Schools

Bethel Public School's Newsletter

Bethel Public Schools Newsletter

The Bethel Public School's Newsletter is available to anyone through the Bethel Public School website.  However, the email information of those who do not have children in the school will not be protected from having their information released under Freedom of Information.

Bethel Patch believes this is an important and informative newsletter, which you can read on Bethel Patch every week.

 

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Bethel Public School's Newsletter

By Susan Pare

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

BHS  Students  Qualify  for  Entry  Into  National  Merit  Scholarship  Program   Congratulations   to   BHS   Juniors   Aiden   Ford,   Rebecca   Joseph,   Luisa   Kenausis,   Maria   Manolescu,   Justin  Quader,  and  Harper  Stevenson  who  earned  a  selection  score  of  200  or  above.  

These  students   are   among   the   50,000   highest   scoring   participants   of   1.5 million   program   entrants.      They   will   be   notified   in   September   that   they   have   qualified   as   either   Commended   Student   or   Semifinalist.   Congratulations!  We  are  very  proud  of  you!       

Budget  Update   The  next  step  in  the  budget  process  is  the  Town  Meeting  which  is  scheduled  for  May  7th  at  7:30pm   in  the  BHS  auditorium.  The  budget  proposal  may  be  preserved  or  reduced  at  this  meeting.  All  of  the   school   budget   information   remains   on   our   district   website.   I   strongly   encourage   all   residents   to   review   the   documents   and   attend   the   town   meeting.  

The   final   step   of   the   budget   process   is   the   referendum  which  will  occur  later  in  May.  Questions  have  been  recently  presented  regarding  Bethel  Public  Schools’  health  care  costs  and  why   the  final  number  seems  to  come  so  late  in  the  budget  process.  Per   our   health   insurance   consultant,   the   closer   we   are   to   the   new   fiscal   year   the   more   our   carrier   can   rely   on   actual   claims   instead   of   the   national   medical   trend.      Most   often   this   is   to   our   benefit   and   we   receive   a   better   renewal  rate.     

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.    

 

To  all  parents,  guardians  and  supporters  of  Bethel  Public  Schools:   Subject:  Board  of  Education  Statement  on  the  2012-­‐2013  Education  Budget  

On   April   10th   the   Board  of   Finance,   in  a  5:2  vote,   reinstated   $250,000   to   the   Board  of   Education  budget.  This  is  very  good  news!  

Dr.   Smith,   Superintendent   of   Bethel   Schools,   during   Public   Commentary   at   the   April   10th  Board   of   Finance   meeting,   advised   the   Board   of   Finance   that   this   amount   of   money   will   allow   us   to   preserve   all   current   teaching   positions   and   the   Summer   School   remedial   program.  

Message  from  the  Board  of  Education   for   Grades   1-­‐5   that   were   identified   for   elimination   in   response   to   the   BOF’s   original   $400,000   budget  reduction.  The  restoration  of  this  money  preserves  our  status  quo  budget  and  allows  us   to   remain   on   our   current   quality   trajectory.   Restoring   the   $400,000   cut   from   the   budget   was   clearly  the  outcry  heard  from  education  supporters  attending  the  Public  Hearing  on  April  4th.  

The   Board   of   Education   is   hopeful   the   remaining   $150,000   budget   gap   can   be   closed   through   additional    cost    savings    in    health    care    and    the    careful    expenditure    of    funds    during    the   remainder  of  the  current  school  year.  The  Board  of  Education  and  our  School  Administration   take  our  role  as  stewards  of  taxpayer  dollars  very  seriously.  All  budget  lines  are  examined  and   re-­‐examined  in  light  of  priorities  and  needs.  

Mr.   Kingston,   Chairman   of   the   Board   of   Finance,   said   "I   think   the   fact   that   he   (Dr.   Smith)   continued   to   think   through   his   needs   and   didn't   press   for   the   restoration   of   the   full   $400,000   speaks   to   me   of   his   honesty   and   willingness   to   do   what   is   best   for   the   town...I   couldn't   be  more  impressed  with  him  and  his  actions."  

