Bethel Public Schools. Bethel, Connecticut

Bethel Public Schools Newsletter for 10-5-12

Superintendent’s News

 

Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

 

Dear Parents, Care Givers, and Community Members:

 

Last night we witnessed another tremendous example of the “Bethel Way.” BHS sponsored a dinner dance to raise money for teacher Christopher Ciparelli and his family (Special thanks to Denise Musser for organizing this fabulous event and the Amber Room for hosting!). Chris’ son Oliver was diagnosed with a rare, incurable, degenerative disease. The Dinner Dance was the third in a series of highly successful, very-well attended events (sincere thanks to BHS seniors Priscilla Licari, Julianna Suske and Tori Bonagura for organizing the track event and teacher Kathleen Quader for organizing Johnson School Family Fun Night).  I sometimes wonder about how it takes tragedy to showcase the strength of a community. In many cases schools often figure prominently into that expression. This week I have been thinking a great deal about Mr. Ciparellis’ family as well as the tragedy in New Fairfield. These realities rend our hearts and shake us to our core. They also serve as visceral reminders of our common humanity and our deep, innate call toward community. Schools, in my opinion, serve to strengthen that call to community. Over these last few weeks we have witnessed a tremendous out-pouring of love, support, and community spirit by many in Bethel. From my very first day coming to work in Bethel many years ago I have come to learn that this type of response to tragedy is the norm in this town not the exception. The wide community participation and significant generosity serve as wonderful examples for our children about the importance of relationships and re-affirm my belief in the strength of Bethel as a community. The centrality of the schools in leading the efforts to support Mr. Ciparelli’s family, and many others before him, serve as a profound reminder about the original intention of public schooling – to bring young people together and teach them the values of what it means to live as a community in our great nation; to provide them an education because we love them and love what we stand for as a nation, and demonstrate definitively, that we are truly “in this together.” I am humbled to work in this community alongside so many generous individuals – students, staff, parents, and many other community members. Thank you for the opportunity. And, finally, while Bethel will never receive a state ranking on community spirit and generosity, you’re tops on my score card.  If you would like to read a little more about Oliver, Mr. Ciparelli’s son, the link is below. Please also find the link for a terrific Wildcat Word article. Enjoy the long weekend!

http://oliversteam.blogspot.com/

 

http://www.bhswildcatword.com/news/2012/09/21/making-each-moment-count/

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Bethel High School Marching Wildcats, Fall Guard, and NJROTC Escorts had another amazing day in back to back competitions on Saturday, September 29th.

 

1st Place in Class II @ New Milford 

1st Place in Class II @ Trumbull PLUS they won every caption award:
Outstanding Music
Outstanding General Effect
Outstanding Percussion
Outstanding Guard
Outstanding Visual Effect

FANTASTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT ONE AND ALL! Congratulations and many thanks to our Director Damon Coachman; Asst. Director and Drill Designer Matt Merrick; Instructors: Brendan Fox, Elizabeth Dandeneau, Eric Zeiser, Matt Curley, Brandon Eckert, Becca Perez & Aly Demers; Drum Majors: Julia Buzak & Zach Newman; Section Leaders: Kathryn Kennedy, Luisa Kenausis, Andrew Smith, Chad Klinefelter & Aidan Neuner; Guard Captains: Jamie Demers & Bridie Moriarty.

 

**NEW**  Question of the Week

 

What is the budget process?

 

The Budget Process

Budgeting for the Bethel Public School District is an ongoing process.  The Board of Education reviews and discusses fiscal matters throughout the year.  But the actual compilation of the annual budget is a process that spans approximately six months.  The Board of Education budget comprises approximately 60% of the Town of Bethel budget.  It is with great care and study that the budget is prepared.   

 

November:  The budget is built from the ground up.  During the month of November the principals meet with their department and grade level leadership and department heads meet with their staff.  Budget requests are submitted and examined in light of recurring, necessary programs and new initiatives, especially if mandated.  Previous years’ expenditures are reviewed.  A school or department budget request is completed which reflects current and changing needs.  Financial resources are re-allocated as much as possible to meet these needs.

