BETHLEHEM, Pa. \u2014 Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Renato Lajara will read to children at three Bethlehem Area Public Library branches this month, giving families their first casual meet-and-greet with the district\u2019s new leader ahead of the coming school year.<\/p>\n
The \u201cMeet & Greet Family Storytime\u201d<\/a> events pair Lajara\u2019s first weeks on the job with a chance for parents and students to put a face to the name before classes resume. The library scheduled three sessions, open to families with children of all ages.<\/p>\n Storytime dates and locations:<\/p>\n Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m. \u2014 Main Library Youth Services, 11 W. Church St.<\/p>\n Aug. 13, 10:30 a.m. \u2014 Coolidge Branch, 2740 Fifth St., Bethlehem Township<\/p>\n Aug. 22, 11 a.m. \u2014 South Side Branch, 400 Webster St.<\/p>\n Lajara became superintendent of the district July 1. He is the first Latino superintendent in the district\u2019s history.<\/p>\n He previously served as assistant superintendent for Network 8 in the School District of Philadelphia, where he oversaw 15 schools and more than 8,000 students.<\/p>\n Stay informed on Lehigh Valley education<\/p>\n Get the latest education news and updates from across the Valley.<\/p>\n By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy<\/a> and consent to receive updates.<\/p>\n The district announced him as its selection on May 19, and the school board voted unanimously in June to formally appoint him, succeeding Superintendent Jack P. Silva, who retired June 30 after three years leading the district.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an incredible privilege to have been chosen to lead the Bethlehem Area School District,\u201d Lajara said in a statement released when his selection was announced.<\/p>\n Jennifer LoConte-Kugler, communications manager in the district\u2019s Office of the Superintendent, said Lajara has attended a range of community events since taking office, including park programs, summer swim team meets, senior citizen gatherings and a summer movie announcement at ArtsQuest.<\/p>\n When library staff invited him to read at storytime, LoConte-Kugler said, Lajara quickly agreed, viewing the events as an opportunity to connect with children and families through reading, which LoConte-Kugler called a core part of education.<\/p>\n Bethlehem Area School District is the sixth-largest school district in Pennsylvania, serving more than 12,240 students across 22 schools in Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg and Fountain Hill.<\/p>\n Families can find more information or register through the library\u2019s event listing. Questions about the Coolidge Branch session can be directed to Regina Kochmaruk at (484) 892-6267 or [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Main Library can be reached at (610) 867-3761, and the South Side Branch at (610) 867-7852.<\/p>\n Stay informed on Lehigh Valley education<\/p>\n Get the latest education news and updates from across the Valley.<\/p>\n