BPS Newsletter 10/9/26

Bethel Public Schools Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter October 9, 2026 Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center Bethel Board of Education 1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 794-8601 www.bethel.k12.ct.us Administration Offices Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8601 Business Office Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8604 District Calendars / Schedules Dr. Sackey's Message Albert Sackey, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Bethel Public Schools sackeya@bethel.k12.ct.us Dear Bethel Public School Parents, Families and Community Members, I hope you are all well. As we move further into the fall season, I hope you have been having some time to enjoy some of this fall weather. Please remember that there will be no school for students on Monday, the 12th. I hope our students enjoy the long weekend with family and friends, and come back on Tuesday ready to learn! This week, I continued my visits throughout our schools, and once again, I was happy and excited by what I saw. Our students are engaged, asking questions, collaborating with classmates, and taking on new challenges with confidence. What stood out to me most was watching students embrace difficult tasks, not getting discouraged when something was hard, but treating mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. This is the essence of a growth mindset, and it is exactly the kind of resilience we want to nurture in every one of our students. When children believe that effort leads to improvement, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Our teachers deserve tremendous credit for building classrooms where taking risks and learning from mistakes are celebrated. A reminder that parent-teacher conferences are coming up on October 28-30. Please be sure to sign up when the scheduling window opens, your partnership makes a real difference in your child's success. As always, thank you for your continued support in educating all our students. I hope you enjoy the weekend, and I look forward to sharing more great news from our schools next week. Best! Below are a few pictures capturing our students and teachers in action across our schools this week. At Rockwell, students focused on social-emotional learning, practicing how to maintain a safe and calm body, identifying emotions, recognizing facial expressions, and learning strategies for managing frustration. Academic learning was also on full display at Rockwell. Students practiced multiplication with their teacher, and even took a turn teaching it themselves, while others explored shapes, polygons, and their properties. Our School Resource Officers visited Berry School to speak with students, and Berry writers proudly showcased their work during a writing celebration. At Johnson, students attended an assembly on Responsibility. Finally, at the high school, students analyzed geometric patterns, learning how to determine size and shape based on those patterns. BPS District Dashboard Upcoming Calendar Events October 12 - Professional Learning Day - No School October 28, 29, 30 - Conference Day, Early Dismissal - K-8 October 28 - PSAT & Professional Learning - Early Dismissal - BHS (*BHS No Conferences) October 29 - Conference Day (Evening) & Prof. Learning - Early Dismissal - BHS October 30 - Conference Day - Early Dismissal - BHS News & Reminders Health Office News & Information CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings: PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian. Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc. STUDENTS WHO SELF-CARRY RESCUE MEDICATIONS (EPIPENS/INHALERS) In addition to a current self-carry medication administration order signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to make sure that the rescue medication (Epi-Pen/Inhaler) has not expired. *** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport. Johnson School Notification of Parent/Guardian Prior to Postural Screening Female Students - Grade 5 Over the next few weeks a postural screening to detect possible curvatures of the spine will be conducted for all Grade 5 female students as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes. The screening will be conducted at the school by a school nurse. The purpose of this program is to recognize the signs of spinal curvature at its earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. The procedure for the screening is a simple one that requires less than one minute. Each student will be screened separately and with privacy. If further evaluation is warranted, a notice will be mailed home for you to follow up with your Health Care Provider. If you would like your child NOT to be screened, please email your child’s school nurse requesting to opt-out of the postural screening by noon on Wednesday, October 14th. Johnson School - Nurse Brenda Argentine, RN - argentineb@bethel.k12.ct.us Nurse Jill Young, RN - youngj@bethel.k12.ct.us BPS Instagram BPS Facebook Schools & Community Bethel Public Schools Flyers Bethel Community Flyers Non-Discrimination Statement

