Bethel Schools Newsletter, February 25, 2012

Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter 

Congratulations to 7th Grader Ethan Brown who was recognized at Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting for winning the Connecticut 2011 Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award.

 Congratulations to Bethel High Wildcat Swimming & Diving on a great season! Many swimmers and divers have qualified and will be competing in post-season Championship meets.

 Qualifying for Splash Meet are Juliana Bell, Cara Bernardo, Helen Belato, Captain Katie Bozzuti, Aidan Ford, Molly Gallagher, Katie Joseph, Molly Nichols, Kelly Sandberg, Sarah Whalen & Olivia Wootton.

 Qualifying for SWC Dive Championships are Alex Nackid & Julia Morton.

 Qualifying for SWC Swim Championships are Juan Ayala, Tucker Bjornson, Captain Katie Bozzuti, James Canfield, Kenny Darrah, Johnny Esposito, Captain Kevin Gallagher, Kevin Michalka, Molly Nichols, Sarah Whalen, Chris Wong  & Olivia Wootton.

 Qualifying for Class S State Championships are Tucker Bjornson & Captain Kevin Gallagher.

 Good luck to all of these athletes at CHAMPIONSHIPS!! We are proud of you!

 CANCELED – The Central PTO sponsored Family Fun Hockey Night has been canceled.  Unfortunately we have to cancel the Family Fun Hockey Night scheduled for this evening, February 24, 2012 due to lack of interest. - Bethel Central PTO

 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.

Topic #1:  At Thursday night’s meeting, the Board of Education approved the Building Maintenance budget in the amount of $535, 406. This amount represents the cost of the work that needs to be done to maintain and preserve our facilities.  The Board of Education will present this and the general operating budget to a joint meeting of the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, February 28th at 7pm in the municipal center conference room. This meeting is open to the public.

Recently, the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education hosted a meeting to share information about the proposals made by the Superintendents’ Association to transform education in the state and the legislative proposals being made by the governor to reform education in Connecticut.

Combined, these proposals point very clearly to the fact that Connecticut is on the verge of making significant changes that will dramatically impact education in every public school classroom across the state. Given Bethel’s high level of student achievement and systemic practice of leading change in the state, I feel very confident that we are well-positioned to meet the changes currently being called for.  One hot button issue in the state and nation is teacher evaluation.

Bethel’s excellent teacher evaluation program has been in place for five years, is research-based, highly rigorous, and has become a state model. The implementation of this model has contributed to my belief that we have the finest teachers anywhere. Our students receive a very high caliber education in every classroom. This fact has been reaffirmed by our standardized assessment scores, by an independent study conducted by the Center for American Progress which described Bethel as “exceeding expectations” relative to demographic and funding variables, and by the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now, an independent agency focused on closing the achievement gap, that highlighted Bethel as one of the top districts in the state for closing the achievement gap.

I am excited about the changes sweeping the nation and taking root in our state. They reflect larger forces at work that call us to ensure that all of our students are prepared to meet the challenges of a significantly changing economy due to globalization and the impact of technological innovation. Bethel’s students are being prepared to lead the charge into this new world.

There is a great deal of good news about our schools right now. I encourage all parents and stakeholders to take some time 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.

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.

Topic #2:  Middle school yearbooks are still on sale. They may be ordered online at JostensYearbooks.com or by submitting the attached form (with a check for $36 made out to BMS Yearbook) to Mrs. Malatesta in the Library Information Center.

 Topic #3:  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

Topic #4:  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 be sure to call Sue as soon as possible to set up an appointment for the formal registration and your child’s pre-kindergarten screening.

Topic #5:  Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting

Parents of children who will be entering Kindergarten in August are cordially invited to a presentation on the Kindergarten programs at Berry and Rockwell Schools.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – 7:00 PM – Berry School Cafeteria

Mr. Brian Kirmil, the principal of Rockwell School, and Dr. Kristen Brooks, the principal of Berry School, will explain the focus of the Kindergarten program and answer questions you may have regarding your child’s upcoming Kindergarten experience.

Please note that in the case of inclement weather, a snow date for this meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2012.

Topic #6:    Excellence in Education Award nominations now being accepted!  The Bethel Education Foundation invites you to nominate a candidate for the Excellence in Education Award which will recognize and honor a superior educator whose creativity and innovation within the classroom, school, or district have had a significant impact on student performance and achievement and provide an ongoing model of excellence in encouraging all learners and educators to excel.  If your child's education has been positively impacted by an educator in the public, private or parochial schools in Bethel, please visit us at www.betheledfoundation.org for a link to the nomination form. The winner will be recognized at BEF's Barnum Ball on March 24th and be presented with a commemorative plaque and $500 grant. Deadline for nominations: February 29, 2012.

