Kindergarten Mountaineers Hit 50-State Goal!
You did it, Berlin CSD Community! Thank you for helping the BES Kindergarten Mountaineers reach their 50-state goal! Read on here.
Calendar Reminders
Please find February Calendar reminders here.
BNL Winter Sports Awards 3/2
BNL Winter Sports Awards, March 2, 2026, 6:00 pm, Berlin Middle High School Auditorium. Thank you BNL Booster Club for providing snacks/refreshments.
BES School Spirit Day 2/13
Show your school spirit and love for BES by wearing red and pink Friday, February 13th!
2026–27 Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Is Underway
The Berlin Central School District is in the process of registering students for the 2026-2027 Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Please find more information here.
Reminder Notice About April 1st Deadlines
Please find an important message from Berlin CSD regarding several important April 1, 2026, deadlines for the 2026-2027 school year, including childcare transportation, Pre-K and kindergarten registration, and non-public school and homeschool registration and transportation requests. This email was sent to the community on April 13, 2026. If you did not receive this message please update your contact information with the main office.
BES Second Graders Explore the History of BCSD’s Community
Last week, the second-grade Mountaineers donned their historian hats and explored the rich history of the Berlin Central School District’s four towns: Stephentown, Berlin, Petersburgh, and Grafton. Read on here.
BNL Athletics Spring 2026 Sports Registration is Open Until 3/20
BNL Athletics is excited to announce that the registration portal for Spring 2026 Sports is open sign up TODAY!! Find out more here!
Advertise in the 2026 BMHS Yearbook!
Each year, the Berlin Middle High School reaches out to local businesses and associations regarding advertisement donations towards the yearly Mountaineer Yearbook. These ads and donations help make the yearbook possible and are very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration in supporting this year’s Yearbook. Find out more here.
BES’ February Mountaineer News Is Available!
Please find Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s BES Mountaineer Newsletter for the first half of February with important information and dates here.
It’s a Good Day in Pre-K Newsletter – February 2026
Attention Pre-K Mountaineer Families! Please find February’s newsletter from Mr. Michael Burns, Early Learning Principal, Questar III BOCES here.
BCSD SMITH Walk-A-Thon & BCSD Family Wellness Fair 5/16
The Wellness Carnival will take place in the BMHS Gymnasium from 9 am -1pm, live music from 11 am – 1 pm. Come join us for family fun, local vendors, classes & club booths, wellness organizations, food, carnival games, Mr. Green the balloon artist, silent auction, massages and much more! Come check it out. It is sure to be a lively community event. Due to the impending weather the the day will kick off at 9 am with the 9th Annual SMITH 5K WALKERS who will have the option to walk the loop inside of the Berlin Middle High School, 5K Runners will have a virtual option to submit their times by Sunday register here.
Grades 3-5 After School Enrichment Enrollment Ends 2/23
Berlin Elementary is excited to offer the students of Berlin Elementary School an After School Enrichment Program for 4 weeks. Classes will meet on the following Tuesday dates: March 3, 10, 24, and 31. There will be no make-up days. The program will run from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Parent pickup will be prompt at 4:30 p.m. More details and sign up information here.
Berlin Elementary’s January Character Education Assembly
In January, Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Cataldo hosted the monthly Character Education assembly for kindergarten through 5th-grade students. Read on and find out this month’s award recipients and more here.
Attention 10th Graders! CTE Applications Due
Student forms are due to Ms. Caldwell in the counseling office. Please see Ms. Caldwell with any questions or if you need help with the application! More details here.
Superintendent’s Corner February 2026: Proposed Capital Project Infrastructure & Priorities Overview Part 1 & Part 2
Please find this month’s Superintendent’s Corner here. This month, Berlin CSD Superintendent Mr. Rizzo takes the community on a tour of the district, highlighting the proposed Capital Project infrastructure priorities, and sits down with Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Cyril Grant and School Business Official Ms. Colleen Mills. Please find the two-part episode here.
2026/2027 Family Course Selection Information
Please find the slideshows and presentation recordings from the 2026-2027 BMHS Course Selection Q&A session on 1/13/26 and Family Presentation on 1/20/26 along with the communications about the process here.
BCSD PTO HYBRID MEETING 1/14
Hybrid BCSD PTO Meeting & Earring-Making Fundraiser
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30 pm.
The meeting will take place at Berlin Elementary School during the fundraising event or join virtually. This month’s meeting features an earring-making fundraiser! Tickets are $20; purchase here: https://facebook.com/events/s/earring-workshop-fundraiser/1597592371491725/.
20% of sales go to the PTO.
This event is open to all; children are welcome. If they’d like to make a pair, please purchase a ticket for them too. Otherwise, they can come and hang out if childcare isn’t an option. We hope to see you there for a good time and a creative event! The PTO meeting will still be held at 6:30 pm and can be in person at the earring-making event or virtually; find the meeting link here. We hope you will join us.
Middle School Semi-Formal 2/12
Attention Mountaineers in 6th-8th grade! The BHS 10th Grade Class is hosting a Middle School Semi-Formal on February 12th from 2:15 pm - 4:45 pm. Students may go to the locker rooms to get ready for the dance until directed to the cafeteria. Don't forget to sign up...
