BMS Family & Student Newsletter
November 9, 2026
Thankful November
Veterans Day Assembly-Tuesday, November 10
We will come together as a Bulldog community to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Let's show our veterans respect and appreciation during our special AM Veterans Day assembly!
No School – Wednesday, November 11
There will be NO SCHOOL in observance of Veterans Day. Take a moment to thank a veteran for their service!
Wear BLUE – Friday, November 13!
Help us raise awareness for diabetes by wearing BLUE on Friday! Let's fill our hallways with blue and show our Bulldog support!
Attitude of Gratitude! November is all about being thankful!
Bulldogs, we challenge you to spread a little extra kindness and gratitude this month. Thank a teacher, compliment a classmate, help someone out, or simply tell someone you appreciate them. Small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference!
Remember, Bulldogs: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Kind, and always LEAD THE PACK!
Go Bulldogs!!
-Ms. Lewis
AT HOME MATH PRACTICE FOR NOVEMBER 9-13TH
We encourage all students and staff to take a moment to explore our Native American Heritage Month display, highlighting influential Native Americans from our local Washington tribes and across the nation. Learn about the remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions to history, culture, leadership, and their communities. Take a few minutes to stop, read, and discover something new as we honor and celebrate the rich history, achievements, and ongoing impact of Native Americans!
FAMILY NIGHT!!!
DECEMBER 9
BLUE TICKET STUDENT STORE NOW OPEN!
Our Attendance for October
Chronically absent is considered 2 or more days absent per month
LET'S MAKE NOVEMBER BETTER!
Keep Students SAFE
Attendance Matters!!
STUDENT DESIGN CONTEST!
Athletic Practice Expectations
Bethel Middle is a NO CELL School
BETHEL MIDDLE IS A NO CELLPHONE SCHOOL
We know that there is a real need for cell phones for kids, and that families support students carrying cell phones for safety reasons. However, cell phones create disengagement, and distraction during the school day.
Cell phones & earbuds & headphones MUST be out of sight during the school day.
Students are not to have cell phones visible during any time during the school day, and especially in class. Students may keep cell phones on silent, and in their backpacks.
If a student has a cell phone, earbuds or headphones visible in class, the student will be asked to put it away.
Progressive discipline will be administered for repeat violations:
Placed in Cellphone Locker in Security Office to be picked up end of day
Parent Pick Up
Technology Parent Plan
If you have a reason to connect with your student, please communicate with the front office and we will reach out to your student to be able to connect with you.
Our purpose is to create the best possible learning environment for students so they are set up for success. We would really appreciate your support in educating your student.
Student & Family Communication Flow Chart
BETHEL MIDDLE MASCOT STORE
Gear will ship directly to your home
Students must be picked up or walk NO Activity Bus Available
Clubs are 1:50-3:00pm Monday or Thursday
Want to visit Washington DC? Educational Trip Available!
School Starts at 7:10
7:10am-1:40pm
The activities bus departs at 4:45pm.
Students are restricted to the Cafeteria/Big Gym until 7:05 am and then will be sent to classes as they arrive at school.
ParentVue Update
Bus Routes
This year, our neighboring school, Cedarcrest, will be located on the former Bethel High School campus. While we are excited to welcome our new neighbors, it is important that our two campuses remain separate.
BMS students should not be on the Cedarcrest campus at any time unless they have specific permission or a school related reason to be there.
Students who do not follow this expectation may receive a no trespass notice. Thank you, families, for helping us keep both school communities safe and focused on learning.
Parking for Events at BMS
We LOVE that families and community members are supporting our Bulldog Athletes and students!
We just need to be mindful of where we are parking. Park only in designated locations (see below noted in yellow) for when you are visiting BMS.
We want to be good neighbors to our neighboring schools Shining Mountain and Cedarcrest Middle.
Our games/matches begin really close to Shining Mountain's dismissal time, so please do not park on the street from 1:40-4:15 for safety reasons. Do not park in the bus loading zone or your vehicle may be towed at owners expense.
Thank you for ensuring that all Bethel School District students can end their day safely. We appreciate your cooperation!
FOOTBALL (AND ALL EVENTS) AT ART CRATE STADIUM
We want to remind you that Bethel School District has some requirements for guests who attend events at Art Crate Stadium. To ensure the safety of our students, parents, and community, the following must be adhered to:
ALL elementary and middle school students who plan to attend school-sponsored events, such as football games or track meets, MUST be accompanied by an adult. They will be turned away if they attempt to gain admittance without a parent.
