March 21, 2023
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ THRILLS AUDIENCES
Last week, BPHS staged “The Addams Family.” Each show was completely sold out, and the critical reception was also glowing as both casts were incredible. BPTV recently produced a 30-minute program to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the production.
Here is a slideshow of the performances.
UNPACKING STANDARDIZED TESTING: MARCH 28
Parents and caregivers of students in grades 3-8 are invited to join us for a virtual parent training at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. The session will provide an overview of the PSSA exams in Math, Science, and English Language Arts. It will also provide tips and tools to help alleviate the testing jitters. The session will be recorded and shared for asynchronous viewing. Use the link provided to access the Google Meet session.
ONLINE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR BETHEL PARK DAY AT KENNYWOOD (JUNE 16)
Bethel Park School District’s 2023 Kennywood Day will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023. This year’s tickets will be sold exclusively online through Kennywood. No tickets will be sold at any Bethel Park school.
Guests can purchase an Event Day Online Park Admission Ticket for $35.99 (plus fees), or if you’re unsure you can make it on June 16, you could also opt for the Flexible Date Include Online Park Admission Ticket for $38.99 (plus fees). That guarantees you admission on any date between April 22 and June 30.
HERTZEL FINISHES SECOND PLACE IN THE STATE IN LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES
Congratulations to Bethel Park junior Lucas Hertzel, who finished second in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate competition at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League state tournament at Bloomsburg University this past weekend.
PENGUINS/AIU RECOGNIZE VILLANI AS MVP (MOST VALUABLE PRINCIPAL)
Congratulations to Bethel Park High School principal Mr. Joseph Villani, who, last week, was among 15 area principals recognized as a Pittsburgh Penguins MVP (Most Valuable Principal) for their outstanding academic leadership.
Villani and his fellow winners were selected from more than 100 principal nominations to be honored by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Gable Foundation, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, which noted in its release, “This prestigious distinction is a testament to their innovative approach in building capacity related to teaching and learning, continuous drive for excellence and passion for creating successful systems for all learners to thrive and grow.”
The Penguins honored Villani and his wife, Shannon, with suite tickets to a recent game vs. Montreal. He also received a customized Penguins sweater and a $1000 donation to the school.
BETHEL PARK EXCELS IN THE GERMAN DAY COMPETITION
Honors and AP German students from Bethel Park High School earned four 1st place, two 2nd place, and one 3rd place awards at the 2023 AATG Three Rivers German Day Competition at Washington & Jefferson College on March 14.
BETHEL PARK DUO INDUCTED INTO THE GERMAN NHS
Congratulations to freshmen Sadie Nelson and Noah Rauch. The Honors German II students were each recently inducted into the Bethel Park High School Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Phi German National Honor Society.
To be eligible for induction into Delta Epsilon Phi, students must have a 3.6 GPA or higher in German and a 3.3 GPA or higher in all other courses. They must achieve at least one unweighted A grade in German every three semesters and may not earn a grade of C or lower. They must also demonstrate commitment to continuing their study of German in the BPHS German program.
HAWK EYE STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MR. NICK SANTORA
The Hawk Eye student newspaper is doing a series called Faculty Spotlight. Today's feature is on physical education teacher Mr. Nick Santora.
NAMS’ LOEFFERT WINS WILD THINGS JERSEY CONTEST
Congratulations to Neil Armstrong Middle School fifth grader Aria Loeffert, whose jersey design was selected from thousands of submissions from elementary and middle school-aged students as the winner of the @washwildthings student design-our-jersey contest. On Saturday, Aug. 5, the team will wear the Loeffert-designed jersey, and the first 1000 fans will take home a special Jersey Rally Towel courtesy of McClelland’s Contracting And Roofing.
