Category Archives: School

St. Mary Students Participate in STEM Day

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St. Mary Students Participate in STEM Day ~ By Maggie Kent

Isabella Iazzetta, Eamon Kenning, and Molly Gleissner holding STEM Air Ferry, Photo Credit St. Mary School

On December 9, 2011, the sixth and seventh grade students at St. Mary School were challenged to provide a practical solution for an engineering dilemma. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Challenge asked the students to, “Build a ferry that will deliver your goods to or beyond a destination point over a wire bridge using only wind power.” Using materials (i.e., popsicle sticks, Styrofoam, tissue paper, balloons, batteries) donated by the teachers, parents, and STEM program, students worked in groups to make an air mechanism that would move the ferry smoothly along its bridge. Many first try “Ferry Crossings” ended in tipped over boats and some didn’t move along at all. By weighting the ferries differently or adding sails or propellers, the students eventually worked out the challenges and found their ferry successful at the end of the day.

STEM Education projects such as these encourage students by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and require students to actively engage in a situation in order to find its solution (find out more at www.nsf.gov.) The St. Mary School seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Conover, and Technology Coordinator, Miss Ulacco , presented this project to the students after they, too, had spent a day experiencing this challenge.

“The Diocese of Bridgeport had STEM teachers come together and work on this project so that we could go back to our schools and challenge our students to creatively work together. It took us six hours of hands on work ourselves to complete the task, “ says Miss Ulacco. Integrating these subjects into one fun day of group project allows each student the opportunity to shine. “It was interesting to see students who might be quiet in the classroom thrive during this experiment.”

Visit www.stmarybethelct.org to see a video of the STEM day in action as well as find out more information about St. Mary School.

Hanna Manca, Peter Jennings, and Christian O’Hara watch their ferry along the route. Photo Credit St. Mary School

Maggie Kent

Director of Enrollment

St. Mary School,

Bethel, CT

admissions@stmetybethelct.org

High School Students! Live Green & WIN Green!

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High School Students! Live Green & WIN Green!

The following is information from CL&P’s website about a contest for high school students–

How “Green” is Your School?

2011-2012 “Live Green – Win Green” contest coming soon!

Click here to view 2010-2011 “Live Green – Win Green” student entries!

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High school students throughout the CL&P service area will be competing for $35,000 in prize money that they can apply to the green project they envision for their school. The grand prize winner will recieve a $20,000 grant and 3 runners-up will each be awarded $5,000 grants. It’s a simple as putting together a two-minute video and an essay telling us how your school is going green, and how the prize money can help you achieve your goals.

Thanks to all the schools that entered in the 2010-2011 Connecticut Light & Power “Live Green – Win Green” contest! We certainly hope you will be back for this year’s contest.

Contest Information

What?

Green thinking has become one of the most important and necessary lifestyle changes in the 21st century. The Live Green – Win Green competition has been put in place to build green awareness with Connecticut high school students and to reward the schools who support students making their school a greener place. Connecticut Light & Power is challenging students to tell us why and how we should help you help your school become more “green.”

Who?

Live Green – Win Green is sponsored by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P). CL&P is Connecticut’s largest utility company, supplying more than 1.2 million Connecticut residents and businesses with electricity. CL&P plays a major role in the growth and vitality of Connecticut’s economy and quality of life. They are dedicated to educating future generations about using energy more wisely and being more environmentally conscious.

How?

Each entrant (either group or individual) must submit a video and a short essay. Each entry must be made by a school administrator or faculty advisor on behalf of the students who develop the submission.

Video – Students must produce a two minute video showcasing the changes you and your fellow students are making to conserve energy and make your school environmentally friendly. Creativity counts so make sure these videos are fun and exciting. Each video must be uploaded to www.clpenvironments.com/LiveGreenWinGreen.php by the date specified below.

Essay – Write an essay (maximum 1000 words) telling us about other environmental and energy efficiency changes you would like to see implemented at your school, but currently lack the financial resources to accomplish. We’re looking for real commitment to effective changes that are creative and sustainable.

When?