BHS Pops Concert 2/11
BHS Pops Concert, Wednesday, February 11th, 6:00 pm, Berlin Middle High School Auditorium. (Snow Date Thursday 2/12/26)
Mountaineer Musicians, wear colorful concert attire and arrive by 5:30 pm for warm-up time. As always, concerts are part of a musician’s grade – please let the Music Department know immediately if there’s any conflict. Thanks for your support!
BNL’s Turner Syndrome Awareness Night 2/5
Come out to the BNL Boys Basketball games this Thursday 2/5 and wear your purple in support of Turner Syndrome Awareness Night!
Catch the BNL Modified Boys at 5 pm and the Varsity Boys at 7:30 pm. Learn more here.
March SAT Registration Deadline 2/27
The SAT Registration Deadline for the March 14, 2026 Exam is February 27, 2026. Please find more information here.
BNL Varsity Girls Basketball 2026 Senior Night
On Monday, February 2nd, the BNL Varsity Girls Basketball team held their Senior Night, celebrating senior Anna Ward. The team should be proud of the senior night game they played; it was full of heart and hustle. Read on here.
BMHS Yearbook On Sale!
High School Mountaineers! Grades 6-12 – Your yearbook for this year is now ON SALE! Order online through the link on your Class Schoology Group pages or a link found here.
Thank you BCSD School Counselors!
Berlin Central School District would like to take a moment to recognize our school counselors: Ryan Steller, Berlin Elementary School Counselor; James Taylor-Shaw, Berlin Middle School Counselor; and Savanna Caldwell, Berlin High School Counselor. Read on here.
Berlin High School’s Artist of the Month for January 2025
Congratulations to January’s Artist of the Month, senior, Penelope Haas! Find out more here.
Berlin High School Mountaineers Compete in Science Olympiad
The Berlin High School Science Olympiad team traveled to Ballston Spa High School on January 31st to compete in 23 different events against many schools from around the Capital Region. Read on here.
Light Up the Night with Literacy 3/5/26
Berlin Elementary will be hosting a Literacy Night, themed around the Northern Lights and the Iditarod. The evening will be filled with engaging activities that promote literacy and help foster parents/guardians as literacy partners. More details here.
BCSD Launches Community Book Club
Join our community book club! We will be reading ‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’ by, Jonathan Haidt, to discuss the impact of screen time on students and families. The Book Talk will take place April 1, 2026 at 6pm at the Berlin Elementary School Library. Find out more here.
BNL Varsity Girls Basketball: My Jersey, Your Impact
“My Jersey, Your Impact” is a high school tradition where student-athletes honor staff members who have had a positive impact on their lives. This tradition, which BNL Athletic Director/Assistant Principal Mrs. Reynolds has wanted to see take place within the BNL program, had its pilot day today. Read on and see a highlight video here.
Newsies Rehearsal Schedule
Attention Dramateers! Newsies Rehearsal Schedule! Don’t forget to sign up for the late bus during lunch!
WINK Winter Social NEW DATE 2/11
Attention 6th and 9th grade Mountaineers! Join WEB & LINK for a WINK Winter Social Wednesday, 2/11, from 2:15-3:15 pm. Please find out more on the flyer found here and be sure to sign up for the 3:15 pm bus during lunch. We hope to see you there! – WEB & LINK Leaders
Berlin Elementary Kindergarten is looking for Hearts from Around America!
Berlin Elementary Kindergarten is looking for Hearts from Around America! The BES Kindergarten classes are participating in ‘Hearts Around America.’ The goal is to receive a card, paper heart, postcard, or special item from all 50 states and maybe even beyond. More details here.
BMHS Newsletter – January 2026
Please find a message from Berlin Middle High School Principal David Bernsley here. This message, which includes the BMHS Newsletter, was also emailed to all families on 1/26. If you did not receive this email, please update your email contact information with the BMHS main office.
Class of 2028 Ring Information
Class of 2028! It’s finally your turn to order your fully customized class ring! We’ll be at school on Tuesday, January 27th during lunches in the Cafeteria and orders can also be placed ONLINE at www.jostens.com. More details here.
Berlin Unified Bowling Registration Open
Berlin is excited to announce the addition of Unified Bowling, now available to students in grades 7–12. We look forward to offering this opportunity for students to come together, build connections, and experience the benefits of inclusive athletics. Learn more here.
BES 100th Day Celebration Cereal Donation Request
To celebrate the 100th day of school, the kindergarten classes at BES would like to collect at least 100 boxes of cereal for a fun school-wide activity of cereal box dominoes! Find out more here.
ATTENTION SENIORS: Cap & Gown Information Packets Available
Cap & Gown Information packets can be picked up from the BMHS Main Office or contact Jostens directly if you didn’t receive one. A Jostens representative will be here NEXT WEEK, Tuesday, January 27th during lunches in the Cafeteria. Pleas find more information from Ms. Day below.
Scholarship Reminder From the BHS Counseling Office
BHS Counselor Ms. Caldwell is adding new scholarship opportunities to the counseling page weekly. Juniors & Senior Mountaineers please be sure to stay tuned into this page for an opportunity that may be the right fit for you. If you have questions or need support with submitting scholarship applications don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Caldwell at scaldwell@berlincentral.org or stop by her office to make an appointment. Find more details here.
