Inside This Issue - Bethel Park School District

Vol. 14 No. 3 - February 18, 2013
THE OFFICIAL BETHEL PARK MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
Inside This Issue . . .
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Charity arch 8!
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Page
MUNICIPAL NEWS
Spring Clean Up! ................................................................................3
News on Broughton/Baptist Rd. Intersection ....................................3
Library Happenings ..........................................................................4
The BPVFC Needs Your Donation......................................................9
Tri-Community South EMS ‘Year in Review’ ....................................9
National Take Back Initiative ..........................................................11
School Bus Safety Tips......................................................................12
SCHOOL NEWS
BPSD Cafeterias Earn 56 Diamond Awards
from Health Department ..............................................................39
Kindergarten Registration Begins in March ....................................41
Pittsburgh Penguins Hold Press Conference at NAMS ..................42
Franklin Fourth Graders Film Warhol-Inspired Commercials ......43
Soldier Brings Smiles to BPHS and IMS Students ..........................45
BPHS Students Observe Open Heart Surgical Procedure ..............48
BPHS Musical Tickets Go On Sale March 18 ..................................50
RECREATION & LEISURE SERVICES
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES begin on ....................................................15
Youth Swim Lessons..........................................................................17
Lifeguard Instruction ........................................................................18
Enviro Art ..........................................................................................19
Teen Dance Mix ................................................................................20
ZumbAtomic ......................................................................................20
Junior Football Registration, May 5 ..................................................21
Pacer Track Club Registration, March 5 ............................................22
Mighty Kicks Soccer ..........................................................................22
Jr. Cheerleaders Registration Info....................................................27
Belly Dancing ....................................................................................28
Silver Sneakers ..........................................................................29 & 36
ZUMBA ..............................................................................................30
Flea Market Registration, March 18 ..................................................32
Start the New Year
with a Fun Program
for You and Your
Family from the
Dept. of Recreation
& Leisure Services!
See Full Program
Guide Starting on
Pg. 15.
NEW! NEW! NEW!
Drawing with a Partner ....................................................................19
Awesome Art......................................................................................19
Beginning Golf ..................................................................................21
Happy Hip Workshop ........................................................................28
Beginner Tap Dance, ages 5 - adult ..............................................20 & 28
Men’s Only Fitness ............................................................................29
Additional new
programs are
highlighted on
pages 15, 36 & 37.
www.bpsd.org
www.bethelpark.net
Page 39
Board of School Directors
School District Contact Information
David
Amaditz
835-1701
Donna
Cook
President
833-6191
Connie
Ruhl
835-7845
Cindy
Buckley
835-6037
Jim
Means
301-1065
Russ
Spicuzza
835-9270
Tim
Campbell
418-9197
Dick
Rose
Vice President
835-9166
Ronald
Sustich
831-1809
Three BPSD Teachers Visit Honduras For The
End Of The Mayan Calendar
Three Bethel Park Teachers: NAMS Introduction to
Foreign Language Teacher Maria Leonard, NAMS
Gifted Program Coordinator Lisa Machado and
BPHS English Teacher Charles Youngs traveled on
an educational excursion to Copan Ruinas,
Honduras to participate in an end of the Mayan
calendar ceremony on December 22 at the Mayan
Temple.
The ceremony occurred at 5:30 AM on December
22, as participants surrounded a shaman who lit
colored candles and offered grains and flowers to the
gods. December 21 marked the last sunset of the
13th baktun, or long count calendar.
Nancy Aloi Rose, Superintendent ................................854-8402
Matthew Howard, Assistant to the Superintendent......854-8425
Leonard Corazzi, Dir. of Finance and Operations........854-8425
Joseph Rozman, Director of Human Resources ........854-8404
Janet O’Rourke, Director of Secondary Education ......854-8420
Dr. Dorothy Stark, Director of Elementary Education..854-8418
Lori Sutton, Director of Special Services......................854-8410
Ronald Reyer, Director of Technology Services ..........854-8418
Scott Ziehler, Transportation Director ..........................854-8414
Brandon Womer, Director of Facilities and Services ..854-8615
Dan Elder, Assoc. Director of Facilities & Services ......854-8604
Joe Consolmagno, Director of Food Services ............854-8754
Vicki Flotta, Director of Public Relations ......................854-8438
Amy Scheuneman, Athletic Director ............................854-8548
Bethel Park High School
309 Church Road, Bethel Park 15102
Dr. Zeb Jansante, Principal ..........................................854-8581
Sheryl Graff, Assistant Principal....................................854-8581
Jay Johnson, Assistant Principal ..................................854-8581
Brian Lenosky,
Principal/Director of Cyber/Alt. Learning Options ......854-8584
Guidance Office................................................................854-8597
Health Office ....................................................................854-8550
Attendance Office ............................................................854-8572
Media Center....................................................................854-8560
Records Office..................................................................854-8595
Student Activities ..............................................................854-8514
Athletic Office ..................................................................854-8548
Neil Armstrong 5-6 Middle School
5800 Murray Avenue, Bethel Park 15102
Michael Brookie, Principal............................................854-8751
Robert Garvey, Assistant Principal ............................854-8756
(Left to right): Charles
Youngs, Lisa Machado and
Maria Leonard at the
entrance of the Mayan Ruins
in Honduras.
Bethel Park School Cafeterias Earn 56 Diamonds
From The ACHD
The Allegheny County Health Department recently completed its first of two unannounced
inspections of Bethel Park School District cafeterias for the 2012-2013 school year, and all eight
cafeterias earned a total of 56 Diamond Awards.
The Neil Armstrong Middle School cafeteria earned 11 Diamonds, followed by Memorial
Elementary School with eight Diamonds; Bethel Park High School, Independence Middle
School and George Washington Elementary School with seven Diamonds each; Benjamin
Franklin Elementary School and William Penn Elementary School with six Diamonds each, and
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School with four.
These awards are given only to those facilities that demonstrate exceptional food handling and
sanitation practices.
www.bpsd.org
Central Administration
301 Church Road, Bethel Park 15102
Independence 7-8 Middle School
2807 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 15102
David Muench, Principal ..............................................854-8677
George Spalaris, Assistant Principal ............................854-8522
Following the ceremony, Miss Machado was
interviewed on CNN Espanol. Ms. Leonard is a
native of Honduras.
Metz Culinary Management provides food service to the Bethel Park School District.
Consolmagno is the District’s Food Service Director.
INFORMATION............................................................................833-5000
Information Line ........................................................................854-8407
(Call to hear important district news and school delay/cancellation
information)
Joe
Abraham Lincoln Elementary
1524 Hamilton Road, Pittsburgh 15234
Dr. Dorothy Stark,
Director of Elementary Education/Principal ........854-8618
Benjamin Franklin Elementary
5400 Florida Avenue, Bethel Park 15102
Dr. Shirley Dickinson, Principal ..................................854-8741
Bethel Memorial Elementary
3301 South Park Road, Bethel Park 15102
Eric Chalus, Principal....................................................854-8506
George Washington Elementary
515 Clifton Road, Bethel Park 15102
Fred Pearson, Principal ................................................854-8546
William Penn Elementary
110 Woodlet Lane, Bethel Park 15102
Nicole Morris, Principal ................................................854-8522
VISIT US ONLINE @ www.bpsd.org
February 18, 2013
Page 40
A Message From…
NANCY ALOI ROSE
Superintendent
By the time this
publication
reaches
your home, it will be
more than two months
since the senseless
tragedy occurred at the
Sandy
Hook
Elementary School in
Newtown, CT. This
incident of school
violence, which took
the lives of 20 children
and
six
adults,
impacted the educational community world-wide.
While we hope that something like this never
happens again, this tragedy reminded us as a
District, to re-familiarize ourselves with our safety
and crisis response plans and make some changes
where necessary.
The District has had a strong Safety and Crisis
Plan in place for years, with each of our schools
having a customized critical incident plan—specific
to the staff, facility and students of every building.
Each of our schools has a safety and security
team which periodically reviews the plan with our
school district police and the Bethel Park Police
Department. Our counselors, social workers and
psychologists also have provided input into these
plans.
Additionally, we conduct periodic safety drills in
collaboration with the Bethel Park Police and Fire
Departments and other community response teams.
ADMINISTRATION
We are blessed to have tremendous support from all
of these resources.
Most importantly, we recognize the importance
of a well-trained staff as the strongest feature of our
safety plan. To that end, we provide first aid, safety
and crisis training for our staff.
