May 17, 2023
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
KORCINSKY NAMED ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Mark Korcinsky was recently sworn in as the Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations. Dr. Korcinsky has worked as a school district administrator for 20 years, including the past two at Bethel Park.
DAVIS EARNS HONORARY DEGREE
Anne Davis recently became the latest member of the Bethel Park High School Class of 1980 when she was granted an honorary diploma by the Bethel Park school board as part of a program called “Operation Recognition.”
DRAW COLLECTIVE REVEALS IMAGES OF NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At the most recent Bethel Park combined school board meeting, the school’s architects, Draw Collective, released some of the latest renderings for the new elementary school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. Here are some renderings of what the school could look like.
ARTS FEST & STEAM EXPO
Last weekend, Bethel Park School District held a hands-on celebration of creativity and innovation at the 2023 Arts Fest & STEAM Expo.
Student artwork was sold, and families who brought t-shirts or a tote were offered FREE silk screening. STEAM Storytime performances were also held.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED
Congratulations to the Bethel Park School District music department, again recognized with a Best Community for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation. The award places the district’s program in the top 5% nationwide.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT DOMINATES FESTIVALS OF MUSIC AWARDS
The Bethel Park Music Department dominated this year's Festivals of Music competition in Myrtle Beach, SC.
BPSD PARTICIPATES IN FLEX SPACE SEMINAR
BPSD’s Curriculum Coordinator Mandi Figlioli and Technology Director Brett Slezak recently shared the ABC’s of Space Design at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Flex Space Summit. They also participated in a Draw Collective session with Washington Elementary librarian Mrs. Rebecca Minella.
CLASS OF ‘23 COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION
The BPHS Class of '23 Commencement Ceremony will be held at Black Hawk Stadium at 7 PM on Thursday, June 8. Everyone is invited to join us for the big event. Attached are ticket and parking information and seating info for our elderly and/or handicapped guests.
2023 SENIOR CLASS PROM INFORMATION
This year’s Senior Class Prom will be held on Friday, May 26, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh. The theme for the 2023 prom is Masquerade, and the event will feature a caricature artist, a photo booth, and a DJ.
BROWN’S SKETCH TO HANG IN CONGRESS
"No Canaries in the Coal Mine," by BPHS senior Tatum Brown, has been chosen as one of the 23rd Annual Congressional Art Competition winners.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB PLANTS TREES AT MINERS MEMORIAL PARK
Bethel Park High School’s first-year environmental club students helped complete a municipal Shade Tree Commission project at Miners Memorial Park.
DECA STUDENTS VISIT PIRATES
The Pittsburgh Pirates recently hosted their annual DECA Day celebration. The students were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s operations, a brief tour of the facility, and a game versus the Colorado Rockies. Also, Bethel Park High School senior Martina Tatalias was awarded the PA DECA Pirates’ Scholarship, worth $825.
HEH RECOGNIZED BY SPECIAL OLYMPICS
In a recent ceremony held at the school, BPHS student-athlete Lauren Heh signed a non-binding commitment letter to continue supporting Special Olympics Pennsylvania beyond her high school career.
Heh will attend Pitt in the fall.
EARLY LEARNING CENTER HOSTS GRADUATION
Last week, children who attend Bethel Park High School’s Early Learning Center celebrated their preschool graduation.
The high school’s Child Development Level 3 students operate the program under Mrs. Julie Dzanaj’s supervision.
All 12 honorees are headed for kindergarten in Bethel Park schools next year.
STARS PROM
Bethel Park High School’s exceptional students, their peer partners, and buddies recently joined students from 15 other Allegheny and Washington County schools for the 2023 STARS prom at Salvatore's Events & Catering in Baldwin.
PURCELL HONORED BY NJHS
The National Junior Honor Society has recognized Independence Middle School student Nathan Purcell as an Outstanding Achievement Award recipient.
CARNIVAL DAY AT IMS
Students in Mr. Josh Kicinski’s seventh grade math class at Independence Middle School have learned about the principles of probability through the prism of carnival games. They recently put those lessons to good use through an exercise called “Carnival Day.”
