Bethel Public School Newsletter: 3/9/12

Save the date: Governor Malloy is coming to Bethel High School next Thursday evening, March 15th at 6pm, to discuss his education reform plan. He will be joined by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Commissioner of Education Stefan Prior, and a number of our local state senators and representatives. This town hall-style meeting will focus on the topic of education reform and give Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman an opportunity to meet with parents, students, teachers, and other concerned residents for a conversation on proposed reforms to improve the state’s public school system.

 

Bethel will have the opportunity to highlight for the governor the many exemplary programs we offer our students and families. We look forward to having the opportunity to pose questions about his reform agenda and seek answers regarding his thoughts on how he will support small, high achieving districts like ours.

 

The governor’s visit is a very unique opportunity for Bethel. This event is open to the public. Please give strong consideration to attending and lending your voice to the message we want to send Governor Malloy and Commissioner Prior:

 

We are a high achieving district that exceeds expectations given our demographic makeup. We need greater state financial support to preserve and improve our programs to ensure:

− that our graduates are able to compete with anyone, anywhere for any opportunity

− that our students have such a powerful formative educational experience they desire to

bring their skills and knowledge back to the community as adults

− In recent years, though we have adopted very modest, status quo budgets, we:

− push ourselves to be on the leading edge by adopting curriculum changes that challenge

our students at every level to stretch and grow to their fullest potential

− seek every opportunity to innovate and provide cutting edge educational experiences for all of our students like the BHS Digital Academy, the BMS STEM program, and full day

Kindergarten at Berry and Rockwell

− have been recognized as one of the top districts for closing the Achievement Gap

− have become a model for districts across the state and nation through the development of

outstanding programs like: Our research-based teacher evaluation system Our award winning NJROTC program that serves over 20% of our current high school population Our nationally recognized BRIDGE partnership with Western Connecticut State University Our implementation of Student Success Plans and Capstone Projects at grades 5, 8, and 12

 

We look forward to having the opportunity to dialogue with the governor and sharing our successes and challenges.

 

Budget Update Last Monday the Board of Selectmen presented the 2012-2013 Town budget proposal to the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance is scheduled to begin deliberations on the 2012-2013 Town budget Monday, March 12th at 7 PM.

 

Below is information on the Board of Education Budget. The Board of Education’s presentation can be found on our homepage. (Click here) The budget proposal detailed a spending plan in the amount of $39,810,925. This figure represents a status quo budget which seeks to preserve and maintain the quality of our schools and programs. It does not add staff nor provide additional funding to address new state mandates. The cost breakdown is as follows:

 

1.26% Federal Jobs Retention Grant (Bethel expended these funds in the current fiscal year. These funds were applied to the bottom line and enabled the Board of Education to limit the budget to a 1.37% increase in 2011. ) The percentage increase for 2012 reflects the gap created by the use of these one-time funds.

1.84% Wages

1.22% Benefits

0.37% Transportation and Special Education Tuition

0.10% Other

________________

4.79% - Total Increase of 2011-2012 Budget

 

Spread the Word

There is a great deal of good news about our schools right now. I encourage all parents and stakeholders to take some time to get better acquainted with all of our budget, achievement, and program information that can be found on our website in order to understand all that we have accomplished to date and how we have done so while making every effort to contain costs. This link (Click here) will send you to a summary of recent accomplishments.

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.

 

Congratulations!

 

Congratulations to the BBD Icecats Hockey Team who beat Newtown 5-1 this past weekend to win the SWC Championship title for the second year in a row! Go Icecats!

 

Congratulations to BHS Swimming & Diving, great job at SWC Swim Championships! Bethel High scored 98 points overall, the highest total since 2007 and topping last year's 84 points.

 

Also Congratulations to Tucker Bjornson for setting a new school record in the 200IM with a time of 2:11:97. He broke Kevin Thai's record of 2:14:05, set in 2007!

Good Luck at Class S State Swim Championships!