We continue to maintain secure facilities and
have stepped up our entry screening process for
visitors. Additionally, we have tightened up our
procedures for parents picking up their children.
Parents have been notified of the new procedures.
We realize that these heightened security
procedures may be somewhat inconvenient for
parents, staff and students. However, we also know
that our community overwhelmingly supports our
efforts to take every precaution with our community’s
children.
High profile acts of violence, particularly in
schools, can confuse and frighten children, who may
feel danger or worry that their friends or loved ones
are at-risk. They will look to adults for information and
guidance on how to react. Parents and school
personnel can help children to feel safe by
establishing a sense of normalcy and security and
talking to them about their fears.
The National Association of School
Psychologists offers the following suggestions to
parents when these types of situations occur:
• Reassure children that they are safe.
• Make time to talk. Let your child’s questions be
your guide as to how much information to provide.
• Keep your explanations developmentally
appropriate. Early elementary school children need
brief, simple information that should be balanced
with reassurances that their school and homes are
safe and that adults are there to protect them. Upper
elementary and early middle school children will be
A Message From…
DONNA COOK
School Board President
The Bethel Park Board of School Directors is
extremely proud of the educational opportunities that
the District offers to all of our students.
It is the District’s job to provide all of our
students with the foundation, tools and skills that
they need to prepare themselves for the future—to
make them “College and Career Ready.”
Over 94 percent of our graduates go on to a two or four year college after
graduation, which has been the traditional path of graduates across this country
for the past 40 years or so. But with the high cost of college, and as the labor
market becomes more specialized, many students are re-thinking their futures
and are taking a serious look at the benefits of vocational/technical education.
The Bethel Park School District is one of 11 southern Allegheny County
school districts who are in partnership with the Steel Center Area Vocational
Technical School in West Mifflin, a state of the art facility that provides quality
vocational-technical education programs in a variety of areas.
Vocational education has diversified in the 21st century. Besides offering
“traditional” programs in areas such as automotive mechanics, building trades,
carpentry and cosmetology, Steel Center students can also participate in
programs focusing on advertising and design, baking and pastry chef, computer
information systems, health assistants and retail food and merchandising, to
name a few of the 15 programs offered at Steel Center.
February 18, 2013
more vocal in asking questions about whether they
are truly safe. They may also need assistance
separating reality from fantasy. Upper middle school
and high school students will have strong and
varying opinions about the causes of violence in
schools and society. Emphasize the role that
students have in maintaining safe schools by
following school guidelines, reporting threats and
communicating any personal safety concerns to
school administrators, and accessing support for
emotional needs.
• Observe your child’s emotional state. Some
children may not express their concerns verbally.
Changes in behavior, appetite and sleep patterns
can indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort.
Seek the help of a mental health professional if you
are at all concerned.
• Limit television viewing of these events.
Developmentally inappropriate information can
cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young
children. Be mindful of the adult conversations you
have in front of children and limit their exposure to
vengeful, hateful and angry comments that might be
misunderstood.
• Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular
schedule can be reassuring and promote physical
health. Encourage children to get plenty of sleep, eat
regular meals, get exercise, keep up with their
schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don’t
push them if they seem overwhelmed.
As always, the Bethel Park School District’s first
and foremost concern is the health and safety of our
students and staff. While we hope that we will never
have to put our safety and crisis plans into action
beyond practicing and drilling, we will continue to be
diligent regarding security measures at all of our
schools.
The public can visit the school during the day and on specific evenings to
enjoy the offerings of the student-staffed cosmetology clinic and spa, meat shop
and general store, featuring delicious homemade soups and baked goods.
Steel Center students fare well when they participate against other schools
in district and state competitions, sponsored by Skills USA. They also put their
knowledge to practical application by participating in daily hands-on projects at
school and in the community as well.
Steel Center Director Kevin Rice says that “Now, more than ever,
vocational/technical education is needed to help address a workforce and
economy with critical needs—one being a shortage of qualified workers in many
employment sectors, including healthcare, skilled trades, transportation and
manufacturing.
“The emergence of energy-related occupations that has swept through
Pennsylvania in recent years will give individuals tremendous opportunities for
meaningful careers and family-sustaining wages. Steel Center is ready to accept
the opportunity to aide in this process.”
Several of our ninth graders took advantage of traveling to Steel Center in
January to tour the facility and gather more information about the benefits of
vocational/technical education, before they began scheduling for the 2013-2014
school year.
Our goal in Bethel Park is to provide all of our students--with varying interests
and skills—as many opportunities as possible to prepare them for bright futures.
We believe Steel Center is a valuable partner in this process as it is positioned
to play a major role in school improvement efforts, as well as to support a
growing, healthy economy in Allegheny County and beyond.
www.bpsd.org
Page 41
Veterans Eligible for Bethel Park
Diplomas
The Bethel Park School District continues to award a high school
diploma to any World War II Veteran who left high school prior to graduation
to serve in the war.
Diplomas are being offered to Veterans who meet four criteria: must
have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces;
served in the United States Armed Forces between September 15, 1940
and December 31, 1946; attended high school between 1937 and 1947 and
would have been a member of a graduation class between 1941 through
1950, but did not graduate due to military service; and is either a current
Bethel Park resident or attended high school in the district.
Veterans may receive their diploma in one of three ways: private
presentation by the Superintendent, awarded at a School Board meeting or
the Veteran may choose to participate in a Bethel Park High School
graduation ceremony.
Interested Veterans or their families can contact Cathy Borne in the
Bethel Park High School Records Office at 412-854-8595 for a one-page
application form. A completed application form and a copy of the veteran’s
discharge papers are all that are necessary to qualify for the diploma.
Diplomas can also be awarded posthumously to a Veteran whose
family applies for it on behalf of their loved one.
We invite anyone who has served during World War II to apply for a
diploma. The application process is simple and it would be the district’s
honor to award this to our WWII veterans, members of the Greatest
Generation, in appreciation for their sacrifices for their country.
Kindergarten Registration
Begins In March
Kindergarten Registration for the 2013-2014
school year will be held in all Bethel Park elementary
schools in March. Parents whose children will be
age 5 on or before September 1, 2013 are asked to
register their children for kindergarten at this time.
Please go any of the district’s elementary
school web pages and click on the link on the left
hand side of the page called “New Student
Registration Forms” and then click on “Kindergarten
Registration Information” to print off all of the forms
you will need to register your child for kindergarten
in the fall.
If you do not have internet access, you can
obtain the forms at any Bethel Park elementary school.
It is important for all parents to register their children for kindergarten in March,
to facilitate the District’s planning for the 2013-2014 school year.
When you come to registration with your child, please bring the completed
Kindergarten Registration Packet with you as well as your child’s original birth
certificate and verification of Bethel Park residency.
Kindergarten Registration dates are as follow:
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
1524 Hamilton Road
412-854-8618
Wednesday, March 6
9:30 to 11 AM
1 to 2:30 PM
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
5400 Florida Avenue
412-854-8741
Thursday, March 7
9:30 to 11 AM (for last names A-M)
1 to 2:30 PM (for last names N-Z)
Memorial Elementary School
Registration at the Bethel Park Community Center
Park Avenue
412-854-8506
Tuesday, March 5
9:30 to 11 AM
1:30 to 3 PM
(Left to right): Nicole Molinaro Karaczun, Nancy Aloi Rose
and Dr. Zeb Jansante.
School District Receives $1,000 Grant
The Bethel Park School District recently received a $1,000 grant from the
Pennsylvania Office of Crime and Delinquency to be used to help the district educate
students about the dangers of using alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
The PA Office of Crime and Delinquency received a major grant from the federal
government and elected to distribute the money to all Pennsylvania school districts,
to aid in their efforts to keep students away from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
Presenting the check to Bethel Park Superintendent Nancy Aloi Rose and
Bethel Park High School Principal Dr. Zeb Jansante was Nicole Molinaro
Karaczun, Executive Director of Communities in School of Pittsburgh-Allegheny
County.
www.bpsd.org
George Washington Elementary School
515 Clifton Road
412-854-8546
Wednesday, March 13
9:30 to 11 AM
1:30 to 3 PM
William Penn Elementary School
Registration at the Bethel Park Community Center
Park Avenue
412-854-8522
Tuesday, March 12
9:30 to 11 AM
1:30 to 3 PM
Kindergarten Orientation will be held in May at the schools. Information will be
shared at Registration.
Thank you and we’ll see you at Kindergarten Registration! If you have
questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school.
