Bethlehem Central School District > About Us > Policies and Procedures

Policies and Procedures

Code of Conduct

The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, district personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal. Unless otherwise noted, the Code of Conduct applies to anyone on school property or attending a school function. View the complete Code of Conduct here. 

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Some of the law requirements include: establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies, creating school training programs and including a course in civility, citizenship and character education in the curriculum for every grade level. Click here to visit the DASA webpage. 

Board Policies

View the BCSD Board Policy manual here. 

Districtwide School Safety Plan

Emergencies and violent incidents in school districts are critical issues that require comprehensive planning and training. The New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law requires school districts to develop a school safety plan to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and natural/manmade disasters and to facilitate the coordination of state, local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies. Click here to view the Districtwide School Safety Plan.

Child Abuse Hotline

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.

Access to Student Records/Privacy

Click here to view the Parent Bill of Rights for Student Data Privacy and Security.

Directory Information

The District has the option under FERPA of designating certain categories of student information as “directory information.” The Board directs that “directory information” include a student’s:

  • Name
  • ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used by a student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems (only if the ID cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the student’s identity)
  • Address (except information about a homeless student’s living situation, as described below)
  • Telephone number
  • Date and place of birth
  • Major course of study
  • Participation in school activities or sports
  • Weight and height if a member of an athletic team
  • Dates of attendance
  • Degrees and awards received
  • Most recent school attended
  • Grade level
  • Photograph
  • E-mail address
  • Enrollment status

Information about a homeless student’s living situation will be treated as a student educational record, and will not be deemed directory information. A parent/guardian or eligible student may elect, but cannot be compelled, to consent to release of a student’s address information in the same way they would for other student education records.  The District’s McKinney-Vento liaison will take reasonable measures to provide homeless students with information on educational, employment, or other postsecondary opportunities and other beneficial activities.

Social security numbers or other personally identifiable information will not be considered directory information.

Once the proper FERPA notification is given by the District, a parent/guardian or student will have 14 days to notify the District of any objections they have to any of the “directory information” designations.  If no objection is received, the District may release this information without prior approval of the parent/guardian or student for the release.  Once the student or parent/guardian provides the “opt-out,” it will remain in effect after the student is no longer enrolled in the school district.

The District may elect to provide a single notice regarding both directory information and information disclosed to military recruiters and institutions of higher education.

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

The Bethlehem Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, military status or any other protected status in its educational programs, employment or any other activities. As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, the district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated groups. Further, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against any individual because that person filed a complaint, opposed any unlawful practice or testified or assisted in an investigation or proceeding. Any inquiries and complaints regarding non-discrimination in the district may be referred to: Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Sex/Handicap Discrimination, Kathleen Johnston, SESS Director, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054.