Bethke Elementarybethkeelementary.weebly.com/.../5/7/4957927/august_2013.pdfPage 2 Bethke Elementary...

The vision of Bethke

Elementary is to be

a place that

honors and

inspires academic

excellence to

prepare the whole

child for success

in the 21st century.

Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year and a special welcome to all new families

who have joined our community. We are glad you’re here and hope you find ways to

get connected and involved.

We are busy preparing for a fantastic new year! Look inside for biographies about

some of our new staff. More continue to be hired and their bios will be on my blog. We

also have details on upcoming opportunities and events so read carefully and mark

your calendars!

If you are new to the school, or came at the end of last year, I invite you to a new par-

ent orientation on Wednesday, August 14 from 3-4 p.m. I will cover basic routines and

expectations at Bethke and answer any and all questions you might have about the

school and the upcoming year! I hope you can make it. Open House is Friday, August

16 from 2-4 p.m. for all families to come meet the teachers, drop off supplies, sign up

for clubs and volunteer opportunities and just reconnect with neighbors and friends.

It’s always a fun, busy day!

As our school continues to grow we are constantly refining our routines to ensure a

safe, positive experience for all students and staff. Thank you to all parents for your

feedback last year at coffee talks and on surveys. Your thoughts and advice are very

appreciated and have helped us improve this year. You can learn about those new

routines at Back to School night on August 27 from 5-7 p.m. Teachers will have iden-

tical presentations at 5:00 and 6:00 so come either time.

Our School Accountability Committee needs new representatives to serve this year

replacing those that have left or fulfilled their two year commitment. As required by

the state of Colorado, we meet once a quarter to review school performance plans and

goals, budgets, and safety. PSD applications for accountability committees are in the

front office if you are interested. Contact Mrs. Alfonso for more details.

The office is now open from 7:30-3:00 daily for your assistance. Once school starts it

will be open from 7:30-4:00 daily. Let’s make it a great year of honoring all learners!

Honoring all learners,

Sincerely,

Ann Alfonso

Principal

Bethke Elementary August 2013

Bethke Elementary

Honoring All Learners

Bethke’s Bobcat Facts

Address: 5100 School House Dr.

Timnath, CO 80547

Phone: 970-488-4300

Fax: 970-488-4302

Attendance: 970-488-4301

Principal: Ann Alfonso

[email protected]

www.BethkeElementary.com

Inside this issue:

PTO News - page 2

ArtSmarts - page 5

Music - page 6-7

Counselor - page 9

New Teachers- page10-11

Fitness - page 12

Calendar - page 13

Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by Poudre School District.

http://www.learningrx.com/fortcollins


PTO News

Welcome Bethke Community to the 2013-2014 School Year. Relax-

ation, fun, family and friends are a few of the ways we hope you

spent your summer. It is August so we are gearing back up to

make this year the best year yet! The Bethke PTO has been busy

planning and organizing during the summer and we are looking

forward to partnering with the teachers and staff to honor all

learners.

The Bethke Open House will be held August 16 from 2pm – 4 pm.

After meeting your teacher and dropping off your supplies, pop on

over to the cafeteria for some popcorn and refreshments and the

chance to mingle with friends, new and old. While there, you can

check out all the volunteer opportunities available this year. We

will have sign-ups for every committee. Now is the time to get in-

volved. As our number of Bobcats grows, so does our need for par-

ents and grandparents to help out. Bethke is an amazing school

because of our wonderful volunteers. If you ordered EduKits last

spring, they will be ready for you to pick up in your new classroom

during the open house.

Ann Alfonso will be hosting our New Parent Orientation on August

14 so all new families can learn the ins and outs of being a Bobcat

before the school year begins! This is the perfect time to get

plugged in and find out what Bethke has to offer. The coffee will

be hot, the treats delicious, and all our Bethke knowledge will be

shared.

Our 1st PTO meeting is Sept. 12 at 8:35 am. We will be going over

a lot of fun events that are planned for the year as well as intro-

ducing our PTO Board and Committee Chairs. The 1st meeting is

always the best time to get plugged in and help make Bethke the

best school possible.

PTO

http://www.fortcollinsshoes.com/

http://www.vanmeverenlaw.com/

http://www.tulaeventproductions.com/growingfield.aspx


PTO News continued..

To stay connected with our PTO’s activities between meetings

please look for information on the PTO bulletin board (located

across from the gym doors), in the monthly school newsletter,

through Friday Folders and on the school website under the PTO

tab.

Our annual golf tournament will be held at Highland Meadows Golf

Course on Oct. 5th. Be looking for more information coming home in

Friday Folders and keep those golf clubs swinging.

Save the Date! Our Fall Social will be held Friday, October 11.

Look for more information coming soon!

