Bethel Schools District Newsletter
February 2024
Bethel Public Schools
(405) 273-3633
Administration
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent
BLE Office Staff
Jenny Affentranger, BLE Principal
affentrangerj@bethel.k12.ok.us
Mandy Sulphur, BLE Counselor
Lou Castoe, BLE Secretary
BUES Office Staff:
Tammy Cook, BUES Principal
Bethany Lee, BUES Counselor
Dana Campbell, BUES Secretary
BMS Office Staff
Tina Moon, BMS Principal
Kyle Childers, BMS Asst. Principal, Transportation Director
Leslie Wellman, Counselor
Marjorie Harris, Secretary
BHS Office Staff
Jeremy Stewart, BHS Principal
Courtney Howser, BHS Asst. Principal/Counselor
Linsy Ingmire, Counselor
Diane Taron, Secretary
Athletic Department
Jennifer Lynch, Athletic Director
Mandy Campbell, Athletic Secretary
District Information
Superintendent's Message
Dear Bethel Community,
As we embark on a new month filled with possibilities and opportunities, I want to take a moment to extend words of encouragement, hope, and respect to each and every one of you. February is a time of reflection, growth, and celebration.
First, I want to emphasize the importance of self-compassion when facing challenges and setbacks. Inevitably, we will encounter obstacles along our respective journeys, but it is essential to be kind and forgiving to ourselves. Treat your own hearts and minds with the same understanding and support you would offer to a dear friend. Remember that mistakes do not define your worth; rather, they are steps towards personal growth and development.
In this spirit, let us celebrate not only the final outcomes but also the progress we make along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, deserves appreciation and recognition. By acknowledging the smallest successes and appreciating the efforts put forth, we build the confidence and motivation necessary to continue striving for greatness.
Moreover, seeking feedback and support from others can offer fresh insights and guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues who can provide constructive feedback and advice. Remember, we are never alone on our journeys. Together, we can learn from our experiences and grow stronger as a community.
This month, let us spread kindness and compassion throughout our halls, classrooms, and beyond. Let us recognize that everyone contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our school community, and that our diversity is what makes us strong. Embrace the differences among us, and foster an environment of acceptance, and respect.
Finally, I want to express my utmost gratitude to our students, staff, and community members for your unwavering dedication and commitment. Your hard work, passion, and resilience are truly inspiring. It is through our collective efforts that we create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
So, as we embark on February's journey together, let us remember to be kind, courageous, and open-minded. Let us celebrate growth, embrace challenges, and view failure as an opportunity for learning. May this month be filled with joy, progress, and endless possibilities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent
January- School Board Recognition Month
Dedicated to public education, school board members across the state are committed to providing every opportunity possible to students in their community. January was School Board Recognition Month, providing local schools and communities the chance to honor Oklahoma’s more than 2,500 elected school board members for their dedication and service.
Bethel currently has five school board members: David Elmore, Kevin Roland, Susan Watson, Brandon Bussell, and P.J. Gibson.
Our school board members not only share their time but their vision and voice to shape the direction of Oklahoma public education. We are proud of our school board members and the dedication they have to making our district the best it can be. School Board Recognition Month is the time to say thank you and celebrate the accomplishments of our elected board members.
In Bethel, school board members develop policies and must make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community. They bear the responsibility of managing an annual budget of $11,784,393.00 for approximately 1183 students, 150 employees and multiple buildings throughout the school campus.
Special thanks and appreciation to our board members for giving of their time to help provide the best school possible for the students, staff, and community of Bethel.
Bethel School Receives Donation
We are thrilled to recognize Jim Sparks and Sparks Heat and Air for their donation of a Chevrolet Heavy Duty utility truck to the maintenance department at Bethel Public Schools. This incredible contribution will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our maintenance team as they work tirelessly to keep our school facilities in top-notch condition.
