Why is an SRO so important?

A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a liaison between our school and the Bethlehem Police.  In middle school student vernacular, our SRO Detective Mike Whiteley, “is a good guy to have around and someone who helps us!”

A common misconception of SRO’s is that their function is primarily to catch kids doing things wrong when in fact their primary role is to serve as a resource to students, to school staff and to parents to protect students.

Detective Whiteley does lessons with our students about internet safety, about the constitution, and about Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE).  DARE is most visible in our elementary 5^th grade curriculum but Mike continues to be a presence throughout 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade curriculum working with our Health teachers.

This kind of hands-on activity by Mike accomplishes one of the other goals of the SRO program, which is to teach students to trust their relationship with police as a resource. 

In addition to working with our students, Mike also works with our staff and parents to help the adults in our community keep up with ever-evolving social media.  As students explore social media they often keep their activity hidden from adults and Mike works with students and parents to educate them on the dangers of social media and identity theft.

Mike is also an invaluable resource to the school in disciplinary incidents.  In a consulting role Mike often works with parents to help educate students and parents about the dangerous long-term repercussions of rule breaking.  He has connected families to valuable resources that teach students’ perspective, character and that help students to recognize their potential.

In short, our SRO is a valuable resource to all in our BCMS community!

End of Week Notes:

Enjoy your VACATION

• For those around Delmar this week the school building will be open from 8:00 to 4:00 if you need to stop in
• And for those who don't ...(need to stop in)... have a restful and relaxing week

BCSD STAFF ART SHOW

• During the month of April please visit the Bethlehem Public Library to see art exhibits by various BCSD Art Dept Staff

EVEN MORE Recycling

• Town of Bethlehem Earth Day Recycle Fest
• Saturday, April 18, 10:00 to 1:00
• Elm Ave Town Park

• Clothing & Textiles
• Document shredding
• Books
• Electronics & scrap metals

Quote of the Week...

·       “Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” 

Maya Angelou on "Vacation"

The Week that Will be:

Monday, April 13

• BCMS Faculty meet 3:00
• Get a good night's sleep - ELA exams start tomorrow

Tuesday, April 14

• NYS ELA testing (AM)
• Late buses today

Wednesday, April 15

• NYS ELA Testing (AM)
• Late buses today

Thursday, April 16

• NYS ELA Testing (AM)
• PAC student meeting 3:00
• late buses today
• Grade 8 Spring Concert 7:30 PM

Friday, April 17

• FASS (Friday After School Support) today
• End of third Quarter
• ELA exam makeups today

Have a great weekend!