Please find an important communication from Superintendent Dr. Long below. This letter was also emailed home to all families on 1/9/25. If you did not receive this email please update your email contact information with your building’s main office.
January 9, 2025
Dear Families,
We are writing to inform you that an arrest has been made by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office of a former Berlin Middle High School employee, for alleged inappropriate conduct involving minors. While we understand this news is deeply unsettling, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and any behavior that brings harm to a student will not be tolerated. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
In light of these events, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s digital activities and online safety. Monitoring online interactions and maintaining open communication with your child about their digital habits are critical steps in keeping them safe. Any inappropriate behavior or interactions, whether online or in person, should be reported immediately to the school or local authorities.
We understand that students, staff, and families may experience a wide range of emotions in response to this situation. To provide support, our counseling team is available to assist any students who require support. If you believe your child would benefit from speaking with a counselor, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
The links below provide resources that may be useful to you in supporting your child at home.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Mental Health America
- Berlin CSD Community Assistance page
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and trust as we navigate this situation together. We are committed to maintaining the safety and integrity of our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your respective building principal at 518-658-1500.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maureen Long
Interim Superintendent of Schools