BCHS Student Handbook

Daily Schedule | Aspen | Board of Education | Summary of Student Code of Conduct | Attendance Policy | Student Services | Medical Services | Academic Information | General Information | Student Privileges | Transportation | Use of Facilities | Working Papers | School Breakfast and Lunch Program 

Daily Bell Schedule

43 min. periods / 5 min. pass

• • Homeroom 7:35-7:40
  • 1st period 7:40-8:23
  • 2nd period 8:28-9:11
  • 3rd period 9:16-9:59
  • 4th period 10:04-10:47
  • 5th period 10:52-11:35
  • 6th period 11:40-12:23
  • 7th period 12:28-1:11
  • 8th period 1:16-1:59
  • Extra Help/Activities 2:00-2:43

Aspen

All interim reports and report cards will be posted to Aspen. In addition, many will be posting assignments that are classroom-specific. Teachers have been working to incorporate the use of Aspen into their classroom practices. Individual teachers may provide more information than others.

Aspen protects student data with the same advanced technology your bank uses to protect your financial accounts. We have carefully configured the system to ensure your child’s information is confidential and can only be retrieved by you and authorized school personnel.

Board of Education

The Board of Education, representing all district residents, is the governing body of the school district. The Board comprises seven members who are elected by district residents and receive no remuneration. Members serve three-year terms of office, with two or three seats up for election each year at the time of the Annual School District Budget Vote (third Tuesday in May).

Regular public board meetings are generally held on the first and third Wednesday evening of every month, starting at 7:00 p.m. Additional meetings are typically added in February and March for budget development. Please check the district website (https://www.bethlehemschools.org/boe/schedule/) or school notices for any meeting date changes.

District residents interested in contacting the Board of Education may write to the Board in c/o Educational Services Center, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054. The Board also has an email address, boe@bethlehemschools.org. E-mails received at that address will be forwarded to all Board members upon receipt. Individuals who have specific school, program or department related questions or who require an immediate response should contact the relevant
school or department directly.

Summary of The Student Code of Conduct

Part 1: Introduction

This document is a plain-language summary of the Bethlehem Central Code of Conduct. The Bethlehem Central Code of Conduct was developed in consultation with teachers, parents, students, administrators and other school/community representatives. It was adopted by the Board of Education with the expectation of full compliance by all students on school property or participating in or attending school functions. The code includes high standards for student conduct, outlines clear consequences for students who break the rules and serves as a standard for consistency and fairness that protects students’ rights while promoting their responsibilities. This document’s purpose is to highlight and summarize information of interest to Bethlehem Central students and their parents/guardians. It is not a replacement. You may find the full Bethlehem Central Code of Conduct here: BCSD Policy 5300_Code of Conduct. If you have questions regarding any of the information in this document, or the Bethlehem Central Code of Conduct, please contact the BCHS Administrative Team.

Part 2: Definitions

This section defines the terms: student, parent, school property, school function, disruptive student, violent student, weapon, gender, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Part 3: Essential Partners

All students are expected to know and follow the regulations of the school district. All parents/guardians are expected to support their student’s learning. Parents/guardians are responsible for their student’s attendance, appropriate dress, communication with teachers and other school staff. All teachers, counselors, administrators, superintendent, board members and other school personnel are expected to promote and “maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or sex.”

Part 4: Student Rights and Responsibilities

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under federal and state law and district policy. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and supportive school environment, the district has established the following student rights and responsibilities. Each student has the right to take part in all district activities and education regardless of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.

FERPA allows parents and students over 18 to review the student’s educational records and request to amend any inaccuracies. They may also consent to disclose or withhold personally identifiable information within the student’s record. Information received by teachers, administrators or other district officials is not privileged.

Students have the responsibility to abide by the policies and regulations of the school district, contribute to maintaining and supporting a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning, and may not interfere with the education or the rights of others.

Part 5: Prohibited Student Conduct

All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner. The purpose of defining prohibited student conduct/regulations is to prevent or deter unacceptable behavior and provide for uniformity and fairness in dealing with all students. Students will face disciplinary action for engaging in:

• disorderly conduct
• conduct that is violent or threatening
• conduct that endangers the safety, morals, physical or mental health or
• welfare of others
• harassment
• misconduct on a school bus
• academic misconduct
• off-campus misconduct that interferes with, or can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the education process in the school or at a school function.

Part 6: Academic Integrity

Any student who engages in an act of academic dishonesty (cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, facilitating dishonesty) will be required to redo the assignment for partial credit. In addition, the student will be placed on formal academic probation for one year. A second incident will result in a note being placed in the student’s academic file. An act of academic dishonesty found during a quiz, test or exam, will result in no grade on the exam and a parent meeting. A grade of zero may be entered for the quiz, test or exam. Understand that a zero grade may cause a student to fail a quarter or a course.

Part 7: Standards for Student Conduct

Regular attendance and punctuality are expected of students from the first day of school. Students may be denied the privilege of participating in or attending extracurricular events due to tardiness/class attendance. Students may lose the opportunity to take further exams and quizzes in a course if the total number of excused and unexcused absences in that course exceeds 30 for a full-year course and 15 for a semester course. 

Students are entitled to express their personal opinions verbally or in writing or by symbolic speech. This expression should not interfere with the freedom of others to express themselves. 

Search and Seizure:
Student lockers and desks are the property of the school district. However, the school district is not responsible for any items left in lockers or in desks. School district officials have the right and responsibility to search student lockers and/or desks at any time. The Bethlehem Central School Board authorizes the superintendent, building principals and their designees to conduct searches of students, their belongings and their automobiles that are parked on the school campus if the authorized school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will result in evidence that the student violated the law or the Code of Conduct. Items that are prohibited on school property or are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be removed from student lockers, desks and/or automobile or other personal property by school authorities. The police will be contacted if any item recovered presents a violation of law. The principal or a designee will be present during any police questioning or search on school property or at a
school function and all students will be afforded the same rights they have outside of school.

Part 8: Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Regulation

Students’ use of computers and access to the Internet while at school are privileges and are intended to be for educational purposes only. All parents and students are required to review and sign the Bethlehem Central School District’s Technology User Agreement and Parent Permission Form. By signing the agreement, parents and students agree to comply with the regulations set forth. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in disciplinary action. The District’s Technology User Agreement and Parent Permission Form is for educational use, and the District’s regulations are not necessarily all-inclusive due to this rapidly changing field. The Technology User Agreement and Parent Permission Form references the following policies, which can be found on the Bethlehem Central website: Acceptable Use (4526/4526-R), Internet Safety (4526.1/4526.1-R), Code of Conduct (5300), and Cyberbullying (5810). All forms can be found on the district website under Forms and Publications.  

Part 9: Students

All students are expected to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other District personnel should exemplify professional and appropriate attire, and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting. School staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.

All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming. All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual students’ clothing/self-expression. Student attire shall not interfere with health or safety, contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, or disrupt or interfere with the educational process.

Student attire must:

• Fully cover genitals, buttocks, breasts and nipples with opaque fabric.
• Include a shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms)
• and pants/jeans or the equivalent (e.g., a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, shorts, dress).
• Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard
  will not be allowed.
• Not include hats/headgear inside the school during the school day, except for a medical or religious purpose or for approved activities.
• Not include swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).
• Not include accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
• Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, or libelous or that denigrate others on account of real or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression or sex in an expressed or implied manner.
• Not promote or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
• Not denote or represent gang affiliation such as bandanas, beads, jewelry or other indicators and/or symbols intended expressly so.

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do
so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including suspension. Each building
principal or designee shall be responsible for informing all teachers, students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.

Part 10: Prohibition of Gang Activity, Fraternities, and/or Sororities

Students are not to promote any exclusionary group on school grounds. This includes wearing or distributing clothing, jewelry, insignias or symbols/signs of membership; soliciting members; hazing prospective members; using signs/symbols to communicate to other members, or defacing school property.

Part 11: Transportation

All school buses and stops are school property and are subject to all rules set forth in the Bethlehem Central Code of Conduct. Each student has an individual responsibility to help ensure the safety of all students on the bus by following the rules. Students may not bring prohibited items onto a school bus. This includes, but is not limited to, skateboards, animals, flammable materials, medications or controlled substances and weapons. Students must comply with the direction of the bus driver. Students may not consume food or beverages on the school bus.

Part 12: Athletic Policies and Training Rules

Each student-athlete receives an Interscholastic Athletic Handbook, which clearly defines the standards for student athlete behavior. Before a student is permitted to participate on an athletic team, both the student and parent must sign an Interscholastic Athletics Participation form and return it to either the athletic director or the school nurse. The signatures of both the student athlete and the parent indicate that each agrees to respect and abide by these rules and behavior expectations in order to participate in interscholastic athletics at Bethlehem Central. Student athletes will be disciplined by school district administrators for infractions using the guidelines set forth in the Interscholastic Athletic Handbook and this Code of Conduct.