Mountaineer Hygiene Product Donation Drive
Donations will be collected during the Mountain Madness event on 1/31/26, please reach out to Mrs. Honsinger directly at shonsinger@berlincentral.org if you would like to make donations outside of the event time. Thank you! – Mrs. Honsinger’s BHS Health Class
BNL Bowling Senior Night & Coach Recap 1/20
Congratulations to the BNL Bowling team on an outstanding Senior Night victory! Read on here.
BNL Swim Senior Night 2026
Please find BNL Swim Recaps: Senior Night Mock Meet 1/13 & BNL vs Mount Anthony 1/16
BOE Meeting Notices
Upcoming BOE Meeting: Regular Meeting, February 24, 2026 – 7:15 pm, Berlin Middle High School Auditorium
BHS Senior Reading Buddies Announcement
Are you a BHS senior interested in being part of the Senior Reading Buddies program or a BES teacher who would benefit from a Senior Reading Buddy? Learn more here.
BES’ January Mountaineer News Is Available!
Please find Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s BES Mountaineer Newsletter for the first half of January with important information and dates here.
North Country Family & Community Engagement Center January Newsletter
The North Country Family and Community Engagement Center is pleased to share learning opportunities for families, school districts, and community partners this January. Please find more details here.
BES Announces Fire Safety Poster Contest Winners 2025/2026
Last week, Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Cataldo along with Mrs. Dolan announced the annual Fire Safety Poster Contest winners, selected by the Berlin Fire Department. Please learn more and find a list of poster contest winners here.
BES Announces the 2025-2026 Yearbook Cover Contest Winners
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Berlin Elementary School Yearbook Cover Contest winners! Find out here and see how you can order a yearbook today!
Good Luck to the BMS Future City Team
Good luck to the Middle School Mountaineers’ Future City team this weekend! The team will compete at Shaker High School tomorrow, January 17th. Learn more here.
6th Grade Update Regarding 1/20 Regents Exam Day
Please find an update from BMHS Principal Mr. Bernsley linked below regarding 6th grade attendance on the January 20, 2026, Regents day. If you are a parent/guardian of a 6th grade student and did not receive this communication, please contact the BMHS main office to update your contact information. Questions? Please contact Mr. Bernsley directly at dbernsley@berlincentral.org.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Attention 5th, 8th & 12th Grade Parents/Guardians Baby Photos Wanted!
Thank you for helping us make this a special keepsake for our students! BMHS & BES Yearbook Advisors. Find more information here.
January 13, 2026 Capital Project Workshop Information
Please find information and updates regarding the proposed Capital Project from the January 13, 2026 Board of Education Workshop session.
SADD Chapter Meeting 1/16
If you are interested in joining BMHS’ SADD Chapter please connect with Advisor Ms. Davner on Schoology or email sdavner@berlincentral.org
SADD was founded on the simple philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force in prevention. More information here.
Hudson Taconic Learning Landscapes Convening a Committee
Hudson Taconic Learning Landscapes will begin convening a Learning Landscapes Committee made up of Berlin CSD teachers, administrators, students, families, and community members. Learn more and find out how to get involved here.
Middle School Student Council 1/15
Attention Middle School Student Council: There will be a meeting this week after school on Thursday, 1/15. Please send Mrs. Gilbert a message if you can’t attend. Remember to sign up for the late bus during lunch.
Bird Café at the Berlin Free Town Library 1/17
Attention BCSD Community! Berlin Seniors from the Class of 2026 will present a Bird Café at the Berlin Free Town Library this coming Saturday, January 17th starting at 12 pm. Learn more here.
Superintendent’s Corner Episode 4: January 2026
Please find the latest Superintendent’s Corner from Berlin CSD Superintendent Mr. Ken Rizzo here. This month’s episode includes information about the upcoming Capital Project Workshop, budget planning for the 2026-2027 school year, BMHS Course Selection information, and important dates and fun events to keep an eye out for in January. Go Mountaineers!
BMHS 2025 Peer-Nominated Kindness Award Recipient Announced
Congratulations to Clara Church for receiving the BMHS 2025 peer-nominated Kindness Award. Thank you, Clara, for spreading kindness and encouraging your peers to do the same!
BMS 6th Grade Mountaineer Submits Artwork for New York State Design Contest
Berlin Middle School sixth-grade student Khalani Gonzalez-Caban has entered her artwork in the New York State Student Design Contest to create the Official NYS Youth Art Month (YAM) 2026 Flag. Excellent artwork and good luck Mountaineer Khalani Gonzalez-Caban!
District-Wide CAM Pull-Tab Competition
Community Active Mountaineers (CAM) is again hosting a Pull Tab Competition to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Winners get an ice cream party and most importantly all proceeds go to support the Ronald MacDonald House! Let’s go Mountaineers!!
BNL Swim Senior Night 1/14
BNL Swim Senior Night 1/14! Come cheer on the BNL Swim team and celebrate BNL Swim Seniors Jordan Sotek and Lance Schroder! GO BNL Mountain Lions!
What Is OVA and How To Get Involved at BMHS
Compete with your ART! The Olympics of the Visual Arts (OVA) is a statewide art competition that the Berlin Middle High School goes to every year.
Learn more, check out the rules here!
