Hospital demand for blood products from the American Red Cross has recently increased, making it critically important that upcoming blood drives collect to their donation goal. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as donations come in.  Eligible donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to help ensure hospital patients have blood available to them when they need it.

We are in need of 30 more donors to sign up for the blood drive in order to meet our goal of 40 pints for this blood drive. Please consider donating blood at this time. Make an appointment online or by e-mailing Suzanne Neri at sdomanico@bcsd.neric.org. 

Use Rapid Pass to speed up your donation time

Save some time on your donation this year by going to www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass the day of the blood drive to complete your pre-reading materials and answer your health history questions prior to coming into the drive. On average, a donor who completes the rapid pass gets through the donation process in 31 minutes.

High-need blood types

Eligible donors with types O, B negative or A negative blood are especially needed (and encouraged to give double red cells, if available). During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency personnel reach for in trauma situations when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients.

An important message about temporary changes in leadership at BCHS and BCMS from Interim Superintendent Jody Monroe.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I am writing to inform you that Bethlehem Central High School Principal Scott Landry is currently on leave. The Board of Education today approved some personnel changes that will affect leadership at both the high school and middle school.

Middle School Principal Mike Klugman has been appointed to serve as interim high school principal. This appointment is effective until the end of the school year. During this time, the middle school’s Assistant Principal Mark Warford will serve as interim principal of BCMS and Hall Principal Ken Rizzo will serve as interim assistant principal. All three will assume these roles immediately. 

Please be assured that my administrative team and I are working closely with faculty and staff to minimize any disruption to our educational programs at the high school and middle school. I am confident that with their leadership and your continued support, students at BCMS and BCHS will not be unduly impacted by these changes as they look to final weeks of the school year which are marked with celebration and milestones for so many of them.

Please feel free to contact the district office at 439-7098 with any questions you may have regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Jody Monroe
Interim Superintendent of Schools

The third quarter honor and merit rolls for BCMS are now available. To download a PDF version of these lists, please click here [PDF]. Congrats to all the below students!

BCMS Q3 Honor Rolls

Grade 8 Honor Roll

Colden E Abbott, Christian J Abdo, Faith T Adamczyk, Nicklas J Albrecht, Nicholas D Alexander, Cecelia L Amory, Chapel E Aspin, Lindsay M Ayres, Katherine M Bailey, Hayley C Baker, Rebecca E Baldwin, Juliana K Barriere, Emily H Begley, Anna T Bernasconi, Malvina K Bhatia-Guerin, Henry C Bievenue, Michael T Bievenue, Emma K Black, Connor A Bohn, Quinn S Brandon, Julia C Buckle, Amy C Burdick, Maureen E Carroll-Barbuto, Joshua E Chajon, Joseph A Chiarella, Mridula R Chinnaguravagari, Damla Cicek, Benjamin R Clark, Stephanie P Close, Evelyn F Coates, Bridget E Connolly, William A Convertino, Isabelle M Courtney, Michelle Dai, Ava K Danziger, Afnan Dara, Sai R Dasari, Kate O Davenport, Celia Marie DeCancio, Grace E Dinn, Olivia N Dodge, Loretta J Donovan, Colleen M Ells, Lleyton E Emery, Zachary F Essex, Amelia H Evans, Megan E Fallon, Stephanie D Felberbaum, Carolyn E Fisk, Emily K Forand, Peter J Gallagher, Anna L Goodwin, Anna C Green, Dylan P Grigas, Michael J Guyette, Alexi M Hull, Devin J Hyams, Katelyn A James, Catherine M Jantson, Ishaan C Jerabek, Beatrice C Jones, Hannah R Kamenir, Camryn R Keppler, Kathryn I Kirby, Megan E Kirk, Aurora C Lagace, Maria T Latorre, Daniel A Ledezma, Jessica D Lefton, Samantha R Lefton, Morgan D Leonard, Sean R Leslie, Heikki T Levasalmi, Kyle J Lewis, Kevin Lin, Annabelle A Liu, Austin A MBaye, Kelly R Maney, Luke F Manley, Navid Mazidabadifarahani, Molly E McGraw, Aidan C McNay, Michael T Melas, Avery E Miller, Laura F Miller, Hana F Mir, Katrine A Mongin, Regan M Murphy, Kiersten C Murray, Ceren Muslim, Haley M Nash, Nadia T Nashar, Hope M Nisiewicz, Kaitlyn E Noether, Olivia W Noonan, Emma R Norton, Annika M Pachter, Avi J Patel, Dylan J Paty, Heaven R Pickel, Lauren P Plunkett, John C Pocorobba, Zachary J Pokat, Emma G Radzyminski, Christopher M Ramundo, Ali M Rana, Margaret E Reynolds, Sophie R Ridgway, Joseph P Riedy, Avery M Roach, Grace E Rocklein, Taylor C Roddy, Gillian J Roeder, Lucas J Ruud, Matan Sagiv, Talia L Sanders, Grace C Santella, Margaret G Seebode, Andres E Sevilla, Amelia L Shaw, Quinn F Smith, Lia A Soares, Abigail L Sodergren, Sydney G Sorbello, Grace O Spath, Kevin D Sui, Christopher P Taranto, Jonathan A Thibodeau, Katherine H Urner, William N Vagianelis, Michaela R Valerian, Leah F Vener, John F Vincelette, Juneau Wang, Jack M Watson, Eliza G Whalen, Ava-Lauren S Wilber, Nicholas D Williams, Caroline G Wise, Kiera A Wissing, Jason Y Wu, Noor A Zamamiri, Zichong Zhang, Josh Zheng, Nicholas J Zigrosser

