Happy Friday!
We have Elementary starting testing at the Thomas Seigel Learning Center this week (see info below) and make up testing sessions for our Secondary students at LMS.
We do not have school on Friday May 23 or Monday May 26 in observance of Labor Day! Please adjust your school work accordingly - this is a good time to catch up if you are behind, there are just 17 school days left this year, so keep going strong!
Seniors: Please click on the senior newsletter to stay up on all the information about upcoming Senior events! Here is a list of important dates!
- May 21, 2025: Senior Awards Night (by invitation only)
- May 27, 2025: Senior Work Deadline
- May 29, 2025: Senior Last Day
- May 30, 2025: Senior Final Grades Due
- May 31, 2025: Senior Prom with GKHS
- June 2, 2025: Senior Checkout
- June 3, 2025: Graduation Rehearsal
- June 4, 2025: Graduation Ceremony
- June 5, 2025: Diploma Pick Up
May 14, 2025
Calendar Reminders
- May 19: One Hour Late Arrival Day
- May 23: No School (Unused snow make-up day)
- May 26: No School (Memorial Day)
- June 2: One Hour Late Arrival Day
- June 9: Early Dismissal K-12 (Elem/MS/HS Grade Prep)
- June 12: Early Dismissal K-12 (Last Day of School)
You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Podcast Episode 134: Bilingual and Beyond (Bethel's Dual Language program)
This week, we sit down with a Spanish Dual Language teacher and three of her students to hear firsthand how being bilingual and biliterate has shaped their identities, opened doors to new opportunities, and inspired future career dreams. From navigating two languages at home and school to dreaming big in both English and Spanish, this conversation dives deep into the real-world impact Bethel's Dual Language program is having on students. Listen at bethelsd.org/podcast or search “Bethel School District” wherever you listen to podcasts.
State recognition program honors four schools in Bethel
Four schools in our district were honored by the Washington State Board of Education for their work in closing opportunity gaps and supporting students' growth and academic achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Frontier Middle School, Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School, Spanaway Elementary, and Spanaway Middle School for being recognized by the Washington State Board of Education,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. David Hammond. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, principals, and support staff, whose hard work and commitment to student success have made a profound impact on closing opportunity gaps and driving academic growth.” Read more at bethelsd.org/news
GKHS celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is officially Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the Graham-Kapowsin High School Pacific Island Club has curated a beautiful display highlighting their heritage and culture, even bringing items from their homes and families to display. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1109999521172032&set=a.630244575814198
Hands-on science takes root at Bethel High
In a greenhouse tucked behind Bethel High School, Jacklyn Brendible and her students are cultivating more than crops. They're growing confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the environment that surrounds them. Brendible is in her fourth year of teaching agricultural science and is also responsible for restarting the school’s long-dormant FFA chapter. This year, she was named the Washington State Education Association Native Educator of the Year. It was a huge and unexpected honor for the Alaska native, who is a member of the Ketchikan Indian community. Read more at bethelsd.org/news
SLHS athletes sign to play collegiate sports
Congratulations to Spanaway Lake High School student-athletes Alaina Degenstein and Tamia Yeager for signing their letters of intent to play collegiate sports! Alaina and Tamia, both superstar bowlers, will be rolling strikes next year at William Penn University and Vanderbilt University, respectively. Way to go! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/posts/pfbid0HrZ6zRQTizd7QwegERdhnGTfBvmjzsKUXXQLVGhSVumNcwbyn1jNDaNkWDWErQC1l
Karma Indian Cuisine donates lunch for Teacher Appreciation Week
We want to give a massive shout out to Ramesh Kumar, owner of Karma Indian Cuisine. Ramesh generously donated more than 2,500 meals to Bethel employees in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you for supporting our educators! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/posts/pfbid02n1F9tKS5Fmc31WE75mczYJ8gu1RFqJeTQmwaTBpcLrFNAgkkDD63QAjxxXNNDEd3l
New Bethel High School Construction Update
Thanks to our voters, who approved the 2019 School Construction Bond, the new Bethel High is scheduled to be completed next year! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/videos/1069989998487363
Students team up with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue
The fourth graders at Centennial Elementary teamed up with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue for a fun STEAM project! Students explored physics and engineering by designing protective contraptions for eggs—then watched as firefighters dropped them from the top of a raised ladder! https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/posts/pfbid032kuWADnH2jKsfBEg9zW8qz2PWdAriG8jDLDGsKuPzxujc56Ptk3xB5jFdr9BGLg8l
Hiring event results in 13 job offers
Our recent hiring event for Special Education paraeducators was a great success! We welcomed 16 attendees, and 13 of them received conditional job offers! Mark your calendars: Our next hiring event is scheduled for August 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. More details to come on that!
Teen Summer Nights
We're once again hosting a free drop-in program for middle and high school students in the district! Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1107372828101368&set=a.630244575814198
Superintendent's Student Leadership Council meets with School Board
The Superintendent's Student Leadership Council (SSLC) met recently with the School Board to discuss the impact of technology in the classrooms, student/teacher relationships, and mental health. The SSLC is made up of students from our high schools, and gives them an opportunity to make their voices heard and help influence district and school culture, engagement, policies, procedures, and practices. https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/posts/pfbid02M9fts6vzn4AXYUNZvPpQ2Bqm6g8hqq8zVwWZVsZHqVY5gd8eppFNyfzM9eVtfqHBl
Evergreen Elementary Construction Update
Thank you, voters! The much needed expansion of Evergreen Elementary is adding 10,000 square feet to the school, which includes 10 additional classrooms and a new commons area. It is scheduled to be completed by this fall. https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD/videos/1324257871991663
Annual ParentVUE Student-Family Update
The 2025/26 ParentVUE annual update is now mandatory for all custodial parents so we can begin planning bus routes for the fall. Completing this update grants you access to your student’s current grades, end-of-year report cards, communication with staff, and the ability to submit absences. Learn more at bethelsd.org/parentvue
Family Fun Night: May 16
Mark your calendars for May 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for our annual Family Fun Night, a night celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity in our district with entertainment, food, and informational booths. This year’s event is being held at Spanaway Lake High School. Share your family’s customs and traditions with others! Cultural dress/attire is encouraged!
Shred Fest: May 17
The Rotary Club of Graham Frederickson Eatonville is hosting a Shred Fest at Frontier Middle School on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. LeMay Mobile Shredding will be on site to securely dispose of your important documents. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1107311128107538&set=a.630244575814198
JBLM Armed Forces Day: May 17
Armed Forces Day will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. The event is free and open to the public. Info at http://jblmarmedforcesday.com/
JBLM Freedom Fest: June 28
After a few years hiatus, Freedom Fest is returning to JBLM! Details at https://jblm.armymwr.com/calendar/event/freedom-fest/6566847/92560
Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/Portal/
- May 27: Regular School Board Meeting
- June 10: Regular School Board Meeting
- June 24: Regular School Board Meeting