Mr. Dobbins Thanks Donors for Fully Funded DonorsChoose Project
Please find a message of gratitude here from BES Kindergarten Teacher regarding a recently fully funded DonorsChoose project! Thank you for your dedication to your students, Mr. Dobbins, and for always looking for more ways to support the Mountaineer community.
Mountaineers Participate in STEM Skills Building Activities
Before the break, Technology and Instructional Support Coordinator Mrs. Gilbert created STEM workshops for Mountaineers at BES and BMHS. Read on here.
BMHS Student Council Gives Back With Food Drive
Before the holiday break, students at Berlin Middle High School collected over 430 canned food items for local food pantries. Read on here.
BNL Booster Club Meeting 1/12/25
BNL Booster Club Meeting January 12, 2026 at 5 pm. Norte Azul Cantina – Stephentown, NY, RSVP shannongardell@gmail.com. Meeting topics will include Mountain Madness planning.
2026-27 Non-Public School Transportation Request Deadline 4/1/26
Berlin CSD provides transportation to students in our district who wish to go to private schools, within the guidelines indicated in the Berlin CSD Board of Education Policy 5720. Please fill out a separate form for each student you are requesting non-public transportation for, no later than April 1st of the prior school year you are requesting transportation for. Find more information and forms here.
Noteworthy Resources’ January 2026 Newsletter
Noteworthy Resources Notice from Mr. Shaw: Noteworthy supports Mental Health Together! They connect individuals to therapy, peer support, and resources—because everyone deserves access to healing and community.
2026-2027 BCSD Transportation Childcare Form Deadline 4/1
In order for the Berlin Central School District’s Transportation department to accurately prepare for the 2026-2027 school year’s bus routes, information regarding before and after school childcare pick up and drop off locations is required. The 2026-2027 Bus Routes will be emailed to all families no later than April 1, 2026. If you have questions please reach out to the Transportation Supervisor directly at jalderman2@berlincentral.org. Please find the form here.
Classes Resume January 5, 2026
Happy New Year! Classes Resume January 5, 2026. Let’s make it a great year Mountaineers!
January Menus
Please find the January menus here.
Berlin Elementary’s December Character Education Assembly
In December, Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Cataldo hosted the monthly Character Education assembly for kindergarten through 5th-grade students. Read on and find out this month’s award recipients and more here.
It’s a Good Day in Pre-K Newsletter – December 2025
Attention Pre-K Mountaineer Families! Please find December’s newsletter from Mr. Michael Burns, Early Learning Principal, Questar III BOCES here.
Letter From Superintendent Rizzo Regarding “764” Targeting Youth Online
Please find an important message from Superintendent Rizzo Regarding “764” targeting youth online here. This message includes what to look for and resources to help your students stay safe online. Please note this letter was emailed hope to all families on 12/23/25.
MS Student Council Create Relationships at BES Through Reading
Middle School student council members recently visited kindergarten, first, and second-grade classrooms to read stories and participate in activities with the younger Mountaineers. Read on here.
Helping Hands Holiday Bears Supports Over 90 Mountaineers
This year our Helping Hands Holiday Bears program helped to support over 90 children. We partnered with various organizations to provide a little relief to hard working families during the holiday season. We strive to support and help families and have been doing this for over 20 years. Read on here.
Berlin CSD Holiday Break 12/22/25 – 1/2/26
Berlin CSD Holiday Break: No School December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026. Classes resume January 5, 2026.
BCSD is Hiring
Berlin CSD is hiring! Come join our Mountaineer community! Please visit our employment page here for information.
Letter From Superintendent Rizzo Regarding Capital Project Presentation
Please find a letter from Berlin CSD Superintendent, Mr. Ken Rizzo, regarding the preliminary Capital Project presentation from the December 16, 2025, Board of Education meeting, addressing the district’s most pressing infrastructure needs. Find Superintendent Rizzo’s full letter and more details here.
Berlin High School Winter Concert Album
Congratulations to the High School Mountaineer Musicians who performed an outstanding Winter Concert on Thursday, December 11th! Read on and find an album here.
Mountaineers Participate in Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Thank you to all who helped make this year’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Berlin Community Cemetery meaningful. When this community service project started in Berlin two years ago, there were only eight ceremonial wreaths, representing each branch of the service. This year, there were 119 wreaths sponsored by the Berlin Community. Read on here.
Berlin Dramateers Shine in One Act Plays
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Berlin Dramateers’ One Act Plays: After Hours (Middle School), Man Under Her Bed (High School), and A Case of Cleanser (Middle School). Read on and see photo highlights here.
Advocate and Speak Sobriety Founder Stephen Hill Connects With BHS Mountaineers
This week, Berlin High School Mountaineers in grades 10-12 attended a presentation by Stephen Hill, speaker, author, attorney, advocate, and founder of Speak Sobriety. Mr. Hill spoke to the students about substance abuse, the power of addiction, and mental health, sharing his personal story of addiction and his journey to his current wellness lifestyle. Learn more here.
Mountaineer Musicians Spread Cheer at Grafton Senior Center
Berlin High School Mountaineer Musicians from the Chamber Choir and Jazz Band visited Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center in Grafton, NY last Thursday, December 4th. Find a video highlighting the visit and more details about the visit here.
BCSD Announces New After School Snack Program
Berlin Central School District’s Food Service Department is excited to announce a new After-School Snack Program starting today, December 8, 2025!
