Bett District Update
Bettendorf Community School District Weekly Newsletter

November 7, 2025
StuCo Wraps Up Student Hunger Drive
Thank you to everyone who supported the wide array of donation and collection events across the district to benefit the River Bend Food Bank. This year’s need is greater than ever, and your generosity has made a real difference. Kudos to the Bettendorf High School Student Council and to the students and staff throughout the district who hosted events and collection opportunities. We are so proud of your compassion and community spirit!
🥈 In just 6 weeks, Bettendorf raised nearly 66,000 lbs of food — that’s 186,795 meals for families in our area. 💛 #BettPride #EndHunger
Bettendorf High School Hosts “Funding the Future” Featuring Gooding
Today, Bettendorf High School welcomed the band Gooding for an engaging and educational performance as part of the Funding the Future program.
Through their high-energy music and inspiring message, Gooding teaches students the importance of financial literacy, smart money management, and planning for the future. Their unique blend of live rock performance and real-world financial lessons helps students better understand topics such as credit, saving, and responsible financial decision-making.
This event supports Bettendorf High School’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation—academically, personally, and financially.
School Board Election Results
💛🖤 Thank you to all of our School Board candidates for their passion for Bettendorf Schools and their commitment to serving our community.
👏 Congratulations to the four candidates elected to serve on the Bettendorf Board of Education:
• Michelle Bruty - 2-Year Term
• Eric Engels - 4-Year Term
• Brian Hanssen - 4-Year Term
• Jessica Whitter - 4-Year Term
We appreciate your dedication to Bett students, staff, and families! The newly elected board members will be sworn in at the November 13 school board meeting.
Reminder: Free or Reduced-Price School Meals
Economic circumstances can change unexpectedly. You may qualify for the Free or Reduced Meal Program. The program covers nutritious school breakfast and lunch to help fuel your students' learning throughout the entire school day.
Key Program Information:
- Eligibility is based on your current income.
- Apply anytime! You can submit an application throughout the school year.
- Duration of Benefits: Once approved, your student's eligibility for free or reduced-price meals will be good through the remainder of the current school year and one month into the next school year if needed.
How to Apply: Online applications are available through your parent portal.
We encourage all families in need to apply!
Bettendorf Theatre Department Fall Play "26 Pebbles" - Nov. 7 & 8
The Bettendorf Theatre Department will proudly present 26 Pebbles at 7 pm on Fri., Nov. 7 and Sat., Nov. 8 in the BHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets
On December 14, 2012, 20 children and 6 adults died in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Following the tragedy, the community rallied together to care for and support each other as the world watched their suffering. "26 Pebbles" chronicles the experiences of the parents and community members of Newtown and Sandy Hook. The characters tell the story of their hometown: The experience of community events, the day of the shooting and their panic, the grief and trauma following the tragedy. Lauded for its compassion and message of healing, "26 Pebbles" shows how pebbles dropped in the pond can create a ripple effect for the rest of the world.
Epilepsy Awareness Walk - Nov. 8
Join the Bett Nurses for the Epilepsy Awareness Walk on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the BHS track. Gates open at 9 am, and the walk begins at 10 am.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures and affects people of all ages. By walking together, we can help raise awareness, show support for those living with epilepsy, and fund efforts toward education and research.
Join the Bett Nurses team or donate! #BettPride #BETTerTogether
FBLA Pancake Breakfast for Alzheimer's Association - Nov. 8
🥞 Flip for a cause! Join FBLA for a pancake breakfast benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association—Saturday, Nov 8, 8–11 am, in the BHS Commons. Bring friends, eat hotcakes, do good. 💜🧠 #EndALZ #BettPride
⚽🎄 Bettendorf Soccer Holiday Store is OPEN!
Get your gear and gifts in time for Christmas — all items will arrive before the holiday! 🎁
🗓️ Store closes Monday, November 10
Thank you for your support! 💛🖤
👉 stores.inksoft.com/WS127927/shop/home
BMS Science Spotlight: Creating Synthetic Materials
Students explored how natural resources can be transformed into new materials! Using sodium alginate (from brown seaweed) and calcium chloride (from limestone), they mixed each with distilled water to create an entirely new synthetic substance. This hands-on activity gave students a deeper understanding of how science connects nature and innovation. 🌿⚗️
Honoring Veterans for Their Service
Join us in extending our heartfelt thanks to the BCSD staff members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We are deeply grateful for your service, sacrifice, and continued commitment to our students and community. Your dedication reminds us of the values of courage, integrity, and service that strengthen both our schools and our nation.