 

Congratulations to BHS English Teacher Mary Fernand who has earned a fellowship from the Greenwich English Speaking Union to study Shakespeare for two weeks this summer at the Globe Theater in London!

 

Congratulations to BHS Business Teacher Holly Ruiz who was notified she has received a grant for $1200 from FEFE (Family Economics for Financial Education) to take part in their 2012 National Family Economics and Financial Educator Training in Tucson, AZ in June.

 

Weather Related School Closing/ Delays/Early Dismissal Information

 

Reminder:

When it is necessary to close school due to inclement weather or have an unscheduled early dismissal due to forecasted inclement weather for the afternoon, the “Schools Closed” or “Early

Weather Related School Closing/Delays/Early Dismissal Information

Dismissal” announcement will be made over the following radio and television stations and websites in the morning:

WLAD AM

WINE AM

WICC AM

WEBE FM

WEZN FM

 

TV Channel 3, TV Channel 8, & TV Channel 6. Bethel Public Schools Website – www.bethel.k12.ct.us

Connecticut Weather Website – www.ctweather.com

 

In the case of inclement weather, every attempt will be made to operate schools. However, in our

judgment, whenever it is not safe to operate the buses, schools will be closed.

 

In the event that weather conditions worsen after pupils have arrived at school, it may be necessary for an unscheduled early dismissal. Should this occur, you will be notified by telephone and appropriate announcements will be broadcast over the above media.

 

You may also sign up to receive text or email notifications on your cell phone when weather related cancellations, announcements, or other notifications have been posted from the following media (Data rates may apply. Check with your service provider):

CT Weather.com

Click here to sign up for storm closing text alerts sent right to your phone

http://www.ctweather.com/e-notifications.php

WFSB – Channel 3

Click here to sign up for storm closing text alerts sent right to your phone

http://www.wfsb.com/category/211195/school-closings

Bethel Schools are listed under Fairfield CountyWNBC 30 – Channel 6

Click here to sign up for storm closing text alerts sent right to your phone

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/weather/school-closings/

Click on Get Text or Email Alerts

WTNH Channel 8

Click here to sign up for storm closing text alerts sent right to your phone

http://www.wtnh.com/subindex/weather/storm_closings

Click on Alerts on Your Phone

 

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. Go to the Bethel Public Schools website to subscribe. 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.

 

Summers Best 2012

 

Save the Dates: Bethel Summer Programs will take place from July 2-July 27, 2012

 

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, March 28th 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.

: www.bethel.k12.ct.us Click on the link Click here to

subscribe to the Superintendent eNewsletter then enter name and email address.

Summer’s BEST 2012

SAVE THE DATES: Bethel Summer Programs will take place this summer from July 2- July 27, 2012.

 

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

Middle School CMT Schedule – click here

Middle school yearbooks are still on sale. They may be ordered online at JostensYearbooks.com or click here for the order form and submit (with a check for $36 made out to BMS Yearbook) to Mrs. Malatesta in the Library Information Center.

Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) at BHS March 2012

Students in Grade 10 will be taking the CAPT from March 6 thru March 16th 2012. Students in grade 9 will be taking a practice version of the test.

 

Please note: All classes will be held on a modified schedule during the testing dates. Students in grades 11 and 12 will be dismissed at varied times during the testing schedule. Please note that bus transportation will be provided at 2:15 p.m. each day. If you are leaving before testing begins, you will need to arrange for your own transportation home.

Below is a list of each test and the time it will be administered. To see the full CAPT Schedule please go to the BHS page on the Bethel Public Schools Website and click on the ‘Full Calendar’. Thank you for your partnership during this important time!