Friday, Oct 09 2026

BPS Newsletter 10/2/2026

Bethel Public Schools Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter October 2, 2026 Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center Bethel Board of Education 1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 794-8601 www.bethel.k12.ct.us Administration Offices Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8601 Business Office Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8604 District Calendars / Schedules Dr. Sackey's Message Albert Sackey, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Bethel Public Schools sackeya@bethel.k12.ct.us Dear Bethel Public School Parents, Families and Community Members, I hope you are all well. As we settle into the fall season, I would like to share some updates and celebrate a few of the many wonderful things happening in our district. Today is National Custodian Day! This is an opportunity to recognize the dedicated team, who keep our schools clean, safe and welcoming. They work behind the scenes and are essential to everything we do. They work tirelessly, day and night to ensure that our buildings are ready for our students and staff. Please join me in thanking our custodial teams for all that they do to support our schools, and programs. Thank you custodial team for all that you do. We appreciate you! October is also National Principal’s month. This is a month-long celebration dedicated to recognizing the essential role that principals play in shaping successful schools and supporting students and staff. Our principals provide instructional leadership, foster positive school cultures, and support students, staff, and families every single day. Please join me in thanking our principals, for their commitment, dedication, and all their work in supporting our students, staff and families. I would like to remind you all that parent teacher conferences will be October 28-30. These conferences are a valuable opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teachers, discuss your child’s progress, and strengthen the home/school partnership. I encourage you to schedule a time with your child’s teachers once the sign up sheet becomes active. Your engagement makes a real difference in your child’s success. Our students are having fun and learning. Below are some highlights from Bethel High School and Berry School. At Bethel High School, students were rehearsing in band class, and they sounded great. Although I don’t play an instrument, I was able to get in on the action in Ms. Manalo-Baumer’s class with the drums. The Forensics class was another exciting class to sit in on. It is clear that there is rigorous, high-quality instruction taking place and our students are rising to the challenge. At Berry School, first grade students were working in their math workspaces and reading areas. As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support in educating all our students. I hope you enjoy your weekend. Below are a few pictures: BPS District Dashboard Upcoming Calendar Events October 12 - Professional Learning Day - No School October 28, 29, 30 - Conference Day, Early Dismissal - K-8 October 28 - PSAT & Professional Learning - Early Dismissal - BHS (*BHS No Conferences) October 29 - Conference Day (Evening) & Prof. Learning - Early Dismissal - BHS October 30 - Conference Day - Early Dismissal - BHS News & Reminders Health Office News & Information CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings: PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian. Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc. STUDENTS WHO SELF-CARRY RESCUE MEDICATIONS (EPIPENS/INHALERS) In addition to a current self-carry medication administration order signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to make sure that the rescue medication (Epi-Pen/Inhaler) has not expired. *** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport. Johnson School Notification of Parent/Guardian Prior to Postural Screening Female Students - Grade 5 Over the next few weeks a postural screening to detect possible curvatures of the spine will be conducted for all Grade 5 female students as mandated by Connecticut General Statutes. The screening will be conducted at the school by a school nurse. The purpose of this program is to recognize the signs of spinal curvature at its earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. The procedure for the screening is a simple one that requires less than one minute. Each student will be screened separately and with privacy. If further evaluation is warranted, a notice will be mailed home for you to follow up with your Health Care Provider. If you would like your child NOT to be screened, please email your child’s school nurse requesting to opt-out of the postural screening by noon on Wednesday, October 14th. Johnson School - Nurse Brenda Argentine, RN - argentineb@bethel.k12.ct.us Nurse Jill Young, RN - youngj@bethel.k12.ct.us BPS Instagram BPS Facebook Schools & Community Bethel Public Schools Flyers Bethel Community Flyers Non-Discrimination Statement

