We are currently celebrating our Pre-K students as part of Georgia's Pre-K Week.  This state-recognized week falls during our Fall Break, so Barrow County Schools decided to celebrate a little early.  We are so very thankful for the Georgia Pre-K program and the solid foundation it helps build in our learners.  

We are proud to announce the Georgia Department of Education has recognized 11 Barrow County schools as 2025-26 John Hancock Award Schools, an honor given to institutions that demonstrate excellence in cursive instruction.

The John Hancock Award recognizes schools at two levels based on demonstrated student proficiency. Schools where at least 90% of students can write their names in cursive earn the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon. Schools where at least 90% of students can write both their names and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive earn the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction.

To demonstrate proficiency, schools submit representative samples of student cursive writing and attest that at least 90% of their students meet the requirements for the recognition level they seek.

Only 15 spots are available due to space, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! 

Kindergarten–2nd Grade families: Join us on Monday, October 26th from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for a family-friendly look at how children learn to read and simple ways you can support your child at home.

You’ll get a peek into what’s happening as your child learns to read and leave with simple, practical strategies you can use right away at home.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot or visit  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E48AFAB29A1F85-65738771-lunch

We hope you can join us as we grow readers together! 

This month we are talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. Responsibility is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Across grade levels students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.

School Attendance Matters!  Not only is it important to be at school every day, it is also important to be here on time.  

Check out our Monthly Attendance Tracker! 

Located in our cafeteria, this tracker lets our students and visiting families see which grade level is leading the way in attendance each month!

For the month of August, 3rd grade had the most students present! Way to go, 3rd grade! 

We will soon find out which grade level had the strongest attendance in September. Who will take the top spot?

The BES PTO is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat event at the school on Wednesday, October 21.  They are currently taking candy donations through October 19 in preparation for this amazing event.  We hope to see you there!

At Bethlehem Elementary, we believe every Star deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued! Throughout October, our monthly counseling lessons from Ms. Bryant and Mrs. Tejada will focus on bullying prevention and helping students understand the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up for others.

Our lessons will be tailored to each grade level.

Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Safe Hands, Kind Words, and Helping Hearts

2nd & 3rd Grade: Is It Bullying? What Can I Do?

4th & 5th Grade: Be an Upstander: Your Choices Matter

As we shared at Commitment Night, bullying and peer conflict are not the same thing, but every concern deserves attention. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by talking with their children about kindness, healthy friendships, and the importance of telling a trusted adult when something doesn't feel right.

Together, we can make Bethlehem a place where every Star feels like they belong! 

We will celebrate Red Ribbon week

October 26–30.  The theme of this year's Red Ribbon Week is "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!"  

Red Ribbon Week is a national celebration that encourages students to make healthy choices and live drug-free lives!

This year, we are reminding our Bethlehem Stars that being a hero isn't just about wearing a cape. It's about making positive choices, showing kindness, standing up for others, and making a difference in our school and community!

We invite all of our Stars to join us in celebrating a week of fun dress-up days!

Monday, October 26 – Heroes Wear Red! Wear RED to kick off Red Ribbon Week!

Tuesday, October 27 – Not All Heroes Wear Capes! Dress as your favorite superhero or real-life hero!

Wednesday, October 28 – Heroes Stand Out! It's Tacky Day! Wear your most mismatched outfit!

Thursday, October 29 – Dream Big. Be a Hero! Wear your pajamas and dream of a bright, drug-free future!

Friday, October 30 – Every Story Needs a Hero! Dress as your favorite BOOK CHARACTER!

Let's work together to encourage our students to make healthy choices and be heroes every day!

Learning is tough work-and kids need fuel if they’re going to learn! That’s why a healthy midday meal is crucial to the growing children who go to school. Since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW), this annual observance has promoted the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has both in and out of the classroom.

Even though National School Lunch Week was declared in 1962, the National School Lunch Program goes back even further, back to 1946. Created to provide nutritious meals to children from low-income families who might not otherwise have access to a daily meal, NSLP ensures the health and well-being of all public school students, boosts academic performance by giving students the fuel they need to succeed, and closes the opportunity gap for children across the country. Today, the National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day. Not only does it reduce childhood hunger, but it also supports American agriculture.

We’re selling delicious, gourmet popcorn to raise funds for classroom supplies and needs. Every bag sold helps support our students! 

How You Can Help: 

With a variety of flavors to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s an easy (and yummy) way to support our school community! Thank you for being a part of our team. Let’s make this fundraiser a POPPIN’ success!