The   next   step   in   the   budget   process   is   the   Town   Meeting   on   the   2012-­‐2013   Town   and   School   budgets   scheduled   for   May   7th   at   7:30pm   in   the   Bethel   High   School   auditorium.  

All   residents   are   strongly   encouraged   to   review   the   education   budget   information   on   our   School  District  website.  

Concurrently,  the  BOE  is  asking  parents   and   guardians   to   attend   the   Town   Meeting.   Attendees  who   would   be   inclined   to   do   so,   are   encouraged  to  speak  on  behalf  of  the  amended  Board  of  Education  budget,  and  to  vote  for  that   budget.   Remember   the   amended   education   budget   ($39,660,925   which   now   includes   the   $250,000  add-­‐back)  can  only  be  approved  or  reduced  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  attendees  at   the  Town  Meeting.  

The  final  step  of  the  budget  process,  once  the  budgets  are  set  at  the  Town  meeting,  is  the   referendum  which  will  occur  later  in  May.  Here  again  we  need  support  of  the  education  budget   on  voting  day.  Please  remember,  your  vote  and  every  vote  counts!  

Congratulations!  

   The   NAMM   Foundation   has   again   recognized   Bethel   as   having   one   of   the   “Best   Music   Programs   in   the   country   for   2012.  

“This   is   the   seventh   time   the   Bethel   Music   program   has   received   this   honor.   The   foundation   applauded   Bethel’s   national   and   state   standard   driven   courses   and   assessment  processes,  the  award  winning  performing  groups  that  include  strings,  band  and  chorus,   and   the   commitment,   dedication   and   involvement   of   our   administration,   music   staff,   community,   parents  and  students.     We   are   proud   of   our   current   music   students   as   well   as   our   music   alumni   who   are   continuing   to   pursue  music  activities  and  careers  in  music.    A  well  deserved  “THANK  YOU”  to  all!         

BHS   students   are   among   the   top   20%   nationwide   in   the   National   Financial   Capability   Challenge.   The   National   Financial   Capability   Challenge   was   created   by   the   U.S.   Department   of   the   Treasury,   with   the   assistance   of   the   U.S.   Department   of   Education,   based   on   a   recommendation   of   the   President's   Advisory   Council   on   Financial   Literacy.   The   Council   wanted   to   recognize   the   important   work   of   educators   in   providing   financial   capability   education   to   young   people   at   a   critical   point   in   their   lives.   The   Challenge   encourages   young   people   and   their   parents   to   increase   their   knowledge   of  and  involvement  in  financial  topics,  so  that  they  are  better  prepared  for  the  future.    

   STUDENTS   IN   The   TOP   20   PERCENT   NATIONWIDE:   Sloan   T.   Austermann;   Alison   S.   Beck;   Brian   J.   Birdsell;   Carolyn   Bradshaw;   Dean   Catalano;   Thomas   J.   Charles;   Peter   J.   Coffman;   Matthew   J.   Correnty;   Pallma   Crouch;   Brian   M.   Debacher;   Kevin   T.   Debacher;   Ryan   Z.   Deletis;   Ellen   E.   Dennerlein;  Rachel  E.  Dennerlein;  Taylor  A.  Freitas;  Jack  Fritch;  Drew  P.  Gazetos;  Ernest  E.  Johnson;   Thiago   Lanes;   Nicole   D.   Leonard;   Matthew   D.   Liquori;   Douglas   Matturro;   Julie   V.   Oneto;   Kelsey   B.   Parsons;   Kevin   J.   Pelikan;   Jacob   Ruscoe;   Lex   M.   Speight;   Elizabeth   L.   Symon;   Renato   T.   Taiule;   Arkasha   Tartakovskiy;   Griffin   S.   Teed;   Kevin   M.   Vaughn;   Ben   Wagman;   Eliza   J.   Wagman;   Nathaniel   A.  Walker;  Christopher  H.  Wong     