DEGREGORIO FEATURE
The Observer-Reporter recently wrote an excellent piece on Bethel Park teacher, and stroke survivor, Rose DeGregorio.
WILLIAM PENN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLAP OUT: JUNE 6
BPHS Class of ‘23 members who attended William Penn Elementary School can return to where it all started as part of its annual Senior Clap Out at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6.
Please complete this form: https://bit.ly/3Md7cGn. Questions: joseph.lori@bphawks.org.
YOUNG AUTHOR DAY AT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The second graders in Mrs. Michelle McKain’s second grade class at Washington Elementary recently celebrated Young Author Day with their families.
In preparation for the program, each student made a book titled “The ABCs About Me.”
Students had the opportunity to read their five favorite pages to the audience. At the end of the program, students also shared their project binder, which included a collection of all their writing projects and curriculum activities for the entire year!
This is a long-standing tradition in Mrs. McKain’s classroom, which is always a special afternoon enjoyed by all!
WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WINNERS OF EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST
George Washington Elementary School students Patrick Corbett (Grade 3, 3rd Place) and RJ Chabala (Grade 1, 4th Place) were each recently named winners of the 2023 U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Earth Day Poster Contest.
ONLINE TICKETS ARE ON SALE 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 Online Park Admission Ticket for $38.99 (plus fees). That guarantees you admission on any date between April 22 and June 30.
SAT GOING DIGITAL
The SAT is going digital, starting with this year's sophomore class (Class of '25). This video does a great job of explaining the coming changes and how to best prepare for the test.
WALLISCH, BRUCE REPEAT AS LOSE 2 WIN CHAMPS
Congratulations to the two-man team of Kent Wallisch (art teacher) and Mike Bruce (school counselor), this year’s winners of the Bethel Park High School Lose 2 Win weight-loss competition.
The two 54-year-olds who called their team “Waist Management” were the two oldest competitors. They successfully defended the title they won last year, dropping a remarkable 18.7 percent of their total body weight.
The tandem of principal Joseph Villani and assistant principal Jim Fodse, “1/4 Ton,” came in second at 16.8 percent. “Sugarless,” composed of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mark Korcinsky and high school secretary Jamie Quinn was third at 11.6 percent.
The collective total weight loss for all 24 participants was 566 pounds or 13.6% of their total body weight.
FIVE BETHEL PARK STUDENTS NAMED STEEL CENTER CTE SOTM
In a recent announcement at the school, five Bethel Park High School students were recognized as the May Students of the Month in their respective programs by the Steel Center for Career and Technical Education.
STEEL CENTER TOP OF THE SHOP HONOREES
Eight Bethel Park High School students who attend the Steel Center for Career and Technology Education have been named Top of the Shop winners for the second semester of the 2022-2023 school year.
Seniors Layten Muszynski (Collision Repair), Aiden Anderson (Diesel Technology), Abigail Winterhalter (Health Assistants) and Max Helmich (Culinary Arts) were among the honorees. Juniors Katherine Clouston (Medical Professions), George Schaefer (APublic Safety), Torey Rauch (Veterinary Assistant), and Jacob Brown (Automotive Technician) were also honored.
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CREATE THEIR OWN NEWSCAST
Students in Mrs. Brittany Cook's second grade class at Ben Franklin Elementary recently had the opportunity to create their own newscast featuring current events and other happenings, both near and far, just like you'd see in a professional newscast.
FRANKLIN STUDENTS VISIT JA BIZTOWN
Ben Franklin fourth graders recently attended JA BizTown, a model town designed to help teach students financial literacy.
The kids worked various jobs and exchanged commerce, like a real economy. The high school’s Junior Achievement members were also at the event.
PA Auditor General Timothy DeFoor was also on hand.
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
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.
The Bethel Park School District now uses Precision HR Solutions, Inc. to staff Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Nurses for the District. Precision is looking for New Bethel Park School District Substitutes in all three areas. If you are interested in subbing, please feel free to contact www.PrecisionHR.net or call 1-888-416-4338
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
Ryan Petras is batting over .400 in the lead-off slot for Bethel Park this baseball season. The sophomore shortstop recently verbally committed to continue his baseball career at Northwestern University. He is also a standout in football as well as indoor track.
