Bobcat Blast

Dear Bethany Families,

It was wonderful to welcome students, teachers, and families back to school and we've already had a strong start to 2025! I'm incredibly proud to announce a dramatic improvement in student punctuality! This week, we recorded a historic low of 25 tardies (much better than 87!). THANK YOU and let's keep up the great work. 🙌

As we continue to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment for our students, we encourage open and meaningful communication at home. This month, I would like to focus on enhancing the conversations between you and your child about their school day.

Instead of asking your child, "How was your day?" try using one or two of these conversation starters per day to encourage more detailed and engaging discussions:

• "What made you smile today?"

• "Can you tell me something new you learned?"

• "What was the funniest thing that happened today?"

• "Who did you play with at recess? What did you do?"

• "Was there anything that surprised you today?"

• "What was the most challenging part of your day?"

• "Did you help anyone today, or did someone help you?"

• "What are you looking forward to tomorrow?"

These questions are designed to promote reflection and discussion, helping your child articulate their experiences and feelings. I particularly like the focus on finding the good in each day. ❤️

January

• 17 - Staff Development, No School
• 20 - Holiday, No School
• 27 - Grading Day No School
• 31 - School Glow Dance, More information next week.

Click on the Link Below for the full school year calendar

Bethany's annual Kindness Week will be February 10-14th. During this week, our school will focus on kindness and friendship instead of a traditional Valentine's Day event. The commercial Valentine's Day tends to focus on individual romantic love, but as a school community, we value inclusive kindness, friendship, and caring.

During Kindness Week, classes will plan secret acts of kindness to do as a class throughout the week. Students can also take part in our daily dress-up themes and kindness challenges - more information to come on that. Students will not be exchanging any store-bought cards and treats or having a traditional Valentine’s Day Party. Please do not bring any Valentine's cards or treats to school.

Beaverton Safe Routes to School is accepting submissions from students in grades K-8! We can’t wait to see your art!

Contest directions:

• Draw, paint, or design a picture showing a School Bus, Bike Bus or Walking School Bus.

• Please use 8 ½ x 11 paper.

• Drawings, paintings, and digital art accepted.

• Use lots of colors to catch everyone’s attention.

• Limit the number of words on the page.

• Include name, grade, and school on the back of your entry.

• Submit your finished art to your teacher, or school office, for submission.

• Submission deadline is 1/31/25

As we enter the rainy season, our playground often becomes muddy. While we can ask students to avoid the grass, it only takes one misstep for them to end up covered in mud.

We've already had to reach out to several families to bring in fresh clothes. We're suggesting that all parents pack an extra set of clothes in their child's backpack to save everyone a trip. You might think it’s not needed, but trust us, it happens across all grades.

Example: We had 6 students who fell in the mud Tuesday .... 4 within 10 minutes of each other.

During the year we will have different outside organizations offer classes after school at Bethany. We will put a link to their fliers in the Bobcat Blast. You can also find them on the Bethany website. (Click on the Bethany Drop-Down). After School Classes

We want to thank all of our parents who have signed up in the new volunteer system. If you still need to sign-up please use the link below.

Volunteer Information and Application

You will not find a school supply list for Bethany. Rather than every family having to do their own shopping, we collect money for supplies. We began this a few years ago and it has worked well. This year we are asking for a donation of $35.00 per student.

These donations are flexible, and confidential--only the office knows who donates and how much.

We understand that some families are not able to afford the cost of supplies. All children will receive the same supplies, regardless if they are able to contribute towards the cost. Some families may be in the position to make an extra donation towards helping others. If you would like to help by giving extra money, please click on the "Donations" tab that appears on your child's grade level page.

Instructions for Online Payment System

Bethany Elementary

Email: BTHY-Communications@beaverton.k12.or.us

• School Office Hours: 7:15am - 3:30pm

School Hours: 7:45am - 2:20pm

Phone: 503-356-2030

Attendance Line: Call the school number and push 1 when prompted for Attendance
Website: https://bethany.beaverton.k12.or.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanyBSD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyelementarybsd/