This Tuesday, May 19, is our annual school budget vote. Additionally there are two board of education seats open and our community has the right to exercise their choice in this process too.
When I addressed a group of Bethlehem Middle School parents at a PTO meeting last year they were surprised to hear the statistics of voter turnout in Bethlehem. As one stated, "I didn't think my vote was a big deal because in a district like ours, I just figured my missing it one time wouldn't matter."
The last time Bethlehem's budget was voted down (more than 9 years ago), it wasn't really voted down. Yes, a majority of voters in that vote voted no, but it was THE LOWEST voter turnout in the last 15 years.
And so, with that, please exercise your opportunity to participate this coming Tuesday, May 19. Voting can be done at the High School between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
End of Week Notes:
It takes a Village...
It takes a Village...
- Our 6th grade trip this past Thursday to the Boston Science Museum was a thrill. I had opportunity to travel with our students and as much as I am a science geek (I am the former K-12 Science Supervisor for Bethlehem) it was WAY more fun to watch our students engaging with the various exhibits.
- I also was impressed, thrilled and proud at how parents, students, and teachers' efforts came together to make this event a representative one of our proud community. Students arrived at the buses on time, they did not get emotionally tripped up when two of our buses showed up late, and they behaved like scholars throughout their day in the museum.
- Special thanks to our parent chaperones. Without you this would have been a difficult trip to logistically manage.
- Special thanks also to Ms. Beiter (Patroon 2), Mr. Wood (Mohawk) and Mr. Reilly (Patroon 1) for all of the work they did behind the scenes to plan and coordinate this experience!
Congratulations to our Bands, Orchestra's and Choirs
- As we closed our end of the year concerts we were all reminded of one reason why Bethlehem is such a strong district. Our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade concerts were phenomenal. As much as we are proud of our music teachers for their work to hone our musicians I want to reiterate the message they share with parents at every concert. Without the valuing that our parents place upon music our program would not be such a source of pride! Thank you!
Another special thank you!
- This past Friday had all of our district 5th graders visit the middle school for their moving up day. They walked through a quasi-schedule, ate lunch, and met all of our 6th grade teachers and counselors. BUT what was truly inspiring was the number of 6th grade students who volunteered to stick around to conduct tours or play in our band rather than go home early. More than 150 grade 6 students elected to stay and in so doing they demonstrated to our 5th graders how much we look forward to them joining us next year.
Preparing our 8th Graders
- Mr. Warford, Mr, Zadoorian and I met with our 8P1 team Friday and we will be meeting with our 8M and 8P2 teams this week to talk about expectations and opportunities as they close out this school year.
- My comment to our 8th graders is that they now look like adults, but that to be treated like an adult is a privilege to be earned at all times. Students who allow themselves to be distracted into destructive behaviors to others or themselves reveal a maturity that gives away their true age no matter how old they try to appear. We are reminding our 8th graders that our High School is place of great intensity at this time of the year. It's filled with students taking this time of the year seriously as they prepare for exams and try to close out their grades with marks that they will be proud to make permanent on their transcripts. We are reminding all of our 8th graders that the best way they can prepare to be welcomed and accepted into this High School setting is by setting this example throughout the remainder of this year.
The Week that Will be:
Monday, May 18
- NO Late buses today
- Late buses today
- School budget vote
- School Board of Education Elections
Wednesday, May 20
- Grade 8 Science Performance Exam (Students do not study for this)
- Grade 7 Annual Raptor Presentation
- Late buses today
- BOE meets 7:00 @ BCHS
Thursday, May 21
- late buses today
- Grade 7 to the Bronx Zoo
- Grade 5 Parent Orientation 7:00 PM
- Wear Blue to support our Troops and Veterans!
- FASS (Friday After School Support) today
Reminder: No school on Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day - Don't miss the Parade!!
Have a great weekend!
