Bethel Public Schools E-Newsletter 4-13-12
The Board of Education at its meeting on April 5th set the BHS Graduation Date - Bethel High School’s Class of 2012 graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 6:00 PM at WCSU's O'Neill Center.
Bravo!
Congratulations to BHS Girls Softball pitcher Yesenia Everisto for setting a new school record for strikeouts.
Yankee Ingenuity by Kit Kechejian:
“27 third graders from Rockwell and Berry Schools took part in our first Third Grade Local Invention Convention. Students learned about the inventing process and applied their learning to creatively addressing problems they experience in everyday life. Inventions could be an entirely new idea or an improvement on an existing idea. Inventors took part in a Judging Circle that required them to present their invention to a group consisting of 9 peers and 3 judges.
The Judging Circle gives students a forum to share their inventions and experiences, get feedback from peers and professionals, learn about the inventions and experiences of fellow students, and identify strengths and weaknesses of their inventions as well as hear and provide suggestions for improvements.
Judging criteria included the inventing process, originality, effectiveness and practicality of the invention and the need of the invention. At the end of the presentations, nine students were identified as Recognized Inventors. Three students were selected to move on to the state competition at the UConn School of Engineering on April 28th.
Congratulations to the participants:
Scotty Davis – The Lego Knife
Jessica Astrologo – Watery Fan
Callie Poznan – The Look Out
Ashlynn Ehrhard – The White Boardinator
Jessica Olexy – The Nail Squeegie
Killian Mead – The Burglar Buzzer
Kaitlyn Mattera – Comfy Cushion
Audrey Keener – Pet Glove
Michael VanDeWater – Dog Feeder
Luke Briscoe – The Lazy Bottle Cap
Bennett LaBree – Floating Ball
Clara Morgenstern – Hat‘n Coat
Jack Cretacci – Grandma’s Helper
Aiden Maxwell – Drape Closer
Sara El Moustakim – Com-Wheeler (Comfortable Wheelchair)
Sonia Goyal – Organized Pencilbox
Dominico Sacchinelli – The Neat Net
Kiley McKale – Safe Bunny Travel
Jonathan Spear – The Cryless Onion
Lucas Vieira – Cat Feeder
Madison Meenan – The Keeper
Kristine Rudinas – The Desk Friend
Brianna Duffy – Liquid Cleaner
Bryce Wallace – x2 Helmet
Claire Rabjohn – Paper Catcher
Aidan Politizer – Fresh Garbage Can
Freddy Ginin – Car Airplane
Recognized Inventors: Michael VanDeWater, Callie Poznan, Killian Mead, Ashlynn Ehihard, Jess Astrologo, Audrey Keener, Jessica Olexy, Scotty Davis, Kaitlyn Mattera
Top Inventors: Michael VanDeWater, Kaitlyn Mattera, Audrey Keener
Budget Update
Earlier this week the Board of Finance voted 5-2 to restore $250,000 to the education budget. This is VERY good news. I believe this amount of money will allow us to preserve the five teaching positions that were identified for elimination. I am hopeful that we can close the remaining budget gap through some cost savings realized through health care and careful expenditure of funds from this current fiscal year. As I have noted in previous newsletters there are numerous variables that come into play when determining budget requirements. Bethel Public Schools takes its role as a steward of taxpayer dollars very seriously. All budget lines are examined and reexamined in light of priorities and needs. The restoration of this money preserves our status quo budget and allows us to remain on our current trajectory of good to great.
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 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 document and attend the town meeting. The final step of the budget process is the referendum which will occur later in May.
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!
On March 1st the middle school held its 3rd annual Chopin piano competition. The competition, held on Chopin's birthday, is open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student that plays the piano. During the competition each student plays two musical compositions. A test piece, written by Chopin, and a choice piece. The test piece is issued to each student on the same day at the same time. The choice piece is chosen by the student and has to come from the Baroque, Classical. or Romantic era. This year's competition attracted many a talented student and was adjudicated by our middle school staff. When the dust finally settled the winners were:
1st Gia Antolini
2nd Sophia Galante
3rd Pavitra Makarla
Congratulations to the three winners as well as everyone that participated in the competition.
