Registration Information/Procedures

Dear Parents and Guardians:

On behalf of our Board of Education and entire district staff, I welcome you to the Bethel Public Schools. As your partner in your child’s education, it is our shared vision to make Bethel Public Schools a premier district in the state and nation and to be on the leading edge of educational excellence by providing a rigorous core education driven by a technology-powered pedagogy and access to significant opportunities to learn and grow through authentic real-world experiences.  We understand that the new global, knowledge economy calls all students to be innovators, critical thinkers and creative, collaborative problem solvers. As such our mission is to prepare students so they possess these skills and have the knowledge and background to work effectively with others in a truly global society.  We are committed to providing such an inspirational educational experience that our graduates will be compassionate, active citizens of the world and proud ambassadors of Bethel wherever their education and experiences may take them.

As you begin the process of registration and immersion into our schools, I invite you to explore our websites, contact our principals and PTO’s, and get a full picture of all that we offer students at every age. Much scientific research points to strong partnerships between families and schools as a strong factor in the success of children. There are numerous ways to get involved in the schools and I urge you to engage with our parent/teacher organizations to learn of those opportunities.  We have made a number of changes to our registration procedures in an effort to improve and streamline the process. Our staff is here to assist you each step of the way. You can expect to encounter highly professional, engaging, and helpful individuals in every department of our system. Should you have any questions or concerns or need any assistance please feel free to contact our staff either via email or phone. I look forward to meeting you in person and again, extend a very warm welcome to our schools.

Sincerely,

Christine Carver, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

 

How to Enroll Your Child

Welcome to Bethel Public Schools.  It is important to understand that the registration process occurs in several stages:

Parent responsibility:
 Online registration
 Meeting with District Registrar to turn in all required documentation*

*If you do not have all of the required paperwork at the time of your appointment, you will need to return at a later date/time with the rest of the documentation to complete this step of your registration process.  Once all required documentation has been turned in, the school nurse will review and sign off on the health forms and move the students to the final step in the registration process.

District responsibility:
 Review of health forms by nursing staff to ensure that all mandated health requirements are met
 School assignment and scheduling of classes

When all of the paperwork is submitted, the placement process typically takes approximately 24-48 hours.  Once the steps are complete, your child will be able to begin at his or her new school.

Please note - Due to the high volume of registrations in August - if all required documentation has not been submitted to the District Registrar by August 14th, there is a chance that your child may not be able to start on the first day of school.

Read the information below and follow the appropriate links to learn what you need to know about the Bethel Public Schools (BPS) registration procedures and policies for all students, along with downloadable forms.

 

BPS How to Register Your Child

Spanish Translation BPS How to Register Your Child

Portuguese Translation BPS How to Register Your Child


When to Register

According to Connecticut law, your child must be five years old on or before September 1st to register for Kindergarten. There is no deadline for registration, but the Bethel Public Schools urges parents to register early. To be admitted, a child must meet all documentation requirements and health requirements.

Parents of students transferring to BPS from other school districts should enroll their children as soon as possible upon moving to Bethel.  Registration for transfer students is ongoing.

**Connecticut state law (C.G.A Sec. 10-184) requires that to attend a school district, the child must reside in that district. Reside means where the child physically lives. There are some common misperceptions regarding residency.

Applicant Owns Property in Bethel but resides in Another Community:  Many people assume if you own property in a community, but live or reside in another community that you have the authority to send your child based on choice.  This is not accurate.  The child must physically reside in Bethel for them to attend school in the Bethel Public Schools.

Shared Custody in Which a Family Lives in Bethel and Another Community:  If parents have shared custody of a child and one of the parents live in Bethel, the child may attend our schools if they reside more than 50% of the time in Bethel. If the custody agreement is 50/50, the parent may choose which district to send their child.

The Connecticut State Department of Education sets guidelines to establish residency.  Those guidelines can be viewed at this link.







2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
is Now Open

2024-2025 How to Register for Kindergarten


If your child will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2024, please use the link below to begin the registration process for kindergarten.
Please be sure to choose the 2024-2025 school year when filling out the short form.
BPS Pre-Registration Form K-12

Beginning July 1, 2024, the Connecticut General Statute requires that children turn five years old on or before September 1 of the school year in order to enroll in kindergarten.

Kindergarten Early Entry Assessment Process

Kindergarten Early Entry Assessment Process - Spanish

Kindergarten Early Entry Assessment Process - Portuguese




Registration Process

 

Step 1.  Begin the online registration process by clicking on the link below.  Use this link to begin the online process to formally register your child for the current school year.  Please note - this is only the first step of the registration process.  Once the short form is approved, you will receive an email from PowerSchool Server with further instructions.
Kindly read all of the emails you receive as they contain a lot of information.


F
or Grades K-12 , please use the link below.  If registering for this school year, please be sure to choose the 2023-2024 school year when filling out the short form.

BPS Pre-Registration Form K-12



For Circle of Friends - please use the link below.
BPS Pre-Registration Form Circle of Friends



Step 2.  After creating the Parent Portal account and completing ALL of the online Enrollment forms, you must call and make an appointment with Mrs. McCollam, District Registrar, at 203-830-7355 to bring in all of your paperwork.  Please note, the office is open during the summer for appointments.

