New websites coming

Bethel Schools are making the switch to a new web platform called Blackboard Engage/Edline. The goal of the new system is to provide a better online experience for families in Bethel. The change to the new websites will begin Sept. 4.

Free & Reduced price meal applications available online

Bethel’s Child Nutrition Services is now accepting online applications for free and reduced meals. The Household Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meals for the 2012-2013 school year can be accessed by going to https://emealapps.bethelsd.org/. Only one application is required per family. Paper applications will be limited, so parents are encouraged to use the online process. Got questions? Call CNS at (253) 683-6910.

Parent Engagement Summit draws crowd in Graham

Bethel parents were encouraged to get involved and get inspired at a recent Parent Engagement Summit. The meeting held, Aug. 17 at Frontier Park in Graham, focused on several meaningful topics.  Topics included: differentiated parent support, removing the barriers, meaningful dialogue, action plans for engagement, respectful partnership, and supporting academic achievement. Attendees enjoyed presentations from Fran Hjalmarson, author of Differentiated Parent Support: Engaging Parents in Unique Ways to Increase Their Involvement in School, as well as Puget Sound Educational Service District ECEAP Director Talena Dixon and PSESD Program Director Kelli Hoekstra. Staff from Bethel’s Special Services department organized the event.

Bethel transportation receives safety training

Recently, Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy Jesus Villahermosa stopped by Bethel to train bus drivers in how to keep themselves and students safe. The workshop, which covered a series of bus and personal safety issues, was held Aug. 24 at Cougar Mountain Middle School. The training was offered for free to district staff. School buses are one of the safest forms of public transportation.

Under his consulting company, Crisis Reality Training, Inc, Villahermosa has educated over 400,000 professionals and students about issues of violence and school safety. He has been a deputy in Pierce County since 1981. 

Internet Essentials available through Comcast

Comcast has made surfing the web more affordable for low-income families. Through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, families can access the Internet for $9.95 plus tax, per month. To qualify, families must live in a Comcast service area, have at least one child that receives free or reduced lunch, and have not had Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days. Families who have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment may not qualify.  There are no activation or equipment fees and training is available. Computers can be purchased during the initial enrollment for $149.99, plus tax.  Call 1-855-8-INTERNET to request an application or visit http://internetessentials.com to learn more about this program.