Grade 7 Honor Roll

Makayla P Alfred, Yaminah J Allawala, Grace L Apuzzi, Isabella H Atteck, David M Berin, Sarah A Brock, Andrew G Brockley, John D Bronk, Emma M Brown, Ryan J Browne, Liv A Bryant, Jack L Burman, James A Calderon, Kailey J Carlson, Jackson T Carroll, Maggie H Cartwright, Clara R Chaplin, Emily G Clarizio, Annika M Clarke, Kelsey M Classen, Rachael L Close, Jacqueline J Conley, William H Connors, Isabella R Contento, Isabella N Cremo, Eliana R Cromling, Mario J Cubello, Avery C Daggett, Tyler M Dammeyer, Aaron J Davis, Samantha P Day, Abigail M DeFranco, Grace M DiBacco, Brianna M Doran, Cameron C Doyle, Kira R Duffy, Emma V Edgar, Benjamin H Eisenbraun, Jonah C Eng, Matthew R Felske, Erich D Fischer, Michael R Fishburn, Ainsley C Fiske, Skyler K Friedman, Samantha C Fuscus, Aijah G Garcia, Julia J Garrison, Madelyn R Gatchell, Amelia K Geesler, Michaela G Gelber, Emily E Gerard, Daniel B Gillespie, Benjamin A Goldberg, Kendall B Gordinier, Alyssa M Gould, Walter P Gould, Allison M Grant, Liam G Gregory, Cristina S Grigas, Kai S Guermonprez, Franklin W Haight, Anthony Z Han, Elizabeth G Hancox, Graham R Hardiman, Julia R Harvey, Caroline J Hennessy, Julia M Hewison, Elizabeth A Higgs, Morgan E Hopsicker, Katherine J Hotaling, Danielle Y Huli, Nathaniel S Hussar, Ashley C Jabari, Lauren E Jack, John R Janeski, Ryan C Jeffers, Joy S Jung, Madelaine C Kaplan, Brayden N Karn, Ella L Kasper, Henryk H Kessel, Abigail M Klein, Peter W Klisiwecz, Drew M Klugman, Elise C Ko-Davis, Amanda K Koch, Ava M Kotary, Brynn E Lahey, Constance D Lalor, John P Lauricella, Regan E Leary, Stacey Y Lee, Maia M Lemov, Patrick T Lenden, Tyler B Lippold, Cassandra Lule-Ymeraj, Ana L Luna-Gastelum, Kylie N Mahan, Isabella A Maritato, Evan J Marshall, Victoria N Martin, Marissa E Mastracco, Grace C McCann, Edward P McDonough, Caroline E Mentes, Alaina G Meo, Ryan C Metcalf, Joseph T Mocerine, Oliver A Nathanielsz, Jonathan D Neal, Cameron C Nichols, Alejandra O Orellana-Rinaldi, Grace G Pascarella, Evan F Pastino, Grace T Pastino, Niki D Patel, Alexander K Pattison, Haley J Peckham, Paul J Perry, Victoria G Pistilli, Nolan J Powers, Lauren C Quinn, Jane P Reagan, Julia N Reickert, Lauren E Riker, Schuyler M Ritchie, Shay C Roberts, Benjamin M Robinson, Kinsie J Rush, Lily A Rutski, Nyahera A Santeliz, Jenna K Saubier, Madeline G Sauders, Valeryia Serada, Stephen H Shaw, Daniel R Silvernail, Steven J Sitzer, Kiran V Sood, Celiann M Soto Davila, Aidan D Stickan, Derek R Strosahl, Ella R Sutliff, Bryce W Swiader, Samuel J Tenenbaum, Ryan G Teplitzky, Mya C Thibault, Alexis S Tierney, Sohalia N Tiu, John C Trosset, Theresa A Van Heste, Sahara N Veltman, Chelsea L Vogel, Hannah M Voorhaar, Kelley G Walsh, James J Walston, Nicholas L Watson

Grade 6 Honor Roll

Jack H Adams, Victoria G Allen, Sophia M Annastas, Madeline A Ayers, Margaret A Bailey, Rachel M Barnes, Elliot T Barrett, Lillian R Beiter, Milan A Bhatia-Guerin, William R Bievenue, Charles T Blanchard, Madalyn E Brand, Margaret K Bryngelson, Ryann M Burns, Thomas W Burzesi, Peyton E Cardinal, Andrew J Cerf, Madelyn K Cerza, Emma L Chaney, Matthew D Connolly, Allison M Coolidge, Aliza K Cotton, Melanie R Couillard, Hannah C Culley, George J Danes, Robert J Davis, Rowan M DelBene, Megan M Dellenbaugh, Orion M Dennin, Peter J Devaprasad, Evan N Diligent, Spencer W Dodge, Paige A Doherty, Luke E Doyle, Maya D Earleywine, Caleb F Ells, Jasmine Facchetti, Allison M Farrell, Madeline J Ferreira, Kate M Field, Jacob A Finerow, Sinead E FitzPatrick, Patrick D Fitzsimmons, Jonathan P Forand, Alivia E Fugitt, Nicholas R Furlong, Adrienne E Gahl, Olivia A Gannett, Sofia R Giarrusso, Lexi A Gibson, Claudia A Grimaldi, Benjamin F Hamm, Robert S Hazaz, Charlie C He, Connor M Heineman, Keith J Heineman, Stephen P Higgins, Paul S Holstein, Phoebe A Hosford, Ruth E Hotaling, Lilyan G Humphrey, Natalie A Jada, Daniel C Jantson, Eric B Jestel, Frances J Johnson, Abraham O Kauffman, Andrew W Kirby, Irely R Knox, Nathaniel Z Koplik, Kiernan A Kovac, Cella S Labarge, Henry A Lane, Aimee O Lewis, Isabel B Lippold, Jake B Lippold, Emma A Liu, Maren M Louridas, Eva Mane, Kevin P Martone, Emily P McCann, Rael J McRee, Daniel G Middendorf, Viera N Midgette, Conor A Mooney, Elizabeth G Mullen, Elizabeth G Nagy, Katherine M Nagy, Heera K Narang, Abigail J Nautel, Sarah E NeJame, Jeevan A Nigam, Grady M Noonan, Jack H Norton, Tyler C Novak, Cassidy C O’Brien, Dean J O’Brien, Kaitlin M O’Meara, Margaret S O’Neill, Maire P Owens, Brendan C Pajak, Max J Palat, Anushka B Patel, Ian T Penfield, James R Pillittere, Maria M Pocorobba, Isaac E Pokat, Maya K Probeck, Margaret E Proper, Ashrith K Rao, Caroline C Reilly, Ryan J Reynolds, Isabella R Richards, Madison L Robbins, Bodie P Rocklein, Caitlyn E Roddy, Ava S Roe, Griffin A Roeder, Mason P Rowe, Molly E Russom, Jake A Ruud, Ciara B Ryan, Marcelo C Sandoval Vogt, Ethan N Schoenblum, Christine L Schrempf, Allison K Seebode, Natalie L Sevilla, Theodore C Shaw, Rebecca J Sheingold, Katherine B Shudt, Mollie J Silver, Sarah A Singh, Madison J Sinuc, Gracie L Skultety, Claire A Smith, Daniel J Smith, Rosamond S Soka, Joanne O Somide, Lauren A Sorrentino, Timothy R Spore, Grace I Stelmaszyk, Ava E Stickan, Gordon D Su, Dylena M Swann, Benedek A Szalai, Emiliano Torlasco, Lou C Torregrosa, Emily R Towle, Ella J Traynor, Grace E Truchard, Caitlin G Valerian, Katerina A Van Steele, Emma M VanLuven, Juliette A VanLuven, Victoria S Voronina, Elle- Sophia R Wilber, Alexander D Williams, Ezra S Winston, Michael S Xie, Tao Xie, Ela Yucel, Helen Zheng, Daniel Zhou