The addition of this utility truck to our maintenance fleet will enable our team to transport equipment and supplies more efficiently, allowing them to complete their tasks promptly and effectively. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the overall maintenance operations and help ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all.
We are incredibly grateful to Sparks Heat and Air for their unwavering support and investment in our students' education. Their donation reflects their commitment to our community's success and reinforces the importance of collaboration between local businesses and schools.
On behalf of Bethel Public Schools, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Sparks Heat and Air for their outstanding generosity. We value their partnership and look forward to continuing working together to create an exceptional learning environment for our students.
Bethel Schools Receive Mental Health First Aid Training
Staff members at Bethel Public Schools participated in Youth Mental Health First Aid training on Friday, February 23, 2024 as part of the additional professional development training offered during the 2023-2024 school year. The Brandon Whitten Institute at East Central University in Ada provided the training to approximately 120 Bethel certified and support staff in addition to building-level administrators.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. This training teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors and health and human services workers and any other adult how to support an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. More than three million people across the United States have been trained in MHFA by thousands of dedicated Instructors.
Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. Team coordinator, Angela Sliger says "Equipping teachers with Mental Health First Aid training is like giving them a powerful tool kit – one that goes beyond lesson plans and textbooks, allowing them to create a safe and supportive space where students' mental well-being is as valued as their academic success."
The faculty, staff, and administration at Bethel Public Schools appreciate the Brandon Whitten Institute and their team of dedicated instructors for taking the time to spend the day providing this valuable training. For more information or to participate in a local Mental Health First Aid training, contact the Brandon Whitten Institute at East Central University at 580-559-5819 or email at asliger@ecok.edu.
Celebrating Bray Bussell's Achievement: 1,000 Career Points in Basketball
We are excited to recognize and celebrate Bray Bussell on reaching a significant milestone in his basketball career – scoring 1000 points! This impressive achievement is a testament to Bray's hard work, dedication, and talent on the court.
Bray has been a key player on our school's basketball team for the past four years, consistently demonstrating his skill and leadership both on and off the court. His commitment to the sport and his teammates has not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly proud of his accomplishment.
Reaching 1000 career points in basketball is no small feat, and it speaks to Bray's exceptional abilities as a player. His determination and passion for the game have propelled him to this milestone, and we have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his future endeavors.
Bray's achievement is a source of inspiration for everyone, reminding us of the power of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. We are honored to have Bray as a member of our school community, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes with him in the future.
Congratulations, Bray, on reaching 1000 career points in basketball! Your dedication and skill are truly admirable, and we are excited to see where your talents take you next. Keep up the fantastic work, and know that the entire school and Bethel community is cheering you on every step of the way.
McGehee Reaches 1,500 Point Milestone in Basketball
We are thrilled to announce that BHS junior Josie McGehee has reached a scoring milestone of 1,500 points in basketball! Her dedication, hard work, and exceptional skill have propelled her to this incredible achievement, and we couldn't be more proud of her.
Josie's passion for the game and relentless drive to improve have not only led to personal success but have also inspired her teammates and our school community. Her leadership on and off the court is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have her as a part of our Lady Wildcat team.
As Josie continues to excel in her athletic endeavors, we look forward to witnessing her future successes and achievements. Congratulations, Josie, on this remarkable milestone – your talent and determination are truly admirable.
Basketball Homecoming 2024
Bethel Public Schools' basketball homecoming last Friday, February 2nd was a night to remember! The gymnasium was buzzing with excitement as students, parents, alumni and community members came together to support our school teams and celebrate school spirit.
