The district’s Multilingual Department has been conducting a multi-year evaluation of dual language programs in the district. Dual language is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. Currently, our district has Spanish-English dual language programs at two elementary schools, one K-8 school, two middle schools and three high schools.

In order to make good decisions, we’re asking you to fill out a survey, so that we can:

• Assess which school communities have the greatest interest in dual language education.
• Gauge which language those school communities would want to add.
• Identify which grade levels have the greatest interest in dual language education.
• Understand the implications that the addition of a dual language option would have on bus transportation.

The dual language survey can be found on our Engage BSD website. To access the survey, you’ll need to register on the page. It takes less than a minute, and you’ll only need to do this once. Detailed instructions on the registration process can be found HERE. You’ll then have access to all future engagement projects.

When you fill out the survey, you’ll be asked to include your name, student ID number and school. We need this information to gauge interest in particular school communities and evaluate the transportation implications for your student. If you have more than one child in Pre-K through 4th grade, please complete one survey for each child.

Please complete your survey by Friday, March 2 at 4 p.m.

The final battle for Oregon Battle of the Books competition at Bethany Elementary was held last Friday, and the winning team was The Chicken Wings from 4th grade.

Celebrate International Mother Language Day (February 21)

Bethany Elementary has a rich diversity of students, staff, and families that make up our community. We believe our diversity is one of our greatest gifts and assets. There are 28 different native languages spoken among the student body with Japanese being the most prevalent language after English. In addition to our linguistic diversity, we celebrate the identity and individuality of every child. Our school song says it best; “We’re all a family under one sky.” Equity and inclusion are key pillars in our vision and mission.

International Mother Language Day is an annual observance sponsored by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization) to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. This year the focus will be on the theme ‘multilingual education - a necessity to transform education’.

Ask your child what they learned from the library bulletin board display about the different languages spoken by their friends at Bethany Elementary School.

Your Support Helped Provide Journals for Thriving Third-Graders!

Hello! We received a grant to purchase "Big Life" journals for all third graders at Bethany Elementary. We have started using them as part of our Social-Emotional instruction—we use them about once a week, using lesson plans provided by the journal company that we as teachers adapt and supplement. I've attached some photos of my students using them!

Thank you!

There are lots of opportunities for interested volunteers, the pending Variety Show and the Jog-A-Thon later this spring. ! Please sign up to volunteer online. Email Anjana at volunteer.coordinator@bspto.org if you have any questions.

Please remember to include the office in any communications regarding your child's absences. You may leave a message on the attendance line at 503-356-2035 or email Mrs. McLeod at annmarie_mcleod@beaverton.k12.or.us

The most important information to include in these communications is:

1. Child's name
   
2. ID number (their library number)
3. Teacher
   
4. Date of absence
   
5. Reason for absence