Part 13: Parking

High School students with a valid driver’s license may be eligible to drive to school and park on school grounds in the parking area designated for students. Students should be aware that student parking is a privilege, not a right, and requires adherence to school regulations. Starting August 23, parking permits will be on sale for seniors only. Parking permits cost $40 and must be purchased on MySchoolBucks. All student vehicles parking on campus must be registered with the school and must display a current BCHS permit sticker. Students must be in good standing behaviorally and academically in order to obtain a parking permit. Students who continuously violate school policies and/or parking regulations forfeit future parking privileges. Students who use the parking area without authorization may have their car towed at the owner’s expense. Upon payment of a non-refundable fee, each student is issued one parking spot for the school year. Parking spaces are limited and permits are issued on a first come first served basis.

The school is not responsible for damage to personal vehicles. Safe driving techniques, including reduced speed, are in effect at all times particularly in the vicinity of pedestrians and school buses. Students must use the proper entrance and exit to all school parking lots. Consequences will be assigned to those who violate these rules, including but not limited to the car being towed at the owner’s expense.

Part 14: Extracurricular Organizations and Clubs

Student organizations cannot restrict membership on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender (including gender identity and gender expression). Students may not be denied participation in any activity for any reason other than those established by state, county or school eligibility requirements and those requirements legitimately related to the purpose of the activity. The school district requires student organizations to register with the school in order to obtain available school funds and the use of school facilities. All student meetings in the school buildings or on school grounds may function only as part of the formal education process or as authorized by the building principal. No student group may meet without the direct supervision of a school district employee.

Student organizations have a responsibility to make clear to the public that their programs do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution as a whole. Use of the school or district name when participating in a public
demonstration is improper unless the building principal or his/her designee has granted permission.

Student organizations also have a responsibility to recognize that persons who disagree with their view and programs have the right to choose for themselves whether to listen to the groups’ points of view and must not be coerced or harassed into doing so. Participation in extracurricular organizations and clubs is a privilege and violations of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension of said privilege.

Part 15: Dance Guidelines

It is the expectation of the school district that all students will behave in an appropriate manner at all school events, as outlined in the Code of Conduct. In order to attend school dances, students must be in good standing behaviorally.

Students attending High School dances must be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 at Bethlehem Central High School.

Guests attending High School dances can be no older than 19 years of age and must be approved in advance by the building principal. Students and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be subject to the penalties of the school district as outlined in this Code of Student Conduct. Chaperones may use passive alcohol sensors prior to and/or during the dances to more accurately determine whether or not a student has consumed alcohol. The passive alcohol sensor is a screening device and is not a Breathalyzer. This device will be used to check all students when they enter the dance and periodically during the event or upon departure. If it is determined that the student has been drinking, parents will be called and disciplinary consequences will follow in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.

Part 16: Procedures for Addressing Student Misconduct & Violations of the Code of Conduct

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs and in a way that is prompt, fair and lawful. In general, discipline will be progressive, meaning that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violation. However, school personnel may impose a more severe penalty for a first violation depending on the specific facts and circumstances of an incident. Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, followed by notification to the parent of the student involved and the appropriate disciplinary sanction, which may include permanent suspension and referral for prosecution. The building principal or designee will consult with the appropriate local law enforcement agency regarding violations that constitute a crime. Notification may be made by telephone, a written letter or by email.

If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education when required by law. Discipline administered will be consistent with the separate requirements of this Code of Conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability, except to the extent permitted by law.

All students are expected to promptly report violations of the Code of Conduct to any staff member or administrator. Any student observing another student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substance on school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to any staff member or administrator.

All school district personnel who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful manner.

Removal of a Disruptive Student from the Classroom:
A student’s behavior can affect a teacher’s ability to teach and can make it difficult for other students in the classroom to learn. For purposes of the Code of Conduct, a disruptive student is defined as “substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.” A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a teacher’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom behavior rules. A removal of a student from class at the secondary level will be for up to three days. The removal from class applies only to the specific class where the disruption occurred. The student will receive alternative instruction during that class period.

The teacher must comply with the removal process outlined in the District Code of Conduct. Parents will be notified and a conference held, if applicable. Removal of a student with a disability may constitute a change in the student’s placement. Accordingly, no teacher may remove a student with a disability from his or her class until he or she has verified with the building principal that the removal will not violate the student’s rights under state or federal law or regulation.

Part 17: Disciplinary Consequences and Sanctions

There are three levels of disciplinary actions and consequences as outlined in the link below. Understand that the nature and severity of an offense can escalate it to a higher category and that any infractions which violate the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies. An ongoing pattern of disruption, truancy, drug and alcohol usage or insubordination will result in a referral to the Juvenile Justice Systems (PINS) The range of consequences listed below is progressive. Consequences escalate as actions recur. These lists are examples only and are not all inclusive.

BCSD Policy 5300: Code of Conduct

Attendance  Policy

Attendance Policy 5100 (Updated Nov. 18, 2020)

Student Services

Counseling Services

Phone: (518) 439-4921, x22950
Fax: (518) 478-0783

The Counseling Center offers classroom activities, workshops and group discussions for students at each grade level throughout the school year. Students are informed of these activities through the daily morning  announcements, the Counseling Center newsletter and by invitation.

More information about these and other events are available online on the Counseling Center web page and from Naviance. Also note that the High School daily morning announcements are sent to students and families daily via Aspen and posted on the High School web page.

School counselors are available throughout the year to help students with educational, personal or social concerns. Our goal is to help each of our students reach her/his potential in all areas. Please feel free to contact us regarding your student’s educational and personal development. We look forward to working with you and your child and to a successful and productive school year.

Counseling Center (on the web)
BCHS Counseling Center
NAVIANCE: http://connection.naviance.com/bethlehem

Test Dates and Information

PSAT Information for Juniors

The Preliminary SAT/National Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) will not be administered at Bethlehem Central High School this year. All juniors planning to apply for college admission should take this test. The PSAT is a shortened version of the SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) and serves as a preview for students taking the test. Typically, juniors take the SAT I once in the spring of grade 11 and again in the fall of grade 12. The PSAT is also used for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Nationwide, the top 50,000 scores put students in a selected group qualifying them either as semi-finalists or commended students. Some students win college scholarships in this competition.

A letter outlining this exam and registration details will be distributed to Grade 11 students via Aspen in September.

Students with a 504, IEP or Declassification Plan
A student who receives testing modifications who wants to use them for the SAT and/or ACT must apply directly to those testing agencies for approval well in advance of the test dates. Please refer to www.collegeboard.org, www.actstudent.org, and your school counselor for more specific information.

SAT and ACT Registration
Students must register online by the deadline date. For SAT registration, go to www.collegeboard.org. Visit this website for more information about SAT I & SAT II. Register here www.actstudent.org to take the ACT. 

NCAA Registration
NCAA registration forms are available online only at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

College Application Fees
Fax charge – $2 fee per fax

Medical Services

School health services in BCSD are provided by professional registered nurses. Our school nurses have a multi-faceted role within the school setting, one that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of students and their success in the learning process. Our nurses provide a variety of school health services, functions and programs. These services are based upon current evidence, best practices, and professional school nursing standards.

Emergency Contact Health Information in Aspen

Parents are required to provide emergency contact information, which may include friends or relatives to be called in case of illness or injury if the parents cannot be reached. It is important to inform the school in writing of changes to this emergency contact information.

The information the district currently has on file for your student(s) can be viewed in Aspen. Please review this information and provide any updates to District Registrar Melissa Haas, via email, at mhaas@bethlehemschools.org.

If the district is unable to reach you, the school may not release your child to anyone other than the person or persons listed in case of emergency. Parents are also required to provide updated health information on a separate form. This includes allergies, medications, (both prescription and over-the-counter medications), and recent health information. The form is available on the district website. This health information should be returned to your child’s school nurse. All information is kept on file by the nurses only.

Medication Policy 

New York State Education Department Guidelines state that ALL medications, including over-the-counter medications, given at school, require the following:

1. 1. Written order from your child’s physician stating the name of the medication, dosage, frequency and time of administration;
   2. Written statement from the parent or guardian requesting administration of the medication in school; and
   3. Delivery of the medication to the health office by parent or guardian in a properly labeled “original” / pharmacy container.

At the secondary level, emergency medications such as EpiPens and inhalers can be carried by those students who are determined to be self-directed with written orders from the student’s medical provider. BCSD medication forms can be found here.

