Vision
The vision of Bethke Elementary is to honor and inspire academic excellence to prepare the whole child for success in a 21st century world.
History
Bethke Elementary School opened in fall of 2008. The school is named for long time Timnath educator Paul Bethke, who worked locally and at the state level to make public schools better. The school works closely with the parents and community to teach 21st century skills by integrating technology into instruction on a daily basis, providing enriching experiences through the arts, and consistently teaching about energy conservation. Bethke is the first in the nation to receive Three Green Globes and the LEED Gold for Schools for sustainable design.
Learning culture
Our core values are Respect, Responsibility, Kindness and Integrity. Bethke uses the Positive Behavior Support system teaching character throughout the day. Students are taught expectations and are reminded of them in all areas of the school. They are rewarded for positive behavior through drawings and award assemblies.
Academic environment
Bethke fully implements the Core Knowledge curriculum in grades K–5. Focusing on 21st century higher level thinking skills, teachers integrate interactive technology into instruction on a daily basis. Multi-sensory phonics instruction, small-group guided reading instruction, and Core Knowledge novel studies complete the reading instruction.
enVision Math 2.0 is used in all grades with acceleration for those who qualify in grades 3–5. A reading specialist and gifted and talented teacher work with those requiring additional interventions.
Core Knowledge Language Arts is a comprehensive language arts curriculum program for students in preschool through grade 6. While teaching skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) also builds students’ knowledge and vocabulary in literature, history, geography, and science. The curriculum covers concepts specified in the Core Knowledge Sequence.
Instructional & enrichment programs
We offer a variety of clubs each year. Alphabest offers before- and after-school care from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Opportunities for parents
Parents play an active role in the school’s success. All parents at Bethke are members of the PTO and raise funds to support instructional opportunities as well as coordinate volunteers throughout the building. They host family and community events throughout the year to build and sustain the positive climate. Parents run before- and after-school clubs and serve on the school accountability committee.