BC Parent E-News
From our desk to yours...
A Message from the Superintendent:
The end of the calendar year ushers in the season of joy and renewal as many of us celebrate the holidays with our loved ones and reflect on the year that has passed.
It is also a time where we anticipate the year to come. Here at BC, there is an important matter to our staff and students that I would like you to consider that could influence the coming year.
Now, a proposal by the Board of Regents threatens this promise. Last month, the Board of Regents put forth a proposal that would force school districts to participate in 40-minute stand-alone field testing, whether they believe it is in the best interests of students or not. I am asking you to join me to oppose this move. Together, we can defend education for students here in Bethlehem and across the state. The proposed amendment can be found here. Your voice is needed to keep field testing out of BC classrooms. READ HOW TO HELP.
Thank you for making a difference and joining me in this important call to action and for helping the faculty of Bethlehem Central give their best every day.
I am also happy to report that our students have been working hard to make a difference and give their best, not only in their studies, but in the spirit of giving this season. Acts of kindness and respect, especially when (students think) no one is watching are being rewarded on a regular basis at the middle school as part of the school's character education. On Friday, Hamagrael students packed up 215 holiday gifts to be delivered to underprivileged children and just yesterday middle school students totaled 79 boxes of food for their Holiday Food Drive. We will also have a number of graduates, home from college on break, who will come to the high school on January 7 to help high school students know what to expect in "Life After BC." It is heartening to see how this community is filled with those who understand that education takes place in classrooms and books, but also in collaboration and generosity.
Embrace that feeling this holiday season as you gather with family and friends. I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season and look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas J. Douglas
Superintendent of Schools
How we communicate weather-related closures
No Shave November at BCHS raises $1,100 for American Cancer Society
Character lunch celebrates students as role models
Hamagrael promotes holiday kindness in Adopt-a-Snowflake project
BOE asks for public input on proposed tax exemptions
Your voice needed on possible National Grid substation
BOE Meeting, Dec. 3, 2014
Visit our YouTube channel for an archive of all board meetings. New meetings will be posted here no later than a few days after they've occurred.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Dec. 16, 2014
- BCMS Grade 7 Concert, 7 p.m., BCMS Auditorium
Dec. 17, 2014
- Public Hearing, Conservation Easement, 6:30 p.m., BCHS Cafeteria
- Public Hearing, Veteran's Tax Exemption, 7 p.m., BCHS Cafeteria
- BOE Meeting, Public Session, 7:30 p.m., BCHS Cafeteria
Dec. 18, 2014
- BCMS Grade 8 Concert, 7 p.m., BCMS
Dec. 19, 2014
- BCMS & BCHS Report Cards Posted to Aspen
Dec. 24-Jan. 2
- Winter Break (school resumes Jan. 5)