October 26, 2009
►'Haunted Hayride in the Hilltowns' rescheduled for Oct. 30
The 'Friday Fun Night' family event originally scheduled for last Friday has been rescheduled for 5 p.m. Friday at the Berne Town Park. 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 30, 2009
►Yearbooks on sale; "Message from Home" entries due October 16
The 2010 BKW Memoir yearbook is now on sale! See Heidi Johnson to order.
We are accepting entries for the popular "Message from Home" section of the yearbook until October 16.
VIEW YEARBOOK PRICES (PDF)
"MESSAGE FROM HOME" ENTRY GUIDELINES (PDF)

September 25, 2009
►Project SAFE uses creative arts to teach valuable skills
BKW Middle School students used many forms of creativity this week while learning positive life skills through the Project SAFE through the Arts program. MORE

September 23, 2009
►Review 2009-10 tax rates by town
The Board of Education has approved tax rates for the 2009-10 school year from each of the seven towns within the BKW School District. READ MORE

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

September 14, 2009
►Marcil joins teaching staff
Former Associate Principal Fred Marcil has returned to teaching this school year.
READ MORE

September 9, 2009
►REMEMBER: Open houses are early this year
The K-5 Open House is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, while the 7-12 Open House is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17. READ MORE

September 2, 2009
►Sign up for Adult Education classes
View the course list and get the registration form on the Adult Education page.

September 9, 2009
►Board of Education calls for recognition awards nominations
Acknowledge someone for their outstanding service to the BKW School District. Nomination forms are due September 18. 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.

September 2, 2009
►A conversation with Secondary School Principal Tom McGurl
On a recent summer afternoon, we sat down with new Secondary School Principal Tom McGurl to discuss his goals for the upcoming school year. READ MORE

August 31, 2009
► High School adopts new attendance policy
Classroom participation is crucial to every High School student's success. New procedures for dealing with unexcused student absences and tardiness begin this school year. VIEW ATTENDANCE POLICY

August 31, 2009
►Late bus procedures for 2009-10
Please review BKW's late bus guidelines for this school year on the TRANSPORTATION PAGE.

August 31, 2009
► PTA sponsoring "Welcome to BKW Elementary School!" event
The PTA is sponsoring a back-to-school informational event for all new students Pre-K through 6th Grade. GO TO THE PTA PAGE FOR DETAILS

August 27, 2009
►The latest H1N1 (swine flu) information
It's natural to be concerned about swine flu as another school year begins. This guide will help answer common questions and offer useful resources. READ MORE

August 27, 2009
►Calling all BKW sports fans! Sports Boosters needs your help.
The BKW Sports Booster Club is looking for parents in our community interested in helping support the BKW athletic program. READ MORE

August 26, 2009
►View the Fall 2009 Sports Schedules

August 25, 2009
► Look over the September lunch menu

August 12, 2009
►2009-10 Bus Routes released
View the 2009-10 district bus routes on the Transportation Page.

July 30, 2009
► District opens search for new business official
The district has launched a search for a new business official after recently learning that current Business Administrator Timothy Holmes will be leaving to take a similar position in another school district further downstate. READ MORE

July 24, 2009
►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.

Kindergarten	Ms. Zellin's 5th Grade Class
1st Grade	Ms. Domermuth's 5th Grade Class
2nd Grade	Mr. Pierce's 5th Grade Class
3rd Grade	6th Grade Supply List
4th Grade	8th Grade Supply List

August 3, 2009
►Alumni Dinner Dance set for September 26
The 75th BKW Alumni Dinner Dance will be held Saturday, September 26 at the Crossgates Restaurant and Banquet House in Albany. This year, we will honor alumni from class years ending in 4 and 9 starting with the class of 1934. For more information, DOWNLOAD THE BANQUET LETTER (pdf).