Friday, Oct 02 2026

BPS Newsletter 9/25/26

Bethel Public Schools Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter September 25, 2026 Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center Bethel Board of Education 1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 794-8601 www.bethel.k12.ct.us Administration Offices Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8601 Business Office Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8604 District Calendars / Schedules Dr. Sackey's Message Albert Sackey, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Bethel Public Schools sackeya@bethel.k12.ct.us Dear Bethel Public School Parents, Families and Community Members, I hope you are all well. Our goal is to continue to improve in all that we do, and to ensure that our students do better each day and each year than they did the day or year previous. We are well on our way. When Dr. Brooks and I sat with our building principals and central office administrators for their goal setting conferences, it was clear to me that we have a very strong administrative and teaching team. They know what they need to keep their students striving, and we will be working to support them through this process. Our administrators know their students and their staff well. This month, I spent a lot of time with our younger grades in Berry, Rockwell, and Johnson. Next month, I plan on spending more time in our middle and high schools, learning from students the ways we can continue to support them and improve their middle and high school experience. I will update you on this in a future communication. I have included a few pictures below of my visit to Rockwell School where second grade students were working collaboratively to build an air purifier, using a box fan and filters. It was great to see the level of collaboration and engagement our students had. In another class at Johnson, our students were engaged in a “Hands-Down” conversation, where they had to listen to each other and build on what their peers were saying, or add a different approach to the question. In another math class at Johnson, students were learning their math facts in a fun and engaging way. There is great teaching and learning happening in our classrooms! On another note, I am thrilled to share some wonderful news! Senior Riley Lambert has been named a semi-finalist in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, announced on September 10, 2026. Riley represents less than one percent of US high school seniors and is now competing for 6,700 scholarships worth approximately $24 million, to be awarded next spring. Please join me in congratulating Riley! I would also like to recognize our “Commended Students” in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program: Toshan Bhattacharya, Jeremy Casadei, Abraham Fortnam, Peter Gardella and Henley Gow. Placing among the top 50,000 entrants nationwide based on their 2025 PSAT/NMSQT scores, these students were praised by an NMSC spokesperson for their outstanding academic potential. Congratulations to these outstanding students! As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support in educating all our students. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your weekend. There will apparently be some serious rain, so I hope you are able to stay dry! Best! BPS District Dashboard Upcoming Calendar Events October 12 - Professional Learning Day - No School News & Reminders Health Office News & Information CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings: PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian. Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc. STUDENTS WHO SELF-CARRY RESCUE MEDICATIONS (EPIPENS/INHALERS) In addition to a current self-carry medication administration order signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to make sure that the rescue medication (Epi-Pen/Inhaler) has not expired. *** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport. BPS Instagram BPS Facebook Schools & Community Bethel Public Schools Flyers Bethel Community Flyers Non-Discrimination Statement