Topic #7:    "A Toast to Bethel!" Join the Bethel Education Foundation, your friends, neighbors, school administrators and faculty as we celebrate education in our community at the 6th Annual Barnum Ball on Saturday, March 24th at the Ethan Allen Hotel. The event kicks off at 7:00pm with an open bar until 9:00pm followed by dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. 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 ticket order form or visit us at www.betheledfoundation.org/BarnumBall2012.html.

Topic #8:    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!

Topic #9:    You are cordially invited to the 2nd Annual Bethel High School Student Film Festival. This exciting event will take place on Thursday, March 1st at 7 p.m. in the BHS Auditorium. This year, students submitted a variety of films on the topic of "Dreams". The films truly showcase the varied talents of the BHS student body. Admission for the event is $5.00. Popcorn and goodies will be on sale as well. All proceeds benefit Mirage, the Literary Arts Magazine. Don't miss out on the fun!

 Topic #10:  GOODY BAGS FOR GRADES 9-12!!  FINAL NOTICE - WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY REQUESTS FOR GOODY BAGS AFTER THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST AT BHS!  The BHSPTSO is selling Goody Bags for $10 so you can send a special message and some tasty treats to your student.  Wish your sophomore well before they begin the CAPT, wish your senior good luck in their last semester at BHS or send one to your freshmen or junior just to say hi.  You can also send one to a favorite staff member.  All money received will benefit the BHSPTSO Scholarship Fund.  Please call Angela at 203-730-0353 with questions.  Notes and payments can be dropped off in the main office of BHS or mailed to Guerriero, 31 Ridgedale Road, Bethel, CT 06801.  If you cannot open the attachment, please write a short note and include it with your payment.   

Topic #11:  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.

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

Topic #12:    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

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 touch the rim?  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.

Topic #13:    The spring sports parent meeting has been moved from Wednesday February 29th to Wednesday March 7th. This is a MANDATORY meeting for all parents of spring sport athletes at Bethel High School. Please plan to attend. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will be held in the BHS auditorium. The Athletic Director will make an informational presentation to all parents, which will be followed by break-out sessions with coaches for each of our spring teams.

Topic #14:    BHS LACROSSE - Attention Business Owners!

We have two opportunities for you to promote your business to families and friends of the Bethel High School Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams while supporting the team!

We would like to offer you a spot for YOUR BUSINESS CARD to be displayed on sponsored PLACEMATS, which will be used at the tables of our Pancake Breakfast.  Last year the placemats looked great!!!  Donate a product or service for to be raffled at our breakfast.

PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH YOUR BUSINESS CARD AND $20 TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS AD PROMOTION!

Make checks payable to:

ASBC with High School LAX on the memo line

Mail to:

Josephine Simko

4 Windaway Road

Bethel CT  06801

For questions and donations contact

Josephine Simko at josimko@earthlink.net or 203-731-1886

Reserve your place in our Ad!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

Topic #15:    BHS Lacrosse Pancake Breakfast

Come on out and meet the boys and girls lacrosse teams and have some breakfast...

When: Sunday, March 4th

Time:  9:00AM - 11:30AM

Where: Stony Hill Fire Department

Why:  To support the boys and girls BHS lacrosse teams!!

The cost is $5 kids, $8 adults with a family max of $25.  We hope to see you there! 

Topic #16:    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.

Topic #17:  Pro Access:  ATTN High Schoolers:  Get the answers to these questions in our 4-week Finance program:  How do I begin to save for a car? How do credit cards work? How do interest rates affect what I purchase? What’s the best way to save money for college? This program facilitated by Comprehensive Financial Planner David Whitmore will give you the tools you need to understand how money works!  Cost: $25 which includes pizza, books and all materials.  Upon the conclusion of the program if you score the highest in the final assessment you will receive a certificate from the US Dept. of Treasury which you can include in your resume.  Sign up today!  Classes are held on Wed. evenings starting Feb. 29 and ending March 21 from 6-8PM.  RSVP today! 

Tastefully Simple is the original national home taste-testing company featuring more than 60 simple and delicious foods.  Pro Access is hosting a party where you'll get to taste and purchase these delicious foods and receive easy meal ideas, recipe suggestions and more!  Pro Access will receive a portion of the evening’s sales.  Parents and kids are welcome to come on Thursday, March 1 from 7-9PM at Pro Access. 

Girls Empowerment Program with author CJ Golden will meet Wednesdays after school from 3:30 - 5PM.  Girls will learn lifelong tips on handling stress, confronting peer pressure and ways to enjoy their inner gifts and talents.  Sign up for this group today.  Cost: $5 for the first time you attend and $20 additional dollars for the following 4 meetings.  We'll be meeting on Wed. March 21st. 