Please find the menu attached here.
BCSD Helping Hands Receives Generous Donations for the Community
Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Poli would like to thank our great community for their continued support of the Helping Hands program, and would like to share a special thank you to some for their recent generosity here.
Community Helpers Visit BES Kindergarten
BES kindergarteners in Mrs. Hannigan, Mrs. Wilson, and Mr. Dobbins’ classes have been reading and learning about communities in ELA and social studies. Find out more here.
NYSED Visits Berlin High School To See Civic Seal Program in Action
Berlin Middle High School is applying social studies in a multitude of practical paths and is leading the way in many areas at Berlin CSD; receiving the Seal of Civic Readiness from the New York State Education Department is an excellent example of this. Read on here.
BES’ December Mountaineer News Is Available!
Please find Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s BES Mountaineer Newsletter for the first half of December with important information and dates here.
Local Grange Gifts Dictionaries to 3rd Grade Mountaineers
This week, Mrs. Laurinda Gearing from the Grange in Brunswick #1317 and East Chatham #1066 visited the Berlin Elementary 3rd graders in Mr. Bourquard, Ms. Rontey, and Mrs. Savaria’s classes. Read on here.
BMHS 2025-2026 Quarter 1 Honor Roll Announced
Please find the 2025-2026 Berlin Middle High School Quarter 1 Honor Roll here! Great work Mountaineers!
“Hang Up And Drive” Advocates Connect With Mountaineers
Cell phone use while driving is more prevalent among teenagers than any other form of distraction or impairment. This troubling statistic prompted Berlin CSD School Resource Officer Deputy DaLessio and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate with the “Hang Up And Drive” organization to present to the high school Mountaineers before the Thanksgiving break. Read on here.
Class of 2029 Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser
Class of 2029 Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser! Homemade cinnamon rolls prepared and frozen for you to bake when you want them. $20 for a dozen large cinnamon rolls. Order by Monday, December 15th. More details here.
BMHS Student Council Hosts Food Drive
Berlin Middle High School Student Council Food Drive, December 2nd – December 17th. The winning grade level will receive an ice cream party! The list of grade-level drop-off rooms for the items is located outside the main office and library. We want to break our goal of 1,700 items, and we need your help!
Feeling the Need To Act Out? Join the National Shakespeare Competition!
Channel your drama in a fun, productive way and join the National Shakespeare Competition!
Middle School Student Council is Sponsoring Make-A-Wish
All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the stars will decorate our spirit tree to show our support just as you enter the Middle High School, and Berlin Elementary School buildings. Let’s help meet the goal to raise money for 100 Wishes to help make a local child’s wish come true! Find out more here.
Berlin PTO Holiday Shop Information
Flyers with shopping lists will be backpacked at BES this week. The Berlin PTO is looking forward to this fun holiday event! If you are interested in volunteering for set up or to help run the shop please find a sign up and more information here.
BES Kicks Off Annual Animal Shelter Drive
If you would like to donate something, please bring your donations to Berlin Elementary by the tree by Friday, December 19th. All of your generous donations will be delivered to The Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society in Menands on Christmas Eve.
It’s a Good Day in Pre-K Newsletter – November 2025
Attention Pre-K Mountaineer Families! Please find November’s newsletter from Mr. Michael Burns, Early Learning Principal, Questar III BOCES here.
BES Fall After School Enrichment For K-2 A Success
The Fall Berlin Elementary School After School Enrichment for K-2 was such a success. A huge thank you to all our volunteers over the past four Tuesdays. Read on here.
Berlin CSD Business Office Receives ASBO’s Collaborative Excellence Award
Congratulations to the Berlin Central School District’s Business Office team, for being the 2025 recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award! Read on here.
BMHS Music Department Announcements
Please find the important announcements for December from the BMHS Music Department. The music department has a lot of wonderful events happening in this month and could use your support. Find out more here.
NHS To Hold Wreaths Across America at the Berlin Center Cemetery 12/13
Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on Saturday December 13th at 12PM by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help. Find more information here.
BNL Booster Club 2025 Holiday Raffle End 12/7
Please find the BNL Booster Club’s Holiday Raffle flyer and prize calendar and more details from the BNL Booster Club here.
BES Holds 4th Annual Thanksgiving Balloons Over Broadway Parade!
Before the Thanksgiving break, BES Kindergarten students in Mr. Dobbins’, Mrs. Hannigan’s, and Mrs. Wilson’s classes partnered with their 4th-grade buddies in Mrs. Wolfe’s, Mrs. Laz’s, and Mrs. Bersaw’s classes to learn about the Macy’s Day Parade and its floats. Read on and find a parade highlight video here.
BNL Athletics Spotlight Local Food Pantries
This November, BNL Athletics hosted a community food drive at all its school buildings. BNL would like to take a moment to shine a light on these community organizations and say thank you. Read on here.
BES’ Mr. Dobbins Awarded Grant From Rural Technology Fund
Thank you, Mr. Dobbins, for seeking innovative ways to support Mountaineers, and congratulations on your grant award! Find out more here.
Class of 2026 Senior Take Over Day
Today was the annual Berlin High School Senior “Take Over” Day. Seniors who are “taking over” are asked to sign a contract, create a lesson plan and come prepared for the day. Congratulations senior Mountaineers on a successful BMHS “take over.” Staff members and Seniors who “took over” can be found here.