BCMS Q3 Merit Rolls

Grade 8 Merit Roll

Olivia M Andress, Natalie E Aragona, Zev T Armour-Garb, Andrew J Baker, Christopher R Baker, Brianna M Balzan, Aidan J Basal, Anders H Baum, Aidan C Beck, Brogan R Bennett, Bobby B Blowers, Ethan J Brass, Lauren K Brennan, Chelsie E Brozowski, Lilian E Brusic, Benjamin S Bryant, Thomas A Buffaline, Jonathan Q Caldwell, Abigayle C Campbell, Marcus R Caputo, Lucas R Carlson, Shannin L Cato, Justin G Chenaille, Kaitlyn A Coffey, Maia G Coleman, Francis T Coletto, Aidan M Conroy, James M Corona, Samuel J Costantini, Emma B Coton, Ashley A Davis, William E Davis, Nicholas S DeFazio, Mary P Devane, William J Devane, Orlando A DiBacco, Ian J Dickinson, Maeve I Donnelly, Arthur S Drury, Sophia A Dwyer, Mathis J Edwards, Zainab Ejaz, Daniel P Enides, Johnathan G Fabe, Lauren A Farbent, Liam E Ferris, Justin M Fitzpatrick, Kylar K Foley, Ethan M Fox, Bailey E Fredette, Nicholas J Gicewicz, Peter D Gieryic, Natalie J Gifford, Daniel E Gilligan, Maxwell H Gillogly, Samantha A Goldup, Samantha S Gomez, Meghan A Gough, Bennett M Grabe, Raymond W Graf, Benjamin P Gravel, Ethan W Gravel, Garrett G Gregory, Mckenzie D Grovenger, Riley L Guy, Cael T Hamel, Jeffrey M Hansen, Michael M Hazaz, Mae K Healy, Daria L Hegeman, Elena J Hegeman, Abigail K Hepfer, Eric D Hildreth, Rachel E Hodge, Grace A Hollands, Declan C Homer, Merrick L Hosford, Brooke M Houck, Andrew R Huta, Alyssa G Hutchinson, Jennifer N Irving, Gwendolyn Y Jacobs-Friedman, Breyana M Jegede, Luke D Johnson, Aidan H Jones, Cheyane S Jones, Salko N Kanic, Jacob H Kantrowitz, Madeleine A Karl, Miles H Kee, Alex B Keezer, Nicole C Keller, Paul M Kelly, Ryan G Kent, Richard L Kleinhenz, Jacob H Koplik, William P Kreienberg, Benjamin J LaVigne, William G Lanzoni, Allison M Lasch, Piper F Lilley, Alida A Lucey, Dwight V Ludington, Gillian L MacDonald, Nathan F Maher, Lily L Marshall, Jeremy P Martelle Jr, Derek N Martelle, Kira N Martin, Ashley R Martucci, Kate E McDermott, Ashlyn G McGrath, Grace K McGrath, Megan A McHugh, Ryan F McInerney, Maxwell E Mckillop, Emily C Meier, Mark E Mereday, Aadil A Mian, Mason J Minnicks, Sophia G Miranda, Aaron P Mizener, Michelle M Moczulski, Sadie V Monroe, Lanaiyah C Morganelli, Morgan L Mulligan, Daniel C Myers, Audrey E Nadeau, Ryan P Neary, Dakota N Neess, Luca M Negris, Reis M Newborn, Raymond H Nguyen, Madeline S Nolan, Nicholas R Norsek, Michael D Okoniewski, Shaquelle S Parker, Mia R Parry, Charles L Reisner, Olivia C Rizzo, Maxen J Roberts, Colin R Roche, Emily N Rogers, Lia Z Rosenthal, Casey C Roth, Lauren D Rutnik, Taylor L Ryan, Aidan O Savage, Alexis M Sell, Marisa J Seres, Emily M Smith, James M Smith, Anna-Jeanne R Staerker, Daegan N Swasey, Zachary R Tierney, Alexander H Townsend, Mackenzie R Townsend, Spencer A Trupiano, Riley J Turner, John S Urner, Holly A VanWie, Gabrielle S Vollaro, Rachel R Wilson, Ryan T Wind, Ryan L Yanneck, Joseph S Zaid, Jasmine E Zollman, Mason A de las Alas