CONGRATULATIONS   to   the   BHS   students   who   participated   in   the   30th   annual   CT   Council   of   Language   Teachers   Poetry   Recitation   Competition.   Seventy-­‐four   schools   competed   in   seventeen   languages.  Three  BHS  students  came  home  with  medals.     BHS  was  proudly  represented  by  students  Arthur  Afonso,  Tori  Bonagura,  Andrea  Cardenas,  Jennifer   Cote,  Aiden  Ford,  Giulia  Gotta,  ChenYou  Huang,  Jessica  Ruo  Hong  Huang,  Megan  Ruo  Xia  Huang,   Kathryn  Kennedy,  Elisa  Navarro,  Romana  Pilepich  and  Natalia  Stifano.       Romana  Pilepich  earned  2nd  place  in  the  category  of  Spanish  HS  Level  4   ChenYou  Huang  earned  2nd  place  in  the  category  of  ESOL/ELL  HS  beginner   Jessica  Huang  earned  3rd  place  in  the  category  of  ESOL  HS  intermediate     

     This  week  Johnson  School  held  its  annual  Art  Walk.  During  this  event  the  entire  school  is  adorned   with  students’  art  projects.  The  quality  of  the  work  on  display  was  very  impressive.  It  is  evident  that   students  not  only  learn  the  principles  of  visual  art  but  use  this  opportunity  as  an  outlet  for   significant  creativity.  Congratulations  to  Johnson  teacher  Tamara  McCue  for  her  fine  work  teaching   our  students.       

   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!

Tip  o’  the  Cap  

Summer’s  BEST  2012    

Enrichment  registration  begins  on  April  30,  2012  at  the  Bethel  Board  of  Education  Office

 

   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     

   3rd   Grade   Invention   Convention   participants   that   have   moved   to   the   next   round   are   Michael   VanDeWater   &   Kaitlyn   Mattera.     Both   students   will   present   their   inventions   this   Saturday   at   the   state  competition  at  UCONN's  Gampel  Pavilion.    We  are  very  proud  of  them.         

Berry   third   grade   students   are   invited   to   participate   in   a   Culinary   Competition.     Students   are   charged   with   entering   their   favorite   healthy   breakfast   recipe   into   a   competition   where   they   will   have  to  prepare  their  recipe  in  front  of  a  live  audience  at  Bethel  High  School  on  May  9th.    Here's  to   all  of  the  future  chefs!     

 

Ms.  Hefferan’s  third  grade  class  would  like  to  extend  their  gratitude  to  the  Rockwell  community!    

Your  outpouring  of  generosity  helped  to  raise  almost  $1,000  to  benefit  Alex’s  Lemonade  Stand,  and   their   research   to   help   childhood   cancer.      The   donations   continue   to   come   in!      What   started   as   a   small   classroom   discussion   around   the   author   of   our   read   aloud,   The   Lemonade   War,   has   turned   into   a   momentous   event   in   our   third   grade   careers.      We   are   so   proud   to   be   able   to   contribute   so   significantly  to  this  great  cause.    We  could  not  have  done  it  without  you.    Thank  you!  

   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.       

 

Circle  of  Friends/Kindergarten  News  

Berry  School  News  

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.      

Family   Walk   Night:   Wednesday   May   2,   2012   from   5:30-­‐   6:30   at   the   Bethel   High   School   Track.   Sponsored   by   the   BHS   Cadet   Teachers.   Come   walk   the   track   with   your   favorite   cadet   teacher   and   raise  money  for  future  educators’  scholarships.  Fee:  $1.00  per  walker.     

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.         

Freshmen   Field   Trip:   Take   a   trip   to   one   of   our   most   popular   college   campuses!  “College  Knowledge  Day”  (May  23rd)  is  designed  to  inspire  students  to  dream  of  college   and  to  help  plan  early.    This  program  is  offered  to  a  limited  number  of  9th  grade  students,  and  will   consist   of   workshops   and   activities   focusing   on   planning   for   college   and   career   exploration   –   all   while   having   fun   on   a   college   campus!  

