Elementary School - BKW Central School District

May 26, 2010
►BKW Drama Class presents: “Dessert and a Play” (not necessarily in that order)
Come and support BKW students in their play performance and enjoy some “sweets” afterward. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on June 3, 2010 in the High School Auditorium. Accompany the actors for complimentary beverages and dessert after the production in the HS Cafeteria (approximately 8:30). Admission is $3.

May 14, 2010
► The drive to help children in Afghanistan begins May 17
Sgt. Bradley Walters, currently stationed in Afganistan, needs our help with his mission to bring Afghan students the supplies they need to learn. MORE

January 29, 2010
►General Mills box top contest begins Feb. 1
Help us raise money for our school! Take part in our box top contest. MORE

December 23, 2009
►New building access policy receives updates
The building access procedures that took effect November 2 have been evaluated and updated in an effort to better accommodate students and parents. MORE

December 21, 2009
►Financial reserves and our school budget
As schools face challenging budget development processes, Gov. David Paterson has repeatedly suggested that school districts use unrestricted reserves to cover possible losses in state aid. While BKW officials agree this is one possible approach to dealing with revenue losses, they also caution that such a move comes with significant financial risks. MORE

November 16, 2009
►Join us for the PTA-sponsored family movie night Nov. 20
The PTA is sponsoring a FREE family movie night at 6 p.m. Friday, featuring the movie "Monsters vs. Aliens." MORE

November 13, 2009
►Thanksgiving food drives runs through November 25
Help the Elementary Student Council help local families in need this Thanksgiving holiday by participating in the food drive. MORE

October 31, 2009
►Scaring up some fun
BKW Elementary School students dressed in their Halloween best October 30 for the annual Halloween Parade. VIEW MORE PHOTOS

October 30, 2009
►Help raise money for our school through 'Hannaford Helps'
You can help raise money for our school simply by including specially marked products on your grocery shopping list. MORE

October 16 ,2009
►Information on identifying and treating head lice
Individual cases of head lice have recently been identified by our school nurses at both the Elementary School and Secondary School. MORE

October 7, 2009
► From the October/November 2009 Trailblazer:
Green energies provide powerful lessons for BKW students
With the windy, wide-open spaces of the Hilltowns just outside her classroom window, fourth grade teacher Carol Willsey sets the stage for a class debate about wind energy. MORE

To read a full copy of The Oct/Nov 2009 Trailblazer, visit the Press Room.

September 15, 2009
►Help us prevent the spread of the flu virus
Here at BKW, we are taking measures to help keep our students healthy. These resources, being distributed at this week's open houses, discuss how you can help:
LETTER TO PARENTS (PDF)
CDC GUIDE FOR PARENTS ON H1N1 FLU (PDF)
You can also review our online H1N1 resources here.

October 28, 2009
►Trooper Steve shares Halloween safety tips
With "Trooper Bear" by his side, School Resource Officer Steve Rothwein talked Halloween safety with Elementary School students. MORE

September 30, 2009
►'Farm To You Fest' kicks off October 1 in BKW lunch lines
For the month of October, BKW Elementary students will get the chance to feed their bodies and their minds with healthy food choices and fun nutrition facts. MORE

September 16, 2009
►BKW welcomes new staff
Learn more about the seven new staff members who joined BKW this year. READ MORE

September 5, 2009
►Attendance Office phone number
The attendance office phone number has changed since the 2009-10 BKW calendar went to print. To reach the attendance office, call 872-0939.

September 4, 2009
►Use the new faculty/staff directory
The online faculty/staff directory has been revamped for your convenience. You can access it by clicking on "Staff Directory" in the left-hand navigation bar.

August 27, 2009
►Great Web sites for math skills
Students can lose up to three months worth of math skills during the summer. Here are some sites that can help keep math skills sharp. READ MORE

July 24, 2009
►Elementary School supply lists
Get a jump start on back-to-school supply shopping and find out what you will need to be prepared on the first day of school. Download and print out supply lists below.