Grade 7 Merit Roll

Katelyn R Acosta, James G Ball, Basit A Baloch, Victoria L Barbato, Casey M Benzing, Ethan J Bowers, Hailey H Brown, Maggie M Byrnes, Katherine L Cable, Alaina R Canova, Benjamin J Cardinal, Rose S Castagna, Alan J Choppy, Anna C Colonno, Samuel M Cooper, Gavin S Creaser, Joshua D Crellin, Brett J Daniels, Rehan Dara, Anthony C Denison, Jaydan M DesChamps, Nicole C DiCarlo, Gabriel M Diamond, Fiona E Donnelly, Caitlin A Dubin, Joseph D Dwyer, Isabella R Evangelista, Giang-Nam Facchetti, Mia Q Farley, Anthony F Forezzi, Aiden J Fournier, Emma C Fuller, Olivia M Furgele, Matthew R Fuscus, Madilyn M Geurtze, Marko P Gibbons, Kelsey W Gicewicz, Taylor D Goodfellow, Gregory A Gould, Andrew B Gower, Lily T Graf, Alison M Gray, Kaitlyn M Grossman, Julianna M Hagen, Liam J Hanifin, Margaret L Hartman, Joseph R Harvey, Gennavie C Heffernan, Elsa R Hennessey, Madelyn O Herrick, Matthew R Hicks, Julia M Hoffman, Jolena B Holtz, Remington T Houck, Zachary R Isenberg, Ella F Kaback, Liam P Kelley, Zofia A Kessel, Mason L Kessler, Elizabeth C Kloss, Caldonia D Knox, Maya A Koennecke, Ethan T Koros, Elena C Koutsourades, Dylan R Kowalsky, Ryan J Kozlowski, Michael D Krueger, Michael R Kurdziolek, Calvin D LaForest, Fiona C Lacey, Jordan T Lawyer, Miranda G Lesperance, William A Lorentz, Soleil P Lucarelli, Eamonn P Lydon, Colin M Lynch, Amelia E Lynk, William J Marotta, Michael M Martinez, Ethan S Mash, Hunter J McAuliffe, Aidan M McCaffrey, Rory K McFerran, Marissa A Monteleone, Shane J Morrissey, Megan M Mullaney, Caleigh J Myers, Owen P Naef, Thomas J Nastars, Grant A Naumovitz, Megan E Novak, Joseph F Nunziato, Evan J O’Grady, Maximilian J Oechsner, Shaina E Olbrys, Rebekah G Ossias, Cooper J Patschureck, Matthew H Perillo, Jack M Perrotto, Nathan J Phang, Holden A Prescott, Natalie R Qualia, Jack A Queenan, Ellora C Rabenstein, Andrew S Ramsey, Nicholas D Rees, Matthew J Revai, Tyler J Richards, Sophia G Romero, Abigail C Rossi, Clare E Rudolph, Eliana G Ruiz, Finn P Ryan, Erik C Schalk, Aidan J Scharf, Kiara R Seavey, Dominic A Sell, Katherine N Sellers, Simran R Shenoy, Winston R Slater, Samuel J Sleurs, Cooper M Spence, Courtney G Stevens, Ella M Stewart, Abigail K Thomas, Zoe F Thomas, Devin E Tietjen, Luke N Treadgold, Joanna H Van Royen, William J VanAmburgh, Joshua L VanSchaick, John H Walters, Jack N Weinert, Caroline S Weinraub, Liam B Whelan, Lorelai R Wilcox, Katheryn E Williams, Keith P Winne, Donovan P Wray, Heidi M Wrede, Olivia L Yanowsky, Spencer J Yarwood, Jacob A Zimmerman

Grade 6 Merit Roll

Justin D Abbuhl, Elizabeth C Amodeo, Kirsten S Baum, Jadyn L Bennett-Smith, Jenna L Berben, Aatir M Bhatti, Anya S Blackwood, Saverio J Blendell, Suleyka N Bonifacio, Lidia E Boucher, Kyle J Boyd, Anna I Bradford-Rickard, Hayden G Brock, Hayden W Brown, Ashley N Bullard, Christa M Burger, Ryan J Campbell, Melana R Carlton, Fiona E Castle, Jane S Clark, Nathi R Clarke, Anna M Cleary, Tyler M Colloton, Isabella M Cometti, Stella G Convertino, Cameron R Conway, Olivia J Corazzini, Amiah D Corp, Joseph D Corts, Jackson T Cowin, Colin M Crimmins, Emily R DeGonza, Hunter E Detwiler, Joshua A Detwiler, Rachel M Drew, Frank P DuPont, David A Espinal, Aubrey C Fairfax, Emma B Ferland, Elianna M Figueroa Sealey, Gavin A Follos, Nikolas E Freihofer, Samuel A Fresina, Rylan P Gaffney, Jackson C Gallo Renich, Sara M Giacone, Gianna R Giglia, Seaver A Glassman, Amanda L Gonzalez Gomez, Chester E Gould, Kirstin C Graham, Emma R Haertel, Zachary C Harbinger, Eamonn M Hayes, Conner M Holt, Nia G Hughes, Claire C Idema, Jack E Johannesen, Max F Kaback, Archisha S Kancha, Kenan Kanic, John F Keeffe, Christopher R Kienle, Lauren E Kinn, Corey J Knuth, Liam J Koch, Sydney C Kowalsky, Elizabeth C Krege, Alexa M Krueger, Ava S Krupa, Ava M LaClair, Aidan J LaFleur, Isabel L Landers, Sofia K Langlois, Matti C Levasalmi, Sasha R Levin, William A Ligabo, Connor M Longtin, Emma C Losee, John M Lucey, Benjamin S Lynk, Carson J Manning, Logan R Manziano, Julia C Martelle, Paige N Mazula, Jacob M McAllister, Lauren M McCabe, Colton R McDermith, Katherine E McKenna, Michael P McManus, Aidan T McPhillips, Grady F McSharry, Katrina E Medert, Connor R Miller, Christian M Minnicks, Michael P Moloney, Taylor K Momrow, Nicholas D Mongue, Connor B Murphy, Richard W Myers, Ayla Noor, Michael A O’Shaughnessy, Sage C Obernesser, Kalin C Oelkers, Serena M Okoniewski, Finn N Pachter, Jessica E Pauley, Abigail G Paulsen, Claire I Peretta, Roman A Perrotto, Levi E Posey, Acey L Puccio, Alyra M Rain, Connor T Raleigh, Aidan P Rhatigan, Vincent D Rigney, Ethan N Rosenblum, Madeline C Rounds, Matan M Ruggiero, Nora G Samson, Jake A Santaski, Madison E Scheilding, Caleb D Sink, Elissa C Smith, Albert M Snyder, Emily K Spada, Megan E Sparks, Sarah B Syed, Alexander C Thomas, Christine M Thorp, Riley A Travis, Johnson S Trowbridge, Sarah K VanSchaick, Lindsey E Waters, Jessica A Weinert, Julia Q Weinert, Megan B Whitbeck, Jack W Woods, Tomer Zilberberg

A message to parents from Interim Principal Mark Warford

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As you know, Mr. Klugman has moved to BCHS temporarily to serve as Interim High School Principal. Until the end of the year, I will be assuming his duties here at the middle school as Interim Principal and Ken Rizzo is working with me as Interim Assistant Principal.

We have asked teacher Dave Palmer to serve as Hall Principal during this time. Mr. Palmer is a certified administrator with administrative experience here in the district. Replacing Mr. Palmer in his eighth grade social studies classes is Mr. Martin Springfield, who will serve as a permanent, long-term substitute until the end of the year. Mr. Springfield is familiar with the eighth grade curriculum, as he was a student teacher working with this grade level at the middle school earlier this year. Mr. Springfield is shadowing Mr. Palmer today and will begin in the classroom tomorrow, Friday, May 6.

