Active Learning Centers
1-833-ALC-KIDS
Before & After Care
The question of before and after care can be a challenging one, especially for working parents. How will your child get to school? Who will help him or her with her homework? We’ve heard many such issues from the parents we serve, and we’ve crafted an ideal solution so your school-aged child can be safe, get to and from school every day, work on homework, be with friends, and have fun.
With our Before and After Care program, parents are able to drop their children off before school and they will have a safe place to prepare for the day ahead. Parents experiencing a time crunch are welcome to bring breakfast with them and our capable staff will make sure the kids are fed before they leave for school.
After school, the children will have snack time and then be given the time and help needed to complete their homework. Once school work is out of the way, the children will have the opportunity for individual and group play. Children will never be parked in front of a television or allowed indefinite screen time. While we do have electronics available for homework help, while your child is at ALC we’ll be emphasizing homework help and then active, engaged play.
EMMAUS : 610-966-2234
PALMER: 610-829-1818 TREXLERTOWN : 484-460-1806 FOGELSVILLE : 610-366-8084 BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP : 610-984-1025
Transportation:
Provided to and from school (see below for a complete list of schools we service). In the event of snow days or early school closings we will remain open. You just won’t find this level of convenience anywhere else in the area.
Schools where we pick up and drop off:
Emmaus Location:
East Penn School District
Lincoln Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Lower Macungie Middle School
Southern Lehigh
Hopewell Elementary
Liberty Bell Elementary
St. Michael the Archangel (Lim e port) )
Private Schools
St. Ann’s Catholic School
Seven Generation Charter School
Palmer Location:
Easton School District
Edward Tracy Elementary
Palmer Elementary
Paxinosa Elementary
Shawnee Elementary
Nazareth Area School District
Kenneth M. Butz Elementary
Lower Nazareth Elementary
Nazareth Intermediate
Floyd R. Shafer Elementary
Wilson Area School District
Wilson Area Intermediate
Wilson Borough Elementary
Fogelsville Location:
Parkland School District
Cetronia Elementary
Fogelsville Elementary
Fred J. Jaindl Elementary
Kernsville Elementary
Orefield Middle
Parkway Manor Elementary
Schnecksville Elementary
Springhouse Middle
Veterans Memorial Elementary
Northwestern Lehigh School District
Weisenberg Elementary
Circle of Seasons Charter School
Trexlertown Location:
Alburtis Elementary
Eyer Middle
Lower Macungie Middle
Macungie Elementary
Shoemaker Elementary
Wescosville Elementary
Willow Lane Elementary
Bethlehem Location:
Bethlehem School District
Governor Wolf Elementary
Miller Heights Elementary
Spring Garden Elementary
Marvine Elementary
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
William Penn Elementary
Freemansburg Elementary
Farmersville Elementary
Moravian Academy
East Hills Middle School
Northeast Middle School
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
St. Anne School
Moravian Academy Middle School
EMMAUS : 610-595-9792
PALMER: 610-595-9116 TREXLERTOWN : 610-632-8293 FOGELSVILLE : 610-998-3773 BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP : 610-510-7717
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- BETHLEHEM, PA
Bethlehem Area School District
- grade B Overall Grade
- Rating 4.12 out of 5 123 reviews
Report Card
- Academics grade B minus
- Diversity grade A
- Teachers grade B
- College Prep grade B+
- Clubs & Activities grade A minus
- Administration grade B
- Sports grade A
- Food grade C+
- Resources & Facilities grade C minus
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Bethlehem Area School District Rankings
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- Most Diverse School Districts in Pennsylvania 11 of 497
- Best School Districts for Athletes in Pennsylvania 50 of 489
- Best School Districts in Pennsylvania 165 of 496
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Elementary Schools in Bethlehem Area School District
Hanover elementary school, miller heights elementary school, asa packer elementary school.
- Rating 3.4 out of 5 5 reviews
James Buchanan Elementary School
Governor wolf elementary school, popular colleges.
Niche users from this school district are most interested in the following colleges.
- grade A Penn State 649 Students
- grade A minus Temple University 623 Students
- grade B minus Northampton Community College 478 Students
- grade A University of Pittsburgh 455 Students
- grade B minus Moravian University 413 Students
- grade A+ Lehigh University 324 Students
- grade A minus Drexel University 284 Students
- grade B minus Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 273 Students
- grade B minus Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg 262 Students
- grade B minus West Chester University of Pennsylvania 232 Students
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- Instruction 64%
- Support Services 33%
Living in the Area
- Cost of Living grade B minus
- Good for Families grade B+
- Housing grade C+
Bethlehem Area School District Reviews
- Rating 5 out of 5 Excellent 45 reviews ( 37 %)
- Rating 4 out of 5 Very Good 53 reviews ( 43 %)
- Rating 3 out of 5 Average 21 reviews ( 17 %)
- Rating 2 out of 5 Poor 3 reviews ( 2 %)
- Rating 1 out of 5 Terrible 1 reviews ( 1 %)
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BASD administrators strongly advise against granting Bethlehem STEAM Academy charter
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Area schools administrators strongly advised against granting charter school status to the proposed Bethlehem STEAM Academy at a special meeting Monday, citing numerous issues with community support and academics.
Superintendent Jack Silva and Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Maureen Leeson both recommended the school board vote against the charter school, which consultant David Piperato had pitched as a school offering “rigorous academic content emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts and math .”
Monday’s meeting was an extension of the original presentation for the charter on Dec. 18.
At that meeting, Piperato, a former Easton Area School District superintendent, offered a presentation for Bethlehem STEAM Academy, a charter focused on an integrated learning model introduced in Harrisburg.
He said the proposed school's mission, through partnerships with higher education, school organizations, nonprofits, community partners and local businesses and government agencies, would be to provide students "with rigorous academic content, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts and math.”
'Failed to do its homework'
During public comment Monday, former Lehigh University professor George White expressed concerns about student safety with traffic at the charter’s intended 316 E. Market St. location, and questioned the lack of a thorough curriculum plan.
Allison Peterson, an attorney for the district who presided over a session of questioning directed at Piperato — along with his fellow consultant Michael Makhoul, the former Dieruff High School principal, and their attorney Brian H. Leinhauser — cited issues with adequate parking, the potential board for the charter school and details regarding payment for the property, among other items.
Leinhauser said the school, if granted a charter, would not be obligated to pay Charter Solutions Inc. upon establishing the facility, at least as per his legal advice.
“The lack of evidence of integrated learning practices and the reliance upon skewed results are concerning. The STEAM Academy Charter School provides redundant or lesser programming and the Bethlehem Area School Districts, and the curriculum, instruction, and professional development plans do not align to their vision."
Silva's comments focused on a lack of community support for the charter school. He said the proposed school lacked the backing that the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy in Harrisburg had in its environment.
Piperato specifically highlighted the Harrisburg STEAM Academy as an inspiration for the Bethlehem property.
“The Bethlehem STEAM Academy Charter School failed to do its homework in securing the support of significant and sufficient community partners for local STEM organizations, arts organizations, business organizations, special education, service providers, and parent associations,” Silva said.
“In contrast, the PA STEAM Academy Charter School did its homework and enlisted from its beginnings sufficient school support and partnerships from former Pennsylvania Secretaries of Education, institutions of higher learning, leading steam organizations, local arts, education providers, and local chambers of commerce, as well as their local intermediate unit and parent organizations in the Harrisburg area.”
Silva highlighted lack of support from supposed local partners cited in the Dec. 18 presentation, including Lehigh University, the DaVinci Science Center, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Touchstone Theater, and #BASDProud Parents.
The superintendent displayed correspondence with each of those denying support, with Lehigh requesting that a previously submitted form letter be removed.
Silva said that while the application for the academy “describes a school for 240 students in one year… only 34 potential students who reside in the Bethlehem Area School District, who would be of the proper age” to attend.
Beyond that, Silva said of 97 letters of community support, 32 came from businesses at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, outside the school district.
Silva said that among the 97 letters, “some business owners expressed that they were not aware of [or] concerned with what they were signing.”
Silva also pointed out two other proposed STEAM Academy projects in Allentown and Whitehall would be leased by developer Abraham Atyieh, who also would lease the Bethlehem property.
“The board needs to look no further than the evidence of the STEAM Academy Charter School’s motivation and lack of community support than its own application and its applicants’ testimony,” Silva said.
Academic programming, community partnerships
Leeson called attention to what she said were issues with the academy’s academic programming, saying it doesn't meet the minimum standard to “provide a comprehensive learning experience to students” and serve as a model for public schools.
She was interrupted by Leinhauser, who questioned whether she needed to read the entirety of her 24-page statement into the record.
"I could go off script, but I don't think you want me to," Leeson said, with the crowd laughing in response.
Questioning the use of “Balanced Literacy,” a system of literacy instruction created by Marie Clay, Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell, Leeson cited Emily Hanford’s podcast “Sold a Story” to point out problems with the methodology.
