When middle school and high school students return to school on September 7, there will be some new and some familiar faces in building leadership roles for 2017-18. Learn more below:
Bethlehem Central High School
James Smith – BCHS Hall Principal
The hall principals assist in the supervision of student behavior and discipline and the leadership of school-wide programs. Additionally, they help to maintain high expectations and positive school climate. Smith will work primarily with grade 12 students in his new role. At its August 9 meeting, the Board of Education appointed longtime Bethlehem teacher James Smith as hall principal at Bethlehem Central High School. Smith is a familiar face at the high school where he has taught U.S. History, Economics and Sociology since 2011. Before that, he taught social studies at the middle school for seven years. Smith joins a high school leadership team which includes Principal Dave Doemel, Assistant Principal Heather Culnan, and Hall Principal Nicole Conway.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Smith join our administrative team,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “He is respected by colleagues and students alike. During his time teaching at the high school, he has developed a proven rapport with students and is uniquely qualified to work closely with our seniors as they prepare to transition to college and careers.”
Mr. Smith also served as the assistant varsity football coach at the high school, a role he held for 10 years.
“I am very excited that I get to continue to work in a place that I enjoy coming to every day,” said Smith. “Not only does Bethlehem have phenomenal students, our faculty and staff are wonderfully supportive of one another. Along the way, they have helped me grow into a better teacher and I believe have prepared me to work with students in this new and challenging way as part of the high school’s leadership team.”
A Bethlehem native, Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. He and his wife, Emily, reside in Delmar with their children Liam and Claire.
Nicole Conway – BCHS Hall Principal
At its meeting on June 7, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education is expected to appoint Nicole Conway as the high school’s new Hall Principal. Conway, who is an experienced leader in education at the secondary level, will begin her position here July 1.
The Hall Principal assists the high school administration in the supervision of student behavior, the administration of discipline and the leadership of school-wide programs. Additionally, they help to maintain high expectations and positive school climate.
“I am excited to welcome Nicole Conway to our district’s administrative team,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “Ms. Conway’s background is one that reflects successful leadership and teamwork in supporting students and parents.”
Conway is currently the Math Department Chair at Newton North High School, a public school in Newton, Massachusetts, where she has worked since 2009. Prior to Newton North High School, Conway taught math to grades 6 and 7 at Dedham Middle School and Jonas Clarke Middle School in Massachusetts.
“I am elated to return to my alma mater, a place that holds many fond memories from my formative years,” said Conway. “Both in the classroom and on the basketball court.”
“As an alumna, I can speak personally and passionately about the rigorous academics, the caring and committed staff, and the supportive atmosphere at Bethlehem that celebrates the whole child,” said Conway. “I will strive to create the same type of safe learning environment for every one of my students as a Hall Principal.”
Conway’s appointment will be effective July 1, 2017.
Bethlehem Central Middle School
Jacqueline Munroe – BCMS Hall Principal
Munroe was recently appointed by the Board of Education as hall principal at the middle school, filling a vacancy created in July when former hall principal, Ken Rizzo, accepted a position in another district. She is one of three building administrators at the school, including Principal Klugman and Assistant Principal Mark Warford. After a year of lending his leadership expertise to the high school, Principal Mike Klugman returns to Bethlehem Central Middle School in 2017-18. And, he has been joined by one of his colleagues from the high school, Ms. Jacqueline Munroe, the newest member of the middle school leadership team.
This is Munroe’s second year in the Bethlehem Central School District. Munroe served as a hall principal at the high school in 2016-17. She came to the district with 11 years of teaching and leadership experience in the New York City schools where she taught middle school for nine years and high school English for two years, in both Brooklyn and Queens.
“I am excited that I get to continue working here in Bethlehem, and with Mike Klugman,” said Munroe. “I learned a lot from him while at the high school. It is nice for me in making this transition that I will continue to have him as a mentor and resource here at the middle school.”
Munroe said her role as hall principal would include character development initiatives, encouraging positive behaviors and helping students prepare to make the transition to high school.
“Having spent a year at the high school, I have a pretty good perspective on what our middle schoolers can expect when they get there,” said Munroe. “I have always enjoyed working with students at this age and I hope my experience lends itself to helping all of our students have a positive school experience.”
Munroe holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and a master’s degree from Long Island University, CW Post Campus.
“Students are at a delicate age in middle school and they require strong, caring school leaders,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “In Mr. Klugman, Ms. Munroe and Mr. Warford, that is what Bethlehem middle schoolers have. This team will serve our students well.”