-
Bethel student joins Gov. Kotek to celebrate histori...
Today, our own Bethel student Sofía Vasquez, had the incredible opportunity to join Gov. @govtinakotek at the Oregon State Capitol as she signed House Bill 2007 into law! HB 2007 is a summer learning bill that will allocate $35 million per year toward summer learning for Oregon students for the next three summers. Sofía was one of 400 students who participated in Bethel’s Summer Reading Program last year, where nearly one in four students improved so much that they no longer need intensive literacy support! Sofía can now read more than 100 words per minute! The Bethel Summer Reading Program is proving that early intervention works . With continued summer support for K-3 students, more students will be on track to meet critical reading benchmarks by the end of 3rd grade, setting them up for lifelong success. Thanks to Bethel’s strong foundation in summer learning, our district has been awarded more than $730,000 to support this year’s Summer Reading Program! With this legislative support, we can expand this proven program and ensure every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to become a confident, proficient reader. We’re so proud of Sofía and all of our students who are thriving thanks to this program. With HB 2007, sustainable funding for summer learning is now secured through 2027, ensuring even more success for Oregon students!
Wednesday, Apr 30 2025
-
Happening this week: WHS Theatre proudly presents-Se...
WHS Theatre proudly presents… Seussical Jr.! When: 7 p.m. May 1-3 Where: Powers Auditorium at Willamette High School 1801 Echo Hollow Road Tickets : $6 students/staff; $8 general admission – available at the door or online at willamettehs.booktix.com Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical Jr in this fantastical musical extravaganza. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Monday, Apr 28 2025
-
Early Release Wednesdays & Expanded After-School Car...
Dear Bethel Families, We’re excited to share that the 2025–26 school year calendar has officially been approved by the Bethel School Board. We believe that this calendar will greatly benefit both staff and students by supporting collaboration, planning, and strong instruction. The finalized calendar is attached to this message - happy planning! A few things to note: 90-minute early release on Wednesdays This calendar includes the addition of a 90-minute early release every Wednesday for every school in Bethel , beginning in September 2025. This dedicated time will allow teachers and staff to collaborate, plan instruction, and analyze student data to help drive student success. After-school care expanded across Bethel In response to the proposed early-release calendar, families shared clear concerns about after-school care and transportation. In response, we’ve worked hard to expand after-school programming and transportation across the district so that families have more accessible, affordable, and enriching options. Here’s what’s new and expanded, beginning next school year Boys & Girls Club Expansion The Boys & Girls Club will be moving from Prairie Mountain to the soon-to-be Clear Lake Community Center, a new hub for children, families, and residents across Bethel . This move will allow the Boys & Girls Club to expand capacity to serve up to 120 students in first through ninth grade. Financial assistance is available for both summer and afterschool programs. Summer camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday from June 23–August 15. Registration for summer camp begins today, April 24 . Learn more here: www.bgcev.org/summer-camp-at-bethel After-school care (2025-26) : The Boys & Girls Club will also operate during the school year, beginning the first day of school. Daily programming will be available from school dismissal to 6:30 p.m., with busing available from all Bethel elementary schools to Clear Lake. Cost: $40/month per child or $60/month per family. Registration for after-school programming will take place over the summer. YMCA YMCA is expanding to offer care at Meadow View and a new program at the Fairfield Annex . The programs run from dismissal to 6 p.m., offering snacks, STEAM activities, crafts, and physical play. Registration begins May 2 at eugeneymca.org . Financial assistance is available. Adventure Club Adventure Club is relocating to Danebo Elementary beginning June 16 to increase capacity and access. Adventure Club is Currently accepting students from all Bethel elementary schools for next school year, with transportation from Meadow View, Prairie Mountain, and Fairfield. For more information or to apply, call Lolita at 541-870-6348. After School Club at Irving Elementary will continue to serve preschool through 5th grade students, with care available until 6 p.m. They currently have availability in both the K-5 and preschool programs beginning in the fall. For more information visit theafterschoolclubeugene.com More about the Clear Lake Community Center We’re also thrilled to share that Clear Lake Elementary will soon become the Clear Lake Community Center (CLCC)—a new hub for children, families, and residents across Bethel. Launching this summer, the CLCC will offer high-quality preschool, youth and adult programming, family services, and inclusive spaces for community events. This is a true community effort, supported by Lane County, United Way, the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, and many others. We’re excited to bring this vibrant new resource to the heart of Bethel— learn more about the CLCC here . Thanks to our community partners, we’re proud to offer more support for families alongside this new schedule. The additional time for staff collaboration will support better instruction and stronger student outcomes—and we’ve worked hard to ensure that families have the tools they need to help make this a success. Please see the attached 2025–26 calendar for full details. We’ll share more updates about exact dismissal times and transportation logistics as the new school year approaches. Thank you for your continued support and partnership - feel free to reach out with questions! Alisha Dodds Community Relations & Communications Director Bethel School District 541-607-1416 she/her/hers
Thursday, Apr 24 2025
-
Save the Date: Clear Lake Farewell Celebration!
