Bett District Update
Bettendorf Community School District Weekly Newsletter
Bettendorf Middle School students contributed to the 8th-grade art class mural during the third quarter, centered on the theme “You Matter.” Each student submitted meaningful words and phrases that were incorporated into the final design. Lead artist Jillian Hirl, known for her consistent dedication to daily sketching, thoughtfully brought these student voices together through the mural’s design.
All Welcome!
The Bettendorf Community School District School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) will meet on Monday, March 30, from 5:30–7 pm in the Administration Center Board Room, 3311 18th St.
As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, the district is administering the survey to teachers, students, and families. The survey measures key factors that support strong schools and provides valuable feedback about our learning environments.
During the meeting, committee members will review the purpose of the survey, learn about the prework completed with the 5Essentials team, and discuss how the results will help inform district and school improvement efforts.
April is National Library Month, a time to celebrate the important role our school libraries play in supporting learning, curiosity, and a love of reading. Thank you to our library staff for creating welcoming spaces where students can explore, discover, and grow every day!
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.
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
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!
🤖 2026 Sumo Robotics Camp (Grades 3–8) 🤖
Ready to build, program, and compete? Join us for Sumo Robotics Camp—where creativity meets fun!
Who:
Students entering 3rd–8th grade (2026–27 school year) who want to explore or grow their robotics skills.
What:
Each student will design, build, and program their own robot to compete in a Sumo-style arena. Using color sensors (and possibly more!), students will code their robots to detect boundaries and stay in the ring.
When:
📅 June 8–10
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM
Where:
📍 Mark Twain Elementary
📩 Questions? Contact Shannon Budde at sbudde@bettendorf.k12.ia.us
Spots will fill fast—don’t miss out! Link to flyer - https://aptg.co/z6XRZq
🐾🤖 2026 RoboDogs Summer Camp 🤖🐾
Calling all future engineers and innovators!
Who: We’re looking for dedicated students to join an elite team representing Bettendorf Schools in the FIRST LEGO League! Students will build and program robots, complete a research project, and collaborate as a team to compete at regional, state, and possibly national levels.
Open to students entering 5th–8th grade for the 2026–27 school year
Learn more about FIRST LEGO League: https://www.firstlegoleague.org/about
RoboDogs Season (Fall):
This extracurricular team meets outside the school day:
Mondays | 7:00–8:30 PM
Wednesdays | 3:00–4:30 PM
(Starting in September)
Summer Camp Details:
Get a head start with our exciting RoboDogs Summer Camp!
Mark Twain Elementary
June 8–11
8:30–11:00 AM
Campers will design and build a new robot challenge each day while learning programming skills ranging from basic movement to advanced sensor use.
Download flyer - https://aptg.co/gq2jq
Join the Adventure - Scouting America
Find a troop -https://beascout.scouting.org
5th Grade - HS
Scouting BSA is a year-round program for boys and girls in 5th grade through high school. Join the adventure! Video - https://view.page/p/9q7u2V
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Cub Scouting is a fun and exciting program for all boys and girls going into kindergarten-5th grade. Have fun while learning leadership-based values, citizenship, life skills, and character development in the great outdoors! Video - https://youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6Igc3Ryko&feature=shared
City of Bettendorf - Parks & Rec Newsletter
Camps at SAU (9th-12th Graders)
NEW for 2026: Applied Generative Artificial Intelligence Camp for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall.
This immersive one-week summer camp introduces high school students to how modern artificial intelligence systems actually work, using industry-grade tools from NVIDIA. Students explore generative AI technologies such as large language models and image generation through hands-on experimentation, learning how text and images are transformed into data, how models learn patterns, and why GPUs are critical to modern AI. Beyond building and testing AI-powered applications, students examine ethical issues including bias, privacy, misinformation, and responsible use. No prior programming experience is required. By the end of the week, students will be able to explain, evaluate, and responsibly use AI systems while gaining insight into real-world AI careers and pathways. Register at SAU.edu/camps.
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
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube