It's a house call to kick off the school year for part of the Bethlehem Area School District.

Dressed in bright blue t-shirts that read "Southside Stride," Fountain Hill teachers Corey Harvey and Amy Emrick are making sure kids recognize a friendly face when they walk into school the very first time.

"I think it's really important that we reach out into the community," said Emrick. "The families get to see the teachers firsthand and also to give the students something to look forward to and feel a little more prepared."

Sean Connolly’s Bethlehem Area colleagues playfully call him famous, a nod to his recent TikTok success. And though Connolly always pushes back, his fellow educators have a point.

The gifted and learning support teacher at Hanover Elementary School started posting short educational videos on TikTok, a social media app, in early 2023. In the months since, he has gained 130,000 followers, accumulated more than 5 million total likes and even attracted the attention of music icon Taylor Swift.

Associate Nurse

Ms. Miller works tirelessly to communicate and collaborate with staff, students, and parents. Her outstanding work ethic, taking pride in her work, and delivering the best care possible to her students has made her an asset to Freemansburg, Lincoln, and our health services team. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Spanish Teacher

Ms. Thibaud's hard work, dedication, and caring are truly above and beyond. She is flexible and caring in helping meet the needs of our families and teachers. She helps translate on the spot when we need help. She jumps in wholeheartedly to help her fellow teachers any way she can. She is an incredible addition to the BASD staff.

Ms. Thibaud's compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Guidance Counselor

Mr. DeRaymond has worked at William Penn for almost 30 years. His dedication to students, parents, and staff is unparalleled. He willingly helps everyone and goes the 'extra mile' so that each student can be ready to learn everyday. Mr. DeRaymond is Built by Bethlehem and is a graduate of Freedom High School and Lehigh University where he earned his Master's degree. 

We are proud that he is a part of the BASD Counseling Program and are grateful for all his dedication and committment. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Technology Teacher

Ms. Bennett received the DaVinci STEAM Education Award at the STEAM Celebration. 

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and for bringing STEAM to life in BASD, Broughal Middle School, and our community. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Grade 3 Teacher

Mrs. Fontanez is a postivie, driven, student-centered educator who always sees the best in her students and looks for new techniques and strategies to engage, support, and find success for her students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Bethlehem Area School District board members Monday accepted the retirement of Superintendent Joseph Roy.

Roy's tenure with the district will end on July 15, 2023.

In the same slate of votes, the board approved the appointment of Jack Silva as superintendent.

Community School Coordinators help to make our schools a true hub in their community. They are a resource that students, families, and staff appreciate every day. This week they spent time focusing on self-care, setting goals, and embracing Leader in Me work. BASD has 8 Community School Coordinators at 8 of our BASD Schools.

Mr. Harris was named PA Region 2 Athletic Director of the Year! Congratulations!

Certified School Nurse

Ms. Kratzer has patience and a kind demeanor with every student that enters the health room. There is no injury too big or too small for her tender, loving care. When a serious situation occurs, she can easily make educated and calculated decisions with a smile on her face. We are so blessed to have such a dedicated and talented nurse taking care of our school community. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

The Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce their intention to appoint Dr. Jack P. Silva as the next Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District effective July 2023. The Board of School Directors will vote to approve Dr. Silva at their April 24, 2023, School Board Meeting. Dr. Silva will succeed Dr. Joseph Roy who has served as the District’s Superintendent since 2010.

Community School Coordinator

Mrs. Hoffman loves the students and puts their needs first. She motivates the staff and loves to be a part of everything they do. She goes above and beyond teaching SEL lessons to entire classes. Her passion for her students and community is contagious. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

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Associate School Nurse

Ms. Haberstumpf is caring and compassionate and does more than apply bandages. She communicates with the students on their level, whether they are kindergarteners or high school student seniors. She has excellent communication skills when training school staff and educating families and students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Guidance Counselor

Ms. Szaro is a passionate, caring, involved counselor who is there for every student who needs her. She goes above and beyond her role to ensure a safe school community. Everyone loves Ms. Szaro, from our students to our staff to our families.