June 8, 2009
►District considering energy performance contract
The district is reviewing a proposed energy performance contract that, if enacted, would install different energy-saving technologies in and around district buildings to generate energy and money savings - as well as extra revenue for the district - over the next 15 years. READ MORE

May 29, 2009
►BKW community mourns the loss of Wyatt Spencer
The entire BKW community is deeply saddened by the passing of 7th grader James Wyatt Spencer. We realize this is a difficult time for our students, faculty and staff. Our crisis team is providing support to all students and staff who request it, including opportunities to speak with counselors, and will continue to do so as long as it is needed. Please remind your child that it is important that we acknowledge our grief and sadness, even though it may be painful or confusing. We also encourage you to be aware of how your child is reacting to this tragic news, and to make sure you and your child seek appropriate support if needed.
READ MORE

May 19, 2009
►Voters approve 2009-10 budget
Residents of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school district approved the proposed 2009-10 school budget Tuesday by a vote of 499 to161. The $19,791,067 budget carries no increase in the tax levy and a 2.7 percent overall reduction in spending.
READ MORE

May 13, 2009
►Sixth grade moving to Elementary School during capital project construction
The Board of Education recently voted to temporarily move the 6th grade to Berne Elementary School for the 2009-10 school year in order to alleviate space and safety issues during capital project renovations. READ MORE

May 6, 2009
►School is closed Friday, May 8 and Friday, May 22
Since the district used a significantly low number of snow days this year, school will be CLOSED Friday, May 8 (Junior/Senior Prom day) and Friday, May 22 for the long Memorial Day weekend.

May 6, 2009
►Place your orders for the BKWTA Chicken BBQ online
The BKWTA Chicken Barbecue set for May 19 (Budget Vote Day) is now accepting online orders until May 13. ORDER ONLINE HERE!

February 11, 2009
►District officials meet with legislators on school budget gap
Faced with a possible $1.5 million budget gap for 2009-2010, district officials recently met with legislators from Albany and Schoharie counties to express their concerns about proposed cuts to state education aid. READ MORE

February 9, 2009
►Contribute to the PTA's "Community Cookbook"
This year, the PTA's spring fundraiser will feature a cookbook full of favorite family recipes from homes across the BKW district. You are cordially invited to contribute your favorite family recipe by Friday, Feb. 13.
READ MORE ON THE PTA PAGE

February 6, 2009
►Wednesday late buses suspended for this school year
Superintendent Steven Schrade has announced that 3:30 p.m. bus runs on Wednesdays will be cancelled for the second semester of this school year due to a low number of students using the service. READ MORE

February 2, 2009
►$850,000 in cuts possible for 2009-2010 school budget
School officials continue to plan for weathering a potential $1.5 million budget gap if Gov. David Paterson's cuts to state education aid stand. READ MORE

anuary 14, 2009
►BKW faces tough budget decisions with proposed cuts to state aid
With evidence of tough times all around us, it’s clear our community is concerned about how the economic downturn will affect us all. At the BKW school district, the concern has grown, especially with Gov. David Paterson's call for sweeping cuts to education aid in his proposed state budget. READ MORE

January 13, 2009
►Read the December/January edition of the TrailBlazer.
Go to the Trailblazer Newsletter page to download the latest newsletter.

December 2, 2008
►BKW helping those in need this holiday season
With the holiday season upon us, it's important not to forget those in need. The BKW community is encouraged to join us in helping the Hilltown Holiday Program. Please bring new, unwrapped toys or food to Room 157 at the Middle/High School or to the main office. All donations go directly back into the community.
Thank you for your support!
For more information, please call the main office at 872-1482.

November 10, 2008
►PTA Movie Night featuring Kung Fu Panda set for November 14

The PTA will sponsor a Family Movie Night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, November 14th in the elementary school gymnasium. Join us for an evening of family fun to watch the blockbuster hit movie Kung Fu Panda and participate in giveaways including Kung Fu Panda Activity CDs and the Kung Fu Panda DVD. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase in the cafeteria beginning at 6 p.m., so come for dinner with your family and plan to stay for the show. It is highly recommended that you bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on while the movie is being played. See you there!