Only clear bags or small clutch/purses/wallets will be allowed inside the stadium. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. A small clutch bag, not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried inside the stadium.
We thank you for your understanding and adherence to these new guidelines.
DONATIONS NEEDED
- Feminine hygiene products
- Packaged underwear (all sizes needed)
- Grey or Black leggings (all sizes needed)
- Grey or Black sweatpants (all sizes needed)
- Socks
All of these items can be turned in to the main office.
THANK YOU for you consideration in supporting students who may need it!!
2026-2027 STUDENT CALENDAR
GRADING FOR 2026-2027
BSD Family Resources
For direct access to the following links...
- BUS ROUTES
- FREE & REDUCED MEAL APPLICATION
- PARENTVUE
- SAFE WALKING ZONES
- ENROLLMENT
- MIDDLE SCHOOL FORMS
- HEALTH FORMS
- IPAD FORMS
- STUDENT INSURANCE
- SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
- ATHLETICS
ParentVue
Register to VOTE
Register to VOTE! Click Here ~ https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6572/Register-to-Vote
Washington offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Washington by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer. You can register or update your address online or by mail until 8 days before an election. You may also register in-person through Election Day. Registration forms submitted by mail need to be received, not postmarked by the 8-day deadline.
Bethel Middle School 2026-2027
Administrative Team
Principal
Stephanie Lewis
Assistant Principal
Julia Muneshige
Associate Administrator
Andrew Hutson
Bethel Middle School Contacts
- Main Office: 253-800-7200
- Attendance: 253-800-7292
- Registrar: 253-800-7284
- Associate Administrator, Andrew Hutson: 253-800-7200
- Assistant Principal, Julia Muneshige: 253-800-7200
- Principal, Stephanie Lewis: 253-800-7200
NOV 10- Veterans Day Assembly
NOV 11- NO SCHOOL: Veterans Day
NOV 24- EARLY RELEASE:Grade Prep
NOV 25-27- NO SCHOOL:Thanksgiving Break
DEC 3- Fishing Wars Assembly
DEC 21-Jan 1-NO SCHOOL: Winter Break
BETHEL REC NEWS
Get ready for another great season of Bethel Recreation sports! Winter sports registration is now open for the following programs:
Basketball – K–6th Grade | Boys & Girls K-6th Basketball 2026 (Winter 2026)
Basketball teams practice on weeknights and play games at local gyms throughout the season.
NEW! Middle School Girls Flag Football – 6th–8th Grade | Girls Middle School Girls Flag Football (Winter 2026)
We are excited to offer a NEW girls-only middle school flag football program! Teams will practice and play on Bethel School District turf high school fields and at Art Crate Field.
Programs run: November 9 – February 6
Practices: Weeknights
Games: December 9 – February 6, on weeknights and Saturdays
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11th - Closes at 11:00PM
If you want to guarantee a spot on a team with your school, you must register by the registration deadline. Registering by the deadline helps us build teams based on school participation and order uniforms and equipment on time.
Volunteer Coaches Needed!
Our programs cannot happen without our amazing volunteer coaches. If you are interested in coaching, please contact your Bethel Recreation school coordinator. We would love to have you join us!
IMPORTANT DATES
November 9: Late Arrival Day
November 11: Veterans Day – No School
November 16: Late Arrival Day
November 24: MS/HS End of 1st Tri/Grade Prep Early Dismissal, Grades 6-12
November 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Break – No School
November 30: Late Arrival Day
December 7, 14: Late Arrival Days
December 21 - Jan 1: Winter Break – No School
November is:
National Native American Heritage Month
Monthly Calendar Graphics 26-27
You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Spanaway Lake Craft Fair: November 7-8
The annual Craft Fair at SLHS will be held on November 7th and 8th!
Details at https://www.facebook.com/slhscraftfair
Coffee with the Superintendent: November 10
Our next Coffee with the Superintendent event will be November 10 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th St. E, Spanaway, WA 98387). We will also be hosting another event in March. Invite your neighbors! Everyone is welcome.
