The Bethel School District is a dynamic district that covers 202 square miles in southeast Pierce County. In the last ten years, Bethel has grown by nearly 5,000 students. It now stands as the 13th largest district in the state with an enrollment of about 17,500. Nearly 36 percent of the total student population is comprised of ethnic minority groups.

Bethel has 17 elementary schools (K-6), five junior high schools (7-9), three comprehensive senior high schools (10-12), an alternative junior high/high school (8-12) and an online academy. In fall 2009, the district opened two new elementary schools in Graham and Frederickson, and one new junior high in Frederickson, which is temporarily housing Spanaway Lake High School.

Leadership

The Bethel School District is led by Superintendent Tom Seigel, a former Navy commander. Seigel served as a superintendent in Colorado before joining Bethel in 2002. Five school board members, elected every four years, serve as the governing body of the district. Board members are Brenda Rogers, Susan Smith, Joy Cook, John Manning and Ken Blair. The superintendent and board aim to create a rich, vibrant learning environment for all students, while supporting the efforts of 2,100 district employees.

Our Mission

The mission of the Bethel School District is to provide a safe educational environment which enables students to develop and apply the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values needed to realize their maximum potential. Bethel is a district motivated by “What is best for kids.” We value each and every student in our school system and look forward to working with parents and students alike to help students achieve powerful learning that will prepare them for the future.

Student Learning

Helping kids learn is the driving force behind all we do in the Bethel School District. We all know that students learn in different ways. It is our goal to use a variety of methods to reach each and every student. We do this through extremely dedicated and well-trained staff, a variety of special academic programs, arts, athletics, ASB clubs, and other extra-curricular activities. In every school, we aim to make learning meaningful and challenging, while building supportive relationships between students and adult mentors.

Program Offerings

Because of our size, we are able to offer a host of specialized courses and programs of study. We offer alternative web-based learning, a wide array of special education classes, and expanded Advanced Placement (AP) classes in calculus, statistics, studio art, history, english and more. In addition, each high school now has a JROTC program, as well as a wide selection of career technical education (CTE) courses.

Learning Academies

Another great success in boosting student achievement has been Learning Support Academies. These are programs designed to provide academic help to small groups of students before and after school. Many Bethel schools have implemented such programs for students who need more time to acquire skills.

Talented Teachers

The award-winning professional development department offers hundreds of training opportunities throughout the year, with large-scale Summer Institutes each June and August. The Institutes attract national experts to lead intensive workshops in reading, writing, math, technology, special education and more. The district also hired three math coaches to work with students and staff at our junior high schools.

The district boasts five state “Teachers of the Year” in the last 25 years, more than any other district in the state. Sixty-four percent of district teachers have an at least a Master’s Degree. Classroom teaching focuses on performance learning in which student success is determined by the ability to acquire knowledge and apply it to solving problems. There is also a strong focus on integrating technology into the learning process.

New Textbooks and Technology

District students use new textbooks in math, communication arts and foreign languages. The new materials ensure that teachers have access to the latest research-based strategies and content to help students learn. Classroom technology enables teachers and students to use innovative tools to bring teaching and learning to life.

Community support

In April 2006, voters approved a four-year operations levy and a $175 million bond issue, with more than 60 percent voting yes on both measures. The levy supports learning-related activities, including staff and everyday operations. The bond, along with state matching funds, will build new schools, a career-technical skills center and facility improvements across the district.

Diversity

Bethel is proud of its diverse student population. The diversity coordinator works with students and staff to deepen cultural awareness and create an appreciation for different ways of life. In addition, the district provides grants to staff members each year to promote activities associated with cultural understanding. Recent workshops include trainings with the Anti-Defamation League on bias, harassment and bullying.

Arts

The district has first-rate music, drama and dance teachers who have created award-winning programs. Many students receive state and national awards in band, orchestra, choir, drama and fine arts. The district believes in integrating the arts into other learning opportunities. The Art & Technology Fair is one of the biggest events of the year.

Athletics

Organized teams and recreational teams are successful in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. Bethel is a member of the South Puget Sound League (SPSL) and fields teams in basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, football, volleyball, track, cross-country, swimming, bowling, golf and tennis. Bethel Recreation is a local, non-profit organization that organizes t-ball, baseball, basketball and other athletic opportunities for elementary-aged children.

Parent and Community Support

Parent Teachers Associations provide an active, visible presence in the schools, and a community scholarship program (BEST) awards more than 100 scholarships to graduates each year. We value our parents and other volunteers. They are vital to helping us ensure that every student has the best possible opportunity to learn.