July 13, 2009
► Schrade to retire August 15
After nearly 20 years at BKW - nine of them served as district superintendent - Steven Schrade will retire from a long and successful career in education. READ MORE

July 1, 2009
►Glick vaults his way to state championship win
Josh Glick, a graduate of the Class of 2009, became the first state champion in BKW history when he set a pole vaulting record at the New York State Public High School Athletics Association’s Track and Field Championship June 12 and 13. READ MORE

July 1, 2009
►Start your summer reading
A number of summer reading selections from various teachers are posted here.

Congratulations, Class of 2009!

►Click here to view the graduation slideshow, featuring photos submitted by parents and friends!

►View the full list of graduates

►BKW teachers inspire valedictorian Wetterau to persevere
Alyssa Wetterau, the Class of 2009’s valedictorian, says it’s easy to grow attached to the BKW community. She will miss that sense of closeness most when she attends Cornell University as a biology major and aspiring veterinarian in the fall. READ MORE

►Co-Salutatorian Sikule headed for pre-med
Co-salutatorian David Sikule will literally begin a new academic journey this fall - he will attend  school about 800 miles away. READ MORE

►Willsey gets inspiration to teach from BKW teachers, Career & Tech
Co-salutatorian Denise Willsey finds it ironic her academic career began with her teacher trying to kick her out of Kindergarten. "My mom always tells the story of how Mrs. Tambasco tried to ‘kick me out’ of her class and put me in the first grade because I could already read all the books," she says with a laugh. Yet Willsey, 18, says this story marks the first of many instances where BKW teachers inspired her. READ MORE

June 24, 2009
► Career and Tech students honored
BKW students were honored by the faculty and administration of the Capital Region Career and Technical School, Schoharie Campus at a ceremony held at the Holiday Inn Express on June 15. READ MORE

June 15, 2009
►View the Regents Exam schedule for this week

June 11, 2009
►Middle/High School building receives prestigious ENERGY STAR
The BKW Middle/High School has received an ENERGY STAR from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, classifying the building as one of the most energy efficient in the nation. READ MORE

June 9, 2009
►Thomas McGurl chosen as High School Principal
The Board of Education has selected Thomas McGurl to serve as principal of BKW High School. McGurl is expected to be officially appointed at the Board of Education meeting taking place at 7 p.m. June 15. READ MORE

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 27, 2009
►Alumni database back online
The BKW Alumni Association is proud to launch its first ever online alumni database! This database allows BKW alumni to create profiles, share information, network with other grads and search for old classmates. Go to the Alumni Page to get started!

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 11, 2009
►HS principal search underway
The district is currently conducting interviews with applicants for the position of high school principal. The search committee has completed the first round of interviews and will soon decide which candidates should be invited back for the second round of interviews. The committee aims to conclude the interview process and recommend a candidate to the Board of Education by June 1, with the goal of hiring a new high school principal to begin work on July 1. More information will be shared with the community as it becomes available. If you have any questions about the search process for the new high school principal, please call the district office at 872-1293.

May 6, 2009
►Alumni database temporarily unavailable
With the launch of the BKW alumni database Schoolmates earlier today, we discovered some issues with the information forms that we would like to correct before making the database available to BKW alumni. As a result, all links to the database have been taken down. We apologize for the inconvenience. It is our desire to offer a glitch-free, easy-to-use online database for your information and enjoyment. Please stay tuned - Schoolmates will be back soon!

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 4, 2009
►An update on H1N1 Swine Flu
As news of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, continues to dominate headlines across the country, BKW school officials want to reassure our district’s families that we are continuing to monitor the local situation in partnership with the Albany County Health Department and the State Education Department.  READ MORE

April 28, 2009
►State Education Department, county health officials ask local schools to share information about swine flu
As more cases of swine influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, are confirmed in New York City, state and county health officials are seeking the help of local school districts to share information about this respiratory illness with parents and staff.
Health officials report the count of confirmed cases of swine flu in New York City has risen to 45. Most all those cases involve students from a private high school in Queens, NY who recently returned from a trip from Mexico, where an outbreak of respiratory infections has occurred.
According to the Albany County Department of Health no confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported, to date, in the county. Read more

March 23, 2009
►Transportation for students attending non-public schools
If your child will be attending a non-public school for the 2009-2010 school year and you wish to apply for school district transportation, you must submit a written request to the Superintendent's Office by April 1, 2009. Request forms are available in the district office. For further information, call 872-1293.