The primary way Bethke PTO raises funds to enrich the student’s

education is through the annual Pledge. The suggested contribu-

tion is $100 per student, but any contribution your family is com-

fortable making is fantastic and provides funding for field trips,

school assemblies, student enrichment programs, social events,

teacher stipends and grants. At this time, PSD does not offer an

online payment opportunity. Please make checks payable to

Bethke Elementary PTO and send them in with the completed

Pledge brochure in a sealed envelope marked “Bethke Pledge.” The

Pledge is an easy way to support Bethke.

If you have any questions regarding the Bethke PTO, please contact

me at [email protected]. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

We’re hoping to make this another fantastic year at Bethke!

Thanks in advance for all your support and generous contributions!

Tara Wangen

PTO President

http://www.mcdonalds.com/

http://www.rollerlandskatecenter.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.pizzahut.com/


StuCo

Dear Bobcats,

Student council is an amazing opportunity to represent Bethke Ele-

mentary in a variety of ways. During the 2012-2013 we participat-

ed in the following activities:

We spearheaded "Cans Around the Oval," collecting non-

perishable foods for those in need.

We raised money selling Boo Grams and used the proceeds to

purchase a new student-loved microwave for the cafeteria and

wrist bands for students on field day.

·In November we supported Santa Cops by participating in the

"All for Books" program. We were able to raise money to pur-

chase over 300 books to help create a happy holiday for many

families.

In December we collected spare change to support orphans in

Nicaragua. We were able to collect enough money to ensure eve-

ry child had a safe place for the holiday break.

Candy Gram sales in February went hand-in-hand with our

campaign for a “Cell Free Drop-off Lane”.

In the spring we participated in "All for Books" again, earning

nearly 300 books for the new MCR children’s wing which will

open this October.

Finally in May we encouraged all our active Bobcats to walk or

bike to and around the school in honor of “Bike to School Day”.

All of these events required time, energy and commitment from our

student council—inspiring all Bobcats to take pride in our commu-

nity. Those 4th and 5th graders interested are encouraged to apply

to be a student council member this August!

Go Bobcats!

Thank You!

Bethke Student Council

Sarah Bruhn & Stacy Gunstream

Sponsors

http://www.fcwc.com/

http://www.urgentcareatmiramont.com/

http://www.rockinrollersdaycamp.com/


ArtSmarts

Dear Bethke Community,

I have sincerely enjoyed the past five years at Bethke! What a

wild ride! From opening up a brand new building with around

275 students to celebrating over 500 students today, I have thor-

oughly enjoyed cultivating creativity and producing artwork with

you each year.

We have created so many projects in so many different mediums!

From painting and drawing, to clay and papier mache, we have

covered the gamut. Over the last five years, we have had hun-

dreds of students participate in Claymation Club, Printmaking

Art Club, Animation Station, Silkscreening Art Club, Clay Club,

and Creativity Club. We have had countless students display ex-

ceptional work in over 20 different district art shows, and we

have all created a school-wide mural celebrating our four charac-

ter traits and school spirit.

I am so proud to have had the privilege of working in the best

school around, which makes my decision to accept another art

teaching position in another district extremely difficult. I have

loved living and learning with each of my staff, students, and

parents and I will miss you all terribly. For those of you who do

not know, my home and family is in Denver, and I have been

commuting for the past two years. Now, I have the wonderful op-

portunity to live and work in the same place. Please know that

Bethke and its community will forever hold a very special place

in my heart.

Thank you for letting me your Bethke Art Teacher,

Sharyl Hazzard

AR

T

http://www.thehumanbean.com/

http://www.theschoolnewslettercompany.com/


Welcome to another great year of school at Bethke! I’m so excited to be

starting our 6th year of making music at this wonderful school. It will be

great to see all of my old students again and I look forward to meeting

our new Bobcats! During music classes at Bethke, we do everything from

singing and movement, to playing percussion instruments, keyboards

and ukuleles. I work with each grade level to build on their music litera-

cy skills. And…we have lots of fun doing it all!

You can always check out my website for information about music at

Bethke. My web address is: www.aadamsmusic.weebly.com . I work to

keep the information up-to-date so that parents can always get the an-

swers they need. You are also more than welcome to contact me at

[email protected] whenever you need information about our music

program.

Music Show-and-Tell

I love to give my students the opportunity to perform for their classmates

during weekly music classes. If your child plays an instrument and

would like to perform during music class, just send me a quick email and

we’ll schedule it. I always have students perform at the beginning of

class. Parents are more than welcome to attend. This is a great way for

students to get experience performing in front of an audience and to

share their musical talents with their classmates. I look forward to many

talented Bobcat performances this year!

