Bethlehem Area School District

09/11/2026

Today, BASD high school students come together to Remember. Honor. Climb Together.

This morning, Freedom and Liberty High School students and invited participants will take part in THE CLIMB, a student-centered remembrance of September 11, marking 25 years since the attacks.

Please note that THE CLIMB is a CLOSED BASD event. While we would love to welcome the broader community, this is necessary to ensure the safety and security of our students and allow the event to proceed as planned.

Thank you for your understanding as our students come together today to remember those we lost, honor those who served, and ensure the lessons and legacy of September 11 continue to be remembered by a new generation.

09/11/2026

One friend. One memory. One vision. A community coming together to remember.
For Coach Joe Stellato, THE CLIMB is deeply personal.

On September 11, 2001, Coach Stellato lost his best friend in the attacks on the World Trade Center. The loss has stayed with him for 25 years, and he wanted to find an important way to honor his friend’s memory while helping a new generation understand the significance of September 11.

That vision became THE CLIMB.

What began as one person’s desire to remember has grown into a powerful student-led effort bringing together students from Freedom and Liberty High Schools, first responders, military personnel, staff and community partners.

Coach Stellato’s hope is simple: that we remember.
That we remember the lives lost.
That we remember the courage of those who responded.
That we remember the families who were forever changed.
And that we make sure a generation born after 9/11 understands why we must HONOR • REMEMBER • NEVER FORGET.

This is THE CLIMB.
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/northampton-county/bethlehem-area/25-years-after-9-11-local-coach-keeps-best-friend-s-memory-alive/article_c0f963ef-6de5-42e3-94ab-2e496ddca683.html

For Joe Stellato, the story begins with two phone calls from the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center.

09/11/2026

It’s that time of year! Applications for the Teacher Innovation & Service Learning Grants are LIVE! In an effort to expand the opportunity for teachers, The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District provides funding opportunities for innovative and service-learning projects, programs, and initiatives. If you’ve ever had an idea to spark in your classroom, or want to help your community but haven’t had the funding to launch, THIS is your opportunity!

Everything you need to know will be found via the QR code found on this graphic - Applications, both digital and physical, the grant proposal and rubric, and examples of prior applications are all available for your reference.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected]

We can’t wait to read your amazing applications!

09/11/2026

A win!

09/11/2026

Thank you Crayola for the amazing donation for our students! We can't wait to see what they create.

09/10/2026

🎙️ THE CLIMB: Take a listen to Part Two

Coach Joe Stellato and BASD Communications Manager Jennifer LoConte-Kugler sat down with Cumulus Media hosts from Cat Country 96, 99.9 The Hawk, and 100.7 WLEV to talk about THE CLIMB, BASD’s student-centered and student-led September 11 remembrance event.

BASD is so proud of our high school students who are committed to keeping the memory of September 11 alive, learning more about the events of that day and its lasting impact, and ensuring that the next generation understands the importance of remembering, honoring, and coming together.

09/10/2026

🚌Today, Dr. Lajara rode the bus, just like a student!

He may have been mistaken for a podcaster, a YouTuber… or even a President! Turns out, he was a special guest on Mr. Bob’s bus while Lehigh Valley Public Media filmed an interview featuring one of BASD’s favorite bus drivers.

Dr. Lajara had the chance to chat with Nitschmann Middle School students riding with Mr. Bob and experience a little of what their daily ride to school is like.

Mr. Bob is loved by so many students and families, and he takes great pride in safely getting his students where they need to go, whether it’s their regular routes to Freedom High School, Nitschmann, and Asa Packer or transportation for school events and activities.

Thank you, Mr. Bob, for taking such great care of our students and for letting Dr. Lajara ride along!

09/10/2026

🎙️ THE CLIMB: Take a listen to Part One

Several students from both Freedom High School and Liberty HS - BASD who are part of the planning team for The Climb Bethlehem, BASD’s student-centered September 11 remembrance event, recently sat down with Cumulus Media hosts from Cat Country 96, 99.9 The Hawk, and 100.7 WLEV to talk about the event and what it means to them.

As we approach September 11, 25 years later, hear directly from the students and Coach Joe Stellato, helping bring this meaningful remembrance to life.

09/10/2026

📚A special storytime at William Penn Elementary School!

Today, Dr. Lajara visited a kindergarten classroom at William Penn Elementary to read one of his favorite books, One, by Kathryn Otoshi.

We love seeing our superintendent connect with our youngest learners, sharing a great story of community and inspiring a love of reading!

09/10/2026

📚 ¡Septiembre es el Mes Nacional de la Alfabetización!

En BASD, nuestro enfoque en la alfabetización y la importancia de la lectura no termina en septiembre; es algo con lo que estamos comprometidos durante todo el año. El Dr. Lajara da inicio a nuestro mes compartiendo uno de sus libros favoritos.

Estén atentos mientras celebramos el amor por la lectura en todo BASD: desde conocer los libros favoritos de nuestros maestros y pedirles que compartan los suyos, hasta destacar historias inspiradoras que comienzan con la sencilla alegría de disfrutar de un buen libro.