Bethel Schools District Newsletter
October 2023
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 Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the start to a new school year. I am excited to introduce our new district-wide newsletter, which will serve as a valuable communication tool to keep you informed about the happenings in our district, staff and student recognitions, and program updates.
As we enter the 2023-2024 school year, I am pleased to share some exciting news and updates. Thanks to the successful 2019 bond issue, our district has made significant progress in completing various building projects. We are pleased with the opening of our brand new upper elementary school, which provides state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments for our students in grades 3-5. Additionally, the renovation of our gymnasium is nearing completion, providing our athletes and students with a first-class sports facility. We are thrilled to see these projects come to fruition and are confident that they will enhance the educational and extra-curricular experiences for our students.
In our ongoing commitment to supporting the social-emotional well-being of our students, I am delighted to announce the addition of a licensed mental health care provider to our district as part of the Project RESPECT grant initiative for all school districts in Pottawatomie County. Mrs. Adamek is our licensed mental health professional and will be dedicated and focused on providing crucial services and support to Bethel students, ensuring that their mental health needs are met. We believe that promoting positive emotional health is essential for our students' overall success, and this addition will further strengthen our efforts in this area.
We are well into our fall extra-curricular activities throughout the district and are experiencing success in multiple programs including our cross-country team, fast pitch softball, and football. We are extremely proud of our student athletes and their hard work. Most importantly, we are extremely proud of their character, work ethics, and dedication to academics and extra-curricular activities. We look forward to sharing more great news in upcoming district-wide newsletters about the good things happening at Bethel Public Schools.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parents to communicate directly with teachers and administration regarding any concerns or conflicts that may arise throughout the school year. Open and honest communication is key to preventing and resolving potential issues, and we are committed to working collaboratively with you to ensure the best possible educational experience for your child.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize the importance of focusing on our incredible staff and administrators who work tirelessly to create a nurturing and enriching learning environment for our students. They are the heart and soul of our district, and their dedication and passion deserve to be recognized and celebrated. We encourage you to share any notable student or district accomplishments with us, as we want to highlight the amazing achievements of our Bethel community.
As we embark on another exciting school year, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and trust in our district. Together, we will continue to provide the highest quality education and support for our students. Please keep an eye out for our new district-wide newsletter, which will serve as a valuable resource to stay connected and informed.
Wishing you all a successful and rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent
Bethel Public Schools
School Security & Safety Enhancements
We are pleased to share the latest developments in our ongoing efforts to improve school safety and security here at Bethel Public Schools. Thanks to additional school security funding, we have been able to implement several additions and upgrades to our campus, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all.
First and foremost, we are excited to announce our partnership with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, who will be providing us with a dedicated school resource officer (SRO). This collaboration will not only enhance the security measures on campus but also foster positive relationships between law enforcement and our students. The SRO will be a valuable resource for students, staff, and parents, offering guidance, support, and ensuring a safe environment for all.
In addition to the SRO, the installation of additional security cameras has significantly enhanced surveillance capabilities on the north side of our campus. The additional cameras cover crucial areas such as the football stadium, football concessions, practice field, and softball stadium. The increased surveillance will deter potential threats and provide us with real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling us to respond swiftly to any security concerns.
Another noteworthy safety project that has been recently completed is the installation of security fencing around various HVAC units throughout the campus. These units, which are often targets for vandalism and theft, have limited visibility and the fencing will deter any potential criminal activity. By securing these units, we not only protect our valuable assets but also ensure the smooth functioning of our facilities.
The parking lot striping project at the high school gymnasium has allowed for the reconfigured layout of the parking lot, resulting in more parking spaces, additional handicapped parking, and structured parking procedures for students and patrons. This enhancement not only improves traffic flow but also ensures the safety of pedestrians and vehicles during busy school events.
At Bethel Public Schools, the safety and security of our students and staff are of utmost importance. We remain committed to providing a secure learning environment, and these recent additions and upgrades are a testament to that commitment. We would like to express our gratitude for the additional school security funding provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the support of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office for providing additional security this year at both home and away football games.
As always, we encourage parents and students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. By working together, we can continue to create a safe and nurturing environment for our entire school community.
Future Thinking- Bethel School's Long-Range Facility Planning
We are delighted to share some exciting news regarding the future of Bethel Public School. As we continue to prioritize the growth and development of our students, we are thrilled to announce that the district has recently acquired the Wayne Cole estate, located across the street from our campus off Clear Pond Road.
This acquisition includes a vast expanse of 17.5 acres, along with a house and a shop building. This additional land will provide us with much-needed space and opportunities for the expansion of our school campus as we embark on long-range facility planning for the future.
The acquisition of the Wayne Cole estate comes at a crucial time for our district as we anticipate student growth in the coming years. By securing this property, we are ensuring that we have the necessary resources to accommodate the needs of our growing student population, while maintaining the high standards of education and support that Bethel Public School is known for.