The Hawks girls fast pitch softball team lost its WPIAL first-round matchup vs. Shaler Area, 5-3.
The Bethel Park boys lacrosse team lost its WPIAL first-round matchup vs. Quaker Valley, 11-10.
Baldwin High School recently hosted its 49th annual Invitational, which 70 schools completed. Two members of the BPHS boys track and field team medaled. Jeremiah Hamilton took the Silver Medal in Triple Jump, while Connor Karabinos placed 7th in the Long Jump.
At the 49th annual Baldwin Invitational, two members of the BPHS girls track and field team medaled. They were junior Jenna Lang, who took Gold in the 1600m and Silver in the 800m. Sophomore Sadie Orie placed fifth in the 300m hurdles.
IMS’s Iyonna Sloan fared well at last week’s 17-team Moon Invite, taking 1st in the Girls 200m and 8th in the Girls 100m. She was also a member of the Girls 4 x 100m relay team that finished 3rd. Other team members: Aireonya White, Katelyn Coates & Kenley Crawford.
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
SALON DOES A BARBARA FELDON PROFILE
Bethel Park’s Barbara Feldon on the Beatles, how to be happy alone, and turning down her now-iconic Agent 99 role.
MASON MILLER UPDATE
Earlier this spring, Mason Miller '16 of 21st Century Cyber Charter School made history by becoming the first former Black Hawks player to compete in the major leagues. The flame-throwing right-hander Mason touched 100 mph 15 times during his debut. He is just the 10th starting pitcher in the Statcast era, reaching the mark 15 or more times in a game. Two starts later, Miller took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before being pulled from the game.
Unfortunately, in his next start, he left the game early with what the team called “right forearm tightness” and is currently on the team’s 15-day disabled list.
BONACCORSI HONORED BY STATE SENATE
The Pennsylvania state senators recently honored Pennsylvania’s performance in the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships. One of those honored was Bethel Park‘s Nino Bonaccorsi ‘17, the national champion at 197 pounds.
COMMUNITY NEWS
SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL IS LOOKING FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
The Bethel Park Slow Pitch Association is a competitive, school-affiliated softball program for grades 7-12 students. Tryouts for JV and Varsity teams will be held Tuesday, August 1 - Friday, Aug. 4, with rain dates Monday, Aug. 7- Wednesday, Aug. 9. Junior High tryouts will be held only if there’s an influx of incoming players.
Registration for the fall season will be open from Thursday, June 1, through Sunday, July 23.
CUB SCOUT PACK ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS
Cub Scout Pack 215 has been integral to Bethel Park for many years. It accepts new scouts between grades K-5 and encourages Scouts to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
LAMOLINARE EARNS EAGLE SCOUT BADGE
Gianni LaMolinare, a senior at Bethel Park High School and a member of Troop 323 in Whitehall earned his Eagle Scout badge. For his Eagle Scout project, Gianni restored a bench, planted a tree, and landscaped an area on the Montour Trail.
The bench was also dedicated to his dear friend and fellow scout, the late Joseph Kniola, who passed away unexpectedly last year.
These students were each recognized for exemplary conduct, work ethic, attendance, and coursework proficiency.
DANCHIK EARNS EAGLE SCOUT BADGE
Congratulations to George Danchik, a student at Bethel Park High School, who recently completed his Eagle Scout project, dropping off to Red Door Ministries more than a thousand pounds of toiletries, including 200 Blessing Bags and $280 in leftover donations
RAY’S RIDES: MAY 27 AT SPENCER FAMILY YMCA
Raymond Carter loved to teach children how to ride a bike. It was important to him that kids have that opportunity. The Bethel Park man died on Feb. 13, 2022, due to COVID-19 at just 61 years-old, but his desire for children to learn how to ride and have a bike will continue. Ray’s Rides will be held Saturday, May 27, in the Spencer Family YMCA parking lot [305 Church Road, Bethel Park, 15102] to provide children with bikes and teach them how to ride.
NEWS & NOTES FROM OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT
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.