Bethel Public Schools

(405) 273-3633

Administration

Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent

poseym@bethel.k12.ok.us

BLE Office Staff

Jenny Affentranger, BLE Principal

affentrangerj@bethel.k12.ok.us

Mandy Sulphur, BLE Counselor

sulphurm@bethel.k12.ok.us

Lou Castoe, BLE Secretary

castoel@bethel.k12.ok.us

BUES Office Staff:

Tammy Cook, BUES Principal

cookt@bethel.k12.ok.us

Bethany Lee, BUES Counselor

leeb@bethel.k12.ok.us

Dana Campbell, BUES Secretary

marshd@bethel.k12.ok.us

BMS Office Staff

Tina Moon, BMS Principal

moont@bethel.k12.ok.us

Kyle Childers, BMS Asst. Principal, Transportation Director

childersk@bethel.k12.ok.us

Leslie Wellman, Counselor

wellmanl@bethel.k12.ok.us

Marjorie Harris, Secretary

harrism@bethel.k12.ok.us

BHS Office Staff

Jeremy Stewart, BHS Principal

stewartj@bethel.k12.ok.us

Courtney Howser, BHS Asst. Principal/Counselor

howserc@bethel.k12.ok.us

Linsy Ingmire, Counselor

ingmirel@bethel.k12.ok.us

Diane Taron, Secretary

tarond@bethel.k12.ok.us

Athletic Department

Jennifer Lynch, Athletic Director

lynchj@bethel.k12.ok.us

Michelle Stroud, Athletic Secretary

stroudm@bethel.k12.ok.us

Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent

Bethel Public Schools

If you view this newsletter on a computer, you will see a table of contents. This will help you easily move within the newsletter to find information that is valuable to you.

Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances to one's eating behaviors. Most eating disorders are mental health illnesses. Eating disorders affect all genders, all races, and every ethnic group. Eating disorder researchers and clinical experts believe that eating disorders are caused by both environmental and genetic factors. 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetimes. Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescents after obesity and asthma. Eating disorders have the highest risk of death of any mental illness. It is important to remember that an eating disorder is not just about weight or food. Those in recovery will need help managing their emotions and thoughts around eating adequate amounts of food. With treatment, 60% of eating disorder patients will make a full recovery.

Mrs. Darcey Adamek, M.S., LPC, LMHP

Bethel Schools Licensed Mental Health Provider

adamekd@bethel.k12.ok.us

405-273-7632 ext. 8194

The EIS (Early Identification Screener) will be given to those students that have a signed permission form on file in the month of March.

I have attached the screener permission form that would have been signed as well as the questions asked on the screener. Kdg-4th grade teachers will completed for those students. 5th-12th grade will complete their screener at school at a designated time.

At this month's Wednesday with Wilbur assembly, several students were honored for being Masters of Manners by demonstrating exceptional respect for differences among their peers. Their actions serve as an inspiring reminder of the importance of respect and understanding in creating a positive and welcoming environment for all. The assembly celebrated their efforts, encouraging others to follow their example in promoting a culture of respect and acceptance. Congratulations to the BLE Masters of Manners for respecting differences!

There are just a few days left to get your hands on Bethel Wildcat t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies! The Wildcat Swag fundraiser offers a great way to show your school spirit while supporting the Bethel Lower Elementary. With a variety of designs and sizes available, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out - place your order by Tuesday, March 11th, and wear your Wildcat pride with pride. All proceeds go to supporting BLE programs, resources, and activities. Get your swag before it's too late by scanning the QR code above!

Mrs. Heather Arnold, second grade teacher, had the incredible opportunity to present at NASA's prestigious Space Exploration Educators Conference. During the conference, Mrs. Arnold not only attended various sessions but also presented her own session, "Sounds of the Galaxy: Harnessing Sound for Early Childhood Education." She had a blast teaching sound science, amplification, remote sensing, and sonification with hands-on activities!

The Bethel High School wrestling homecoming was made even more special by the appearance of the cutest kindergarten student, Logan Smith. Logan stole the spotlight as the crown bearer at the event, looking absolutely handsome in his attire and bringing a smile to everyone's face. Congratulations to Mr. Alex Barnett and Miss Jaeley Garcia on winning HOCO King and Queen!

To celebrate Black History Month, Captain Butts and other volunteer firefighters with the Bethel Acres Fire Department took part in a special school assembly, sharing an important message of inclusivity and diversity. Captain Butts read All Are Welcome, a beautifully illustrate book that highlights the importance of acceptance, kindness, and unity.

In a heartwarming display of community support, Dr. Brian Drew, a local dentist, generously donated $6,580 worth of dental services to children in our community. As a part of Give Kids a Smile Day, the donated services covered essential dental procedures for students who may not have access to the care they need due to financial barriers.

In an effort to promote healthy habits at an early age, Nurse Michelle taught dental awareness lessons to our PreK-2nd Grade students. The interactive lessons were designed to introduce our youngest learners to the importance of proper dental hygiene and encourage habits that can help maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime.