Middle School News

High School News

Tuesday March 6, 2012 “”

Wednesday March 7, 2012 Thursday March 8, 2012 Friday March 9, 2012 Monday March 12, 2012 Tuesday March 13, 2010 Wednesday March 14, 2012 Thursday March 15, 2012 Friday March 16, 2012

Interdisciplinary Writing #1 Editing & Revising Response to Literature Interdisciplinary Writing #2 Reading for Information Math #1

Math #2 Science #1 Science #2 Response to Literature #2

Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at Test Begins at

11:45 a.m. 1:20 p.m. 12:40 p.m. 12:40 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 11:50 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:55 p.m. 12:55 p.m. 12:40 p.m.

 

Bethel High School academic and transitional services for students in special education highlighted in the BethelPatch article, “Special Education: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light” published on February 22, 2012 has resulted in global interest in our educational program. Dr. Pauline Goolkasian, Department Chair of Special Education and Mrs. Frances Peters, Transition Specialist have received e-mails and twitters from educators and professionals from Iowa, in the Midwest, to educators and related service professionals, such as YMCA Canada, from Hamilton, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia and Kiev, Russia. These educators requested information on how we created and implemented our transition program for 18 to 21 year olds.

 

An Invitation to Students with Disabilities and their Parents: A Workshop about the College Transition Process The Bethel Special Education PTO and Bethel Special Education and Pupil Services Department are once again hosting the workshop:

Planning for Transition: Empowering Students with Learning Disabilities and their Parents in the College Transition Process Monday, March 12, 2012, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Bethel High School Media Center

 

This workshop, specifically designed for parents of special education students with IEP’s and 504 plans, will outline the college transition process. Topics to be covered include:

• Information for students and parents to help understand the transition process from high school to college

• Levels of support colleges and universities offer • Types of post secondary programs • Accommodations offered for students • Role of parents, students and counselors in this process • Admissions process for learning disabled students

Our guest speaker is Sharon Brennan, Higher Education Consultant and Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Emeritus, Southern Connecticut State University.

 

Please RSVP to Denise Howe, co-president, Bethel Special Education PTO at 203.792.6864, denise.howe@comcast.net, or Fran Peters, Transition Specialist, Bethel Public Schools at 794-8600 x 429, petersf@bethel.k12.ct.us. Your future college student is welcome to attend as well!

 

SENIOR POST PROM MEETING MONDAY NIGHT 3/12/2012 7:00 pm in the Teachers Lounge Be a part of this life saving event, we have jobs for everyone! If you need more information please contact: Denise Musser at Musserd@bethel.k12.ct.us or 203.794.8600 ext 428

 

NEED HELP FILLING OUT YOUR FAFSA? Naugatuck Valley Community College is hosting FAFSA Workshops on Saturday, March 10th and March 24th. All workshops will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. If you plan on attending, be sure to bring the following information with you:

2011 federal tax return for parent and/or student;

2011 W2’s for parent and/or student;

PIN for student and/or parent (this may be obtained prior to workshop by going to www.pin.ed.gov); green card (if you are an eligible non-citizen); social Security benefits amount received for 2011;

2011 food stamp and/or CASH amount;

child support amount received in 2011;

workmen’s compensation amount in 2011;

and unemployment compensation amount received in 2011. For further event details, please call NVCC at 203-575-8274.

 

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 ofthe 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!

 

Bethel High School’s NJROTC Students Testify in Hartford in Support of Bill 299

On March 5, Bethel High School's NJROTC went to Hartford to support the passing of a Senate Bill. Joining State Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) before the legislature’s Education Committee, were Bethel High’s JROTC program leader, Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells, and JROTC Cadets Nick Damraksa, Michael Kaluta, Devon Smith, Madison Denny, Matthew Correnty and Richard Kim. The students gave their testimony about their NJROTC experiences in support of Bill 299. The bill clarifies the credentialing and permitting system for the certification of JROTC instructors in the state of CT.

 

Elementary Menu for March 12 – March 16

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

Tuesday – Juicy Hamburger or Cheeseburger on a Roll with Tater Tots, daily selection of fresh healthy sides.

Wednesday – 100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with 1⁄2 oz. Pretzels, daily selection of fresh healthy sides

Thursday – Pasta with Meatballs & Tossed Salad, 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.

