Bethlehem Central School District > Archive > Families needing financial support throughout the school year
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Families needing financial support throughout the school year

A message from BCSD Superintendent Jody Monroe:

Dear BC Parent/Guardian:

Inflation and economic uncertainties since the Covid-19 pandemic have made financial hardship more common for families everywhere.

As a school district, we offer support in several ways throughout the year for BC families who may need assistance when it comes to paying for school-related activities or necessities. Below is a list of ways the school district can assist your family:

  • Weekend Backpack Program  – A district-run program that provides supplemental weekend nutrition to students every week during the school year. There is no cost to join the program; it is open to students K-12, and there are no income requirements to participate. The Backpack Program is supported by community donations and is run by students and staff at the high school.
  • December Break BC Caring and Sharing Program – A once-a-year program that provides non-perishable food items and gift cards to families prior to the December break. The Caring and Sharing Program is supported by community donations.
  • Community support and resources  – Our Student Support Services team and our school nurses can work with your family to identify community support and resources to assist with prolonged economic hardship.

You can sign up for one or more of the services listed above using this online Google Form.

The district is providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, however, we still encourage those who qualify to fill out the application for free/reduced meals. This information can be used to offer additional school-related support to eligible families throughout the year. Fill out the application here: LINQ Connect Free Meal Eligibility Application

If you would like to sign up or discuss any of the above programs at your child’s elementary school, you can also contact your school nurse (contact info listed below). If you have a student in the middle school or high school, please contact Jennifer Denis, Supervisor of Health Services at jdenis@bethlehemschools.org.  Again, you may also use the Google Form to receive more information about any of the programs.

Eagle Elementary

Elsmere Elementary 

Glenmont Elementary

Hamagrael Elementary

Slingerlands Elementary

BCMS/BCHS 

We want to provide all children with what they need to make every day successful. Every school in Bethlehem has staff and resources to help families who may be experiencing difficulties. We encourage families to take advantage of these resources. 

Sincerely,

Jody Monroe, Superintendent