The end of the school year is a time to finish the hard work that staff and students began in September.  It is also a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of so many.  Please be assured that our administrative team is working hard to meet not only the educational needs of our students but the hopes and expectations we all have for closing out the school year on a high note.

If you have any questions regarding these temporary staffing changes, please feel free to call me at 439-7460 or email me at mwarford@bcsd.neric.org. As always, thank you for your continued support of our school and the Bethlehem Central School District.

Sincerely,

Mark Warford
Interim Principal

More than 60 BCMS students were honored Thursday, April 21, at the school’s final Character Awards Breakfast of the 2015-16 school year.

The group was treated to a breakfast by the PTO and students were presented with certificates for their exemplary behavior in school.

The character award recognizes students who display good character on a consistent basis throughout the marking period. Students who are nominated by their team teachers and other staff receive certificates signed by Principal Mike Klugman. The program, now in its tenth year, is an integral part of the Middle School’s Character Education program.

A list of winners and the comments received on their nomination can be found below.

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

May 2015 BCMS Character Breakfast

MOHAWK HOUSE

Grade 6

• Sophia Soka – Sophia brings zest to the classroom through her personality.
• Aliza Cotton – Aliza’s authenticity is displayed as she is hard working, always interested in learning and has an open mind.
• Lou Torregrosa – Lou has much gratitude towards her friends and teachers.
• Grace Truchard – Grace’s authenticity shows as she is hard working, considerate and sincere.
• Erza Winston – Erza is a hard worker, interested in learning and full of zest.
• Daniel Zhou – Daniel’s gratitude is shown through his character and the way he handles himself.
• Justin Abbuhl – Justin’s authenticity really brings a different perspective to the classroom.
• Patrick Fitzsimmons – Patrick is full of life and zest which is contagious in the classroom.

Grade 7

• Alaina Canova – Alaina has an infectious attitude and puts her all into everything she does.  She always greets us with a smile.
• Abby DeFranco – Abby works hard and is a great contributor to class.  She is kind and helpful to those around her.
• Lauren Quinn – Lauren is positive, polite and a great role model.  She is a pleasure to have in class.
• Evan Marshall – Evan is very cooperative and a great worker.  He works hard and is a positive role model.
• Julia Hewison – Julia is kind, positive and a hard worker.  She is a pleasure to have in class.
• Henryk Kessel – Henryk is a fantastic kid.  A great sense of humor, a positive force in the classroom and a pleasure to have in class.

Grade 8

• Kate Davenport – Katie brings life and energy to any room she enters; her enthusiasm is contagious.
• Michelle Dai – Michelle adds to the school community with a positive energy that everyone feeds off or and appreciates.
• Zachary Essex – Zack is a hard-working student whose willingness and ability to work with others shines through in all he does.
• Emma Radzyminski – Emma works hard to contribute to a positive and caring learning environment for all students.
• Charles Reisner – Charlie always has an interesting and significant insight to share that adds to our learning environment.
• Nicholas Williams – Nick works hard every day to help make each of his classes great environments in which to learn.

PATROON HOUSE 1

Grade 6

• Olivia Gannett – Olivia is a very positive young lady with a can-do attitude.
• Robert Davis – Robert is a young man who is approachable, friendly and inquisitive.
• Andrew Provera – Andrew seeks help and support to do what he needs to do, with a smile and a thank you!
• Heera Narang – Heera always has a smile and a thank you.  She always takes care of business.
• Serena Okoniewski – Serena portrays a consistently solid work ethic and tries her best, even when it’s hard.
• Nathaniel Koplik – Nathaniel is sincerely attentive and thorough with his work and his responsibilities.

Grade 7

• Steven Sitzer – Steven has shown a lot of drive and enthusiasm for learning, especially biology.
• William VanAmburgh – Billy has a lot of energy in class and helps to make the classroom a more dynamic environment.
• Maria Badi – Maria has a very positive attitude and helps to make the classroom a friendlier place.
• Graham Hardiman – Graham is a hard worker and is always polite and respectful to his peers and teachers in class.
• Amelia Geesler – Amelia is a hard worker and is very diligent in all of her classes.
• Kinsie Rush – Kinsie is a very thoughtful and conscientious student.

Grade 8

• Emily Smith – Emily is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  She shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• William Lanzoni – Will is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  He shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Salko Kanic – Salko is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  He shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Celia DeCancio – Celia is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  She shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Jasmine Zollman – Jasmine is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  She shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Olivia Rizzo – Olivia is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  She shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• John Pocorobba – John is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  He shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Ava Danziger – Ava is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  She shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.
• Colin Roche – Colin is consistently a pleasure to have in class and exhibits enthusiasm for content and participation in class.  He shows respect and gratitude with excellent manners and kind treatment of others.

PATROON HOUSE 2

Grade 6

• Riley Travis – Riley looks for the good in situations.  She always has a smile on her face and is ready for a new challenge.
• Elliot Barrett – Elliot always demonstrates great enthusiasm for learning.  He acts as a positive role model in class.
• Daniel Smith – Daniel shows his gratitude with a smile and a “thank you”.  He is always polite and friendly.
• Jasmine Facchetti – Jasmine always says thank you and truly means it.  She works hard and helps others.
• Jessica Pauley – Jessica is a quiet, yet confident, leader.  She is friendly and always willing to help out.
• Christa Burger – Christa is kind and friendly.  She is easy to talk to and does not easily pass judgment on others.

Grade 7

• Eliana Ruiz – Eliana shows tremendous zest at BCMS!
• Grace Pastino – Grace shows gratitude to her teachers and peers.
• Jonah Eng – Jonah is truly an original, authentic student.
• Nam Facchetti – Nam shows gratitude to her teachers and peers.
• Madilyn Geurtze – Madilyn shows tremendous zest at BCMS!
• Andrew Gower – Andrew is truly an original, authentic student.
• Brayden Karn – Brayden shows tremendous zest at BCMS!
• Paul Perry – Paul shows gratitude to his teachers and peers.
• James Walston – James shows gratitude to his teachers and peers.
• Jack Weinert – Jack shows gratitude to his teachers and peers.

Grade 8

• Talia Sanders – Talia has a lot of zest.
• Sydney Sorbella – Sydney is always responsible and thankful.
• Alexis Sell – Alexis is always thankful and appreciative of others.
• Dylan Grigas – Dylan is always helpful.
• James Corona – James is always working to his best effort and helping others.
• Sean Leslie – Sean is proactive and appreciative of help.