Entries will be accepted online at www.clpenvironments.com/LiveGreenWinGreen.php between February 13 and February 29, 2012. Winners will be announced in April, 2012.

Where can I learn more and see last year’s entrants? Please visit www.clpenvironments.com and click Live Green Win Green for more info and to see all of last year’s great entrants.

Cheerleaders Organize Car Wash For BMS Student Battling Cancer

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Cheerleaders Organize Car Wash For BMS Student Battling Cancer

"Team Jaxx," photo contributed.

On Sunday, September 25th, St. Mary’s School student Anastasia DeLuca, along with her cheerleading team at  Champion All Stars, is holding a charity car wash. The car wash will benefit Bethel Middle School student Jaxxon Reed, who has been battling cancer.

The day after Thanksgiving in 2006, Jaxxon complained to his mother that his head was burning, according to a press release from Spirit Nationals. The next day Jaxxon was in surgery for a malignant brain tumor, Neuroblastoma. The surgery was followed my numerous rounds of chemotherapy at Yale‐New Haven Hospital. In February of 2008 medicine was approved and administered to Jaxxon. By June of 2008 Jaxxon, his mother Kim and his sister Lexxi moved into the Ronald McDonald house in New York City. Click here to article in New York Post.

Kim home-schooled both of her children at the Ronald McDonald House while Jaxxon was being treated at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center. Jaxxon continued his treatment plan until his release nearly a year later. Jaxxon is now an eighth grader living in Bethel and has been cancer-free for 3 years.

For the past 5 years, Champion All Stars of Danbury has been helping Jaxxon and his family through fundraisers and support. For the past 3 years Spirit All‐Stars of Hamden has also helped the Reeds. Together they have raised well over $20,000.

This Sunday, September 25th, Champion All Stars will hold the car wash from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Automotive, 214 Greenwood Avenue.  Donations will be accepted.

For more information click here or call 798-8656.

Bus Routes May Be Temporarily Altered Due To Downed Trees [UPDATED 2:00pm]

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According to the Board of Education’s recent posting on their website, school bus routes may be altered due to downed trees still blocking roads. See below for more information:

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From the Bethel Board of Education:

Power has been restored to the school buildings.  We will hold our first day of classes on Thursday, September 1.  This day will remain on the early dismissal schedule.  The dismissal times are as follows:

High School     12:15
Middle School  12:56
Johnson School  1:00
Rockwell School  1:40
Berry School  1:40
As of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, there are currently road closures in the following locations:
Chestnut Ridge at #170 (Before the Nashville Extension)
Codfish Hill Extension at Jacklin Road
Nashville Road Extension
Nashville Road near Nashville Extension
Putnam Park Road between Route 302 and Hoyts Hill Road
Taylor Avenue near the sharp bend in road
Winesap Run at #32
Glenwood Drive
McNeil Road at Stony Hill Road
Sunset Hill Road at Jacobs Lane
Hoyts Hill  by #302
Because crews are working, these closures can change.  Road closures mean that bus routes in these areas will be altered.  First Student will do their best to maintain planned bus routes; however, if you realize that it is unlikely that a bus can make it to your child’s normal pickup spot, they can utilize a nearby bus stop (if they can get to it safely) or please make other arrangements to transport your child. There will be no penalty assessed for non-attendance. 
 
We have been asked to have all parents remind children to stay away from downed trees.
 
Those parents who use after-school day care facilities, please make sure that they are fully operating and accepting children on Thursday.  This means that you will need to make sure your child understands what bus he/she must ride if the normal day care provider is not open.
Thank you for your patience during this ordeal.  We have worked with the First Selectmen, his staff, and CL&P representatives to make the schools safe and operational.  It has also taken time to make a full assessment of current road closures so that we can provide accurate information.
Editor’s Note: The secretary at the Board of Education, Barbara Donaghy, advised Bethel Buzz this morning at 10:38am that there will be school tomorrow, Thursday. The bus company confirmed this as well.  The Board of Ed also stated that hot lunches and food temperatures will be fine and parents should not worry. The Board of Ed will send out an automated telephone message this evening confirming this.
[UPDATE 2:00 pm] IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST SELECTMAN: “Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Chesley confirmed this afternoon that the first day of school for the Bethel Public School system will be tomorrow, September 1st, with the early dismissal schedule in effect. Any parents who may not have received the automated school announcement voice mail and need additional information are encouraged to call the Board of Education office at 203-794-8601.”