February 18, 2013
Page 42
NAMS Goes All-Out
In Its Support Of
Sixth Graders Give Mystery SHIM’s Angel Emporium
Disease Presentation
NEIL
(Left to right):
Ethan Burke,
Liam
Brusoski,
Lindsay Pfab
and Anjelo
Maskelunas
were one of
the two groups
giving
Mystery
Disease
Presentations.
Sixth grade students in Miss Machado's gifted
classes recently gave presentations on a "mystery
disease" as part of their Problem Based Learning Unit.
Their assignment was to investigate an outbreak of
E.Coli at a fictional county fair. They needed to conduct
research on E.Coli, and create an on-line presentation to
show what E.Coli is, how it is spread and what
recommendations they would make to ensure the
public's safety at future county fairs.
The students worked in two groups to present their
findings and recommendations to the judges: NAMS
Principal Mr. Brookie and Dr. Carnegie from the
Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.
Members of Group 1 were Autumn Gorman, Patra
Hsu, Alec Wilson and Jonathan dePoutiloff.
Members of Group 2 were Ethan Burke, Liam
Brusoski, Lindsay Pfab and Anjelo Maskelunas.
They did a great job of using their reasoning skills to
piece together the mystery of what happened to the
people who were hospitalized and to make informed
decisions to prevent future incidents.
Charity Carnival Raises
Over $2,500 For
Two Great Causes
The 2012 Neil Armstrong Middle School Charity
Carnival raised $2,435.27 for the South Hills Interfaith
Ministries and $125 for the Sandy Hook Elementary
School Support Fund!
The students raised the money in a two-hour period
by playing a variety of carnival games of chance,
purchasing Chinese auction tickets to win one of many
fantastic themed gift baskets, purchasing snacks and
taking a chance to hit their teachers with whipped cream
topped sponges!
This event was organized by the NAMS PTO and the
NAMS staff supported the event by helping to “man” the
games and also donating an additional $125 to the Sandy
Hook Support Fund to double the amount raised at the
Carnival for Sandy Hook.
The Carnival was a great way to get the holiday break
off to a great start!
NAMS
students
were all
smiles
during
the
annual
Charity
Carnival.
February 18, 2013
Penguins Hold Press
Conference At NAMS
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation used the Neil
Armstrong Middle School gymnasium as the place to
launch their new PensFIT Program.
Through the PensFIT Program, more than 250
elementary and middle schools in Allegheny County-including all Bethel Park elementary and middle schools-received more than $1,000 worth of floor hockey
equipment for their school's physical education program.
(Left to right): Joe Sager, John Scaggs, Autumn Plutt
and Madalyn Rago had fun shopping for a play
kitchen for SHIM’s Angel Emporium.
The holidays were a lot brighter for area families,
thanks to the continued support of Neil Armstrong
Middle School students and staff for the South Hills
Interfaith Ministries' Angel Emporium.
This year staff contributed $760 and combined with
the $5,250.65 raised by the students, $6,010.65 was
used to purchase Christmas presents to be distributed
by SHIM.
Students raised the money in various ways,
including donations, Spirit Days (where students paid $1
to wear a hat, dress up, or wear their favorite sports
team's jersey), Penny Wars, buying tickets to Switch a
Team for a Day, and Candy Grams.
Student Council held a raffle during lunch periods
where students could purchase tickets to be Principal
for a Day, or win iTunes gift cards, Game Stop gift cards,
Barnes and Noble gift cards and a Pizza Lunch with a
Friend.
Once the money was raised, the students divided
up the money and worked in small groups to use their
math skills to shop at WalMart, Burlington and Kohl's to
get the best buys for the items they wanted to purchase.
After shopping, they stopped at SHIM's Park
Avenue headquarters to drop off their gifts, learn more
about how the Angel Emporium Program positively
impacts area families, and tour the facility to see all of
the gifts that were donated to this worthy cause.
Thanks to the NAMS staff for coordinating this
annual service project and to everyone who helped to
make this year's SHIM Shopping Trip a huge success!
Wie Ist Das Wetter?
Sixth
grade
Introduction
to
Foreign Language
students did a great
job using their
German language
skills to create
"Weather Around
the
World"
presentations.
Students were
asked to present
weather forecasts (Left to right): Regan Gray, Morgan
using their German Kinman, Antonio Fontana and Josh
skills. First, they Ye display their weather posters.
needed to research
the weather in Berlin and other national or state capitals.
Then they created weather posters of the weather in that
particular city.
Once their posters were finished, they worked in
groups of two to present a global weather forecast in
German to their classmates.
The project also incorporated some science and
geography skills, in addition to the weather expressions in
German.
The students are taught by NAMS Introduction to
Foreign Languages Teacher Barbara Hartz.
This group of NAMS fifth graders were more than happy
to work with former Penguin Phil Bourque and Pens’
mascot Iceburgh to demonstrate how the street hockey
equipment will benefit their school’s physical education
program.
The equipment, which includes goals, sticks, stick
bags, hockey balls, goalie equipment and a storage bag,
was delivered by former Penguin Phil Bourque. In
addition to providing student work books and instructional
manuals, the Penguins Foundation will offer a seminar at
the CONSOL Energy Center for physical education
teachers, to be hosted by the Penguins' coaching staff and
team alumni.
Participating in the press conference were 25 NAMS
fifth graders, who learned how to use the equipment last
year as Lincoln fourth graders, under the direction of
Lincoln Physical Education Teacher Mike Schall. The
students were put through several exercises and minigames, coached by Mr. Bourque and Mr. Schall, while
television cameras from WPXI and KDKA filmed them
using the equipment.
NAMS Principal Michael Brookie explained to the
media that the equipment would be a welcome addition to
the NAMS Physical Education Program, because it helps
to promote life-long fitness and teamwork among the
students.
The NAMS students who participated in the press
conference were Aaron Beatty, Ashley Berardi, Emily
Bosko, Zachary Conner, Angelo Dalessandro, Vincent
DeBald, Sarah Dehls, Theodore Emmons, Kolten
Flambard, Amy Karnos, Alexis Kiesling, Emily Rose
Marshall, Ryan Meis, Trevor Morrison, Natalie Nerone,
Isabella Nowozeniuk, Alyssa Poole, Elena Reed,
Rebecca Schnupp, Dylan Skornicka, Brian Torles,
Anthony Will and Nicholas Williams.
Winter Weather Is Still Upon Us
On days when the school district needs to delay or
cancel school due to emergency or inclement weather,
parents and staff will be called using the ALERTNOW
Notification System as soon as the district makes the
decision.
Additionally, delay/cancellation information will also be
announced on the following television and radio stations:
• WTAE-TV
• KDKA-TV
• WPXI-TV
• KDKA-AM 1020
Delay/cancellation information can also be found on the
Bethel Park web site: www.bpsd.org, the Bethel Park Twitter
Page: www.twitter.com/bpsdinfo, the Bethel Park facebook
page, under “Bethel Park School District” or the Bethel Park
Information Line 412-854-8407.
www.bpsd.org
Page 43
FRANKLIN
Juliana Capozzi Wins
Holiday Card Contest
Congratulations to Franklin
fourth
grader
Juliana
Capozzi, whose holiday
design was selected as the
winner of the Omni William
Penn Hotel's Holiday Card
Art Contest!
Each year, the Omni
William Penn holds an
annual Holiday Card Art
Contest
to
recognize
creativity
among
local
elementary school children.
This year, Franklin fourth
graders were invited to
Juliana Capozzi proudly
submit a drawing, picture or
shows off her winning card
design for the hotel's holiday
design.
cards.
This year's theme was "Holiday Wonderland," and a
panel of judges critiqued the entries based on creativity,
originality and the spirit of the season.
Juliana's winning design was made into a holiday card
that was used by the hotel to send to their vendors and
customers. Juliana's name appears on the back of the card
and she was invited--along with her family and teacher--to
participate in the hotel's annual "Light Up Night" on
November 16.
At the event, Juliana was introduced to the audience
and presented with a $100 check, a framed proof of her
winning design and 50 cards to send to friends and family.
This project was coordinated by Franklin Art Teacher
Kristen Ritchie.
Additionally, Ms. Ritchie worked with the Franklin PTO to
create a set of holiday cards, designed by the Franklin Fourth
Graders, which were sold as a fundraiser. Through the sale
of the cards, over $2,000 was raised and will be used for
PTO-sponsored enrichment programs.