You're Invited: Clear Lake Farewell Celebration Thursday, May 22 | 4:30–7:00 PM Clear Lake Elementary After decades of memories, learning, and community, it’s time to give Clear Lake Elementary the send-off it deserves. All current and former Clear Lake families, staff, and alumni are invited to join us for one final celebration of this beloved school. 🎉 Event Schedule 🕟 4:30–5:30 PM – Self-guided open house through the school building 🎈 5:00–7:00 PM – Outdoor Party with food, music, bounce house, face painting, crafts, memorabilia, and more! This is a special opportunity to walk the halls one last time, reconnect with familiar faces, and celebrate the Clear Lake community together. We hope to see you there! Video Submission As part of the Clear Lake Farewell Celebration, we’re creating a special tribute video featuring memories from students, staff, alumni, and community members. We’d love for you to be part of it! Please record a short (30 seconds or less) video sharing your favorite Clear Lake memory or what made the school special to you. Submit your video (landscape orientation, please!) to Alisha Dodds at Alisha.dodds@bethel.k12.or.us Let’s honor the legacy of Clear Lake together—thank you for helping us celebrate!
Wednesday, Apr 23 2025
-
Bethel Latinx Family Night - April 30 - Join us!
Empowering Community, Celebrating Culture and Supporting Futures Join us for the K-12 Bethel Latinx Family Night! This fun and family-friendly monthly meeting aims to celebrate culture, build community and provide families with information, resources and a safe space to voice concerns and needs. We hope to see you there! What : Bethel Latinx Family Night When : 5:30 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 Where : Cascade Middle School ¡Únase a nosotros en la primera Noche familiar latina de K-12 en Bethel! Esta reunión mensual divertida y familiar tiene como objetivo celebrar la cultura, construir una comunidad y brindarles a las familias información, recursos y un espacio seguro para expresar sus inquietudes y necesidades. ¡Esperamos verte allí! Qué : Noche familiar latina en Bethel Cuándo : 5:30 - 8 pm, miercoles 30 de abril Dónde : Cascade Middle School
Monday, Apr 21 2025
-
Bethel District Newsletter: April
Bethel District News April Bethel District Calendar In this issue Clear Lake Community Center Parenting Teens Class Community Sensory Time WHS Spring Musical Resource Guide: inclusive activities, camps, and community supports Family literacy nights! Upcoming no-school days April 25 - K-12 Curriculum & Professional Development Bethel Family Literacy Nights - Save the Date! We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Family Literacy Nights, designed to build community around reading and support every young reader in Bethel! These fun and engaging events will feature family-friendly information about the Science of Reading, hands-on reading activities tailored to each grade level, and take-home resources to support reading at home. Every student will also receive a free book to enjoy, and families can enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert together! 📚 Theme: Passport Around the Reading Brain 🍝 Dinner: Spaghetti, butter noodles, garlic bread & lemonade 📍Malabon Literacy Night Tuesday, May 13 | 5:30–7 PM Open to families from Malabon, Fairfield, Irving, and Clear Lake 📍Prairie Mountain Literacy Night Thursday, May 15 | 5:30–7 PM Open to families from Prairie Mountain, Meadow View, Danebo, and Clear Lake Investing in Bethel: Clear Lake to Become Community Resource Hub Exciting news! Beginning this summer, Clear Lake Elementary will transition into the Clear Lake Community Center (CLCC) — a welcoming space designed to support Bethel children, families, and residents of all ages. The CLCC will offer high-quality preschool, youth and adult programs, family services, and inclusive spaces for community events. Visit this link to learn more. WHS Theatre presents-Seussical Jr. May 1-3, 2025 @7pm in Powers Auditorium Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical Jr in this fantastical musical extravaganza. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! Parenting Teens Discussion Group What: Join us for a free, 2-hour Parenting Teens Discussion group for parents and caregivers looking for positive parenting strategies for raising teens! Where: Cascade Middle School - 1525 Echo Hollow Road When: Mondays in April (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) Details: Snacks, drinks and childcare will be provided. Registration is required. Here is a link to the registration form. Parents and guardians can attend one or all sessions. Make a difference in the lives of students - Donate today! Every year, Bethel Education Foundation awards a graduating senior from Kalapuya and Willamette High School with a $1,000 scholarship to use towards their continuing education. Watch the video below and see how your generosity can make a significant difference for our students! Follow this link to donate! Join the Fun at SAFETY TOWN! 🚦🚓🚒 Get ready for an exciting adventure in safety education with SAFETY TOWN! Designed for preschool-aged children entering kindergarten in Fall 2025, this hands-on program teaches essential safety skills in a fun and interactive way. Kids will learn about pedestrian and bicycle safety, explore fire trucks and police cars, and engage with real first responders—all while making unforgettable memories! 🎉 Each child will receive a special Safety Town T-shirt! 📅 Who Can Attend? ✅ Children starting kindergarten in Fall 2025 ✅ Must be a City of Eugene resident ✅ Must be able to attend the full session 📞 For more information & enrollment: Contact Cherie Nelson at 541-682-2746 👋 Teen Volunteers Needed! We’re looking for 10-15 enthusiastic teen volunteers to help make this event a success! Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for kids to learn, explore, and have fun while building safety awareness! Check Out the 2025 Client Resource Guide! The latest Direction Service Client Resource Guide is now available! This helpful guide is packed with information about activities, camps, community supports, educational services, and employment programs for youth with disabilities and their families. You can view the guide online or print a copy to keep at home. It’s a great resource to explore opportunities and supports available throughout our community. 📘 Find it here: directionservice.org/familyresources Celebrating our amazing staff! Do you have a favorite Bethel staff member who should be celebrated? Is there someone who goes above and beyond to help students and staff? Show them some love with a Bethel Spirit Award nomination! Spirit Awards! Bethel School District Website
Tuesday, Apr 15 2025
-
Parenting Teens Discussion Group - Join us!