This   is   a   free   event   and   lunch   will   also   be   provided   at   no   charge.   Additional   detailed   information   is   included   on   the   permission   slip.   To   receive   the   permission  slip,  email  Mrs.  Conley  at  conleyd@bethel.k12.ct.us,  or  students  can  stop  by  the  College   &  Career  Center  in  room  314.    Students  must  submit  the  signed  permission  slip  to  the  College  &   Career  Center  by  Friday,  May  4,  2012.   

Once   again   the   PTSO   is   running   the   Gift   Card   Fundraiser   (Scrip)   for   the   upcoming  graduation/spring   season.   Do   you   need  graduation,   Mother's   Day   or   Father's   Day  gift   ideas   and   don't   know   what   to   get.   We   are   selling   Scrip   gift   cards   as   a   fundraiser.  

Scrip   is   buying   store   gift   cards   through   a   company   and   you   pay   the   face   value   of   the   card   and  the   school  makes   money   from   the   company!!!    You   get   exactly   what   you   pay   for!!   You   can   get   great   gift   cards   for   stores  like;  Macy's,  ITunes,  Toys  R  Us,  Barnes  and  Noble,  great  restaurants,  gas,  and  grocery  stores   too,  and  the  best  part  is  the  kids  make  out  from  your  purchases!!  It's  so  easy!!  

These  gift  cards  can   be  used  anywhere  so  sending  them  off  to  long  distance  friends  and  relatives  works  also!!  Why  not   buy  your  gas  and  grocery  cards,  the  kids  make  out  and  you  have  prepaid  gift  cards  ready  to  go.       

Click   links   for   a   list   of   store   gift   cards   you   can   buy   and   an   order   form.   Please   complete   the  order   form  and  either  mail  it  or  drop  it  off  to  1  Evergreen  Drive,  Bethel,  along  with  your  check  made  out   to   BHS   PTSO  by   Friday   May   4,   2012.   The   cards   will   come   in   approximately   1   week   from   when   I   place  the  order.    I  will  contact  you  to  come  and  pick  up  your  order.    No  orders  will  be  sent  to  school   you  must  pick  them  up  in  order  to  sign  for  them.      Please  don't  hesitate  to  contact  me  if  you  have  any  questions.  

Thank  you!   Wendi  Bivona   1  Evergreen  Drive   Bethel,  CT  06801   bivonamania@yahoo.com   203-­‐240-­‐9019  

   All  Sports  Booster  Club  has  Bethel  Wildcats  spirit  wear  available  for  sale  –  click  here  for  more   information.      Application  for  the  Mary  Edna  Cargill  Scholarship  offered  by  the  Bethel  Visiting  Nurse  Association   is   available   at   www.bethelvna.org.      This   scholarship   is   awarded   to   one   or   more   Bethel   residents   enrolled   in   or   accepted   to   a   degree   program   in   a   health-­‐related   field.      Applications   must   be   completed  by  May  1st.      PLEASE  SUPPORT  OUR  BHS  BAND  PROGRAMS!       

The  BHS  Band  Students  are  working  to  raise  $13,000  in  start-­‐up  funding  for  our  band  programs.     Normally  this  funding  comes  from  "Quest",  the  Marching  Band's  Home  Show.    However  between  a   scheduling  conflict,  and  then  our  favorite,  "Storm  Alfred"  -­‐  we  were  unable  to  have  a  show.  We   have   two   on-­‐going   fundraisers   for   which   we   will   receive   40%   of   your   purchases!    

Your   participation  on  any  level  is  greatly  appreciated! Cookie  Dough  -­‐  we  are  selling  tubs  of  cookie  dough  @  $15  per  tub.    You  may  view  the  items  we're   selling   by   going   to   our   parent   website   @   www.bethelband.com.    If   you'd   like   to   purchase   cookie   dough   in   support   of   the   bands,   please   email   parenthelp@bethelband.com   and   a   student   rep   will   contact  you  to  pick  up  your  order  and  payment.        Magazines  -­‐  NO  NEW  PURCHASES  NECESSARY  -­‐  Of  course  you  can  order  new  magazines  if  you'd  like   but   you   may   also   simply   RENEW   your   existing   subscriptions!     Go   to   our   parent   website   @   www.bethelband.com     Click   on   the   Fundraiser   box   on   the   right   side   of   the   Home   Page.     Enter   the   name   of   a   current   band   student   and   you're   in!     Be   sure   to   check   the   "Renewal"   box   on   your   order   so  you  don't  miss  any  issues  of  your  existing  subscriptions!.       