Originally the money raised from the card sale was
earmarked to take the fourth graders on a field trip to the
Warhol Museum, but Ms. Ritchie was able to successfully
apply for a grant to the Warhol to obtain financing for the trip,
which will take place in May.
Students Work In Groups
To Complete Reading
Assignments
Second graders in Mrs. Callahan's room enjoy
working together in small groups to complete
assignments.
Their groups are named after precious gems--Ruby,
Sapphire and Diamond--and the students enjoy working
together to complete assignments.
Recently, the students worked together on a reading
assignment where they had to determine the author's
purpose for his writing
about nature--was it to
inform?
persuade?
entertain?
The collaborative
effort helps students to
learn
from
one
another and it gives
them an opportunity to
interact with their
classmates
and
demonstrate
their
learning.
Students, like Jacob Rogers, enjoy
moving away from their desks and
sprawling out on their classroom
floor to work collaboratively in
groups to complete assignments.
www.bpsd.org
Professional Artist Works
With Fourth Graders To
Create Warhol-Inspired
Commercials
Franklin
fourth
grade
students
enjoyed
making
commercials in the style of
Andy Warhol, thanks to the help
of professional artist Alisha
Wormsley.
Ms. Wormsley was invited
to Franklin by Art Teacher
Kristen Ritchie, as part of
Gateway to the Arts' Arts to the
Core Initiative, which is a pilot
program designed to support
partnerships between teachers Grant Eckert played
and teaching artists. Ms. the role of a modernWormsley served as an Artist in day Quaker for his
Residence, who worked with group’s Sparkle
Franklin fourth graders in Mrs. Flakes commercial.
Gallagher's room for five
weeks on a project that combined arts and the
Pennsylvania Common Core Standards in English
Language Arts.
The students learned about Andy Warhol and his
impact on Pop Culture and discussed things in pop
culture today. They learned about advertising and
different kinds of writing--persuasive, entertainment
and informative--and worked in small groups of four to
write a commercial script and perform in a video to
advertise a product, using Warhol's style and pop
culture influence.
The students, with the help of Ms. Wormsley,
produced six new commercials for fictional products
such as Sparkle Flakes, Super Soup and Christmas
Cola. Ms. Wormsley used her technical skills to add
some special effects to the commercials.
On her last day in the classroom, Ms. Wormsley
showed the students how she edited the commercials
and they were able to participate in a screening of all
six commercials. All of the commercials were terrific!
During the second semester of the 2012-2013
school year, another visiting artist will be working with
Ms. Luzader's class on an environmental video
project.
MEMORIAL
First Graders
Enjoy Making
Gingerbread Houses
Memorial First Graders enjoyed making and
decorating their own gingerbread house creations in time
for the Christmas holidays!
Hands got sticky during the process, but it was a lot of
fun and the end result was some beautiful houses!
Memorial first graders were all smiles when
they were decorating their gingerbread houses.
First Graders Enjoy
Henry And Mudge
Book Series
Memorial first graders enjoyed listening to the story of
Henry and Mudge.
Memorial first grade students look forward to their
time in the Library to listen to another installment of the
Henry and Mudge book series.
The series features the escapades of a boy named
Henry and his big dog, Mudge. The students especially
enjoyed the book, Henry and Mudge and the Long
Weekend. In this installment, Henry and Mudge couldn't
go outside and play because it was rainy. They were
sitting around the house doing nothing when Henry's
mother suggested that the family work together to
transform a large empty box into a castle.
The first grade students enjoyed the story,
especially the antics of Mudge. Librarian Cathy
Oczkowski had the students complete a worksheet
about castles and the story as a follow-up activity.
Memorial students look toward to their reading time
in the Library!
Fourth Graders Donate
Favorite Books To
Memorial Library
Memorial Fourth Graders "paid it forward" by
hosting a Book Signing, where they donated their
favorite used books to the Memorial Library!
The students gathered in the Multi-Purpose Room
after school and filled out book plates, where they had an
opportunity to not only put their name in the donated
book, but to also write a few words about why the book
meant so much to them. They were proud to present the
books to Memorial Librarian Mrs. Oczkowski!
The Memorial Library benefited from the generosity
of these fourth graders, who are learning how to pay it
forward this school year, through a series of "Fourth
G r a d e
Activities,"
hosted by
the PTA.
(Left to
right):
Rachel
Fulton,
Cailey
Norsen and Allison Kurtz show some of
their favorite books that they donated to the
Memorial Library.
February 18, 2013
Page 44
PENN
First Graders
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Penn First Graders in Mrs. Joseph’s and Mrs.
Williams’ rooms enjoyed their classroom's Thanksgiving
celebration!
Besides making
paper Pilgrim hats
and
Indian
headbands,
the
students enjoyed
making
Native
American dream
catchers
and
coloring photos of
turkeys.
Penn First Graders
enjoyed being
Pilgrims and Indians for their classroom
Thanksgiving celebration.
Second Graders Visit
The Zoo!
Penn second graders took advantage of the warm
fall weather to enjoy a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and
PPG Aquarium.
It was a beautiful fall day for the annual Penn Second
Grade Field Trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG
Aquarium.
The students had a great time seeing animals such
as elephants, giraffes, monkeys, rhinoceroses, polar
bears and sting rays, to name a few.
They also participated in an educational program,
where they had the chance to touch a snake and see a
hedgehog up close and personal!
Fourth Graders Create A
Winter Wonderland
Fourth graders in Mrs. Sabol's room used their
artistic and writing skills to create a beautiful Winter
Wonderland bulletin board!
The students used their artistic skills to draw a winter
scene and then they were given the assignment of writing
a paragraph describing the story their drawing depicted.
The students enjoyed using both of their skills to
complete
this
assignment and the
results of their work
created a beautiful
bulletin board outside
their classroom.
Zach Walters (left) and
Kelsey Aronhalt (right).
February 18, 2013
LINCOLN
Kindergarten Students
Help To Stuff A Bus
With Toys
Lincoln
students had
fun participating
in the Stuff A
Bus Toy Drive,
sponsored by
Radio Station
KISS 96.1 FM.
T
h
e
kindergarten
students asked
all of the Lincoln
students to help
them with their
service project
by
donating
toys. Once the Helping to count the toys they
toys
were collected for Toys for Tots were these
collected, the Lincoln kindergarten students (front
k i n d e r g a r t e n row, left to right): Colin Hewes (behind
students sorted game), Madelyn Cummings (with the
the toys into elephant); (back row, left to right):
Dobiak and River Hendrychgroups of 10 Kayley
Bondra (standing).
and
counted
them up. They
counted 97 toys that were donated to the Toys for Tots
Program.
The toys were delivered to the Stuff A Bus Toy Drive
at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center to be distributed to
needy children at Christmas.
Participating in this project was a great experience
for students and teachers! Thank you, Mrs. Corella and
Miss Bronowicz for organizing this!
Third Graders Learn
Two-Color Printmaking
Lincoln Third Grade students learned the art of twocolor printmaking in Art Class.
The students drew part of a picture into a foam plate
and then rolled one color of paint on the plate and
pressed the plate onto a piece of paper to make an
impression.
The next time they visited Art Class, the students
drew the rest of the picture into the foam plate, rolled
another color of paint onto the plate and pressed the
plate on top of their original piece of paper to create a
two-color print, in the style of famous Japanese
Printmaker Katsushika Hokusai.
The students are taught by Art Teacher Kelly Eckert
Graffam.
Evan Manion shows how he completed the first part of
two-color printmaking.
Second Graders Enjoy
Show And Tell
When second grade students in Mrs. Dewey's room
earn a Good Behavior Reward, they have a variety of
options from which to choose.
Among their options, they could choose to move their
seat within the classroom or earn a "homework pass," to
name two, but the number one requested reward is to
bring something from home into the classroom to "ShowAnd-Tell."
The students enjoy sharing their treasures with their
classmates
and
answering
their
questions about their
" S h o w - A n d - Te l l "
item. But little do they
know that they are
also improving their
public speaking skills
with
every
presentation!
Josh Woodrich is
proud to show off
his collection of
geodes that he
found in his Lego
box!
MISSION:
To lead an educational partnership with the
Community, maintaining an environment that
challenges all students to reach their potential as
lifelong learners and responsible members of society.
WASHINGTON
Fourth Graders Enjoy
Chinese Celebration
Alana Spochacz did a
great job eating her
lunch with chop
sticks!