- Marty (Danny) Burroughs - United States Army - Operations
- Larry Busch - United States Army - MT
- Terry Bush - United States Army - Operations
- Paul Castro - United States Army - Board Member
- Bryan Dietsch - United States Marine Corps - GW
- Robbie Furne - United States Marine Corps - BHS
- Chris Henson - United States Navy - GW
- Brian Hess - United States Navy - NA
- Connor LaPage - 34th Army Band, Iowa National Guard - GW
- Patrick Larkin - United States Navy - Board Member
- Gary Larson - United States Army - Operations
- Daniel Milburn - United States Army - BHS
- Denise Miller - United States Marine Corps - BMS
- Joshua Padilla - New York National Guard - BMS
- Suzette Padilla - United States Army Reserves - BMS
- Gerald Riordan - United States Air Force - Operations
- David Silverberg - United States Navy - Operations
- John Staber - United States Air Force - BHS
- Deb Thomas - United States Air Force - BMS
- Betsy Vanausdeln - Washington State Air National Guard - PN
- Diana Williams - United States Army - BHS
Construction Career Expo - Nov. 11
Calling all Bettendorf family members ages 18 and older! Our community partners are hosting a Career Expo for construction careers and you're invited! Explore the construction trades, connect with industry professionals, and learn more about opportunities in the field! Register Today
World Kindness Week - Nov. 10-14 & Day Nov. 13
Turn ordinary days into something special with small, thoughtful gestures — like a sincere smile.
These acts of kindness reconnect us with our humanity, reminding us of the love in the world and inspiring us to pay it forward. RAKtivists aim to make kindness the norm. By connecting passionate people, they share ideas, resources, and celebrate everyday kindness, making it a way of life.
Get Ready for Math Mania! - Nov. 18
Get ready for an exciting, fun-filled evening designed for elementary students and their families!
Enjoy hands-on math games, snap awesome photos with JiJi from ST Math, and even have the chance to win a game to take home. Discover just how fun math can be as we play, learn, and celebrate numbers together!
✨ New This Year: The school with the most students in attendance will take home the Math Night Trophy!
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of math magic and family fun!
Join Our Team!
Apply Here - https://bit.ly/BettHiring
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We're Looking for Paraeducators to Join Our Team
🌟 Join our team of dedicated educators! We're seeking compassionate paraeducators who are passionate about supporting students and making a difference every day. Help us create an inclusive, engaging learning environment! 💛 #BettPride #NowHiring! Apply Here - https://bit.ly/BettHiring
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Industrial Technology Teacher - Auto Maintenance & Power Mechanics
District Resources & Opportunities
Calling all BHS Alumni!
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
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.
Alumni T-Shirts Available Through Bulldog Booster Online Store
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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
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Everything Bett Schools, in your Pocket!
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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!
Bett Virtual Backpack
NEW This Week
City of Bettendorf - Parks & Rec Newsletter
Gilda's Club - November & December Family Events Calendar
Bright Spot - Supporting Kids through a Parent's Diagnosis
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Community Opportunities
Upcoming Events
District | BHS | BHS Athletics | Edison | BMS | BMS Athletics | GW | HH | MT | NA | PN
NOVEMBER
7 & 8 - HS Fall Play - 26 Pebbles 7 pm
9 - World Kindness Week
11 - Veterans Day
13 - World Kindness Day
17 - 21 - American Education Week
18 - Family Day
19 - Education Support Professionals Day
21 - Guest Teacher Day
22 - Festival of Trees Parade
24 - Festival of Trees - MS/HS Music Ensembles
26-28 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break - Offices Closed
📚✨ "Mummies in the Morning" Comes to Life! ✨
Mark Twain 1st graders brought Mummies in the Morning to life in the library this week! Mrs. W.S. read part of the book and helped students become mummies themselves. 🧻
This fun, hands-on activity kicks off their CKLA unit on ancient civilizations — what an exciting way to start learning about the past! 🏺
#BettPride #ElementaryAdventures #LearningIsFun
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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