If  you  have  any  questions  at  all,  please  don't  hesitate  to  email  us!    We're  happy  to  help  in  any  way   needed.        We  are  very  grateful  for  the  ongoing  support  of  our  community!   Bethel  High  School  Band  Boosters      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.     

   FUTURE  CHEFS  COMPETITION  FOR  3rd  GRADERS   May  9,  2012  –  Berry  Elementary  School   Mary  14,  2012  –  Rockwell  Elementary  School    Click  here  for  more  information.     

Elementary  Menu  for  April  30  –  May  4     

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  –      Homemade  Beef-­‐a-­‐Roni  with  Freshly-­‐Baked  Breadstick  &  Tossed  Salad,    daily   selection  of  fresh  healthy  sides.                   

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

Thursday  –      Golden  Breaded  Chicken  Patty  on  a  Roll  with  Tater  Tots  ,  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.     

   Save  gas  Money  –  Try  an  Online  Class  at  home!    Bethel  Continuing  Education  has  a  program  that   makes   it   easy   for   you   to   take   high-­‐quality,   noncredit   online   courses,   no   matter   where   you   are   located.   We   have   partnered   with   ed2go   to   offer   hundreds   of   online,   instructor-­‐facilitated   courses.   This   is   your   opportunity   to   brush   up   on   an   old   skill,   learn   a   new   one,   or   take   that   course   you   have  always   been   interested   in.   Most   importantly,   you   will   save   money   on   gas!     

All   of   the   courses   provide   well-­‐crafted   lessons,   expert   online   instruction,   and   interaction   with   fellow   students.   You   have   the   flexibility   to   study   at   your   own   pace,   while   still   having   enough   structure   and   support   to   complete   the   course.   Classroom   access   is   available   24/7   from   anywhere   with   an   Internet   connection.     

New   sessions   of   each   course   run   every   month.   They   last   six   weeks,   with   two   new   lessons   being   released   weekly   (for   a   total   of   12).   The   courses   are   entirely   Web-­‐based   with   comprehensive   lessons,   quizzes,   and   assignments.   A   dedicated   expert   instructor   facilitates   every   course;  pacing  learners,  answering  questions,  giving  feedback,  and  facilitating  discussions.    To  learn   more,  call  Angela  Guerriero  at  203-­‐794-­‐8600  x450  or  visit  them  online  at  www.ed2go.com/bethel.  

Sports  News  &  Information  

You  can  follow  Bethel  High  School  Athletics  on  Twitter  @bethelsports     

The  Volleyball  Team  is  having  a  fundraising  carwash: Sunday  4/29   12-­‐3  Bethel  Automotive   214  Greenwood  Avenue  

 

Community  News  &  Events  

Clean  Out  Your  Medicine  Cabinet!    

Saturday,  April  28th  at  the  Bethel  Police  Department  

Along   with   thousands   of   other   communities   across   the   nation,   the   Bethel   Police   Department   &   Drug   Enforcement   Administration   (DEA)   will   be   collecting   the   public's  expired,   unused,   and   unwanted   prescription   medications   at   the   Bethel   Police   Department   (49   Plumtrees   Road)   between  10am-­‐2pm,  Saturday,  April   28th.  Pills   that   are   dropped   off   will   be   picked   up   by   the   DEA   and  destroyed.    The  service  is  free  and  anonymous,  no  questions  asked.  

This   initiative   addresses   a   vital   public   safety   and   public   health   issue.   "Take-­‐Backs"   aim   to   help   prevent  Rx  drug  abuse,  theft  &  diversion  by  ridding  homes  of  potentially  dangerous  medicines.  Last   October,  Americans  turned  in  377,080  pounds-­‐188.5  tons-­‐of  Rx  drugs  at  over  5,300  sites  operated   by  the  DEA  and  nearly  4,000  state  and  local  law  enforcement  partners.    In  its  three  previous  Take   Back  events,  DEA  and  its  partners  took  in  almost  a  million  pounds-­‐nearly  500  tons-­‐of  pills.    

