Headline Story Archives - BKW Central School District

2009-10

2008-09

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News from previous years

2007-08

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 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 this webpage and sign up!

December 11, 2008
►Cast for the spring musical "Grease" announced! READ MORE

December 8, 2009
►Middle School students get caught...doing good
Josh VonHaugg is one 13-year-old who does everything in his power to get caught red-handed by his teachers. But Josh isn't bullying, blowing off schoolwork or committing other negative acts that usually grab the swift attention of the teaching staff. Instead, he's treating his classmates with respect, turning in his homework on time and openly encouraging his friends to do the same. And his teachers have definitely noticed. READ MORE

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 21, 2008
►Drake appointed acting HS principal
The Board of Education unanimously appointed Robert Drake, a former BKW superintendent, as acting High School Principal at a special meeting November 19. READ MORE

November 12, 2008
►Acting Principal Wheeler returns to retirement; search for new acting principal is wrapping up
Richard Wheeler, who has served as Acting High School Principal since the start of the school year, left his post to return to retirement on Friday, November 14. Superintendent Steven Schrade has replaced Wheeler while the district continues to interview candidates in an effort to find the best candidate possible for the High School. The district expects to appoint a new acting principal by week's end. READ MORE

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 31, 2008
►Celebrating Halloween in style
Elementary School students donned their Halloween digs today for the annual Halloween Parade. Here are some pictures from the event.
VIEW PHOTOS

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 4, 2008
►Get your annual flu shot at today's flu vaccination clinic
With influenza season fast approaching, your best recommended defense against this serious disease is an annual vaccination. The Berne-Knox-Westerlo Parent Teacher Association 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.
Walk-ins are welcome!
For more information about this event, you can go here, or call 1-866-782-3014.

October 30, 2008
►Participate in BKW's community forum: "Preserving Quality Education in Tough Economic Times"
Economic news is grim these days. But demands for quality education programs that properly prepare our students for college and the workforce continue to grow. As the district prepares to weather the economic storm, how can it preserve the progress it's already made educating students and continue to improve? This and other questions will be discussed at the community forum "Preserving Quality Education in Tough Economic Times" at 7 p.m. Monday, November 3 in the Elementary School Cafeteria. READ MORE

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 16, 2008
►Pre-engineering students crack the digital code
BKW High School's pre-engineering class introduces students to the science and skill sets behind working with digital technology. READ MORE

October 8, 2008
►BKW Sports Boosters invites you to support your athlete
Every year, the BKW Sports Booster Club raises funds to support, promote and celebrate the accomplishments of all BKW athletes. The fundraising kicks off Thursday October 9 at the Middle/High School Open House, where the club will be selling merchant cards for $10 . In addition, the Sports Boosters is conducting a "Spirit Sale" of BKW sports shirts, pants, fleeces and more.
GO TO THE SPORTS BOOSTERS WEB SITE TO ORDER

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 2, 1008
►District mourns the loss of BKW High School student
The entire BKW district community is saddened by the death of Ryan Slingerland, a sophomore at BKW High School. Counseling services have been made available at the High School to help students and staff cope with this terrible loss. We will continue to provide this support as long as necessary. Any parent who has questions or concerns regarding his or her child should feel free to call the High School Office at 872-1482 so they may be directed to the appropriate professional to accommodate their needs.
READ LETTER GOING HOME TO PARENTS

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 29, 2008
►It's not too late to sign up for Adult Continuing Education classes!
From weight management to professional voice acting, BKW's adult continuing education program is offering a wealth of learning opportunities to benefit you and your family this fall. Please send in your registration form or phone it in to Noreen Shunney at 872-1293.
COURSE OFFERINGS
REGISTRATION FORM

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 25, 2008
►Transportation Department finds ways to save
In her recent report to the Board of Education, Transportation Coordinator Krueger outlined a series of changes and initiatives implemented within the department to help spend money more wisely. READ MORE

September 19, 2008
►STAR Rebate checks to be mailed out starting week of Sept. 29
The State Department of Taxation and Finance will begin mailing out 2008 Middle Class STAR Rebate checks to qualifying homeowners the week of Sept. 29.
READ MORE