 

December:  Each principal and department head meets with the Superintendent, Associate Superintendent and Director of Fiscal Services to present their proposed budget.  Line by line the budget request is reviewed.  Discussions focus on the strengths and weaknesses of current operations, what is needed to continue as a successful organization.  We also discuss changes in the environment in which we operate including new legislated mandates and technological advances.  These changes impact our organization and our budget. 

 

January:  The district budget is compiled and reviewed by the Superintendent.  The budget is looked at again in detail as well as with a “big picture” lens making sure it aligns with the mission, vision, goals and strategies of the organization.  Near the end of the month the Superintendent presents his budget to the Board of Education.

 

February:  The Board of Education studies the budget and submits their questions to the District Administration.  Each question is answered in writing as well as publically at a budget workshop session.  There are at least three meetings devoted to budget review by the Board of Education.  Changes to the budget are made during this process.  In mid-February the Board of Education votes to adopt their budget.  By the end of February the Board of Education presents its proposed budget to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.

 

March:  The Board of Selectmen reviews the budget and can make adjustments.  Once the Board of Selectmen approves a budget they present it to the Board of Finance.  The Board of Finance deliberates over the Town and Board of Education budgets and can make adjustments at this time.

 

April:  The Town and Board of Education budgets are presented at a Town Meeting.  All taxpayers are welcome to publically speak to the budget and/or ask questions of the Town and Board of Education leadership.  Later in the month the Board of Finance reconvenes to consider the sentiment of the town and to set a final budget to bring forth to referendum.  Any adjustments to the Board of Education budget are brought back to the Board of Education to determine which line items in the budget will be adjusted.

 

May:  There is a referendum and the taxpayers of Bethel vote on whether to approve the Town and Board of Education budgets.  If the referendum fails the budget goes back to the Board of Finance, then to a public hearing and then to another referendum.  Once the budget passes, we move forward.

 

The Board of Education understands its obligation to educate the children of Bethel at the highest standards with the money entrusted to us by the taxpayers of Bethel to be well spent for this purpose.

 

Have a question you would like answered? Email questions to smithk@bethel.k12.ct.us

 

Elementary School Lunch News

 

Elementary Menu for October 8 - 12

 

MondayNO SCHOOL – COLUMBUS DAY

Tuesday – Coleman’s All Natural Chicken Nuggets with Dinner Roll, Baby Carrots & Dip, Chilled Apple Juice & Fresh Pear

Wednesday – Coleman’s All Natural 100% Beef Hot Dog on a Bun, Baked Beans, Chilled Pears & Fresh Orange Wedges

Thursday –    Macaroni & Cheese with Celery Sticks & Dip, Chilled Pineapple & Fresh Banana

Friday -  Freshly-made Cheese Pizza with Tossed Italian Blend Salad, Chilled Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Peach

 

LUNCH PRICES –

Elementary - $2.50

Secondary - $2.90


Each lunch includes a minimum selection of three components, one of which must be a fruit or vegetable.

 

BREAKFAST PRICE:  All- $1.95

 

BREAKFAST IS NOW BEING SERVED AT BERRY & ROCKWELL SCHOOLS

Students can get off the bus and go to the cafeteria to purchase and eat breakfast.

 

Monday – Bagel with Cream Cheese or Jelly or Cereal

Tuesday – Apple Cinnamon Muffin or Blueberry Muffin with Cheese Stick or Cereal

Wednesday – Cherry or Apple Frudel or Cereal

Thursday – 100% Natural Stonyfield Yogurt & Graham Crackers or Cereal

Friday – Ultimate Breakfast Round Oatmeal Cookie or Cereal

 

(a “Frudel” is a breakfast strudel stick)

 

Breakfast includes milk, fruit or juice - $1.95

 

STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY FORFREEOR REDUCED LUNCH QUALIFY FORFREEOR REDUCED BREAKFAST. 