The highlight of the evening was the homecoming coronation ceremony, where the homecoming court was presented, and R.J. Morris and Brooklyn Duff were crowned king and queen. The homecoming court included:
Freshman Attendant: Bailey Tucker -Escort: Maddox Davis
Sophomore Attendant: Alexis Tucker- Escort: Darius Cheatham
Junior Attendant: Paityn Seiger- Escort: Austin Brown
Sr. Candidate: Marlee Affentranger- Escort: Bray Bussell
Sr. Candidate: Casey Brock -Escort: Jake Stephenson
Sr. Candidate: Brooklyn Duff- Escort: R.J. Morris
Returning 2023 Queen: Hannah Davidson- Escort: Cale Duncan
Flower Girl: J.J. Jennings & Crown Bearer: Wyatt Fitzgerald- Escort: Kevin Thornburg
In addition to the coronation ceremony, the event featured a thrilling game between Bethel and Tecumseh. The crowd was on their feet cheering on our athletes as they battled it out on the court. It was truly a night filled with school pride and camaraderie. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our student athletes and make the basketball homecoming event a success. Let's continue to show our support for Bethel Public Schools and create lasting memories together at future events!
Table of Contents
LMHP- Mrs. Darcey Adamek, LPC
Social Media, is it harmful?
Social media plays a big role in teen culture today. Surveys show that 90% of teens ages 13-17 have used social media, 75% resort to having at least one active social media profile, and 51% report visiting devices with internet capabilities. On average, teens are online almost nine hours a day, not including time for homework.
There are positive aspects of social media but also potential risks. It is important for parents to help their teens use these sites responsibly. The following are potential benefits and risks of social media
Benefits
Staying connected to friends
Meeting new friends with shared interests
Finding community and support for specific activities
Sharing artwork or music
Exploring and expressing themselves
Risks
Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
Exposure to dangerous people
Cyber bullying
Oversharing personal information
Interference with sleep, exercise, homework, or family activities
It is important to talk with your child about their social media use and your family rules. These could include consequences for too much use, inappropriate use, and whether you will be monitoring their online activities. Consider following your child’s social media accounts, having no screen times during certain parts of the day, ensuring privacy settings are turned on, and instructing teens not to share full names, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, passwords, and bank information.
The video attached are 4 tips for parents regarding social media use.
Mrs. Darcey Adamek, M.S., LPC, LMHP
Bethel Schools Licensed Mental Health Provider
405-273-7632 ext. 8194
Early Intervention Screening coming soon!
In February Bethel Schools will be participating in an Early Intervention Screener (EIS) for our Kdg.-12th grade students as part of Project Respect. Your student will be bringing home a permission slip in order to participate in the screening. The EIS screening is used to assess the mental health needs of the student, and to provide prevention programs to students. The Kdg-4th grade teachers will complete the screener for their students. The 5th grade-12th grade students will complete the screening themselves at school. Attached are the questions that will be asked for the screener. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Adamek at 405-273-7632 ext. 8194.
Bethel Lower Elementary
February Masters of Manners
Congratulations to our February Masters of Manners! They were recognized at Wednesday with Wilbur on February 8th for being a team player!
SchoolStore Campaign
Thank you, BLE families, for supporting our SchoolStore campaign! Our students enjoyed earning their stuffed animal slap band mystery prizes. Our teachers were donated $4,620 in gift cards, and our site profited $653.33!
BHS Basketball HOCO
The BLE had the cutest 1st graders in Bethel High School’s basketball homecoming! Mr. Wyatt Fitzgerald and Miss JJ Jennings sure looked fabulous! Congratulations to Miss Brooklyn Duff on winning HOCO Queen!
Dental Awareness Month
BLE's 100th Day of School
Kindergarten's 101 Days of School
Give Kids a Smile Day
Dr. Brian Drew DDS hosted Give Kids a Smile Day for the BLE. Dr. Drew and his staff saw 38 students and completed $17,000 worth of dental work!
Bethel Upper Elementary
BUES NEWS
Bethel Upper Elementary School Newsletter
February 2024
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY – VIRTUAL DAY FOR STUDENTS – JANUARY 26
PARENT CONFERENCES – February 15 from 3:00-9:00.
Please sign up with your child’s teacher for conferences.
NO SCHOOL on February 16-19. Students return on February 20.
