The Cub Tribune

January 10, 2025 Issue 17

Monday, January 13th is a 1-hour late start. Doors open at 9:35 am.

Mrs. Hughes here, the School Counselor. This week in our K-8 District wide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program, Second Step we will focus on the theme of the second unit: Emotion Management. Each week I will update this section so you can stay up-to-date on what your children are learning during their SEL time.

Unit 2, Lesson 9:

Click HERE to find out how you can support your child at home with what they're learning here!

Have a great week!

~Mrs. Hughes

Para ver este mensaje en español haga clic aquí

Щоб побачити це повідомлення російською мовою, натисніть тут

Parents and guardians are invited to review the HIV/AIDS curriculum that will be introduced to students as part of the HIV/AIDS Prevention education later this year. To opt your student(s) out of this curriculum, attending a parent preview session is required. You should attend a preview session if you wish to view the curriculum yourself or if you are considering opting your student(s) out. This process must be completed each school year. There will be 12 preview sessions conducted via Zoom. To sign up for a session and to learn more, please visit

https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/hivaids-parent-preview

The title VI program is designed to address the unique cultural, language, and educationally related academic needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. who are:

1. A member of an Indian tribe or band, as membership is defined by the Indian tribe or band, including any tribe or band terminated since 1940, and any tribe or band recognized by the State in which the tribe or band resides;

2. A descendent of a parent or grandparent who meets the defined above;

3. Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose;

4. An Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native; or

5. A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect on October 19, 1994.

Please fill out the ED506 Form to identify your child(ren) if they qualify for this outstanding program.

Check out the PTA Newsletter for all things PTA in one place!

Click on the photo above to sign up!

Click on the photo above to shop Centennial Swag!

Centennial Elementary Drop Off & Pick Up Guidelines for Parents:

• Drop-off Time: Please do not drop students off before staff are out to supervise students at 8:25 am.
• Bus Priority: Always give school buses the right of way. Buses may pass on the left, but all other vehicles must refrain from passing, as there are vehicles exiting
• Follow Staff Directions: Our staff is here to ensure everyone's safety. Please follow their guidance at all times.
  
• Parking: We strongly encourage parents to park in designated parking spots. Avoid parking on the grass whenever possible.
• Yield to Exiting Vehicles: If you must park on the grass, please yield to cars leaving the pickup loop and buses exiting through the parking lot.

Your cooperation helps keep our students safe!

Please call the school office by 2:30 PM to notify us of any changes to your child's dismissal arrangements. This ensures a smooth transition for your child at the end of the day.

If you arrive after 3:00 PM to pick up your child without having made prior arrangements by calling before 2:30 PM, please know that you will be directed to the parent pick-up area.

Your cooperation in following these procedures helps us maintain safety and efficiency during dismissal times.

Calendar Reminders​​

• January 13, 27: One Hour Late Arrival Days

• January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)

• January 24: Elementary End of Semester (Early Dismissal K-5)

You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar

Podcast Episode 116: From the Mars Rover to Mechatronics

This week, we sit down with the Pierce County Skills Center's Mechatronics teacher to talk about her groundbreaking class and her previous job working on the Mars Rover! Two of her students also join the conversation to discuss their thoughts on Mechatronics and their future in the industry. Listen at https://www.bethelsd.org/podcast or search “Bethel School District” wherever you listen to podcasts.

Bond Project Update: January 2025

Our Director of Construction and Planning recently shared details and preliminary renderings of the much anticipated New Cedarcrest Middle School project! Cedarcrest is one of the older schools in the district. Built in 1982, the school is just under 88,000 square feet, which makes it a similar size to our more modern elementary schools. The new school is going to be just under 123,000 square feet. It will be a three-story building with 39 classrooms and is being designed for 850 students. The current capacity for Cedarcrest is only 700 students. Thank you, voters! Read more at http://bethelsd.org/news

From Paraeducator to Assistant Principal

Brenda Thompson never imagined her career would take her from working one-on-one with students as a paraeducator to helping lead a school as an assistant principal—but that’s exactly what hard work and determination have made possible! Read more at http://bethelsd.org/news

Highly Capable Referrals

It’s time for Highly Capable referrals! Anyone (parents, teachers, community, etc.) can refer a student to be tested for potential qualification in next year's Highly Capable programs. Complete the online referral form at www.tinyurl.com/BethelHighlyCapable or get assistance with the referral at your school's main office. Referrals are due on January 31, 2025. More information about our highly capable programs can be found at https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/highly-capable-program

Student transfer requests for 2025/26

The first consideration deadline for accepting student transfer requests for the 2025-26 school year will be March 14, 2025 for all grades, K through 12. Requests received after the deadline may not be considered until the week of August 11. Learn more and submit your form today at: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/enrollmenttransferstranscripts/transfers-2025-26

January breakfast and lunch menu

The January breakfast and lunch menu for our elementary schools can be found at https://www.bethelsd.org/meals

School Board Appreciation Month

January is School Board Appreciation Month! You can learn more about our Board of Directors at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/board-of-directors

Interpretation and Translations

All families have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they understand. We can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge, when you need them. For information on accessing interpretation services, please contact Special Services at 253-800-2300, or contact your school office.

Technology and Art Fair: Feb. 22

Mark your calendars! Our annual Technology and Art Fair will be held February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spanaway Lake High School! https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=988786486626670&set=a.630244575814198

Upcoming Hiring Event: January 23, 2025!

We’re hosting a hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives.

• Location: Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387)

• Date: January 23, 2025

• Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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/

• January 14: Regular School Board Meeting

• January 28: Regular School Board Meeting

January 13 - Late Start, Doors Open at 9:35am

January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, No School

January 24 - End of Semester, Early Dismissal (School Dismisses at 11:15 am)

January 27 - Late Start, Doors Open at 9:35am

February 3 - Late Start, Doors Open at 9:35am

February 10 - Late Start, Doors Open at 9:35am

February 14 - No School

February 17 - No School, President's Day

February 18 - No School, Waiver Day

February 24 - Late Start, Doors Open at 9:35am

We are at the time of the year when our weather changes rapidly. Please make sure students are dressed appropriately for the weather, as we do outside recess unless it is unsafe to do so!

Please consider packing an extra set of clothes in the backpack of younger students. Accidents, spills, and weather happen, and it is always nice if your child has an extra set of clothes if needed!

Did you know the district has its own resource center for families?

The center hosts parenting classes, offers basic need support, financial assistance, hosts community events and offers a community diaper bank. The family center team supports more than 1,000 community members and has provided thousands of dollars in financial assistance for rental, mortgage and utility assistance to local families in need.

It’s an exciting time for the Family Center. They’re reopening this fall after an extensive remodel. Want to learn more? Stop by the Family Center or give them a call at 253-800-6850 or 253-800-6862.

Email: aferguson@bethelsd.org
Website: https://ces.bethelsd.org/
Location: 24353 Mathias Road East, Graham, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 800-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Centennial-Elementary-1861247970566435

Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator, Director of Athletics and Security: 253.800.4303; Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Executive Director of Special Education: 253.800.2300; Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Director of Equity and Achievement: 253.800.2019. All individuals may be reached at this address: 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387.