Reduced Breakfast - $.30/day

 

Circle of Friends Pre-School

 

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, October 17 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

 

Brown Bag Lunch or Morning Coffee

                                            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 or morning coffee.  Please contact Susan Paré,                                                      Executive Assistant, or call (203)794-8601.

 

 

 

 

All Berry, Rockwell, & Johnson parents/guardians are invited to attend

 

A Kinder, Gentler World…Schools & Communities that are “Bully-Free” Workshop

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Rockwell Cafeteria

7:00-8:00 PM

See flyer for more information

 

Berry School News

 

Our Harvest Gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 13th.  We are very excited for this wonderful evening.  There will be appetizers, dancing, and wonderful auction items to help raise money for our school.  Several auction items are being donated by our teachers and staff members.  Money raised will be used to purchase iPads for our classrooms.  This interactive technology is very engaging for our students and enhances instruction within the classroom.  It’s not too late….please help support Berry School and come to our Harvest Gala, as it’s sure to be a great night out!  You can find more information or purchase tickets for this event at http://bit.ly/HarvestGala2012

 

Rockwell School News

 

Rockwell School is proud to announce their new Before School Care Program! The program runs five days a week from 7:30 AM -8:40 AM and Rockwell School staff will supervise the students. Students can attend one to five days a week. Activities will be planned including sports, board games, arts and crafts, literacy fun, etc.

 

If you would like to sign up or if you have any questions please email Victoria Guarino guarinov@bethel.k12.ct.us

 

Johnson School News

 

Here are some upcoming PTO events for October. Some fun activities are coming up!

Wed. 10/10 Salz Pizza Night. Have some yummy NY style pizza with proceeds going to Johnson School.

Fri. 10/12 Spirit wear orders due. The Spirit Wear flyer should be in the Friday folders this week. (Or at the bottom of the backpack).

Mon. 10/15-Fri. 10/19 Book Fair!

Friday 10/19-BHS Football--Johnson School Night. Wear your Johnson colors (Blue and Gold) and get in at a discounted price!

Middle School News

 

 BMS Spirit Wear sale extended!  Order deadline has been extended to Friday, October 12th.  If you are interested in purchasing a product for your student, yourself or both, simply fill out the Spirit Wear order form and return it to BMS Attn: BETHEL MIDDLE SCHOOL P.T.O. by Friday, October 12th.

 

INVITING STUDENTS AND PARENTS OF BETHEL MIDDLE SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ODYSSEY TEAM COMPETING FOR THE 2013 TOURNAMENTS

Dear Parents,

We are parents of two current sixth-graders in Bethel Middle School and have committed to coaching a Bethel Middle School Odyssey Team for 2013. We’re grateful to Mr. Muharem who is supporting this maiden team from the Middle School by sponsoring the fees for the students to enroll in this wonderful program.

It is a commitment we are making for a number of weekends over this academic year – to give our students a shot at a fun experience that also teaches them real-life skills.

The team can accommodate 5-7 students.  Details about Odyssey of the Mind may be found at Odysseyofthemind.com  and CTOM.org

We look forward to having you join our team!

Please contact me at smalkani@anvasion.com if you are interested.

Best Regards,

 

Suneetha Malkani and Colleen Ruiz 

 

High School News

 

College Visits for the week of 10/8:

Western New England University

Bay Path College

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

University of Southern Maine

Rochester Institute of Technology

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Albertus Magnus College

Bentley University

Lasell College

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Marist College

Florida Southern College

The University of Scranton

University of Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University

Lynchburg College

Boston University

Guilford College

 

*Students must sign up for college visits in Naviance and MUST print out the confirmation page and have it signed by their teacher in order to attend the visits.  Instructions were emailed to students.