Friday, Sep 25 2026

BPS Newsletter 9/11/26

Bethel Public Schools Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter September 11, 2026 Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center Bethel Board of Education 1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 794-8601 www.bethel.k12.ct.us Administration Offices Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8601 Business Office Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8604 District Calendars / Schedules Dr. Sackey's Message Albert Sackey, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Bethel Public Schools sackeya@bethel.k12.ct.us Dear Bethel Public School Parents, Families and Community Members, I hope you are all well. Today, as a community and nation, we remember the events of September 11th, 2001. During this 25th anniversary, we pause, reflect and honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath. I personally remember that day vividly, as I was a teacher in NYC at the time. From my classroom, I could see the New York City skyline, and watched in disbelief as the towers vanished before my eyes. It was a defining moment and I encourage you to take a moment to discuss the significance of this day with your children, helping them better understand this important day in history. Below are some pictures of how some of our students focused on their heroes and recognizing those heroes, as their way of understanding that day. On another note, I want to share our DISTRICT DASBOARD with you. This has important information and resources on our district and schools. You can learn more about Vision of a Learner, our 2025-2030 District Strategic Plan and our Theory of Action in the district dashboard. Also LINKED HERE you will find the Board of Education Goals. I just want to make sure you are aware of where some of our resources are. As always, thank you for your partnership and support in educating all our students. Together, we will continue to ensure that our students and staff have a safe and nurturing environment where our students can grow and learn and be successful. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your weekend. Best! BPS District Dashboard Upcoming Calendar Events September 21 - Yom Kippur - Schools Closed October 12 - Professional Learning Day - No School News & Reminders 2026-2027 Open House Dates Berry School September 16th - 5:30pm Rockwell School September 17th - 5:30pm 2026-2027 Calendar & School Time Schedule In July we mailed home a copy of the 2026-2027 School Calendar and School Time Schedule, linked below. Please note that the last day of school will be adjusted due to any emergency weather days. There are five (5) days built into the calendar for the purpose. 2026-2027 School Calendar 2026-2027 School Time Schedule School Bus Routes & First View App 2026-2027 Bus stops have been published in the Parent Portal. Your child's bus stop may have changed as routes were updated to reflect changing school enrollments. If you have a bus issue that needs to be resolved, please use this form: Bus Concern Form. School Breakfast and Lunch Program Meal prices are as follows: Elementary Schools - Lunch $3.50 Middle and High Schools - Lunch $3.85 All Schools - Breakfast - $0.00 The Free/Reduced Lunch Applications for 2026-2027 are posted on our website under Foods & Nutrition, along with being made available at the schools. Board of Education Goals The Bethel Board of Education approved its annual goals. The goals are as follows: Goal 1: Student Learning, Innovation, and Future Readiness Personalized learning through formative assessment. Integration of Vision of a Learner competencies (critical thinker, collaborator, creative innovator, and ethical and engaged citizen) AI literacy, and career skills. Goal 2: Safe, Inclusive, and Connected Environments Social and emotional learning and mental health supports integrated with Vision of a Learner. Strengthened family and community engagement. Goal 3: Strategic Facilities and Resource Planning Data-driven enrollment projections and facilities planning. Prioritized capital projects and technology upgrades. Health Office News & Information CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings: NON-COMPLIANCE: The Connecticut General Statutes (Section 10-204a and Section 10-206) require local boards of education to ensure that each child attending school be adequately immunized and have an up-to-date health assessment (physical) on file. The Bethel Public School District requires that all students who enter Grade 7 and Grade 10 have a mandated health assessment dated on or after July 1, 2025 in order to be compliant. These forms can be found below: STATE OF CT - HEALTH ASSESSMENT RECORD: Age 5 - Grade 12 Because the school district must comply with the state regulations, your child will not be allowed to begin 7th grade/10th grade on the first day of the 2026 - 2027 school year, 8/26/26, unless you provide the school with an updated health assessment and/or documentation with the necessary immunizations completed before that date. Please provide the proper documentation to your child’s school; paperwork can be mailed, faxed or emailed to your child’s school. PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian. Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc. STUDENTS WHO SELF-CARRY RESCUE MEDICATIONS (EPIPENS/INHALERS) In addition to a current self-carry medication administration order signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to make sure that the rescue medication (Epi-Pen/Inhaler) has not expired. *** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport. BPS Instagram BPS Facebook Schools & Community Bethel Public Schools Flyers Bethel Community Flyers Non-Discrimination Statement