NAMS’ STAND CLUB RAISES MORE THAN $700 FOR AREA CHARITIES
Earlier today, the NAMS STAND club donated more than $350 each to a pair of outstanding local charities, the Bethel Park Public Library and Make-A-Wish, Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The students raised that money by selling Kindness Candy Grams to their classmates during homeroom. The students presented their donations to Christine McIntosh of the Bethel Park Public Library and Jake Seavy of Make-A-Wish, Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Seavy, a BPHS alum ‘15, then spoke to the students about his organization and the importance of giving back.
FRANKLIN COMPLETES ITS ANNUAL READ-A-THON WITH A CELEBRATION
Friday, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School finished its annual Read-a-Thon with a celebration and awards ceremony that included fun prizes and the opportunity to tape a teacher to the wall and throw a pie in the faces of some of their favorite teachers. One hundred and forty-one students participated, with 282 Bingo's won, 74,578 minutes read, and $5,086.44 raised. One lucky student even won a Chromebook.
MEMORIAL MARCH READING MADNESS
Memorial Elementary is holding a March Madness Reading Challenge! Students won't cut down any nets, but they read a different story each day and vote on their favorite selections. The books with the most votes will advance to the next round until a champion is crowned.
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS A FAMILY FOLK DANCE NIGHT
On the evening of Tuesday, March 14, to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, a large group of over 80 students and parents joined music teacher Mr. Aaron Booz in the Abraham Lincoln multi-purpose room for the school's second Family Folk Dance of the school year. Attendees joined in folk dances worldwide, and all had a good time.
LINCOLN STEAM EXPLORATION ACTIVITY
Students at Lincoln Library completed a STEAM Exploration assignment, part of the district-wide Career Exploration Unit that all BP students start in the third grade.
All Bethel Park Students begin developing an online portfolio which travels with them as they grow and develop throughout their education in grades 3-12. Career Development and early exposure is a great way to ensure students can make informed decisions about future career pathways.
During library class, the students researched different careers and learned about what type of skill sets they needed and what type of education they would need to complete to obtain the job of their choice. In addition, other assignments that promote collaboration and teamwork utilize different skill sets, like problem-solving skills, that are needed in the workforce. Kids had fun discovering who they are, what they like to do, and what they do best!
KDKA-TV’S WOODY VISITS MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY
Last week, KDKA-TV meteorologist Falicia Woody spoke with the students at Memorial Elementary about various weather phenomena. One of the lessons centered around the essential elements of a tornado, which, as we all know, are water, wind, and lift!
WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S GREEN TEAM TO HOST METAL RECYCLING EVENT
Washington Elementary’s Green Team will partner with the Municipality of Bethel Park, Vericheck Technical Services, Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling, and Scrap University for the first-ever George Washington Elementary Metal Recycling Event, from 9 a.m. until noon, on Saturday, March 25 in the school’s parking lot.
The kids recently shot a commercial about their upcoming recycling event with the help of our friends from BPTV.
Michael Brothers will accept cans, holiday lights, USB cables, power cords, pipes, metal siding, scrap metal, and more! Please support these dedicated kids as they work to make the world cleaner.
Finally, please review the items not accepted. They include propane tanks, televisions, computers, electronics, chemicals and gas cans, and refrigerators. If you have any questions about other eligible items, please call 412.835.6428,
BETHEL PARK STUDENTS TO APPEAR ON HOMETOWN HIGH Q
Last week, Bethel Park competed against outstanding teams from Apollo-Ridge and New Castle Area School District in the quarterfinals of KDKA’s long-time high school quiz show staple, Hometown High Q.
To see how the Bethel Park students did, tune in to KDKA-TV at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, or at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 22.
BETHEL PARK SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING DAY/WEEK
Schools across the country are participating in social and emotional learning (SEL). Young people, educators, families, business leaders, and others are focused on the critical skills and environments needed for academic success, healthy relationships, and brighter futures.
Bethel Park schools celebrated SEL Day/Week with various fun activities.
Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Johnson’s students collaborated to include reading, writing, and art to discuss how we are different and unique! Students drew portraits of themselves, highlighting something that makes them awesome and unique!
Neil Armstrong Middle School students on Team Ranger completed an SEL conversation starter activity designed to break the ice, build rapport and community, and start meaningful conversations with others. It is always great to meet new people!