 

The School Counseling Department will be hosting this year’s Financial Aid Night on Monday, October 15th at 7:00 P.M. in the High School Auditorium. Kelly Jambo, Director of Student Financial Assistance at Sacred Heart University, will be our guest presenter. Please R.S.V.P to Cheryl Hallock in student services at 203-794-8600 ext. 420 by Oct 12th.

 

The BHS Key Club will be hosting a Halloween Party on Friday, October 19th from 7-9.  Wear a costume and you may have a chance to win a prize.  There will be games, arts and crafts, a movie and much more.  Admission is $4 per child and concessions will be sold.  Join us for a frightfully good time!

 

The BHS Band Boosters are proud to announce our 3rd year in partnership with local area merchants through the sale of our BETHEL DISCOUNT CARD! The cards remain only $10 each and are valid for an entire year. Our merchants offer discounts each and every time you use your card throughout the year. Click here for more information.  Questions? Orders? Feel free to email us @ parenthelp@bethelband.com

BHS Band Boosters

 

The Bethel High School Marching Band and Colorguard would like to invite all community members to their annual “QUEST FOR THE BEST” the “Quest” is a performance/competition of area marching band and color guards.  This event is the BHS band and colorguards biggest fundraiser and proudest performance.  This year’s show features “QUIDAM-Cirque Du Soleil.  Come support the 2011 state champions in both MAC and USSBA circuits Saturday, October 13, 2012 BHS Football Field – 6:00 PM.  General admission $10.00/students $7.00.  Questions? Please email us at @ parenthelp@bethelband.com

 

Bethel High School All Sports Booster Club

Attention parents: If your child is playing a high school sport and you would like one of these yard signs, you can pick one up for FREE at the stadium snack shed whenever it is open.

 

 

Wildcat fans, comfortable seat cushions are available for sale in the stadium snack shed for $10 each and come with a free wildcat keychain.

 

 

 

Bethel Education Foundation

 

Calling all ladies!  The Bethel Education Foundation is hosting Ladies Night Out on Thursday, November 8th at La Fortuna Restaurant.  Join us for a champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, raffle prizes and lots of fun all to benefit innovation, creativity and excellence in education for our children!  Use the ticket order form to purchase your $30 advance tickets; $40 at the door.  Many thanks to our sponsors La Fortuna and Stony Hill Wines & Spirits.

 

Bethel Continuing Education

 

Time is running out to sign up for some great courses!  Be sure to check out the Bethel Continuing Education page located at www.bethel.k12.ct.us for updates about which courses are running and other important information. There are over 40 classroom courses and 250 instructor facilitated courses to choose from. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are now accepted as well as checks. Contact continuingeducation@bethel.k12.ct.us or call 203-794-8600 x450 and leave a message if you have any questions.

 

Pro Access, Bethel’s Teen Center News

 

Pro Access news for October. 

 

PRO ACCESS will be opened this week on Wed. and Thurs. from 2:30 to 6PM. Please note that we will be closed this Friday.

 

 

 

FRIDAY NIGHTS with PRO ACCESS

 

This Friday, Oct. 5 - Games and...6 - 8:45PM

We'll provide pizza!  Cost: $5 for the pizza and then if you want you can come to OPEN GYM - from 9-11PM Cost: $2

 

Friday, Oct. 12 - CLOSED FOR HOMECOMING!  Enjoy the Game.  Go Wildcats!!!

 

FRIDAY, Oct. 19 - HALLOWEEN PARTY6-8:45 Cost: $5 Music, games and more...Prize for the best costume.  Then if you want you can come to...OPEN GYM - from 9-11PM at the Muni. Ctr. Cost: $2

 

Friday, Oct. 26 - opened from 6-8:45 for SUNDAES ON FRIDAY Cost: $2 then if you want you can come to OPEN GYM from 9-11PM at the Muni. Ctr. Cost: $2.   

 

BLUE JAY ORCHARDS & THE CREAMERY this Saturday, Oct. 6 from 1-5PM

We will meet at Pro Access and go by bus to Blue Jay Orchards for a hayride and tour of Blue Jay.   From there we will go to The Creamery in Newtown on Route 302 for their delicious ice cream!  We will return to Pro Access by 5PM.  Cost: $5  RSVP necessary

 

 

 

$5 Manicures are back!!!

