NEW ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT: The Board of School Directors has appointed Dr. Maureen P. Leeson as assistant superintendent and chief academic officer to fill the position vacated by incoming Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jack Silva. Dr. Leeson has 16 years experience in education including prior administration experience as assistant principal at Freedom HS and as the district supervisor of science, technology engineering and mathematics. Dr. Leeson received her doctorate of educational leadership from Lehigh University. She is an alumni of Libery HS.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK: Mason Meyer, fourth grader at William Penn ES, is the BASD Student of the Week. Mason is an enthusiastic learner, always ready for a good challenge! He is inclusive and exceedingly considerate of all his classmates. Mason cares deeply about many things, animals and the environment are high on his list. Last year, Mason co- created a student club, Tray Troubles. These students have been actively working to end the use of styrofoam lunch trays at William Penn ES!”

STAFF MEMBER OF THE WEEK: Candy Miller is an associate nurse at Freemansburg ES and Lincoln ES. 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.

#BUILTBYBETHLEHEM PERSON OF THE WEEK: Christopher Payano is the universal branch manager at Members Federal Credit Union. He is an alumni of Freedom HS. He also serves in U.S. Air Force Reserve.

DISTRICT RETIREES HONORED: Exiting Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Roy and Chief Human Resources Director and Executive Cabinet Member Russell Giordano were honored by the B ASD Board of School Directors during its meeting May 2. Also honored was BASD Communications Coordinator, Barbara Clymer, who received the Communicator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association.

ENGINEERING CAMP FOR MS GIRLS: Lehigh University will hold a one week Engineering Camp for girls. Spots are limited and scholarships are available. For more information contact clw219@lehigh.edu

SUMMER FIT PROGRAM: Fit for Life is offering four weeks of summer programming for students entering grades 5 and 6. From June 19 to July 21. 9 a.m. to noon. Locations are Northeast MS and Broughgal MS. All students will receive breakfast and lunch and a Fit for Life T-shirt. To register visit https://forms.gle/B38ubxkW69XWdoLg8

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NEW GRADING SYSYTEM: Bethlehem Area School District is updating its report card grading system for Grades 6-12 beginning in the 2023-24 school year. The updated report card represents our primary aim: to improve our communication about student achievement towards learning goals with you. For more information on the report card updates, visit pa50000490.schoolwires.net/page/95

FOOD DISTRIBUTION: On the second Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, Mortheast MS hosts a drive thru food distribution at 1170 Fernwood Street. The distribution is open to families of BASD students. The next distribution date is July 8.

STUDENT VACCINATIONS: Vaccinations are required for all students, with specific vaccinations needed for students entering the 7th and 12th grades. To schedule a vaccination for your child, contact the Bethlehem Health Department at 610-865-7083

BOOK DONATIONS: THE Freedom HS Theatre Company recently donated 667 books to the Cops ‘n’ Kids program.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

CALYPSO ES SERENITY SUITE: In partnership with St. Luke’s, a Serenity Suite has been opened at Calypso ES.

HELPERS NEEDED: The Spring Garden ES PTO is looking for volunteers to take care of the Club’s vegetable garden watered and weeded over the summer. To volunteer, visit the Spring Garden PTO page on Facebook. Or email Springgardenpto@gmail.com

FREE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES: BASD and the Bethlehem Food Co-op will offer free fresh fruits and vegetables at Thomas Jefferson ES today (June 14) from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. “We will have more opportunities for fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the summer!” said Community School Coordinator Nancy Ettwein.