Transportation Hiring Event: November 10
We are looking for bus drivers and bus assistants to join our amazing Transportation team! Our next hiring event will be on November 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. at our Transportation Service Center (5625 192nd St E, Puyallup, WA 98375). At these events there are opportunities for on-the-spot interviews and potential day-of job offers. We hope to see you there!
Turkey Trot: November 14
Join Cougar Mountain Middle School for their 3rd Annual CMMS Booster Club Turkey Trot, a 5k Community Fundraiser & Food Drive! Learn more here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Graham/CMMSBoosterClubTurkeyTrot5KFunRun
Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/portal/
November 17: School Board Meeting
December 15: School Board Meeting
FAMILY REMINDERS
Join the Community Advisory Board: November 18
You are invited to join our Community Advisory Board! The next meeting is Wednesday, November 18, at Bethel High School in the cafeteria, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner will be provided. The purpose of this group is to partner with parents and families to improve student academic achievement and school performance. It's an opportunity to learn more about our schools, share your perspective, and help strengthen partnerships across the district. All interested parents and family members are welcome! Please RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsLqDqlrmofAk_ImVIqwTQj7W-R485EvdQAArXP1i4yAWooA/viewform
Elementary breakfast and lunch menu: November 2026
What's on the menu for November? Our elementary school lunch menus can always be found at bethelsd.org/meals
Interpretation and Translation
All families have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they understand. We can provide an interpreter or translated documents, free of charge, when you need them. For information on accessing interpretation services, please contact Special Services at 253-800-2300, or contact your school office.
Community & Crisis Resources
When challenges feel overwhelming, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Our Community & Crisis Resources page has contact information for trusted crisis support services, including mental health counseling, suicide prevention, substance abuse resources, and specialized assistance for youth and families in Pierce County and beyond. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/community-crisis-resources
2027 Tech & Art Fair Student Design Contest
Attention all Bethel students! Show off your creativity in the Tech & Art Fair Student Design Contest! Submit an original logo design blending technology and art centered around the theme, "Where Ideas Take Shape." Winning designs will be displayed at
the Tech & Art Fair and may be used in various district promotional materials, including t-shirts, posters, maps, and more! On top of that, the class with the highest number of artwork submissions will win a pizza party! This contest is open to all Bethel students in preschool through 12th grade. You can enter by emailing Tess Koning at tkoning@bethelsd.org. Please note that submissions must use your official Bethel student email. Be sure to turn in your original work by Monday, November 16.
Your talents. Their future. Team Bethel!
Whether you’re raising a family, attending college, or exploring a new chapter in retirement, your skills and experience can make a difference in our schools. Help support students through opportunities in transportation, nutrition services, classrooms, custodial services, and more. Find your place. Make an impact. Join Team Bethel! Visit jobs.bethelsd.org
ESC Holiday Hours
With the holiday season approaching we wanted to remind you of those dates that the Educational Service Center (ESC) will be open with limited service or closed for regular business. Limited service dates are those days with limited staff availability, no front desk reception, and no service to the general public. On closure dates, the ESC campus will be closed.
Closed for regular business: November 26-27; December 24-25, 31; January 1
Open with limited services: November 25, December 21-23, 29-30
DISTRICT NEWS
Podcast Episode 193: The $10 million problem returns
On this week's show, we sit down with our Superintendent and CFO to break down school funding and unpack a $10 million problem heading our way unless state lawmakers step up. The district is doing its part with a balanced budget, clean state audits, and an administrative overhead lower than the state average. But as our CFO notes, even the best local efficiency can't completely outrun a broken state funding formula, which makes community support and local advocacy more critical than ever. New episodes drop on Wednesdays wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also hear us on 101.9 Radio Tacoma, Saturdays at 2 p.m. Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast
Setting the standard for Pierce County school safety
From Mount Rainier looming on the horizon to the quiet threat of earthquakes, windstorms, and winter weather, preparing for emergencies is a reality of life. Our district takes safety very seriously, working proactively to protect our students, staff, and school buildings to ensure every campus is prepared for natural and man-made hazard events. While many local entities collaborate on countywide emergency frameworks, our district stands out as the only one in Pierce County to maintain its own dedicated All-Hazard Mitigation Plan for over two decades. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/setting-the-standard-for-pierce-county-school-safety
