Mission

Bethel High School is a community of learners preparing for the demands of an ever-changing world by:

• Promoting life-long learning and involved citizenship
• Promoting respect of self and others
• Providing a multitude of opportunities, experiences and support
• Developing critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills for life beyond high school

Parent and community involvement in learning

The BHS Site Council takes an active role in school decision making. In addition, the PTSA provides ample opportunity for parents and community members to support the school in the form of booster clubs, chaperones, and instructional aides.

Raising expectations and standards

Throughout the 2007-2008 school year, Bethel High School worked to build on the success of the previous year that included significant increases in the reading and writing sections on the WASL. In 2007-2008, teachers and students increased the regular use of reading and math prompts as well as sample WASL tests.

The school also offered additional support in reading and math classes to boost students who needed to improve their skills. The number of students participating in Advanced Placement classes also increased.

Community connections

BHS continues to assist families with support of local food banks and food drives. We also provide holiday meals and gifts for over 20 families.

What Makes Us Special

Bethel High School believes in the empowerment of students and staff. Smaller learning communities allow teachers to work closely together to provide students with a well-planned, safe, and nurturing environment in which to learn. New partnerships with technical colleges add to an already diverse list of specialty classes that students may take to prepare them for life beyond high school.

In 2006-2007, we implemented “Bethel and Beyond.” This added an “advisory” period to our class schedule. This small-group counseling model is intended to help students think critically and plan carefully for their future.

As always, long-standing traditions, distinction in academic achievement, and excellence in extra-curricular activities are all part of the BHS culture.

Top-notch staff

Bethel High has 76 classroom teachers. They average 16 years of teaching experience and 54 percent have a master’s degree. They are joined by a wonderful support staff who have students’ best interest in mind in all that they do.

WASL Overview

We’re proud of our students’ achievement, especially in writing and reading. In 2008, 84 percent of 10th graders met standard on the WASL writing test and 79 percent met standard on the WASL reading test.

At the same time, we know we have work to do in math and science. Among 10th graders, 31 percent met standard in math and 23 percent met standard in science. We are offering a greater selection of math courses to our students, as well as providing increased training to teachers to help them reach struggling students in math and science.

AYP

Bethel High did not meet adequate yearly progress as defined by the federal “No Child Left Behind” Act. Of the 36 areas measured, the school met all but ten of the required benchmarks. We did not meet AYP in math for all sub-groups and in reading for special education students.

Bethel School District

Bethel School District serves about 17,500 students in 17 elementary schools, five junior highs (with another opening its doors in 2010), three comprehensive high schools, one alternative junior high/high school, and an online academy. The district has won national awards in technology and communications, as well as state awards in professional development, energy conservation, and the arts. In addition, five district teachers have earned "Washington State teacher of the Year" in the last 25 years - more than any district in the state.

The Bethel School District covers 202-square miles in south Pierce County. The area is one of the fastest growing in the Puget Sound region. In 2006, district voters passed both a four-year levy for operations and a $175 million bond to build new schools. As part of the first phase of the bond, two elementary schools and one junior high (temporarily housing Spanaway Lake High School) were opened in September 2009.

In 2007-2008, the district’s budget was $158 million, about 80 percent of which went to salaries and benefits. About 1,050 certificated staff and about 1,000 classified (support) staff work for the district. Tom Seigel joined the district in 2001 as superintendent. He previously worked in Boulder, CO as a superintendent. Prior to his work in public education, Seigel served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, completing his military career as a Commander.