Superintendent’s News  Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

In this section:

 

 

 

With Hurricane Sandy potentially threatening Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to closely monitor the storm’s path over the next few days and to be prepared.

 

“Just as the state is monitoring and preparing, the public should do the same,” said Governor Malloy.  “Some models predict that Sandy may move onshore somewhere in New England early next week.  Although we are not certain the storm will impact the state, we need to be prepared...”

 

“Although hurricanes are unpredictable, this storm has the potential to impact Connecticut and we need to be prepared,” said DEMHS Deputy Commissioner William P. Shea.  “Because a shift in the track of the hurricane of just a few miles can have a significant impact on the state, it is important to stay informed by listening to TV and radio and heed the warnings of public safety officials.”

 

For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, visit ct.gov/hurricane,

 

For information on what to do before a Hurricane, visit What to do before a Hurricane

 

For information on precautions after a Hurricane, click here for brochure.

 

REMINDER:  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. 

 

For more info on school closings/delays click here.

 

Operation Sweet Tooth

The Bethel Navy JROTC is once again sponsoring Operation Sweet Tooth with the Bethel Gentle Dental Office. The Candy Buy-Back will happen on Friday, November 2nd from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the Bethel Gentle Dental office on 27 Grassy Plain Street. Children participating will be eligible to receive prizes and gift certificates from local merchants. In addition, the children will receive $1.00 for every pound of candy ($5.00 max) donated.

 

The donated candy will be sent to troops from Bethel who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as our "Ambassadors of Bethel." The hope is that the troops will then share the candy with children in the war zone, thereby creating good will. Bethel residents are encouraged to participate. If there are any residents who know of someone serving overseas, please send their name and mailing address to LCDR Dwinells at BHS (dwinellsm@bethel.k12.ct.us)

 

Elementary School Lunch News

 

Elementary Menu for October 29 – November 2

 

Monday – Coleman’s All Natural Chicken with Brown Rice, Peaches, Fresh Apple

 

Tuesday – Italian Dunkers with Marinara Dipping Sauce, Golden Corn, Chilled Apple Juice, Fresh Pear

                     

Wednesday – Breaded Chicken on a Bun, Carrot Short Cuts, Chilled Pears, Fresh Orange Wedges

 

Thursday –    Coleman’s All-Natural 100% Beef Hot Dog on a Roll, Baked Beans, Chilled Grape Juice

 

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

 

LUNCH PRICES –

Elementary - $2.50

Secondary - $2.90

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

 

BREAKFAST IS NOW BEING SERVED AT ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

 

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

Breakfast Price - $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, November 21st 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

 

 

Renaissance Babysitting is Back!

 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Berry School Gym

Drop off:  5:15 p.m.

Pick up:  9:00 p.m.

$15.00 per child

Ages 4-10

 

We will provide a fun filled evening for your child.  A nut-free snack, beverage, crafts, movie and plenty of gym activities are planned.  Please contact Deidre Hook at hookd@bethel.k12.ct.us or call 203-794-8600, ext. 263 to register your child.  Walk-ins are welcome!  Thank you for supporting BHS Renaissance!

 

Johnson School News

 

BOX TOPS: Last year we made approximately $2000 from Box Tops. There is a shipment going in at the end of October. Please send your box tops in this week and next.

 

Middle School News

 

BMS Musical The Wild West comes to Connecticut when Bethel Middle School presents the stage musical of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”  The action takes place in the early 1900s in the soon-to-become state of Oklahoma.  Performances will be held in the Bethel Middle School Auditorium on Friday, November 2 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 3 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $5.  Please click here for ticket order form.

 

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

 

James Thomsen Memorial Pumpkin Fundraiser - In 2009 James Thomsen was a senior at Bethel High School on the track team when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.  We started our fundraiser to help his family with medical expenses.  Unfortunately James passed away before he could graduate with his class in June of 2010.  The Bethel All Sports Booster Club has established a memorial scholarship fund in his name. This will be the 4th year our fundraiser will be contributing to this fund.