Berlin High School’s Artist of the Month for November 2025
Congratulations to November’s Artist of the Month, senior, Tylie Dodge! Read on here.
BCSD Helping Hands Receives Generous Donations
Mrs. Deanna Baker, Mrs. Jennifer Poli, and Berlin Central School District’s Helping Hands would like to express their gratitude for the recent generous donations to the BCSD’s Helping Hands program. Read on here.
BMHS Physical Education Staff Present at Annual NYS AHPERD Conference
This week, the Middle and High School Physical Education staff are attending and presenting at the annual NYS AHPERD (Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) conference. Read on here.
Art Department Fundraiser ONE week ONLY 11/20 – 11/28
Need a holiday gift for that artsy family member or friend? Want to also help fundraise for Art field trips this year? Check out the ONE week ONLY 11/20 – 11/28 fundraiser here!
Silent Auction at the Holiday Fest!
Support BCSD’s Helping Hands, Holiday Bears and BES Drama Club in their silent auction raffle during the upcoming Holiday Fest on 12/6!
Please reach out to Mrs. Baker dbaker@berlincentral.org or Mrs. Scanlon sscanlon@berlincentral.org by December 1st!
2025 BNL Fall Sports Awards Night
The BNL community celebrated its fall student-athletes at the BNL Fall Sports Awards Night on November 12th at the Berlin Middle High School. Read on and see photo highlights here.
BNL Girls Soccer 2025 Wasaren All Stars
Congratulations to BNL Girls Varsity Soccer player Vivian Powers for being nominated to the Wasaren League All Star Second Team. Additionally, congratulations to Emma Shorter and Tylie Dodge, who were nominated as All Star honorable mentions!
Fourth-Grade Mountaineers Explore the New York State Museum
Fourth-grade Mountaineers in Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Laz, and Mrs. Bersaw’s classes recently took a field trip to the New York State Museum. Read on here.
BNL Athletics Hosting a Community Food Drive
Food insecurity affects a significant portion of our community, but collective efforts can bring about a profound impact. BNL Athletics feel a BNL Community food drive is a way to support our districts’ food pantries, raise awareness about food insecurity while bringing the BNL community together through a unified action. Find out more here.
Opioid Crisis Workshop 11/19/25
The Berlin Central School District in collaboration with the Rensselaer County Department of Health will be presenting an Opioid Crisis Workshop on 11/19/25. Please find more information here.
BMHS First Quarter Character Education Awards
Congratulations to this quarter’s Berlin Middle High School Mountaineers who showed perseverance! Please find a list of the students who have been awarded for showing great perseverance at the beginning of our school year here.
8th Graders Engineer and Race Pinewood Derby Cars
During the first quarter of the school year, 8th-grade students in BMHS Technology Education teacher Mrs. Wetmore’s first and second period classes completed their Engineering Design projects, Pinewood Derby Cars. Read on.
18 Mountaineers Perform at RCSMA All County Music Festival
Congratulations to the 18 Mountaineers who were selected to represent Berlin CSD at this year’s RCSMA All County Music Festival at Hoosick Falls Central School on Saturday, November 8th. Read on here.
BES’ November Character Education Assembly
Berlin Elementary School’s Kindergarten through 5th-grade Mountaineers came together at the beginning of November for a Character Education Assembly, celebrating peers who embody the monthly character trait and inspiring others to do the same! Read on and see highlights here. Way to go Mountaineers!
BES Crazy Hat Spirit Day 11/25
BES Mountaineers are welcome to wear a crazy hat or crazy hair to school! We encourage you to be as creative and imaginative as possible!
Berlin Middle High School Pictures Retakes Are Ready!
Berlin Middle High School Pictures Retakes Are Ready! More details here.
2025-2026 Taconic Valley Chapter of the NJHS and NHS Inducted
Congratulations to the newest and current members of the Taconic Valley Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society, who were celebrated and inducted into the chapter at the Berlin Middle High School on November 5th. Read on here.
Elementary School Holds Practice Lockdown Drill –November 12
The Berlin Elementary School held a practice lockdown drill this afternoon, November 12, 2025, to help keep students and staff safe. More details here.
Help CAM Spread the gLOVE BMHS
The gLOVE tree will be set up soon! If you are in need of any winter accessories please feel free to take anything off of the tree across from the main office! If you would like to donate to the gLOVE tree please drop them off at the main office or with Mrs. Hammersmith in room 118c.
BES Ambassador Gobble-Grams Available until 11/14!
If you would like to surprise a special friend with a Gobble Gram, complete the form, color the picture, and return it with $1.00 by Friday, November 14th. All money raised by the Gobble-Grams will be used to support the BES Ambassador program. More details and forms to print here.
BMHS Family Survey and Important Upcoming Programs
At Berlin Middle High School, we strive to continually strengthen our connection with families and ensure that we are meeting the diverse needs of our community. Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us make thoughtful, informed decisions for the future. Please find an important message from BMHS Principal Mr. Bernsley and Assistant Principal Mrs. Reynolds here.