Elementary School Lunch News

Bethel Continuing Education News

Bethel Continuing Education - Do you know what to do when an emergency arrives? The Standard First Aid course will teach you the basic first-aid skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults. The Infant and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course will be taught as a separate course. This is a perfect class for parents, grandparents, siblings and babysitters. There will be an additional $20 supply fee for each course, payable to the instructor on the first day. Certifications will last for two years. Limited to 10 students. These courses are taught in the Municipal Center through Bethel Continuing Education from 6:30-10PM. Infant & Child CPR (1 Class)- Tuesday, March 20 (Fee: $40), Standard First Aid & Adult CPR (2 Classes) – Thursday, March 22, 29 (Fee: $45) Please call 203-794-8600 x450 for additional information.

 

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.

 

There's just 1 week left to buy your tickets to the Barnum Ball! The Bethel Education Foundation has planned a great night of food, 2-hr open bar, dancing, plus silent and live auctions. Don’t miss out on our “Heads & Tails” game and your chance to win an iPad. Some of our highlighted auction items include an autographed Derek Jeter ball and bat, 3-credit course at WestConn, Yankees tickets, 2 night/3 day Chicago experience, 2 night/3 day New York experience, golf for four at Ridgewood CC and CT Golf Club, tickets to Celtics vs. Nets, Gourmet Dinner for 8 provided by Dr. Smith, Mr. Muharem & Ms. Chapman, Principal for the Day at Rockwell, Berry and Johnson, premium reserved seating at this year's high school graduation and so much more. For the ticket order form click here. or Visit www.betheledfoundation.org/BarnumBall2012 to order your tickets by March 14th.

Make a donation that helps your child's education! The BEF is currently welcoming donations of merchandise, services or gift baskets for the Barnum Ball and sponsorships opportunities are still available. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Janice Chrzescijanek at 203-515- 2514 for more information. Please call to  become a Barnum Ball sponsor.

 

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

The Rebound Club and the BHS Girls' basketball coaching staff will offer two free basketball clinics for any Bethel Middle school girl in March. We will work on fundamental drills that will be help prepare players to enjoy the game with improved skills. Come out and have some fun and improve your game!!

Time: 7:00-8:00 Place: BHS gym

Central PTO News

Bethel Education Foundation News

Dates: Monday 3/5/12 and Monday 3/19/12 Any questions, contact Stewart Teed 203.240.8808 stewart.teed@gmail.com

 

Also - FREE Upcoming training sessions for Bethel Girls!!!!!!! Need to hurdle or high jump? Want to become more explosive? If so, meet Coach Morgatto and Stewart Teed at BHS gym every Wednesday in March from 6:00- 7:00pm for Vertimax training.

 

Bethel Youth Wrestling Club (BYWC) announces their first ever wrestling tournament Shamrock Showdown to be held on Sunday, March 18th, 2012 at Bethel High School, 300 Whittlesey Drive, Bethel, CT. Start time is 9am for K-5 age wrestlers and 12:30 for middle school age wrestlers. BYWC invites the public to attend this exciting tournament and learn more about the sport of wrestling, the BYWC program and cheer on the Bethel Wrestling team.

 

Spectators’ admission is $3.00 and free for ages 12 and under, and free for coaches with a current USA Coaches card. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available on site in designated areas. All wrestlers will be grouped by both age category and weight into 4 or 5-man brackets. Each wrestler will wrestle one-another giving each wrestler a total of 3 or 4 matches (round-robin) format. Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place wrestlers will be awarded. In addition, 1st place winners receive a free T-shirt. Emergency medical personnel will be on site.