We would like to express our gratitude to the school board and the community for their support and vision in acquiring the Wayne Cole estate. This acquisition represents a significant investment in the future of our school and our students.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work towards creating an exceptional learning environment for our students.
Progress as Promised- Construction Projects Near Completion
We are excited to announce the completion of the new Bethel Upper Elementary School! This state-of-the-art building welcomed our students back for the start of the 2023-2024 school year and has provided them with an exceptional learning environment.
One of the key features of the new school is the enlarged classrooms. We believe that providing our students with more space to learn and grow will enhance their educational experience. Additionally, we have also included a media center, art education room, and music education room to further enrich the curriculum and provide our students with a well-rounded education.
In addition to the new elementary school, we are also nearing completion of the renovation of our High School gymnasium. This project includes a variety of upgrades and improvements that will greatly enhance the overall experience for our students, staff, and community members.
The remodeled and enlarged restroom facilities will ensure that everyone has access to clean and comfortable facilities. The renovated lobby will provide a welcoming and modern entrance to the gymnasium. The addition of an HVAC system will provide climate control, making the space more comfortable for everyone. The renovated bleacher seating on the upper deck will improve safety and comfort for spectators. The enlarged locker rooms and coaches’ offices will provide our athletes with the space they need to prepare for games and practices. The new court design will add a fresh and exciting element to our athletic programs. Finally, the facelift to the exterior of the building will give our gymnasium a modern and attractive appearance.
We want to extend a special thank you to our community patrons, staff, and students for your patience and support during these capital improvement projects and facility upgrades. We understand that construction and renovation can be disruptive, but we believe that the end result will greatly benefit our students and community as a whole.
We are excited to see our students thrive in their new learning environment and look forward to the improved athletic facilities that will enhance our extracurricular programs. Thank you again for your support and dedication to our schools.
Wildcat Podcast: Celebrating Student Achievements & School Updates!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new monthly podcast, a platform dedicated to celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our students and keeping our community up-to-date with the latest news and updates from our school district. This exciting endeavor aims to showcase the outstanding achievements of our students across various fields while also providing a platform for important school district announcements. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and engaged like never before!
Each episode will highlight the exceptional talents, skills, and achievements of our students, ranging from academic successes to artistic endeavors, athletic triumphs, and community service initiatives. We firmly believe in recognizing and applauding the hard work and dedication of our students, and this podcast will serve as a powerful avenue to share their stories with the world.
In addition to showcasing student accomplishments, our podcast will also keep you in the loop with the latest news and updates from our school district. From important dates and events to district-wide initiatives and policy changes, we aim to keep our community informed and engaged. We want to ensure that our community is well-informed and actively involved in shaping the future of our district.
We are incredibly excited to embark on this podcasting journey and look forward to sharing the incredible stories and updates that make our school district so special. Together, let's celebrate the amazing accomplishments
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated across our campus October 23-27, 2023.
Mark Your Calendar
School-wide picture retake day is scheduled for November 1st. Your student's school site will have more information as the make-up day approaches.
LMHP- Mrs. Adamek, LPC
Exciting News!
Bethel Lower Elementary
October Masters of Manners
Congratulations to our October Masters of Manners! They were recognized for being helpful!
Book Fair Coupon Winners
Congratulations to these Literati Book Fair coupon winners! They were selected from taking AR tests at the BUE Family Literacy Night. Caylee Christner, Chase Long, Grace Sumpter, all second graders, and Lari Bland, first grader, received $10.00 to spend at the book fair.
BancFirst Gives Back Donation Recipient
"BancFirst Gives Back" to the BLE! They made a donation toward a new Step2 Skyward Summit rock climber for our PreK & Kdg playground. Unfortunately, our old climber was damaged in the spring storms. We are excited that the new climber is on it's way to the BLE! Jamie Cobb, Kdg, received the check on behalf of BLE.
"Diaper Drop for the Freezer Pop" Party
The BLE has been collecting diapers for Legacy Parenting Center. As of October 3rd, they received 1,730 in diaper donations! Lily Roe, first grader, collected a lot of diapers for the drive!
Recognizing Traci McNally
The BLE celebrated Mrs. Traci on National Custodial Workers Day! She does an exceptional job and takes pride in keeping our building clean! We appreciate Mrs. Traci! Gus Beard, second grader, shared cards from Miss Rooker's class with Mrs. Traci.
Bethel Upper Elementary
BUES NEWS
Bethel Upper Elementary School Newsletter
October 2023
HAPPY FALL!
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.
FALL BREAK is October 12-16. There will be NO SCHOOL on those days.
Red Ribbon Week is October 23-27
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK – October 9 - 13
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.
