The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District

The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District The Foundation for Bethlehem Area School District seeks to promote and enhance the educational experience for all students in the district.

The Foundation for the BASD's Goals

*Mobilize the community to recognize the important role of public education in Bethlehem
*Promote teacher innovation to advance curriculum and dynamic learning environments
*Support school district programs that emphasize Core Learning, Stretch Learning, Student Engagement and Personal Skill Development
*Encourage family and community partnerships for student s

uccess
*Raise money to support the mission of the foundation
*Provide stewardship for designated scholarships

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of members of the community working in concert with, but independent of the Bethlehem Area School District. The foundation has worked closely with school district administrators to prepare programs and opportunities for funding that will support rigor, relevance and innovation in classrooms throughout the district. Programs and initiatives receiving funding in the past from the foundation include leadership conference grants, summer foreign language programming, outdoor Quest programs, choral projects, scholarship grants, and the purchase of musical instruments at 22 district buildings.

A message from our Executive Director on the hire of the BASD Superintendent: "On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the...
05/19/2026

A message from our Executive Director on the hire of the BASD Superintendent:

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District, I am excited to welcome Dr. Renato Lajara as the next Superintendent of Schools for BASD.

Dr. Lajara brings a deep commitment to public education and student success, and we look forward to partnering with him in our shared mission of expanding opportunities and strengthening support for every student across the district. The Foundation remains committed to working alongside district leadership to invest in innovative programs, student wellness, the arts, academics, and the overall success of our school community.

We are equally excited to welcome Dr. Lajara and his family to Bethlehem — a community that cares deeply about its schools and the students they serve. We are confident that his leadership, vision, and passion for education will have a meaningful impact on the future of BASD.

A big thank you to Dr. Faccinetto, and the entire school board for their hard work and dedication for our school district!

This is an exciting moment for our district, and we look forward to the work ahead together.
Justin"

To read the statement from the BASD, click the link in our bio!

Congratulations to Governor Wolf Elementary School, whose library just became the recipient of a $5,000 grant on behalf ...
05/04/2026

Congratulations to Governor Wolf Elementary School, whose library just became the recipient of a $5,000 grant on behalf of the Kim Donatelli Memorial Fund! Mrs. Danette Walters is the proud librarian at Governor Wolf, and her passion and care is evident everyday. We can't wait to see the positive impact these funds will have on your students and your space! 📚

Congratulations to Freedom High School senior, Kiersten Rubery, on being selected as the 2026 Kim Donatelli Memorial Fun...
05/04/2026

Congratulations to Freedom High School senior, Kiersten Rubery, on being selected as the 2026 Kim Donatelli Memorial Fund Scholarship Recipient! Kiersten is headed to Kutztown University this fall, and we can't wait to see where her future endeavors take her. 🐻

It's that time of year! Register NOW for the 9th Annual Donatelli Fund Walk. For more details, or ff you can't make it t...
04/06/2026

It's that time of year! Register NOW for the 9th Annual Donatelli Fund Walk. For more details, or ff you can't make it to the walk but would like to donate to the fund, you can do so at thefoundationbasd.org!

Support the futures of BASD students through Early College Dual Enrollment! 📚Thank you to all of our donors for helping ...
03/03/2026

Support the futures of BASD students through Early College Dual Enrollment! 📚

Thank you to all of our donors for helping us rocket launch our students' higher education journeys! 🎉

Give your gift toward Dual Enrollment today via the link in bio or at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RPCSF4FDPQADG 💌

Wishing you a joyful and warm Lunar New Year of the Horse from the Foundation BASD! 🎉🏮🎊Thank you to our donors and suppo...
02/17/2026

Wishing you a joyful and warm Lunar New Year of the Horse from the Foundation BASD! 🎉🏮🎊

Thank you to our donors and supporters who help us bring good fortune, success, and educational prosperity to the classrooms of the Bethlehem Area School District. Your generosity reflects in this community every single day 🌟

Congratulations to Christina Diernbach, who received an Innovation Grant of $1,000.00 for her project: SeaPerch Underwat...
02/12/2026

Congratulations to Christina Diernbach, who received an Innovation Grant of $1,000.00 for her project: SeaPerch Underwater Robot! 🤖

"Students in the 8th grade gifted seminar class will be using problem-solving skills to create solutions to environmental dilemmas. SeaPerch is an “innovative underwater robotics program that equips students, educators, and parents with the resources they need to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in an in-school setting.” Students will use the tools and resources provided by the program to build the robot. During building, students will research current oceanic environmental issues and brainstorm possible uses for the bot that can lead to solutions. Students will then create a proposal for the use of the robot and any changes to the build structure that would be beneficial to the purpose."

Congratulations to Samantha Dunbar, who received an Innovation Grant of $650.00 for her project: Toniebox Literacy! 📚"Th...
02/10/2026

Congratulations to Samantha Dunbar, who received an Innovation Grant of $650.00 for her project: Toniebox Literacy! 📚

"This project introduces an innovative approach to mindfulness and emotional regulation in the Emotional Support classroom through the use of the Toniebox interactive audio system. While the Toniebox is typically used as a storytelling device for young children, this project utilizes its use as a mindfulness and self-regulation tool for students with emotional and behavioral needs. The Toniebox will provide students with access to calming stories, guided breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and music that promotes emotional balance. Its tactile, student-centered design allows students to independently select and engage with content, empowering them to take an active role in managing their emotions. By promoting independence in regulation, the Toniebox enhances student readiness to learn, supports smoother classroom transitions, and fosters engagement in academic tasks."

Meet Rick Pongracz, a new Trustee on the Foundation's Board as of 2025! 🌟Although not a product of the BASD, Rick is ver...
02/03/2026

Meet Rick Pongracz, a new Trustee on the Foundation's Board as of 2025! 🌟

Although not a product of the BASD, Rick is very involved in the Bethlehem community. Not only is he a business owner as well as a realtor, but he is also a proud member of the City of Bethlehem Planning Commission!

"What I love about the Foundation is the strong sense of community it creates by connecting people and businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley."🎒✨

Congratulations to John Huie, who received an Innovation Grant of $1,500.00 for his project: Steel Drums for the Steel C...
01/29/2026

Congratulations to John Huie, who received an Innovation Grant of $1,500.00 for his project: Steel Drums for the Steel City! 🥁

"It is amazing to see junk turned into treasure. Well, discarded rubbish is actually the origin of the Steel Drums! Steel Drums, or Steelpan or Pan, as they’re called in the Caribbean, were created when Naval oil drums were left in Trinidad and Tobago. Innovative percussionists turned this trash into treasure- a brand new invented instrument! The World Percussion Ensemble is a 30 to 40 member group of auditioned students who make music from around the world. The group performs for the school and community events, impacting the world around them."

Address

P. O. Box 646
Bethlehem, PA
18016

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District:

Shortcuts

Share

Category