Ms. Szaro is Built by Bethlehem and now Building Bethlehem. She attended Miller Heights, East Hills, Freedom, Moravian University, and Lehigh University. She completed her School Counselor internship at Freemansburg and Freedom. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

March 3, 2023 is National School Maintenance Staff Appreciation Day. Thank you for all that you do for our district!

The Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce the official opening of a Wellness Center at Freedom High School. The Wellness Center is designed to support our students at Freedom High School servicing, social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on February 24, 2023 to officially unveil the center to the community.

Clearview Elementary School teacher Emily Gleason is this year's Miss Bethlehem! Emily is competing in the MIss USA State Preliminaries with aspirations of representing the state at Miss USA! BASD Superintendent Dr. Joseph J. Roy visited Miss Gleason's classroom to learn more about how she is using her journey to inspire her students to pursue goals that may be challenging and new. Thank you and best of luck from all of us in the BASD!

Principal

Principal stands for all Mr. Amato is...

Patient

Resilient

Influencer

Nurturing

Compassionate

Integrity

Peacemaker

Appreciated

Leader

For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

A Pennsylvania superintendent engaged the audience with stories and action steps to evaluate and improve the School Resource Officer program in their districts. This story was produced by Michael Ellson at the 2023 AASA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit nce.aasa.org/conference-daily-online.

Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Johnson is a fierce advocate for her students and works tirelessly to meet their needs. She maintains an asset-based and growth mindset each day. Ms. Johnson digs deep to know her students and families and she focuses on building a positive classroom community. She is a pillar of support for the Lincoln family and leads a variety of initiatives and programs to help enrich the leadership, culture, and academics at Lincoln. 

Industrial Arts Teacher

You lead by example and offer the best of yourself each day. You are a teacher, stage creator, electrician, video/sound engineer, event coordinator, mentor, and so much for Liberty and BASD. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Grade 1 Teacher

You lead by example and offer the best of yourself each day. You teach your students to problem solve and advocate for themselves through the use of the 7 Leader in Me habits. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed.

For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Bus Driver

Whether it be students, parents, staff, or visitor that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, empathetic, and kind, and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Principal

You are dedicated and caring and go above and beyond for staff, students, parents, and the Miller Heights community. Your compassion and graces helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Bus Driver

Whether it be students, parents, staff, or visitor that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, empathetic, and kind, and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Learning Support Teacher

Mrs. Caiazzo is always going above and beyond for all students. She comes to work everyday with a smile on her face, ready to do whatever it takes for kids. Not only does she do what's best for kids, but she's always lending a helping hand for her colleagues as well. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Bus Driver

Whether it be students, parents, staff, or visitor that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, empathetic, and kind, and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

BASD Art Teachers received the Outstanding Visual Arts Community Award from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association. Congrats to all our BASD Art Teachers. (Dr. Silva, Dr. Anthes, Tiffany Anderson, Jaime Bloss, Heidi Landis, Liz Rega, Jaime Toohey, and Board Member Dr. White)

Kindergarten Teacher

Thank for caring, listening, and challenging your students. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Librarian

East Hills Library is outstanding because of Mrs. Dennis! She makes it absolutely amazing for students, staff, and visitors! She is always looking for ways to get books in our students' hands. She works with students as individuals and makes recommendations that are specific to the student. The East Hills Family is grateful for all the additional assets that Mrs. Dennis brings to school.

Colleagues describe her as organized, helpful, responsible, efficient, energetic, and a leader. Students describe her as tech savvy, passionate, fierce, kind-hearted, supportive, and creative. 

Grade 3 Teacher

Thank you for inspiring and igniting the imagination and instilling the love of learning in your students. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Secretary

Whether it be students, staff, or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Dr. Harrison Bailey III, Principal of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and PA’s 2021 High School Principal of the Year, had an article published in the September 2022 AARP Bulletin, High School Principal Sees Fallout from Social Isolation.

