My name is Amanda Watson, and I am beyond excited to be the new principal at Bethel Elementary! I learned so much from the wonderful Mrs. Hollingsworth over the years...she is already greatly missed!! One thing is for certain...I won't know everyone's name right off the bat like she did...wow!! A little background on your new principal... I have worked at Bethel for 19 years and it has always been my dream to be leading such a wonderful group of students and staff...not to mention the families I get to serve! Students, you are the best in the world and what makes Bethel Elementary such a wonderful place!! At Bethel, I taught fifth grade for many years (probably taught some of you!) and then I have been the assistant principal at both Bethel Middle and Bethel Elementary for several years as well. This is my 24th year as an educator in Haywood County Schools...time sure flies when you are having fun!!

My husband Brad and I met at Lenoir- Rhyne University and have been married 23 years. He played football and I was a softball pitcher for the Bears. I was born and raised in West Virginia and love my WVU Mountaineers football! We have two children that make our days so much fun (see the pic)- Lettie Jo is 18 years old and is going to the University of Tennessee this fall for college...enjoy your kiddos- they grow up so fast!! Tate is our bull rider and an 8th grader at Bethel Middle School.

Again, I am very excited to be your principal. If you ever have any questions, you can call me at school, 828-646-3448, or email me at awatson@haywood.k12.nc.us . I appreciate your support and look forward to working alongside you to make this the best year ever!!

I can't wait to see everyone!!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Mrs. Watson

P.S. I had the pleasure of talking on Mrs. Barker's, podcast in June. We talked about Bethel the beautiful and how much I love our community. If you would like to check it out, the link is shared below.

https://blubrry.com/haycos/96427481/amanda-watson-2314/

• Week of July 24th- Teachers will be calling students and their families to let them know who their teacher is.

• July 31 - August 11 - Jumpstart window (see information below)
• July 31- Kindergarten Screening
• Wednesday, August 16th 1-3 PM Meet the Teacher - this will be a drop in time that students can come into the school and meet their teacher and see where their classroom is.
• Monday, August 21st is our first student day. It will be a 12:30 pm dismissal.
• Sunday, August 27th Jack the Dipper Fundraiser- a portion of all sales will be given to our school for resources and supplies...all we have to do is eat ice cream and celebrate a great first week of school! 🍦
• Tuesday, September 19th 5:30-7 PM Open House - More info. TBA

The Jumpstart window is a time when students will have the opportunity to work with their teacher either individually or in small groups. Not all teachers, however, will be teaching Jumpstart- just like the students, it is completely optional. Your child's classroom teacher or their Jumpstart teacher, will be contacting you during the week of July 24-28th to see if you are interested in your child participating. During this time, teachers will do a formative assessment in math and reading to inform them about student groupings for this coming school year, accelerate instruction and begin working on material, and/or work on reading and math skills. It's a great time for students to get back in the swing of things, while only being at school for a short period of time. Teachers are able to choose what times they can meet with students in the Jumpstart window and will be in touch with you to see if you are interested and to give you the time(s) to come. Some teachers will have students come in individually and some will have them come in small groups. Some students may come just one day during the window, and some may couple several days. Each teacher will choose how they want to do Jumpstart. We look forward to having your children back on campus!!