Summer's Best 2012
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.
Enrichment registration begins on April 30, 2012 at the Bethel Board of Education Office. 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!
Circle of Friends
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, April 25th from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is appreciated but drop-ins are welcomed. For more information please contact Katharine MacDonald at 794-8679. The Pre-school screen is open to Bethel residents only
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
Rockwell School News
Ms. Hefferan’s third grade class will be hosting a pseudo lemonade stand to support childhood cancer (Alex’s Lemonade Stand Organization). Paper lemons will be for sale from 8:40 am – 9:00 am on Tuesday April 24, 2012- Thursday April 26, 2012 in the Rockwell School foyer. Each lemon is $1.00 and will hang proudly in school with the donor’s name. Donors who give $5.00 or more will be entered into a raffle for a basket full of fun! If you’d like to find out more or donate online, visit: alexslemonade.org and search for Team Rockwell!!! Thank you.
The class was inspired to take part in The Great Lemonade War after reading The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. They are currently in the middle of The Lemonade Crime!
Johnson School News
Johnson School parents were emailed the Health Curriculum documents on Friday, 4/13. Please contact Dr. Gombos with any questions.
Congratulations to all Odyssey of the Mind participants! All three Johnson Teams did an amazing job representing Johnson School. The team working on the long term problem, You Make the Call, qualified for the World Finals! This team finished 2nd in the state. Bravo!
Last week was a very exciting week at Johnson. Nearly two-hundred students took part in the Johnson Science Fair. What an amazing turnout!
Thank you to the PTO for hosting the fourth grade breakfast. It was such a pleasure to see so many parents in the building.
Congratulations to the Johnson School staff who participated in the “Fun Night” last week. They raised $3,000 for a very special little Bethel resident.
Middle School News
In March Senator Michael McLachlan sponsored an essay contest in honor of National Women’s History Month. 6th grade students in Danbury, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Sherman were invited to participate by writing a 300-word essay on the topic, “Important Women in Connecticut’s History and How their Contributions to the State and Nation Affect Me.” Congratulations go to our first place winner Christina Franzese and runner-up Catherine Galliford. Both of these students will be honored at a reception hosted by the Senator.
Congratulations to T.J. Schlotter whose essay “Camden Yards – The Experience” is being published in Connecticut Student Writers. This statewide magazine was established in 1988 to recognize excellence in student writing, K-12. Nearly 1,000 pieces were submitted this year. T.J. will be recognized at the University of Connecticut in May.
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.
Come support BHS Softball Team at the buffet breakfast fundraiser Sunday 4/22 from 9:00am - 11:00am at the Spot, downtown Bethel- click here for more information.
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.
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.
Elementary School Lunch News
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 23 – April 27
Monday – Oven-Baked Coleman’s All Natural Chicken Tenders with Dinner OR Gardenburger on a Roll, daily selection of fresh healthy sides
Tuesday – Cheesy Italian Dunkers with Marinara Sauce & Tossed Salad, daily selection of fresh healthy sides.
Wednesday – 100% Beef Coleman’s All Natural Hot Dog with Cheddar Goldfish Crackers, daily selection of fresh healthy sides
Thursday – Beefy Nachos served with Tostito’s Chips & Assorted Toppings , daily selection of fresh healthy sides
Friday - Freshly-Made Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza with Tossed Salad & Fresh-Baked Cookies or Tuna Sandwich, daily selection of fresh healthy sides
LUNCH PRICES –
Elementary - $2.45
Secondary - $2.85
Each lunch includes a main item, up to two sides and a milk.
Bethel Continuing Education News
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
Community News & Events
Congratulations to the winners of the Bethel Blooms Student Art Walk.
High School
Annie Buckholz
Beverly Johnson
Briana Sherwood
Nicole Rodriquez
Middle School
Nick Bivona
Thomas Broomhead
Varun Baddam
Johnson School
Megan Greene
Aileen Zheng
Kyle Platt
Elementary
Sophia Gaita
Rachel Nelson
Derek O'Brien
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.
The Neuberger Museum of Art offers free programs for families, Family Saturdays. Casual art experiences for the whole family, with tours, hands-on workshops, and performances. Click here for more information.