Physical Exam Requirement

A physical exam is required for all children entering this school system for the first time and for all children entering grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Proof of this exam must be a signed physical appraisal form from a New York State licensed medical provider. (A physical exam performed within the 12 months prior to the start of the school year is acceptable. All forms are due by the first week of October.) If such an examination is not provided, the school is required by law to provide the exam at the school’s expense. We prefer that parents make appointments to have the family doctor complete the physical as he/she will perform a more complete physical exam and will give the required immunizations.

A Physical Appraisal Form can be found here:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/health-exam-form.pdf

Body Mass Index

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI.’ The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low.

New York State Education Law requires that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. Each year, a sample of school districts are selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health (DOH). When surveyed, only summary information is sent. No names or information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report. If you would like to do so, download the opt-out form from our website and return it completed to the school. BCSD “Childhood Obesity Reporting Opt Out” form can be found on the health page of the district’s website.

Immunization Requirements

BCSD needs proof of compliance with Public Health Law 2164 before your child may enter school. An acceptable proof of immunizations is a healthcare practitioner record, signed by a practitioner licensed in New York State.  Records acceptable without a signature include: NYSIIS Record; Official registry from another State; Official record from a foreign nation, Electronic health record; School health record, (must be transferred directly from one school to another).

Demonstrated serologic evidence of measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella or all three serotypes of polio antibodies is acceptable proof of immunity to these diseases. Diagnosis by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner that a child has had varicella disease is acceptable proof of immunity to varicella. Please be advised that students not in compliance with the required immunization requirements, or those lacking proof of satisfactory
progress toward completion, will be excluded from attending school until adequate proof is submitted. For specific grade-level immunization requirements, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf

Dental Certificates

New York State Education Law 903, Chapter 281, permits schools to request a dental examination report for all newly enrolled students, and for students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Dental Health Certificates are to be completed by a parent or guardian and the child’s dentist. Completed certificates should be sent to your school nurse. Dental Screening Forms can be found on the health page of the district’s website.

School Health Screenings

New York State Education Law, (Article 19, Section 905), and the Commissioner’s Regulations, Section 136.3, requires that schools provide the following health screenings:

• • Vision Screening for color perception, distance, and near vision acuity will be required for new entrants within 6 months of admission to school. Hearing screening for all newly enrolled students, as well as for students in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Distance and near vision acuity will be required for all students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Hearing screening will be required for students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11; and, for new entrants within 6 months of admission to school. Distance and near vision acuity will be required for all students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11.
  • Scoliosis screening will be required in grades 5 and 7 for girls and grade 9 for boys.

Parent(s) will be notified of any concerns involving their child’s screening(s) in writing. School health screenings will be documented in each student’s school health record.

Dismissal for Illness or Injury During School

All students who are ill or injured must be dismissed through the health office. Students are encouraged to report to the health office any illness or injury that occurred at school. This will ensure proper care and insurance claim processing in the case of injury. Students who become ill during the school day are to be dismissed through the health office only. Parents are expected to make arrangements to have their ill or injured child picked up at school. Students are not permitted to walk home if they are ill.

Insurance

The district carries accident insurance for all students in grades K-12. The insurance plan provides excess, or secondary, coverage. In the event of accidental injury to a student, parents should first submit the claim to their own health and accident carrier. If the claim is not payable or is in excess of the coverage provided, the remainder is submitted to the school plan for payment.

Sports Information for Secondary Students

Interested students must sign up to participate in the athletics program through the health offices at the middle and high schools. The following forms are required to play a sport: 1) Sports Update form for every season (to be completed by parent); and, 2) Current physical exam. (Additional information may be requested such as illness/injury clearance). If parents or students have any questions, (i.e. deadlines, etc.), please contact your school nurse.

Academic Information

Academic Averages

A student’s end-of-year academic average is determined by a simple mathematical average of all credit-bearing courses, multiplied by the credit factor. Physical education courses are included in the computation of the GPA. Non-credit courses and pass/fail courses are not calculated in the average.

Course Load

All students must carry five (5) subjects and physical education each semester.

Course Registration

Course descriptions are available in the BCHS Curriculum Handbook, produced and disseminated annually each December, and in curriculum materials distributed during course registration. These materials are to be used as a planning guide for student course selection and scheduling.

Course Schedule Changes

Once school starts in the fall, all students must follow their assigned schedules for the first three (3) days of classes unless serious schedule problems exist (i.e.: “double booked”, wrong level, missing a required course, etc.). For a limited time only, students may initiate schedule change requests through their school counselor.

Drop/Level Change Deadlines* (No consequence – no transcript posting)

• 22nd week of year for full year courses
• 12th week of semester for ½ year courses
• Drops can occur at any point after these dates, but with a transcript designation
  • “W” used for “withdraw failing”
  • “W/P” used for “withdraw passing”

* See Guidance for year-specific deadlines.

Diploma Requirements

Bethlehem Central High School grants Regents and local diplomas. Requirements for each graduating class are detailed in the curriculum materials distributed during course registration. If you have any questions, see your school counselor or an administrator.

Academic Supports

A student who is failing a course at the 5 or 10 week mark during quarters 1, 2 and 3 or at the 5 week mark of quarter 4 may be assigned a variety of academic supports, including but not limited to, study hall. Student standing will be reviewed at the next marking period. These students may not be provided any of the privileges afforded to their grade level peers.

Course Failures

A student who fails a required course will be required to make up the course prior to the time of his/her graduation from high school. This is typically done by attending summer school or by repeating the course during a subsequent
school year or semester. 

Grades

Students’ grades in a class are determined by the practices announced by each classroom teacher during the first week of the course. Absences and make-up work may affect grades.

Grade Explanations

All assigned grades are to be given in percentages unless permission has been granted by the principal to issue pass/fail grades. The passing grade is 65. Each ten-week grade represents the average for all work completed during that period only. The final grade for full year courses will be determined by averaging four quarter marks, the final examination and the mid-term examination (when applicable). For semester courses, the two quarter marks and the final exam will be averaged. Any student enrolled in a Regents certified course who has a passing final average including coursework, examinations, lab requirements, the Regents examination, and who has fulfilled the attendance policy will pass the course. Questions or concerns involving student grades are to be directed to the teacher and, if necessary, to the subject supervisor.

Homework

It is school district policy to assign meaningful homework. When properly guided, homework serves to reinforce and extend formal instruction. Homework may also stimulate curiosity that may lead students to explore new areas and dimensions independently. Such assignments also:

• Provide practice in developing and reinforcing skills
• Encourage students’ development of good study habits and self-initiative
• Develop parental interest and participation in the student’s program

Homework should never simply be an assignment that is characterized chiefly by the time it consumes.

Making up Assignments

Students are required to make-up homework and all class work. In the case of excused absences, two days of completion time for each day of absence will be allowed (e.g., six days to complete assignments for a three-day absence). This provision for make-up work does not excuse students from handing in work on a previously specified due date. Students may have the privilege of teacher assistance for make-up work. Students are required to make up tests and examinations following excused absences. Students are required to take
mid-year and final examinations as scheduled. If students are legally absent from an examination, the counselor and/or the teacher will reschedule the examination according to school guidelines.

Honor Roll

The BCHS Honor Roll includes students who earn an average of 91.5% or above in all credit-bearing courses (including physical education) and no single grade below 80%. The BCHS Merit Roll includes students who earn an average of 84.5% or above in all credit-bearing courses (including physical education) and no single grade below 65%. A student with an average above 91.5% who does have a grade below 80% will be included in the Merit Roll.

Incompletes

Incompletes can be assigned by a teacher and should be resolved by the 5th week of the quarter. Any unresolved incompletes that exist beyond the 5th week of the quarter should be reviewed and approved by the Department Supervisor and Building Principal.

A grade of incomplete may be given to students in the following situations:

• Continued absences prior to the close of a marking period, with no time to make up work.
• Continued absences prior to a major test held at the close of a marking period, with no time to make up work.
• Intermittent absences during a marking period that have prevented a student from completing required work.
• Any disability during a marking period that has prevented a student from completing required work.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Code of Conduct: Policy 5300 – Academic Integrity

Student Assistance Time

Period 9 is the time between 2:16 and 3:00 p.m. Teachers may request that students stay for extra help. Also, teachers may be available for make-up work if the student makes prior arrangements. Students may also use the computers and resources of the Library Media Center for research and study. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities. A bus pass is required for students riding the bus after period 9 Tuesday through Friday. The only other reasons students are allowed in the building during period 9 are to wait for athletic or extracurricular clubs/activities or to serve teacher or administrative detention. Any student found loitering on school property during period 9 will be asked to leave.