Art Class - we are hosting our first art class which will be taught by professional local artist Laura McCormick. The medium will be charcoal.  Whether you're a good artist or if you've never drawn a straight line before this class will be for you!  Classes will be every Wed. from 3-4:30 at Pro Access.  Cost: $20

NOTE:  Pro Access DOES NOT turn anyone away from participating in our programs due to financial hardships.  We have scholarship moneys available to cut the cost of any program in half for members.  Email or call Hilda with any questions about this program.

For more information on our March programs or about Pro Access please visit our website at www.bethelproaccess.org or call us at 203-778-7522.

Topic #18:    Discover Bethel Restaurant Week - February 27th thru March 4th - Restaurants throughout Bethel will be offering Prix Fixe Menus and other specialswww.bethelchamber.com for complete details on participating restaurants and specials. 

Topic #19:    Calling ALL youth Photographers to an Amateur Gallery Art Show.   Themes for the show-almost anything.  Bethel Photoworks is having a youth art show March 10, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.  This will be a Juried Art show.  Framed art needs to be handed in by March 3 to be judged.  Bring it in by February 24 if you need the photograph to be framed. There will be special pricing for 8 X 12 photos as well as 10 X 14 photos.

These Framed pieces of art should be for sale - have a price in mind!  Photography tips and mini classes will be available in January.  Black and white or Color photography will be accepted. Print size NO LARGER than 11 X 14 will be accepted and hung.  NO PORTRAITS -this means no people faces****

Judging will be broken up by approximate school ages…  Rockwell & Berry-5-8 years, Johnson-9-11, middle-12-14 years, BHS- 15-18years.  Note-many photo art shows require white matting and black frames….this will NOT be a requirement but just something to keep in mind when framing your photograph.  CONTACT Ray Flanigan at 203.748.1999 or bethelphotoworks.com

Bethel Photoworks Gallery---14 Depot Place    

Topic #20:    The Greater Danbury Community Health Center Mobile Health Van will provide access to primary Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health care to residents from the surrounding communities.  The BETHEL VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION located at 70 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel will host the van in their parking lot on February 29th - 9:30am to 12:00pm. There is a sliding fee schedule based on family income.  For more information please call 203-743-0100  - ext 342

Topic #21:    Elementary Menu for February 27 – March 2

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 Tater 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 –  Sweet & Sour Chicken with Vegetables & Rice served in a Chinese take-out container and a Fortune Cookie, 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 #22:  Here's what's on BEtv this weekend. JSTV has a conversation with Dr. Smith. Also, celebrate with the new World Language National Honor Society Inductees. Remember you can always check our schedule at http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

Schedule for Friday, 2/24/2012

12:00AM    

Snow White

1:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

2:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

2:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

2:58AM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

4:30AM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

5:00AM    

Snow White

6:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:00AM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

7:35AM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

8:00AM    

Snow White

9:00AM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

10:05AM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

10:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

10:50AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

Schedule for Saturday, 2/25/2012

12:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

1:32PM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

2:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

2:40PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

3:00PM    

Snow White

4:00PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. mith

4:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

5:30PM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

6:40PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

7:00PM    

Snow White

8:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

8:40PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

9:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

9:40PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

10:00PM    

Snow White

11:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

11:35PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

Schedule for Sunday, 2/26/2012

8:00AM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

8:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

9:00AM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

10:25AM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

11:00AM    

Snow White

12:00PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

12:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

12:55PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

1:30PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

10:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

11:34PM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

Schedule for Monday, 2/27/2012

12:00AM    

Snow White

1:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

2:00AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

2:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

2:58AM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

4:30AM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

5:00AM    

Snow White

6:00AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

7:00AM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

7:35AM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

8:00AM    

Snow White

9:00AM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

9:30AM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

10:05AM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

10:30AM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

10:50AM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

11:30AM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

12:00PM    

BOE Budget Meeting 1-24-2012

1:32PM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

2:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

2:40PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

3:00PM    

Snow White

4:00PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

4:30PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

5:00PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

5:30PM    

Dr. Smith Presentation at BMS

6:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

6:40PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

7:00PM    

Snow White

8:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

8:40PM    

BMS Digital Learning - Ms. Tierney Bill of Rights

9:00PM    

Principal’s Wrap - BHS Band

9:40PM    

*JSTV A Conversation with Dr. Smith

10:00PM    

Snow White

11:00PM    

*World Language National Honor Society Induction

11:35PM    

Cooking Time 2011 Ed 2

   Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D.Superintendent of SchoolsBethel Public SchoolsP.O. Box 253Bethel, CT 06801(203) 794-8601