November 5, 2008
►Thanks to all who attended the BKW Community Forum
Candid, productive discussions took place Monday night at the BKW Community Forum, "Preserving Quality Education in Tough Economic Times." READ MORE

October 29, 2008
►PTA e-mail notifications are here!
If you are a member of the BKW Parent Teacher Association or simply want to know what this organization is up to, log in to your SNN profile and be sure to check the "PTA News" box. Once you sign up for PTA news, you'll receive the latest updates on upcoming PTA sponsored events, meeting reminders, fundraising information and more! If you'd like to sign up for SNN to receive PTA news, just click the SNN logo in the right column of the BKW homepage and sign up!

October 28, 2008
►No late buses today; 13th period cancelled
Due to the weather, 13th period is cancelled today and no late buses will run. For more information, please call your child's respective school office:
Elementary: 872-2030
Middle: 872-0950
High: 872-1482

October 28, 2008
►Community opinion survey results released
Recently, BKW residents participated in a community opinion survey to provide general feedback about the district. The Board of Education has finished compiling the results and submitted its report Monday.
Click here to download the results and read the report.

October 24, 2009
►BKW to host community forum November 3
District residents are welcome and encouraged to attend a community forum at 7 p.m. Monday, November 3 in the Elementary School cafeteria. The topic for the forum will be "preserving quality education in tough economic times." More details on the forum to follow.

October 21,2008
►Anderson, Schaefers honored with recognition awards
Thanks to Dave and Nancy Schaefer, the BKW Golf Team works on their game at a real golf course for free. And if it weren't for dedicated volunteers like Amy Anderson, BKW students may not see the connection between school and community. For these and many more reasons, Dave and Nancy Schaefer and Amy Anderson were honored Monday night at the annual Board of Education Recognition Awards. READ MORE

October 8, 2008
►Fighting flu together: PTA to host flu vaccination clinic
With influenza season fast approaching, your best recommended defense against this serious disease is an annual vaccination. This year, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo PTA will host a vaccination clinic from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. November 4 in the Elementary School cafeteria. The cost of one flu shot will be $30, but you may qualify for a FREE flu shot or receive reimbursement from your health insurance company. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED to participate in this event.
You may pre-register online here, or call 1-866-782-3014.
A very limited amount of vaccines for walk-ins will be available.

October 7, 2008
►Recognition Awards to be held October 20
The Board of Education Recognition Awards will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, October 20 in the High School Auditorium. This ceremony recognizes individuals who have given outstanding service or brought outstanding recognition to the BKW School District. Award recipients have been nominated by their BKW community peers and the winners will be revealed at the ceremony. We hope you will attend!

October 3, 2008
►Elementary School briefly evacuated due to odor
Elementary School students and staff were briefly evacuated to the High School this morning after detecting a "burning smell" in the gym. The smell was later confirmed to be paint "burning" due to the heat being turned on for the first time this school year. READ MORE

October 1, 2008
►Public Library partners with BKW for reading program
For the next six weeks, the Elementary and Middle/High School public libraries will open their doors to students in the 5th, 6th and 9th grades to gather as their own type of "book club" - with some other fun activities mixed in. READ MORE

September 26, 2008
►BKW serving up fresh foods from local farms
All this school year, fruits and vegetables grown on the local farms dotting the Helderberg Hill Town landscape will be clearly labeled and available during school lunch thanks to the district’s partnership with the Schoharie County Farm to School Project, an initiative that enables the district to offer foods grown on local farms to students through the school food service program. READ MORE

September 19, 2008
►Support the BKWTA Scholarship Fund with a Chicken BBQ pre-order
The BKW Teachers Association will hold a chicken barbecue fundraiser from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 2. Proceeds will benefit the BKWTA Scholarship Fund. A $9 full chicken dinner includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, roll, butter and cookie, and lemonade or iced tea to drink. A $6 half-order includes 1/2 chicken only. PRE-ORDER ONLINE UNTIL SEPT. 26!