Berlin Middle High School Hosts 14th Annual Veterans Day Assembly and Breakfast
Thank you to the Berlin Central School Community and local community for making this year’s Berlin Middle High School Veterans breakfast and assembly so meaningful. Mr. Robert Gould hopes the community will spread the word about this event, and that the district can host many more of our community’s veterans in the years to come. To all our veterans, near and far, thank you for your service. Read on and see a video highlight of the event here.
BNL Athletics Fall Sports Awards 11/12
BNL Athletics Fall Sports Awards, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM, Berlin Middle High School. The BNL Booster Club will provide refreshments.
Dramateers Announcement Week of 11/10
Attention Dramateers! Please see this weeks rehearsal schedule here.
BES Annual K-5 Yearbook Cover Contest Due 11/13
Calling all BES students! The annual yearbook cover contest is underway. Please find details on the flyer that was sent home with BES Mountaineers last week here. If you have questions, please email Mr. Turetsky at mturetsky@berlincentral.org.
Berlin CSD & Hudson Taconic Lands Partner for First Learning Landscape in Rensselaer County
The Berlin Forest is a rich learning environment for the arts, sciences, and physical education, and could provide an exciting, hands-on extension to Berlin CSD’s existing campuses. Read on here.
BES’ November Mountaineer News Is Available!
Please find Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s BES Mountaineer Newsletter for the first half of November with important information and dates here.
Superintendent’s Corner Episode 3: Attendance Matters
Mr. Rizzo discusses the importance of attendance in his November 2025 Superintendent’s Corner. Learn how good attendance habits lead to success in school and beyond! Find out how BES Principal Cataldo celebrates attendance and see the new Attendance Matters banner created by BMHS Principal Bernsley in Mr. Rizzo’s November 2025 Superintendent’s Corner.
Berlin High School’s Artist of the Month for October 2025
Congratulations to October’s Artist of the Month, senior, Norah Smerdon! Read on here.
Berlin CSD Winter Weather Communication 2025-2026
Please find a communication regarding Berlin CSD’s winter weather plans for the 2025 – 2026 school year here. If you did not receive the email regarding winter weather, which was sent home to all families on November 3, 2025, please update your information with your school building’s main office.
Practicing Gratitude
Not only is gratitude helpful when maintaining friendships and relationships, but there are scientifically proven benefits as well as seen in the image here. Please find the full message from BMHS Counselor Mr. Shaw here.
It’s a Good Day in Pre-K Newsletter – October 2025
Attention Pre-K Mountaineer Families! Please find October’s newsletter from Mr. Michael Burns, Early Learning Principal, Questar III BOCES here.
BNL Cross Country Has Outstanding Showing at Wasaren League Championship – BNL Varsity Boys Take Home the Championship
The BNL Cross Country Team traveled to Queensbury on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025, to compete in the Wasaren League Championships. The Varsity Boys faced competitive teams, including Mechanicville (6-0) and Tamarac/Hoosick Falls (5-1), whom they had lost to during the...
BMHS Newsletter 10/27/25
Please find a message from Berlin Middle High School Principal David Bernsley here. This message, which includes the BMHS Newsletter, was also emailed to all families on 10/27. If you did not receive this email, please update your email contact information with the BMHS main office.
30 Day Comment Period for the Updated 2025-26 District Wide Safety Plan Open
The Berlin CSD District Wide Safety Plan is open for public comment until November 20, 2025. This 30-day comment period has been opened to update the 2025-26 District Wide Safety Plan by adding the Cardiac Arrest & AED Response Plan (Desha’s Law) to the appendix. Please find more information here. Please send all comments and questions to Superintendent Mr. Ken Rizzo at krizzo@berlincentral.org.
BCSD Helping Hands Notice
Attention BCSD Families: If you are a district family in need of the Helping Hands programs please complete the form found here so that we may better meet your needs. The Holiday Bear sign up deadline is quickly approaching, please complete and turn in Holiday Bear requests by 10/24/25.
BNL Girls Varsity Volleyball Senior Night and Coach Recap 10/20
The Mountain Lions defeated the Jesters of Emma Willard on senior night in a thrilling 5-set match (25-13, 23-25, 17-25, 25-8, 15-9). Read on here.
Kindergarten and 4th Grade Mountaineers Buddy Up for DEAR Time
Every other week, Kindergartners and 4th-grade Mountaineers will meet in the Library for DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time, one of BES’ school-wide literacy initiatives this year. Read on here.
BES’ Second Half of October’s Mountaineer News Is Available!
Please find Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s BES Mountaineer Newsletter for the second half of October with important information and dates here.
BNL Girls Varsity Volleyball Senior Night 10/20
SAVE THE DATE! 2025 BNL Girls Volleyball Senior Night: October 20th, 5:30 pm, New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School Gymnasium. BNL Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Emma Willard.
BES Partners With Community Librarians
Berlin Elementary Principal Mrs. Jodi Cataldo’s focus on community outreach has developed an exciting new partnership with our district’s local librarians. Read more about it here.
BMHS Music Department Calendar Raffle
This year the Music Dept. is going to be hosting a Calendar Raffle for the month of December! Each day in December we will be hosting a raffle for all sorts of different prizes, including locally made gifts and gift cards useful through our community! We will be selling these raffle tickets starting at Fall Fest on Oct. 18th through the start of December at our concerts. Find out more here.
Workshop Notices from PPS Director Mr. Olsen
Please find information regarding family workshops hosted through the North Country Family and Community Engagement Center Educational Partnership here.
