Bethel High Bison News
Nov. 2nd
Attendance Matters — Every Bison, Every Day!
We are celebrating our Bison who are showing up and making attendance a priority! Through October 22, 64.4% of our freshmen are attending school at least 90% of the time, the highest percentage of any grade level! Our sophomores are at 61.7%, juniors at 59.5%, and seniors at 54.4%.
Our schoolwide goal is to reduce chronic absenteeism to 30% by June 2027, with a special focus on helping our seniors stay on track for graduation.
Did you know? Missing just two days of school each month can add up to chronic absenteeism over the course of a school year. Every day of learning matters!
Families, you play an important role in helping us reach our goal. Encourage consistent attendance, communicate with the school when challenges arise, and celebrate your student's progress. If your student is struggling to attend regularly, please reach out. We want to partner with you to help remove barriers and support their success.
Together, we can make every day count. Go Bison!
Use the Crosswalk at 224th!
Northend 224th Street sidewalk
Students, as a reminder if you are coming back from the Rainier Church After School Hangout or walking to the school from 224th street, please be sure to cross at the crosswalk at the light as it is unsafe to cross the street at the entrance of the school especially during arrival and dismissal.
Winter Athletic Registration and Information
As we near the beginning of the 2026/2027 Winter Season of Sport, this a friendly reminder that the Spring Sports Season will be here VERY SOON! Click on the link to see what Bethel High School offers the students the opportunity to participate in the following sports during the Spring Athletic Season; with the official start date listed as well.
Throughout the month of November, please click on the Bethel High School Athletics Page for updated coach and practice information for when Spring Sports Begin. This information will continue to be updated as we near the start of your season. You can also check for updates on Twitter (X).
Athletic Registration only needs to be completed once a year, and we will be registering through a new system called Final Forms. Please select the sport(s) your child is thinking about participating in.
A Current Physical (within the last 13 months) must also be on file prior to trying out for their sport. Parents...please UPLOAD your child's physical into their portal, in a single file, for review and confirmation.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lowry at the Athletics Office, 253-800-7185.
BHS Girls Swim Team
The BHS Girls Swim Team qualified for the district level meet in the 200 Medley relay with a 2:21.97. They're also a wildcard in the 200 freestyle relay with a 2:06.87!
Help shape the future of our schools!
Our district is forming a community-led group that will develop a 25-year plan for our schools and facilities. We’re looking for community members with OR without students in school to lead this work. Everyone is welcome to apply. No special background is needed, just a heart for our kids and community. The committee will meet once a month in the evenings. Learn more and apply today at bethelsd.org/cfrrc
Looking for Sophomore Class Candidates!
Sophomores who are interested in applying for the Treasurer position on the Class of 2029 Class Council, please apply using this link:
National Bison Day - Nov. 6th
On Friday, November 6, we will be celebrating National BISON day!! Go all out, wear your Bison gear, and show your appreciation for our mascot! There will be activities with Benny during lunch, and Bison hidden around the school. Let's show Benny how much we love him, and how much we love being part of the Bison stampede!! Gooooo Bison!
The photos below are from last week's combined orchestra, band, and choir concert
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Veterans Day Assembly - Nov. 10th
We will have our Veterans Day Assembly on November 10th. Running Start and Pierce County Skill Center students need to be aware of our altered schedule.
Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application
Help Support Our Students – Complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application!
Families, we encourage you to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit Application for the 2026–27 school year!
Even though meals are provided at no cost to students, completing this application is still very important. It helps determine eligibility for additional benefits for your family and provides valuable funding that supports educational programs, resources, and services for students at Bethel High School.
Why should you complete the application?
Helps our school qualify for important funding and resources.
May provide your family with additional benefits, including reduced fees for certain school programs and activities.
Helps ensure our students have access to the support and opportunities they deserve.
Every application matters! Even if you are unsure whether your family qualifies, we encourage you to apply. The application is confidential and helps us better support our entire Bison community.
Academic Support
After School Study Support
Need a quiet place to focus after school? Join Mrs. Nugent in the Library Monday through Thursday from 2:20–4:30 for a calm study environment, perfect if home is full of distractions. Whether you’re working on homework, reading, or preparing for a test, this is your time to stay on track. An activity bus will be available each day to take you home afterward.
Math Support During Lunch - Wednesdays
Need help in your math class? Come to Math Center during your lunch in room 1201 on Wednesdays!
Class of 2027 Information
- Brochures with information on ordering your graduation cap and gown from Jostens are available at the campus safety kiosk. The information can also be found online here: Bethel Graduation Information. Why should you order now?
- Lock in group pricing before increases take effect.
- Receive your graduation apparel and keepsakes on time.