Student Records

Each year, in preparation for pre-registration, student transcripts are distributed during course selection to students in grades 9-11. Students should review the transcript for accuracy. If the academic record is inaccurate, the student may request a formal review of records, and transcripts can be updated. Students and parents have access to a student’s permanent record folder in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students must present their request for a copy of their transcript or report card in writing using a specific form from the Counseling Center. Seniors will receive more detailed information about transcripts for college or employment during the fall of senior year. Graduates will be charged a $2.00 fee per request. Please allow one week to process a transcript request. If a student transfers to another school, the student’s academic record and a copy of his/her discipline record will be transferred to the new school upon formal request from the school and proper release from the student’s family. All books and materials must be returned prior to the transfer. Student transcripts and report cards are important documents. Students should make certain to review records carefully each time they receive one.

Tests and Examinations

Unit tests will not be given the week (five school days) before final and mid-year exams. Students may sit for Regents examinations at the conclusion of the course that prepares them for the exam. In most cases it is the completion of a sequence or of a specific curriculum that addresses the learning standards in the subject areas.

General Information

Acceptable Use Policy

The Board of Education provides a wide range of technology resources to advance the educational mission of the Bethlehem Central School District (the District) and to manage District operations. Pursuant to District Policy #8630 concerning District Technology Resources and Data Management, the Board has established this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Capitalized terms in this Policy have the same meaning as the same terms set forth in Policy #8630.

This AUP is applicable to all Users of District Technology and Data, including all students, staff, Board members, volunteers, vendors, and visitors who are authorized to access District Technology and Data. All use of District Technology and Data is subject to this AUP and the District Code of Conduct, regardless of whether such use occurs at school or outside of school. Pursuant to the Code of Conduct and this AUP, all Users of District Technology are required to conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical, and polite manner.

The superintendent, working in conjunction with the District’s director of Technology (DOT) shall prepare an appropriate Regulation to define the specific acceptable uses of District Technology and Data (the AUP Regulation). The AUP Regulation shall be made available to all Users, who shall be required to acknowledge receipt of, and agree to comply with the AUP Regulation before being provided access to District Technology and Data.

Any violation of the AUP Regulation may be grounds for discipline, which may include termination of access to District Technology and Data or other appropriate sanctions under the circumstances.

One-to-One Device Program Guidelines

The Bethlehem Central School District is committed to providing students with the technology needed to excel in the classroom and future careers. Pursuant to this commitment, the District has established a One-to-One Device Program. Under this 1:1 Program, all students in designated grades will receive a personal computing device for use in their educational program.

I. District Ownership and Student Privilege of Use
A. The District owns or leases all 1:1 Devices issued to students.
B. Use of a 1:1 Device is a privilege, not a right.
C. Students have no expectation of privacy on their 1:1 Device, which may be monitored and/or inspected by the District at any time to ensure compliance with District policies, regulations and applicable laws.
D. Students are required to abide by all requirements of the 1:1 Program and all District policies and regulations relating to the use of District Technology, including but not limited to District Policies and Regulations on Technology Resources and Data Management (8630/8630R), Acceptable Use (4526/4526-R), Internet Safety (4526.1/4526.1-R), Cyberbullying (5810), and the Code of Conduct (5300).
E. The District may terminate the 1:1 Program and require return of some or all 1:1 Devices at any time and for any reason, including for failure to comply with District policies, regulations or these 1:1 Program Guidelines.
F. Students who graduate early, withdraw or terminate enrollment for any reason must return their 1:1 Device, charger and all BCSD peripherals.

What does Bethlehem do to protect students who are online?

The district uses web filtering designed specifically for the K-12 environment. There are also district and user reports the Technology Department can use to monitor overall activity and ensure appropriate use, or to drill into specific issues.

II. Student and Family Responsibilities
A. 1:1 Devices are for Student Use only.
1. The 1:1 Device may only be used by the student to whom the device is issued.
2. Students must keep their passwords private and not disclose them to others, except to parents/guardians.
3. Students are expressly prohibited from using another student’s name or password to log into their 1:1 Device or another student’s 1:1 Device.
4. Family members or others are not allowed to use the 1:1 Device except to assist the student with that student’s school assignments.
B. Students are responsible for the proper care of their 1:1 Device.
1. 1:1 Devices should only be used on a table or other flat, stable surface.
2. 1:1 Devices should be protected from extreme heat or cold and should never be left in a car, even if the car is locked.
3. Students should never eat or drink while using their 1:1 Device, or use their 1:1 Device near others who are eating or drinking.
4. Do not place heavy objects on the 1:1 Device.
5. 1:1 Devices should only be transported (both inside and outside of school) in the case provided by the District.
6. 1:1 Devices must be locked in designated lockers during PE classes and before and after school sports and may not be used in locker rooms, bathrooms, gym, or at sports events or left out of lockers at any
time.
C. 1:1 Devices should be kept free and clear of all personal markings.
1. The District’s ID tag must remain on the 1:1 Device at all times.
2. Students may not place stickers on the 1:1 Device.
3. Students may not write on, draw on, engrave or otherwise deface any 1:1 Device.
D. Students are responsible for bringing their 1:1 Device fully charged to school each day.
1. Properly charged, the 1:1 Devices have enough battery capacity to last the entire school day.
2. Power cords, which are easily lost, should be left at home.
3. If a student brings a 1:1 Device into school that is not sufficiently charged or forgets to bring his/her Device a loaner device will be issued.
4. Repeatedly failing to bring a properly charged 1:1 Device to school is grounds for discipline pursuant to the Code of Conduct.
E. The District will provide preconfigured 1:1 Devices with Internet filtering enabled pursuant to the District’s Technology Use, Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies.
1. Students are specifically prohibited from changing their 1:1 Device’s configuration or from bypassing their 1:1 Device’s Internet filter.
2. Because no filtering solution is perfect, parents/guardians are responsible for setting standards for their children and monitoring their children’s activities outside the school setting, including their use of the Internet.
F. The District will provide an approved “app store” for downloading applications and other software to the 1:1 Device. Only software from the District app store may be downloaded to the 1:1 Device.
G. Students are responsible for saving their work to their District-issued account.
1. No documents or other materials may be saved directly to the 1:1 Device.
2. Students will be provided with instructions on how to save their documents to their District-issued account.

III. Technical Support and Responsibility for Damage or Loss
A. If a 1:1 Device is not working properly or is damaged, students and their parents/guardians are required to notify the Help Desk immediately.
B. Students and their parents/guardians are expressly prohibited from attempting any repair of their 1:1 Device. Any 1:1 Device that experiences problems or needs maintenance or repair must be provided to the Help Desk for technical support and/or repair.
C. While every effort will be made by the District to fix problems “in house,” it may be necessary to return the 1:1 Device to the manufacturer for repair. If the 1:1 Device must be sent out for repair, another 1:1 Device will be provided to the student for temporary and/or permanent use.
D. In the event a student loses a 1:1 Device or a 1:1 Device is stolen, the student and/or student’s parent/guardian must report the incident to the District immediately and file a police report.
E. The District will be self-insuring 1:1 Devices against accidental damage. In the event, however, that the District determines the Device was damaged or lost/stolen due to the failure to follow these 1:1 Program Guidelines, the District may require the student’s parent/guardian to reimburse the District for such damage or loss on a case-by-case basis.

Custody Issues

If there is an issue with the custody of your child, please be sure that the current custody agreement is filed with the district registrar and in the school office.

Dances

It is the expectation of the District that all students will behave in an appropriate manner at all school events, as outlined in the District Code of Conduct. The participation of students at school dances is also governed by the rules and regulations of the Code.