Neil Armstrong Middle School students on Team Pioneer explored their feelings as a part of Social Emotional Learning Day/Week. This check-in is helping their teacher, Mrs. Lori Mates, know their needs.
BETHEL PARK SCHOOLS CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Bethel Park School District recently celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in many fun ways.
BETHEL PARK SCHOOLS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
March celebrates women's contributions throughout history in science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment, and many other fields. Bethel Park School District is very proud to participate in this month-long celebration.
Bethel Park Superintendent Dr. James Walsh recently recorded a special message for the women of Bethel Park, past, present, and future.
Students in Mrs. Toth's and Mrs. Wessel's class at Washington Elementary did a very informative reading activity about Women's History Month.
Students at Lincoln Elementary honed their research skills, including influential females for Women's History Month.
Students in Dr. Douglas Fink's class studied the life of Dolley Madison for Women's History Month. Dolley Madison, the wife of the fourth American President James Madison, helped to shape the role of the "First Lady." She would prove to be a role model for future generations.
Ms. Kelly Eckert-Graffam's fourth grade students recently created wood sculptures based on the sculpture of artist Louise Nevelson as a part of Women's History Month.
Students at Penn and Lincoln are doing some exciting artwork based on the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, an influential female artist, as a part of Women's History Month.
Students at Ben Franklin are learning about Women's History Month with lots of good read-aloud texts and facts about influential females!
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS
Many local, regional, and national scholarships are available to Bethel Park students, but the application deadlines are fast approaching. All local scholarship information can be found by visiting Mrs. Quinn in the Counseling Office or on Naviance.
Students can look up scholarship information by visiting the Naviance landing page and clicking on COLLEGES at the top of the screen. From there, they should navigate to SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH on the right-hand side, where they will find a complete listing of scholarships available, along with scholarship amounts and deadlines.
The following scholarships each have March deadlines:
The Lisa Simpson Memorial Scholarship (Deadline: March 30), the Bethel Park Kiwanis Scholarship (Deadline: March 30), the Jennifer A. Morgan Memorial Scholarship (Deadline: March 30), the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship (Deadline: March 30), and the Black Association of South Hills (BASH) for Women Annual Scholarship (Deadline: March 31).
Students are encouraged to regularly check that section in Naviance as scholarships are regularly added to the portal, and you don’t want to miss out on your opportunity to earn money for school.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
DISTRICT NEWS
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WEBSITE
Visit our new facilities microsite, http://bpsdbestinclass.org, for the latest developments and most accurate information regarding the ongoing construction projects at Independence Middle School and Bethel Park Elementary Center.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
Please consult this daily View All Events Calendar for the most up-to-date Bethel Park School District events information. Residents can find the recently ratified 2023-2024 Yearly Calendar here.
IMS NEWS
SCHOOL BOARD NEWS
SCHOOL BOARD ACTION SUMMARIES
Bethel Park School District provides school board action summaries after each meeting. The summary includes a short description of the main topics and action items. These summaries are meant to supplement minutes approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting. We hope these summaries provide some basic information and context around the reports, presentations, and action items. Also, you can follow the agenda for the next school board meeting here and watch the school board meetings streamed live online or on-demand on the school district's YouTube channel.
SCHOOL BOARD 2023 MEETING CALENDAR
Bethel Park residents can find the school board’s current meeting calendar on our website. All school board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the Dr. Thomas A. Knight Memorial Community Room in the Bethel Park Administration Building unless otherwise noted. There are no school board meetings scheduled for July. If you cannot attend the school board meetings in person, know they will be live-streamed through the school district’s YouTube channel. Meeting dates and times are also available on the school district’s website.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
THE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION ONLINE PORTAL REMAINS OPEN
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is officially open. Click the link below to learn more about how you can enroll your future Black Hawk in our schools from the comfort of your own home.
http://bit.ly/3Rlbqhi
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION WHILE AT SCHOOL
Parents should ask the doctor to schedule medication doses other than during school hours. When this is not possible, the school will cooperate with parents to see that the medication is given as prescribed. Here, you will find the Bethel Park School District procedures that must be followed if your child is to be given medication during school hours.
BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULED FOR BETHEL PARK’S KIM DEBALD: APRIL 7
Friends and Family of Kim DeBald are hosting a replenishment blood drive for her benefit from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Pittsburgh Pride All-Stars multipurpose room [105 Springfield Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317].
Kim has spent 29 years teaching in the Bethel Park school district, where she is a favorite among students and colleagues.
Recently, the veteran educator was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She needed multiple blood and platelet transfusions during treatment and will need more.
“It surprised me how much blood I needed, which made me realize how many other patients depend on blood transfusions to keep healing their bodies and souls,” Kim said.
Nicole Loebig, a sixth grade math teacher at Neil Armstrong Middle School and a close friend of DeBald’s, is helping to organize the event. According to Loebig, the decision to hold this event is just another way for Kim's friends and family to support Kim in her journey to recovery. “Knowing how impactful blood donation is to patients like Kim led us to set up a drive in her honor,” said Loebig. “We hope that not only will people continue to rally around Kim, but also learn the importance of the selfless act of donating blood.”
GRADUATING SENIORS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CAPS AND GOWNS INFORMATION FROM JOSTEN’S
Students graduating in June may have received an email from Josten's with different promotions for purchasing merchandise for graduation. Josten’s is the official ordering company for BPHS Caps and Gowns, Announcements, Yearbooks, and other Senior Accessories.
Throughout the year, they offer early incentive packages. If you have yet to order a cap and gown package, including the tassel, the current price is $57. The price will increase the longer you wait to order. For your convenience, here is Josten's website link to the BPHS store.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1045653/Bethel-Park-High-School/
You may also call 1-800-567-8367 to place an order. Please get in touch with the BPHS Main Office (412-854-8581) with questions.
EMPLOYMENT NEWS
Bethel Park School District is looking for new custodians. The benefits include a competitive starting salary, health care coverage, and entrance into the state pension system. Interested applicants should visit the Employment section of the website or call 412.854.8414.
Bethel Park School District is looking for a transportation director. The benefits include a competitive starting salary, health care coverage, and entrance into the state pension system. Interested applicants should visit the Employment section of the website or call 412.854.8414.
Bethel Park School District is looking for bus drivers and aides. The benefits include a signing bonus, a competitive starting salary, health care coverage, and entrance into the state pension system. Interested applicants should visit the Employment section of the website or call 412.854.8414.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and is seeking Team Members for full and part-time roles in a busy Student Dining Services setting. Whether you enjoy cooking, serving, or customer relations, our Food Service Team comprises multi-talented individuals, all contributing to the Culinary and Hospitality services, ensuring our Students, Staff, and Guests enjoy a fantastic dining experience!
Metz Culinary Management offers flexible schedules, mostly daylight hours, competitive wages, benefits, and Career Growth in the Contract Dining Services Industry! Interested parties should reach out by calling 412.854.8754.
BLACK HAWKS ATHLETICS
Bethel Park swimmers Trent Powell, Luke Kallaur, Luke Myers, Nathan Stutzman, and Lenny DeMartino recently competed in the PIAA State Swimming & Diving Championships at Bucknell University in Lewisburg.
The following student-athletes recently competed at the Adidas National Indoor Track and Field Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They are seniors Blake Streigel (60-Meters) and Jeremiah Hamilton (Triple Jump); junior Artemis Conaboy (400-Meters); and sophomore Grace Ferency (60-Meter High Hurdles).
Congratulations to the BPHS Varsity Inline Hockey Team, which, last weekend, defeated Hampton 5-1 in the decisive third game of the 2023 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League (PIRHL HS2A Division) championship series.
