An important message for BCSD families and staff members from Superintendent Jody Monroe…

Dear BC Community,

Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we navigate these challenging circumstances. One of our district’s core values is community, and our students, parents and staff have truly embodied this value demonstrating remarkable support and unity.

We continue to work closely with the Bethlehem Police Department, the FBI and other officials in the ongoing investigation into the source of the threats. We remain committed to providing as much information as possible without compromising the investigation and will continue to share information as it becomes available. We urge you to be cautious of what is shared on social media, as misinformation spreads rapidly.  For accurate information, please refer to the official updates provided by the district on ParentSquare and the district website.

Anyone who may have information related to the phone threats is asked to contact the Bethlehem Police Department at 518-439-9973 or call 911. 

As we prepare to start another school week, I will be working with the Bethlehem Police Department and with their guidance, communicating plans for school day-by-day. Please be sure to check district communications for important updates and information.

Monday, Sept. 16

All schools will be open on Monday, Sept. 16. Safety protocols will be as follows:

• Police presence: The Bethlehem Police Department will continue to have additional officers stationed at the high school and the middle school. Additional patrols and police personnel will be assigned to all elementary schools.

• Precautionary lockout: All schools will continue to operate on precautionary lockout during the school day. A lockout is not the same as a lockdown. There are no changes to the instructional day and all outside doors are locked, as they are every day. There is no outside recess or physical education, and all visitors – including employees – will be required to enter through the main entrance to all schools.

• Bag check at the high school: All high school students should be prepared to have their backpacks checked upon entrance into the high school

After-school activities

The status of after-school activities will be determined as the day progresses and communicated district wide through ParentSquare and the district website.

Hybrid learning

While we plan to continue normal instruction, we also have been preparing our classrooms in the event we need to offer a hybrid approach. Classrooms were not configured for remote learning, so the option was not available last week. If a hybrid approach is offered, updates will be communicated to families on a day-by-day basis.

Support

Each of our schools has a Coordinated Care Team that consists of the school psychologist, counselor and social worker. If your child needs extra support during this time, please reach out to their school for assistance.

High school counselors will be facilitating counseling sessions throughout the week with each team that was impacted by the lockdown on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation for our exceptional staff who provide unwavering support to our students every day. Each member of the BC team has played a vital role in ensuring that our schools operate seamlessly, even during challenging times. I am truly grateful for their commitment to fostering an environment where students can learn, feel safe, stay nourished and experience joy. Their ability to remain composed and focused, especially on the most difficult days, is inspiring. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jody Monroe
Superintendent