Bett District Update
Bettendorf Community School District Weekly Newsletter
BMS Students Selected for Clear Creek Honor Band
6th Grade: Lydia Arnell-Liu (french horn), Lilith Bingham (tuba), Kyler Franks (alto saxophone) Evie Neighbor (percussion), Kiera Thoene (clarinet)
7th Grade: Kaitlyn Koch (flute), Grace Magistrelli (tuba), Tara Parker (bass clarinet), Nikhil Siva (oboe)
8th Grade: Owen Blades (trumpet), Ivy Holland (clarinet), Ainsley Pondell (flute)
BHS Jazz Band
A historic achievement for Bettendorf's Jazz 1 Band as they move on to the Iowa State Jazz Championship for the first time following their impressive second-place finish at the SEIBA Jazz Festival. Congratulations to Chris Saito and all of our Jazz One musicians! * Kaelee Wolf - Overall Best Soloist at SEIBA Jazz Competition
- Saxes: Alto 1 - Alivia Isaacson, Alto 2 - Maddie Gaskill, Tenor 1 - Kyleigh Meier, Tenor 2 - Jacob Somers, Bari - Baxter Schadt
- Trombones:, Tbn 1 - Michael Farmer, Tbn 2 - Eric Hillard, Tbn 3 - Connor Culbertson, Bass Bone - Mia Hinds
- Trumpets: Tpt 1 - Kaelee Wolf *, Tpt 2 - Danny Stephens, Tpt 3 - Will Hinds, Tpt 4 - Noah Leavitt
- Rhythm: Drums - Mason Goche, Aux Perc - Jordan De Simone, Piano - Tylee Anderson, Bass - Lucas Witt
Iowa Forensic League State Tournament
The Speech and Debate Team just returned from the Iowa Forensic League State tournament, which was hosted at Simpson College.
- Hailey Koch finished as a Semifinalist in Informative Speaking
- Charlie Silver finished as 4th Place in Spontaneous Speaking
- Charlie Silver returns as the IFL State Champion in United States Extemporaneous Speaking
- Finally, a special shout out to Charlie Silver who finished as an IFL Senior of the Year Finalist
Bettendorf Robotics Teams
Both Bettendorf FTC robotics teams competed in the Iowa State Championship in Coralville on Saturday with great success. Out of 72 total teams, Team UBett received the 3rd place control award for excellence in software and robot control, and Team TopBot was the 1st pick for the semi-finalist alliance in the robot game.
Boys Basketball Advance to State Tournament
The boys’ basketball team advanced to the state tournament with their win last Tuesday. They play on Wednesday, March 6th in Des Moines.
Shout out to Caden Wilkins who is now the two-time MAC Player of the Year. Congratulations also to Tre-Von Coney, Asher Wade and Ben Kerkhoff for their all-conference achievements.
BHS Students Place 1st & 2nd in QCESC Battle of the Bridges
On Friday March 1st, 8 students from the Engineering Problems course competed in the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) annual Battle of the Bridges competition where they built a scale model bridge and then tested it to see what its efficiency is (weight held/bridge weight). Students that competed were Hussein Arab, Rylee Crouch, Will Duenas, Will Taylor, Will Brown, Kaiden VanderWeele, Ricky Zillmer, and Aiden Frandsen. Each team had 3 hours to build and test their bridges. Two of the teams placed in the top 3 and received awards. Other schools that competed included Maquoketa and Pleasant Valley.
Placing 1st with a bridge efficiency of 930 - Will Brown and Kaiden VanderWeele - 930 bridge efficiency listed below is a new record for Bettendorf HS and is one of the highest for the bridge building contest.
Placing 2nd with a bridge efficiency of 717 - Rylee Crouch
Bett STEAM Expo
Thank you to the following Exhibitors, BCSD Staff, Volunteers and Parent Organizations for providing such a wonderful opportunity to our students and community.
- Organizations: 3M, Army Corps of Engineers, BCSD - Marty Beck, BCSD - Mike Grannen, BCSD and McLeod Paint and Design, Bee Keeping, Bettendorf Library, Bettendorf Police Department, Botanical Center, Boy Scouts of America, Constellation, Figge Art, Girl Scouts, HNI, JBF, John Deere, Klein Veterinary, Metronet, Midwest Writing Center, Nahant Marsh, Parker Audiology, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Putnam Museum, Russel Construction, Screen Printing, SSAB, St. Ambrose Chemistry, St. Ambrose Health and Science Education, St. Ambrose Physical Therapy, Steamwheelers, University of Iowa Health Care, Wapsi River Center of Scott County Conservation
- BCSD Staff: Erin Allen, Chrissy Block, Dave Davis, Mike Grannen, Katie Hansen, Joyce Meyer, Jayme Olson, Josh Padilla, Brian Sambdman, Lauren Showers, Becky Smith,
- Volunteers: Greg Boyrs, Chris Bries, Various students from BMS and BHS earning service hours
- Parent Organizations: Neil Armstrong, Herbert Hoover, Grant Wood, Mark Twain, Paul Norton, Bettendorf Middle School
Some days can be ruff, what do you do to prevent a burnout?
Self-care refers to intentional actions taken to preserve or improve one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care is not selfish; it's essential for maintaining overall health and preventing burnout.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, nonjudgmentally, and with full awareness. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.
Self-care and mindfulness often go hand in hand. Engaging in mindfulness practices can be a form of self-care, and vice versa. Incorporating mindfulness into daily self-care routines can amplify the benefits and contribute to long-term well-being. Both self-care and mindfulness require commitment and consistency to yield significant results.
Mindfulness Strategies for Humans:
- Body Scan Meditation: Set aside time to do a body scan meditation. Start from the top of your head and slowly move your attention down through your body, noticing any sensations without judgment. This can help you relax and become more aware of tension or discomfort that you may be holding onto.
- Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments to focus on your breath. Sit comfortably and bring your attention to the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale. Notice the rise and fall of your abdomen or the feeling of air passing through your nostrils. Whenever your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath. This simple practice can help anchor you in the present moment and calm your mind.
- Mindful Observation: Choose an object in your environment—a flower, a piece of artwork, or a natural scene—and observe it mindfully. Notice its details, colors, shapes, and textures without judgment or interpretation.
Self-Care Strategies for Humans:
- Time for Relaxation: Schedule regular breaks throughout your day to relax and recharge. This could involve reading a book, taking a bath, listening to music, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy or cause undue stress. Establish clear boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being.
- Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it's painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or exploring the outdoors with your family/animals. Engaging in hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and creativity.
- Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
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
Calling all BHS Seniors! More than $38,000 in scholarships are being offered by BCSF. There are also opportunities from community partners and through Department Awards.
Applications closes on Monday, March 18th. Don't wait, APPLY TODAY!
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
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
Purchase your tickets for winter athletic events through Bound!
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.
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!
Items are posted for informational purposes only. This does not imply Bettendorf Community Schools District's endorsement of them. Follow us on Facebook
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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