Washington Fourth Graders finished reading the
novel, The Cricket in Times Square, and participated
in a Chinese Celebration. Besides learning about
Chinese culture, the students also learned about
several places in New York City, including Times
Square, China Town and Grand Central Station.
The students sat on pillows on the floor to enjoy
their lunch. The cafeteria served General Tso's Chicken
and many of the students enjoyed using chop sticks to
eat their food. One student wore a kimono for the
festivities!
After lunch the students enjoyed fortune cookies,
strawberry floats and some other foods that were
discussed in the novel.
Thanks to teachers Mr. and Mrs. Dressler and
Miss Kitterman for organizing a great event!
www.bpsd.org
Page 45
Washington Students
Meet Their IMS Pen Pals
Washington students enjoyed
participating in Christmas crafts with
their IMS Pen Pals.
Independence Middle School Student Council
Students are participating in a Pen Pal Program with
Washington Elementary Students and the students
had a chance to meet one another in December thanks
to a visit to Washington by the IMS students.
Not only did the Washington students get to meet
their older role models, they also had a chance to
participate in some grade-level appropriate Christmas
crafts projects, led by the IMS students.
It was a great opportunity for the IMS students to
utilize their leadership skills and it was great fun for the
Washington students to work with the IMS students
and take home a wonderful holiday craft!
Washington Is Proud To
Have Star Readers
During the month of September, Washington
Elementary School participated in the Reach for the Stars
reading incentive program sponsored by Usborne Books
& More.
The students read and logged their minutes for
two weeks, and at the same time, asked family and
friends to sponsor their reading efforts.
The 76 students who participated read 38,853
minutes and raised more than $3,200 in pledges,
enabling their
teachers
to
expand their
classroom
libraries.
Proceeds from
the program
also help the
PTO to fund
children's
programs this
school year.
Third
Grader
Ian
Cashman read
1,025 minutes
and
raised
$100 and was
one of two Star
Readers. The
(Left to right): Star Readers Kaitlin
Kowalski and Ian Cashman.
other
Star
Reader
was
Fourth Grader Kaitlin Kowalski, who read 1,007
minutes and raised $106. Both students completed the
extra "10x10x10 Challenge," which required them to
read 1,000 minutes and collect $100 in sponsorship
funds.
Also going above and beyond the suggested 300
minutes by reading at least 1,000 minutes were
Varshini Balaji (1,245 minutes), Suyah Date (1,860
minutes), Connor O'Neil (1,045 minutes), Caitlyn
Schultz (1,140 minutes) and Kylee Webster (1,570
minutes).
Congratulations to all of the students who
participated!
www.bpsd.org
Third Graders Love The
Polar Express
Soldier Brings Smiles
To Students
"Bring a Smile to the Service" is a group of BPHS/IMS
students who regularly correspond with American service
men and women who are stationed overseas, sending them
letters to brighten their days, and packages containing
comfort items.
For the past three years these students have
communicated with many service men and women and on
November 30, they had the opportunity to meet one of them
when United States Army Captain Edward Quinn stopped
by IMS to meet the students, thank them for their support and
talk to them about what it's like to be serving abroad.
This group of Washington third graders enjoyed playing
a Polar Express-themed version of “Hot Potato.”
Washington Third Graders wore their pajamas to
school on Polar Express Day and participated in several
Polar Express-themed center activities to celebrate their
love of the movie.
Prior to Polar Express Day, the students participated in
a Pajama Drive sponsored by Scholastic Books and
collected 40 pairs of new pajamas for needy children.
On Polar Express Day, the students each received a
Golden Ticket and participated in several activities,
including a Polar Express "Hot Potato" game, using a toy
train instead of a potato, working on Polar Express-themed
puzzles and--of course--enjoying hot chocolate and
cookies!
IMS
IMS Students Enjoy
Book Tasting
Ashley Spence enjoyed using the CLUES
rating system during the Book Tasting event
in the IMS Library.
Independence Middle School students enjoyed
participating in Book Tastings held in the school library.
Librarian Mrs. Heasley arranged several genres of
books on tables in the library and students were given
a "Book Tasting Scorecard" they used to evaluate at
least four books they might like to read.
The Scorecard used a CLUES rating system-Cover appeal, Length of book, Understanding the
vocabulary used (by reading the first page), Eagerness
to read beyond the first page and Summary (from jacket,
back cover or copyright page). Each CLUES category
was rated between 1 (low) and 5 (high).
Each book was then given an overall score
(between 1 and 5) and the titles were transferred to a
Book Tasting Results Menu, with books scoring 3s listed
as "appetizers;" books receiving 4s going under
"entrées" and books scoring 5s listed as "desserts." The
students are keeping their "book menus" in their
binders, so the next time they visit the library, they can
check out books that "taste" good to them!
BPSD students (left to right): Jenny Gavett, Hunter Spragg,
Emma Harris, Natalie Lalama, Macy Hall, Grace
Brueggman, Maria Jay and David Erzen were thrilled to
welcome U.S. Army Captain Edward Quinn to IMS to learn
more about his time in Kuwait and to personally thank
him for his service to the United States.
The students have been corresponding with Captain
Quinn since February 2012 while he was stationed in
Kuwait. During his visit to IMS, he showed them pictures of
camels and sandstorms and talked about how difficult life
is overseas.
Captain Quinn thanked the students for their letters
and told them that he saved every letter he received from
them. "Our work was boring and sometimes scary, and
your letters made all the difference in the world," he told the
students.
He also told the students that when their letters
arrived, "everything just shut down." "We would get
together and read every one of your letters out loud," he
explained. "It was nice to hear from folks at home."
Captain Quinn also thanked the students for the care
packages they sent and said that the soldiers enjoyed the
treats the students sent to them.
He was excited about visiting IMS to meet the
students so he could personally thank them for their
continued support. The students were also excited about
meeting Captain Quinn as well, calling his visit "awesome."
"I'm just glad that after you read our letters, you still
wanted to meet us," said Natalie Lalama.
The students welcomed Captain Quinn with a large
banner and presented him with several hand-made gifts-including a card, poster, award and collage--to thank him for
his service to the United States.
“Bring a Smile to the Service” started three years ago
with a small group of IMS students who gave up their lunch
periods to meet in IMS Social Studies Teacher Jennifer
Makel’s classroom and write letters to service men and
women whose names they found on the Internet.
The project grew from letter writing to the sending of
“care packages” to their pen pals. Even though some of the
students have moved on to the high school, the group still
meets, now after school, to continue to make sure
American service men and women know they are
appreciated.
You can get involved with this great project to keep our
service men and women valued. To learn more, go to
http://www.bringasmiletotheservice.com/.
You can help in several ways--by writing to service
men and women, by purchasing "comfort items," or by
providing a monetary donation to help cover the cost of
purchasing the comfort items as well as the shipping costs
of those items. Anything you can do would be greatly
appreciated!
February 18, 2013
Page 46
IMS Supports Police Pals
Food Drive
For years,
Independence
Middle School
has been a
s t a u n c h
supporter of the
Bethel
Park
Police Pals Food
Drive, and this
year was no
exception!
Not only did
the
students
Jordan Hare and Bridget Heh helped
compete against
sort and pack the donations to the
one another by
Police Pals Food Drive.
team to bring in
the most nonperishable food items for the Food Drive, but Student
Council Students also donated their time at the
Brightwood Road Fire Hall, helping to sort and pack the
food to be delivered to needy Bethel Park families this
holiday season.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this
year's Food Drive a success!
Eighth Grader Helps
Create Cell Phone
Waiting Lot At Airport
If you recently had to pick
someone up at Pittsburgh
International Airport and you
were able to wait in the newly
created Cell Phone Lot in the
extended parking lot for free
for one hour, you can thank
Independence Middle School
eighth
grader
Jacob
Daschbach.
Jacob, who is a Boy Scout Jacob Daschbach
with Troop 215 was working on his Citizenship of the
Nation Merit Badge when he contacted U.S.
Congressman Tim Murphy to inquire why the
airport did not offer such a service.
Through his interaction with Congressman
Murphy, Representative Matt Smith and the
Allegheny County Airport Authority, the Cell Phone
Lot became a reality on November 14.
Way to go, Jacob!
BPHS
BPHS Freshman Honored
By Johns Hopkins
Bethel Park High School
freshman Jack Brownfield
was recently recognized by the
Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth.
Last year Jack participated
in the CTY Program as an
eighth grader at Independence
Middle School, and he recently
was presented with a medal at
a ceremony held at Johns
Jack Brownfield
Hopkins to recognize him as
one of the top scorers on the SAT, which he took last
year as an eighth grader.