March 23, 2009
►Petitions available for open Board of Education seat
There is an open seat for a member of the Board of Education of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District – a Three Year Term to fill the expired term of John Harlow.  Petitions are available in the District Office, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Completed petitions must be returned to the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on April 20, 2009.

March 20, 2009
►Author Charles R. Smith Jr. visits BKW Middle School
With a positive message of diversity and talent for combining poetry and photography, award-winning author and poet Charles R. Smith Jr. treated Middle School students with recitation of his poems and a writing workshop. READ MORE

 

March 9, 2009
►Adult Education classes return for spring
Be sure to sign up for adult education classes beginning at the end of this month. A number of informative classes will be offered, from building your own home to stretching your food dollar. Just complete a registration form and mail it with your check to the district at: Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD, Continuing Education, 1738 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023. If you have any questions, please contact the district office at 872-1293.
Download the class list and registration form

March 6, 2009
►Business classes teach life skills for any economy
Experts project the economy will likely get worse before it gets better. Some believe the currently poor fiscal conditions will remain for at least the next two years. And what are BKW High School students doing? Their taxes. READ MORE


March 5, 2009
►Petrilli resigning as HS Principal; search for new principal to begin soon
BKW High School Principal Mary Petrilli will resign from her position effective June 29, the Board of Education announced March 2. The board plans to discuss the search for a new BKW High School principal at its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 16 in the district office. READ MORE

March 4, 2009
►Vogel named Coach of the Year
In just four years, Varsity Wrestling Coach Jeff Vogel turned a wrestling team that took 45 minutes just to roll out practice mats into a team that stands out among schools with much larger teams and many more coaches. But Vogel says it's the students - not him- that deserve the credit for winning him the title of Section 2 Class D Coach of the Year. READ MORE

March 4, 2009
►PTA Science Fair to be held March 27
Elementary School students who want to have fun and discover the exciting subject of science are encouraged to enter a project in this year's PTA Science Fair! The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 in the Elementary School. LEARN MORE

February 13, 2009
►The cast of "Grease" needs costumes!
Our cast is looking for costume donations for the musical, taking place April 3 - 5. Please take a look through your closets and give Ms. Travis a call at 872-5155 if you have any questions or if you find something on our list of needed costumes.
VIEW THE COSTUME LIST

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 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

January 30, 2009
►Support BKW athletics by joining Sports Boosters!
The BKW Sports Boosters Club is looking for parents and other community members interested in helping support sports here at BKW. At the Sports Boosters meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, February 2, we will be open to hearing new ideas for the upcoming school year. We will also be electing officers for 2009-2010. Hope to see you there!

January 30, 2009
►Regents exam make-up information
Learn what your student must do to make up missed Regents exams, as stated by the state Education Department. READ MORE

January 14, 2009
►YMCA offers lifeguard course; positions open at Thompson's Lake
The Saratoga/Capital District region of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will be offering a winter lifeguard training course designed to recruit and train new lifeguards for the beaches and pools in the Saratoga/Capital District region. READ MORE

January 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.

January 12, 2009
►These Middle School students have "RESILIENCE"
Congratulations to the following Middle School students who were recognized during the Bulldog Initiative's December program. The  trait for the month of December was "resilience."

According to teachers and staff, these students displayed a remarkable amount of resilience:

6th Grade: Jon Bannon Ashley Barnes Alex Curry Shawn Strain

7th Grade: Ciarra Ferrara James Hagerott (not pictured) Allen Wright

8th Grade: Anna Aucompaugh (not pictured) Daniel McLaughlin Michael Smith Michael Caiado

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

 

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.