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Bethel Newsletter: September 2026

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (08:46 AM)


Bethel logo green blue and white

Bethel District News

September, 2026

In this issue

students holding welcome back sign
  • 2026-27 bell schedule
  • Attendance: Every day matters!
  • Student progress tracking this year
  • After school care
  • Resource center
  • E-bike reminders
  • Safe Routes tips and resources
  • A note from the Superintendent 
 

We're off to a strong start, let's keep it going!

The first week is in the books, and it's the perfect time to build strong attendance habits for the rest of the year. Every day in class helps students stay on track academically and feel connected to their teachers and classmates — and the routines families set now tend to stick.

We're encouraging all Bethel families to prioritize daily attendance and celebrate every week their student shows up ready to learn. Let's start the year off strong, because every day counts!
group of students smiling
 
student writing on paper

New this year: More ways to follow your student’s progress

Bethel families will have more opportunities this year to see how their students are learning and growing! Beginning next week, students in grades K–11 will participate in the first of three STAR assessment windows, giving teachers timely information to support learning and families more regular updates about student progress. Learn more about STAR, what students can expect and how we’ll share results with families throughout the year.

Upcoming no-school days

Friday, October 23rd: K-12 Curriculum & Professional Development
 

Reminder: Early Release Wednesdays

All Bethel schools dismiss 90 minutes early every Wednesday. Thank you for supporting this time for our educators to collaborate as professionals and continuously improve our practices!
school schedule and times with logo
Bethel District Calendars
 

After-School Care


New infant care & preschool: Ascensions at Clear Lake 
 
pink background safety image

E-Bikes: Quick guidance for parents

  1. If it can go faster that 20mph with a throttle, it’s not an e-bike, it’s an e-moto and illegal everywhere in Eugene except private property.
  2. Only kids over 16 are allowed to ride e-bikes. Everyone under 16 should ride regular bikes, scooters and skateboards.

Safe Routes to School - Safety Tips

  • Choose streets with less traffic, slower speeds, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Avoid areas with road construction.
  • Look and listen for cars in every direction before crossing the street.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see cars coming.
  • Never cross between parked cars. Drivers may not be able to see you.
  • Before crossing, make sure drivers see you and stop. Try to make eye contact with the driver.
  • Travel with others when possible. Ask your school about a Walking School Bus, Bike Bus, or someone you can travel with.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Put away your phone and earbuds, especially when crossing the street.
  • Be easy to see and predictable. If biking or riding a scooter, travel in a straight line and wear bright or reflective clothing.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter.

 

Car donations needed

The automotive CTE program is in need of some new vehicles for the shop. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, the automotive program could really use it. This would help the program, and it is a tax-deductible donation.
Please contact Bill Heyes at bill.hewes@bethel.k12.or.us if you're interested or if you have any questions.
blue car
 

Keep up with us on social media!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fun news, celebrations and upcoming events across the district!
parent and two students smiling
We're so happy to have everyone back in our buildings, this year is shaping up to be a good one! Check out some back to school photos here.
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
 
teacher holding certificate

Nominate someone who makes a difference!

Do you have a favorite Bethel staff member who should be celebrated? Is there someone who goes above and beyond to help students and staff? Show them some love with a Bethel Spirit Award nomination!
orange background with confetti and blue text

Good News!

From classroom successes to district-wide celebrations, this is where good news lives.
Join us in recognizing the incredible efforts of our students and staff.
Spirit Awards!
 

A note from the Superintendent

Welcome back to a new school year in Bethel!
This first week of school has been full of energy, connection and the kind of excitement that reminds me why I love this work. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather as our staff welcomed students back, and it has been wonderful to see our schools come alive again.

A great start to the year
Across Bethel, students spent the week meeting their teachers, reconnecting with friends and settling into new routines. For some, that meant opening a middle school locker for the first time or navigating a new high school schedule. For our youngest learners, it meant finding their classrooms, meeting their teachers and learning what a school day looks like. And for many students, this week brought the added excitement of starting at a new school.

Ready behind the scenes
A smooth first week takes a tremendous amount of work. Teachers prepared classrooms, transportation staff mapped routes, maintenance and custodial crews readied our buildings, and our technology team made sure classrooms had what they needed. I’m grateful for the many people who worked together to give our students a strong start.

A community that cares
What has stood out most this week is the genuine care our staff show for students, families and each other. That care, paired with high expectations for what every student can accomplish, is what we hope you and your students will feel throughout the year.

Thank you for being part of what makes Bethel such a special place. We’re grateful for a great first week and excited for all that’s ahead!

Kraig Sproles

Community Events & Resources

Basketball Open Gym - NAACP

Looking for free basketball and open in Eugene-Springfield, Lane County, Oregon? Join our weekly open gym for youth, teens, and adults and all skill levels. Stay active, build confidence, develop basketball skills, and connect with community in a welcoming and supportive environment.

WHERE: Clear Lake Community Center, 4646 Barger Dr, Eugene OR
WHEN: Wednesdays, from 5pm - 6:30pm
NAACP Calendar
 

A Magical Morning at the Hult!

Join us for a free, fun-filled adventure at the Hult Center, where creativity comes to life! Explore hands-on activities, interactive stations, and playful surprises from local arts, youth, and community organizations. Meet new friends, make something cools, and learn about our upcoming youth and family shows. Come celebrate the start of the school year for youth pre-k to 12th grade. Please RSVP for the chance to win a Family (4) pack of tickets to an incredible upcoming youth and family show!

WHERE: Hult Center, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene OR
WHEN: Saturday, September 19th starting at 10:30am
Read more about the event
 

Deep Blue Discovery - Eugene Science Center

Join us for an evening of science exploration for neuro-diverse adults and children who prefer a quiet, less sensory-stimulating environment. This free, after-hours event will offer a variety of activities without the crowds and with some of our noisier exhibits turned off. Deep Blue Discovery will offer:
  • Sensory room with ocean sounds and "create your own ocean scene" in the sand
  • Blue ocean fidget putty you can take home
  • Calm room with salt & watercolor painting with ocean light
  • Soothing imagery in the planetarium
Contact lmathews@eugenesciencecenter.org with questions or to RSVP.
WHERE: Eugene Science Center, 2300 Leo Harris Parkway, Eugene OR
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:30pm - 7pm
Read more about the event
 
colorful flyer with text and photo of pancakes

You're invited to have breakfast with B.L.A.Q. Youth

Join us for a fun morning of good food, community, and connection—all while supporting B.L.A.Q. Youth, Inc. and our work creating meaningful opportunities for Black youth and families.

WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8-10am
WHERE: Applebee’s: 2300 W 11th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
🎟️ Tickets: $20
Your ticket includes breakfast and a beverage.
Get your tickets directly through Ticketleap:

Come have breakfast with us, bring someone along, and support B.L.A.Q. Youth! 
We can’t wait to see you there!
 
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Bethel School District Website