BUES NEWS

Bethel Upper Elementary School Newsletter

March 2025

BINGO for BOOKS Family Night

March 6

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Lower Elementary Cafeteria

PTO PENNY WARS – March 10-27

SPRING BREAK is MARCH 14 - 21

School resumes on MARCH 24

As the spring semester begins, please remember how important attendance and academics are to being successful at state testing time. Please remember to help your child be here daily and on time, to read with them daily, and to make sure they get all homework done. Those students that miss even a portion of the day miss instruction which adversely affects their academic success. Studies indicate that parental involvement helps to make students succeed academically.

STATE TESTING IS APRIL 15 – MAY 14

Please try not to schedule appointments during the testing window. Your teacher will be sending out specific testing schedules for each grade level.

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.

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.

PTO POPCORN DAY

We will continue to have PTO POPCORN DAY at the Upper Elementary once per month. If you would like your child to participate, please send $1.00 on the following dates:

February 27, March 27, and April 24

May 8 is PTO Popcorn Make-Up Day

Please "Like" our Facebook page for events, photos, and information.

Middle School Choir is going to District Contest on March 12th at Carl Albert. Their performance is at 9:00 AM.

The Middle School Gifted and Talented students hosted a Medieval Banquet for their parents and family members on Saturday. February 1, 2025 in the upstairs cafeteria. The dinner was themed around the legend of King Arthur, with some students playing the parts of the legendary characters. Some students played the part of peasants who served the guests a four course dinner. They started the first course by serving bread, cheese and grapes from Camelot. The second course was a bread bowl with potato soup. The third course consisted of chicken, potatoes, carrots and beets. The final course was carrot cake. Throughout the two hour event students played medieval music, sang medieval songs., and taught their parents some Medieval dances.

The Middle School Gifted and Talented students held a mini Medieval Banquet for the lower elementary students on Monday, March 3 in the lower elementary cafeteria. Elementary students were served “dragon eggs” and apple juice from Camelot by the middle school peasants. The students held four performances, one for each grade level. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, along with several other famous characters, helped the students learn a Medieval dance. They also sang The Unicorn Song with the students and two unicorns showed up in the cafeteria. The performance ended with a joust between Sir Gawain and the court jester. Much laughing took place and a good time was had by all.

6/7 grade MS Academic Bowl team, 7/8 grade Bethel A Academic Bowl team, and 8/9 grade Academic Bowl earned their way to compete at State Academic Bowl meets in April

7th grade has been learning about Asia this semester and will start learning about Africa after Spring Break. General Tommy Franks has been generous enough to put together a traveling Roadshow that comes to Bethel. 7th grade students had the opportunity to learn about General Tommy Franks and see and learn about some traditional items from Asia and Africa.

Congratulations to Vanessa Jones for being named Bethel High School's Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Jones is a dedicated educator who teaches Biology I and Honors Biology I, inspiring students with her passion for science. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also serves as the Night School Program Director, demonstrating her commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom. This well-deserved recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to the school community.

The Bethel art students had an incredible showing at this year's exhibition! Our talented students brought home impressive awards, including Second Place, Juror's Choice, and six Honorable Mentions. Congratulations to all of our winners for their outstanding achievements!

If you missed the opening reception, don’t worry—the show will be on display at the museum throughout the entire month of March. This year’s exhibition has been noted as one of the strongest in terms of artistic talent, and we are so proud of our students' success.

List of Awards:

• Second Place: Kaylee Tucker
• Juror's Choice: Hartley Allen
• Honorable Mentions:
  • Piper Goins
  • Alexis Clark
  • Ana Burkhart
  • Claire Steward
  • Lilyann Garnand
  • Jeni Diotte

Be sure to visit the museum to celebrate and support these exceptional young artists!

Bethel High School celebrated academic excellence and leadership on February 24th by inducting this year's students into the National Honor Society (NHS). This prestigious recognition highlights the commitment of these students to scholarship, service, leadership, and character—the four pillars of the NHS. The ceremony honored their hard work and dedication, marking an important milestone in their academic and personal journeys. Congratulations to all of the students!

On Friday, February 28, 2025, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Rogers proudly represented Bethel High School by presenting at the Oklahoma Literacy Association’s Annual Conference. Their dedication to advancing literacy and sharing their expertise demonstrates the positive impact our educators have on both our students and the broader community. We are grateful for teachers like Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Rogers, who continue to inspire and contribute to meaningful educational initiatives.

Bethel Athletics now has a QR code that can be used for digital entry? Please use the code below to pay for entry for yourself or family members. Cash will still be accepted at the gate for entry.

On March 3, 2025, our talented powerlifters traveled to Durant to compete in the powerlifting state competition, and they made us all so proud! These incredible girls showed strength, determination, and resilience as they battled throughout the day.

Congratulations to our state placers:

• Evva Baker, who earned 3rd Place
• Kinley Dunsworth, who secured 4th Place

A big shoutout to Paityn Seiger, who fought hard and just missed a medal, finishing in 5th Place after a tough tie-breaker. Congratulations to all our competitors.

Michelle Jackson, RN, BSN

District School Nurse

Bethel Public Schools

nurse@bethelwildcats.com

405-273-0385 ext. 1308

The Elementary library is hosting a March Madness Book Tournament! Each week, librarians will read two books, and students will vote for their favorite. At the end of March, the top books from 1st-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade will face off. Mrs. Hayes will read the upper-grade winner, and Mrs. Tade will read the lower-grade winner to decide the overall champion!