• In order to attend school dances, students must be in good standing behaviorally.
• Students attending high school dances must be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 at Bethlehem Central High School. Bethlehem Central students who are in an out of district program may attend school dances by contacting the High School Main Office. They must be in good standing at their placement in order to attend.
• Guests attending high school dances may be no older than 19 years of age and must be approved in advance by the building principal. No middle school students are allowed. Valid parental contact numbers for each guest must be provided and verified.
• Invited guests from outside the district may attend when accompanied by a BCHS student and when a guest form has been completed and approved by the principal of the guest’s school. Students may pick up forms from the main office and must submit the form to the Bethlehem Central High School principal prior to 3:00 p.m. on the day preceding the dance.
• Dances typically begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. Students are expected to leave the building immediately after the dance ends.
• Tickets may be purchased in advance and, often, also at the door. Students will sign in at the entrance. A cap of 1,100 will be placed on the number of tickets sold.
• Students and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be subject to the penalties of the District as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Guests of students under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be required to leave. (Note: the Code of Conduct does not apply to non-students.)
• Chaperones may use passive alcohol sensors prior to and/or during the dances to more accurately determine whether or not a student has consumed alcohol. The passive alcohol sensor is a screening device and is not a Breathalyzer. This device will be used to check all students when they enter the dance and periodically during the event.
• If it is determined that the student has been drinking, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be called and disciplinary consequences will follow in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.
• If a chaperone or monitor suspects a student may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time during the dance, the student will be removed and referred to an administrator or school resource officer for review and/or testing.
• Students may not enter the dance more than one hour past the start time of the dance. Athletes playing in away games or students participating in other BCHS events will be able to purchase a ticket and sign-in upon
  their return to BCHS.
• Students must sign out if they leave earlier than one hour before the scheduled end of the dance. Students
  will not be re-admitted into the dance once they sign out.
• All coats, jackets, bags and purses will be placed in an area upon entrance. None will be allowed into the dance.
• No bottles of any kind may be brought on to the premises.
• The cafeteria will be open for students to purchase food and/or beverages during the dance. No food or beverages will be allowed outside the cafeteria.
• In order to maintain a safe environment, the dance floor must be accessible at all times. There must be sufficient space for students and chaperones to easily walk through the dance floor at any point.
• Chaperones will be zoned throughout the entrance and exit hallway, the dance floor and perimeter, the cafeteria, the breezeway and the bathroom hallway. Chaperones will also monitor the bathrooms.
• Appropriate dress is expected. Footwear will be worn at all times. Also, students will not be allowed to wear or carry sunglasses into the dances. Students will not be allowed to wear hats or head coverings, except for religious purposes, into the dances.

Daily Bulletin

Announcements for the daily morning bulletin should be turned in to the main office by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the announcement is to be read. These announcements may be used only to publicize events for school or town-sponsored activities and must be approved by a faculty advisor prior to submission. The morning bulletin is also posted on the High School Web page daily.

Dress Code

A. All students are expected to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance.
B. Teachers and all other District personnel should exemplify professional and appropriate attire, and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting. School staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.
C. All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming. All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual students’ clothing/self-expression.
D. Student attire shall not interfere with health or safety, contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, or disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
E. A student’s attire shall:
a. Fully cover genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples with opaque fabric.
b. Include a shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms) and pants/jeans or the equivalent (e.g., a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, shorts, dress).
c. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
F. A student’s attire shall not include:
a. Hats/headgear inside the school during the school day, except for a medical or religious purpose, or for approved activities.
b. Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).
c. Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
d. Items that are vulgar, obscene, or libelous or that denigrate others on account of real or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sex in an expressed or
implied manner.
e. Images or language that promote or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
f. Items that denote or represent gang affiliation such as bandanas, beads, jewelry, or other indicators and/or symbols intended expressly so.
G. Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item.
H. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day.
I. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including suspension.
J. Each building principal or designee shall be responsible for informing all teachers, staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the
dress code made during the school year.

Dignity for All Students Act

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) took effect on July 1, 2012, and was amended on July 1, 2013. Just as with the district’s Code of Conduct, the new law seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, school buses, and/or at school functions.

The Dignity Act includes, but is not limited to, acts of discrimination and harassment based on a student’s race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (defined to include gender identity or expression), or sex.

Prevention is the cornerstone of the District’s effort to address bullying and harassment. In order to implement this anti-bullying prevention program, principals at each school act as Dignity for All Students Act Coordinators who are trained to address issues in areas protected by the law and are accessible to the school community.

Harassment and bullying can include verbal and non-verbal conduct. They are defined as the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying, that have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional and/or physical well-being. This can apply to acts of harassment or bullying that occur: on school property; and/or at a school function; or off school property where such acts create or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.

Students are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying or harassment to an administrator, school counselor or teacher. Reporting forms are available in the Main Office and on the district website. The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires the designation of a building coordinator who will assist in the processing and investigation of incidents of bullying or harassment. Please contact the high school’s main office at 518-439-4921 to report any
incidents to the DASA coordinator.

Discipline

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs and in a way that students view as fair and impartial.

The following are descriptions of some of the school consequences students may face for code violations.

Administrative Detention

Detention is a supervised assignment after school. Students are not permitted to sleep, use headphones, cell phones or communicate with others and will be given breaks at the discretion of the monitor. Students who have been externally suspended from school and/or have discipline referrals may lose the privilege of attending an event. Legal reasons for missing detention are the same as those for excused absences. An excuse of work or personal business is not acceptable and will be treated the same as an unexcused absence. Cutting detention may result in double the assignment of detention and referral to an administrator for insubordination. Continued detention cuts will result in further sanctions.

Restricted Study Hall

Students are to spend their lunch or free period in Restricted Study Hall doing academic work. No talking, sleeping or electronic devices are allowed. Students who receive a referral for any violation while in Restricted Study Hall will be assigned additional consequences for that violation. Continued restricted study hall cuts will also result in after-school detention and referral to an administrator. 

Teacher Detention

This is an assignment of extra class attendance during Period 9. Failure to attend teacher detention will result in referral to an administrator.

In-School Suspension

Students assigned to Internal School Suspension (ISS) are required to report to the ISS room at the start of Homeroom (8:00). Students must stay until the completion of the school day at 2:16 p.m. If a student is late but arrives before 8:47 a.m., he/she may remain but must stay until 3:00 p.m. Any student arriving after 8:47 a.m. may be required to return to class and serve his/her ISS the following day. If a student becomes disruptive in ISS, the student may receive out of school suspension and re-serve the internal suspension upon return. Students will be required to sign-in and take their assigned seats. There is no sleeping allowed in ISS. There are no phones allowed in ISS. Students will be assigned work from each of their regular classroom teachers. All work assigned to the students in ISS must be completed that day. Failure to comply will result in further consequences. If a student leaves ISS without permission, the student will be suspended and parents will be contacted. The student may have to re-serve the ISS upon their return from external suspension.

External Suspension

Students who have been externally suspended from school are not permitted on the campus during the instructional day. Failure to comply may result in police involvement. An alternative for instruction and attendance credit may be achieved via home instruction and/or through participation in the district’s Suspension Instruction Program (OCIP). These students may also meet with appropriate school district personnel to discuss ways to help the students become more successful in school.

Extracurricular Activities

Participation in school extracurricular activities is a privilege. Discipline, poor attendance or academic issues may result in students being denied entry to school functions.

Students are required to be in attendance at school on the day they participate in any extracurricular activities. In order to receive credit for full day attendance students must be in school for at least half a day (4 periods).

Students who are externally suspended from school will be barred from all school functions (e.g., athletic events, dances or other school events) on the day(s) of suspension. Inappropriate behavior at extracurricular activities will result in a referral and corresponding disciplinary action. Please remember that BCHS rules follow our students to away athletic contests and other school events taking place off campus.

Prior to a special event (e.g. Homecoming, Snowball Dance, Junior Prom, Senior Ball) students who have been externally suspended from school and/or have referrals, will be subject to losing the privilege to attend. Please note that this includes referrals for being late to school.

Electronic Devices in School

In an attempt to help our students become more competent and responsible users of technology, students will be able to use their Chromebooks and mobile phones at all times in the cafeteria. In addition, students may use these electronic devices in the halls and Library Media Center (LMC) provided their use is academic in nature. (Please note that phone calls will not be allowed in the hall or LMC.) Classroom use of electronic devices will be determined by the individual teacher. Electronic Devices are NOT allowed in our restrooms or locker rooms. Violations of this policy will result in the device being confiscated and disciplinary consequences for insubordination will be assigned.

Emergency Closings

Occasionally, it is necessary for schools to be closed or delay opening because of inclement weather, facilities failure or other emergencies. School cancellations, delays or early dismissals will be posted on the district website and on local television and radio stations as soon as the decision is made.

The district uses School Messenger to communicate quickly with the community. School Messenger is a system that allows district and school leaders to communicate via email, phone and text messages for emergency notifications (i.e. weather-related closings or delays) or when time-sensitive information needs to be shared. Email will remain the primary means of communication with School Messenger. To be sure your primary contact information is up-to-date (including cell phone), please review your information in the Aspen Parent Portal. Changes to your primary contact information should be emailed to District Registrar Melissa Haas at mhaas@bethlehemschools.org.

During the school day, should conditions require an early dismissal of students, please check our website and/or listen to television or radio reports. Your child should know where to go (neighbor, relative etc.) in the case of an early dismissal. Please have a plan in place with your child.

