Dear Bethany Families,

Week 3 is almost in the books! We're ironing out many of our systems and logistics. THANK YOU for all of the parking lot suggestions and for everyone's patience and cooperation out there. I think we'll all get it figured out before the end of September. 🙂

Inside the school, we are preparing to welcome back volunteers. Thank you to Anjana Nair for leading two volunteer orientation sessions during the week, and to everyone who was able to attend. Another THANK YOU to Jami Hayes and Olivia Zinn for Stocking the Staffroom and to all those who donated. Our staff feels your love and appreciation and it makes such a difference!

I spent a lot of time in classrooms this week. I was impressed by the level of instruction, student engagement, and cooperation. COVID kept us all so distant the past few years. It's hard to express the joy that has returned to our learning spaces just by being able to gather close together on the carpet for a story, play a game, or share a toy. We took these simple things for granted. Teachers are now able to reinstate best practices and high leverage strategies that make learning fun...all of the hands-on, interactive, creative ways that children make sense of the world. I hope your children are coming home with stories of spirited debates (4th grade), building towers (1st grade), and problem-solving how to "cross the river" as a team (2nd grade). This is a small sample of lessons from our new Kindness in the Classroom Curriculum. For all families: Ask your child(ren) to tell you about the 3 levels of respect (self, others, place), and how they show respect in each of these levels.

​​Next week I will be hosting a Principal Chat on Zoom (Wednesday, September 28th @ 6:30 pm). I will have a short agenda and then there will be plenty of time for questions and discussions. We will send out the link to the Zoom on that day along with the reminder. 🙂

At Back-to-School Night I was asked if I would share my slide deck. For those of you who want to view it again, or if you missed it the first time, here you go! BTSN Presentation

P.S. Don't forget to turn in your flags to the office. The ones that have already been returned are BEAUTIFUL!!! If your family needs a paper, we have extras in the office. The picture below is what I hope to make with representation from our entire Bethany Community.

With a grateful heart,

Ms. Rosenquist

September

• 30th - Movie Night

October

• 6th - PTO Meeting, 7:00 pm
• 8th - Garden Work Party
• 9th - Garden Work Party
  
• 11th - TAG Parent Night, 6:00, Zoom
• 12th - International Walk & Roll to School Say
  
• 14th - No School, Staff Development
• 10/15 - 10/21 Book Fair
• 19th - Parent Awareness Night, more information below
  
• 26th - Picture Day
• 28th - Character Dress Up Day

Fall is here and Halloween is approaching!

As is tradition, 5th grade families put on the Haunted Hallway and in addition this year, a Fall Carnival to raise funds for the End of Year Celebration in June.

Please join us for a brainstorming session and sign ups for this event via zoom Tuesday, Sept 27 at 7 pm.

Email president@bspto.org for zoom link

On November 8, 2022, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to renew a 5-year local option levy. If passed, the proposed levy renewal would fund approximately 286 teaching positions, maintain class sizes and help prepare students for post-high school endeavors. The proposed levy renewal is projected to raise approximately $39-$43 million annually; over a 5-year period, the proposed levy renewal would raise about $205 million.

If passed, the proposed levy renewal would continue the existing tax rate of $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

If the proposed levy renewal does not pass, the levy rate would not be assessed. The District would not receive about $39 million to fund 286 teaching positions, maintain class sizes and help prepare students for post-high school endeavors, starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

The current local option levy expires on June 30, 2023.

We want to say Thank you to the families who have paid for school supplies.

If you haven't yet paid, please feel free to send in cash or a check to the school office. We will also be collecting money by check, cash, or card at the Back To School Night.

You can follow the instructions below to pay online.

EVERY family needs to apply if they want Meal Benefits for 2022-2023.

• The free meal program has ended. Income guidelines have risen significantly.
  

For example, a family of four can have a total household income of up to $83,249 and qualify for meal benefits!

1. Meal benefits application can be done online on our app SCHOOL CAFE, an account will need to be set up.
2. Make sure to apply during summer since applications from last year are expiring at the end of June.

Please consider applying if you feel your family may qualify. It is confidential, school staff have no way of knowing which students have benefits and which do not. We highly recommend families applying.