The Bethel Park football team will have new helmets in 2023. The new shells are matte black with a black facemask. Also, the “Hawks” wordmark logo on each side of the helmet, a staple for years, has been replaced with orange wings in flight with black and white trim. Also, the overlapping BP logo has been added to the back crown of the helmet.
SPORTS SCHEDULES
Stay updated with the latest information and changes to the BPHS sports schedules at https://bpathletics.bigteams.com/main/calendar/. Get information on all Bethel Park sports teams or those you’re interested in. Sign up on the site to have updates and schedule changes emailed to you, so you will know if something is canceled due to inclement weather. It’s a great way to stay in touch with our athletic teams, mainly when unpredictable weather necessitates postponements and rescheduling! Go Hawks!
ALUMNI NEWS
BETHEL PARK’S BONACCORSI WINS NCAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP (197 POUNDS)
Bethel Park alum and Pitt wrestler Nino Bonaccorsi ’17 won the NCAA Wrestling Championship at the 197-pound division this past weekend in Tulsa, Okla.
COMMUNITY NEWS
TOP AREA FISH FRIES
With Lent in full swing, here are some excellent places to find fish fries around Bethel Park.
BOY SCOUT TROUP 215 IS WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
Want to join the Scouting community? Troop 215 from Bethel Park Presbyterian Church would love to welcome you! Troop 215 has been around for 100 years and is looking for new scouts to continue its legacy. If interested, please get in touch with Scoutmaster Craig Blocklin (cblocklin@gmail.com) or Senior Patrol leader Nathan Disori (nated.sccr@gmail.com) for more information on how to join Scouting!
NEWS & NOTES FROM OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT
PROJECT PROM
Do you know a student who wants to go to prom but may not be able to afford it? Any student receiving services from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) or who qualifies for a free or reduced school lunch can come to the Project Prom Shop, where they can browse and try on free, new, or gently used gowns and accessories, like shoes and jewelry, and take home their favorites!
The Project Prom Shop is at 10 Duff Road, Penn Hills, PA, 15235. Students can visit the Project Prom Shop on the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 25: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, March 27: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 30: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 1: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests are asked to bring only one friend or family member into the shop with them ~ advanced registration is required. Click here to learn more.
IRS PROGRAM
The Internal Revenue Service provided details clarifying the federal tax status involving special payments made by 21 states in 2022, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
DR. FREDDIE FU SPORTS MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
UPMC Sports Medicine is proud to once again offer the Dr. Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Scholarship Program in 2023. UPMC developed the scholarship program to increase student interest in a career in sports medicine.
One scholarship for the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to a western Pennsylvania resident entering their senior year of high school in September 2023 in return for a six-week summer internship (30-40 hours per week for six weeks in a row) at the UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Complex and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
The recipient will be able to observe patient evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation by physical therapists and athletic trainers, observe clients in the Sports Performance Department, and observe surgery with UPMC orthopedic surgeons.
FCC ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for families on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 from purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP or calling 877-384-2575.
IMPORTANT LINKS
· Bethel Park School District: www.bpsd.org
· eSchoolPlus/PowerSchool Home Access Center Login:
https://bpk-hac.eschoolplus.powerschool.com/HomeAccess/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2fHomeAccess
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/bpsdinfo
· Facebook: www.facebook.com
· Instagram: bethel_park_school_district
· YouTube: BETHEL_PARK_SCHOOL_DISTRICT
· Linked In: www.linkedin.com
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Bethel Park School District will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership, or any other legally protected classification.
The announcement of this policy is per state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination or need information about accommodations for persons with disabilities should contact:
Dr. Zeb Jansante
Title IX Compliance Officer
301 Church Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102-1696
412.854.8420
412.854.8430 (fax)
jansante.zeb@bphawks.org
If you receive this newsletter in error, please email Mr. James Cromie at cromie.james@bphawks.org and the district will promptly remove you from the list. Also, if someone you know is not getting this newsletter but would like to receive one, please encourage them to contact Mr. Cromie. Finally, all of this year’s email newsletters are posted on the district’s website, so you can go back and look at past editions if you’d like.