
Bett District Update
Bettendorf Community School District Weekly Newsletter

BMS Teams Win 1st & 2nd in Eastern Iowa Battle of the Books
Congratulations to the Bettendorf Middle School Black team (Grayson Barr, Olivia Howard, and Sophia Everding) for finishing 1st at the Eastern Iowa Regional Iowa Teen Award Battle of the Books. Two teams from Bettendorf Middle School battled against two teams each from Pleasant Valley and Davenport's Smart, Sudlow, Walcott, Williams, and Wood on their knowledge of the 2023-2024 Iowa Teen Award nominees at the Bettendorf Public Library.
At BMS, the competition is open to students in grades 7 and 8, starting with a series of one-on-one battles to determine the top two teams to represent BMS at the regional battle. The Bettendorf Middle School Gold team finished in 2nd place (Avery Christy, Luna Krauss, and Thomas Whalen). Grayson Barr also finished 1st in the individual “Match-the-Quote-to-the-Book” battle.
BHS Construction Trade Program Receives Casey’s Cash for Classrooms Grant
BHS students Matthew Burkle (Freshman), Mason Anderson (Senior), and Gavin Barta (Senior) with the dog house they built to sell at the QC Home Show in February.
Bettendorf High School is a 2024 Casey’s Cash for Classrooms grant recipient. The school will receive $10K to purchase tools needed for its new construction program.
“We are grateful to receive a Cash for Classrooms grant from Casey’s and are excited to help improve our students’ ability to learn and grow at Bettendorf High School,” said Joe Shoemaker, Industrial Technology Teacher. "Our Construction Trades Program is new to the high school. The support will help us buy the tools of the trade, allowing students to get hands-on experience with the equipment and tools they would use in the construction field. The opportunity will help students jump into the workforce with familiarity with the tools and experience.”
Casey’s is a great community partner that gives back to many schools across its footprint, including ours, through this program. Through Casey's Cash for Classrooms program, their grants have a meaningful impact, helping create better learning environments and improving the lives of children and educators. Casey’s is grateful to be in a position to provide support for our communities and the schools and families who work tirelessly to prepare our next generation of leaders.
For more information on Casey’s Cash for Classrooms grant program, visit: www.caseys.com/community/cash-for-classrooms-grants. The 2025 grant program will open in the fall.
In addition to the grant program, Casey's guests can support schools year-round by directing their Casey's Rewards points toward a donation to their school of choice. Sign up for Casey's Rewards here.
It's Official! Bett Now Registered as District Intellectual Property
We are proud to announce that Bett is now registered with the US Patent Office as a trademark of the Bettendorf Community School District and the district’s intellectual property.
The Bett graphic is a mark of distinction that has identified Bettendorf High School and the district for years. It was originally developed as a football helmet graphic based on the suggestion of the 1978 sophomore football team and was first used in 1980 when those athletes were seniors.
Over the years, the Bett graphic has been used by other BHS sports teams and activities, as well as a high school and a district graphic. The elementary and middle schools have also long embraced the pride of the Bett graphic.
In 2022, the district surveyed students, parents, staff, alumni, and community members about the district's identity and brand and held focus groups. We heard repeatedly about the pride and strength of the Bett graphic. Last school year, the district launched BETTerTogether to help share the stories of relationships in the Bettendorf Community School District and with our community and neighboring schools. Over the past couple years, we’ve transitioned into integrating Bett as the district graphic and creating unity among our schools.
Bett and the Bett graphic are available for use by the district, our school, and affiliated parent organization partners to help celebrate and promote our Bett Family. The BHS activities Director approves HS use, the District Communications Office must approve all other uses.
BHS Planetarium Solar Eclipse Show - April 6
Join us at the Donald A. Schaefer Planetarium as we explore the nature of eclipses, and dive into the science behind the motion of the planets. Learn how to make your own eclipse viewer at home.
Two shows will happen on Saturday, April 6th 11 to 11:50 am and 12 to 12:50 pm. Please email mgrannen@bettendorf.k12.ia.us for seating availability. Walk-ins are welcome.
