Bethel Springs Elementary School
March 11, 2019
Education Committee Meeting at BSES on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:00 PM
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, March 13th 1:00-3:30PM
Thursday, March 14th 12:00PM-8:00PM
Friday, March 15th 8:00-3:30PM
We greatly appreciate the high level of participation of BSES parents in conferences!
Additional Security Measures in GV Elementary Schools
Dear School Community,
Garnet Valley School District is pleased to announce that we will begin using the Raptor Visitor Management System in all of our schools to strengthen our program of campus safety for students and faculty. Although Raptor is already used at the secondary level, all elementary schools will begin implementation after spring break. Part of keeping students and faculty safe is knowing who is in our buildings at all times, and the Raptor system will allow us to do that. The Raptor system will better allow us to screen visitors, contractors, and volunteers in our schools and provide us with a safer environment for our students and staff.
Upon entering a district building, visitors will be asked to present an ID such as a Driver’s License, which can either be scanned or manually entered into the system. If a parent or guardian for any reason does not have a US government-issued ID, the school staff member can use any form of identification and manually enter the person’s name into the Raptor system. The Raptor system will check to ensure that registered sexual offenders are not entering our school campuses without our knowledge. The Raptor system checks the visitor's name and date of birth for comparison with a national database of registered sex offenders. The registered sex offender database is the only official database checked by the Raptor system. No other data from the ID is gathered or recorded and the information is not shared with any outside agency. Once entry is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of his/her visit. A visitor’s badge will not be necessary for those who visit our schools simply to drop off an item in the office or pick up paperwork.
The safety of our students is our highest priority and the Raptor visitor management system allows us to quickly identify those that may present a danger to our students. Thank you in advance for your understanding and your support in enhancing the school safety protocols in our district. Especially at the elementary level, our principals will continue to communicate with parents as we implement the system after spring break.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Bertrando, Superintendent
Garnet Valley School District
Internet Safety Awareness
“Momo Challenge” - Social Media Internet Hoax
Many news agencies have recently reported on a social media hoax called the “Momo Challenge.” This viral ghost story has been found embedded in children’s media on several platforms including Facebook, YouTube and YouTube Kids. Children might see it when clips are embedded by hackers and might also see popular YouTube stars talking about this challenge in reaction to what has been embedded.
Some of our students have been talking about the “Momo Challenge.” We encourage them to speak with adults questions about what they see online. However, it is not expected for them to talk about this hoax to scare other students. We do not know if students have actually seen any videos or are talking about what has been in the news. We have not received any reports of students engaging in dangerous activities related to this.
This is, again, another opportunity to talk with our students about internet safety. We always want to remind our students to not share any personal information on the internet, to only accept messages from people they know, and to be sure they understand their parents’ expectations when connected online.
Here are additional resources about the “Momo Challenge”:
CNN Article
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/28/health/momo-challenge-youtube-trnd/index.html
Forbes Article
National (UK) Online Safety
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents/
Additional tips that we share with students when we discuss digital citizenship are below:
Treat people the way you hope to be treated.
Communicate responsibly & kindly with one another.
Keep private information private.
Respect others’ privacy.
Stand up and speak up against cyberbullying.
Think about the future…
Thank you for your support.
Safe Touch Lessons March 25-27
PSSA Testing Dates for Students in Grades 3, 4, 5
Math: April 29,30
Science (Grade 4 only): May 1, 2
Make-up Dates: April 29-May 3
It is important that students be present in school during testing dates. Thank you.
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE PARENTS!! Check out the links below for all things 5th Grade!!
5th Grade Yearbook - Cover Contest Submissions (Due by Friday, March 29th)
Students are invited to submit artwork to be featured on the covers of the 2018-2019 yearbook. Those selected win a free copy of the yearbook!
Yearbook Cover Contest Submission Form
5th Grade Yearbook and Video - Picture Submissions (Due by Friday, March 22nd)
In the yearbook, we will feature a photo of each 5th Grade student as a baby or toddler. We will also be creating a commemorative video showing the Class of 2026 moving from kindergarten through the 5th grade. For more info and to submit pictures, please check out these links:
5th Grade Yearbook/Video Informational Letter
Google Form for Baby Picture/Group Photo Submission
5th Grade Yearbook - Questionnaire Submissions (Due by Friday, March 22nd)
The responses to this questionnaire will be featured next to the current portrait and baby picture for each 5th Grade student in the yearbook.
Google Form for 5th Grade Questionnaire
All of this info and more as it’s updated can be found on the HSA Website on the 5th Grade Events and Submission Page.
March Fitness Challenge
BSES Performs the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29 at 7:00 PM!
Link to Bethel Springs Weekly Announcements on Website!
School Calendar
https://bses.garnetvalleyschools.com/calendar
The link for the calendar "School Calendar" is in the drop-down menu under "Our School" on the Bethel Springs website.
Field Day T-shirt Design Contest
BSES Night at Cal Tor! Wednesday 3/13 4-8PM
Jaguar Color Dash
Please Read These Important Announcements from the BSES HSA!
Dollar Dining at California Tortilla: The HSA will be hosting a Spirit Night at California Tortilla (200 Town Center Drive, Glen Mills) this Wednesday, March 13th from 4pm-8pm. The kids have a ½ day of school, so we figured we would save you the trouble of having to cook that night :) Check out the FLYER, and make sure to say “Bethel Springs” when you are placing your order so that the BSES HSA receives 25% of your total. Tell your friends and family too!!