- Access the widest selection of graduation products and packages.
- Avoid potential product limited availability later in the school year.
Graduation will be here before you know it. We encourage all families to review the available options and complete their order as soon as possible.
Questions? Contact Jostens at rick.morton.office@jostens.com or call/text (253) 346-1755.
- Yearbook Senior Photo Submission Date: Dec. 31st - Submit your high resolution photo (i.e. 5MB) through the QR code below
- Senior Prom - May 15th at the Tacoma Art Museum
- TENTATIVE Graduation Date - Jun 9th
Career Center Updates
Seniors, excited about your future? Here's key information on upcoming events, financial aid updates, and scholarships!
Questions? Visit the Career Center or email bvansickle@bethelsd.org or taedwards@bethelsd.org
FINANCIAL AID UPDATES:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is OPEN NOW!!!!!!!!!
Create your FAFSA/WASFA account for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card!!!
Rules: Take a screenshot of the confirmation page or the email showing that you
have created your account then email it to bvansickle@bethelsd.org by Oct. 31st to be entered into the raffle.
When your FAFSA/WASFA form is completed (BOTH student and contributor side) the student can receive a FREE TACO FROM TACO BELL!
Additionally, There will be a raffle for a letterman jacket or class ring from Jostens for students who get their form fully completed by Oct. 1st!
Your Career Counselor has made some tutorial videos for filing the FAFSA. There is both a Student Tutorial and a Parent Tutorial.
Why Filling out the FAFSA is important!
EVENTS:
Nov. 6th: UW Tacoma Field Trip!
Nov. 7th: SAT Test Date. Register at sat.collegeboard.org
Registration deadline is October 23rd, 2026.
Free Practice test website: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Nov. 12th(Date Changed!): Central Washington University’s On-the-Spot Event!
In the Career Center from 7:50am to 9:50am.
Nov. 17th: Northwest College of Art and Design Field Trip!
See Mrs. Van Sickle in the Career Center for more information.
Dec. 5th: SAT Test Date. Register at sat.collegeboard.org
Registration deadline is November 20th, 2026.
Free Practice test website: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Dec. 12th: ACT Test Date. Register at actstudnet.org.
Registration deadline is November 6th, 2026.
Jan. 13th: ASVAB Test Date.
In the Career Center from 8:00am to 11:00am. Sign-up here!
Feb. 27th: ACT Test Date. Register at actstudent.org.
Registration deadline is January 22nd, 2027.
Mar. 6th: SAT Test Date. Register at sat.collegeboard.org
Registration deadline is February 19th, 2027.
Free Practice test website: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Apr. 10th: ACT Test Date. Register at actstudent.org.
Registration deadline is March 5th, 2027.
Jan. 13th: ASVAB Test Date.
In the Career Center from 8:00am to 11:00am. Sign-up here!
May 1st: SAT Test Date. Register at sat.collegeboard.org
Registration deadline is April 20th, 2027.
Free Practice test website: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Jun. 5th: SAT Test Date. Register at sat.collegeboard.org
Registration deadline is May 21st, 2027.
Free Practice test website: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
Jun. 12th: ACT Test Date. Register at actstudent.org.
Registration deadline is May 7th, 2027.
Jul. 10th: ACT Test Date. Register at actstudent.org.
Registration deadline is June 4th, 2027.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Deadline Nov. 3rd: $7,500 for SENIORS! ISACA Scholarship
Deadline Nov. 5th: $1,000 for SENIORS! Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship for the Fine Arts
Deadline Nov. 12th: $30,000 for SENIORS! Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Scholarship Resources:
More Scholarships can be found on our Canvas Page under "Scholarship Resources”.
Clubs
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Our next FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) meeting will be on Tuesday, October 27th, at 2:20pm in Room 2305. All are welcome. Snacks are provided. Don't Delay, Join FBLA !
EARN CERTIFICATES FOR WORK AND COLLEGE
BHS FBLA Club is sponsoring EVERFI digital online classes for all BHS students. Students can earn industry recognized certificates in business and finance at no cost (free). These certificates can be used for job applications, resumes, college applications, scholarship applications and your Student Led Conference. EVERFI also sponsors Scholarships and Contests for students.
HOSA
HOSA will NOT be meeting this week on November 3rd. We will meet again next week on November 10th at 2:20pm in room 1312. Email Mrs. Frady with any questions at sfrady@bethelsd.org.
BHS Mariachi
Bethel Mariachi meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in RM 1121! We would love to have you join us!
Fundraisers
Contact Us
Website: bethelsd.org/bhs
Location: 7718 224th St E, Graham WA 98338
Phone: (253) 800-7000