Superintendent's Message
Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
As we journey through the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the values that truly matter in our community—values that are essential as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. In a world where negativity and division can often feel overwhelming, our shared commitment to unity, grace, and fairness can be a beacon of hope for one another.
This school year, let’s focus on the power of our words, actions, and the ways we interact with each other. Together, we can create a community that uplifts and supports every individual, recognizing that everyone is fighting a battle we might not see.
Unity in a Time of Division
These days, it’s easy to get caught up in the negative news cycles or to become discouraged by the divisiveness that surrounds us. It can feel like the world is focused on highlighting our differences rather than celebrating our common purpose. But in our schools and communities, we have a unique opportunity to model something different—to show the world what unity looks like in action.
Unity doesn’t mean agreeing on everything or ignoring our differences. Rather, it’s about coming together with mutual respect, embracing diverse perspectives, and working toward shared goals. It’s about creating a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and valued. Unity starts with each of us and can ripple out to the families, students, and communities we touch.
This school year, let’s commit to walking alongside each other. Whether we’re teachers, parents, or community members, we are all working for the same goal: the success and well-being of our children. When we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, we create a more compassionate, understanding environment where our students can thrive.
Extending Grace to One Another
None of us are perfect, and none of us can escape difficult circumstances. Life has a way of testing our patience, especially when we face challenges or encounter things that don't go as planned. In these moments, it’s easy to let frustration or impatience take over. But this is exactly when grace is needed most.
Grace is the ability to show compassion and understanding, especially when things aren't perfect. It’s about forgiving one another for our mistakes and offering kindness even when it's not deserved. As we work together to support our students, let's remember that grace helps us move forward with empathy. We all have struggles—students, parents, and staff alike. Some of these struggles are visible, but many are not. What we say and do can either uplift someone who's struggling or add to their burden.
When we extend grace, we create an environment where people feel safe to try, to fail, and to try again. We give each other the space to grow and learn, knowing that we are all on this journey together. So, this year, let’s practice grace in our daily interactions—whether in a conversation with a teacher, a discussion with a fellow parent, or in moments of stress during our busiest days.
Fairness: Ensuring Every Voice is Heard
Fairness is the foundation of trust in our schools and communities. In times of uncertainty, fairness becomes even more important. Whether it’s the way we handle a disagreement, provide resources, or offer opportunities, our commitment to fairness ensures that everyone has access to what they need to succeed.
In our schools, we work hard to ensure that all students—regardless of background or circumstance—have the support they need to thrive. This includes creating transparent processes for communication, addressing concerns in a timely and respectful manner, and making sure every voice is heard and valued. Fairness means understanding that each person’s situation is unique and offering solutions that meet individual needs.
As we move forward into this school year, I ask that we all commit to fairness in how we treat one another. Let’s be mindful of how we approach situations, knowing that fairness is not just about rules, but about giving each person what they deserve in terms of respect, kindness, and opportunity.
The Power of Our Words and Actions
In a time when negativity often takes center stage, it’s important to remember just how powerful our words and actions can be. The way we speak to one another—whether in person, online, or even in our own homes—can have a lasting impact. Words can either build someone up or tear them down; they can be a source of encouragement or a source of pain.
In our schools and communities, let’s choose our words wisely. Let’s choose words of encouragement, kindness, and respect. Let’s be mindful of the impact our actions have on others. It’s so easy to get caught up in the challenges of the moment, but we must remember that behind every interaction is a person who may be carrying burdens we can’t see. We never know what someone is going through internally. A kind word, a smile, or a small act of understanding could make all the difference in their day.
This school year, I challenge all of us—students, parents, and staff—to be a light of hope in someone else’s life. Let’s focus on building each other up, offering grace when things go wrong, and being a source of encouragement in a world that often feels focused on the negative. The power of our actions and words can either add to the darkness or shine a light for others to follow.
Moving Forward Together
I am deeply grateful to be part of a community that values education, compassion, and growth. As we navigate the 2024-2025 school year, let’s commit to being intentional in how we interact with one another. Let’s create a culture of unity, extend grace freely, and practice fairness in every aspect of our work. Let’s be mindful of how we use our words and how our actions impact others. And most importantly, let’s be a source of light and hope for those around us—knowing that our kindness and understanding can make a difference, even when we don’t see it right away.
Together, we can create a school year that reflects the best of what we can be. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our community a place where every student, every family, and every individual is valued and supported.
Let’s make this year one of hope, unity, and endless possibilities!
Warm regards,
Dr. Matt Posey, Superintendent
Bethel Public Schools
Special Recognition- Mary Ann Wolf
The Bethel Board of Education, administration, staff, and students proudly recognize and extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Ann Wolf for her unwavering dedication and support of Bethel Public Schools. Through her business, Dakota's Quick Stop, Mary Ann has been a cornerstone of community support, contributing significantly to both academic and extracurricular programs over the past three decades.
Since opening Dakota's Quick Stop in 1992, Mary Ann has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the success and well-being of Bethel students. Under her leadership, the business has been a steadfast supporter of countless school events and activities, from sports tournaments and academic competitions to art showcases and community celebrations. Her generosity and active involvement have left a lasting impact on the school community, fostering opportunities for students to grow, excel, and thrive.
Mary Ann’s contributions extend far beyond financial support. Her presence and encouragement have inspired students, staff, and families alike, making Dakota's Quick Stop not just a local business but a vital part of the fabric of Bethel’s community. Her efforts have helped create an environment where education and extracurricular engagement flourish.
As Mary Ann steps away from Dakota's Quick Stop after an impressive 32 years of service, the Bethel community reflects on her extraordinary legacy with deep appreciation. Her dedication, compassion, and generosity have set a powerful example of what it means to support and uplift a community.
We thank Mary Ann for her remarkable contributions and wish her the very best in her future endeavors. Her impact on Bethel Public Schools and the broader community will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
Academic Letter Jacket Presentation
At the first home basketball game on December 6, 2024, the spotlight wasn’t just on the court but also on some of Bethel Public Schools’ brightest stars. During a special pre-game ceremony, nine outstanding students were honored with their Academic Letter Jackets, a symbol of their exceptional dedication to academic achievement.
The 2024 recipients were:
Austin Brown
Ryan Bittner
Kevin Thornburg
Harmony Brandon
Lilybeth Springer
Brylan Allen-Webb
Paityn Seiger
Kinsley Clanin
Shyla Arnold
These students have worked tirelessly to achieve this distinction, representing Bethel Public Schools with pride and excellence in their academics. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the value of hard work and determination.
Bethel School was able to celebrate not only the talents of our athletes but also the incredible achievements of our students who excel in the classroom. These nine individuals exemplify what it means to be dedicated, disciplined, and driven. We are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished.
The Bethel community came together to cheer for these students as they received their jackets, a moment filled with applause and encouragement. The pride in the air was palpable as parents, teachers, and community members joined in celebrating these academic stars.
Bethel Public Schools extends its congratulations to Austin, Ryan, Kevin, Harmony, Lilybeth, Brylan, Paityn, Kinsley, and Shyla. Your hard work and determination are a shining example for all of us. We are proud of you and can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
Seasonal affective disorder
Have you had symptoms of fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal? Have you noticed significant changes in your mood or behavior? You may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. If you feel you have SAD reach out to someone.
988 crisis hotline
NAMI hotline 800-950-6264 or text "helpline" to 62640
Self-harm hotline 800-366-8288
National Parent Helpline 855-427-2736
Mrs. Darcey Adamek, M.S., LPC, LMHP
Bethel Schools Licensed Mental Health Provider
405-273-7632 ext. 8194
