August 28, 2018
Dear BKW Community,
I hope you have had a restful summer. As the calendar turns to September, our thoughts and planning are focused on opening the 2018-19 school year. Our students return to school on Wednesday, September 5. It will be exciting to have all of them back.
This promises to be an exciting year at BKW. We submitted capital project plans to NYSED for review and anticipate approval around the holidays. Once the District has approval, we will put out bids for contractors to do the work. Renovations should begin as soon as school closes in June 2019. We look forward to improvements to all facets of our facilities.
Safety is paramount. A central feature of the project is double secure door systems that prevent visitors from accessing our hallways. Additional cameras around the perimeter of buildings will improve surveillance. Over the summer, we completed a joint project with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office to install an emergency communications system in both schools and on all of our buses. This system opens direct communications with the Department in the event of an emergency. This fall, we welcome Deputy Sheriff Nate Bray as School Resource Officer. These comprehensive efforts address school security concerns which have emerged across our country in recent months. We thank the Sheriff’s Office, particularly Sheriff Apple and Chief Borman for their support our school’s safety.
To meet our students’ social/emotional needs, we will continue to advocate for county-level counseling resources, provide training for students and staff on peer mediation and the PBIS program, and introduce the staff to “cultural competence.” Our goal is for students to effectively deal with social conflict. Together BKW can be a caring and compassionate learning environment where all students can thrive.
Fall also brings new hands-on science programs in both schools. The high school has more than 10 college credit through SUNY-Cobleskill courses which are transferable to other colleges, saving families on the cost of tuition at college. There is also a new full-day Pre-K program. FFA enters its second year providing leadership training and experience for our students.
We are grateful for community support in all of these efforts. We stand committed to providing the best possible experience and opportunity for each child—every single one. “They are because we are.”
In the coming weeks, I look forward to seeing you at sporting events and other activities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Mundell
Superintendent of Schools