Dear Bethel Families - we hope you had a great fall break!Thank you for your patience, compassion, and support as our district plans for the transition following the recent decision to close Shasta Middle School at the end of the 2025–26 school year. We know this is a significant change for many in our community, and we are committed to keeping families informed every step of the way.

While this decision most directly affects students and families connected to Shasta, as well as some students at Irving and Danebo, we also know that the impacts will be felt across Bethel. Our goal is to move forward with care, clarity, and regular communication.

We will share monthly updates as planning continues and will offer multiple ways for families to give input and ask questions.

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Community Engagement Sessions & Survey

Bethel will host multiple opportunities for all Bethel families to learn more about the transition and share input.

• Life Skills–Focused Session: 5 p.m. on December 9 – Bethel District Office - 4640 Barger Drive - For families of students served in Life Skills programs.
• In-Person Engagement Session: 6 p.m. on December 16 – Shasta Middle School Cafeteria - 4656 Barger Drive - Open to all families
• Virtual Engagement Session: 5:30 p.m. on December 18 – Zoom Link - Open to all families
• Danebo Family Engagement Session: 6 p.m., January 6 - Danebo Elementary - 1265 Candlelight Dr - Open to all Danebo families
• Irving Family Engagement Session: 6 p.m., January 8 - Irving Elementary - 3200 Hyacinth St. - Open to all Irving families 
• Shasta Band-focused Engagement Session: 6 p.m., January 21 - Shasta Middle School - 4656 Barger Drive - Open to all Shasta band students

Families are encouraged to share questions through this brief form. Submitting questions in advance of these sessions helps us address common concerns and improve how we share information. Families may also use the form to suggest how communication can be more helpful. 

For more information, head to our web page that houses answers to most of our frequently asked questions about the Shasta closure and next steps.  

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What Families Can Expect Next

In mid-December, families in affected school communities will receive updated school boundary information.This will help students understand which school they will attend in the 2026–27 school year. District staff will be available to answer boundary-related questions as they arise.

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Celebrating Shasta

As we plan for this transition, we are also committed to honoring the long history and impact of Shasta Middle School. We will be organizing a special celebration to recognize Shasta’s legacy, and families and staff will be invited to participate. If you are interested in helping with planning, please email communications@bethel.k12.or.us.

Thank you for being part of our Bethel community. We will continue to communicate frequently and transparently as this work moves forward. If you have questions at any time, please reach out Communications Director Alisha Dodds 

Sincerely,
Kraig Sproles
Superintendent
Bethel School District