Dr. Kraig Sproles, Superintendent, shares, “This has resulted in a new mission statement for the district -In Bethel, we want to create relevant, responsive, and joyful learning communities where all of our students thrive.” Dr. Kraig Sproles, Superintendent, shares, “This has resulted in a new mission statement for the district -In Bethel, we want to create relevant, responsive, and joyful learning communities where all of our students thrive.” EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES The work starts early in the district,where community partners offer programs for the littlest learners, including Head Start, and Preschool Promise. Bethel School District also offers its preschool program, Little Wolverines. “That was created as a place on campus for students who were having children as they were navigating high school.” Sproles expands. “It’s morphed into this larger preschool and early learning opportunity for our students. Now, it’s a Career and Technical Education avenue for our students who are interested in possibly becoming teachers.” It also fills a gap for families who don’t qualify for income-dependent programs, but still struggle to afford high-quality preschool options. “That’s where we’ve seen our Little Wolverines program expand and thrive,” Sproles remarks. To prepare children to enter Kindergarten, Bethel Schools offers a summer school option called Kids in Transition to School. Sproles explains. “It is like a little kinder boot camp for a few weeks to get them ready to go, so they can orient themselves as learners.” BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Ashley Espinoza, Bethel School District Board Member and Executive Director of the LaneWorkforce Partnership, highlights the synergy between the district and its partners. “What’s interesting about our community is that we do collaborate well, and I think we understand the idea of collective impact,” she says. “For example, there’s a program called Constructing a Brighter Future, where all 16 school districts in Lane County are building tiny homes that are being placed in safe sleep sites for the unhoused. So, not only are students getting access to 351 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT
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