Welcome to Bethune Middle School “Home of the Mighty Mustangs”. My name is Carlos Gonzalez and I will be serving as your Principal. I am committed to Bethune and will work hard and collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that our students have an academically rich and positive learning experience. My door is always open to parents, students, faculty and staff.

 

I am proud to let our community know that Bethune has a history in making gains in Academic Performance Index (API). More students are moving into higher levels of proficiency based on the California State Standards in English and Mathematics. Our API went up 37 points in the past two years. We are currently at 607. Our goal this year is to get to 650 and to 700 by 2011. Our academic focus this year will be in English and Mathematics. Based on the data we received on the CST’s this year, we will hone in our energies to assist and improve our English Language Learner, African American and Special Education students. I feel confident that with your help our Mustangs can do it!

 

When passing by our school you might notice several construction projects that are currently underway. We are finally getting air conditioning in the S-Building science classrooms, the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), the Gym Building and the first floor of the A-Building. The MPR is being upgraded and the Trash Bin Area will be altered so that the trash trucks can enter from 67th street and not have to come inside our campus.

 

We want to remind our parents that Bethune Middle School does have a Uniform Policy. Students must wear a white shirt with a collar and navy pants or shorts. There are some previously used uniforms in good condition that are available in the parent center at no cost to the parents. Also, cell phones, iPods, PSP’s, MP3’s and Gameboys, are not allowed during school hours. If these devices are visible to the faculty or staff, they will be confiscated and returned to parents after a parent conference is held.

 

Parents are welcome to come to our school and visit your child’s teachers. If you visit our campus during school hours (7:26a.m. to 2:32p.m.), enter at the main entrance, sign in and get a Visitor’s Pass. Then you may proceed to one of the offices. If you want to enter your child’s classroom, come to the main office so that we can assist you with a map and the location of the teacher. Please remember that you are entitled to observe for 20 minutes, however you are not to interrupt the teachers instructional program. If you would like to speak to the teacher, you may make arrangements with the counseling office. They will be glad to make an appointment for you.

 

I am excited and look forward to working with all of you to make Bethune Middle School the best it can possibly be. Thank you for your time and I look forward to an exciting year.

 

Carlos Gonzalez, Principal.