Rates  of  Rx  drug  abuse  in  the  U.S.  are  alarmingly  high,  as  are  the  number  of  accidental  poisonings   and   overdoses   due   to   these   drugs.    Studies   show   that   a   majority   of   abused   Rx   drugs   are   obtained   from   family   and   friends.   In   addition,   it   is   also   known   that   the   usual   methods   for   getting   rid   of   unused  medicines-­‐flushing  them  down  the  toilet  or  throwing  them  in  the  trash-­‐both  pose  potential   safety   and   health   hazards.   For   additional   drop-­‐off   sites   and   more   info   on   safe   disposal   visit  www.dea.gov  

 

 

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.  

Shop   Local   Expo   and   Taste   of   Bethel   Sunday   April   29th   12pm   to   4pm   Stony   Hill   Inn.      Free   Food   Tastings,   Activities   for   Kids   and   Adults,   Special   Discounts,   Prizes,   and   Fun!     www.bethelchamber.com  for  complete  details  

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.  

   4TH   Annual   Youth   Education   Day   Candlewood   Valley   Chapter,   Trout   Unlimited.      This   is   a   great   opportunity  to  teach  your  child  about  cold  water  conservation  and  the  sport  of  fishing  for  children   ages  8-­‐18.    The  event  takes  place  Saturday,  April  28,  2012.    Click  here  for  more  information.  

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.     

Tau2000   World   Record   Attempt   and   Fundraiser   to   Support   the   Bethel   Public   Library     Mathemagician   (and   BMS   7th   Grader)   Ethan   Brown   +   World   Record   Attempt   =Support   for   the   Bethel  Public  Library.  Join  the  excitement  on  May  6,  2012,  1:00-­‐4:00  p.m.,  at  the  Bethel  Municipal   Center  when  Bethel  student  Ethan  Brown  attempts  to  set  a  world  record  by  reciting  2,000  digits  of   Tau!   This   fun   family   event   will   feature   a   mathemagics   show,   raffles,   walk-­‐around   magic,   KenKen   contests,   and   performer   Dezrah   the   Strange.   Ethan’s   world   record   attempt   will   be   televised.        Individuals   and   businesses   can   pledge   their   support   for   Ethan's   efforts-­‐-­‐and   all   proceeds   go   to   support   the   Bethel   Public   Library!   Pledge   forms   are   available   at   the   Library,  www.bethellibrary.org,  and   www.Tau2000.com.     Registration   is   requested   to   help   plan   for   the   event.   Everyone   is   encouraged   to   come   out   and   support   Ethan   and   the   Library!        For   more   information,   please   call   203-­‐794-­‐8756   ext.   6,   or   visit   www.bethellibrary.org   or   www.Tau2000.com.  

   Free  Dramatic  Musical  Performance  at  the  Bethel  Public  Library:  “American  Heroines”   Join   us   Tuesday   May   8,   6:30   p.m.,   in   the   Main   Room   of   the   Bethel   Public   Library   for   a   dramatic,   musical  performance  that  will  enlighten  and  entertain!    Actress  Patty  Carver  returns  to  Bethel,  this   time   portraying   “American   Heroines”   Molly   Pitcher,   Catherine   Coffin,   Prudence   Crandall,   and   Mother   Jones.   Ms.   Carver   brings   these   four   amazing   women   to   life-­‐-­‐in   costume   and   with   original   songs-­‐-­‐in  a  tour-­‐de  force  show!         

This  free  event  is  generously  sponsored  by  the  Friends  of  the  Library,  the  Bethel  Historical  Society,   and   Lynda   Willingham.   It   will   be   enjoyed   by   adults   and   by   students   in   grades   6-­‐12.   Seating   is   limited,   so   registration   is   required.   Call   203-­‐794-­‐8756   ext.   4,   register   online   at   www.bethellibrary.org,  or  sign  up  at  the  Library’s  Reference  Desk.         