First Selectman's Storm Update 8/31[UPDATED 2:00pm]

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Info from the automated phone message sent today from the First Selectman:

As of this morning CL&P has restored power to more than half of the effected customers in Bethel, including the school complex and other critical  facilities. CL&P has deployed 6 line crews and 2 tree cutting crews who are working in Bethel today to restore a circuit supplying power to many customers.

Road Closures: Route 58, Nashville Road and Chestnut are the three top priority roads to be opened. The town is  are aware of other road closures and will address them as quickly as possible. If there are any other outages or trees down that need to be reported please call CL&P directly at 800-286-2000.

Town Hall is open to the public from 7am-9pm for showers, use of water and to recharge cell phones and laptops.

The First Selectman stated he understands resident’s frustration and asks the community to be patient while CL&P works to restore power.

Editor’s Note: The secretary at the Board of Education, Barbara Donaghy, advised Bethel Buzz this morning at 10:38am that there will be school tomorrow, Thursday. The bus company confirmed this as well.  The Board of Ed also stated that hot lunches and food temperatures will be fine and parents should not worry. The Board of Ed will send out an automated telephone message this evening confirming this.

[UPDATE 2:00 pm] IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST SELECTMAN: “Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Chesley confirmed this afternoon that the first day of school for the Bethel Public School system will be tomorrow, September 1st, with the early dismissal schedule in effect. Any parents who may not have received the automated school announcement voice mail and need additional information are encouraged to call the Board of Education office at 203-794-8601.”

BHS Marching Band & Color Guard Showcase Talent at Band Camp

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BHS Marching Band & Color Guard Showcase Talent at Band Camp

~By Wendy Mitchell

The Bethel High School Marching Band and Color Guard kicked off their 2011-2012 season with a 7-day band camp, held over the last 2 weeks at the high school,  under the direction of Damon Coachman. The band is making excellent progress as they ready for their first competition at Danbury High School on  Saturday, September 10.

This year’s band camp was especially challenging due to the extreme heat. Students coped by drinking plenty of water and taking breaks after lots of hard work. The BHS Band recently hired new instructors for each section including the color guard.

This year the BHS Marching Band will play  musical pieces composed by Karl Jenkins.  Click here for a video of some of the music they performed. The music showcases students’ musical abilities by challenging them to play in many different time signatures. Mr. Coachman is known to push students beyond their limits in order to reach their full potential.

Band Camp ended  last Friday with a special banquet as a reward for all the hard work students put in.

Bethel High School’s Marching Band’s home show, Quest for the Best, is scheduled for Saturday, October 8, at Bethel High School. This is an event music lovers don’t want to miss. Talented marching bands from all over the state compete for awards and trophies. This U.S Scholastic Band Association competition also features some amazing color guards from all across Connecticut. Click here for a current schedule.

Village Preschool Celebrates 40 Years!

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Village Preschool is proud to celebrate 40 years! ~ By Wendy Mitchell

Join their newly hired Director, Randi Rote, along with their teachers, at their Open House on Wednesday August 31 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the school, 141 Greenwood Ave., Bethel.

Village Pre-School began in 1971, as a non-religious outreach program of The Bethel United Methodist Church on Greenwood Avenue.  Since then, the school has evolved to stay current with the current benchmarks, regulations and requirements to meet the needs of local children a safe, nurturing environment.

Serving families of Bethel and surrounding towns, the school provides a high quality and developmentally appropriate early childhood program.  By providing a positive emotional and social environment, teachers encourage students to think creatively while supporting each child’s individual culture.  Village Preschool is nationally accredited by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. All teachers are trained in first aid and CPR.

Currently the school is offering free tuition discounts for referrals. Call for more details (203) Come tour the school and see what sets Village Preschool apart from other pre-schools. FREE Registration until August 31, 2011 (a $75.00 value).

Click here for an online registration form.

Check out their website for more information.