Bethel High Bison News
Oct. 26th
No Late Start Oct. 26th
As a reminder, due to an elementary early dismissal, all schools in Bethel will be not have late start on Monday, October 26th. Students - please report to your advisory class for FLEX time.
Fall Conferences - Oct. 28th and 29th
Fall conferences are scheduled on Oct. 28th through Oct. 29th. Our late night will be on Wednesday October 28th until 7:00pm. Below are specific times for each day:
Wednesday Oct. 28th - 11:00 - 3:00 and 4:00 - 7:00
Thursday Oct. 29th - 11:00 - 2:45
Friday Oct. 30th - By appointment only.
Fall conferences will be an open house format where you have the opportunity to talk with each of your students' teachers. You will receive a copy of their current grades upon entering the building. Students will be on a modified half day schedule to accommodate for fall conferences.
* Entrance for Conferences will be at the southside student entrance
PSAT - Oct. 27th
The PSAT will take place on Tuesday, October 27. Please report to the gym by 7:45 a.m. with a fully charged iPad. You may also bring water and snacks if needed.
If you participate in Running Start or attend Pierce County Skills Center, please communicate with your instructors or professors ahead of time to coordinate your schedule for that day.
Testing will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately 11:00 a.m.
After testing:
- Students will attend second lunch.
- Running Start and Pierce County Skills Center students should head home or, if they have classes scheduled, eat lunch and proceed to their next class as appropriate.
Please plan accordingly and reach out if you have any questions.
Reach out to Ms. Parker
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!
Be on time
Being tardy to any class can result in lunch detention or after school detention. Please make sure to attend classes on time!
10th grade - Share Your Voice!
Sophomores, this is your chance to make a difference and have an impact on your school. Come and join the 2029 Bethel Class Council! We will be meeting in the library during lunch on October 26th and 27th. If you have any questions, you can find Coach Wilder in the Library during the school day."
PE Waivers
The Bethel School District's Physical Education Waiver Guidelines specify that students may be eligible for a PE waiver IF they meet certain criteria.
To qualify:
They cannot fit the required Physical Education classes into their schedule. Example; Student is enrolled in the Cambridge program
They have completed and passed the "Intro to Life and Fitness" class or achieved a district-approved fitness assessment score of 70% or higher.
The PE Waiver form is submitted prior to or within the first two weeks of the athletic season in which the student is participating.
Physical Education Waivers will be denied due to the following reasons:
- Student has served as an Office Assistant or Peer Tutor
- Student utilized an open period (such as late arrival or early dismissal) physical education class takes priority over serving as an office assistant, Peer tutor and an open period on a students schedule.
- The PE Waiver form was submitted outside of the acceptance timeline. Example; After the first 2 weeks of the athletic season.I
If you have any questions please see Ms. Nesper in the Counseling Center
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
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:
Oct. 28th: Conferences! Get Financial Aid & Scholarship Help from your Career Center Team!
In the Career Center from 11:00am to 3:00pm,
And again from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Oct. 29: Conferences! Get Financial Aid & Scholarship Help from your Career Center Team!
In the Career Center from 11:00am to 3:00pm,
Oct. 30th: PSAT Testing in the Gym from 7:45am –11:00am.
Oct. 30th: Final Day to complete your FAFSA or WASFA account and submit your confirmation to bvansickle@bethelsd.org for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
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 Oct. 29th: $1,000 for JUNIORS & SENIORS! ScholarshipOwl Scholarship
Deadline Oct. 31st: $2,000 for JUNIORS & SENIORS! Sallie Mae Scholarship
Deadline Oct. 31st: $25,000 for ALL GRADES! Be Bold Scholarship
Deadline Oct. 31st: $10,000 for ALL GRADES! Scholarship360 “No Essay” Scholarship
Deadline Oct. 31st: $3,000 for ALL GRADES! CollegeXpress October Giveaway
Deadline Nov. 1st: $10,000 for SENIORS! Seahawks Community Scholarship
Deadline Nov. 1st: $5,000 for SENIORS! Women in STEM Scholarship
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 be meeting this week on Tuesday, October 27th in room 1312 starting at 2:20pm. There will be no meeting next week on November 3rd. Meetings will resume again on November 10th. 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