 

The fundraiser is being held at 7 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel, CT.  We are offering carved pumpkins for a donation of $10.00 each. In addition to carved pumpkins we will be holding a bake sale with lots of yummy treats. The event will start on Saturday October 27th from 9:00 - 5:00, Sunday 9:00 - 5:00 and on Monday from 12:00-5:00. For more information or to be a volunteer carver, please call Kim Davenport at (203) 470-1053.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!  To the newly selected members of our 2012-2013 BHS Jazz Band - Elizabeth Baranovic, Julia Buzak, Ben Fitzpatrick, Sam Furniss, Nick Galbis, Alexander Giacoma, Kevin Hannequin, Matt Hannequin, Luisa Kenausis, Chad Klinefelter, Joey Mello, Aidan Neuner, Andrew Smith, Hunter Sprock, Eliza Wagman, and Nate Walker.  Have a great year and best of luck at the Berklee Competition this year!

 

Bethel High School On Stage Players Present:  "Murder Is A Game" by Fred Carmichael

A successful mystery writing team whose success has come to a halt receives an anniversary present from their publisher to spend a weekend at an old mansion built as a movie set.  The publisher also hires actors, unknown to each other to act out a murder plot.  The writing team, Sloan and Toby Bigelow, are delighted in the game and solve the fake murder, but then there is a real murder and further funny twists to the plot.  All the actors have the opportunities of playing themselves and then the imaginary people in the laugh filled mystery evening. 

 

November 8 & 9, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. in the BHS Auditorium

Tickets:  Adults - $7.00    Children and Senior Citizens - $5.00

Mr. Ciro Franco, Director

Mrs. Deidre Hook, Producer (203-794-8600, ext. 263 or hookd@bethel.k12.ct.us)

 

 

Attention BHS Senior Families:  Senior packets have been handed out in all English classes. Please be sure to regard the following deadlines in order to have a great senior yearbook:

 

1. Purchase personalization for your yearbook at http://www.jostens.com/ - Due November 30^th
2. Personal ads: Due January 11^th

 

In order to submit your senior information and vote for superlatives, please go to the following website: http://www.mdznr.com/yearbook. There is a link in the vertical navigation bar on the Bethel High School website - Senior Yearbook Info. On this website, there is also a video created by the yearbook staff to assist you through this process.

 

Please email questions and digital photos to: yearbookBHS@bethel.k12.ct.us.

 

BHS Varsity Softball team is selling $5 raffle tickets for  2 seats at the New York Jets v San Diego Chargers game on Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m. at Metlife Stadium. Parking Pass is included.  A $275 value.   Only 200 tickets are being sold. 100% goes to a new pitching machine.  Tickets are available for sale until November 30th.  Please contact a BHS softball player or parent or you can call June Barton at 203-797-9831.  Tickets will also be available for purchase during home football games.  

 

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

 

 

STOP AND SHOP REWARDS PROGRAM

SCHOOL NAME & ID#:  Bethel High School ID # 11606

Dear Parents:

Starting October 5, 2012 through March 28, 2013, Bethel High School will have the opportunity to earn cash through Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program.

All you have to do is:

Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online

OR

Dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone

After you register your card, each shopping trip at any Stop & Shop using your STOP & SHOP CARD earns CASH for our school! Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Stop & Shop website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at www.stopandshop.com. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of our school’s educational needs.

 

Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. We need your support. Please be sure to register your card to benefit

Bethel High School using ID #11606

 

 

Bethel Education Foundation

Get your tickets now!  Don't miss Bethel Education Foundation's 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!  For more information and to purchase your $30 advance tickets online using Visa, Mastercard, AMEX as well as PayPal, visit www.betheledfoundation.org or use the ticket order form; $40 at the door.  Many thanks to our sponsors La Fortuna and Stony Hill Wines & Spirits.

 

The Bethel Education Foundation has awarded over $160,000 in grants since inception. Please help us continue to support innovative teachers, provide creative opportunities for students and excellence in the community by making a tax deductible donation to the Annual Fund.  To see how the BEF is making a difference in your child's school, visit http://www.betheledfoundation.org/Awarded_Grants%20by%20year.html; make your donation to the Annual Fund using the attached contribution form.

 

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

 

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR...

LAKE COMPOUNCE RIDES

and

 HAUNTED GRAVEYARD TRIP THIS SATURDAY with Pro Access

 

We will leave Pro Access at 5 PM and leave the park at 11 PM. You have a choice to do the rides or the haunted graveyard or both.  This is a great trip and the cost is only $25. For more information visit Pro Access’ website at www.bethelproaccess.org or call Hilda at 203-482-1732.

