Bethel the Beautiful
July 1, 2025
Happy 4th of July!!
We hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer so far! It's hard to believe it's already July! Enjoy every minute with your children and have a great rest of your summer! Please see the flyer below about our Out of this World event in August!! Have a fun and relaxing rest of your summer!!
Welcome to Bethel Elementary!!
Heather Bryson, 4th Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Heather Bryson!
I have spent the past 10 years as a Teachers assistant here at Bethel Elementary and I am so excited to begin this upcoming year as a 4thgrade teacher! I grew up in the Bethel community all of my life and I recently graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in Elementary Education, I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Bethel family and excited to give back to the community that helped raise me! My husband David and I have been married for 21 years and together we have 3 amazing kids- Kane will start his freshman year of college at Montreat and will be a part of the Cavaliers wrestling team, Kole will be a Sophomore at Pisgah, and Kinsley is going into 6th grade at Bethel Middle. I love reading and spending time with family and our sweet Labradoodle, Biscuit. I am excited for this school year to begin!
Ashlyn Smith, 5th Grade Teacher
I look forward to meeting you and your students! I am a two-time graduate of Campbell University. I hold a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in AIG Education. I enjoy reading and drinking a likely unhealthy amount of caffeine! Again, I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know you and your students. I can't wait to make this a fun, productive year!
Jana Nolen, Guidance Counselor
“My name is Ms. Jana Nolen, and I’m so excited to be joining the Bethel Elementary family as your school counselor! I recently relocated to the Asheville area, and I’m thrilled to become part of such a valued and inspiring school community. I graduated from UNCG with a background in Human Development and Family Studies and went on to become a licensed school counselor. I truly believe in the power of connection, compassion, and helping students grow into their best selves!
My counseling approach is rooted in being solution-focused, person-centered, and aligned with MTSS. But more than anything, I love getting to know each child’s unique personality, cheering them on in their successes, and walking alongside them in their journey. Building meaningful relationships with students and families is my heart!
A little about me: I was a recreational and competitive dancer for 17 years and taught dance for 3 (tap is my favorite!). I love to draw and create custom coloring pages for students, and I’m a huge fan of anything purple or sparkly. I also share my home with my sassy tuxedo cat, Milani, and if you’re a fellow Swiftie, we’ll definitely get along!
This year, I’m looking forward to making strong connections, supporting student success, and being a positive, joyful presence in our school community. I can’t wait to meet you all!”
Roger Beck, Custodian
Hi, my name is Roger Beck. I moved from South Carolina to NC 8 years ago. I enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and all that NC offers.
My hobbies include Classic Cars and I'm a huge fan of the NC Tarheels basketball team. I look forward to meeting everyone and getting ready for the new school year!
Rachel Sellers, Exceptional Children's Teacher
Hi, I’m Mrs. Sellers, and I’m so excited to be joining the BES family this year!
I had the privilege of growing up in Haywood County Schools and am a proud Pisgah graduate. After high school, I attended Appalachian State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. I then stayed in Boone for an additional year to complete my master’s degree in Reading Education, with a concentration in Autism.
This will be my 10th year in education. I spent three years teaching in elementary school before spending the last six at BMS. I'm thrilled to continue being a Blue Demon—this time alongside my daughter, who will be starting kindergarten this fall!
I married a Bethel boy in 2016, and we have two amazing kids and a chocolate lab named Hank. When I’m not at school, my family loves spending time outdoors—hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or just hanging out with our friends and church family.
I can’t wait to meet you this fall!
Chris Ray, PE Teacher (2 days a week)
Hello Bethel Family!
My name is Chris Ray, and I get to be your second P.E. teacher two days a week this year. I have been teaching in Haywood County Schools for 22 years, with my main school being Riverbend Elementary. This will be my second time getting to be at Bethel for part of the school week. My wife, Lynn, and our two boys, Ridge and Reece, live in Canton. I look forward to seeing you this year!
PE Teachers
We wish our PE teacher for several years, Nathan Messer, all the best as he begins his next chapter in teaching PE and coaching basketball at Tuscola High. Caleb Henson, who taught PE on Mondays and Fridays last year will be here all five days next year. Chris Ray (see above), will be our two day person next year!
T-Shirt Sizes
Please fill out the Google Form with your child's t-shirt size for their free BES t-shirt they will receive at the beginning of the year.
Be a Sponsor for our School T-Shirts
Thanks for considering being a sponsor of our t-shirts for our students! Businesses and individuals can be sponsors. If you prefer to fill out a paper form, those are located in our office. Please mail checks to Bethel Elementary, 4700 Old River Road, Canton, NC 28716. You may also drop off cash or money by the school beginning next week from 8am-4pm, Monday-Thursday. Thanks for your support and please let us know if you have any questions!!
Check Out this Video About the 4th of July
Yummy 4th of July Desserts
Out of this World Adventures
Coming this August!! Hope your child can attend this Out of this World event!
RTA/Boost Camp
Thank you!
Thank you families for allowing your child to attend RTA/Boost camp! Students and teachers worked hard and we are so proud of all of them!
Summer Office Hours
The office will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the 4th of July holiday.
The office will be open in the summer (except for this week), from Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm.
Summer Camp - It's not too late to sign up!
Summer Library
Reminders and Important Dates
June 9- August 8 - Summer Camp dates (July 3 & 4 it will be closed)
July 29th- Kindergarten Screening
August 5-9- Kinder Camp (rising Kindergarteners will attend 2 days) 8:00-11:00am
August 4-5-Out of this World Adventure Days- More info TBD
--- Monday, August 4- 1-2
--- Tuesday, August 5- 3-5
August 4- Kinder Camp Group 1 8-11am
August 5- Kinder Camp Group 2. 8-11am
August 18- First Student Day- 12:30 Dismissal
August 20- K Orientation Meet the Teacher
August 21-22- Kindergarten Family Visits
August 25-26 Kindergarteners staggered start
828-226-3128 Cell