As the spring semester begins, please remember how important attendance and academics are to being successful at state testing time. Please remember to help your child be here daily and on time, to read with them daily, and to make sure they get all homework done. Those students that miss even a portion of the day miss instruction which adversely affects their academic success. Studies indicate that parental involvement helps to make students succeed academically.
PRE-ENROLLMENT PACKETS FOR THE 2024-2025 WILL BE SENT HOME IN FEBRUARY. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT PACKETS IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON A CLASS LIST FOR NEXT YEAR.
PRE-ENROLLMENT PACKETS ARE DUE ON FEBRUARY 29.
STATE TESTING IS APRIL 15 – MAY 15
Please try not to schedule appointments during the testing window. Your teacher will be sending out specific testing schedules for each grade level.
The Wednesday Parent Communication Folders go home every Wednesday. Please remember to check all materials in the folder and sign and return to your child’s teacher the following day. All important information will be in the folder each week.
ATTENDANCE is a must for a student to be successful academically. Please have your child to school each day and on time. Those students that miss even a portion of the day miss instruction which adversely affects their academic success.
Remember to please not drop your child off at school prior to 7:35 a.m. and make all after school transportation arrangements PRIOR to school. Calls to the office to let your child know how to get home are a big disruption to the classroom and the learning environment.
Please remember to “like” the Bethel Upper Elementary Facebook page. We post important information on the site. Also, parent communications will be sent via email and text. If you have not received any emails or texts, please contact Mrs. Campbell at Ext 1100 to update your information.
PTO POPCORN DAY
We will continue to have PTO POPCORN DAY at the Upper Elementary once per month. If you would like your child to participate, please send $1.00 on the following dates:
January 25, February 29, March 28, and April 25
5th Grade Music Program "IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE"
BETHEL UPPER ELEMENTARY MATH HOOPS
4th GRADE BIOGRAPHIES
Bethel Middle School
Bethel High School
OPNA Survey
On February 21, 2024, the 10th and 12th grade students will be taking the OPNA survey. The letter below was handed out to students and emailed through ParentSquare.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center
How to apply for the 2024-2025 school year
If any 10th or 11th-grade students have not applied, they need to do so quickly. The application will stay open through March, but interviews happen in February. To get a guaranteed interview, students must apply by February 20, 2024. Current GCTC students do not reapply.
Please use the link below to apply -
https://www.gctech.edu/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1986308&type=d&pREC_ID=2269628
Applicant Interviews
Students who have applied to GCTC will be interviewed on February 27, 2024. Interview time slots are posted on the board outside Mrs. Ingmire's office.
~ Students who have applied but are going to be gone for the band competition will be interviewed on February 26, 2024 in the library.
*REQUIRED MEETING FOR APPLICANTS AND GUARDIANS*
If your student has applied to GCTC for next year, the student, guardian, and Mrs. Ingmire will need to meet to review the student's plan of study. These meetings take about 15 minutes and can be held in person or by phone. The plan of study meetings are for applicants only, current GCTC students do not need to meet. The link below is the time slots available to meet.
Class of 2025 Information
Spring Test Dates
Other Junior Information
Entries for the CVEC Oklahoma Youth Tour must include the application, a resume or list of activities and honors, and a short answer essay "If selected, what are you most excited to see, and what does it mean to you?"
*DEADLINE IS 5pm Friday, February 23, 2023. Entries must be received via mail or email.
Please see Mrs. Ingmire for a copy of the application.
Register at https://apply.osuokc.edu/register/juniorday24
Class of 2024 Information
Scholarships offered to Bethel High School Students
In March, several scholarships will be offered to Bethel High School seniors. The Kyle Lewis Memorial Scholarship, Yeisley (FFA students only), and the Bethel 4H/FFA Booster Club scholarships. All of these scholarships are earmarked for BHS seniors only. Messages will be sent out on Remind and sent to parents via ParentSquare when they are released.
