In honor of the commitment and time school board directors volunteer on behalf of our schools and communities all year long, January is designated School Director Recognition Month. The work of these public servants is vital to the success of our students and schools. 

Thank you for your support of the BASD United Way Fundraiser at the Liberty Freedom Football Game. The two winners were Jennifer Wooley (pictured on the left) and Denise Halfich (pictured on the right). A special thank you to Hotel B and Bitty & Beau's for your donation of the prizes.

Congratulations to Bethlehem Area School District board director Dr. Karen Beck Pooley, recently inducted as the 13th member of PSBA's Allwein Society! This honor recognizes outstanding leaders and advocates for public education in PA. We applaud Dr. Beck Pooley's service and commitment!

Three retiring Trustees were recognized for their service on The Foundation for the BASD's board. James (Jim) Santanasto was a trustee since July 1, 2017. During his tenure he served on the Finance Committee, Marketing Committee, and Special Events Committee.

Caroline DiPipi-Hoy was a trustee since July 1, 2016. She served as the Secretary for two school years and on the Grants Committee, Strategic Planning Task Force and was the DEIB Committee Chairperson.

Joel Keeler was a trustee since July 1, 2019. He served on the DEIB Committee and Special Events Committee.

Celebrating 100 years of Liberty High School, Nitschmann Middle School, and Hotel Bethlehem on Main Street. There were beautiful music performances by Bethlehem Area School District students. Thank you Hotel Bethlehem! 

St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) spent more on charity and community investment than it received in tax breaks, ranking it among the top 25 in the nation.

SLUHN made the Lown Institute’s top 25 list of health care systems with “fair share” surpluses: coming in at 16 in the nation. It was the only health care system in Lehigh Valley to receive recognition.

“This report’s findings reflect the level of St. Luke’s commitment to the communities we serve,” said St. Luke’s Vice President of Community Health Dr. Rajika Reed. “At St. Luke’s, we’re more than talk. We walk the walk.”

D'Huy Engineering's President, Arif Fazil, was awarded 2021 Engineer of the Year by the Lehigh Valley Section American Society of Civil Engineers. Congratulations!

Thank you to all of our community partners for supporting our mission during a challenging year in education. With YOUR support, $174,501.98 was presented to @BethlehemAreaSD for the 2020/2021 school year. This check will be used for numerous educational programs and teacher innovation grants for the Bethlehem Area School District. 

1925-2021

Walter Pocalyko, for decades a leader in Bethlehem Township and the Bethlehem Area School District, died in Weslaco, Texas, on June 14, 2021. He was 96.