Over the weekend, the Berlin Central School District received a report of an alleged threat. Please find the detailed letter from Superintendent Dr. Long regarding the incident below. Please note this letter was emailed home to all BCSD families on the evening of March 9, 2025. If you are a parent/guardian of a student in the district and did not receive this email please be sure to update your contact information with your building’s main office.
Dear Mountaineer Community,
Over the weekend, the Berlin Central School District received a report of an alleged threat. Following a swift investigation with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, the claim was deemed unfounded, and the individual who made the threat was taken into police custody. This alleged threat was isolated to the middle high school and did not include Berlin Elementary. Mr. Bernsley has been in contact with students and families directly impacted. Classes will be conducted in accordance with our regular schedule on Monday, March 10; out of an abundance of caution there will be an increased police presence on campus.
In this time of heightened sensitivity to these types of circumstances, we applaud students and families for reaching out and reporting to us. We take all allegations seriously and the safety of our students are our number one priority.
Mr. Bernsley and Mrs. Reynolds will plan to meet with students and staff at the start of the school day, and the district’s counseling staff available to all who may wish to meet with them. It is vital that students feel heard and understood, especially during times of uncertainty or distress.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could take some time to discuss these points with your child. To assist you in these conversations and to provide further information or guidance, please find the following links:
- age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events.pdf (nctsn.org)
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
- Helping Very Young Children Cope after a Trauma (nationwidechildrens.org)
Thank you to the community, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, and BCSD’s School Resource Officer Deputy Dalessio for their support and commitment to our students and staff’s safety.
We thank the community for continuing their commitment to “see something, say something”.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your respective building’s administrator (518) 658-1500.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe environment for all members of our school community.
Dr. Maureen Long
Interim Superintendent
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