All   Bethel   Public   Library   programs   are   open   to   the   public   and   meet   accessibility   requirements   for   the   disabled.   Those   needing   special   accommodations   should   contact   the   Library   prior   to   the   program  to  make  arrangements.  Bethel  Public  Library,  189  Greenwood  Avenue,  Bethel,  CT.     

On   April   23rd,   2012,   Junior   Achievement   (JA)   of   Western   CT   held   the   1st   Annual   JA-­‐in-­‐a-­‐Day   at   Bethel  Middle  School.  Junior  Achievement  welcomed  10  volunteers  from  Savings  Bank  of  Danbury,   Newtown   Savings   Bank,   David   Lerner   and   Associates,   and   Odyssey   Logistics   and   Technology.     Volunteers   provided   JA   curriculum   focused   on   work-­‐readiness,   entrepreneurship,   and   financial   literacy  to  248  8th  grade  students  at  Bethel  Middle  School.    

   JA-­‐in-­‐a-­‐Day   events   deliver   an   entire   Junior   Achievement   program,   comprised   of   five   or   more   lessons,  in  the  course  of  one  school  day.  Junior  Achievement  K-­‐12  programs  empower  students  to   make  a  connection  between  what  they  learn  in  school  and  how  it  can  be  applied  in  the  real  world,   enhancing   the   relevance   of   their   classroom   learning   and   increasing   their   understanding   of   the   value   of   staying   in   school.   Junior   Achievement   programs   are   typically   delivered   weekly   in   classrooms   over   the   course   of   five/six   weeks.  

For   more   information   about   JA   programs   in   Bethel   please  contact  Katie  Rossi,  krossi@jawct.org.       

Beauty  and  the  Beast,  Jr.   St.   Mary   School   is   proud   to   present   Beauty   and   the   Beast,   Jr.   Friday,   May   4th   and   Saturday,   May   5th   at   7:30   pm.   Performances   will   take   place   at   St.   Mary   School   26   Dodgingtown   Road   in   Bethel.       

The  enchanted  world  of  Broadway's  modern  classic,  Disney's  Beauty  and  the  Beast  comes  alive  as   performed   by   St.   Mary   School   students   in   grades   four   through   eight.   The   beloved   fairytale   recalls   very  different  people  finding  strength  in  one  another  while  learning  how  to  love.       

Tickets  are  $12  for  adults  and  $8  for  students  and  seniors.  Please  visit  www.stmarybethelct.org  for   more  information.  To  order  tickets,  please  call  the  school  at  203-­‐744-­‐2922.  

 

36th  Annual  St.  Mary's  Carnival  on  the  Bethel  Municipal  Center  Green  

Wednesday,  May  16  -­‐  Sunday,  May  20  -­‐10:00   pm,   Saturday   12:00-­‐10:00   pm,   Sunday   12:00-­‐2:00  pm  &  4:00-­‐8:00  pm.   Fair will  not  operate  between  the  hours  of  2:00  -­‐  4:00.  

     Rides,   Food,   Games,   FUN!!   And   don't   forget   our   Raffle!   Prizes:   1st   Place   =   $5,000,   2nd   Place   =   $1,000,  and  3rd  Place  =  $500   All  proceeds  from  the  Carnival  are  used  at  St  Mary  School  to  educate  over  200  students  and  keep   our  school  a  vital  part  of  the  Bethel  community.        Call  school  at  203-­‐744-­‐2922  for  more  information  or  to  inquire  about  Raffle  tickets!      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     

   Pro  Access  will  be  opened:       Today,  Friday  April  27  from  7-­‐8:45PM   Wednesday,  May  2  from  2:30  –  6PM  –  offering  Smoothies  for  $2   Thursday,  May  3  from  2:30  –  6PM  –  Wii  Bowling  Tournament      Last  Open  Gym  for  the  season  is  tonight,  Friday,  April  27  from  9-­‐11  PM  Cost:  $2      Manhunt  and  Games  next  Friday,  May  4.    Meet  at  Pro  Access  from  7-&a


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