Parenting Teens Discussion Group What : Join us for a free, 2-hour Parenting Teens Discussion group for parents and caregivers looking for positive parenting strategies for raising teens! Where: Cascade Middle School - 1525 Echo Hollow Road When: Mondays in April (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) Details: Snacks, drinks and childcare will be provided. Registration is required. Here is a link to the registration form. Parents and guardians can attend one or all sessions.
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025
-
Willamette Night at PK Park – Join us this Thursday!
Hello Bethel Families! 🎉 The Eugene Emeralds are hosting Willamette Night at PK Park this Thursday, April 10! 🎉 Not only is this a great chance for our community to enjoy an evening of semi-pro baseball before the team moves out of the area, but Willamette will also receive 50% of each ticket sold . It’s a total win-win! As of today, the forecast is showing PERFECT baseball weather for Thursday – so let’s pack PK Park with WilHi gear and show Eugene what it means to be a Wolverine and represent Bethel with pride! 💙💛 Bonus! Any student or guardian who shares a favorite Willamette memory or an example of what Worth, Honor, or Success means to them will be entered into a drawing for a Family Pack of 4 tickets to the game! 🥳 Memories can be from any current or former Wolverine. All submissions must be received by Monday, April 7 at 3:00 PM . Please note: memories must be appropriate to be included in the drawing. 👉 Click here to share your memory! IMPORTANT: To ensure Willamette receives 50% of your ticket purchase, please be sure to buy through THIS LINK . We can’t wait to see you there — let's make it a night to remember! 🧢⚾🐾
Tuesday, Apr 08 2025
-
-
Investing in Bethel: Clear Lake to Become Community ...
NEWS RELEASE Bethel School District April 4, 2023 Alisha Dodds Bethel Communications Director Alisha.dodds@bethel.k12.or.us • 541-607-1416 • Investing in Bethel: Clear Lake to Become Community Resource Hub Clear Lake Community Center to serve as a new resource for the Bethel community Bethel will soon be home to a new community center. Beginning this summer, Clear Lake Elementary will serve as the Clear Lake Community Center (CLCC) — a welcoming space designed to serve children, families, and residents of all ages. The Bethel School District announced last year that it would be closing Clear Lake at the end of the 2024–25 school year due to several economic factors, including longtime declining enrollment. While this is a bittersweet change, the community is excited for what’s to come. Bethel and other local leaders and partners have worked over the past several months to reimagine the space as a vibrant hub for connection, support, and opportunity. The CLCC will offer high-quality preschool programs, youth and adult services, family resources, and inclusive spaces for events and community gatherings. The center’s development is led by the Bethel School District, with key support from Lane County, the United Way of Lane County, the Eugene-Springfield NAACP. Additional support comes from Preschool Promise, Boys & Girls Club, Bethel Native Parent Group, the YMCA, City of Eugene, and Active Bethel Community, among others—bringing resources focused on early learning, youth programs, wellness, civic life, and family support. This effort reflects both the resilience and strength of the Bethel community, as well as the commitment of many partners working together to build something lasting. Together, these partners are helping shape a center rooted in inclusion, equity, and community resilience. Next Steps The Clear Lake building’s transformation will begin this summer after students are released for summer break. More details about programming and opening events will soon be shared by Bethel and partner organizations involved in this effort. Please reach out to Communications Director Alisha Dodds with any questions, or to help facilitate interviews.
Friday, Apr 04 2025