“Respected reading researcher Dr. Mark Seidenberg wrote, ‘Fountas and Pinnell’s approach to reading creates learning difficulties for which their curriculum then offers solutions,’” Leeson said.
“Bethlehem Area School District adopted a structured literacy approach in 2016 and prides itself on being a local and national leader in elementary reading instruction.”
Leeson said the charter’s proposed curriculum “does not substantiate” claims made by Piperato previously, particularly in terms of an “integrated learning experience” where students would apply concepts across classes.
“We agree, it sounds great, but that is it. It just sounds nice,” Leeson said.
Leeson repeated Silva’s commentary about a lack of support, saying BASD partners with local organizations, including Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center, ArtsQuest, the Pennsylvania Philharmonic Orchestra.
'We encourage the board to reject the application'
Other issues brought up by Leeson included differences in staffing from the Harrisburg facility and the planned Bethlehem school, and noted differences in population dynamics, such as English language learners and special education students.
“The lack of evidence of integrated learning practices and the reliance upon skewed results are concerning," Leeson said.
"The STEAM Academy Charter School provides redundant or lesser programming and the Bethlehem Area School Districts, and the curriculum, instruction and professional development plans do not align to their vision.”
Leeson also addressed a budgetary shortfall for the academy in the amount of $492,023 in 2025, escalating to $1,029,486 by 2029 because of a lack of an existing retirement plan.
“These factors lead us to seriously question the credibility of this application," Leeson said.
"Bethlehem Area School District asserts that Bethlehem STEAM Academy Charter School did not meet its burden of establishing its capabilities to provide comprehensive learning experiences, and its burden to show that it would serve as a model for other schools.”
Silva concluded the presentation by stating, “to boil it all down to one administrative recommendation, we encourage the board to reject the application for specific reasons of insufficient community support and poor academic programs.”
Leinhauser stated the applicants would respond to the district’s comments in writing, “in terms of the misrepresentations of what content of the application actually is or areas of law that they've represented to the board.”
Piperato said his attorney advised him not to comment on the proceedings. He said a response will be sent to the school board by Jan. 31.
A school board vote on a final decision for the charter application has not been set.
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Six total threats received by Bethlehem schools
The Bethlehem Central School District has now received a total of six threats of violence – all of which police said are coming from a “spoofed” number.
Superintendent of Schools Jody Monroe said schools will be open on Monday with increased security.
“All school activities, including after school activities, will resume unless otherwise communicated by the district,” she said at a news conference on Friday.
She thanked the police for all of their hard work.
Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara outlined the timeline of threats made against the district.
- Tuesday, September 10th at 8:30 p.m. – A voicemail was left on the high school phone system threatening to shoot up the school.
- Tuesday, Sept. 10, 8:38 p.m. – Bethlehem Police dispatch receives its first phone call making that same threat to shoot everybody at the school.
- Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3:56 p.m. – Bethlehem Police dispatch receive a threat to shoot the football team at the high school. That led to the cancellation of after school activities.
- Wednesday, Sept. 11, 9:16 p.m. – The dispatch center receives a third call from a person saying they are going to shoot up Bethlehem Middle School and Bethlehem High School.
- Thursday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m. – A fourth call was received at the dispatch center saying they were going to shoot up the high school.
- Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8:03 p.m. – The police dispatch center received a fifth call saying it was going to shoot the football team at its practice on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Cocchiara said police are doing everything they can to figure out who is making these calls.
“We’re not going to stop until we bring this coward to justice. This is what we do, and we do it very well,” she said at a news conference on Friday afternoon.
The FBI is helping with the investigation. A male voice is on the line in all of the threats.
However, police cannot trace the call, because it is not a regular number, but a spoofed number that is masking the source of the call. Also, Google has not been very helpful in the investigation, the chief said.
Anyone who may have information related to these incidents is asked to contact the Bethlehem Police Department at 518-439-9973.
“We will not stop giving resources to the school district. We will have more police officers within the schools. I personally show up here at 6:30 a.m. every morning and I’ll continue to do so. This is my community and these are my kids and my families, police officers have kids in these schools.”
The FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge for the FBI said that federal agents have been working very closely with local law enforcement agencies. The FBI has seen a rise in these kinds of cases and takes them very seriously.
“Our office has been providing significant resources to assist Bethlehem Police Department with their investigation, specifically investigative intelligence and forensic capabilities to include cell phone and tracking analysis. It’s important to note the FBI’s largest resource we can bring to bear is our reach. Many times, these investigations involve multiple states and jurisdictions,” he said.
Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven said these phone call threats have been frightening but he is reassured by the incredible cooperation of police and school officials.
Assemblywoman Pat Fahy (D – Albany) has lobbied for federal help in this investigation and reached out to U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko.
“As a parent, my heart goes out to every family here, every administrator, every teacher. This is just a terrible and relentless uh situation that is going on now across the country,” she said.
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If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and ...
The Bethlehem Central School District (the District) is committed to: ensuring each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged; ... Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed. ... To access school policies, regulations, and rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules and seek ...
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 Harassment, Discrimination, Hazing, and Bullying (0115).
The Board has the authorit y to direct the use or nonuse of homework in the gr ading system for each. student in the district. Appropriate and relevant homework will be encouraged for all students at all grade levels for all. academic subjects. Guidelines. To implement homework effectiv ely, Bethlehem Area School District shall: 1.
While we do have electronics available for homework help, while your child is at ALC we'll be emphasizing homework help and then active, engaged play. SCHEDULE TOUR. EMMAUS: 610-966-2234. PALMER: 610-829-1818. TREXLERTOWN: 484-460-1806. FOGELSVILLE: 610-366-8084. BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP: 610-984-1025. Transportation:
1516 Sycamore Street. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017-6099. Phone: 610-861-0500. Our Mission. The Bethlehem Area School District, in partnership with the home and community, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which each student will attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a productive citizen ...
The Bethlehem school district passed a homework policy which only encourages not required to do the homework. Would you support this?
Board of School Directors - Agendas, Minutes, Policies and Supporting Information Minutes. Print Close. Audio Player. 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017, 610-861-0500 - Built by Bethlehem ... 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017, 610-861-0500 - Built by Bethlehem. Log In; Main Governing Board; Change Vote; Home. Featured; Meetings ...
Elementary Academics at Bethlehem Central. Well-known throughout the Capital Region for its exemplary and innovative educational programs, BC is dedicated to preparing students to meet the demands of a Regents diploma, and much more, on their way to successful careers and rewarding lives. That journey begins in our elementary schools, which are ...
View Full Report Card. Bethlehem Area School District is an above average, public school district located in BETHLEHEM, PA. It has 12,973 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 27% of students are at least proficient in math and 49% in reading.
Bethlehem Area School District administrators provided well over an hour of testimony advising their board to vote against a proposed STEAM ... the PA STEAM Academy Charter School did its homework and enlisted from its beginnings sufficient school support and partnerships from former Pennsylvania Secretaries of Education, institutions of higher ...
Phone: 610-861-0500 ext 60422 ; [email protected]. Coordinators: Daniel Burkholder. Special Education Coordinator for K-12 : Speech, Autistic Support, and Gifted. Responsible for all CIU20/Out of District placements, IU Meetings, and LEA planning, etc. Phone: 610-861-0500 ext 60017 ; [email protected].
BASD Policy 204; Attendance Guidelines - 2024-2025 School Year; Petition For Continued School Attendance Due To Change In Residence; Bethlehem Area School District Education Center 1516 Sycamore Street Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017-6099. Phone: 610-861-0500. Our Mission.
An effective middle-level curriculum challenges students across the learning spectrum. Academic content extends beyond the knowledge presented at the elementary level and connects to that which follows at the high school level. The content of the various disciplines is connected through interdisciplinary and thematic teaching approaches to help ...
Aligning with the California State Standards and other legal requirements. On June 23, 2015, the SRVUSD Board of Education adopted a new Homework/Make-Up Work Board Policy and Administrative Regulation. To view the Board Policy and Administrative Regulation in their entirety click on the links below. Board Policy 6154: Homework/Makeup Work.
The District-Wide School Safety Plan provides the framework for the Building-Level Emergency Response Plans. The purpose of a uniform plan is to ensure district-wide continuity for emergency responses. These general emergency responses will provide one consistent response system that will be used by all school employees, students, parents and ...
The Bethlehem Area School District, in partnership with the home and community, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which each student will attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a productive citizen and life-long learner in our technologically demanding and culturally diverse society.
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 8:38 p.m. - Bethlehem Police dispatch receives its first phone call making that same threat to shoot everybody at the school. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3:56 p.m. - Bethlehem ...
Our favorite straw friends have been brought to life once again at Bethlehem Central Middle School. BCMS student's artwork featured as part of National School Bus Safety Week ... BETHLEHEM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. 700 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054 P: (518) 439-7481. Jody Monroe, Superintendent of Schools [email protected].