The Rotary Club scholarship will also be offered at this time. This scholarship is only offered to Shawnee, NRC, Dale, and Bethel students. Please consider applying to all of the scholarships that you qualify to apply to.
Register at https://ou.edu/newsooner
Cap and Gown
If you have not already purchased your cap and gown, you need to quickly. The later the order is placed, the more shipping and handling will cost. If a student is financially not able to purchase a cap and gown, please see Mrs. Ingmire.
Purchase Cap and Gowns using the link below.
Quotes and Baby Pictures
If you have not turned in your quote or baby picture, please do soon. These will need to be turned into Mrs. Depuy. She will scan the photo and give it back promptly.
FAFSA
The FAFSA portal opened on December 31, 2023. The FIRST step that must take place is signing up for a username and password. The student and parent will have different usernames and passwords. These must be created before you can begin to file the FAFSA. It may take up to 5 business days to get the user/passwords. This step can be completed now. There is more information on the Counselors Page on the website under the Senior Information tab.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center Adult Learner Programs
If any senior is interested in attending GCTC as an adult learner, please contact Eric Davis. He is the adult education counselor and can advice you on the steps to take to begin a program in August. GCTC also has a financial aid office that can help with the FAFSA and finding resources to pay for programs.
Please email or call Eric -
ericd@gctech.edu, 405.273.7493 x2264
After School Math Tutoring Available
OKLAHOMA'S PROMISE
If your student qualifies, please notify Mrs. Ingmire.
Flyers are available outside Mrs. Ingmire's office. Paper applications are also available in the counseling office. Juniors can now apply! Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2024.
ACT INFORMATION
Up to 4 fee waivers can be used for eligible 11th and 12th grade students. Please see Mrs. Ingmire about fee waiver eligibility.
*Juniors will be given a free ACT at Bethel High School in the spring. This test is part of graduation requirements for our Juniors.
CPN Hosts ACT Workshops
Below are two opportunities to attend an ACT workshop. The email that we received said there are spots available to all students. Please contact CPN if you wish to sign up for either of these workshops.
Bethel Athletics Information
Did you know?
Bethel Athletics now has a QR code that can be used for digital entry? Please use the code below to pay for entry for yourself or family members. Cash will still be accepted at the gate for entry.
Cafeteria
School Nurse
Michelle Jackson, RN, BSN
District School Nurse
Bethel Public Schools
405-273-0385 ext. 1308
FEBRUARY
Heart Health Awareness Month
What can parents do?
Ask your doctor to measure your child’s blood pressure starting at age 3. Helping children keep a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods, and get regular physical activity can lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Try these tips to help your child keep a healthy weight and normal blood pressure:
Food and Drinks
- Offer nutritious, lower-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and solid fats.
- Provide foods that are low in sodium (salt).
- Make sure water is always available as a no-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, and limit juice.
Physical Activity
- Help your child get the recommended amount of physical activity each day. Choose from many age-appropriate activities.
Healthy Weight
- Be aware of your child’s growth. Learn how obesity is measured in children, and use CDC’s Child and Teen BMI Calculator to screen your child for potential weight issues.
Get Involved
- Be a role model! Eat healthy meals and snacks, and get the right amount of physical activity every day.
National Children's Dental Health Month
Root of It All:
Are You Watching What Your Child Eats and Drinks?
Your child’s diet is very important for developing and maintaining strong and healthy teeth. It is helpful to include good sources of calcium (yogurt, broccoli, and milk) to your child’s diet to help build strong teeth. Teaching your child about healthy eating habits is one of the best practices for a lifetime of good health.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks rather than candies and cookies.
- Brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
- Serve water at mealtime rather than juice or soda.
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html
Thank you!
🦷Thank you Dr. Drew for donating toothbrushes and toothpaste to Lower Elementary students for their Dental Health Awareness visit with Nurse Michelle!🦷