In this episode of our "Built by Bethlehem" series, BASD Communications Manager, Barbara Clymer, visits with first year Clearview Elementary First Grade Teacher, Jordan Umstead.

Parents as Teachers Program Supervisor

Thank you for your 25 years of service in the PAT Program! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Business Office Accountant

Whether it be staff or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic, and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Congratulations to Adam Carpenter of East Hills Middle School on being surprised as one of this year's Air Products Salute to Diversity Award winners. The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.

Congratulations to Katia Rodriguez of Calypso Elementary School on being surprised as one of this year's Air Products Salute to Diversity Award winners. The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.

Bethlehem, PA is one of 27 cities nationwide that has been selected to be a site for The Kennedy Center's Any Given Child arts education program.

On this edition of Lehigh Valley Arts Salon, Silagh White looks at how the program will expand arts education for K-8 students with guests Dr. Jack Silva, assistant superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District and Lisa Jordan, managing director and ensemble member of Touchstone Theatre.

Click here to listen to the podcast!

Mr. Aristakesian brings to the District a wealth of knowledge. His vast experiences include over 15 years of progressive leadership in finance and auditing in both the private and public sectors. He served as Chief Audit Officer at Norfolk State University, Senior Internal Auditor at Columbia University, and Internal Audit Manager at New York Power Authority.

Bethlehem Area School District would like to celebrate Community School Coordinators Week!

Thank you to our tireless professionals on their work that makes a daily difference in our community.

Broughal Middle School - Alicia Creazzo
Donegan Elementary School - Rosa Carides-Hof
Fountain Hill Elementary School - Paige Hoffman
Lincoln Elementary School - Gena Holmes
Marvine Elementary School - Luis Vasquez
Northeast Middle School - Kim Bush
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School - Nancy Ettwein
William Penn Elementary School - Amanda Madea

Secretary

Whether it be student, staff or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Reading Specialist

You always go above and beyond for staff, students, and the Fountain Hill community. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

50 years as a school crossing guard! Susan Schmidli started at the corner of Linden and North in 1972. Last week she finished her 50th year keeping the students of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School safe! And she’s not retiring! In the fall, she starts Year 51.

An integral part of our Broughal Middle School family - our head custodian, Mr. Sule. Recognition at the Bethlehem Area School District Custodial Picnic and Awards Ceremony. Thank you for all you do!

What were you doing on Dec 17, 1985? Bobby Langensiepen, Head Custodian at Spring Garden Elementary School, started his custodial career that day at Bethlehem Area School District. He now retains the title of “Senior Scrubber” until his retirement when the torch (or scrubber) will be passed.

The big winner selected as this year’s overall Bethlehem Area School District's Custodian of the Year is Don Favinger of Donegan Elementary School! Way to go Don!

Congrats to Bethlehem Area School District's Secondary School Custodian of the Year Eric Scipio! Eric supports the students and community in the athletic areas of Liberty High School.

Congrats to Bethlehem Area School District's Elementary School Custodian of the Year Daryl Klotz! Daryl is the Head Custodian at Asa Packer Elementary School.

Grade 5 Teacher

You are dedicated and caring and go above and beyond for staff, students, and the Calypso community. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Since 2000, the B.E.S.T. Awards reward excellence in teaching at the K-12 levels in the Bethlehem Area School District. The Bethlehem Educational Scholastic Trust (B.E.S.T.) Fund at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation began more than two decades ago by a group of Bethlehem civic & business leaders who believed that the work of teachers is so critical to the community - as well as to the students - that outstanding teachers required special recognition. 

Special Education Teacher

You provide insight, wisdom, support, and love to all Governor Wolf students and staff. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

This year's award recipient is Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District.