Friday, Sep 11 2026

BPS Newsletter 9/4/26

Bethel Public Schools Superintendent's Weekly Newsletter September 4, 2026 Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center Bethel Board of Education 1 School Street Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 794-8601 www.bethel.k12.ct.us Administration Offices Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8601 Business Office Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (203) 794-8604 District Calendars / Schedules Dr. Sackey's Message Albert Sackey, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Bethel Public Schools sackeya@bethel.k12.ct.us Dear Bethel Public School Parents, Families and Community Members, I hope you are all well. We’ve just completed our first full week of school, and I must say, it’s been a nice start to the school year! I had the privilege of visiting several of our classrooms this week, and it was great to connect with our students and staff in their learning environments. Our teachers have been hard at work, introducing new concepts in math, building students' art skills, expanding students’ vocabulary, and helping them make connections to prior learning. In two 4th grade classrooms, I saw students diving into a reading challenge, aiming to read over a thousand books as a grade level, which is a truly inspiring goal. When I asked students what they’ve enjoyed about school so far, many said they loved learning new things, spending time with their teachers, and being with friends. It’s clear to me that our students are deeply engaged in their learning, and our teachers are doing a fantastic job of keeping them motivated and involved. This week, I enjoyed witnessing incredible teaching and learning moments. It was also wonderful to see how enthusiastic our younger learners are about their new school year. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit both the high school and the middle school, where I popped into their expectations assemblies for our 9th graders and 8th graders. These assemblies are such a great way to set the tone for the year and reinforce the values and expectations that will guide our students toward success. Our students were attentive and engaged and it was good to see them ready for the year ahead. Finally, a nice way to end the week was by joining Dr. Grieco, her staff and PTO at the Dandy Dance Party! This was a fun and lively event. It was heartwarming to see our students, staff, parents, and Dandy the lion, together, dancing, laughing, and simply having a great time. Please be sure to check out some pics from the week below. As we move forward, I’ll continue to share updates through social media. While it’s been a work in progress, I’m excited about improving our communication and keeping you all informed about the great things happening in our schools. Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend. Happy Labor Day! BPS District Dashboard Upcoming Calendar Events September 7 - Labor Day - Schools Closed September 21 - Yom Kippur - Schools Closed News & Reminders 2026-2027 Open House Dates Bethel Middle School September 9th - 5:45pm Bethel High School September 10th - 5:30pm Berry School September 16th - 5:30pm Rockwell School September 17th - 5:30pm 2026-2027 Calendar & School Time Schedule Reminder - Wednesday, August 26th - the First Day of School is a FULL DAY. In July we mailed home a copy of the 2026-2027 School Calendar and School Time Schedule, linked below. Please note that the last day of school will be adjusted due to any emergency weather days. There are five (5) days built into the calendar for the purpose. 2026-2027 School Calendar 2026-2027 School Time Schedule School Bus Routes & First View App 2026-2027 Bus stops have been published in the Parent Portal. Your child's bus stop may have changed as routes were updated to reflect changing school enrollments. If you have a bus issue that needs to be resolved, please use this form: Bus Concern Form. School Breakfast and Lunch Program Meal prices are as follows: Elementary Schools - Lunch $3.50 Middle and High Schools - Lunch $3.85 All Schools - Breakfast - $0.00 The Free/Reduced Lunch Applications for 2026-2027 are posted on our website under Foods & Nutrition, along with being made available at the schools. Board of Education Goals The Bethel Board of Education approved its annual goals. The goals are as follows: Goal 1: Student Learning, Innovation, and Future Readiness Personalized learning through formative assessment. Integration of Vision of a Learner competencies (critical thinker, collaborator, creative innovator, and ethical and engaged citizen) AI literacy, and career skills. Goal 2: Safe, Inclusive, and Connected Environments Social and emotional learning and mental health supports integrated with Vision of a Learner. Strengthened family and community engagement. Goal 3: Strategic Facilities and Resource Planning Data-driven enrollment projections and facilities planning. Prioritized capital projects and technology upgrades. Health Office News & Information CT State Department of Education State Mandated Screenings: NON-COMPLIANCE: The Connecticut General Statutes (Section 10-204a and Section 10-206) require local boards of education to ensure that each child attending school be adequately immunized and have an up-to-date health assessment (physical) on file. The Bethel Public School District requires that all students who enter Grade 7 and Grade 10 have a mandated health assessment dated on or after July 1, 2025 in order to be compliant. These forms can be found below: STATE OF CT - HEALTH ASSESSMENT RECORD: Age 5 - Grade 12 Because the school district must comply with the state regulations, your child will not be allowed to begin 7th grade/10th grade on the first day of the 2026 - 2027 school year, 8/26/26, unless you provide the school with an updated health assessment and/or documentation with the necessary immunizations completed before that date. Please provide the proper documentation to your child’s school; paperwork can be mailed, faxed or emailed to your child’s school. PARENTAL/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY: It is your responsibility to alert the health office of your child's school if your child requires medication. Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off their child's medication (i.e. EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies, etc) at the start of each school year and replacing this medication upon expiration. These medications must be accompanied by the doctor's orders which must be signed by both the doctor and parent/guardian. Failure to have the medication and doctor's orders in the health office will result in your child not being able to participate in athletics, field trips, school activities etc. STUDENTS WHO SELF-CARRY RESCUE MEDICATIONS (EPIPENS/INHALERS) In addition to a current self-carry medication administration order signed by the medical provider and parent/guardian, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to make sure that the rescue medication (Epi-Pen/Inhaler) has not expired. *** Please also note that physicals for athletics are only valid for 13 months. It is your responsibility to make sure that your child’s physical is updated so that they are able to continue participation in their chosen sport. BPS Instagram BPS Facebook Schools & Community Bethel Public Schools Flyers Bethel Community Flyers Non-Discrimination Statement

Friday, Sep 04 2026