BSES Weekly Announcements

BSES Families,

Despite the fact that we were only together for four days this week, we packed a lot in! On Monday, our second graders visited Longwood Gardens, experiencing nature on a lovely spring day. On Tuesday, the entire building was buzzing about the solar eclipse. Wearing our eclipse glasses, we were able to observe this rare cosmic event. Today, began with our fifth graders gathering for the fifth grade class picture. This is just the beginning of many special events for this group of students. Our kindergarten and first grade classes welcomed families in to witness some of the extraordinary learning that has been happening in these classrooms. Our week ended with our second grade students showcasing their writing skills during Sharefest.

Take care.

Tara Allen & Susan Papson

• Tune in each Monday for The Bethel Buzz on Instagram @bethelspringselem to learn more about the week ahead •

April 18: Kindergarten Parent Information Night @ 6 PM

April 22, 24 & 25: PSSA ELA Testing

April 23: Teacher Inservice - No School for Students

April 29 & 30: PSSA Math Testing

April 30: Reading Olympics Competition

May 1 & 2: PSSA Science Testing

May 2: Fourth Grade Orchestra Concert @ 7 PM - GVHS

May 6: Fourth Grade Band Concert @ 7 PM - GVHS

May 9: Kindergarten Filed Trip to Tyler Arboretum

May 9: Fifth Grade Orchestra @ 7 PM - GVHS

May 13: Fifth Grade Band @ 7 PM - GVHS

May 15: Third Grade Field Trip to Academy of Natural Science

May 15: Fourth Grade Field Trip to Delaware Museum of Natural Science

May 17: Color Dash

May 22: Art & Literature Fling - 4:30-6:30 PM

May 23: Field Day

May 24: In Service Day - Schools Closed

May 27: Memorial Day - School Closed

The Helping Hands Club created 2 displays, one in the cafeteria and one in the lobby, for Autism Acceptance Month.

Hello Garnet Valley Families,

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSAs) are scheduled to be administered to all students in 3rd through 8th grade beginning on April 22nd. We would like to take a moment to share with you the importance of state testing for your child's academic growth and success and the ways in which we will support them through the testing experience.

The evolution of Garnet Valley as a premier educational district is a point of pride for our community. The reality is, our test scores are one way in which our schools are measured and compared with other districts. By encouraging and supporting our students to do their personal best, we are confident that Garnet Valley will continue to demonstrate its excellent track record of preparing all of our students to be successful and productive members of the Garnet Valley community.

These exams provide valuable information to our district, schools, teachers, and students. The data is used to evaluate our current programming and inform future decisions and our teachers use the data to tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. By having access to test results, teachers can create a targeted academic plan that helps your child excel in their studies. In addition, PSSAs offer an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the academic growth and progress your child has made throughout the school year.

We understand that PSSAs can be challenging. We believe that facing challenges head-on is an important part of learning and growing, and we want to support your child every step of the way. Our teachers are committed to helping students navigate these assessments and embrace a growth mindset.

In preparation for the PSSAs, our teachers will be reviewing with students the Code of Conduct for test administration. Teachers will be promoting a positive mindset by encouraging students to do their best and view the PSSAs as an opportunity to demonstrate personal learning and growth.

If you wish to learn more about the PSSAs, you can review the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) FAQ document. In addition, parents should read PDE’s cell phone / electronic device letter and the PSSA calculator policy. Below, you will find the testing dates for this year’s PSSAs.

2024 PSSA Dates and Information:

For your planning purposes, Garnet Valley School District will be administering the PSSAs on the following dates:

Grades 3 - 8

• ELA: April 22, 24 & 25 (Makeups will follow)
• Math: April 29 & 30 (Makeups will follow)
• Science: May 1 & 2 (Makeups will follow)

*Science is for 4th & 8th grade only

Kindergarten Informational Night will be held on April 18th at 6:00 PM in the BSES gym. Parents with children attending Bethel Springs Elementary will attend the information night at Bethel. Parents with children attending Concord Elementary will attend the information night at Concord. In order to attend the informational session, your child must be registered. Thank you and we look forward to meeting our new Kindergarteners!

Who wants to raise some money for the BSES HSA while you also support a local NEW business and get out of cooking dinner all at the same time?? It's a win-win-win! 20% from every BSES order will come back to us!

• When: Tuesday, April 16th from 11am-8pm

• Where: 1810 Wilmington Pike, Glen Mills, 19342

• How: Place your take out order and be sure to mention Bethel Springs HSA when ordering and picking up.

• To order by phone: 484-800-4178

Order your discount tickets before the Monday 4/15 deadline!

Bethel Springs is Hershey Park Happy! 🎢🍫 We are excited to offer discount Hershey Park tickets again this year! Tickets are being offered for the discounted price of $46/ticket (regularly $87.80) and are valid for use on any one visit through 1/1/2025!

In addition, we are offering a discounted rate on PrePaid Parking for $26 ($30 at entrance to Hershey Park).

Please complete the google form here to submit your order

You may pick up tickets on Tuesday 5/14/24 at the Kindergarten Entrance of Bethel Springs Elementary from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

Please contact Alison Ashenfelter at vp@bseshsa.org with any questions!