Faculty Workroom

Students are not to be in the faculty workroom. Students are not allowed to use the copy machine or place materials directly in faculty mailboxes. Students must have faculty accompany them if they are to enter the workroom during or after school hours.

Idle-Free School Zones

BC has taken an important step to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff and community by adopting a no idling policy for school buses and private vehicles on school grounds-essentially, making our schools “idle-free zones.” The policy itself reinforces existing New York State idling restrictions, but it is our hope that by making this moral commitment, we can encourage all staff, parents and community members to observe the idle-free
zones.

Lockers

Each student will be issued a locker at the beginning of the school year. Students should not share lockers or combinations. Lockers are the property of BCHS and may be inspected by authorized school personnel at any time. Students are requested to make sure their lockers are locked and to refrain from bringing large sums of money or valuables to school. If it is necessary to bring valuables, students should deposit these in the main office at the beginning of school and collect these when they leave. The school is not responsible for loss of personal items. Please note that lockers are available for student use in the PE areas. Students should lock all belongings and valuables during participation in class.

Lost or Damaged School Materials

If a textbook or other school material given to a student is damaged or lost, students are required to pay a fee based on the condition and/or replacement cost of the book as determined by the teacher and subject supervisor. The main office will collect the money for lost or damaged textbooks or materials. When students are allowed to retain certain materials or textbooks until the time of examinations, arrangements will be made by the teacher as to where and when such materials are to be turned in. These items will not be accepted in the main office. The main office will not accept money or returned materials from individual students during examination days. During the school year, students will receive notices at regular intervals concerning overdue library materials. If materials are not retrieved after the third notice, a letter will be sent to students’ parents. If a student has outstanding fines and/or replacement costs for lost or damaged books or materials, his/her report card may not appear on Aspen, his/her student records may be withheld from other secondary schools, colleges and employers, and it may result in being denied entry to school functions.

Lost and Found

Students finding property belonging to others should bring it to the main office. A report for lost or stolen materials may be filed in the student’s assistant principal’s office. The Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria.

Middle School

High School students are not to visit or loiter on Middle School grounds when school is in session.

Military Recruiters and Access to Student Information

Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act, the school district must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students. This information is routinely used by members of the Armed Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) as well as colleges, vocational schools, collegiate scholarship information services and graduation apparel companies. The district must also notify parents of their right and the right of their child to request that the district not release such information without prior written parental consent. Parents and students wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent to the release of the above information to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning must fill-out and sign the military opt-out form. This form needs to be on file with the BCHS Main Office by Friday, October 8, 2021.

Open House

Every fall the high school holds an evening Open House for the parents. Open House is on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m. The purposes of Open House are:

• to give parents/guardians and teachers the opportunity to interact
• to provide teachers the opportunity to present an overview of the year’s program and share thoughts about standards
• to give parents/guardians the opportunity to ask questions and become actively involved in the school

Religious Holidays

The district recognizes that many religious groups within our community celebrate different holidays during the year. On occasions when scheduled school activities and observances of religious holidays conflict, district policy is to honor family requests to excuse students.

School Resource Officer

The school resource officer (SRO) is a member of the Bethlehem Town Police assigned to be in the High School on a daily basis. The SRO interacts with students, collaborates with teachers and administrators, serves as a resource for parents/guardians and connects the school to the larger community. This partnership between the school district and the Bethlehem Police Department aims to promote a more positive interaction with police and to help maintain a safe school environment conducive to learning.

School Safety Procedures

There is a specific plan in place at BCHS to ensure the safety of staff and students. Throughout the year, there are drills so that all individuals in the school are comfortable with emergency procedures. Proper information and direction will be given to all involved before, during and after any drill or emergency. Due to the seriousness of these drills, students must listen to and follow all directions.

Emergency Notification

Upon hearing an emergency notification, all students should go quickly and quietly to the nearest supervised classroom. Students should remain there until an announcement is made signaling that it is safe to continue with their schedule.

Fire Alarms and Drills

A fire evacuation plan is posted in each classroom. Students should be familiar with the exit route and be prepared to follow it if the alarm bell sounds. In the event of a fire alarm or drill, students are to proceed quietly and in an orderly fashion out of the building under the supervision and direction of staff. Students should remain with their class and be at least one hundred feet away from the building and fire hydrants. All driveways and parking lots must be kept clear to allow the passage of emergency vehicles. The signal for students and teachers to return to the building will be given over the PA system.

Go Home Drill

The annual “Go Home” drill is ordered by the Commissioner of Education in cooperation with the director of the State Civil Defense Commission. While the drill is primarily an exercise to be followed in the event of an emergency when a two-hour warning is anticipated, it is being organized also as a procedure to be followed in the event of a civil emergency. High school bus riders will be transported first. Since the high school is centered near the bus garage, the total elapsed time for getting all children home would be less than if elementary pupils were transported first. Then, too, such a plan will result in having older children home and able to care for younger ones in the event parents/guardians are away from home during an emergency. School buses will travel primary roads and drop students at points that are not greater than a half-mile walking distance from their homes.

Visitors to School

Our visitor policies are designed to ensure the safety of all students and staff and to minimize disruption to the instructional program. All visitors must present a government issued photo ID to be scanned through the Raptor visitor system. Visitors will be given a pass that must be visible at all times and must be returned when they sign out of the building. No person other than a student, an officer or employee of the district, or parent or legal guardian of a student in regular attendance at such school shall enter upon or remain on school property for any purpose without the permission of a building administrator or other authorized representative of the district having such property in charge. Violators of the above policy are subject to arrest and prosecution for disorderly conduct or trespassing. Students are not permitted to bring friends as guests to BCHS.

School Store

The school store—“The Buy It”—is open daily. In addition to selling school supplies, the school store is available as a distribution center for such items as clothing, snacks and supplementary teaching materials. All additional textbooks, review books and materials that teachers require their students to purchase will be ordered through the school store and the store will, in turn, sell these items to the students.

Student Searches

As specified by New York State Education Law, students have no right or expectation of privacy with regard to school property. School officials have the legal right and responsibility to inspect lockers or search a student’s person and/or belongings on school property. This includes vehicles parked in parking lots, if there is reasonable suspicion to search. Searches throughout the school year may be conducted by school administration, law enforcement agencies and K-9 units. These searches will be confined to the school buildings and fields, as well as school parking lots and vehicles parked on school property. Students and parents/guardians should be aware that school officials have this right by law.

Department of Special Education & Student Support Services

The Department of Special Education & Student Support Services provides a wide range of services for students in the district including support services in general education and special education services. Services available to students include the following:

Pupil Study Team

Each school’s Pupil Study Team, led by a school assistant principal, meets to discuss and make recommendations for students who require additional support. Team members can include the assistant principals, social workers, school counselors, nurses, psychologists, behavior specialists and others as appropriate.

School Social Workers

Social workers provide individual and group counseling and case management services and make recommendations for students’ behavior management plans.

Behavior Specialists

Behavior specialists conduct in-depth analyses of a student’s behavior and develop behavior management plans to assist students in being available to learning.

Committee on Special Education

Besides these services, referrals can be made to the Committee on Special Education if a student is suspected of having a disability. The committee arranges for an evaluation of the student’s abilities and needs. Based on the evaluation results, the committee decides if the student is eligible to receive special education services and programs. Parents/guardians are members of this committee. For more information on these services, please call the Pupil Personnel Services Dept. at 518-439-8886. You can also request a copy of Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3-21: A Parent’s Guide by contacting SESS.

Student Privileges

Auditing Classes

Students may choose to attend classes on an auditing basis with the permission of the teacher after the regular number of courses is scheduled. Course Audits will be posted to students transcripts pending approval of completion of the audit by the class teacher.

Early Dismissal Pass

Early release privileges are available to students in good standing. Students in grades eleven and twelve (without an off-campus pass) may leave school at the conclusion of their academic day with parent/guardian permission. Students must have a validated early release form on file in the main office. Students must use their student ID to scan out of school at a monitor station. Please note: Students who stay during period 9 (from 2:16 to 3:00 p.m.) must be in student activities, getting extra help or under the supervision of a teacher. There should not be any students loitering at this time. Once the student has left the building on an early dismissal day, they cannot come back to school that day.

Late Arrival

Students in Grades 11 and 12, who are in good academic and conduct standing and are unscheduled Period 1, may complete an application for late arrival privileges that can be obtained from the Main Office. Students with late arrival
privileges are to scan in at the Main Entrance at or before 8:47 a.m. Students arriving after 8:47 a.m. will be considered tardy. Students will lose this privilege if they arrive after 8:47 a.m., do not bring a note, or are no longer in good academic or conduct standing.