September 10, 2008
►Participate in the BKW Community Opinion Survey online
The district is gathering feedback from the BKW community about its educational programs as well as other aspects of our schools. If you live within the district, you are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete this survey online. The survey will be available until October 1. Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated!
TAKE SURVEY

September 8, 2008
►Pre-K program kicks off second year
BKW's Pre-Kindergarten program began this morning on a very high note, with students happy to begin learning with their peers. This year brings some adjustments to the Pre-K program, including a longer day and another computer in the classroom! READ MORE

September 4, 2008
►Students show their spirit on the first day of school
At both the Elementary and Middle/High Schools, students arrived for the first day of school today ready to learn, have fun and reunite with friends. VIEW PHOTOS

With the help of student teacher Angela Becofsky (at right), first graders in Mrs. Bogden-Ritty's class made up their own rhymes about frogs, crayfish and other animals, basing their rhymes on those found in popular children's books by Eric Carle. The class then compiled the rhymes, with pictures, into a book they plan to send to the famous author.

The first grade classes raised $379 through a bake sale this year for Operation We Care, an organization that sends care packages to our Armed Forces overseas.

"The first grade did a wonderful job," says First Grade Teacher Loretta Mahoney. "They really wanted to show support for our troops, and that was made clear by the effort they put into selling the baked goods and raising money for Operation We Care.

►Pre-K program to begin September 17
►Thank you to all who helped make our annual food drive for the Hilltown Food Pantry a great success!
In total, we collected an astonishing 813 pounds of food for the pantry!►Storyteller Jeanine Laverty to visit 4th grade classes March 13, 20 and 28 for language workshops
►Elementary School is ready to "Get Wrapped Up In Reading!"
►Berne Elementary offering parent awareness workshop "Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World" May 22
►Keep sending in those box tops!
The General Mills box top contest may have wrapped up Feb. 16, but you can still send in your box tops to help the Elementary Student Council raise money for new playground equipment. In addition to sending in the tops through the mail, you can also sign up to support the elementary school at www.boxtops4education.com/super. The school receives 7 bonus box tops with every new registrant. There is a limit of one bonus offer per person or email address. The offer ends 10-31-07.Each box top submitted is worth 10 cents.
The last contest, which ran from March to October of 2006, garnered $946.30, which will help pay for new playground equipment.
Classes are continuing to collect Campbell's product labels as well. Bear in mind the company now requires the UPC with the Campbell kid logo for most products. If you are unsure what to cut, please send in the whole label.

►First graders vote on Election Day
They may not be old enough to go to the polls with mom and dad, but BKW first graders still got the chance to cast their votes on Election Day.
The students participated in their own "election," complete with voting booth and paper ballots, to select from a variety of "candidates" for favorite color, favorite food, favorite holiday and favorite subject.
Here are the results:
Favorite color: blue
Favorite Food: pizza
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Subject: Science

►Elementary students step out for Halloween

This year's Elementary chool Halloween parade was a big success! Click on the picture to see more photos of the parade!

►Trooper Steve shows off the tools of his trade
Miss Tiffany's Second grade class were treated to a special visit from Trooper Steve, who discussed the different "tools" he uses as part of his profession as a police officer -- from his walkie-talkie to his handcuffs. Trooper Steve visited as part of the Second Grade's recently completed reading unit that talked about "workers" and "tools."

►Mrs. Miller's class puts a new twist on desks
Mrs. Miller's Second grade recently spent time coming up with a new way to keep things organized. Since the class uses work tables instead of desks, that meant Mrs. Miller had to find another way for her students to keep all their school supplies on hand without creating too much clutter. So, with the help of mom Mary Moller, they sewed special knapsacks for each student to put on the backs of their chairs -- putting their supplies within reach, and showing off each student's individuality in fabric form. Now the class enjoys a more colorful, better organized classroom!

►The BKW Bear Hunt!
Starting school for the very first time can be a tough transition. So kindergartners got some help from their favorite teddy bears from home. In class, they learned new songs and heard the story of "The Teddy Bear Picnic," in which teddy bears magically come to life. This past Friday afternoon, the children came back to class to discover their teddy bears were missing! Could they have come alive just like in the story?
Take a look at the photos to find out!

New medical notes are required at the beginning of each school year for students requiring medication at school. If your child's medication has expired, it will need to be replaced. All medications must be brought to school by an adult. For information please contact Mrs. DeMuth, the elementary school nurse at 872-2030
►No Child Left Behind - Grades 3 - 8 Testing
►No Child Left Behind - Grades 3-8 Testing