Bethel School District

November 12, 2020
The Bethel School District will not move to a hybrid model of instruction in 2020 due to the rising rate of COVID-19 cases. Students will continue, without changes, in their current instructional model through at least the middle of January 2021.

We know that remote learning has been tough on families and our staff. We also know in-person learning is more effective for the majority of students. That is why we will continue our work to move to a hybrid model when we can. We are aware that there is new research underway surrounding transmission rates in school settings, as well as new vaccines currently being developed. We will continue to seek guidance from OSPI, the Governor, and state and local health authorities to determine the safest route to a return to in-person learning for our school community.

We will provide families with at least two weeks notification prior to moving to an in-person hybrid model. However, we will not move to in-person learning for all students until it is safe to do so.

Let’s all remember to continue to follow safety precautions that will enable us to get students back in school as soon as possible.

November 18, 2020

Social Emotional Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed virtually every aspect of our lives, and it’s more important than ever that students have the tools and resources to safely address their feelings and emotions. Learn how our teachers are helping our students by clicking here: https://bethelsd.medium.com/snail-and-puppy-are-friends-464a1ed1e221
 
BHS Junior earns Eagle Scout
Colleen Fanning, a Bethel High School junior and member of the school’s JROTC program, recently learned she’d be among the first young women nationally to earn the coveted Eagle Scout rank! Only about 4 percent of Scouts earn this rank, which requires having to earn 21 different merit badges and endure a lengthy review process. Great job, Colleen! http://www.yelmonline.com/news/article_f6a8448e-23c3-11eb-92fb-5b18db0a6eb0.html
 
English Learners
Learning a new language, on top of keeping up with the rigorous academic expectations of your new school, would be difficult for anyone. That’s why our district has a robust and welcoming English Learners program that helps students along the way. https://bethelsd.medium.com/english-as-a-third-language-644e3b4303d1
 
COVID-19 and Mental Health
As we stretch into more than nine months with COVID-19 in our community, we realize that this brings many challenges to our mental and emotional health and well-being. You are not alone! There are many resources available to help here: https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/behavioral-health
 
Help Stuff the Bus on 12/5 
Help our neighbors in need have a wonderful holiday season! Our transportation team is holding their annual Stuff the Bus campaign soon! Swing by the Spanaway Walmart to drop off your donations on December 5th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

November 10, 2020

Graduation Statistics Update
The district’s combined graduation rates rose from 87.2% in 2019 to 87.9% in 2020. GKHS boasted a 92.1% graduation rate. See more data here.

Policies Adopted
The School Board adopted the following policies. Those listed were presented and discussed during the October 13, 2020 Board Study Session and brought before the Board previously for First and Second Reading.

• 2255: Alternative Learning Experience Programs
• 3122: Excused And Unexcused Absences
• 4300: Limiting Immigration Enforcement In Schools (New)
• 6112: Rental Or Lease Of District Property

Year End Financial Report
CFO Billy Wessell reviewed the financial status of the District in all funds after closing the books for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Enrollment Update
Mr. Wessell also reviewed the 2020-2021 enrollment updates from the October count. Our October 2020 Enrollment is 436 FTE lower than budgeted.

Temporary Construction Easement at Clover Creek Elementary
Pierce County is extending its sewer line in front of Clover Creek Elementary. As part of that work, they are constructing a stub out to the Clover Creek property in the event the school needs to connect to the sewer system in the future. To construct the sewer stub out Pierce County will need access to and disturb school property temporarily.  Per the temporary construction easement, Pierce County will restore the disturbed areas.

You can find the full list of agenda items on BoardDocs.

Bethel Pride

September/October 2020

You can view the Bethel Pride archive by clicking here.

Bethel in the News

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