BETHKE BISON BULLETIN
September 16, 2018
Bethke Elementary
Email: carrielowery@katyisd.org
Website: www.katyisd.org/campus/cbe/Pages
Location: 4535 East Ventana Parkway, Katy, TX, United States
Phone: 281-234-4200
Facebook: facebook.com/BethkeElementary
Twitter: @BethkeElem
Bison Time Begins!
On Friday of this week, we will have our first Bison Time of this year. Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students have been grouped according to a survey they filled out that asked about their interest. Students are placed with other 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in groups with a teacher facilitator. They will work collaboratively each Friday from 8:30-9:30 to create a good or service related to their interest that will benefit some aspect of our community.
This is a favorite time for both our students and teachers, and I know your Bison will enjoy this time of collaboration and self-discovery.
Our Kinder, First and Second Graders will also have the opportunity to experience different interest each week during this time. They will get to choose which activity they would like to participate in, and move to those on their grade level.
We would like to especially thank our PTA for their support of our Bison Time Program!
Adding Additional Classes (3rd Grade--Notes Home, 2nd Grade--Notes Coming!)
Our campus continues to grow! Our enrollment is over 1,330 students at this time. Due to these numbers we have exceeded the appropriate staff to student ratios in most of our grade levels.
We will be adding classrooms in the following grade levels: Kinder, Second, 2 in Third, 2 in Fourth and 2 in Fifth.
Third Grade Parents should have received notes from their students on Friday. We will be adding one class on Tuesday! Second Grade Parents will receive a letter on Monday with information about the addition of the new second grade class.
Surprise! We appreciate the Katy Rotary Club & Volunteers for this addition to our playground!
Meet our Kinder, First and 5th Grade Assistant Principal, Kelley Carr!
I have been an active member of the Katy Independent School District for the past twenty-four years; I have also served an additional two years in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. I spent ten years as a classroom teacher – first and third grades. My journey also includes years as a Specials teacher (Reading through Technology), Instructional Technology Facilitator, Instructional Coach (both English/Language Arts/Social Studies & Math/Science), and most recently an Assistant Principal. To say that I have enjoyed learning and growing in each capacity would be an understatement. I truly feel that I have been blessed to partner with some of the brightest learners/leaders on multiple Katy ISD campuses!
The elementary years are important and critical times for students. What happens these years will have a lasting impression on their growth and development. I know this to be true because my own child is a Cinco Ranch High School/Katy ISD 2016 graduate. My son, Austin, attends college in Michigan, majoring in mechanical engineering. He was absolutely prepared for this challenging college coursework due to the strong academic base provided by Katy ISD. Rest assured your learner has a wonderful future ahead with what Bethke Elementary/Katy ISD curriculum will provide.
It is my pleasure to work closely with our Kindergarten, First Grade, and Fifth Grade families. My goal as Assistant Principal is to provide the leadership and inspiration that will facilitate a school environment that is safe and supportive, in order for our learners to receive the best possible journey. I believe Bethke Elementary is a place our students grow academically and socially. It has been such a joy to partner with so many of our Bethke families the last two years. Our learners are making amazing things happen due to partnerships between students, families, and educators!
I can’t wait to learn more about our new Bethke families! If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Meet our 2nd , 3rd and 4th Grade Assistant Principal, Mr. Fruge!
It is my pleasure to serve as one of your Assistant Principals at Bethke Elementary. I look forward to the continued relationships established with our families and school community, and welcome the new families who will join us this school year.
This fall marks my tenth year as an educator and third year at Bethke Elementary. I graduated from Tarleton State University with a B.B.A. in Business Management, and met my wife, Amanda of 15 years, while there. I returned to school twice more, earning my teaching credentials and most recently, my Masters of Education from Lamar University. I taught special education in a neighboring school district, and in Katy ISD, before becoming Assistant Principal at Bethke in 2016. Education is in my genes; my parents are both retired school administrators, and teachers, and my sister is a current educator in the DFW area.
My family and I have lived in Katy for the past 10 years. My wife and I visited Katy in 2001, and decided it would be the perfect place to raise a family. After many visits, we settled in Katy during the summer of 2008, and started our family. We have two children, Addison and Anden, and they currently attend our neighborhood elementary school here in Katy ISD. We have made Katy our home and enjoy our community around us.
My goal and commitment for our students at Bethke is to help create a firm educational foundation to launch them towards a successful future! I value your partnership and appreciate your support. I am open to any feedback you may have in order for our students to have the best learning experience possible!
Lunch Visitors!
Limit visits to birthdays or a maximum visit of once per week
Visitors limited to a maximum of 3 per student and must be persons who meet KISD visitor guidelines for elementary students.
Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and days before holidays, whenever possible
Sit side by side at the visitor tables to provide maximum seating availability
Visitors must sit with their child only at a table designated for visitors
Due to Safety Rules, and guidelines from the Fire Marshall we cannot allow visitors sitting on the floor
Since our first obligation is to provide optimal seating for students, we will continue to monitor the number of visitors at lunch. If we continue to experience overcrowding with lunch visitors, we will consider implementing additional guidelines to ensure adequate seating during student lunches. We are hopeful that if all parents follow the requests listed above, our school will continue to have daily seating available for all who wish to have lunch with their child/ren. Thank you for your patience as our Bethke family continues to grow.
Upcoming Events:
Sept 19th-- Progress Reports Go Home
Sept 20th-- WATCH DOG Kick off 5:30
Sept 21st-- Bison Time Begins!
Sept 27th-- Kinder PE Night 5:30
Sept 28th-- Specials Day Tuesday
Oct 1st--Principal's Coffee @ 9:00 come meet and talk with Mrs. Lowery
Oct 1st -CAT Campus Advisory Team Meeting @4:00
Oct 3rd--Core Essential Day--Contentment--wear Light Blue
Oct 8th--EARLY DISMISSAL @12:40 for Parent Conferences
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Information
A safe learning environment for all Katy ISD students and staff is our top priority. Throughout this school year, you will see an increased focus on building awareness and enhancing systems that support both the physical and emotional well-being of all our children. This includes our video series on bullying prevention and intervention. Check out our latest video, “What Does Bullying Look Like?.” More information about policies and procedures related to bullying can be found here.
Bethke Staff Shout Outs!
We have a wonderful staff here at Bethke. Why not give a "Shout Out!" to a staff member who deserves celebrating? Click on the link below!