Principal's Message
Dear Bethany Families,
It was wonderful to see those of you who were able to attend the Principal Chat last night. I know everyone is busy, so if you missed it and want to see what we talked about, HERE is the link to my slides. Other topics came up in the chat and discussion, but you can at least see the highlights.
A wonderful question was asked, "How can we best support the teachers and Bethany Staff?" The simplest response I can share is to give them grace and treat them with kindness....even when you're upset...maybe even ESPECIALLY when you're upset. Remember they are human. They love your kids. They want the best for each and every one of them. That doesn't mean you can't ask questions, have concerns, or let them know when something doesn't go well. We want to work in partnership with families to provide the best educational experience possible (academically, socially, and emotionally).
All that being said, I know that most Bethany families recognize the tremendous efforts and dedication of our staff. I've read and received some of the most amazing messages of my career since working here. Appreciation goes such a long way with people. One of my jobs as a leader is to make it clear what I expect (of myself, of our staff, students, and the community). Let us use our voices to uplift one another, to collaborate, and to BE the school community our children deserve.
With love and gratitude,
Toni
Calendar - Important Dates
September
- 30th - Movie Night, 6:30 pm
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
- 10/17 - 10/28 Read-A-Thon
- 19th - Hearing Screening, K-2nd grade
- 19th - Parent Awareness Night, more information below
- 26th - Picture Day
- 28th - Character Dress Up Day
- 28th - Principal Chat on Zoom
5th Grade - Weekly News
The 5th grade teachers have created a matching grant fundraiser. Your support can help our students connect to the world around them through individual subscriptions to The Week Junior. By introducing a steady flow of current events into our classroom, our kids will be better informed and better prepared for the bigger conversations we hope to have around rights, responsibility and community.
If you would like to donate towards our project please click on this link:
*The BEF New Project Match will match the first $500 in contributions to this project.
Leave a Lasting Print at Bethany Elementary!
With each $150 donation your personal message will be etched on a charm and permanently hung on the central fence of Bethany Elementary School Playground. The money raised will go towards funding playground improvements and future PTO projects!
Complete this google form to secure your charm. A member of the PTO will contact you to confirm your charm text and arrange payment.
Walk & Roll To School Date Change
The first Wednesday of October is designated Walk & Roll to School Day. As Yom Kippur is October 5th this year, the official Walk & Roll to School Day has been changed to Oct. 12.
Please make a note to change the school calendar that we sent out in August. If you need a copy of the school calendar, please click HERE
Return Chromebooks and iPads
We are missing Chromebooks and iPads and chargers. If your student had a BSD iPad and charger or BSD Chromebook and charger at home to use for Temporary Learning or FLEX online, please make sure you return them to school. Even if your student received the devices from another school such as FLEX, please bring the devices to Bethany.
School Supplies for 2022-2023
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.
2022-2023 Meal Benefits
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!
- Meal benefits application can be done online on our app SCHOOL CAFE, an account will need to be set up.
- 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.
Local Levy
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.
Bethany Elementary School