Bulldogs, 

Welcome to the 2020 school year! 

This will be a year of many firsts as we learn to start a year remotely. This will be the first time many of our students have had synchronous and asynchronous learning classes. That means they will be working independently on the computer, and also logging in and participating in on-line learning classes with their peers. This will be how we start the year. Teachers have been training and working on curriculum for the summer. We are hopeful that you will have a new and robust learning experience starting in September!

Our school mission is to prepare students, academically and socially, for career, college, and beyond. Bethel Middle staff is committed to providing excellent and caring education and services to our students. This remains the same if we are in-person or virtual. This summer has called us to examine our courses from the lens of equity, access, and antiracism. Discussion have taken place among all teachers as to how we can ensure that our BIPOC see themselves in everything we teach and that their voices, and those of other historically marginalized groups, are lifted up. We heard from families that this was a request and priority.  Our staff is examining everything from the discipline policies, to the dress code, and most importantly the curriculum with an equity lens. Our missing is to prepare all students to face the challenges in our world. We do that best by helping their voice to come forward and to become engaged and independent learners ready to tackle difficult problems.

Virtual learning is new for us, but quality teaching is not. We are committed to working with families to support you as we start this next academic year. Please look for our weekly parent newsletters, and our Facebook posts to stay involved. The more involved you are, the better our relationship will be.  

Go Bulldogs!

Julie Shultz-Bartlett

Principal