Wash & Donate at Aqua Tech Car Wash - Saturday
Scrub a dub dub! Get the grime off your car and help the Mark Twain PTA raise funds 7 am - 7 pm this Saturday at Aqua Tech Car Wash - 6280 Elmore Ave. Be sure to tell the attendant you're Washing and Donating to Mark Twain. #BETTerTogether
Associate Principals Week - April 8-12
Please join us in showing our appreciation for the tireless support and leadership from our associate principals and deans. They are amazing! #BettPride #BETTerTogether
National Therapy Dog Day - April 11
Our therapy dogs make incredible differences in the days of students and staff. Please take a moment on April 11 to thank our professional therapy dogs and their handlers for all they do to help support students. #BETTerTogether
Chico - GW: Jordan Knoll (Owner), Sydney Kane, Brian Dietsch
Delta - BMS: Jessica Blaum (Owner), Deb Temperly, Ashley Sotelo-Ashby
Fletcher - MT: Erin Waldron-Smith (Owner), Kari Pencil, Chad Uhde
Garvey - PN: Kelly Cypher (Owner)
Ida - NA: Colleen Gould (Owner), Madi McDonald, Conner McCool
Leia - BHS: Heather Wiley (Owner), Molly Mitola, Shannan Campbell, Stacey Jemison
McGarrett - HH: Courtney Torie (Owner), Jessica VandeStadt
Ranger - GW: Tisha Clark (Owner), Brian Dietsch
Family Bingo Night - April 12
Get ready for the BHS Student Council's Family Bingo Night on April 12th at 6 PM! Everyone is welcome and there will be PRIZES — all for just $5 per person or $12 for three. All proceeds go to the Class of 2027 Prom. See you there!
JDRF One Walk - May 4
Each year, JDRF One Walk brings together thousands of people across the country to change the future for everyone living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). JDRF One Walk gives people with T1D, their loved ones, companies and the local community the opportunity to create change and positively impact the lives of those living with T1D.
Join our team for JDRF One Walk on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 8 am at Black hawk College - 6600 34th Ave., Moline. Or, click on the link to offer your financial support.
Order Your JDRF Walk T-Shirts by April 15
Support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Type 1 students in our district by purchasing a shirt! All money raised beyond the cost of the shirt will be donated to JDRF. Sizes available: Youth XS-XL or Adult XS-5XL Youth XS to Adult XL are $15. Adult 2XL and larger are $17. Return all order forms and money to Carrie Heiting at BHS by Monday, April 15. Download Order Form
Dine & Donate for APE @ Bad Boyz Pizza - April 15
Enjoy great eats from Bad Boyz and help raise funds for the Class of 2024 After Prom Event (APE). Join us on Monday, April 15 mention the Class of 2024 After Prom Event or show the flyer. #BETTerTogether
BHS 2024-2025 Golduster Dance & Pom Team Tryouts - April 22-24
School spirit and sportsmanship! 2024-25 Golduster dance and pom team tryouts are coming up April 22-24. Learn more - https://bit.ly/3TSzKd6
School Volunteer Week - April 22-26
Thank you to our volunteers for their willingness to give their time, energy, and talents to help us support student learning and opportunities! #BETTerTogether
Accepting 4-Year-Old Preschool Applications
The Bettendorf Community School District is now accepting preschool applications for the 2024-2025 school year. If your child will be four years old on or before September 15, 2024, he/she is eligible to participate.
Funding provided by the State of Iowa in support of the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program allows us to place children four years of age in local preschool programs. Families of preschoolers can receive preschool education at no charge for 10 hours per week with parents paying for the balance of the attendance time. The local preschools participating include: Ready Set Grow Preschool, KinderCare Learning Center, Lourdes Preschool, Redeemer Preschool, St. John Vianney Preschool and Skip-A-Long Child Development Services.
Bettendorf Community School District provides preschool classrooms at Grant Wood Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School and Neil Armstrong Elementary School. Children that meet economic eligibility criteria are given preference in the BCSD public school preschool classes. For more information or to request an application, please call Joyce Meyer at 563-359-3681, email jmeyer@bettendorf.k12.ia.us , or download a preschool application from: https://www.bettendorf.k12.ia.us/o/bcsd/page/preschool
Don't Forget . . .
Safe+Sound Iowa - Safety Reporting
Safe+Sound Iowa is a free anonymous K-12 school safety reporting system to help prevent violence, unlawful possession of weapons, self-harm, and other forms of victimization and threatening behaviors in schools across Iowa. Students, school staff, parents, and concerned community members can report safety concerns three ways:
- Downloading and using the free Safe+Sound Iowa app
- Going to SafeandSoundIowa.gov, or
- Calling 800-224-6018
Everything Bett Schools, in your Pocket!
