Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) will dismiss all students early on Friday, November 7, at 10:30 a.m.

This early dismissal will accommodate a large number of staff and students expected to attend a scheduled Celebration of Life honoring longtime BCHS French teacher Michele Atallah, who passed away on Sunday, November 2.

The early dismissal applies to BCHS only. All other schools in the Bethlehem Central School District will operate on a regular schedule.

On Friday, there will be bus transportation to morning CTE classes only. There will be no afternoon BOCES and all afterschool activities are cancelled. No regular lunches will be served. Breakfast will be available for all students. Buses will run their regular routes for arrival and dismissal.

Celebration of Life at Thacher Park

The Celebration of Life is being hosted by Michele Atallah’s family. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thacher Park, in the Helderberg Room of the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is located at 830 Thacher Pk Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186. Students, staff, families, alumni and retirees are welcome to pay their respects at any time during those hours.

Per Madame Atallah’s wishes, the family requests that guests wear bright colors instead of black, and come prepared to leave a message, photo or memory about Madame Atallah.

The family has also requested that, instead of flowers, those wishing to pay their respects to Madame Atallah plant a tree — or even an acorn — in her memory. A donation in Madame Atallah’s name may also be made to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.

Counselors will also be at the high school on Friday for anyone who may need additional support after returning from Thacher Park. There will also be cookies and snacks available in the cafeteria for students and staff returning to the school by bus. Retirees and alumni are also welcome to stop by the high school for refreshments, camaraderie and support.