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Dear Bethel Kindergarten Families,
We are so excited to welcome your child to kindergarten this fall!
To help us prepare for a successful start to the school year, please complete the following steps as soon as possible:
Complete the Transportation Registration Form if your child will ride the bus. This form is separate from kindergarten enrollment. Transportation Registration Form
Thank you for completing these important steps. Your responses help our schools prepare the best possible experience for every kindergartner. More information about Kindergarten Smart Start, the first days of school, important dates, and what to expect this fall is included below.
What to expect as your student begins Kindergarten!
As part of our commitment to a strong and supportive transition into school, all kindergarten students will participate in our Kindergarten Smart Start program.
What is Smart Start?
Smart Start is a gradual introduction to kindergarten that helps students and families transition smoothly into the school year. During the first two weeks, students attend in smaller groups and on part-time schedules, giving children time to become comfortable at school in a supportive, low-stress environment.
Smart Start helps students learn important school routines and expectations, including:
This approach also allows educators to get to know each child and create balanced classrooms that support all learners.
Kindergarten Smart Start Schedule
The first two weeks of Kindergarten
Week 1: September 7–11
During this first week of school, your child will attend two early release day Smart Start sessions in a small group. This allows us to observe students in a welcoming environment and begin getting to know them as learners. Breakfast and lunch will be provided every day.
Week 2: September 14-18
During the second week of school, kindergarten students have one full-day session and one early release day session. All students will attend together on Wednesday, and individual family meetings will take place on Thursday and Friday where families will meet with school staff and learn their student’s placement. All students will attend full-day kindergarten beginning September 21.
Schedule details
Bethel Schools Start & Dismissal Times 2026–27
School |
Doors Open for Breakfast |
Start Time |
Dismissal (M, T, Th, F) |
Dismissal (early release Wednesdays |
Danebo Elementary |
8:20 a.m. |
8:40 a.m. |
2:55 p.m. |
1:25 p.m. |
Fairfield Elementary |
8:15 a.m. |
8:45 a.m. |
3:00 p.m. |
1:30 p.m. |
Irving Elementary |
8:00 a.m. |
8:30 a.m. |
2:45 p.m. |
1:15 p.m. |
Malabon Elementary |
7:40 a.m. |
8:05 a.m. |
2:20 p.m. |
12:50 p.m. |
Meadow View School |
8:10 a.m. |
8:25 a.m. |
2:50 p.m. |
1:20 p.m. |
Prairie Mountain K–8 |
7:40 a.m. |
8:00 a.m. |
2:25 p.m. |
12:55 p.m. |
Cascade Middle School |
8:45 a.m. |
9:15 a.m. |
3:45 p.m. |
2:15 p.m. |
Kalapuya High School |
8:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
2:35 p.m. |
12:00 p.m. |
Willamette High School |
8:00 a.m. |
8:30 a.m. |
3:30 p.m. |
2:00 p.m. |
What to expect next
We will be reaching out to all kindergarten families in August with more information about scheduling and transportation. Kindergarten orientation will take place the week before school begins (August 31-Sept. 4, depending on the school) and families are encouraged to attend! To help us adequately plan for the fall, please fill out this brief form to share scheduling preferences and other information. Smart Start Family Questionnaire
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school or reach out to the Bethel District Office at 541-689-3280. We’re honored to be part of your child’s learning journey and can’t wait to begin this exciting year together! Here’s to the class of 2039!
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