Chorus

The Bethke Elementary Chorus is open to any interested 3rd, 4th or 5th

grade student. We meet before school (at 7:45 a.m.) every Monday and

Thursday morning. If your child is interested in joining our group, you

can get more information under the “Bethke Chorus” tab on my website.

In addition to more detailed information, you will also find a down-

loadable chorus packet that you will need to register your child for the

MU

SIC

Music Notes

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http://www.coloradocandlelight.com/


chorus. I will start accepting the chorus packets during our Open House

on 8/16. I will also have copies of the packet in my room if you’d like to pick

one up then. The deadline to turn in the chorus packet is Friday, August

30th. If your child was in the chorus last year and wishes to return, I will

need a new packet from them as well.

Grade Level Musicals

Each year, every grade level participates in a musical performance. The

kids love doing it and are always excited to start learning a new show. We

have already scheduled the dates for each show. Performances take place in

the Bethke gymnasium. Mark your calendars…you won’t want to miss

these shows!

The dates for the 2013-14 year are as follows:

*October 24th…….5th grade performance at 6:30 p.m.

*November 7th……4th grade performance at 6:30 p.m.

*December 10th ….2nd grade performance at 5:30 p.m.

*December 10th …..Chorus performance at 6:30 p.m.

*January 23rd ……..6th Annual Bethke Talent Show at 6:30 p.m.

*February 6th ……..1st grade program at 6:30 p.m.

*April 24th ………...3rd grade program at 6:30 p.m.

*May 8th …………...Chorus performance at 6:30 p.m.

Students will perform the same show at school on the morning after the

evening performance. Most morning performances will take place at 9:00

a.m. Parents and families are welcome at either or both shows.

Allison Adams

Bethke Music Teacher

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/fortcollins/recreator_2011fall/#/102

http://www.joannedeleon.com/


Library News

Welcome to the Library! I hope everyone had a great summer break! I look

forward to hearing about the awesome books students have read over the

summer.

E-Books:

A reminder to students to check out the e-books! They are very easy to ac-

cess:

Bethke Website

Media Center Link

Follett Shelf

Login: Student ID #

Password: Student 4 digit password

Browse e-books!

The e-books will be on their e-reader for 14 days and will then be automati-

cally returned. If the student finishes before the 14 days, please return it by

clicking on their book bag and click return.

New Books:

I have new books from the spring book fair that will be on the shelves shortly.

I hope everyone checks them out!

Checking out books:

The following is the number of books each grade level may check out:

KG – 1 Book for 1 Week

1st – 2nd – 2 Books for 1 Week

3rd – 3 Books for 1 Week (Plus a “book buddy” book that stays at the school)

4th – 5th – 4 Books for 2 Weeks

Kindergarten students will be bringing their library books home in a “book

bag”. These bags are for them to carry their library books to and from school.

This helps with teaching the responsibility of taking care of a library book by

keeping it clean, etc. These “book bags” will be used all year to take their

books home and bring them back to school on library day.

Students will not be able to check out books if they do not return them.

Please find a place in your home where your student can put their library

book, so on library days they know exactly where to find it. Some suggestions

for this could be a basket, special shelf on a book case, etc. I’m looking for-

ward to a fun year!

Mrs. Baechle

Bethke Media Specialist

http://www.miramontlifestyle.com/


Counselor’s Corner

I am thrilled to be back with the Bethke Elementary community again this

year as full-time counselor. The counseling program is designed to help your

child make the most of his or her educational experience. As your child’s

counselor, I am concerned about his or her emotional well-being, academic

progress, and personal and social development.

The following activities are offered in the Bethke counseling program:

Group counseling to help students establish friendships, get along with

others, and deal with issues such as divorce, grief, and stress.

Solution-focused, short-term individual counseling for academic, behavior-

al and social issues.

Mediation of conflicts between students.

Consultation with parents and teachers.

Referral assistance for families who are seeking counseling services in the

community.

Support for students with 504 plans.

Guidance lessons in the classroom (topics may include character educa-

tion, bully prevention, friendship skills, problem solving, conflict resolu-

tion, career exploration, stress management, study skills, and personal

safety).

I look forward to working together this year! Please contact me at 488-4307

or [email protected] if you would like more information or to set up an

appointment.

Christie McPhail

Bethke Counselor

[email protected] 488-4307

Summer Dates

8/6-7 - New Student Registration

8/9 - Class Lists Posted

8/14 - New Parent Info Session 3-4pm

8/16 - Open House 2-4pm

8/20-22 - Kindergarten Staggered Start Dates (8/23 entire class

attends)

8/27 - Back to School Night 5pm & 6pm


New Staff Profiles

Amy Mocke - First Grade

It is a pleasure to introduce myself! I'm Amy Mocke, a new first grade

teacher at Bethke Elementary! I have eight years teaching experience in

K/3/4, and can't wait to begin my ninth year at beautiful Bethke. I'm a

Fort Collins native and am looking forward to living in the area again. I

am so eager to begin a fabulous year of learning with incoming first

grade students and their families!

