Bett District Update
Bettendorf Community School District Weekly Newsletter

August 14, 2026
Welcome, New Teachers! 🍎
We’re excited to welcome our newest teachers to the district! Our new educators came together this week for New Teacher Inservice, spending time learning, connecting, and preparing for a great year ahead.
We’re thrilled to have them join our school community and can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll make for our students. Please join us in giving our new teachers a warm welcome! #BETTerTogether
🎥 Getting to Know John W. Elkin!
Hear from Mr. Elkin as he shares a little about himself, what drew him to Bettendorf, and his goals as he begins this new chapter with our district.
We’re looking forward to the leadership, collaboration, and commitment he brings to Bettendorf Schools. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Elkin! Watch the video to learn more.
#BettPride #BETTerTogether
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BCSD Stakeholder Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who responded to the Bettendorf Community School District Stakeholder Survey. Several consistent themes emerged:
- Our people are our greatest strength. Respondents recognized the dedication of our teachers, paraeducators, support staff, and building leaders, as well as their strong relationships with students and families.
- Students benefit from many opportunities. Academic programs, fine arts, athletics, clubs, career and technical education, dual-credit courses, and student-support services were identified as strengths to preserve and expand.
- Community pride remains strong. Respondents expressed pride in Bettendorf’s traditions and commitment to excellence and a desire to help shape the district’s future.
- Trust, communication, and collaboration need continued attention. Feedback emphasized transparent decision-making, consistent communication, and meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to be heard.
- Student behavior and staff support are important concerns. Respondents highlighted consistent expectations, safe learning environments, adequate resources, and efforts to recruit, retain, and support employees.
- The district is navigating significant challenges. Leadership transitions, funding pressures, changing student needs, special education demands, political division, and state-level decisions were among the factors identified.
The district will use this feedback to help guide future conversations, priorities, and actions. Thank you for sharing your perspective and contributing to this important work.
For more information, check out the Stakeholder Survey Summary.
Celebrate With Us
Bettendorf Middle School Ribbon Cutting
Join us as we celebrate an exciting milestone for Bettendorf Middle School! The community is invited to the New Classroom Addition Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Open House at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Bettendorf Middle School, 2030 Middle Road.
Come see the new 12-classroom addition, celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the Bettendorf Middle School Renovation Project, and tour the new learning spaces with BMS students.
We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this investment in our students, staff, and community!
Back to School Events!
Back to School: Get Ready! Get Set! Bett!
School Supply List - Elementary | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade
- MS Classroom Addition Ribbon Cutting - 5:30 pm - Outside new addition
- MS Open House - Wednesday, Aug. 19 - 5:30-7:30 pm
- Elem Unpack Your Backpack - Thursday, Aug. 20 - 5-6:30 pm
- HS Open House & New Student Orientation - Friday, Aug. 21 - 4:30-6:30 pm
- Bett Community Expo @ BHS - Friday, Aug. 21 - 4:30-6:30 pm
- HS StuCo Food Trucks/Makers Market - Friday, Aug. 21 - 4-7 pm
- HS Fall Kickoff - 7 pm
- 1st Day of School - Monday, Aug. 24
#BettPride BETTerTogether!
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Bett Community Expo - Friday, Aug. 21
Calling All Families
Kick off the 2026-27 school year with us on Friday, Aug. 21 at Bettendorf High School! 🎉
Bring the whole family for:
🛍️ Bett Community Expo
🎨 BHS StuCo Makers Market
🌮 Food Truck Fest
🐾 Bulldog Booster Store
It's the perfect way to connect with our schools, support local vendors, and celebrate the start of another great year. We can't wait to see you there! 💙💛
#BettPride #BETTerTogether
Seeking Food Trucks & Makers
PTO invites you to gear up for the season and support BMS!
The Bettendorf Bulldogs Fall '26 Merchandise store is officially OPEN! Every purchase directly funds programs for BMS students, families, and staff.
Shop here: https://stores.inksoft.com/bms_fall_2026/shop/home
This store will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7th. Allow 10-15 business days from the store close date for orders to be ready. You will receive an email from Brand2306 when your order is ready to be picked up.
BHS Goldusters Golf Fundraiser - Aug. 22
Bettendorf Goldusters Golf Fundraiser - Swing for a Cause
4:30 - 7 pm on Saturday, August 22
Palmer Hills - The Forge Putting Course, 2999 Middle Rd.
All ages are welcome.
Entry Fee: $10 per player
- All proceeds will support the Bettendorf Goldusters with state costumes, lodging, and additional fees.
- Additional opportunities to support the team will be available at check-in
Raffle Baskets: Themed baskets, Golduster experiences, Retired Golduster Gear, and more!
Contact us at: bettendorfgoldusters@gmail.com
Here We Go, Bulldogs! 🎉🐾
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of the first day of school! We can’t wait to welcome our students back, see our classrooms and hallways come to life, and kick off another great year of learning, growing, and making memories together.
Here’s to new adventures, new friendships, big goals, and an amazing school year ahead. Welcome back, Bulldogs — we’re so glad you’re here! 💛🖤 #BETTerTogether
School Board Meeting Highlights
Jessica Witter | Paul Castro (President) | Ryan McGivern (Vice President) | Brian Hanssen | Eric Engels | Patrick Larkin | Michelle Bruty
August 12, 2026
Conference Debrief: Center for Model Schools
Chad Uhde, Mark Twain Principal, shared information with the directors about the Center for Model Schools Conference Bettendorf administrators attended.
