Bethlehem CSD uses precautionary lockout during school day, after-school activities canceled

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to an update from the Bethlehem Central School District's Superintendent Judy Monroe, extra precautions are being taken on Monday for the school day following numerous threats made toward the school. In this update, the Superintendent confirmed the school is still working closely with the police and the FBI, as well as other officials, in the ongoing investigation into the source of the threats.

On Monday, several safety protocols will be in place. There will be an increased police presence stationed at the high school and middle school and additional patrols and police personnel will be assigned to all elementary schools.

The schools will all continue to operate on a precautionary lockout during the school day. There will be no changes to the instructional day with all outside doors locked, but there is no outside recess or physical education and all visitors must enter through the main entrance to all schools.

There will also be a bag check at the high school. All high school students should prepare for their bags to be checked upon entering the high school.

All on-site after-school activities were effectively canceled for Monday, per the update from the district's website posted this morning. The district says that there have been no phone threats made since Thursday, but the decision to cancel after-school activities was "out of an abundance of caution."

The Superintendent also says that the schools have been preparing the classrooms for if a hybrid learning approach needs to be taken. If a hybrid approach is offered, updates will be communicated on a day-by-day basis.

There will be a Coordinated Care Team at each of the schools consisting of the school psychologist, counselor, and social worker as well. If a student needs extra support during this time, parents can reach out to their school for assistance.

The Superintendent said the school will be working with the Bethlehem Police Department and communicating plans for school day-by-day. Parents can stay in the know by checking the district website for updates each day.