BES Charges Into Fire Safety!
This week is 2025 Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s fire prevention campaign is ‘Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.’ On October 10th, Berlin Elementary School’s annual Fire Safety and Prevention Day, Principal Mrs. Cataldo started the day with a successful fire drill, where students and staff evacuated the building quietly and swiftly. Read on here.
BCSD Superintendent Rizzo and NY Senator Ashby Meet To Discuss Advocacy for Rural School District
Advocacy for one’s community and partnerships with local representatives are critical to the success of a public school during times of fiscal struggle and trying to meet the needs of students and the greater school community. This was the topic at hand during a sit-down conversation between Senator Jake Ashby, who represents the residents of the Berlin Central School District, Berlin CSD Superintendent Mr. Ken Rizzo, and BCSD School Business Official Ms. Colleen Mills.
BES Fall Fitness Medal Winners Announced
Congratulations to Berlin Elementary’s 2025 Fall Fitness Medal Winners. Mountaineers with the top three times in their grade levels received medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Mrs. Sausville and Mr. Sauer are proud of the effort all the Mountaineers showed this fall during the Fitness Run unit with mile, half-mile, and quarter-mile runs. Find the list of Mountaineer Fitness Medal Winners here.
BES’ October Character Education Assembly
At Berlin Elementary School, Kindergarten through 5th grade Mountaineers come together monthly for uplifting Character Education Assemblies, celebrating peers who embody the monthly character trait and inspire others to do the same! These assemblies are also the time to introduce a new trait, brought to life through skits, graphics, and guest speakers. Read on and see highlights here. Way to go Mountaineers!
BMHS: Create a Personalized Yearbook
Attention BMHS: Create a personalized yearbook with your photos and memories! Sign up and start customizing your two free custom pages with your favorite pics! More information here.
Mountaineers Pledge To Stand Together Against Bullying
Today, BMHS Student Assistance Counselor Ms. Davner and BMHS Counselor Mr. Shaw hung a Mountaineer pledge in the BMHS Cafeteria. This pledge is part of the initiative for Mountaineers to stand up together against bullying not just during Bully Prevention Month but all year round. Read on here.
October is Bully Prevention Month
Please find a notice from Ms. Shayna Davner, MSW, Student Assistance Counselor, Berlin Central School District/Rensselaer County Mental Health Prevention Services. Please keep an eye out for more notices from Ms. Davner throughout the month on different ways to stand up together against bullying throughout October.
BNL Hiring for Winter Coaching Positions
BNL is looking to hire winter coaches! More details here.
READ, SHARE, CONNECT!
As part of a literacy initiative, Berlin Elementary School Principal Cataldo is focused on getting books in the hands of BES Mountaineers and finding ways to inspire a love of reading. Mrs. Cataldo is excited to partner with Berlin High School to help carry out her vision. Find out more here.
2025 School Tax Information
The Berlin CSD 2025 School Tax Bills have been mailed. Payments received or postmarked after October 31, 2025 will be returned to sender unpaid. More tax bill information here.
Superintendent’s Corner Episode 2: Berlin CSD Receives NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness
In this installment of the Superintendent’s Corner, Mr. Rizzo announces that Berlin CSD has received the Seal of Civic Readiness from the New York State Education Department. Find out what this means for BCSD here.
2025–26 BCSD Student Ex-Officio Board Member- BHS Junior Isabella Ovitt
Berlin Central School District is proud to introduce BHS junior Isabella Ovitt as the 2025-2026 student ex-officio board member on the BCSD Board of Education. On September 17, Isabella joined a statewide hybrid webinar of student ex-officio board members from around the region. Read more about it and hear from Isabella in her own words here.
Important SpotMyBus Information
The Berlin Central School District’s Transportation Department is excited to announce the return of SpotMyBus, which has been newly updated with improved connectivity in our district! Please find important information about the updated app here.
BCSD PTO District-Wide Guptill’s Roller Skating Party 2/17
The BCSD PTO is excited to announce a district-wide roller skating party at Guptill’s Arena on February 17, 2026, from 1 pm – 4 pm! More details here.
Elementary School Holds Practice Lockdown Drill –February 10
The Berlin Elementary School held a practice lockdown drill this afternoon, February 10, 2026, to help keep students and staff safe. More details here.
Spirit ► Integrity ► Environment
2026–27 Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Is Underway
The Berlin Central School District is in the process of registering students for the 2026-2027 Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Please find more information here.
Elementary School Holds Practice Lockdown Drill –February 10
The Berlin Elementary School held a practice lockdown drill this afternoon, February 10, 2026, to help keep students and staff safe. More details here.
Berlin Middle High School Holds Practice Lockdown Drill – February 10
The Berlin Middle High School held a practice lockdown drill this afternoon February 10, 2026, to help keep students and staff safe. The drill allows BMHS to practice safety procedures and ensures police are familiar with our building in the event of an emergency.
Reminder Notice About April 1st Deadlines
Please find an important message from Berlin CSD regarding several important April 1, 2026, deadlines for the 2026-2027 school year, including childcare transportation, Pre-K and kindergarten registration, and non-public school and homeschool registration and transportation requests. This email was sent to the community on April 13, 2026. If you did not receive this message please update your contact information with the main office.