His score placed him among the top one-half of
one percent academically among all eighth grade
students who participated in the CTY Program.
Jack was one of 13,350 seventh and eighth graders
nationally who participated in this program last year.
February 18, 2013
Forensics Team News
The Bethel Park High School Forensics Team is off to a great
start! Check out the results!
Central Catholic Invitational
• Emily Augustine and Sean Becker – First Place in JV Policy
Debate
• Shannon Fagan and Jarrod Cingel – Second Place in
Varsity Policy Debate
• Brenden Kail and Harrison Zelt – Second Place in JV Public
Forum Debate
• Natalie Lalama – Second Place in JV Lincoln Douglas
Debate
• Molly Graham – Fourth Place in Humorous Interpretation
• Rebecca Rodgers and Michael Krut – Fourth Place in Duo
Interpretation
• Shawna DeAngelis and Sarah Ulakovic – Fifth Place in Duo
Interpretation
• David Erzen – Sixth Place in Oral Interpretation of Literature
Quigley Invitational
The following students finished among the Top 5 in their
respective events:
• Julianna Buchwald – Lincoln Douglas Debate
• Sean McClaine – Legislative Debate
• Molly Graham – Humorous Interpretation
• Shawna DeAngelis and Sarah Ulakovic – Duo
Interpretation
Upper St. Clair Novice Tournament
• Emily Augustine and Sean McClaine – First Place in Policy
Debate
• Rebecca Rodgers and Michael Krut – Second Place in
Duo Interpretation
• Mac Heller – Third Place in Prose Interpretation
• David Erzen – Third Place in Dramatic/Humorous
Interpretation
• Julia Kleszcz and Caitlin Zeher – Third Place in Duo
Interpretation
• Adam Becker – Fourth Place in Lincoln Douglas Debate
• Lauren Bostedo – Fourth Place in Prose Interpretation
• Joseph Tischler – Fourth Place in Dramatic/Humorous
Interpretation
• Shawna DeAngelis and Sarah Ulakovic – Fourth Place in
Duo Interpretation
North Catholic Forensics Tournament
The following students finished among the Top 5 in their
respective events:
• Jarrod Cingel – Legislative Debate
• Molly Graham – Humorous Interpretation
Knoch New Year’s Joust Tournament
• The Team finished in Fourth Place.
• Emily Augustine and Sean McClaine – First Place in
Policy Debate
• Sean Becker and Dominic Capozzoli – Second Place in
Policy Debate
• Zach Fullerton – Third Place in Prose Interpretation
• David Erzen – Fourth Place in Dramatic Interpretation
• Natalie Lalama – Sixth Place in Prose Interpretation
• Madeline Balzarini – Sixth Place in Dramatic Interpretation
Earning Membership in the National Forensic League: The
Speech and Debate Honor Society
• Kyle Barron
• R.J. Behers
• Brandon Brown
• Joe Campion
• Billy dePoutiloff
• Zach Fullerton
• Natalie Lalama
• Sean McClaine
• Christian Smetana
• Ryan Vanhorenbeck
Earning Honor Degrees in the NFL
• Adam Ackerman, Emily Augustine, R.J. Behers, Jack
Brownfield, Billy dePoutiloff, Austin Dill, Elliott
Lehmann, Sean McClaine, Christian Smetana and Ryan
Vanhorenbeck – Honor Degree
• Caitlin Zeher – Degree of Excellence
• Molly Graham – Superior Distinction Degree
DECA News
50 Students Qualify to Compete at States
Fifty Bethel Park High School students finished among
the top six in their respective events at the DECA District
Career and Development Conference and have qualified
to compete at the DECA State Career and Development
Conference, to be held February 27-March 1 in Hershey,
PA.
Bethel Park students earned six First Place Awards at
Districts, including seniors Kelly Gastgeb and Meghan
Hahey in the Marketing Communications Team event,
juniors Mike Gronsky (Logistics) and Alanna Lizun
(Apparel and Accessories Marketing); sophomores Emily
Kukan (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism) and Tara
Nath (Hotel and Lodging Management) and freshman
Sean McClaine (Principles of Business Administration).
Earning Second Place Awards were seniors David
Black (Sports and Entertainment Marketing), Gracie
Moody and Wyatt Meehan (Financial Services Team),
Sean Seavy (Retail Merchandising) and Grant
Underwood (Automotive Marketing).
Also earning Second Place Awards were juniors
Michael Guerrero (Logistics) and Sam Polen (Restaurant
and Food Service Management); sophomores Becca
Kubiczki (Hotel and Lodging Management) and Miles
Turner (Business Finance) and freshman Emma Bruno
(Principles of Marketing).
Earning Third Place Awards were seniors Courtney
Brooks and Jeff Locke (Buying and Merchandising Team),
Morgan Guarino (Quick Serve Restaurant Management),
Mitch Krieger (Hotel and Lodging Management), Jamie
Ober and Rohan Young (Financial Services Team) and
Jarrett Rutherford (Automotive Services Marketing).
Also earning Third Place Awards were juniors Zach
Davis (Accounting), Anastasia Kopriva (Food Marketing),
Corey Roach and Casey Schriener (Business Law and
Ethics Team) and Amanda Stofesky (Marketing
Management); and freshmen Carolyn Vona and Tasha
George (Hospitality Services Team).
Earning Fourth Place Awards were senior Jimmy
Vehec (Business Services), junior T.J. Gallagher
(Marketing Management), sophomore Alec Mastovich
(Business Services Marketing) and freshmen Abby
Hartzell (Human Resources Management) and Natalie
Lalama (Restaurant and Food Service Management).
Earning Fifth Place Awards were senior Dan Sullivan
(Restaurant and Food Service Management), junior Nick
DiCenzo (Apparel and Accessories Marketing), and
freshmen Juri Menko (Automotive Services Marketing),
Hanna Seese (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism) and
Kelsey Tischler (Principles of Business Administration).
Earning Sixth Place Awards were senior Jake Ewing
(Business Services), sophomore Lexi Stevenson (Apparel
and Accessories Marketing) and freshmen Nick Gelosh
(Logistics), Madeline Karstensen (Principles of Marketing)
and Justin Nath (Principles of Finance).
Freshmen Cassie Brown, Chad Groves, Jacob
Lowe and Madelyn Stewart turned in a high test score in
the Quiz Bowl competition to advance to States.
The students were prepared for this competition by
Bethel Park High School Diversified Occupations/Marketing
Teachers Emily Smoller and Andrew Tsangaris.
Gracie Moody Elected as State DECA Officer
Senior Gracie Moody has been elected to serve as a
Pennsylvania DECA Officer for the
2012-2013 school year.
She will serve as the District III
Representative, which is one of 14
PA DECA state offices. In
preparation for her new leadership
role, she participated in two
leadership
conferences
and
planning meetings—one at Penn
State in June and one in Hershey in
early December.
DECA is an international
organization that prepares high
school students to be leaders and
Gracie Moody
entrepreneurs
in
marketing,
finance, hospitality and management careers. T h e r e
are approximately 3,500 DECA members in PA.
www.bpsd.org
BPHS Student News
Page 47
Bethel Park Rotary Students
• Mia Rigatti was named the November
Student of the Month by the Rotary Club
of Bethel Park for all of the community
service work she did to earn the 2012
Governor’s Award for Outstanding Citizen
Crime Prevention Efforts from the PA
Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Mia Rigatti and
Rotary Vice President
Pat Funwela.
• Lucy Sedor-Franzak was named the December
Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Bethel
Park for her community service projects, including
starting a weekly music program at Bethel
Retirement, working with the Girl Scouts and
participating in mission trips with her church.
Lucy Sedor-Franzak and Rotary
President Rachel Thieroff.
Fitness Award Winner
• Connor Lynch was presented with the Bethel Park
Fitness Award by Coach Metheny for breaking his
own record for running the mile the most times of
anyone in his Adaptive Physical Education Class.
Athletic Update
Connor Lynch and Coach Metheny
You can see all of the Athletic Highlights for the 2012-2013 school year
at: http://www.bpsd.org/Downloads/2012-2013AthleticHighlights32.pdf.
Girls Soccer
• A.J. Baroffio was named to the 2012 PA All-State Team; and the Post Gazette and
Tribune Review’s Girls Soccer All-Star Teams.
• A.J. Baroffio and Halle Hammer were named to the Post Gazette South and The
Almanac’s Girls Soccer All-Star Teams.