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is May 6-10th! The wonderful teachers and staff at BSES really do deserve the GOLD! The HSA Committee has planned an exciting week and we would love your help celebrating our special teachers and staff members through the two activities below:

• GIFT CARD LOTTERY: We will be holding a Gift Card Lottery for the staff, and contributions of gift cards (new or ones you have around the house that you know you aren’t going to use) would be much appreciated. Please check out this Amazon Wishlist if you’d like to purchase gift cards, and make sure to select “Bethel Springs Teacher Appreciation Gift Registry Address” so the cards are shipped directly to the Teacher Appreciation Committee. Please send in any additional gift cards not purchased through the Wishlist into school by Friday, May 3rd.

• BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: We would love your help celebrating our teachers and staff members with a special breakfast on Wednesday, May 8th! Please check out this link (BSES HSA "Breakfast of Champions" for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week) to sign up to contribute, and send your contributions into school by Wednesday, May 8th or earlier.

If you have any questions, please email treasurer@bseshsa.org. Our awesome teachers and staff will definitely be grateful for the appreciation!

As we approach Spring, it is time to start planning for the 2024 Color Dash. This year the event is scheduled for Friday, May 17th with a rain date of May 31st. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080545AEAF2CA7F58-48358709-colo

For questions please reach out to Nicole Azar - nicoleazar@gmail.com.

The Home and School Association (HSA) at Bethel Springs Elementary School expresses gratitude to the sponsors of the Jaguar Color Dash, scheduled for Friday, May 17th. This event, taking place during the school day at Bethel Springs Elementary School, involves all students in a vibrant run/walk around the school grounds to commemorate the end of the school year. This week we would like to thank our Garnet Presenting Sponsor - Dental Health Care Associates & The Panarello Family - www.dhcaaston.com

Order your yearbooks now!! Follow these steps to order:

● Navigate to https://www.barksdalephoto.com/

● In the “What are you looking for?” dropdown menu, select “Order Your Yearbook.”

● Enter the Bethel Springs Order Access Code 01766YB (Note: password is case sensitive)

● Enter the requested information and pay $25 with a credit card or via PayPal. The sale officially closes on Friday, May 3, 2023, so order yours now! If you have any issues or questions, please reach out to Lauren Withelder: lauren.withelder@hotmail.com

Mileage Club is back for our spring session! We are in need of volunteers during recess, especially kindergarten, to make this successful. If you are able to help or would like more information please email Stephanie Slowik at riggsy32@hotmail.com.

Our calendar is getting pretty busy, so if you want to be a BSES Keeper of the Trail, now's the time to hop in! Come on, let's get outside and become the 'Family of the Week'! You can choose any of the remaining weeks to hang out with your student(s) and take care of the beautiful Bethel Springs Nature Trail behind the school." A reminder will be sent with a link to the checklist of what to bring and do. Have a great time observing and exploring with your students! Questions: Jen Mulrooney: jmulrooney1982@gmail.com

Nature Trail 2023-2024: BSES Keeper of the Trail Sign Up (signupgenius.com)

Join us on Saturday, April 20th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm as we come together for an Earth Week Clean Up of the Nature Trail! Students, teachers, and families are invited to participate in this meaningful event aimed at preserving our natural environment.

Students will assist in various tasks such as trash clean up, raking, moving trail debris, and other essential maintenance activities. This hands-on experience will not only help maintain the trail but also provide valuable learning opportunities about the plant and wildlife species that call it home.

The event will take place at Bethel Springs Elementary Nature Trail. To sign up, visit Bethel Springs Elementary Nature Trail: Trail Clean up day (signupgenius.com)

Don't forget to bring along your gloves, rakes, and cordless leaf blowers to help make this Earth Week event a success!

Thank you to the following volunteers for helping turn our book fair into a huge success: Marianne Shahadi, Jen Rustark, Ryan Rustark, Michelle Gana, Amanda Simkiss, Thilanka Paranagama, Marla Gardner, Jaime Kern, Lindsay Dalessio, Cindy Brown, Kim Godfrey. Special shout out to Jen Rustark for being there everyday!

Thank you to Cindy Burgy and Marianne Shahadi for giving up their time last week to run the book fair every day! They are amazing leads for this event, and the book fair wouldn’t be as successful without their time and dedication! Your efforts are much appreciated by everyone, Cindy and Marianne!!!

Thank you to Alison Ashenfelter, Brooke Banville, Cindy Burgy, Nicole Wolfe, Devon Trumbower, Kristen Donovan, Kristin Sanfillippo, Karen Sholders, and Lauren Withelder for running the registers at the book fair. Great team work by all!!

We know that there is so much information shared at the beginning of the school year. Please access Garnet Valley's parent portal, which keeps all of our information in one place. Click here to access the parent portal. To get direct access to some of our services please click the following links.

• Alma - Garnet Valley's Student Information System
• Schoology - Garnet Valley's Learning Management System
• My School Bucks - Register your child for our school lunch program
• Safe Arrival - Report an absence

GVSD is on TikTok! Follow us @GarnetValleySD

Email: allent@garnetvalley.org
Website: https://bses.garnetvalleyschools.com/
Location: 3280 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, PA, USA
Phone: 610-579-3000