Two more anonymous phone calls threatening gun violence at Bethlehem Central High School have been received by the Bethlehem Police Department this evening. Two calls were received, at 8:01 p.m. and at 8:03 p.m. One call threatened the high school with gun violence tomorrow (Friday); the other threatened the football team tomorrow (Friday, specifically at 5:30 p.m.). The phone calls were similar to three others received by the department this week. 

All schools will be open on Friday, Sept. 13. Safety protocols at BCSD schools will be as follows on Friday:

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

• Precautionary lockout: All schools will operate on a 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 to the high school.

• Afterschool/evening events are suspended: All afterschool activities will be suspended Friday until further notice.

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

Counselors are available at every building to assist students and staff. Staff will follow all safety protocols shared by building leaders per the districtwide safety plan and schools will continue to follow the guidance of the Bethlehem Police Department.