BMS Construction Update
Bray Architects and Russell Construction provided an update on the Bettendorf Middle School Construction Project. View their presentation.
School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds
Directors approved a tax revenue bond of approximately $31,730,00 in School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue Bonds for the Bettendorf Middle School addition and renovation project.
Register Your Students for 2026–27 Busing
Register your students now for bus transportation for the 2026–27 school year. The Transportation Request Form is available on the Bettendorf Community School District Transportation webpage:
2026-27 School Fees Now Available for Payment
The 2026-2027 school year fees can now be paid
- Online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- In person.
Admin Center - 3311 18th St. - 8 am - 4 pm - Monday - Thursday - Beginning July 20.
Schools - Beginning Aug. 1
Please ensure that you pay your school fees by the first day of school, Monday, August 24.
Check out the 2026-2027 School Year Fees
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How to Pay Online Through Infinite Campus
BCSD uses Infinite Campus (IC) Online Payments as our credit card and eCheck processing software. IC can be accessed from your Campus Parent Portal Login. Just click on “Fees” in the menu on the left.
Benefits of Infinite Campus Online Payments:
No additional accounts/logins: You can use your existing Campus Parent Portal account to make payments. This is in addition to all the great features you already have access to through the Portal.
All-in-one checkouts: Add food service deposits, school fees, optional items, and activity registrations to your cart. Under a single checkout, payments can be made for one student or the entire household.
eCheck option: Want the convenience of online payments but don’t want to pay the $2.50 credit card fee? Paying online via eCheck, which is a direct debit from your checking or savings account, offers the same benefits but with only a $0.35 processing fee per checkout.
Recurring Payments: Set up recurring payments to keep your student’s food service account supplied. Payments can be scheduled based on a low balance threshold or on a weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly basis.
Payment History: See your past online payments and generate receipts. (Receipts can also be emailed to you at the time of purchase.) You can also see your entire payment history: whether made online or via cash or check at the school.
If you have questions about online payments, please contact the Administration Center at (563) 359-3681.
Free & Reduced Applications & Fee Waivers for 2026-27
Free & Reduced Applications
Applications for Free & Reduced-Price School Meals are now open for the 2026-27 school year!
Your family may qualify, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals may also provide access to other educational programs and benefits.
You can apply online through the Parent Portal or request a paper application.
Parent Information: https://bit.ly/2026-27FreeReducedMealsInfo
Apply Online Through Parent Portal:
Download Application: https://bit.ly/2026-27FreeReducedMealApp
Questions?
Contact the Bett CSD District Nutrition Services Department for assistance (563) 359-3681,
Learn more at bettschools.org under Nutrition Services.
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Fee Waiver Application - Fees
Fee Waiver Applications for transportation and student fees are now available - https://aptg.co/m0JcXy
Run with Carl - Sept. 7
Providing scholarships to students who exemplify Carl's spirit by participating in school, sports, community, and church activities. Register/Volunteer - https://www.runwithcarl.com/
- 1/2 Mile Children's Fun Run (12 and under)
- 5K Walk/Run, and 5 Mile Run
Sponsored by Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation & Pleasant Valley Schools Educational Foundation
Upcoming Events & Information
BCSD Accepting Applications For 4-Year-Old Preschool Program
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@bettschools.org, or download a preschool application from:
BCS Foundation Board Openings & Volunteers
The Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation is looking for board members and volunteers! This is a great opportunity for parents, alumni, and community members — especially longtime school volunteers — to continue supporting Bettendorf students and staff. Learn more and get involved! #BettPride - https://www.foundation.bettendorf.k12.ia.us/o/foundation/page/about
Bound Registration
Join Our Team!
Help us empower each student to succeed!
Join the Bettendorf Community School District team and make a difference for our students every day!
Now Hiring:
- Bus Drivers
- HS Business Teacher
- Coaches
- Elementary Counselors
- HS CTE Auto Mechanics Teacher
- HS German Teacher
- Nurse
- Nutrition Services Staff
- Paraeducators
Find the opportunity that’s right for you and join our team!
Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/BettHiring
District Resources & Opportunities
Calling all BHS Alumni!
BettConnect - Inviting All Alumni & You Too!
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.
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Alumni T-Shirts Available Through Bulldog Booster Online Store
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Safe+Sound Iowa - Safety Reporting
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
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Everything Bett Schools, in your Pocket!
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Bettendorf Athletic Boosters - Online Store
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!
Bett Virtual Backpack
Community Opportunities
Thank you
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Community Opportunities
Upcoming Events
District | BHS | BHS Athletics | Edison | BMS | BMS Athletics | GW | HH | MT | NA | PN
AUGUST
19 - MS Open House 6-8 pm
20 - Elementary Unpack Your Backpack 5-6:30 pm
21 - HS StuCo Food Truck Fest & Makers Market 4-7 pm
21 - Bett Community Expo 4:30-6:30 pm - HS
21 - HS Open House 4:30-6:30 pm
21 HS Fall Kick-Off 7 pm
24 - 1st Day of School
BHS Alum & New Style Barbershop Give Back with Free Back-to-School Haircuts
Thank you to Justice O’Conner (BHS Class of 2015) and his associates from New Style Barbershop in Moline for giving back to our students and families! 💈✂️
Justice and his team offered free back-to-school haircuts at Grant Wood today in conjunction with the Outreach School Supply Pickup, helping students head into the new school year looking and feeling their best.
We’re grateful for community partners and alumni who continue to support our students!
#BETTerTogether
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
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