, call Carolyn at 203-791-8050 or 203-788-6572 or cmarston@renewal-house.org orclmarston@yahoo.com. 

Topic #11:    Elementary Menu for January 23 - 27

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

Tuesday – Ziti with Meatballs, Fresh-baked Breadstick, & 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 – Cheesy Chicken Nachos served on Tostito’s Chips with 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 #12:    Here is the new schedule for BEtv. Tune in to see Bethel's new Superintendent, Dr. Smith - "Teaching on the Edge of Change". And this week on Principals Wrap - The French Exchange Trip. Remember you can always check our schedule athttp://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

Schedule for Monday, 1/23/2012

12:00AM    

Reading & Writing for Kindergarten

1:29AM    

BHS Alumni Concert

3:30AM    

Alice in Wonderland

4:30AM    

RS Holiday Assembly

4:55AM    

BOE Meeting 12-15-2011

5:30AM    

Cooking Time 2010 Ed 2

6:00AM    

BHS Happenings - The EMT Course

6:20AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip

7:00AM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

7:20AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip

8:00AM    

BHS Happenings - The EMT Course

8:30AM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

8:59AM    

BHS Alumni Concert

11:00AM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

11:22AM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip

12:00PM    

BOE Meeting 12-15-2011

12:45PM    

RS Holiday Assembly

1:00PM    

Alice in Wonderland

2:00PM    

Reading & Writing for Kindergarten

3:30PM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

4:00PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip

4:40PM    

BHS Happenings - The EMT Course

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2010 Ed 2

5:30PM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

6:00PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip

6:40PM    

BHS Happenings - The EMT Course

7:00PM    

Alice in Wonderland

8:00PM    

RS Holiday Assembly

8:29PM    

BHS Alumni Concert

10:30PM    

BHS Happenings - The EMT Course

11:00PM    

*Dr. Smith - Teaching on the Leading Edge of Change

11:22PM    

*Principal’s Wrap - French Trip