PARENT CONFERENCES – Parent Conferences are Thursday, September 21, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. No School on September 22 or September 25.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER
2 National Custodial Workers Recognition Day
2 Book Fair Ends
9-13 Fire Prevention Week
11 End AR - 1st Quarter
12-16 NO SCHOOL Fall Break
23 Fundraiser Delivery 4:00-6:00 p.m.
23-27 Red Ribbon Week
26 PTO Popcorn Day
28 Attendance School
RED RIBBON WEEK THEME
“It’s Cool to be Drug-Free”
OCTOBER 23 – 27
Bethel Middle School
Bethel High School
Student Places in Equestrian Events at the State Fair
Emma Goss attended the 2023 Empowerment Horse Show at the Oklahoma State Fair in September. This is an Equine Empowerment Horse Show that gives equestrians with disabilities a chance to show their skills in the Performance Arena.
Emma placed:
1st in hand trail
6th in trail
6th in showmanship
4th western pleasure
3rd horsemanship
Please help us congratulate Emma on her equestrian accomplishments!
Students place in art competition at the State Fair
We had several students submit pieces to the State Fair. Congratulations to those who placed.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center
Gordon Cooper Technology Center recently spoke to our Sophomores about tours and applying to programs. Sophomore students will receive more information as dates approach. In November they will tour GCTC, December is a parent evening, and the application opens in January. Sophomore and Junior students are eligible to apply to programs.
POM receives a donation from BancFirst Gives Back program
Our BHS Pom Team recently received a donation from the BancFirst Gives Back program. The team will use this donation for new poms for the OSSAA Game Day Competition they will be competing in at the beginning of November. Thank you BancFirst for your commitment to serving and investing in our communities!
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Student Council
This year Bethel High School Student Council has decided to bring back philanthropy as their main focus and drive. The council is filled with students who have a heart for serving and helping others, and their hope is to spread this to not only Bethel’s community but the surrounding areas as well. Throughout the year and often correlated with events, the Student Council has planned to raise money or gather supplies for a charity. Stuco not only wants to involve the highschool, but the whole campus and the community. In the next couple weeks the council will be selling shirts for Mrs. Michelle's Angel Fund to help kids in the lower elementary who are in need, and will also be collecting diapers for babies and Depends for the elderly. Opportunities to help donate will be posted through social media or letters will be sent home with kids. We hope to have your support in these charities and more to come, so be on the lookout for ways to help!
~ Mrs. Brock and Mr. Fowler
HOCO Bonfire Movie Night is a high school only event.
After School Math Tutoring
NHS Information
Current NHS members need to pay this year’s dues by October 31st. If any members are interested in being an officer, they need to sign up by 10/11/23. The sign-up sheet is posted outside of Mrs. Johnson's room in the Annex. This is a great opportunity for students to get involved in leadership activities.
FFA Activities for October
October
October 1-7 Tulsa State Fair
October 10 - FFA Member Meeting @ 6:00 pm
October 14 - Ada Shotgun Contest
October 17 - Regional FFA Freshman Opening/Closing Ceremonies Contest and Greenhand Quiz
October 21 - Connors State College Shotgun Contest
October 24 - State FFA Freshman Opening/Closing Ceremonies Contest and Greenhand Quiz
October 25 - Area FFA Shotgun Sports in Goldsby, OK
October 31- Nov 4 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN
Bethel FFA Shooting Sports Team was Reserve Champion Senior Team Overall at the OYE contest today.
Bethel FFA Shooting Sports Team was 10th in Senior Trap today at the OYE contest. We were the only school that had 2 senior teams in the trap finals today.
Congratulations Mackenzie Sullivan. Champ bred and owned Shorthorn heifer and reserve division Shorthorn Bull at the OKC State Fair.
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, 2023.
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.
HOMECOMING October 17 - 20, 2023 "WILDCATS WARS"
Football homecoming will be on October 20, 2023, against Crossings Christian. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm with the Homecoming ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm. We encourage all of our students to participate in the dress-up days!
HOCO shirt orders must be placed by October 11th, online by 10/13/23.
Fall Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities
The 2023-2024 school year is well under way and brought with it a myriad of exciting opportunities for students to explore their passions and showcase their talents. Fall is not just about crisp air, pumpkin spice, and colorful leaves; it's also the perfect time for students to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities that enriches their high school experience. Whether you're an athlete, musician, cheer, pom, or future farmer, there's something for everyone!
Bethel Athletics Information
Cafeteria
School Nurse
Flu Vaccines
The Pottawatomie County Health Department's Mobile Unit will be visiting Bethel Public Schools on October 19th to offer flu shots. They are similar to the Caring Van and must have parental consent. The parents will just need to fill out and sign the screening checklist for each child. They will also need to do the first sheet on the data entry form and if they are a minor and their parent is not going to be present make sure that they are signing in both places on the bottom of the form.
Forms will be available in the site offices for parents and/or students to pick up or on our school website www.bethel.k12.ok.us under Departments>Health Services.
The Mobile Unit will offer the flu shot to students who are uninsured, Soonercare or tribal and should also have vaccines available for private insured children and adults.