• The Almanac named Alexis Keibler, Tori Bowler, Tati Ruzzini, Lindsay Boss,
Rachel Gaddis, Alexi Machi and Alycia Jimenez Honorable Mentions to its Girls
Soccer All-Star Team. Lauren Toth was named a Player to Watch.
Football
• Mike Brucker, John Mascaro and Danny Christenson were named to the AllSection First Team.
• Mike Grimm, Ryan Sosnak, Avery Dibble and Danny Emma were named to
the All-Section Second Team.
• Levi Metheny, Zakary Rusch and Cody Gilchrist were named All-Section
Honorable Mentions.
• Mike Brucker and John Mascaro were named to The Almanac’s Premier Pigskin
Performers. Levi Metheny was named the Rookie of the Year.
• Mike Grimm participated in the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio,
TX as one of the top high school linemen in the country.
Boys Soccer
• Sean Gallagher was named to the Post Gazette and Post Gazette South’s Boys
Soccer All-Star Teams.
• Sean Gallagher and Mike Guerrero were named to The Almanac’s Elite Eleven
Boys Soccer All-Star Team. Anthony Rack was named a Player to Watch.
Girls Volleyball
• Stacy Kazalas was named a WPIAL Class AAA Second Team All-Star.
• Stacey Kazalas and Sami Simpson were named to the Section 5 All-Star Team.
• Haley Prough was named to the Section 5 All-Star Second Team.
• Alyssa Balogh, Kaileigh Poe and Tayler Mannarino were named to the Section
5 All-Star Third Team.
Baseball
• Logan Corrigan accepted a scholarship to play college baseball at James
Madison University.
• Luc Cox accepted a scholarship to play college baseball at California University
of PA.
• Tyler Grashoff accepted a scholarship to play college baseball at AldersonBroaddus College.
www.bpsd.org
Knowledge Master Open Participants
• Julie Buchwald, Hayley Dowd, Hayley
Lazzari, Dan Snyder, Jarrod Cingel,
Logan Tuite, Adithya Krishnachand,
Emily Augustine, Brandon Thorsen
and Jack Brownfield competed as a
team in the Fall Knowledge Master Open
Competition, finishing in 26th place in the
state and 202 nationally. KMO is a
general
knowledge
based
quiz
competition, taken via computer, where
points are awarded for speed and
accuracy. In PA, 66 teams participated
and 551 teams participated nationally.
Cheerleading
• The Competition Squad earned First
Place at the Slippery Rock Competition
and qualified to compete at Nationals in
Orlando, FL.
• The Competition Squad earned First
Place at the PA Cheerleading and
Dance Competition at Pitt.
• The Competition Squad earned First
Place and the Grand Champion Award
at IUP.
Swimming and Diving
• The Boys and Girls Teams collected
over 25 Christmas gifts and donated
them to the South Hills Interfaith Ministries
Angel Emporium for distribution to needy area
families during the holidays.
The BPHS Cheerleaders qualified for the
National Championships in Orlando.
WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit
• Quentin Keibler, Tatiana Ruzzini, Samantha
Simpson and Ryan Sosnak represented
Bethel Park at the WPIAL Sportsmanship
Summit at the Heinz History Center.
These BPHS athletes did a great job
Hall of Fame
Meet the 2012 Bethel Park Athletic Hall of Fame: of representing their school at the
WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit.
• Chelsey Bower – Class of 2006/Swimming
• Jamie Grayzer – Class of 2000/Track and
Field
• Dan Krall – Class of 1978/Wrestling
• Bob Purkey, Jr. – Class of 1972/Baseball
• Jack Rusenko – Class of
1977/Rifle
• John Snyder – Class of
1957/Football and Baseball
• Don Reno – Former BPHS Boys
Basketball Coach and Hall of
Fame President – Recipient of the
Distinguished Contribution Award
The 2012 Bethel Park Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees.
February 18, 2013
Page 48
Three BPHS Students Earn
Extra Effort Awards From
Steel Center
Three Bethel Park High School students recently
earned the Extra Effort Award from the Steel Center Area
(Left to right): Matthew Dulavitch, Nicholas Noll and Jonathan
Hammerle.
Vocational Technical School for outstanding work in the
first quarter of the 2012-2013 school year.
Earning the awards were senior Nicholas Noll, a
student in the Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
program, and sophomores Matthew Dulavitch
(Computer Information Systems) and Jonathan
Hammerle (Retail Food Merchandising and Production).
The students are recognized for going above and
beyond what is expected and demonstrating outstanding
effort in attendance, theory work, shop work, work ethic
and attitude.
Students Observe Open Heart Surgical Procedure
For the fourth consecutive year, a group of
Bethel Park High School students in Barbara
Eisel’s Anatomy class traveled to Allegheny
General Hospital to observe an open heart surgical
procedure.
Generally the students observe a valve
replacement or bypass, but this year the students
were at the hospital to watch the repair of an aortic
aneurysm, which is a dangerous procedure.
Mrs. Eisel sees great benefits in the students’
participation in this program, as it exposes them to
careers in healthcare and the latest medical
technologies and procedures. It also impresses on
the students the importance of living a healthy
lifestyle.
“I learn something new every time I take a
group of students to participate in this program,” said
Mrs. Eisel. “I also look forward to bringing valuable
information back to the classroom to share with my
students.”
Participating this year were students Samantha This year, BPHS students had the opportunity to watch a repair of
Acker, Tom Calano, Emily Davidson, Madison an aortic aneurysm at Allegheny General Hospital.
Dunn, Lauren Greer, Aubrey Hoffman, Bob
Huntington, Kate Jensen, Hannah Libell, Megan Marecic, Alexandra Meyer, Dominic Papalia, Sonya Shaikh,
Jamie Smith, Rachel Taylor and Rohan Young.
Dan Telek Earns ‘Best In Show’ Award From PSPA
Dan Telek
Daniel Telek, Editor-in-Chief of Hawk Eye, the Bethel Park High School online student newspaper, received the “Best in Show” Award in the Review Writing
category in the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s 2012 Summer Newspaper
Contest.
He received this award for his article, “Clap Your Hands Say Yeah impress at
Mr. Small’s.”
His article is available on-line at http://www.bphawkeye.org/ae/2011/12/13/clapyour-hands-say-yeah-impress-at-mr-smalls/.
Bethel Park Teacher Brings News And Ideas To District
From SAS Institute/Teacher Of The Year Ceremony
Bethel Park High School English Teacher Charles Youngs recently represented Bethel Park at this year’s
SAS Institute and Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Ceremony in Hershey.
Mr. Youngs, a 2009 PA Teacher of the Year Finalist and member of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National
Network of State Teachers of the Year’s Selection Committee, attended to cheer on the 12 award finalists-including Ryan Devlin, an English Teacher from the Brockway Area School District, who was named the 2013
PA Teacher of the year--and garner the latest educator resources and news to benefit Bethel Park School District
teaching and learning.
In addition to the NSTOY-PA Chapter events, Mr. Youngs attended professional development sessions of
the Standards Aligned System (SAS) Institute to gain training on ways Bethel Park School District teachers
and administrators can best use the State Aligned System to prepare students for PSSAs and Keystone Exams.
The event brings together many of Pennsylvania’s award-winning
teachers, administrators, educational research experts, teacher
educators and Department of Education officials. Mr. Youngs describes
it as “a powerful amalgam of people who not only care passionately
about students but also who are sharing solutions to the rapidly
changing challenges and needs of parents and students.”
Topics addressed at the SAS Institute included the psychological
research on achievement, frameworks for teacher evaluation and the
best curricular practices that improve teaching and learning.
Mr. Youngs looks forward to sharing the techniques for using the
online program in Bethel Park classrooms in the coming weeks, as
teachers and students prepare for state exams. “The SAS resources
are being used by our teachers to help students prepare for state tests
and to update curriculum. These materials are also available to parents
and students,” he noted.
Other Bethel Park teachers besides Mr. Youngs who have been
honored by NSTOY-PA include: Bethel Park High School Science
Teacher Clyde Qualk, a 2013 Semi-Finalist; Bethel Park High School
Bethel Park High School English Teacher
English Teacher Christopher Jack, a 2012 Finalist; William Penn
Charles Youngs (right) congratulates Ryan
Fourth Grade Teacher Kathryn Kasten, a 2011 Semi-Finalist; and
Devlin (left), an English Teacher from the
retired Penn Kindergarten Teacher Cindy Buckley, a 2008 SemiBrockway Area School District, who was
Finalist.
named the 2013 PA Teacher of the Year.