 

The Shamrock Showdown tournament is an exciting milestone for BYWC. Bethels’ wrestling program originated in 1993 under the direction of Ron Schulman, serving K-8 students. This K-8 program feeds the Bethel High School wrestling program which has the following team accomplishments since 1993:

3 SWC team titles 2 Class M State Runner-up finishes 1 Class M State Title Also, since 1996 every All State wrestler Bethel High has had has been an alumnus of the BYWC program, including 2 that went on to wrestle at the division 1 college level. Bethel Youth Wrestling Club (BYWC) is a new name, changed from Bethel Youth Wrestling Association (BYWA), to demonstrate commitment to the youth who make up the wrestling club. Also, a new web site is available at http://www.bethelyouthwrestlingclub.com where you can find schedules, tournament registration, sign up, directions and more.

 

BUS #1A will drop members at Pro Access directly from school. Did you know your kids can take the bus right from school to Pro Access on Wed. and Thursdays when we are opened? Pro Access is opened from 2:30 – 6PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

 

2012 Fitness Challenge – get ready for Spring with our Fitness Challenge. We will meet once a week with 2 personal trainers to learn the weekly exercises. We will log your workout minutes and at the end of the 6-weeks the person who logged in the most minutes will win a 3 month membership to Snap Fitness. We will meet on Tuesdays from 6-6:45 starting this Tuesday, March 13. RSVP NECESSARY! Email Hilda to RSVP.

 

Open Gym – this Friday from 9-11PM. Cost: $2. Open Gym is opened for any 7th through 12th grader. You are allowed to come one time without becoming a Pro Access member. After your first time you must come back with a completed application and a membership fee or renewal fee.

Applications and more information are available on our website.

 

Pro Access Teen Center News

Come help create a flower for Bethel Blooms this Friday night from 7-8:45MP at Pro Access. We need your creativity in order to win the prize!

Sycamores – Monday, March 13 from 3-5PM. Burgers or hot dogs or grilled cheese or chicken nuggets with fries and shake for $5. Bus #17 will take you there from the High School and Bus #11 will take you there from the Middle School.

7th & 8th Grade St. Patty’s Day Party on Friday March 16 from 7-8:45. RSVP necessary

Girls Are Great Program – Wednesday March 21st from 3:30 – 5PM. Meet the author of Tao Girls Rule, CJ Golden and learn great tips on being powerful, confident girl! Check out Ms. Golden’s website at www.taogirl.com. RSVP necessary.

 

Ring Dinner All-Nighter After Party! Come and hang out at Pro Access after Ring Dinner till 8AM Saturday morning. Check out the website for details. RSVP necessary.

 

ART CLASS – Our first art class using charcoal. You’ll learn all kinds of great steps to creating beautiful works of art with professional local artist Laura McCormick. We are inviting beginners and experienced artists to join the class. Cost: $20.

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL PRO ACCESS ACTIVITIES.

Email Hilda DeLucia at hildadelucia@sbcgloba.net to RSVP for any program. Call us at 203-778- 7522 or visit our website for more information at www.bethelproaccess.org.

 

Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CDFO) in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) is providing a free dental clinic for underserved and uninsured in Connecticut - The Connecticut Mission of Mercy is affectionately referred to as CTMOM. The two day clinic provides free dental care to the underserved and uninsured in Connecticut – those that would otherwise go without dental care. Oral health is inseparable from general health and can affect a person’s self-esteem, compromise their ability to work, attend school and lead a normal life.

CTMOM 2012 Information:

March 23- 24

Clinic opens at 6 a.m.

 

O'Neill Center Western Connecticut State University West Side Campus 43 Lake Ave. Ext. Danbury, CT 06811 For additional information Patient Information

 

For Parents of Children with Disabilities the Special Forces group at the Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel are hosting an outing funded by the church for children with disabilities. On

 

Community News & Events

Sunday, March 11th from 1:30pm to 2:30pm one rink at the Danbury Ice Arena will be available for the children to slide on sleds, shoes, or skates - even wheel chairs...everyone is welcome! This is an outreach to other parents and special needs kids in the community. For more information, contact Beth O'Neil, bethoneil76@yahoo.com.