Library Media Center

During their unscheduled periods, students may use the Library Media Center for class work, research, and leisure reading. When coming from classes or study halls, students must present a pass from their teacher and scan in with their student i.d. cards. Guidelines for use of the facility and computers are posted throughout the Library Media Center. It is the responsibility of each student to know and observe posted guidelines.

Pass System

Passes will be issued by staff members to students traveling in the building other than during the change of classes. Forged notes or passes will result in disciplinary consequences.

Student Center (Cafeteria)

The cafeteria will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch is served during periods 4 through 7. When lunch is being served, students who are not eating lunch should make room at the tables for students scheduled for lunch at that time. During period 9 (until 2:30pm)the cafeteria is open for students.

Volunteer Service

School or community service can be arranged with teachers, counselors or administrators. Some examples are tutoring other students, clerical assistance, Library Media Center assistance, school activities programs, independent projects and community assistance.

Senior Privileges

To earn senior privileges, students must demonstrate the following achievements during the final ten weeks of their junior year:

• Incur no academic failures.
• Receive no more than three referrals during the ten-week evaluation time period. A referral for disrespect to faculty or staff, theft, harassment, fighting, possession or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol would
  be grounds for immediate disqualification.
• Have no on-campus parking violations.
• Have resolved any outstanding obligations, e.g., return of textbooks and equipment.

Re-evaluation for senior privileges occurs on a five-week basis throughout the senior year. All criteria for earning senior privileges must be achieved during that time frame, and students must meet with the 12th grade assistant principal prior to privileges being restored.

Senior Off-Campus Pass

A senior off-campus pass enables senior students with parental permission to leave campus during any unscheduled period. A parent/guardian can request to void this privilege at any time. Registration does not qualify a student to leave campus. Seniors are required to sign-out before leaving campus and sign-in upon return.

Loss of Senior Privileges

Seniors who have earned privileges will lose them if all conduct and academic expectations are not upheld.

Revocation of privileges may occur when a student:

• Uses the pass in an inappropriate manner.
• Illegally parks on campus or violates other parking regulations.
• Transports unauthorized students off campus.
• Fails a course, or is failing at the five- or ten-week mark.
• Receives more than three disciplinary referrals, including referrals for late to school.
• Receives a disciplinary referral for disrespect to faculty or staff, theft, harassment, fighting, truancy or possession or use of drugs or alcohol.
• Has a request by the parent to void the privilege.

Student Publications

Students have the right to express their own ideas and opinions. However, no material of an obscene, libelous or defamatory nature or which advocates religious or racial prejudice or a violation of the law or school regulations will be permitted to be distributed or posted within the school or on school grounds. Material must be submitted for approval to the publication’s student editor(s) and advisor(s), prior to distribution for the sole purpose of determining that the content meets the requirements stated above. The place and manner of distribution shall be subject to the approval of the principal. In no case shall it interfere with school programs or the orderly flow of traffic in the school or on school grounds.

Surveys

Student/faculty surveys using school facilities require the approval of the principal or subject supervisor.

Tobacco Policy

BCHS is a tobacco-free school. Students found to be using or in possession of any tobacco products or smoking devices will be disciplined according to the district’s Code of Conduct. 

Transfers/Moving 

Families moving out of the district should notify the district registrar (518-439-2442) as soon as possible. The main office should be notified as well. Notifying us in advance helps to ensure the proper gathering and summation of information for your child’s new school. A copy of test data and other information maintained by the school will be mailed to the child’s new school upon request from the parent or the new school.

Transportation

The district provides transportation to and from school for all BCHS students who live more than a mile from the High School. Information on bus routes are available on ASPEN. Routes changes are ongoing until the beginning of school so continue checking ASPEN. Please note that the times that are posted on ASPEN are approximate and may need to be adjusted the first few weeks of the school year.

Students who use district bus transportation are expected to ride on their assigned bus and be at their assigned bus stop to and from school.

Due to COVID-19 strict health and safety precautions will need to be in place. Keeping students in smaller cohorts will be part of these health and safety precautions and in order to reduce mixing student cohorts on the buses, students will not be permitted to alter from their scheduled morning and afternoon routes. If a student is transported somewhere other than their home address (second home address), that alternate transportation
would have to take place every day of the week with no exceptions.

Students, drivers and staff should maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable on the school bus. Members of the same household will be required to sit together whenever possible.

To reduce density on buses, parents are encouraged to drive their child/ren to school.

Students, drivers and staff must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school transportation (e.g., entering, exiting, and seated). If students need a face covering, they will be provided with one by the driver prior to entering the vehicle. Students who have presented documentation to the school that their physical or mental health would be impaired by wearing a face covering are not required to do so, but must be appropriately socially distanced.

Siblings or members of the same household will sit together whenever possible unless students are otherwise directed by the bus driver. Seats will be assigned to all students and they will not change unless otherwise directed by the driver.

Students embarking and disembarking buses will be required to remain socially distant to the extent possible and wear a face covering.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion to promote overall safety while riding on the school bus. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and the students on the bus at all times. Students should remain seated and obey the driver. The driver has the right to reassign students to certain seats in order to maintain good bus conduct. Students who do not behave on their school bus risk a suspension of their bus riding privilege or other school-administered consequences.

A bus pass will be required for students riding the bus after period 9, Tuesday through Friday. Please remember there will be no late buses on Mondays this school year. 

Transportation Policies and Safety Procedures

At the start of each school year, it is helpful to review school bus regulations, safety tips and procedures with all students and drivers in your family and encourage everyone to follow them. Some of them—such as stopping when encountering a school bus with flashing red lights (whether you are on the road or in a school parking lot) and obeying school zone speed limits—are state laws. They were established for the safety of everyone on the roads, especially our children!

Medications on the Bus

Medications (including Tylenol and other over- the-counter medicines and cold remedies) may not be transported on school buses. If a child needs medication, the parent should deliver it directly to the nurse’s office at their child’s school. Exceptions to this policy are handled on a case-by-case basis [examples include carrying Epi-Pens and/or sweet packs] and must first be approved by a school nurse.

Transporting Items to School

All items brought to school should be packed in a carrying case (e.g., a tote bag or backpack), which must be small enough to be held on the student’s lap and cannot exceed the top of the seat back in front of them. Students riding on a school bus may not transport food for class parties.

Transporting Large Objects and Musical Instruments

New York State Department of Transportation and federal regulations PROHIBIT bringing large items and musical instruments on school buses. This prohibition is designed to prevent the blockage of seats and aisles in the event of an accident.

Large items not allowed on the bus include, but are not limited to: alto clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, trombone, baritone saxophone, cello, guitar, tenor saxophone, tuba, baritone horn, string bass, large school projects, skateboards, bikes, fishing poles, hockey sticks, skis and poles and sleds.

Placing large items on the floor of the bus and holding them in between one’s legs is not permissible. 

The following is a partial list of items allowed on the bus if held on the student’s lap: piccolo, oboe, flute, soprano clarinet, bassoon, snare drum, alto saxophone, French horn, trumpet, violin and viola.

Other items not allowed on the bus include, but are not limited to: any weapons (real or play), pets or any live or preserved animals [except service animals], glass containers, aerosol cans, coloring paints, play putty and other arts & crafts items, especially sharp objects or objects with points. Many of these items can be used as weapons, can cause injuries to passengers or can be used to deface the interior of a school bus.

Wearing cleats aboard a school bus is also prohibited. Cleats can damage the interior of the bus and they also create an unsafe condition for our student athletes (i.e., they can be slippery on wet surfaces).

Lost Articles

Articles left on the bus are normally kept on the bus so that students can reclaim them the next day. If not claimed, articles are returned to the bus garage. Students should label their clothes and other possessions. Articles not claimed within five working days are donated to local churches or charity organizations.

Transporting Service Animals (guide dogs or companion animals)

Several state and federal laws govern the accommodation of service animals and require that such animals be allowed access everywhere. The school district is obligated to allow these animals on school buses. If this situation ever occurs, the best place for the animal while on the bus is between the student and the wall of the bus where practical. Common sense must prevail with respect to the safety of all students and the animal in question. Accommodations must be made for students who may be allergic to animal dander.

Security

New York State law strictly forbids any person from boarding a school bus without the express consent of the bus driver. This includes parents. If any time a student tells a bus driver that his or her safety is being threatened by another student(s) or by another person, the driver will immediately notify his or her supervisor(s) and ask the supervisor(s) to meet immediately after the route is done. School principal(s) will be notified immediately about any incident that threatens the safety of students or the bus driver.

Bus & Pedestrian Safety

Children are to follow the rules of safety outlined by the district. Children who have a continuous problem with practicing safety rules on the bus might need to find an alternate way of getting to and from school.