 

At Classic Nails on Greenwood Ave. from 3-5PM on Tuesday, Oct. 9.  Cost: $5  You must arrive by 4:30 the latest.  You can take the bus from school directly to Greenwood Ave. 

 

 

 

Piano Lessons

 

Pro Access will be offering individualized piano lessons.  The sessions will be on Wed. evenings beginning Oct. 10 for 4 consecutive weeks (skipping Oct. 31) and ending Nov. 7.  The times will be from 7 to 7:30pm, 7:30 to 8pm, 8 to 8:30pm and  8:30 to 9pm.  They will be provided by Mary Buzak Piano Studio. 

 

COST: Normal class fee is$25.  Mary is discounting the fee to $20 for Pro Access members and Pro Access will subsidize the classes so the fee to the students will be $15/class.  You must sign up for all 4 classes.  Music book is not included.  Cost of the starter book is $6.00. 

 

Offer not elegible to existing students of Mary Buzak's  Piano Studio and only elegible if you are a member of Pro Access.  If you aren't a current member of Pro Access we encourage you to become a member or renew your membership to Pro Access  in order to participate in this program. 

 

 

 

Guitar Lessons

 

Sloan Austerman, a student at Bethel High School is offering to provide Guitar lessons to our members.  He has 2 acoustic and 2 electric guitars so you don't have to have your own guitar.  We have not finalized the details of these lessons.  If you are interested in this program, please email Hilda. 

 

 

 

The 40 Developmental Assets

 

The 40 developmental assets developed by The Search Institute through extensive surveys of over 2.2 million youth are the foundation for Pro Access' programs and services.

 

This week's asset is "Young person and their parents communicate positively and teen is willing to seek advice and counsel from their parent."  If you're a teen, give us an example of a time when you communicated well with your parents.  If you're a parent or adult, tell us how you feel you communicate well with your peer.  Your response will enter you in our weekly raffle drawing.  

 

To learn more about these assets check out www.search-institute.org.

 

 

 

Job Opportunity

 

Local entrepreneur is looking for a computer saavy teen to help her organize her database.  She is willing to consider paying you $10/hour if it's a good fit.  She also has some marketing and PR work you could assist with.  She lives in Bethel and works out of her house.   

 

In order to be elegivle for this position, you must be a member of Pro Access.  Membership is $25 for new members and $10 for existing members.  If you are interested please contact Hilda and she will connect you with the individual. 

 

 

 

BUS INFORMATION

The bus to Pro Access from Bethel High School is bus 12.

The bus to Pro Access from Bethel Middle school is bus 1A.

Students can take the bus directly from school to Pro Access any day Pro Access is opened after school.    

 

 

 

SOUPER SOUP DAY

This is a great fundraiser to raise the awareness of the plight of the homeless.  It will be held on November 14.  We need volunteers to help us plan and work this event.  Our first planning meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 7-9PM.  Hope you can make it! 

 

 

 

 

Semipro Football Playoff Game

 

DATE:  Sunday, Oct. 14

TIME: 1PM

PLACE: Immaculate High

COST: Free

RSVP necessary!  If we have a large group of at least 25 people we will rent a bus.  If not we can meet at Immaculate.   

 

 

 

 

STUDENT ADVISORY GROUP MEETING

 

Our first Student Advisory Meeting for the year will be on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 7:30 to 9PM.  Pizza provided.  Cost: $5

This is a great way to give us your ideas for what you'd like to see Pro Access offer for teens.  We plan parties, trips, fundraisers and more.  You receive community service hours for the meetings as long as you participate in at least one activity throughout that month.  Here's what former members say about SAG:

  • "This is the best meeting I've ever attended."  
  • "I've met some great people through SAG."
  • "I love the meetings because they are so much fun.  Everyone gets a say in what we will do at Pro Access and everyone feels included. " 

 

Email Hilda today to let her know you'd like to join this group.  