School Psychologist

Whether it be students, staff, or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. Thank you for your kind, loving, friendly, and respectful way you treat everyone. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

School Nurse

Whether it be students, staff, or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are an amazing school nurse who is incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Daniel Wynn, a German teacher at Northeast Middle School, was asked to take over the TV Studio project in the fall of 2021. He accepted with enthusiasm, despite having broken equipment and no funds to replace. He knew he wanted to empower his students to take on the TV Studio and become a student-led Journalism Club. 

BASD Elementary Art Teacher

Ms. Rega is currently an elementary art teacher in BASD and recently received the distinguished Alumni Excellence Award from Kutztown University. In addition, she has designed and implemented two grants from The Foundation for the BASD resulting in a Film Festival and a Mosaic installation, organized student work in a local children's hospital, and served on a committee organizing cultural engagement projects and was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our Bethlehem Area School District teachers, teacher assistants, and staff members who make this the best district in the entire state of Pennsylvania. You are the best of the best, and we thank you for all that you do for our students and community.

Secretary

Whether it be students, staff, or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools

Your creativity, amazing work ethic, positive personality, and fun side are just some qualities that make you so wonderful. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

English Teacher/Literacy Coach

Thank you for inspiring and igniting the imagination and instilling the love of learning in your students. Thank you for helping establish the Buddies Helping Buddies Club at Freedom! Thank you from the BASD school community for your hard work and dedication to our students, staff, and families!

First Grade Teacher

Thank you for inspiring and igniting the imagination and instilling the love of learning in your students. Thank you from the Freemansburg School Community for your hard work and dedication to our students, staff, and families! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

April 4 - April 8 is National Assistant Principals Week, and the Bethlehem Area School District would like to say "Thank You " to all of our Assistant Principals across the district. We appreciate your efforts in providing incredible learning environments for our children.

Kim Harper, Bethlehem Area School District’s supervisor of literacy and humanities K-12, was named for her “diligent work to bring the best, most researched teaching strategies, curriculum and supports” to the district.

The Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce the district received six “2021 Excellence in Education Communication” awards from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA).

Grade 6 Mathematics Teacher

Thank you for your unique ability to connect, engage, and motivate your students to do their best in the academic setting. Thank you for your passion, humor, and leadership skills that make 6th grade an unforgettable experience for your students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Supervisor of Child Care

Thank you for being an amazing leader! Thank you for all the positive changes you have made to the child care program. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

The Bethlehem Area School District is excited to announce the establishment of an Office of Equity Initiatives to guide our BASD equity work. While every BASD staff member must have a commitment to equity and own their piece of our equity work, the wide range of current initiatives cutting across every academic and operational department in the district requires greater dedicated district level leadership.

Transportation Maintenance Supervisor

Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for all BASD students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Guidance Counselor

Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for Liberty High School students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Supervisor of Professional Learning and Technology Integration

Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for all BASD students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Kindergarten Teacher

Thank you for the compassion and grace you have for all the students and staff at Clearview Elementary School. Thank you for inspiring hope, igniting imagination, and instilling the love of learning in our students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Coordinator of School Safety and Emergency Management

Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to BASD staff during the pandemic. Thank you for continuing to keep our buildings safe. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

February 8, 2022…”Reik Foust Day” in Bethlehem as declared by Mayor Reynolds! Congrats to Reik, one of our aquatic supervisors, who celebrated 600 wins over his 35+ year career as a swim coach in Bethlehem, currently at the YMCA and Liberty High School. We are so proud of you and feel very fortunate to have you on staff

Guidance Counselor

You are valuable. You are seen. You are appreciated. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!

Congrats to Alicia Creazzo, Broughal Middle School's Community School Coordinator, who was named Weis Hero of the Game earlier this week for her service to the Bethlehem community!

Secretary

Thank you for going above and beyond in all that you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for Freedom High School students and staff. For all that you do, for all that you are, thank you!

Bethlehem City Council has appointed the first Black person to serve as a member of the council in the city’s history. Council unanimously voted Tuesday to appoint Wandalyn Enix to take the seat vacated by J. Williams Reynolds after he resigned in January to be sworn in as the city’s mayor. Enix was selected out of 11 candidates who submitted applications for the position.

