Evolution to Excellence: The first fifty years of the Bethlehem Central School District

by Beth Anderson

Evolution to The first fifty years of the Bethlehem Central School District chronicles the district’s founding and how it built an excellent reputation within a short span of time. With its roots in the mid-19th century Common School movement of education, a community recognizes the need for a comprehensive and more advanced education for its children. A high school program begins in 1926 and by the 1940s, the town of Bethlehem is a highly recommended place to settle because of its excellent school district. How did that happen? The answers lie within.


Beth Anderson, a longtime resident of NY’s Capital Region, is passionate about words, art, music, photography and much more. Beth spins stories as she did during a quarter of a century teaching high school English students. Her mystery-in-progress, The Quarry’s Child, draws on her love of swimming, lakes, art, and the quest for answers. Beth is one of the founding members of the Upper Hudson Valley Chapter of Sisters in Crime, a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, a survivor of a visit to an active aircraft carrier while it was at sea, and a published poet in Soundings, a literary journal.

172 pages

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fortunate to know and have been taught by the author, Ms. Anderson. I know she has a writer’s heart and an unmatched desire to dive headfirst to untangle a mystery. It is so evident to see the passion in her work here, sharing the early history of a community and school district I was part of. Learning the origins of the Hamagrael Elementary was cool. I am amazed with how quickly new schools could be built as the growing need and size of the community evolved, and from Anderson’s narrative, it was certainly just that: a community. Not without its faults or prejudices as documented, but a place where people wanted to stay and grow their own families. As still relevant today.

I know there were shortfalls in finding all the pieces to the backstory, but from what has been found and produced to share, we certainly owe it to the next generations beyond to document our history.

[Alison Calvagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving it 5 stars because 1) the author and I were in BCHS at the same time although I did not know her; 2) some aspects were a walk down memory lane; 3) I learned a lot about the development of my outstanding high school; 4) because I respect her honest treatment in chapter 9 of things we residents should be ashamed of. Yes, things were not there that I wish had been (Slingerlands kids played in the crypt and on the school roof and spent a bit of time in Charlie Sanders’ Store), but I just hope she writes more someday! Thank you Beth for a fun read!

[Elizabeth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book. It has moments believe it’s a 5.