 

 

Community News & Events

 

MUNICIPAL CENTER SPECIAL EVENT

 

Door to Door Treat or Treating in the Municipal Center. Today, Friday, October 26th from 4:30-6:00pm.  Offices in the Municipal Center will open their doors to the community for a fun afternoon of costumes and candy!!

 

Come on down with your family and walk the halls, go office to office, meet the staff and get some CANDY!!

 

 

BETHEL PARK & RECREATION UPCOMING EVENTS (click here for flyer)

 

Trick or Treat Street

Looking for some Halloween fun? On Saturday, October 27t^h from 1:00–2:00 p.m. there will be an Animal Encounters show with “Curious Creatures” for all ages in the Municipal Center G.P. Room. Then walk along Greenwood Avenue for Halloween treats!  Don’t forget to wear your best costumes for the Costume Contest down on Greenwood Avenue; judging will take place at 4:00 pm.  For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 794-8531.    

 

Christmas Show              

Come and enjoy a day in New York City on Sunday, November 11th. The day will include the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall and time to look around the city.  The bus will depart from the Municipal Center at 7:00 am for a 10:00 am show.  Departure from the city will be at 4:00 pm to allow time for seeing some of New York’s sights.  Be sure to make your reservations early, as tickets are limited to 50.  You will also receive a free Christmas ornament at Radio City for every ticket purchased.

Program #5259                  Fee: $85.00

 **Please note there is no Senior Discount for this trip.

 

 

The Bethel Historical Society Presents Tricks & Treats from Halloweens Past

Sunday October 28^th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, appropriate for ages 5-8

We invite children, ghosts & goblins, young & old, to experience games, crafts, tricks & treats from Halloweens of past eras. We’ll be bobbing for apples, having fortunes read in the parlor, creating vintage ornaments for spooky trees, decorating and eating bat cookies and having all types of spirited fun.  Click here for flyer.

 

On Wednesday October 31^st, the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat Night will be taking place in the Big Y Shopping Plaza on Stony Hill Rd.  The event takes place between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm and is a Safe alternative to traditional trick or treating.  There will be music, food, and spooky fun! 

For complete details on both events visit www.bethelchamber.com

 

Halloween Pancake Breakfast at the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department

Sunday, October 28, 2012,  9 am to Noon

Come In Costume!

Big Prizes, including a Kindle, Flat Screen TV, and an iPad!

All proceeds go toward the Ambulance Fund.  Sponsored by the Stony Hill Four Corners Association.  Click here for flyer.

 

Ann’s Place Festival of Trees Presents - 5th Annual LEGO® ARTISTS CHALLENGE & MY FRIEND AND ME TEA

Saturday, November 17th – Sunday, November 18th

Click here for flyer.

 

The Bethel Public Library is pleased to offer a free music program on Friday, October 26th 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 in 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.

 

The Revolutionary War comes to Putnam Park.  On Saturday, November 3rd from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at Putnam Park there will be a Revolutionary War Camp at Putnam Park. There will be the roaring of a cannon, gun powder smoke from a mock battlefield skirmish, drill demonstrations, and drill instruction for kids. You will be able to observe army camp life and meet the reenactors. On sale will be food by the Bethel Boy Scouts and hand-crafted colonial items. The event is free but donations are encouraged.

Putnam Park is located at the junction of Rt. 107 and Rt 58 in Redding, CT.
The event will be held rain or shine. Contact number is 203-938-2357 Click here for flyer.

 

2012 - 2013  Family  Friendly  Hikes  &  Activities,  Sponsored by The  Bethel  Land  Trust

All activities will be held on the 2^nd 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.

 

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 22nd, 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

 

Check out what's on BEtv this weekend! Learn how to help our students have a Kinder & Gentler Tomorrow, one without Bullying. Also, an all new Halloween safety show from BMS-tv and find out who's been inducted into the BHS Athletic Hall of Fame! Remember you can always check our full line up 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

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/weather/school-closings/

Click on Get Text or Email Alerts

 

WTNH Channel 8

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

http://www.wtnh.com/subindex/weather/storm_closings

Click on Alerts on Your Phone

 

 

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.