September 19, 2008
►Maintenance Department reports effects of cost-saving measures
A variety of cost-saving measures as well as town and state partnerships have enabled the BKW Maintenance Department to more wisely spend taxpayer money and utilize energy. One major accomplishment: reducing average fuel consumption in both the Elementary and Middle/High Schools by nearly half since 2000. READ MORE

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 5, 2008
►Bridging the gap: teachers and administrators work to streamline curriculum between regular and special education students
Over the summer, Middle/High School teachers came together to accomplish a challenging but necessary task: developing courses that meet the needs of every student, no matter their achievement level. 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

September 3, 2008

►Wheeler: "I'm getting a very positive feeling about BKW"
September 3 marked Richard Wheeler's first day as acting High School Principal. In between learning his way around the building and introducing himself to fellow staff, he began preparing for a strong start to the school year. READ MORE

September 2, 2008
►Board appoints Richard Wheeler as acting High School Principal
The Board of Education has appointed retired superintendent Richard Wheeler as acting principal of BKW High School. Wheeler will begin work immediately.
READ MORE

September 19, 2008
►Support the BKWTA Scholarship Fund at Chicken BBQ Oct. 2
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.

►Board of Education calls for Recognition Awards nominations
Do you know a member of the BKW community who always gives outstanding service and makes a difference? Nominate that person for a 2008 Board of Education Recognition Award. READ MORE

►Fall/Winter sports schedules available
The schedules for fall and winter sports are up and will be expanded upon as more information becomes available. GO TO THE SCHEDULES

►Read the Back-To-School Edition of the Trailblazer
The latest edition of the Trailblazer newsletter will soon be in the mail, but here's your chance to read it online. READ MORE

►Teacher e-mail addresses now available online
Students and parents can now easily get in touch with teachers and administrators via e-mail with the BKW School District's staff e-mail directory. The link to the directory is located on the Web site's "About Us" page, and includes teacher and administrator profiles. GO TO THE DIRECTORY

►Back-to-school supply lists
It's that time of year again, and BKW teachers want your students to be ready when another year of learning begins on Sept. 4. Double-check the supply lists by grade to make sure your student has all he or she needs to hit the ground running on Sept. 4. READ MORE

►Board sets tax rates for the 2008-2009 school year
At its August 18 meeting, the Board of Education approved the tax rates for the 2008-2009 school year after receiving final figures from each town within the BKW school district. READ MORE

►Middle Class STAR rebate program update
The Middle Class STAR rebate program continues this year. If you're a basic STAR recipient who applied for the 2007 rebate, you don't have to reapply as long as your property information remains the same. If you didn't apply in 2007 or if your property information changed this year, you must apply by Dec. 31, 2008. READ MORE

►Back-to-school lunch menu now available; new prices for 2008-2009
The new September lunch menu is now available. Students and parents should note that lunch prices will increase 10 cents this year, due primarily to higher fuel and food costs. READ MORE

►Full 2008-2009 school calendar now available; weekly listings to begin
You can now access the full 2008-2009 BKW School District calendar of events online. Simply click on the link below the "Mark Your Calendar" button to the right. In an effort to better keep the community updated on upcoming events, www.bkwschools.org will begin listing weekly events on the homepage in addition to the monthly events listing under "Mark Your Calendar." To stay even more connected, be sure to sign up for BKW School News Notifier by clicking on the SNN icon at the top right of your screen.

►School report card data released
On Monday, August 11, the state released school report cards for the 2006-2007 school year. As in previous years, Berne Elementary School, BKW Middle School and BKW High School are all beginning the new school year "in good standing." Further, BKW students in grades 3 through 8 improved their overall scores on tests in English Language Arts and Math. VIEW THE REPORT CARD HERE.

►Transportation Department changes bus routes for better efficiency
In an effort to help save on fuel costs and more efficiently pick up and drop off students from school, the Transportation Department has made changes to some of this year's bus routes. Students whose bus routes are changing will receive a postcard in the mail detailing the new route. Parents and guardians are encouraged to view the new bus routes here and read them carefully for any changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Transportation Department at 872-1126.