On March 30, all Bethlehem eighth grade and tenth grade students were invited to hear a moving presentation by Mrs. Kati Preston, a “hidden child” of the Holocaust. 

Mrs. Preston offered the students her first-hand account of the traumatic historical events under Nazi occupation in her home country of Hungary during two presentations at the middle school and the high school. She told the story of what her country and family looked like before the war and what happened when being Jewish became dangerous.

It was the choices and power of just one person — a woman who sheltered a five-year-old Kati in a barn at her farm — that made the difference in her survival. Although Mrs. Preston’s story is one of survival it is also about the power of the human spirit. Her memoirs have recently been published in a book called “Closing the Circle: From Holocaust to Healing.”

Thank you to Mrs. Kati Preston for this gift of storytelling and an unforgettable history lesson she shared with our students!

View Kati Preston’s BCHS March 30 presentation on YouTube.

The Board of Education is currently scheduled to discuss and approve the 2016-17 school calendar at the Board of Education meeting on May 4, 2016. However, we understand that for planning purposes, many rely on these dates for scheduling and would like to provide you with the expected dates of next year’s school breaks.

Tentatively, the first day of school and school breaks for 2016-17 are as follows:

NOTE: These are subject to change pending the approval of the Board.

• First Day of School: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016
• Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 – Friday, Dec. 30, 2016
• February Break: Monday, Feb, 20, 2017 – Friday, Feb. 24, 2017
• Spring Break: Friday, April 14, 2017 – Friday, April 21, 2017

On Saturday, May 14, 69 seventh-grade French students explored Montréal, Québec to practice their French language skills and gain an appreciation for the culture of French–Canada.

Students in Mrs. Grogan, Mr. Scott, and Mrs. Campion’s classes explored the historic and vibrant city and visited sites in historic Old Montréal, took a guided tour of the Basilica of Notre-Dame, visited the numerous ecosystems of the Biodôme and took a trip to the top of the incline tower of the Olympic Stadium.

• View more photos from their trip here.

Eliza Whalen speaking to Mr. Breslin about her artwork.

Legislators, art educators, and young artists from across New York State gathered at Empire State Plaza on Wednesday, May 18, to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of many students, 30 of which hailed from Bethlehem Central and encompass a myriad of grade levels.

Every art teacher in the Bethlehem School District selected two works of art from their schools to enter in the Legislative Student Art Exhibit. Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy were in attendance to meet with the students and discuss their artwork with them.

Congratulations to all of the students who were selected for the Legislative Student Art Exhibit:

• Sameeha Badar, Grade 9, BCHS
• Peyton Cardinal, Grade 6, BCMS
• Catherine Clarke, Grade 10, BCHS
• Nhi Dang, Grade 9, BCHS
• Rylee Davis, Grade 5, Hamagrael Elementary
• Caleb Ells, Grade 6, BCMS
• Mariah Foltan, Grade 11, BCHS
• Dylan Grigas, Grade 8, BCMS
• Grace Hanifin, Grade 10, BCHS
• Mason Hommel, Grade 4, Glenmont Elementary
• Claire Hutton, Grade 4, Slingerlands Elementary
• Leszek Kozakiewicz, Grade 5, Eagle Elementary
• Cella LaBarge, Grade 6, BCMSSylvia Leary, Grade 11, BCHS
• Gabriela Lopez-Toledo, Kindergarten, Glenmont Elementary
• Julia Marcotullio, Grade 9, BCHS
• Allison Mastracco, Grade 4, Glenmont Elementary
• Ariel McBride, Grade 10, BCHS
• Maggie McKenna, Grade 3, Eagle Elementary
• Madeline Mitchell, Grade 5, Glenmont Elementary
• Paula Parsons, Grade 2, Elsmere Elementary
• Sophia Potenciano, Grade 9, BCHS
• Madeline Rutnik, Grade 9, BCHS
• Natalie Sevilla, Grade 6, BCMS
• Jackson St. Cyr, Grade 5, Hamagrael Elementary
• Matthew Stento, Grade 9, BCHS
• Lily Tobin, Grade 5, Slingerlands Elementary
• Eliza Whalen, Grade 8, BCMS
• Catherine Wyman, Grade 11, BCHS
• Logan Yohe, Grade 2, Elsmere Elementary

If your family has plans to move within the district or out of the district, you will want to inform the district registrar, Melissa Haas. The registrar keeps the district’s central database and is integral in aiding planning for the new school year. Ensuring the district has your updated contact information (even if your children will remain in the same school) is important and will help in making a smooth transition for students throughout the district in 2016-17.

Melissa Haas can be reached by email at mhaas@bcsd.neric.org or by phone at 518-439-2442.

More information about registration.

On May 17, the students at BCMS were treated to a visit by Steve Sheinkin, the award-winning author of many books on American history for young adults. He spoke to the students about his books, his experience as an author, and his love of American history.

Sheinkin’s latest book, The Port Chicago 50, is a finalist for the National Book Award and a winner of the Boston Globe Horn Book Award for nonfiction. He was awarded the Newbery Honor, the Silbert Medal, and the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, all for his 2012 book Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon. His other work, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, also received various awards. Lincoln’s Grave Robbers and the Rabbi Harvey series of graphic novels are also works of his.

The following is a message from the BCMS PTO to families districtwide:

The Bethlehem Central Middle School PTO has been working to raise funds to build a community pavilion behind the middle school. On June 11, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the group will host a Community Day event at BCMS with all proceeds to benefit Project Pavilion.

Admission to Project Pavillion Palooza is free (but donations are welcome). 

Activities will include:

• Dunk booth
• Bounce house
• Vertical Rush +40 Obstacle Course
• Triple Threat Sports inflatable.

Note: There is a fee to take part in these activities. 

Food will also be available for purchase.

The Project Pavilion Community Day will also include performances from local groups while clubs and organizations will be on hand with K-8 friendly activities throughout the day to both entertain and give families an opportunity to learn more about them.  There will also be a Ping Pong Ball drop, silent auction, and a 50/50.  Our BCMS Garden Club will be giving tours of their abundant garden and the club will also open the garden up for Pick Your Own, so be sure to bring a basket!

Volunteers are needed! You can sign up to volunteer online. 

