On Monday, Mar. 31, teachers and staff from the Bethlehem Central School District devoted a Superintendent’s Conference Day to dozens of community service projects across the district and throughout the Capital Region.
Check out the district’s Facebook page for photo highlights.
The weather cooperated as each school and department contributed to the effort. More than 700 individuals participated in various activities, including park and trail cleanups, writing letters to military service members, organizing food pantries, providing free technology help, and supporting human service agencies and animal rescue groups.
- BCHS Flag Pole Memorial and Beautification: Social Studies Department faculty and staff and Operations & Maintenance staff undertook a makeover of the flagpole area that is a memorial to U.S. veterans. BCHS staff planted flowers at the school’s entrances.
- BCHS Giving Closet: Science, Technology, and Guidance Department staff created a new space that will house essential items such as clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products for any student who needs them.
- BCHS Pond/Trails: Science Department faculty and staff cleaned the trails and pond.
- BCHS Positivity Project: Food Service team members decorated areas of the high school with messages to inspire students, staff and visitors.
- BC Backpack Program: Eagle faculty and staff raised money to support a districtwide program that helps combat food insecurity.
- BC Gardens: Food Services staff cleaned and prepared plantings for the outdoor growing season.
- BC Threads: Special Education staff organized inventory and supplies for the BCMS version of the Giving Closet, known as BC Threads.
- Bethlehem Art Association/Bethlehem Public Library: Art teachers created artwork and donated it to the library.
- A Million Thanks: Faculty and staff from Slingerlands and Hamagrael wrote letters to members of the U.S. armed forces stationed overseas.
- Bethlehem Community Fund: Glenmont faculty and staff organized a used book sale. On Apr. 1, Glenmont students will be able to “shop” at the sale and purchase books for 50 cents or $1. (Every student will receive a book even if they don’t have money to purchase books.) Proceeds support the Bethlehem Community Fund.
- Bethlehem Community Services Unit (BPD): BCMS staff assisted members of the Bethlehem Police Department with plans for the annual Walk & Roll Fest in May.
- Bethlehem Youth Court/Festival: The Social Studies Department helped prepare thousands of eggs for the community Easter egg hunt.
- CD Latinos: The World Language and English as a New Language (ENL) Department organized items from a recent donation drive.
- Camp Scully: Special Education Department faculty and staff helped with camp cleanup, painting, and trail cleanup.
- Colonial Acres Golf Course: Physical Education Department staff cleaned areas of the community-run golf course.
- Community Hospice: The Science/Technology Department made blankets for patients.
- Grassroots Givers: Special Education Department faculty and staff helped organize donations.
- Henry Hudson Park: Members of the Transportation Department cleaned areas of the park.
- Hudson Mohawk Humane Society: Glenmont faculty and staff and Transportation Department staff sorted donated cans and bottles at the facility. The donations support the care of the animals at the shelter.
- Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy: Slingerlands faculty and staff cleaned nature trails in the Pine Bush.
- Pine Hollow Arboretum: BCMS faculty and staff cleaned trails.
- Peregrine Senior Living: Health Services staff made crafts with residents.
- Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: The Math Department sorted donations at the Latham distribution center; the District Office, Business Office, and Human Resources planted beets at a Food Bank-affiliated farm in Voorheesville.
- Ronald McDonald House: Slingerlands faculty and staff created artwork to be donated to hospital and care facilities.
- RISSE Refugee and Immigrant Support Services: World Language and ENL Department faculty and staff organized items from a recent donation drive.
- Safe Harbour: BCMS counselors created flyers for the county program that helps victims of human trafficking.
- St. Catherine’s Center for Children: Hamagrael faculty and staff assembled hygiene kits that will be donated to individuals in need.
- Street Soldiers: Elsmere faculty and staff prepared shelf-stable protein bars that are offered by the organization to combat food insecurity.
- Tech Together: The Technology Department and Library Media Specialists offered tech support to parents, guardians, and community members.
- To Life!: Math Department staff made pins to support Breast Cancer Awareness.
- To Love A Child/Animal Protective Foundation: Health Services staff prepared Women’s Supply Kits for Zimbabwe and Fleece Cat Mats to be donated to the organizations.
- Whiskers Cat Shelter: Music Department and Slingerlands faculty and staff helped clean spaces at the shelter.
The Mar. 31 Superintendent’s Conference Day, which was a day off for students, is usually reserved for training and professional development. This year’s day of giving back was the first of its kind in the district, reflecting the district’s mission, which is based on four core values: academics, character, community, and wellness.
Thank you to everyone who made the BCSD Community Day a great success!