State funding shift threatens $10 million in Bethel funding
A sudden shift in Olympia has clawed back funding, leaving our district facing a projected $10 million annual shortfall starting in the 2027–28 school year. "We run one of the tightest ships in Pierce County," Chief Financial Officer Christine Donnelly said. "But even the best local efficiency can’t completely outrun a broken state funding formula." Read more at: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-funding-shift-threatens-10-million-in-bethel-funding
Cedarcrest Middle School Construction Update
Thank you, voters! With careful planning and additional state funding, Cedarcrest Middle School is being completely rebuilt. The original plan under the 2019 School Construction Bond was for a “modernization.” Now it has evolved into a state-of-the-art, brand new, three-story building spanning nearly 123,000 square feet. With 39 modern classrooms, the new Cedarcrest will expand capacity from 700 to 850 students, ensuring our students have room to thrive. The new Cedarcrest is scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2028. In the meantime, Cedarcrest staff and students are now teaching and learning at the old Bethel High School. See the latest drone video at: https://youtu.be/irVgoa9ipl4
Roy Elementary push-button light crosswalk
The city of Roy, alongside R.L. Alia construction, WSDOT, and Skillings LLC, have finalized the building of a push-button light crosswalk for our Roy Elementary students directly in front of the Shell gas station (4th St and McNaught Rd (SR 507)). As the work is being conducted from 19 November thru 29 November, the road will be at times reduced to one lane. The city apologized for the delays on Facebook but said, “We're excited to best serve the community's safety needs in caring for our students!”
BHS musicians break in brand-new theater
Thank you voters! Bethel High School kicked off the spooky season with their annual Costume Concert. Talented musicians from the Advanced Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra took the stage in full costume to perform for parents, staff and community members. Even better, this festive tradition marked the very first performance inside Bethel High's brand new theater. What an incredible way to break in the new space! https://www.facebook.com/reel/1684185263422171
Veterans, donations, and diving deep into math
Our schools and local community continuously lift each other up, working hand-in-hand to ensure our students feel honored, supported, and ready to thrive. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/veterans-donations-and-diving-deep-into-math
VARSITY SPORTS UPDATE
FOOTBALL: SLHS 34, South Kitsap 33
On October 30, the Spanaway Lake High School varsity football team won their away game against South Kitsap by a score of 34-33! Congratulations to #2 Jericho Martin (overall), #11 Isaiah Mason (offensive), #12 Jamarcus Johnson (defensive) and #17 Brooklen Bell (special teams) for being selected the Spanaway Lake Football Players of the Game! The Sentinels (3-6) will now prepare for their contest against Rogers (2-7).
VOLLEYBALL: GKHS 3, BHS 0
On October 27, the Eagles defeated the Bison with a sharp 3-0 win. Graham-Kapowsin has now won 12 of their last 16 games on the road. That's helped them to a 15-6-1 record this season!
Gatorade Washington Softball Player of the Year
Congratulations to Graham-Kapowsin High School’s Brooklyn Pettit who was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Washington Softball Player of the Year as a sophomore and is the first female recipient in Bethel School District history! Brooklyn grew up playing in Bethel Rec as well as at Frontier Middle School. She delivered one of the most dominant seasons in Washington state history, leading the Eagles to a 27-2 record, a historic undefeated SPSL league title, and a runner-up finish in the Class 4A state championship game. Brooklyn has already committed to continuing her education and softball career at the University of Nebraska! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/varsity-sports-update-november-2-2026
GKHS star named Athlete of the Week
Join us in congratulating Graham-Kapowsin High School football player Jayce Halasz, who was named a WIAA/Gesa Credit Union Athlete of the Week. This statewide honor recognizes student-athletes who make a major impact both on the field and in their communities. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/varsity-sports-update-november-2-2026
Catch the action live on Hudl!
Never miss a moment of Bethel School District athletics. Whether you are cheering on the Bison, Eagles, or Sentinels, you can stream high school football, volleyball, and more for FREE! Full replays of past games are available on demand so you can catch every highlight. Find stream links and schedule details at bethelsd.org/news
COMMUNITY NEWS
Register to Vote
Election Day is over, but making your voice heard is a year-round commitment! If you missed your chance to vote this time, take a minute to register or update your information at VoteWA.gov so you're ready for the next election.
Bethel Middle School
Website: https://www.bms.bethelsd.org/
Location: 22001 38th Avenue East, Spanaway, WA, USA
Phone: 253-800-7200