Bett District Update

On Thursday, Bettendorf elementary schools welcomed some very special guests! Students invited a grown-up to school and proudly led them through their day—showing off classrooms, routines, and favorite learning moments. Smiles were everywhere as families got a firsthand look at what makes each school day so special. What a fun way to learn and connect! #BettPride #BETTerTogether

Alexander Matt Turner, Bettendorf High School Class of 2012, is the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation 2026 Visiting Science Scholar. He will present to Bettendorf High School students on March 6 and attend the Bett STEAM Expo on March 7.

Turner is a Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, where he focuses on making advanced artificial intelligence systems safer and more reliable. A Bettendorf Schools alum, he went on to earn degrees from Grinnell College and Oregon State University, and previously held a postdoctoral position at UC Berkeley before joining Google DeepMind in 2023. He is excited to return to Bettendorf to inspire students and share his work. Learn more

Whether your child is starting preschool, kindergarten, or continuing their journey with us, now is the time to get ready.

• Preschool applications are now available.

• Kindergarten and new family registration opens February 2.

• Returning family registration opens February 9.

📅 Register by February 28 to ensure the best possible placement for your child.

We can’t wait to partner with you for another great year of learning, growth, and opportunity at Bettendorf Schools! We are #BETTerTogether.

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The Bettendorf Community School District is now accepting preschool applications for the 2026-2027 school year. If your child will be four years old on or before September 15, 2026, 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: B4 Learning Center, KinderCare Learning Center, Redeemer 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.

Check out these ideas to take time to be kind to yourself and make kindness the norm around you. Looking for even more inspiration? Explore the 2026 Kindness Calendar for daily ideas to spread a little joy.

National School Counseling Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact our school counselors have on students’ academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future planning. From offering guidance and encouragement to helping students navigate challenges and set goals, our counselors play a vital role in supporting every learner. Thank you to our school counselors for the care, dedication, and compassion you bring to our schools each day. 💙

Meet representatives from area preschools and find the best fit for your family!
📅 Saturday, February 7
⏰ 12–4 p.m.
📍 Bettendorf Library

Parents/guardians with children entering kindergarten in 2026-27 are invited to bring their "student" for a Kindergarten Sneak Peek, a fun and welcoming event to meet our caring staff, visit classrooms, and learn what makes BCSD kindergarten a great place to learn and grow.

• Meet kindergarten teachers and school staff

• Explore classrooms and learning spaces

• Learn what kindergarten looks like at Bettendorf Schools

• Ask questions and feel confident about the year ahead

📅 Wednesday, February 11

🕒 5:30–6:30 p.m.

📍 Locations:

• Grant Wood Elementary – 1423 Hillside Dr., Bettendorf

• Mark Twain Elementary – 1620 Lincoln Rd., Bettendorf

Whether you’re already planning to attend Bettendorf Schools or still deciding, we’d love to welcome you!

Pride in the Bettendorf District is on display at the Administration Center! 💙🐾 Thank you to Spencer Mesick, Annie Thomas, and Delila Aguilar for helping launch our new feature wall celebrating students, families, and staff.

Help raise funds for Grant Wood Elementary School and enjoy a silent auction during the event.

🍽️ Bring your own food (no crock pots, please)
🍷 Food & drinks available for purchase through The Golden Leaf

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/XwxngxpvypsRoXM99

Passionate about supporting students and schools? We’re hiring! 💙 Explore career opportunities and join our team. Apply Here - https://bit.ly/BettHiring

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.

BHS grads, it's time to show your Bulldog pride! 🐾 Purchase your BHS Alumni t-shirt from the Bulldog Booster online store today and wear your pride loud and proud! #BHSAlumni #BulldogPride #BettPride - https://bit.ly/BulldogBoostersOnlineStore

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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:

1. Downloading and using the free Safe+Sound Iowa app
2. Going to SafeandSoundIowa.gov, or
3. Calling 800-224-6018

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There's an app for that! Apple | Android

The Bettendorf Community Schools app is now available for download! Check out news, events, staff, alerts, athletic calendars, links to the district and school websites, and more. Select the option to receive school notifications by school through the app.

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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!

Learn more

Check out the City of Bettendorf Parks & Rec weekly newsletter

📅 Sat., Feb. 7 | ⏰ 1–2 PM
📍 2115 Kimberly Rd., Bettendorf
Hosted by ICNA Relief Food Pantry
All are welcome—please spread the word 💙

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• Bettendorf Aquatics
• Family Museum - January Calendar
• Figge Art Museum Classes - Flyer | website
• Get Your Student a Bettendorf Library Card
• Girl Scout Adventures - New Bettendorf Daisy Troop
• Scott County Library System - Ballots and Beyond
• Southeast Little League - Registration Available through March 8
• Midwest Writing Center Young Emerging Writers Workshop - Monthly
• YMCA Fall Sports

District | BHS | BHS Athletics | Edison | BMS | BMS Athletics | GW | HH | MT | NA | PN

FEBRUARY

2-6 - School Counseling Week

2 - Kindergarten and New Family Registration Opens for 2026-27 School Year

3 - MS/HS Jazz Band 7 pm

5 - School Board Meeting 6 pm - Administration Center Ray Stensvad Board Room

7 - Preschool Fair 12 - 4 pm - Bettendorf Library

7 - Rhythm on the Riverbend - HS

9 - Returning Family Registration Opens for 2026-27 School Year

10 - 5th-7th & HS Orchestra Concert 6 pm - HS Performing Arts Center

11 - Bett Kindergarten Sneak Peek 5:30-6:30 pm - Grant Wood & Mark Twain Elementaries

12 - 4th/MS/HS Orchestra Concert 6 pm - HS Performing Arts Center

13 - MS Bands National Anthem @ QC Storm Hockey Games 4:30 - 9 pm - Vibrant Arena at the MARK

15 - National School Resources Officer Appreciation Day

16 - NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day - District Offices Closed

17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day

19 - School Board Meeting 6 pm - Administration Center Ray Stensvad Board Room

27 - March 1 - MS Musical - Shreck Jr.

28 - 2026-7 School Year Registration Deadline for Placement

Mrs. Heckroth and Mrs. Heacock’s first grade classrooms at Neil Armstrong Elementary received the best surprise! The QC Storm Hockey Club stopped by to trade the ice for storytime, delighting students with a fun hockey-themed book and sharing what it’s like to pursue a career in hockey. From learning the basics of the sport to hearing firsthand stories from the pros, it was an unforgettable experience for our first graders. Seeing community partners give back and inspire the next generation is what it’s all about! #BETTerTogether

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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