December 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Regular Meeting - Annual Meeting

Rationale:  As you are aware, the district wanted to conduct an updated enrollment study.  The purpose of the study was to determine if we need to do any type of feasibility planning, given new development within the community.  Consultants from MP Planning Group will be present at the meeting to discuss findings.  

Rationale:  Dr. Carver will be presenting issues affecting the 2025-2026 budget.  The presentation will be available at the meeting.  

Rationale:  Gifts
Rockwell School
Three boxed book sets of "Popcorn Thanks" with gratitude activity, stuffy, and a case of individual popcorn bags for staff, $75, Lesser Evil Snacks, Danbury, CT

Rationale:  This action is required by State Statute and needs to be posted with the Town Clerk no later than December 31st.  Dates can be changed at later dates to meet the requirements of the business of the Board.

Rationale: 

The Board Chair will speak to the Board regarding the 2025 Standing Committees and bring committees to the Board for Board approval.

Per Board Bylaw 9132 Standing Committees -" Committees shall be established through action of the Board.

Rationale:  The success of our school system depends on an effective working relationship between the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools.  This code incorporates those standards and responsibilities most critical to productive Board and Superintendent relations.  Board members will sign the Code of Ethics for 2025.

Rationale:  (Please note:  The Board welcomes Public Participation and asks that speakers please limit their comments to 2 minutes.  Speakers may offer objective comments of school operations and programs that concern them.  The Board will not permit any expression of personal complaints or defamatory comments about Board of Education personnel and students, nor against any person connected with the Bethel Public School System.)

Rationale: 

• UCONN Today Article - Neag School Alum Christine Carver Honored as Connecticut’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year

Which BOE members will need a new binder for the budget materials?  Please let Sue or Jen know.

Rationale:  Monthly Data  -  We include in the BOE agenda the monthly data as requested by the BOE.  

Rationale: 

Key Points of the Briefing: 

• We are bringing forward the Grade 9 Modern World History I curriculum. 

• This course presents an advanced study of human history from the Enlightenment through World War II with an emphasis on connections to the modern world. Students are exposed to a global study using primary source materials. The origins of modern civilization are examined to provide an understanding of the foundations of our world.  Global, geographical, and cultural perspectives are emphasized as well as skills including reading closely, speaking and listening, collaboration, and writing for argumentation.  

• The curriculum emphasizes rigor and relevance, autonomy and student choice.

• Units include:

  • Unit 1: Absolutism, Enlightenment, Revolutions

  • Unit 2: Industrial Revolution

  • Unit 3: Imperialism, World War I

  • Unit 4: Interwar Years, origins of World War II, Holocaust

Rationale: 

Key Points of the Briefing: 

• We are bringing forward the Introduction to Psychology curriculum. 

• This semester elective is offered in Grades 11 & 12.

• Units include:

  • Unit 1 - Perspectives and Methods

    • Scientific Inquiry, Research Methods, Psychological Perspectives

  • Unit 2 - Biological Bases of Behavior

    • Biological Bases, Consciousness

  • Unit 3 - Cognitive Processes

    • Thinking, Learning, Intellectual Ability, Memory

  • Unit 4 - Developmental Psychology

    • Lifespan, Language

  • Unit 5 - Understanding Personality and Behavior

    • Personality, Motivation

  • Unit 6 - Psychological Health

    • Stress, Disorders, Therapies

• Human thoughts and actions are examined in relationship with the stream of consciousness and the environment; behavior and social change are explored as they relate to self-understanding..  

Rationale: 

Key Points of the Briefing: 

• We are bringing forward the Conflict Resolution curriculum. 

• This semester elective is offered to Grades 11 & 12. 

• This course is designed to provide a general overview of the conflict resolution process. Students learn the fundamental principles of conflict resolution and develop an understanding of individual and group dynamics. Through structured activities such as group discussions, role playing, and cooperative learning activities, students develop skills and strategies for problem solving, managing stress, and communicating effectively. 

• Units include:

  • Introduction to Conflict and Conflict Resolution

  • Communication 

  • Values 

  • Stress

  • Anger

  • Self-Esteem & Healthy Relationships

  • Healthy and Effective Problem Solving

Rationale:  The attached document outlines all transfers made in the first quarter.  

Rationale:  At the request of the Board, this presentation will provide the Board with recommendations and provides an overview of the total amounts needed to fully eliminate Pay to Participate.  

Pay-to-Participate Fees Presentation