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.
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.
Bethel Public Library Board Scholarship This one-year $500.00 scholarship is granted to a high school senior who is a resident of the Town of Bethel, Connecticut, and who plans to attend an accredited degree granting institution. Applications & all required documents are due at the Library before 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
http://www.bethellibrary.org/teen/dnld/scholarship_application_3-12.pdf
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.
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers,and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA 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.
This school year, Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut working in partnership with community and corporate volunteers will provide empowering programs to approximately 1,790 students in Bethel, CT. But we need your help! Junior Achievement provides the training, curriculum and Bethel students ready to meet you! Our volunteers receive a resource kit complete with an easy-to-follow teaching guide and learning materials necessary for program implementation. Volunteers present 5-8, one-hour activities, typically once a week, in a classroom during a convenient time for them within the school day. Volunteers are needed at F.A. Berry Elementary, Bethel High School and Bethel Middle School. For more information please contact Katie Rossi, 203-690-2336 krossi@jawct.org. For more information about JAWCT visit our website, http://jawct.org or LIKE us on Facebook!
ProAccess Teen Center News & Events
This Wed. and Thursday April 11 and April 12, Pro Access will be opened right after school from 12:30 to 6:00PM.
Join us and get community service while we make Spring Cards. Pro Access sells these cards to help raise money for our programs. We will be making the cards on Thursday, April 12 from 4-6PM at Pro Access.
Spring Break Party this Friday,April 13 from 7 to 8:45PM for 7th & 8th Graders at Pro Access. We'll be having a flashlight Scavenger Hunt, Tropical drinks and more. Cost: $5 Please RSVP
Open Gym this Friday, April 13 from 9-11PM Cost: $2
During Spring Break Pro Access will host the following activities:
Girls Only Program Wed. April 18 from 3:30 to 5PM. Come and meet the author of the Girls book, "Tao Girls Rule" and join this empowering Girls Club. Cost: $20
We'll be providing Lunch, Tournaments and a visit to Peachwave on Thursday, April 19 from 12-4PM Cost: $7 plus $1 for every tournament you want to participate in. RSVP needed.
We're hosting a Movie Night on FridayApril 20 from 7-10PM Cost: $2. RSVP needed
No Open Gym on Friday, April 20.
BEtv Schedule
Here is what's BEtv this weekend and next. Some highlights are SMART Music at Johnson, The Premier Concert at BMS and the Music Wing Dedication at BHS. Remember you can always check our schedule at
http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308
Have a Great Spring Break!
Schedule for Friday
|
12:00AM |
Budget Town Hearing |
|
2:35AM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
3:00AM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS |
|
5:00AM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair |
|
6:00AM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service |
|
7:30AM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies |
|
8:00AM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
9:40AM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
10:34AM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
Schedule for Saturday
|
12:00PM |
BOE Budget Presentation to BOF |
|
2:00PM |
Budget Town Hearing |
|
4:35PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
5:00PM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
5:30PM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
7:10PM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
8:05PM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
|
9:35PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
10:00PM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
11:00PM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
11:30PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
Schedule for Sunday
|
8:00AM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
9:40AM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
10:05AM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
11:00AM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
|
12:30PM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
1:30PM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
10:00PM |
BOE Budget Presentation to BOF |
Schedule for Monday
|
12:00AM |
Budget Town Hearing |
|
2:35AM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
3:00AM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
5:00AM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
6:00AM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
|
7:30AM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
8:00AM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
9:40AM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
10:34AM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
|
12:00PM |
BOE Budget Presentation to BOF |
|
2:00PM |
Budget Town Hearing |
|
4:35PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
5:00PM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
5:30PM |
*JSTV SMART Music NCAA Night at BHS
|
|
7:10PM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
8:05PM |
*BMS Premier Concert JSTV – Community Service
|
|
9:35PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
|
10:00PM |
*Music Wing Dedication BMS Science Fair
|
|
11:00PM |
Cooking Time 2012 Ed 4 Pancakes Banana Muffins Black & White Cookies
|
|
11:30PM |
JSTV - Art BMS Leader Song Project |
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