Jenna Simpson - First Grade

I am ecstatic to be one of the new 1st grade teachers at Bethke Elemen-

tary! I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher and getting this oppor-

tunity means the world to me. I am very excited to meet my future 1st

graders and their families.

I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in May of 2012

and two days later I flew to Thailand. I lived there for a year where I

taught 1st grade at Satit Kaset International Program. I loved my stu-

dents and the people that I met while I was there. I loved Thailand so

much but a year is a long time to be away. I am so happy to be back in

beautiful Colorado and spending time with family and friends. Outside of

teaching, I love hiking, camping, and reading.

Lauren Pegg - Third Grade

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl and I have been

thinking about my transition to Bethke for months, and can't wait for

school to start! I taught at Johnson Elementary in Fort Collins for the last

three years. I have taught both first and third grades and adore them

both. When I'm not at school enjoying my class I love to spend time with

my family.

Fitness is also something that plays a big role in my life. I enjoy running

and dancing, and do them almost everyday, even in the classroom!

I can't wait to join the Bethke family and have the opportunity to teach

and inspire a new group of learners!



Nicole Wentz-Jones - 4th Grade

I'm extremely excited to be a part of the Bethke family teaching fourth

grade and I am truly looking forward for the next school year to get started.

I love teaching and hope to instill a similar passion for learning in my stu-

dents. I know how awesome a responsibility it is to be a part of your child’s

life and I am thankful for the trust you have given me.

For the past three years I taught at Grandview Elementary as a 4th grade

teacher and Gifted and Talented teacher. I was also a high school teacher

and volleyball coach prior to earning my master’s degree in elementary edu-

cation.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading,

playing volleyball, running and gardening.

Alexandra Wedemeyer - Third Grade

I am ecstatic to join the Bethke community this upcoming school year. The

staff and students have been full of warm welcomes and kind words. For the

2013-2014 school year, I will be teaching 3rd grade with a fabulous group of

professionals. My previous teaching experiences include 3rd grade, 1st

grade, and Reading. Each experience has made an impact on my professional

growth, and I am excited to include Bethke as my newest journey.

I come from a small town in Iowa called Adair. Watching college football is

one of my favorite activities in the fall. Walking my dog Lena, hiking, skiing

and reading are my other hobbies. This summer I hope to read Ender’s

Game, Divergent, and 39 Clues (books 2-4). In addition to that, I will have

my classroom website up and running by the start of school. Have a great

summer!

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/fortcollins/recreator_2011fall/#/102

http://www.joannedeleon.com/


FIT

NE

SS

Family Literacy Night

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Bethke Family Literacy Night

Presentation by Gary Johnston - KIDS INTO READERS

More detail to come in the September Newsletter

Carla Hewitt

Bethke Literacy Teacher

Fitness News Wellness day is coming soon. We celebrate and participate in wellness

through a variety of activities and booths. Many community members

come and teach or give opportunities for students to try new activities.

With such amazing parents at Bethke I want to tap into all of our skills. If

you would like to provide a booth for students please let me know. Think

of any activity that you do and you can make it work. If you are a golfer

you could help kids putt, if you hike self-contained you could bring a load-

ed back pack and let the kids try it on, if you rock climb you could set up a

belaying station, if you are a nurse you could show and explain blood pres-

sure. We would love to have you share your talents and love for activity,

health, and nutrition. Email me at [email protected] if you would

like to volunteer yourself or someone else.

GET OUT – We will have some fun activities planned to get out and enjoy

moving. All students are welcome and all events are FREE. Stay tuned

for more details.

Please check your child’s PE day and send them wearing tennis shoes that

day. This is important so we don’t smash any toes or tear up the gym.

Thank you so much for helping with this!

Terri Keyworth

Bethke P.E. Teacher


1 2

5 6

New Student Registration

7

New Student Registration

8 9

Class Lists Posted 9am

12 13 14

New Parent Info Session

3-4pm - Media Center

15 16

Bethke Open House

2-4pm

19 20

First Day of School

Kinder Staggered Start

A-G

21


H-P

22


Q-Z

23

All Kinders Attend

26 27

Back-to-School Night

5pm & 6pm

28 29 30

August 2013 MON TUE WED TH FRI

Important Upcoming Dates

9/2 - School Closed/Labor Day

9/6 - Wellness Day

9/12 - PTO Meeting - 8:35am - Cafeteria

9/16 - School Closed - Collaboration Day

9/20 - Fall School Picture Day

9/26 - Family Literacy Night


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