 

 

 

 

LAKE COMPOUNCE HAUNTED GRAVEYARD AND RIDES!

 

This is a GREAT trip!  We leave Bethel at 5PM and leave the park at 11PM.  We need 25 people to get the group rate.  RSVP ASAP.  Cost: $25 which includes the bus.  RSVP and full payment due by 10/22. 

 

 

 

Please email me with any questions or call me at 203-482-1732 or leave a message at 203-778-7522.    Please like us on Facebook at Bethel Pro Access. 

Hilda Maria DeLucia
Director, Pro Access, Bethel's Teen Center 

 

Community News & Events

 

The Bethel High School Hall of Fame Committee cordially invites you to attend the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Dinner on October 20, 2012.

 

2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

David Campbell                 Football, Track                                                   1965

David Tierney                    Cross Country, Track                                       1973

Patrick Wild                        Cross Country, Track                                       1978

Melanie Kasack Ivey       Softball, Cross Country                                  1997

Kerri Kaylor                         Basketball, Soccer, Track                               2001

Gregory Pace                     Wrestling                                                             2002

                                                The 1998 Softball Team 

 

The dinner will be held at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Tickets are $50 per person.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Denise Musser at Bethel High School 203.794.8600 ext 248.

 

 

Writing the College Application Essay

 

Tuesday, October 9

7:00--8:30 pm

Bethel Public Library

 

Parents and teens--join professional writer and college adjunct professor Gary Santaniello as he shows you what college admissions directors are looking for, how to mine your personal histories, extra-curricular activities and other experiences for material that will make your essay stand out, and then how to structure your essay for maximum impact. There will be plenty of time for questions!

 

Please call us at (203) 794-8756, ext. 0 or email teen@bethellibrary.org with any questions or to register.

 

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.

 

The 12th annual Bethel Buddy Walk is scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2012.  The one mile walk begins and ends at The Sycamore Restaurant.  All proceeds go to the National Down Syndrome Society to support research, education, and advocacy to help people with Down syndrome reach their full potential.  Registration begins at 12:30 pm.  Join us for the walk, face painting, door prizes, and more while supporting a terrific cause! Click here for more info and registration form.

 

Bethel VNA Flu Clinic

On Thursday October 11 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, the Bethel VNA will be in the Berry School Gymnasium to provide seasonal flu vaccines to all Bethel students and family members who wish to have one. Flu Shots will be available to all ages over 6 months. FluMist will also be available by request for ages 2-49 with no medical contraindications.  Vaccine Information Sheets & more information at Bethelvna.org

 

Consent forms may be printed and filled out ahead of time – bethelvna.org

Bring medical insurance card

Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian

 

As a courtesy, Bethel VNA will submit claims to the following insurance companies:

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), Connecticare, Medicare HMO’s, Medicare Part B, and Oxford.

 

If insurance company is not listed above, the cost of the flu shot is $35, fluMist $40 to be paid by cash or check made out to Bethel VNA – we will provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement.

 

The Bethel Public Library is pleased to offer a free music program on Friday October 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Main Room. Historian/musician Rick Spencer will perform songs from the 1856 presidential campaign songbook “Freemen for Fremont.”

 

Here’s an entertaining way to discover history through music. Before radio, TV, or the Internet, campaign promoters included sing-alongs so supporters could sing about the virtues of their candidates and the failings of their opponents! In this program, you’ll hear those songs performed live, and gain an understanding of the United States on the brink of Civil War. This event is particularly appropriate as we approach Election Day!

 

The program will be enjoyed by adults and students Grades 6+. Registration is required due to space constraints. Please call 203-794-8756 ext. 4, register at the website www.bethellibrary.org, or sign up in person at the Library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

 

2012 - 2013  Family  Friendly  Hikes  &  Activities,  Sponsored by The  BETHEL  LAND  TRUST

All activities will be held on the 2nd Sunday of the month and start at 2:00 pm.   If it rains or snows, the event may be rescheduled.  Check our Facebook page (Bethel Land Trust) for updates.   Refreshments will be served after the hike.