Dr. Vivian Robledo, Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for the Bethlehem Area School District, has announced that she is moving on to new and exciting opportunities. Vivian has served BASD for the past 23 years. 

Ashlee Woodson was announced as the new Principal of Freemansburg Elementary School during the Bethlehem Area School District Board meeting this evening. Ashlee Woodson most recently served as Assistant Principal at Nitschmann Middle School. 

Athletic Director

Thank you for being a teacher, mentor, friend, coach, and administrator! Thank you for always supporting our BASD students. Thank you for your compassion and grace for Liberty High School students and staff!

New Bethany Ministries, a local nonprofit providing basic-need services, housing, and support that lift individuals out of poverty, recently appointed César Cordova and Marcie Lightwood to its Board of Directors. While offered positions in fall 2021, Cordova and Lightwood officially begin their duties in January 2022. 

Guidance Counselor

We'd like to acknowledge the efforts of commitment, love, guidance, and dedication you have for the Nitschmann students on a daily basis. We want you to know that your influence on the lives you touch daily can never be erased.

"Aida is a Secretary at Governor Wolf Elementary School wo has gone above and beyond her normal secretary duties. She's helped when I've needed it without me having to ask. She is quick to get back to me if I've had just a simple question. She is appreciated and deserves this recognition! Best secretary, ever."

Krystal Davis/Strausser

(Nathaniel Strausser's mom)

Freedom's coach Jason Roeder holds the District 11 Class 6A championship trophy in the team's weight room. The Patriots won nine straight games en route to the title and finished 11-3. 

Jason Roeder believes he has one of the best coaching staffs of any high school program in the state. It’s a dedicated group committed to hard work and getting the best out of the kids they work with virtually 365 days a year.

"Thank you Mrs. Jackson for all your hard work. You have gone above and beyond when it comes to ensuring Scarlett and her class learn at their own pace. You've taken the time to personalize her approach at learning and it doesn't go unnoticed. Scarlett and our family appreciates you more than you know."

The Bream Family

Donna Farizan meets Jerome Hymans, a popular head custodian at Farmersville Elementary. Students and teachers say he goes above and beyond, so to say thank you, they came together for a party full of big surprises.

"Thank you for the magic you create in you classroom. My daughter has done a complete 360 since entering your classroom. She loves going to school and even wants to go on the weekends".

Rachel Wallace

"Thank you Mrs. Dell for always giving my son the recognition to keep wanting to do amazing things. You make him want to do his best and be extra helpful with other students. I appreciate you!"

Ms. Janell Colon

Congratulations to Dra. Vivian Robledo, Bethlehem Area School District Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs, on winning Educator of the Year at the Golden Latin Awards!

BASD's Executive Chef Laura McCann and Mrs. Eva Howells and Ms. Quay Matyus from East Hills Middle School led a team of 13 students who made 120 Thanksgiving meals for the Lynfield Community Center in South Bethlehem.

In this episode we define trauma, how to respond to it, and what caregivers can do to help at home. Guests: Ann Marie Vaughn, Principal, Clear Run Intermediate, Pocono Mt. School District; Rebecca Keptner, 8th grade teacher at Broughal Middle School; Kory Kutzler Supervisor of Special Education for the Partial Hospitalization Program for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.

Click here to watch the video. 

It may take a few seconds to find her in this photo, because she would rather the spotlight shine on her students. But FHE’s principal, Mrs. Stambaugh, deserves some special recognition of her own.

The purpose of The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District is to enhance the learning opportunities for all students. Over $20,000 total in grants are awarded to several staff members, whose innovative ideas were chosen to be funded for the 2021-2022 school.

Long-term school directors across the State are being honored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association at local school board meetings. Thank you to Michael Faccinetto, Craig Neiman, Angela Sinkler.

Congratulations to Jamie Bloss for receiving the “Outstanding Elementary Art Educator” award from The Pennsylvania Art Education Association!