Proper Crossing Procedures

Please review these procedures with your children; if they must cross the road in front of the bus, knowledge of safe crossing procedures is vital.

• Crossers get off the bus first. When discharging passengers, the school bus driver will discharge the crossers first. Once they have safely crossed to the other side of the street, the bus driver will discharge non- crossers.
• Waiting for the signal to cross. A student getting off the bus should walk to the front of the bus to a place where he/she can see the bus driver and the bus driver can see him/ her. When all is clear, the driver will signal to the student that it is OK to cross, but as a precaution, the student should always look both ways before crossing.
• The horn warns of danger. If the driver blows the bus horn, the student should immediately return to the starting point.
• When parents meet the bus. Parents meeting the bus should wait on the side of the road where the child will be getting off and then follow the above procedures for crossing. Parents need to discourage their children from running across the road to greet them.

Parents’ Safety Responsibilities

As parents, you should carefully review these policies with all members of your family. You should pay special attention to the following bus routes and safety information:

Carefully review your child’s bus route to determine if the bus will pick up your child on the home side of the street or on the other side of the street. Please note that students are not allowed to cross a 4- lane highway to catch their bus.

Children should not cross the street to board the school bus if not required to do so.

If the designated bus stop requires your child to cross the street, follow the crossing procedures outlined here. Remember, your child should remain on the home side of the street until the bus stops completely. Your child should never cross the street until the bus driver gives the signal that it is safe to cross.

Students should arrive at the stop at least ten (10) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. The bus is considered late ten (10) minutes after the scheduled arrival time.

Drivers’ Responsibilities

• STOP—from either direction, even on divided highways—when encountering a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. The bus is either picking up or discharging riders. Proceed only when the red lights are turned off and the bus is moving again, unless waved on by the bus driver or a police officer.
• Flashing yellow lights warn that the bus is about to stop, so slow down and prepare to stop. Children may be coming from any direction.
• Be aware that school buses may not turn right on red.

Any vehicle that passes a school bus that has its flashing red lights activated will be reported to the police and/or New York State DMV.

Bus Riders’ Responsibilities 

Before the ride—

• Carry loose articles—homework, books, pens and pencils—in a backpack.
• Arrive at the bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. DO NOT wait inside your home and then run out to the bus.
• Do not rough house at the stop.
• Wait until the bus has stopped completely and its door is open before approaching it.
• If you need to transport an item too large to fit on your lap, make other arrangements to get to school that day.

During the ride—

• Listen to any instructions from the bus driver. He/she is there to prevent injury to you and others.
• No skateboards, animals, flammable materials of any kind, or medications that contain controlled substances may be transported on a school bus. The driver will not allow any of these items on the bus. Please call 518-439-3830 with any questions about specific items.
• Weapons of any kind and threatening gestures and/or comments will NOT be tolerated on the bus. A violation may result in a five- day suspension and a Superintendent’s Hearing with the possibility of more serious consequences. In accordance with the Gun Free Schools Act (1994), possession of guns on buses or school property could result in at least a one- year suspension.
• Behave on the bus as you are expected to behave in class. Be courteous; don’t use profane language.
• Eating, drinking and smoking on the bus will NOT be tolerated.
• Keep the bus clean; whatever you bring on the bus must leave with you.
• Don’t damage the bus—it’s school property, owned by the residents of the district.
• Cooperate with the bus driver, who is authorized to assign seats.
• Fighting, pushing and shoving will NOT be tolerated.
• Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus at all times.
• STAY IN YOUR SEAT, especially when the bus is moving.
• All BC buses are equipped with seat belts. All students are encouraged to use them.

Exiting the bus—

• Wait for the bus to stop completely and bus doors to open before leaving your seat.
• Get off in single file. No pushing.
• Take all your possessions and trash with you.
• Wait for the driver’s signal to cross. Never cross behind the bus or crawl under the bus.
• Do not run.

Pedestrians—

• Look all ways before crossing the street. Be sure the way is clear.
• Watch for turning cars from both the left and right.
• Walk—do not run into the street.
• Cross only at corners.
• Never cross or enter the roadway from between parked cars.
• Where there are NO sidewalks, walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic.
• If there is a sidewalk, use it.

Use of Facilities

Students must first see their advisors and discuss the event or activity (e.g., dances, bake sales, fundraisers etc.) they are planning. The date for use of a school facility will be approved through one of the assistant principals. The clearance for rooms and facilities will be made through the Assistant Principals’ administrative assistant. Advisors and chaperones must be present at all functions. Facilities are not available on Sundays.

Working Papers

All students between the ages of 14 and 17, inclusive, must have working papers in order to be employed at any time during the year. Instructions and application forms are available at the main office. Students may have working papers issued to them either in the school district in which they live or in the school district in which they are going to work. Working papers will also be issued to students during the months of July and August in the main office.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program

Meals at school are available to all students each day. Monthly menus are emailed to students and available on the district website (from the homepage, look for “Quicks Links” and select “Lunch Menus” or visit the Food Services Webpage.

Cafeteria Information

Our mission is to provide your student(s) with delicious, healthy, affordable and safe options for meals and snacks at school. High School students are offered breakfast from the BC Blend Café starting at 7:30 am, a wide variety of grab and go or traditional lunch options starting 3rd period (9:39 am) and continuing through scheduled lunch periods until the After School Cafe opens during 8th period. The After School Cafe closes at 2:30 pm daily. We strive to create an environment which is friendly and promotes nutritious choices to support the learning environment at BCSD. In an effort to support the local community and procure the freshest ingredients, BCSD Food Services purchases locally whenever possible. If you have questions or comments regarding the services we provide, please contact Allissa Eiser, RD, Food Service Director. 

How can my student purchase meals or snacks at school?

Meals are free for all students for the 2021-22 school year. Snack or A la Carte purchases are available and do require funds on a student’s meal account or in hand. During meal times, the cashier can discreetly identify your student by their ID number, barcode of their ID card, or by their name and school picture using our Point-of-Sale system. They will charge the student’s purchases to their account and/or take payments or deposits.

How can I put money on my student’s meal account?

We offer many payment options for purchases of food at school. We encourage parents to take advantage of our convenient online payment service at www.myschoolbucks.com.

Why should I set up an online payment account?

••Parents with more than one child in the district can create a family account and handle all online prepayments for their children from this one account.
••Parents will have the ability to print out a copy of their child’s eating history within the past 30 days to track and control purchases.
••Parents can set up email alerts for low account balances as well as automatic payment schedules for worry-free account management.

How to Set Up an Online Payment Account:

• Log in to Aspen at https://aspen.bethlehemcentral.org/
• On homepage, under “Group Resources,” you will find a document entitled “NutriKids/MySchoolBucksInformation” This document provides detailed instructions about the MySchoolBucks system.
• In Aspen, locate your child’s student identification number under the “Demographics” tab.
• With this number, visit www.myschoolbucks.com to create an account. Parents will need their child’s name, student ID number and school ZIP code to create an account.

If you do not have an account with Aspen or if you have lost your Aspen login information, please email HelpMe@bethlehemschools.org. In order to use this service, a convenience fee of $2.75 will be assessed for each transaction. This fee is paid to the service provider, not the school district.

You may also pay by check made out to the “BC Food Services” sent to your student’s school. Although we do accept cash payments, we strongly discourage them as they are more difficult to track. To secure checks or cash sent to schools with students, we recommend sending in a sealed envelope marked with school lunch and the student’s name. Our cashiers have very limited amounts of change so please have close to exact payment or be willing to deposit the change onto the meal account.

What happens if my student doesn’t have money to pay for their meal?

Since breakfast and lunch meals will continue to be available for free to ALL students, there will be no need for charging meals this school year. A la Carte (Snack) purchases are not included in the USDA’s free meals program. Items like milk carton, water bottle, etc…require funds on the student’s account or cash or check payment to purchase.  Students without funds will NOT be allowed to purchase these items. To find the complete list of A la Carte items available by level, see the Snack Menus linked on the website. The District’s current meal charging policy outside of USDA’s current pandemic/emergency free meals program can be found on the Food Services page. 

Free and Reduced Price Meal Information for 2021-22
Since the USDA had extended free meals for ALL students for 2021-22, families do NOT need to complete the application for Free Meals. If you received or expect to receive P-EBT benefits this year and need that to continue, you will need to complete the application for free meals. Our information is what P-EBT will use to qualify your child. If you receive a Letter of Direct Certification from us then you do NOT need to complete the application. Please note that all information received on applications is strictly confidential. If you have questions or need assistance completing the applications, contact Manon Desjardins, Food Service Technician,
mdesjardins@bethlehemschools.org.