Dear Bethel Families,

We’re excited to share that the 2025–26 school year calendar has officially been approved by the Bethel School Board. We believe that this calendar will greatly benefit both staff and students by supporting collaboration, planning, and strong instruction. The finalized calendar is attached to this message - happy planning! 

A few things to note:

90-minute early release on Wednesdays

This calendar includes the addition of a 90-minute early release every Wednesday for every school in Bethel, beginning in September 2025. This dedicated time will allow teachers and staff to collaborate, plan instruction, and analyze student data to help drive student success.

After-school care expanded across Bethel

In response to the proposed early-release calendar, families shared clear concerns about after-school care and transportation. In response, we’ve worked hard to expand after-school programming and transportation across the district so that families have more accessible, affordable, and enriching options.

Here’s what’s new and expanded, beginning next school year 

Boys & Girls Club Expansion
The Boys & Girls Club will be moving from Prairie Mountain to the soon-to-be Clear Lake Community Center, a new hub for children, families, and residents across Bethel. This move will allow the Boys & Girls Club to expand capacity to serve up to 120 students in first through ninth grade. Financial assistance is available for both summer and afterschool programs.

• Summer camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday from June 23–August 15. Registration for summer camp begins today, April 24. Learn more here: www.bgcev.org/summer-camp-at-bethel
  
  

•  After-school care (2025-26): The Boys & Girls Club will also operate during the school year, beginning the first day of school. Daily programming will be available from school dismissal to 6:30 p.m., with busing available from all Bethel elementary schools to Clear Lake. Cost: $40/month per child or $60/month per family. Registration for after-school programming will take place over the summer.

YMCA

YMCA is expanding to offer care at Meadow View and a new program at the Fairfield Annex. The programs run from dismissal to 6 p.m., offering snacks, STEAM activities, crafts, and physical play. Registration begins May 2 at eugeneymca.org. Financial assistance is available.

Adventure Club

Adventure Club is relocating to Danebo Elementary beginning June 16 to increase capacity and access. Adventure Club is Currently accepting students from all Bethel elementary schools for next school year, with transportation from Meadow View, Prairie Mountain, and Fairfield. For more information or to apply, call Lolita at 541-870-6348.

After School Club at Irving Elementary will continue to serve preschool through 5th grade students, with care available until 6  p.m. They currently have availability in both the K-5 and preschool programs beginning in the fall. For more information visit theafterschoolclubeugene.com

More about the Clear Lake Community Center 
We’re also thrilled to share that Clear Lake Elementary will soon become the Clear Lake Community Center (CLCC)—a new hub for children, families, and residents across Bethel. Launching this summer, the CLCC will offer high-quality preschool, youth and adult programming, family services, and inclusive spaces for community events. This is a true community effort, supported by Lane County, United Way, the Eugene-Springfield NAACP, and many others. We’re excited to bring this vibrant new resource to the heart of Bethel—learn more about the CLCC here.

Thanks to our community partners, we’re proud to offer more support for families alongside this new schedule. The additional time for staff collaboration will support better instruction and stronger student outcomes—and we’ve worked hard to ensure that families have the tools they need to help make this a success.

Please see the attached 2025–26 calendar for full details. We’ll share more updates about exact dismissal times and transportation logistics as the new school year approaches.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership - feel free to reach out with questions!

Alisha Dodds Community Relations & Communications Director  Bethel School District  541-607-1416 she/her/hers