 

October 14, 2012  @ 2:00  - WALK  A  HOUND,  LOSE  A  POUND

We’re doing this popular hike again.  Bring your leashed, well-behaved canine friend and enjoy the beautiful fall color in Huntington Park.  Meet at the park entrance with the bear and eagle statues on Sunset Hill Rd.

 

November 11, 2012 @2:00  –  BUILD  A  BLUEBIRD  HOUSE

The Land Trust is trying to make its preserves more wildlife friendly.  As part of this effort, we invite you to join us to build bluebird houses.  Weather permitting, we’ll install those houses at our nearby preserve on Sky Edge Road.   Meet at the Stony Hill Fire House off Rt. 6 to work on the bluebird houses.

 

February 10, 2013 @ 2:00  -  SNOWSHOE  AT TARRYWILE MANSION

Meet at the upper parking lot of the mansion for some vigorous winter exercise.  Hikers and cross-country skiers are welcome too.  Who knows what the weather will be.  Tarrywile Park is located off Southern Blvd in Danbury.

 

MARCH 10, 2013 @ 2:00 -  PRE-EARTH DAY PRESERVE CLEAN UP 

This is the time of year when the discarded bottles and cans that disfigure our preserves are easiest to spot.  Earth Day, on April 22, is too late to clean up in this area because the invasive plants have already leafed out.  Meet at the Rockwell School Parking lot and we’ll break down into smaller work parties and go to the preserves that need to be picked up, or have brush cut back.  Wear gloves.

 

Reminder – Check Facebook (Bethel Land Trust) for updates.

 

 

BEtv Schedule

 

Here's what's on BEtv:  Check out what's on BEtv this weekend. Once again the BHS Marching Band comes out on top. See their performances in New Milford and Trumbull. Also, get ready for Halloween with some great tips for the kids about trick or treating. Remember you can always check our schedule at http://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/subsite/bhs/page/betv-schedule-1308

 

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

2012-2013 School Calendar/School Time Schedule

 

2012-2013 School Calendar

 

2012-2013 School Time Schedule

 

School Closing/Delay Information

 

When it is necessary to close school due to inclement weather or have an unscheduled early dismissal due to forecasted inclement weather for the afternoon, the “Schools Closed” or “Early Dismissal” announcement will be made over the following radio and television stations and websites in the morning:

 

                WLAD                   AM         Danbury               800 on the dial

                WINE                    AM         Brookfield          940 on the dial

                WICC                     AM         Bridgeport          600 on the dial

                WEBE                    FM         Bridgeport          108 on the dial

                WEZN                   FM         Bridgeport          100 on the dial

 

TV Channel 3, TV Channel 8, & TV Channel 6.

 

Bethel Public Schools Website – www.bethel.k12.ct.us

Connecticut Weather Website – www.ctweather.com

 

In the case of inclement weather, every attempt will be made to operate schools.  However, in our judgment, whenever it is not safe to operate the buses, schools will be closed. 

 

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

 

You may also sign up to receive text or email notifications on your cell phone when weather related cancellations, announcements, or other notifications have been posted from the following media:

(Text messaging rates may be applied by your carrier.)

 

CT Weather.com

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

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

 

WFSB – Channel 3

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

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

Bethel Schools are listed under Fairfield County

 

WNBC 30 – Channel 6

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

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WTNH Channel 8

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Nondiscrimination Statement

The Bethel Board of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.  The Bethel Board of Education does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction.  The following person has been designated to handle inquires regarding the non-discrimination policies: 

 

Dr. Janice Jordan, Associate Superintendent, Bethel Public Schools, P.O. Box 253, 1 School Street, Bethel, CT  06801 – (203) 794- 8613.