Thank You,

BCMS PTO

A temporary lockout put in place this morning as a precautionary measure as police investigated a domestic dispute has been lifted at ALL schools in the Bethlehem Central School District. The schools placed in “lockout” status at approximately 11:17 a.m. A “lockout” is when no one may enter or exit the school building, but the school day continues as usual inside the school. 

At 12:10 p.m., the district was given the go-ahead by law enforcement to lift the safety precaution at all schools.

The Bethlehem Police Department released the following statement at 1:15 p.m. regarding the lockout:

Today, all schools in the Bethlehem Central School District were temporarily in lockout over information that was received and caused concern to school staff and police.  In an abundance of caution the lockout was initiated to ensure the continued safety of the students and staff.  The information was thoroughly investigated by Bethlehem Police and determined that there was no threat, or criminal activity that had taken place.  The lockout was then lifted.  The Bethlehem Central School District staff and Bethlehem Police Department hold the safety of the school community in the utmost of priorities and will continue to take all precautions necessary to ensure this. 

From left: Bridget Connolly, Gillian Roeder, Morgan Leonard, Faith Adamczyk, Megan Fallon, Taylor Roddy and Aidan McNay (in front)

Over Memorial Day weekend the BCMS Odyssey of the Mind team consisting of students Faith Adamczyk, Bridget Connolly, Megan Fallon, Morgan Leonard, Aidan McNay, Taylor Roddy, and Gillian Roeder, traveled to Iowa State University to compete in the World Finals Odyssey of the Mind competition.

The BCMS Odyssey team with their buddy team from Singapore.

After taking first place in their division for “Something Fishy” at the New York State competition, these students received a bid to represent New York and compete amongst droves of other teams from around the country and even the world. They even spent some time with their buddy team, who was from Singapore!

Out of the 58 teams that competed in their problem and in their division (Problem 2, Division 2) the team from BCMS placed 8th. What a way to top a great year of Odyssey of the Mind competitions — congrats students!

• Click here for full results from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

• Click here for more pictures of the BCMS team at World Finals

• Read more about their journey to World Finals here, and here.

The message below was emailed districtwide to parents.

June 10, 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I am writing to update you on some decisions regarding district and building leadership in 2016-17 and beyond.

At its next meeting on June 15, the Board of Education plans to appoint David Hurst as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs, removing the “interim” from the title he has held since September 2015. Dave Hurst had been the district’s math supervisor for five years and taught math in grades 6-12 for 23 years. This is his sixth year working in the district. Prior to Bethlehem, he worked in the East Greenbush and Niskayuna Central School Districts. He holds a master’s degree from Union College, a certificate in administration from UAlbany, and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Mr. Hurst has demonstrated a unique ability to use data to enhance instruction in his administrative roles, first as math supervisor and as interim assistant superintendent, and has gained wide admiration from faculty and staff.

The Board is also expected to make two interim appointments at the June 15 meeting to ensure leadership is in place at the high school and middle school for the start of the new school year.  Our goal is to provide as much continuity as possible for students, staff and families.

Mike Klugman, who has been serving as interim principal at the high school since Principal Scott Landry was placed on administrative leave, will remain in that position in 2016-17. Current BCHS hall principal David Doemel, Jr. will assume the role of interim principal at the middle school. Mark Warford will resume his role as middle school assistant principal and Ken Rizzo will resume his role as BCMS hall principal. At the high school, Heather Culnan will remain assistant principal and Anthony Malizia will continue as hall principal. These changes, which will become effective July 1, 2016 and will continue through June 30, 2017 were made with careful consideration and in close consultation with all of these individuals and in discussion with the Board.

Please be assured that my administrative team and I will continue to work closely with each of them as they continue to manage these duties. The work of our interim leaders has been made easier by the overwhelming support of faculty, staff, parents and students and for that, I am truly appreciative.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mr Doemel, he has worked as an administrative dean and hall principal at BCHS since 2013. He came to Bethlehem from the East Greenbush Central School District, where he was a school counselor. Prior to that, he taught English and Global Studies at Christian Brothers Academy and worked as a teaching assistant in the Albany City School District. Mr. Doemel received his School Building Leadership certification from The College of Saint Rose and holds a master’s degree in counseling from Sage Graduate School. He is also a graduate of St. Bonaventure University.

If you have any questions regarding these appointments, please feel free to contact the district office at 439-7098.

Sincerely,

Jody Monroe
Superintendent of Schools

From left to right: Dave Doemel, Dave Hurst, and Mike Klugman.

At its June 15 meeting, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education plans to appoint David Hurst as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs and will also assign interim school leaders for the 2016-17 school year at the district’s middle school and high school.

This information was emailed to parents in a message from Superintendent Jody Monroe.

Hurst has been serving as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs since September 2015. He had been the district’s math supervisor for five years and taught math in grades 6-12 for 23 years. This is his sixth year working in the district. Prior to Bethlehem, Hurst worked in the East Greenbush and Niskayuna Central School Districts. He holds a master’s degree from Union College, a certificate in administration from UAlbany, and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh.

“We are fortunate to have someone, in Dave Hurst, who is not only highly qualified to direct our instructional program, but is already well-versed in the day-to-day operations of the school district,” said Board of Education President Matt Downey. “We look forward his continued leadership on behalf of our students and staff.”

Michael Klugman, who was appointed interim high school principal last month when Principal Scott Landry was placed on administrative leave, will continue to serve as interim principal of the high school into the 2016-17 school year. His appointment is effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

Klugman has served as principal of Bethlehem Central Middle School since 2011. He became principal after serving for four years as the district’s science and technology supervisor. Prior to coming to Bethlehem, he worked at Mohonasen as that district’s K-12 science supervisor and taught science in the Albany City Schools. Klugman holds a master’s degree from UAlbany and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester.

David Doemel, Jr. will be appointed interim principal of the middle school effective July 1 for the 2016-17 school year. Doemel currently serves as a hall principal at the high school. He has served as a high school administrator in Bethlehem since 2013. Prior to that, he worked as a school counselor in the East Greenbush Central School District and began his career in education teaching English and Global Studies at Christian Brothers Academy. He holds a master’s degree from Sage Graduate School and a bachelor’s from St. Bonaventure University and received his Educational Leadership Certificate from The College of Saint Rose.

Doemel’s appointment is also effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

Mark Warford, who has served as interim principal at the middle school since May, will resume his role as the school’s assistant principal and Ken Rizzo will return to his role as hall principal, after filling the temporary vacancy created when Warford changed roles.

