Bethel Public Schools

What is Parent University?

Parent University is a FREE educational program, offered by Bethel Public Schools, for parents and caregivers. Parent University provides parents and caregivers the opportunity to gain a better understanding about what their children are learning and become a full partner in their child's education. 

The Parent University workshops will educate, involve, and empower Pre-Kindergarten thru Grade Twelve parents and caregivers. They will focus on well-being and social issues, curriculum, instruction and assessment.

How does Parent University work?

Parent University offers a three hour evening event in February and additional workshops throughout the year at our schools. 

At the event in February, Parent University offers four workshops and a featured guest speaker. Attendees will be able to attend the guest speaker’s presentation and two of the workshops offered that evening.

What workshops are offered?

Parent University Event - February 5, 2013

 ~Parents, Caregivers, Professionals and Community~

 You are cordially invited to the 1st Annual Bethel Public Schools Parent University Event.

These free workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 5 from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at

Bethel Middle School, 600 Whittlesey Ave, Bethel.

Refreshments and free childcare will be provided.

 Featuring Guest Speaker - Jonathan Costa

 Jonathan Costa is the author of Digital Learning for All NOW. He is the Director of School and Program Services for Education Connection, a regional education service center in Lichfield, CT.  A former public and private school social studies teacher, educational consultant, and Board of Education member, his current responsibilities include supervision of the highly regarded "Center for 21st Century Skills."  Jonathan has done extensive work with districts on strategic and technology planning, and he is now deeply involved in preparing districts for the major changes in teacher and administrator supervision and evaluation.  He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences, and he has published articles in Educational Leadership as well as diverse publications such as Runner's World.  Jonathan is a lively and very knowledgeable speaker who challenges parents, teachers, and administrators to envision instructional in which technology transforms the classroom! 

Event Schedule

5:30-6:00

Registration/Refreshments/Child Drop-off in BMS Gym

 6:00-6:15

Welcome

BMS Auditorium

Dr. Janice Jordan, Associate Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools

 6:15-7:00

Transformational 21st Century Digital Learning

BMS Auditorium

Guest Speaker: Jonathan Costa, Author of Digital Learning for All NOW

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7:00-7:15 Refreshments

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7:15-8:00

Building Your Child’s Confidence Workshop

(Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 3)

Enabling vs. Empowering Workshop

(Grades 4-8)

Smarter Balanced Assessments Workshop

(Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 12)

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8:00-8:15 Refreshments

~

 8:15-9:00

Blended Learning Workshop

(Grades 4-12)

Course Specific Tips Workshop

(Kindergarten-Grade 12)

If you are interested in attending, please register online at http://www.doodle.com/8tqbzth2prfct77b

 or contact Karen Alongi at alongik@bethel.k12.ct.us or (203) 794-8613.

Parent University Event is sponsored by: Bethel Public Schools Central PTO

Families of Kindergarten-Grade 3 Students

This year we will be offering a series of parent workshops coordinated by our School Social Worker, Katharine MacDonald, along with some of our specialists such as our Behavior Analyst, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists. 

These workshops will provide opportunities to meet with other parents and some of our district specialists in order to learn new strategies, ask questions, and take part in discussions about how to successfully navigate the developmental issues faced by parents with young children. 

• Teaching Children Positive Social Skills - February 7^th @ 9:15am in the Rockwell  School Cafeteria

• Encouraging Effective Communication at Home - March 21^st @ 9:15am in the Berry School Cafeteria

• Facilitating Good Eating Habits - May 21^st @ 9:15am in the Rockwell  School Cafeteria

If you are interested in attending, please contact School Social Worker, Katharine MacDonald, to sign up at macdonaldk@bethel.k12.ct.us or (203) 794-8679.

Families of Bethel Middle School Students

• Avoiding Summer Fever…The Fourth Quarter Dip - 4th quarter (date tbd) at Bethel Middle School

If you are interested in attending, please contact Heather Michalski to sign up at

michalskih@bethel.k12.ct.us or (203) 794-8670.

Families and Students of Bethel High School

• Curriculum Night - January 17, 2013 at Bethel High School

• Junior Next Step Meeting - January 29, 2013 at Bethel High School

• College and Career Readiness: What every student and family needs to know -  March 7, 2013 at Bethel High School

You do not need to sign up to attend these workshops.