►Letter sent home to parents regarding High School principal
Read the letter sent home to parents concerning the next steps for the high school now that High School Principal Mary Petrilli is on leave.

► Petrilli placed on paid administrative leave
After convening for executive session Monday, the Board of Education placed High School principal Mary Petrilli on paid administrative leave and began the search for an acting high school principal to appoint for the start of the school year.
READ MORE

►Alumni Association announces date for annual dinner dance
The BKW Alumni Association will hold its annual dinner and dance Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Crossgates Restaurant and Banquet House in Albany. Cocktails and registration begin at 6 p.m.
DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM and mail it back by September 22.

►Summer School students get a head start on the upcoming school year
From water balloon tosses to science experiments, BKW's summer school uses fun summer activities to spark students' imaginations - and sharpen skills.
READ MORE

►Board of Education elects new president, VP
At its reorganizational meeting July 2, the Board of Education elected Helen Lounsbury as president and Michelle Fusco as vice president. READ MORE

►Get moving! Help your kids develop healthy habits this summer
The sun is shining, the air is warm, the days run long and there's plenty of free time. Summer break is the perfect reward after a long and busy school year - but it doesn't have to be spent inside playing video games. Here's how to use this time to get your kids off the couch and into the habits that make for a healthy, active lifestyle. READ MORE

►BKW schools among state's high-performing, gap-closing elite
The BKW Elementary and Middle/High Schools were for the second year in a row classified as high-performing, gap closing schools by New York State.
READ MORE

►Summer Elementary math facts
Help elementary students keep their math skills sharp this summer. MORE

►New e-mail address for BKW Board of Education
The Board of Education has changed its contact e-mail address. The new address is berneknoxwesterloboardofed@gmail.com. Please update your address books, or simply go to http://www.bkwschools.org/BOE/BOE.htm and click on the e-mail link to contact the board.

► How would a property tax cap affect our school?
As many district residents are hearing in the news, the state is considering the placement of a cap on the annual growth of property taxes, which would in turn cap the amount school districts can levy on their residents. While education leaders, including those within our own district, agree something must be done to ease the property tax burden on residents, many are concerned about how a cap might affect the quality of education provided here at BKW, as well as within other districts across the state.
Please read their position on the proposed tax cap here.

►BKW students shine at annual Invention Convention
Ever wished you could channel-surf with your voice or stay toasty warm while ice fishing? The students at left have solved these and many more of life's little inconveniences with their award-winning entries into the Annual Invention Convention.

►BKW announces Elementary summer school dates
This year's Elementary summer school classes will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. from July 28 to August 8.
For more information, please contact Annette Landry at 872-5282.

►Board of Education passes 2008-09 proposed budget
During a special meeting April 21, the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District Board of Education unanimously adopted a proposed 2008-2009 budget of $20,347,546, which will go before district voters on May 20. MORE

►6th Grade orientation set for August 26
The transition from 5th grade to 6th grade is an important one for your new 6th-grader. Make sure he or she is prepared and at ease by attending BKW Middle School's 6th grade orientation and open house at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 26.
READ MORE

►Summer School Information
High School summer school sessions will run from July 7 - August 12 with Regents exams on August 13 and 14. Middle School summer school sessions will run from July 14 to August 8.
View the Summer School flyer sent home to parents.

►Bulldog Basketball Camp is back this summer
The BKW Athletic Department is pleased to announce they are taking sign-ups for the 4th annual Bulldog Basketball Camp, to be held Monday, June 30 through Thursday, July 3 in the BKW High School gym. Registration is $100, which includes a camp t-shirt. Please register by June 1. Please download and return the following forms with your registration:
Application form
Permission slip

►Trooper Steve to remain at BKW
Last week, the State Senate passed an amendment to the state budget that reversed a proposal to re-deploy School Resource Officers like BKW's own Trooper Steven Rothwein to higher-crime areas. The budget passed on Wednesday. Read a local story about this topic.