“With these pending appointments, we feel strongly that we are providing able leadership and continuity for students and staff that will serve everyone well in the next school year,” said Board of Education President Matt Downey. “We are pleased to be able to put forth Mr. Klugman and Mr. Doemel for these interim posts and have great confidence they will continue to deliver the kind of dedication and commitment to students both have demonstrated through the years.”

As part of Pavilion Palooza, four students won a ride to school on a Delmar Fire Department truck. Posing in front of the truck are Madison Robbins, Ashley Bullard, Isabel Lippold, and Allison Coolidge.

In spite of the heavy rain on Saturday, June 11, the BCMS PTO’s efforts to build a large pavilion on the middle school site got a big boost from Project Pavilion Palooza. All events, including games, a bounce house, triple threat challenge, 100-foot obstacle course, BCMS garden vegetables sales, silent auction and over 25 community organization tables and performances took place as scheduled!

Find out how you can help the PTO build a pavilion at the middle school.

To date, nearly $40,000 has been raised to help fund construction of the pavilion at the middle school. The PTO’s goal is $59,000. The pavilion will serve students and community groups from every corner of the district!

In order to begin building the structure this summer as planned, the PTO will continue to raise the remaining funds as soon as possible.  Corporate sponsors and direct donations are encouraged. For more information on how to make a pavilion donation, contact www.bcmspto.org.

On the morning of Thursday, June 23, BCMS celebrated the commencement of the 8th grade class with family, friends, and staff. Welcome to BCHS, Class of 2020! View many more photos on our Facebook page.

The fourth quarter report cards for all middle school students are now posted to Aspen.

As part of the approved 2016-17 school district budget, Bethlehem added two positions that are intended to provide professional support to teachers, school counselors and building administrators. At its July 5 meeting, the Board of Education appointed two longtime area educators to fill these roles.

Laurel Jones, a former Bethlehem teacher who returns to the district after a year as an Assistant Principal at Mohonasen, will serve as coordinator of the district’s Response to Intervention (RTI) program, a tiered instructional program designed to support struggling learners in the early grades at the district’s five elementary schools. In addition, Jones will work as a Technology Integration Specialist, developing curriculum and collaborating with teachers to support use of technology in elementary classrooms and helping to integrate the use of hardware, software and Internet resources in support of student learning.

Kristen Connor, who has 13 years of experience as a counselor in Niskayuna, will serve as Bethlehem’s new K-12 School Counselor Supervisor. In this role, Connor will provide for the implementation and evaluation of comprehensive school counseling programs that promote academic achievement and success for students. These will be developed in collaboration with counselors across all grade levels to ensure comprehensive school counseling programs meet the needs of all students and provide opportunities and equity in meeting students’ academic goals.

Laurel Jones – Elementary Administrator for RTI/K-5 Technology Integration Specialist

Tell us a little about your background in education.

For 11 years I was a third, fourth, and kindergarten teacher at Clarksville and Eagle Elementary Schools. In addition, I completed a 6 month sabbatical working in our elementary schools focusing on using technology in the classrooms.

I am currently an Assistant Principal at Bradt Primary School and Pinewood Intermediate School in the Mohonasen Central School District.

Where did you attend college/graduate school?

I received my B.S. in Applied Economics from Ithaca College, Masters in Elementary Education from Boston College, School Building Leadership degree from The College of Saint Rose

What prompted you to choose a career in education?

Actually, this is a second career for me. My first was as a project manager for Capital One in the business world. I went back to school because I come from a family of teachers and I was looking for a more fulfilling career where I knew I could make a difference. Once I began teaching and working with children, I realized how much I enjoyed being part of a school team. The days that I spent in the classroom are some of my fondest memories. Now, I will continue to work upon my experience in a leadership role to make a broader impact. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to return to my home district to do this in.

What are you looking forward to most in Bethlehem?

I am really looking forward to coming home. I was a teacher in the district for 11 years and my two children go to Elsmere.  I am excited to join the administrative team in Bethlehem and I am looking forward to making a positive impact on our school community.

When you are not at work, what do you like to do?

When I am not at work, I am a full time mom and really enjoy spending time with my family. Baseball, softball, and hockey schedules keep us busy with sports all year long. It also gives me the opportunity to meet many families and develop relationships in our community.

What will you be reading/listening to this summer?

This summer I hope to read some professional books as well as some for entertainment. I grab books off of Overdrive and read them on my iPad. I also love reading with my children and sharing our love of stories together. I have recently gotten them into using Play Away’s to listen to books (if you haven’t tried them yet, check out the library!)

Kristen Connor – K-12 School Counselor Supervisor

Tell us a little about your background in education.

I started my career in higher education working in admissions after graduating from college. I loved traveling, meeting with families and working on a college campus. I quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in all aspects of a student’s academic career. That led me to back to Niskayuna where I coached multiple sports, substitute taught at elementary schools and interned in the high school Counseling Center. Upon completion of my graduate degree I was offered a position at Niskayuna High School and have been there ever since. During my thirteen years at Niskayuna I have extended myself beyond the counseling department and have taken on many administrative roles to better understand how a district operates.

Where did you attend college/graduate school? 

I attended Hartwick College where I majored in Psychology and played women’s lacrosse for 4 years. After landing a job in college admissions in Boston for two years and New Hampshire for a year I moved home to attend Sage Graduate School. Shortly after completing my master’s degree I went back to St. Rose to complete my education leadership certificate.

What prompted you to choose a career in education?

My mom was an elementary school teacher so I spent time with her in the classroom. I knew I wanted to work with kids but didn’t know at what level until I completed an internship my senior year in college. I worked with a middle school counselor and loved the ­­­­position. I knew I would eventually get back into public schools after working in college admissions and coaching for a few years.  I was fortunate to have been offered a position as a high school counselor in Niskayuna, where I attended high school. It was a great opportunity and one I am grateful for.

What are you looking forward to most in Bethlehem? 

I am looking forward to working with such an experienced staff. Bethlehem has always been known as a great place to work. I am excited for the new challenges that lie ahead and collaborating with colleagues.

When you are not at work, what do you like to do?

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband and I have a four- and two-year old who keep us busy.  We like to take family trips and are always looking forward to the next adventure!

What will you be reading/listening to this summer?

Well, we have dance parties daily in my house. My kids love to sing and dance so we enjoy listening to tunes.  As for reading, I hope to finish two books on vacation that I started last year (it has been impossible to finish a book with two toddlers!)