principal

October 2009

Last month’s floods brought with them devastation to Clarkdale Elementary and to many families in the metro area. Families lost homes, children lost their school, roads were washed away, and businesses were destroyed.

But, all was not lost. Instead, people helped others and communities banded together to begin the recovery process. The school district asked other schools to welcome the students of Clarkdale Elementary and, in just two days, the students were back in school and welcomed with open arms by their Austell Intermediate and Compton Elementary school families. Supply drives brought huge quantities of notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and books to the teachers and students in need. Mt. Bethel Elementary, along with other schools and religious organizations, held food, clothing, and household good drives; supermarkets and other stores accepted monetary donations for all of the victims of the flood; and the American Red Cross went into action.

All of these hands reaching out to help others exemplifies the human spirit at its finest. Please use this time to talk with your children about the good that came as a result of the devastation. Explain to them that even though their family suffered no harm, there were so many other people that needed help and the community had a responsibility to respond to their needs. Talk to them about citizenship, kindness, and caring. Help them to understand that giving really can be better than receiving.

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, take time to be thankful for the good things in your life and for the good people that surround all of us. We are indeed, very lucky.

September 2009

The orange, red, and yellow leaves on the trees signify a change in seasons, a transition in the life of the trees. The beautiful colors reassure us that it is a welcome change—a nurturing change—that will allow the trees to grow bigger and fuller in the spring.

Like Mother Nature, we have implemented some changes at Mt. Bethel that we believe create a safer, reassuring environment in which your children can learn and grow:

• Upon arrival in the morning, buses let third, fourth, and fifth grade students off at the cafeteria doors. Students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade disembark at the door near the Media Center. The hallways are less congested and students can get to their classrooms quickly.
• 1,2,3 lines are being used as classes move through our hallways. Facing forward, hands at your side with closed mouths allows classes to move quickly and quietly. Our lines look, and sound, beautiful. Classes that are working in their rooms appreciate the quiet!
• Quiet dismissal from assemblies and programs allow students to hear directions from their teachers as they transition back to the classroom.
• Cafeteria doors are kept closed during the lunch hours. This small change keeps the noise level down in the hallways—again helping the classes that are hard at work to concentrate and do their best.
• At dismissal time, ASP students are released at the first bell to check in at ASP. This allows the ASP staff to confirm their attendance is correct before the buses leave campus.
• Running Club is a new morning activity. Children get their exercise early while making use of our new track. Go Buccaneers!

Like the leaves on the trees, we know these changes will have a positive impact on our students and our school. Thank you for your support, as we always make decisions based on what is best for our students.

August 2009

The summer at Mt. Bethel was very busy with preparations for the new school year. Floors were polished, desks were cleaned, files were updated, and class placement decided. All of this and more with one goal in mind: to welcome your children home to Mt. Bethel.

I imagine your homes were filled with excitement, fun, and laughter this summer. And, now that your children have come home to Mt. Bethel our building is alive again! The voices, laughter, and sparkle in their eyes bring a warmth and energy back to the halls and classrooms. It is our responsibility to harness that energy and turn it toward learning. Already I can see that happening as kindergartners learn about school rules, letter people, and friendship, while our older students recall math facts, write about summer vacations and learn about our history to help them understand our future.

I feel fortunate to be a part of the Mt. Bethel family and to be able to call this fine school my home away from home. I am not alone in those feelings as I know how dedicated and passionate the faculty and staff also are about providing your children with an outstanding education in a warm and secure environment. Thank you for sharing your children with us and allowing them to feel at home here. Together our homes can anchor your children on a path of excellence in education and life.