A big thank you to our rodeo friend, world famous rodeo clown, Matt Merritt!!! Matt is a rodeo clown for the PBR and the big PRCA rodeos. Check out this video he created for our school!! Some of the best cowboys and bull fighters in the world!! I appreciate them taking time out of their busy summer runs to wish Bethel Elementary well this school year!!! So cool!! If you are on Instragram, give Matt Merritt a follow @mattmerritt8. He's a great guy with a great family and I appreciate him doing this so very much!!! Enjoy the video!! 🐴🤠🐂

Meet the Teacher was a great event!! Thank you so very much for bringing your children and visiting their classrooms!! Teachers enjoyed visiting with their students and meeting all of you! Thanks for always being so supportive and helping us get this year started off on the right foot!

Monday is our first day of school!! It is a 12:30 dismissal day. Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home and let the teacher know through Remind, or if you already have your agenda book, a note. Thanks!!

Hello Bethel the beautiful!!

As I begin my second year as Principal of Bethel Elementary, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit about my journey with you. I am deeply honored to serve our wonderful school, a place that has become like a second home to me over the years.

Before stepping into the role of Principal, I had the privilege of serving as Assistant Principal at Bethel Middle for six years. My teaching career began in 5th grade, and I spent 17 years in the classroom—five of those at North Canton and the remaining 12 here at Bethel Elementary. All in all, this marks my 26th year with Haywood County Schools, and I am continually inspired by the dedication and spirit of our students and staff.

On a personal note, my family means the world to me. I have been married to my husband Brad for 24 years, and we are proud parents to two wonderful children. Our son Tate is starting his freshman year at Pisgah High School, and our daughter Lettie Jo is entering her sophomore year at the University of Tennessee. Both of our kids have a passion for rodeo—Tate in bull riding and team roping, while Lettie Jo is a breakaway roper and team roper.

My love for Bethel Elementary runs deep, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this amazing community. Here’s to another fantastic year of growth, learning, and achievement!!

Afterschool begins on Tuesday, August 20th. Students will report to the cafeteria in grades 2-5. First graders will be taken by a teacher to the cafeteria.

Please refrain from using the playground from 3:30 - 6:00 PM - Afterschool is not under Haywood County School guidelines, but is under different government regulations. They aren't allowed to play on the playground if other students that aren't in afterschool are on it.

Please see the link below for the application, or you can swing by the school to get one.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

1. Who runs the car line?

Our amazing assistants are the car line gurus! They do a great job helping students find their cars, calling names, and all the things that make our car line run smooth.

2. What time should I arrive at car line?

Our car students will be dismissed on a regular day at 2:50. There is no need to arrive at school any earlier than 2:00 pm.

3. What do I do if I don't want to wait in car line?

You have two options: 1. You can park at the visitor parking- the lowest parking down the hill and walk up to get your child. Depending on what time you come, you will put your child's name on on a list and he/she will be called with a radio. If you get there later, the teacher assistant will call them on the radio.

2. If you arrive right at 3:15, there is very little wait in our line.

"I don't want to sit in car line" is not going to be an option this year when you check out

4. Why do we do our car line this way?

Over the years, we have done our car line in a variety of ways. This is the safest way we have found to ensure our students get into your vehicle without harm. Students wait inside with their grade level, are called on the radio when it is there turn. Is asked to come to the door while cars are moving and then when all cars are stopped, will asked to walk to their car.

5.What if someone else is picking up my child today?

Always be in close communication with the teacher. Also, this person will need to be listed in your child's information as someone for pick up. The main thing is letting your child's teacher know, who should let the car line staff know.

6. Why does the car line take so long?

We have approximately 250-300 cars that come through our car line every day. That's the most in the county. We do our best to get them out there quickly and efficiently and especially, safely. We appreciate your patience :)!

7. Why are the yellow car tags so important?

We can quickly call students' names and get them to their cars faster. Thank you for having them up and keeping them up throughout the car line so BES staff can see which car your child should get into.

8. How do I navigate the signs and pavement markings?

Please see the attachment below. Our pavement was painted last year and we also got new signage. Please be patient, don't speed in car line, and take turns when the two right lanes merge into one. Vehicles should take turns to make it run more efficiently. If you are walking up to get your child, please use the left lane to get into the parking lot.

Buses parked at Bethel Elementary

47- Mr. Larry - code = efama47

62- Ms. Fowler (AM)/ Mrs. Heisler (PM) code = efama62

63- Mr. Hoglen (AM)/ Mr. Brandon (PM). code = efama63

Buses parked at Bethel Middle School

17- Mr. Smith - code = myers17bus

42- Chinn (M, T am/pm Wed pm only! Nick Messer other half of the week - code = myers42bus

176 (formerly 16) - PM ONLY! Courtney Myers, Karma Shuford, Callie Franklin - code = myers176

Buses on the first couple days of school may be running a few minutes behind in the afternoon. Thank you for your patience as we figure out all of our many stops and who will be riding this year. Mrs. Fama is over the buses and would love to hear from you if you have any questions or concerns.

We are very excited about our Open House event! Please mark your calendars to attend! There will be prizes, food will be offered, and you will have a chance to see all of the great things your child has been doing in their class! We hope to see you there!

The grill below was donated from Hometown Hardware and is one of the prizes you could win, just for attending! Also, you can have the chance to win a Bethel Bypass!! We have 5 more of those to give away!! If you win the Bethel Bypass, you will get to park in the bus loop and your child will come out right at 2:50 and you will be on your way!!

If you would like additional coverage for your child while they are at school, please check out these forms. Thanks!

August 19- First Student Day- 12:30 Dismissal

August 21- Kindergarten Orientation

August 22- 26- Kindergarten Family Visits

August 22- 3rd Grade BOG (Beginning of Grade) test

August 22- PTO meeting for all interested parents

August 26-30 MClass window for Beginning of Year assessments

August 27- 28 Kindergarteners start

September 2- No School- Labor Day Holiday

September 17- Open House at 5:30 pm