2023-2024 Family Handbook
Check out the 2023-24 family handbook for: District Information | General School Procedures | Climate & Safety | Curriculum & Assessments | Programs & Supports for Students | Health & Wellness | Student Rights & Responsibilities | Attendance & Absences | Parent Information & Resources | Registration/Enrollment | Elementary Information | Bettendorf Middle School Information | Bettendorf High School Information | Links to Forms
Digital Tickets for Bett Athletic Events
Purchase your tickets for winter athletic events through Bound!
BettConnect - Inviting All Alumni & You Too!
Reconnect, engage, give back! With BettConnect, a joint initiative by Bettendorf Community School District and Foundation, alumni can now connect while supporting current students. Let's bridge the gap and build a stronger community! BettConnect.com #AlumniPower #BETTerTogether
CONNECT - Alumni can stay in touch with other Bettendorf graduates
GIVE BACK - We are looking for local mentors for current students and recent graduates
CAREER CONNECTION - Share job/career information and opportunities with current students and recent graduates
NETWORK - Expand your professional network
SUPPORT - Stay informed about the current work of the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation and learn how to support current students and teachers
KEEP IN TOUCH - Stay up to date about what's going on in Bettendorf High School and the Bettendorf Community School District
Staff, Parents, Community Are Welcome to Join
Many features are available for staff, parents and community members. Please join and let us know which categories represent you.
Business Directory - Alumni and community members are welcome to add their businesses to the BettConnect Business Directory and update with offers.
Currently enrolled high school students will eventually have access to mentorship connections through Haleigh Hoyt, BHS Career Readiness Coordinator.
Bettendorf Athletic Boosters - Online Store
Get Your Bulldog Gear!
Check out the Bett Boosters Online Store! Orders will be processed every two weeks and can be picked up locally from Brand 2306 or shipped. BETTerTogether wear NOW AVAILABLE!
Bettendorf Athletic Boosters will be selling apparel and merchandise at all home football games. We have many new designs we can't wait for you to see. Go Bulldogs!
Join Our Team!
Bett Virtual Backpack
Items are posted for informational purposes only. This does not imply Bettendorf Community Schools District's endorsement of them. Follow us on Facebook
BCSD COACH & TEACHER CAMPS
Although these programs are run by BCSD coaches/staff, they are not sponsored by the Bettendorf Community School District or its schools. All proceeds support the outside camp.
March Madness Girls Basketball - 2nd - 8th Grade Girls - April
BMS Summer Fitness Camp 2024-25 6th - 8th grade students - June 18 - July 30
RoboDogs Summer Camp 2024-25 3rd - 8th grade students - June 10-13
Sumo Robotics Camp - 2024-25 3rd - 8th grade students - June 10-12
THE CITY OF BETTENDORF
Service Hour Opportunities . . .
- April 10 - Downtown Bettendorf Clean-Up: www.bettendorf.org/DowntownCleanup
- Memorial Day through Labor Day – Park Ambassadors Volunteer Program: www.bettendorf.org/ParkAmbassadors
Job Opportunities: Seasonal Too: www.bettendorf.org/Jobs
Parks & Recreation
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Hand in Hand QC Summer Camp July 15-19 & July 22-26 - Looking for volunteers
- Health Careers Adventure Camp 7th & 8th Grade - July 15-19
- QC Symphony Youth Ensemble Applications - Due May 13
Upcoming Events
District | BHS | BHS Athletics | Edison | BMS | BMS Athletics | GW | HH | MT | NA | PN
APRIL
7 - Associate Principals Week
11 - Therapy Dog Day
12 - BHS StuCo Family Bingo Night 6-8 pm
18-21 - HS Musical "Chicago"
24 - Administrative Professionals Day
25 - HS P/T Conferences 5-7 pm - Online
26 - Earth Day
30 - HS Spring Vocal Music Concert 7-8:30 pm
24 - School Board Meeting 6 pm - Admin Center
Calling All Buddies - Breakfast Time
Making banana calls during the Mark Twain Elementary buddy breakfast. #BettFun
Bettendorf Community School District
Educating & Empowering Every Student Every Day in Pursuit of Educational Excellence.
3311 18th St., Bettendorf, IA
(563) 359-3681
www.bettendorf.k12.ia.us
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