                    

                                 
Registration Hours are by Appointment ONLY 
                         Tuesdays 8:30 to 10:30 AM & Thursdays 2:00 to 4:00 PM (Summer hours vary)


No walk-in registrations will be accepted.  Please call the District Registrar for an appointment.

Step 3Bring the required documents listed below to your appointment with the District Registrar.   

PLEASE NOTE:  If you do not have all of the required paperwork at the time of your appointment, you will need to return at a later date/time with the rest of the documentation to complete this step of your registration process. 

To register your child for school, you will need several documents. These include:

Required Document Check-Off List.pdf

1. Child's original birth certificate with a raised seal AND a copy.

2. Proof that the adult registering the child is the parent or legal guardian (name on birth certificate matches the parent's picture ID. Court documents of legal custody if divorced or separated).

3.  Proof of residency:  MUST supply the  following:

  • Home Owner - Real Estate Tax Bill, Copy of Property Deed, Current Mortgage Statement, or Settlement Statement (new home-owners only)  AND one current (1) utility bill (cable, electric, gas, telephone  or cell phone showing the name and address)

  • Rent/Lease  -

    • SIGNED Lease or Rental Agreement.   Lease agreement must be unexpired  and signed by landlord/property owner & tenant (landlord contact information must be provided as they will be contacted to verbally confirm residency at this address) AND two (2) current utility bills (see above) showing your name and address.  

    • Notarized Landlord Affidavit Form must be provided if there is no lease and you are renting month to month/weekly or your lease is expired (landlord contact information must be provided as they will be contacted to verbally confirm residency at this address) AND two (2) current utility bills (see above) showing your name and address. Notarized Landlord Affidavit

    • Section 8 Agreement with dates of tenancy AND two (2) current utility bills (see above) showing your name and address.

    • You must provide the name and phone number for the landlord/property owner at the address you are renting from. This will be used to verbally confirm residency at this address.

 
  • If you do not own or rent but are living with a Bethel resident- Both the Bethel resident and the parent need to provide residency documentation.

  • From the Parent - Notarized affidavits, Resident Parent/Legal Guardian & Residency Affidavit Forms (these forms are on school website). These affidavits must be accompanied by two (2) current utility bills (see above) or mail (see below) with your name and the address on them.  

  • From the Bethel Resident - Notarized affidavits, current Real Estate Tax bill or current mortgage statement AND one (1) current utility bill must also be presented with the owner’s name and the address. Residency Affidavit Forms

If you live in a household where all utilities are in someone else’s name or utilities are included as part of your rental agreement, please choose (2) two of the acceptable residency documents that display your Bethel address: Valid driver’s license  or valid CT DMV photo identification (stickers not allowed); valid automobile registration; current homeowners insurance or automobile insurance; current payroll stub; current bank or credit card statement; current letters from governmental agencies; or current court documents.   Submission of a utility bill may still be required to prove that the residence is occupied.
NOTE:  Motor vehicle tax bills and water/sewer bills are NOT acceptable for proof of residency.

4.  Student meets Requirements for Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth Status (Liaison to be contacted: Dr. Christine Sipala, 203-794-8616 or [email protected]).

5.  State of CT Dept. of Education Health Assessment Record Health Assessment Record (Age 5 - Grade 12). Current physical and immunizations for K-12 filled out and signed by your physician. Immunization Requirements It is the parent's responsibility to bring in the form filled out and signed by the physician.

6.  Request for Records or Official school records from another school system or country, if applicable and available.  Please fill this out and bring to the registration appointment.

7. Free/Reduced Lunch Application (if applicable) can be found on our School Lunch Information webpage in both English and Spanish: School Lunch Information

8. Special Services Registration Form if applicable

9. Required Document Check-Off List

School placements will not be made until all documentation has been provided to the registrar and the student has been cleared medically by the school nurse.  

Once the child has been cleared by BOTH the registrar and the school nurse, the school will then call the parent/legal guardian with further information and the start date.  Parents/legal guardians are asked to not go to the schools until they are called.
Please be advised that when all paperwork is submitted, the placement process typically takes 24-48 hours. Once the above steps are completed, your child will be able to begin at his or her new school.

Please note - due to the high volume of registrations in August - if all required documentation has not been submitted to the District Registrar by August 14th, there is a chance that your child may not be able to start on the first day of school.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact the District’s Registrar.  Again, we welcome you to the Bethel Public Schools.

 

Where to go for your Registration Appointment

Bethel Public Schools Registrar’s Office

Mrs. Laurel McCollam, District Registrar

Bethel Board of Education

PO Box 253

1 School Street

Bethel, CT 06801

Phone: 203-830-7355

Fax:      203-794-8723

E-mail: [email protected]
 

School Contact Info:

F.A. Berry School

200 Whittlesey Dr.

Bethel, CT 06801

203-794-8680

 

A. H. Rockwell School

400 Whittlesey Dr.

Bethel, CT 06801

203-794-8690

 

R.M.T Johnson School

500 Whittlesley Dr.

Bethel, CT 06801

203-794-8700

 

Bethel Middle School

600 Whittlesley Dr.

Bethel, CT 06801

203-794-8670

 

Bethel High School

300 Whittlesley Dr.

Bethel, CT 06801

203-794-8600