Field Day T-Shirt Design Contest: Forms are being sent home for the 2019 Field Day T-Shirt contest. This year’s theme is Greece! If you would like to get a jump start on designing your next Field Day T-Shirt click HERE! Please limit designs to only 3 colors! Forms are due by Friday, March 29th. Order forms for T-Shirts will be sent home soon! Stay tuned!
Jaguar Color Dash - Raffle Prize Donations: We are reaching out to BSES families that may have a relationship with local sports teams that could potentially support the Jaguar Color Dash. Perhaps you work for, or have season tickets to, our favorite home teams like the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, Wings, or Union. Consider whether you can donate a set of tickets or a sports swag item as a prize to be raffled off as a reward for student fundraising. If you are interested in contributing or have any questions, please contact Renata Brooks.
And SAVE THE DATE for the Jaguar Color Dash Kick Off Meeting for parents which will be held on April 29th in the BSES Library! Come find out how you can help and how the funds raised will be used to revitalize the library. We hope to see you there!
Volunteer Spotlight:
Nature Trail: Thank you to the He Family for taking such great care of the Nature Trail this past week!
Stocks Pound Cake Fundraiser: Our first Stock’s pound cake sale was a huge success! We actually had to stop taking orders due to the high demand! The fundraiser would not have been as successful without all over our wonderful volunteers! Thanks to Lora Barber (committee lead), Carrie Douglas, Stephanie DerOhannessian, Melissa Iannucci, and Julie Sharp for not only organizing the fundraiser but also standing out in the snow and delivering the pound cakes!
Reminder: If you have not picked up your pound cakes, please contact Lora Barber to do so!
Volunteers Needed
Our volunteers are the heart of our school activities! If you are looking to get more involved in spring events (specifically the book fair) or in future activities please reach out to get more information! We have vacancies on the HSA Board for the 2019-2020 school year and are looking for individuals to fill positions or co-chair positions. Please contact BSES HSA for more information. Any help is appreciated :)
Upcoming Dates:
March 13 ½ Day for Students (Grades 1-5)
March 13 Spirit Day at California Tortilla in Glen Mills (4pm-8pm)
March 14-15 NO SCHOOL (Parent Teacher Conferences)
March 22 5th Grade Yearbook - Baby/Group Pictures and Questionnaires Due
March 28-29 Bethel Springs presents Flat Stanley Jr!
March 29 Field Day T-Shirt Design Contest Submissions Due
March 29 5th Grade Yearbook - Cover Contest Submissions Due
April 3 Oasis Family Fun Night
April 4 Spring Picture Day
For the most up to date information check the HSA Website: BSES HSA
Follow us on social media-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bseshsa/
Instagram: @bethel_springs_hsa
Twitter: @bseshsa1
Garnet Valley STEAM Night!
Garnet Valley STEAM Night: Thursday, March 21st at Garnet Valley High School
(5:15 to 5:45 arrive and sign in, 5:45 - 8:30 welcome and activities)
Garnet Valley STEAM Club is hosting STEAM night to introduce students across the district to STEAM and its related fields and topics. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math; This event will also introduce students to STEAM thought process. Both parents and children are welcome to attend, but prior sign up is necessary. Space is the theme for the event and people who sign-up will be able to attend the Expo Center and a corresponding activity track. The Expo Center will have student and company presentations such as Mathnasium and Boeing. Let's shoot for the stars together at STEAM night 2019.
Discover Greece!
This Week's Fact About Greece: Greece is the birthplace of democracy. No one in Greece can choose to not vote. Voting is required by law for every citizen who is 18 or older.
ARCHIVE OF FACTS ABOUT GREECE
GREEK FACT FROM 9-10-18
https://www.smore.com/zjy34GREEK FACT FROM 9-17-18
GREEK FACT FROM 9-24-18
GREEK FACT FROM 10-1-18
GREEK FACT FROM 10-8-18
GREEK FACT FROM 10-15-18
GREEK FACT FROM 10-22-18
GREEK FACT FROM 10-29-18
GREEK FACT FROM 11-5-18
GREEK FACT FROM 11-12-18
GREEK FACT FROM 11-21-18
GREEK FACT FROM 11-26-18
GREEK FACT FROM 12-3-18
GREEK FACT FROM 12-10-18
GREEK FACT FROM 12-17-18
GREEK FACT FROM 12-31-18
GREEK FACT FROM 1-7-19
GREEK FACT FROM 1-14-19
GREEK FACT FROM 1-21-19
GREEK FACT FROM 1-28-19
GREEK FACT FROM 2-4-19
GREEK FACT FROM 2-11-19
GREEK FACT FROM 2-18-19
GREEK FACT FROM 2-25-19
GREEK FACT FROM 3-4-19
GVSD First Annual Music Gala!
On Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 3pm, the Garnet Valley School District Music Department will hold our first annual Music Gala Concert. The purpose of the concert is three-fold:
1) To highlight and celebrate our outstanding music students from grades K-12.
2) To celebrate National Music-in-our-Schools Month (March).
3) To raise funds for Musicopia, a Philadelphia non-profit organization that provides music education and musical instruments to underserved local communities.
We invite you to help support our worthy cause by purchasing tickets and attending the concert. Adult admission is $15.00, free admission for children and performing students. You may purchase tickets at our website www.gvhsmusic.org/musicgala
Important Dates Coming Up!
March 12: Education Committee Meting at BSES 6:00 PM
March 13, 14, 15: Parent/Teacher Conferences
March 22: Pretzel Friday
March 25-29: Safe Touch Lessons
March 28-29: BSES School Play "The Musical Adventure of Flat Stanley"
March 29 Second Trimester Progress Reports Emailed Through Alma
April 4: Spring Picture Day
April 15-19 and 22: Spring Break Students return on Tuesday, April 23rd