February 18, 2013
Students Improve Skills In
Wood Materials Class
Jake Glotzbach with his completed craftsman-style book
cabinet.
Bethel Park High School students are developing lifelong woodworking skills in the Wood Materials and
Processes class, taught by Mr. Wells.
The students have an opportunity to develop their
woodworking skills by making either a clock housing or a
rocking chair.
Students who want to go farther in the class have an
opportunity to design and build furniture.
Senior Jake Glotzbach recently completed a beautiful
oak craftsman-style book shelf cabinet, and senior Andrew
Rinella is working on a cabinet. Both of these students said
that this class has given them the confidence to continue
making furniture as a life-long hobby.
www.bpsd.org
Page 49
Music News
Honors Jazz Band
Junior High
District Band
• Joe Beaver – Trumpet
• Alex Light – Alto Saxophone
• Ken Barnhart – French Horn
• Rachel Dimmock – Flute
• Maria Jay – French Horn
• Jon Lucchitti – (Tuba)
• Zach Sedor – Alto Saxophone
BPHS District Band. Rachel Dimmock
(left) and Zach Sedor (right)
(Left to right): Joe Beaver and Alex Light
District Band
• Joe Beaver – Trumpet
• Lucas Beaver – Bassoon
• Sharyn Braff – Trombone
• Travis Butler – Percussion
• Stephanie Carter – Flute
• Tori Chorey – E-Flat Soprano Clarinet
• Olivia Dowd – Alto Clarinet
• Phoebe Gorges – French Horn
• Jonathon Griffith – Tenor Saxophone
• Alex Light – Alto Saxophone
• Mary Hannah Swaney – Flute
District Band. (Front row, left to right): Tori Chorey,
Sharyn Braff, Phoebe Gorges, Stephanie Carter,
Mary Hannah Swaney and Olivia Dowd; and (back
row, left to right): Alex Light, Jonathon Griffith, Joe
Beaver, Lucas Beaver and Travis Butler.
District Chorus
• Holly Brueggman – Soprano 2
• Maddie Carothers – Alto 2
• Josh Como – Bass 1
• Christina Cvetic – Soprano 1
• Liz Elek – Alto 2
• Mackenzie Happe – Soprano 2
• Tyler Krzyzanowski – Tenor 1
• Zach Laufer – Bass 1
• Alex Light – Tenor 1
• Marlene Meier – Alto 1
• Ben Muscato – Bass 1
• Nick Pilotta – Bass 2
• Patrick Raymond – Tenor 1
• Matt Sartore – Bass 1
• Lucy Sedor-Franzak – Soprano 2
• Matt Serafini – Tenor 2
• Nick Spagnolo – Tenor 1
• Skyler Yarroll – Tenor 1
District Chorus. (Front row, left to right): Marlene
Meier, Christina Cvetic, Liz Elek, Lucy Sedor-Franzak,
Mackenzie Happe and Holly Brueggman; (middle row,
left to right): Maddie Carothers, Patrick Raymond,
Ben Muscato, Tyler Krzyzanowski, Alex Light and
Zach Laufer; (back row, left to right): Skyler Yarroll,
Josh Como, Nick Pilotta, Matt Sartore, Nick Spagnolo
and Matt Serafini.
BPHS District
Orchestra. (Front row,
left to right): Jake
McCloskey, Maria
Vighetti, Emma Davin
and Lauren Bostedo,
(back row, left to right):
Joseph Wasko, Molly
Gorges, Ryan Gillece,
Julian Wu and
Christian Beck.
Junior High
District Orchestra
• Ken Barnhart – French Horn
• Christian Beck – Percussion
• Lauren Bostedo – Violin
• Ashley Burford – Bass
• Emma Davin – Clarinet
• Hannah Enderby – Violin
• Ryan Gillece – Flute
• Molly Gorges – Oboe
• Will May – Violin
• Jake McCloskey – Percussion
• Maria Vighetti – Viola
• Joseph Wasko – Tuba
• Connor Wholey – Viola
• Julian Wu – Violin
www.bpsd.org
IMS District
Orchestra. (Front row,
left to right): Will May
and Hannah Enderby;
(back row, left to
right): Ken Barnhart,
Ashley Burford and
Connor Wholey.
IMS District Band. (Left to right): Jon
Lucchitti, Maria Jay and Ken Barnhart
Marching Band Featured on WTAE
The BPHS Marching Band got up early on a frigid November
morning to be the featured performers on the WTAE Morning
News. They may have been cold from standing outside on the
football field for over an hour, but they sounded terrific! Student
Leader Stephanie Carter was interviewed by sportscaster John
Meyer during one of the segments.
Musicians Perform
in South Park
IMS eighth grade
orchestra
musicians
Ashley
Burford,
Hannah
Enderby,
Michael Pitoniak and
Ian Maerkle performed
traditional Christmas
carols at the Oliver
Miller
Homestead
Holiday Open House in
South Park.
These four IMS students did a great job
getting visitors to the Oliver Miller
Homestead into the holiday spirit!
Brass Day Was a Success
On December 20, students from Neil Armstrong Middle School,
Independence Middle School and Bethel Park High School
participated in the annual Bethel Park Brass Day event.
This event combines brass students from grades five through
12 into a large brass ensemble that prepared for a concert for the
residents of the Grand Residence Retirement Community in Upper
St. Clair.
In addition to the concert and rehearsal, the students were
treated to a performance and master class by world-renowned
euphonist/trombonist
Lance
LaDuke,
a
Professor at Duquesne
and Carnegie Mellon
Universities,
and
a
member of the famous
Boston Brass.
Brass Day has been a
successful way to
bring all of the district’s experienced brass musicians
together for a day of learning and performing.
February 18, 2013
Page 50
BPHS Musical Tickets
To Go On Sale
March 18
Bethel Park High School will stage “42nd Street” as its 2013 musical offering, Wednesday
through Saturday, April 3-6 at 7:30 PM in the Bethel Park High School auditorium.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 18 through Tuesday, March 26. Tickets will be
sold daily from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in the high school’s Athletic Entrance Lobby. Evening sales will
also be held on Tuesday, March 19 and Tuesday, March 26 from 6 to 7:30 PM, also in the Athletic
Entrance Lobby.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door on performance evenings, but we encourage you
to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure the show you want to see is not sold out.
Tickets are $10 for rows A-O and $8 for rows P-CC. Senior citizens can receive half-price
admission to the Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4, performances only. Students in
kindergarten through fourth grade can receive half price admission to all performances, but only if
the seats are obtained at the door on the evening of the performance. Tickets can be purchased
with cash or check payable to “Bethel Park School District.”
“42nd Street” tells the story of a humble, naïve young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has
come to New York to audition for a new Broadway musical. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness,
Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus.
Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he gives Peggy
her big break. However, the show’s aging leading lady, Dorothy Brock, quickly grows to dislike
Peggy.
Before opening night, Ms. Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the
company, as the show is doomed for closure without its leading lady, until it is suggested that Peggy
take over the role.
In only 36 hours, Peggy must learn 25 pages of dialogue, six songs and 10 dance numbers.
Can she do it in time to save the show? Come and see this dancing spectacle to find out if the show
closes or it is a smash success!
The musical features well-known standards including “We’re In the Money,” “Shuffle Off to
Buffalo” and of course, “42nd Street.”
There are over 120 students in the cast, with another 50 comprising the orchestra and stage
crew.
To hear pre-recorded information about tickets, please call 412-833-5000 and enter extension
8706 when prompted.
To obtain information regarding handicap parking and drop off, please contact the High School
Security Office at 412-854-8515.
Come out and enjoy the first musical production to be staged in the new Bethel Park High
School auditorium!
Use of Student Photos or Comments
The Bethel Park School District provides opportunities for positive
media publicity by arranging for reporters and/or photographers
to interview and or photograph/videotape students throughout the
school year for use in local publications, newspapers or television.
If you prefer that your child not be interviewed or photographed
for publicity purposes, please notify your child’s building principal
in writing. This needs to be done on an annual basis.
February 18, 2013
Seniors Encouraged To
Obtain BPSD Gold Card
Bethel Park residents
age 62 and older are
encouraged to obtain a
Bethel
Park
Senior
Citizen Gold Card Pass
from the Administration
Building (301 Church
Road) daily from 8 AM to
4 PM.
These free cards are
given to Bethel Park
residents age 62 and
older, who can show proof
of residency. The cards
entitle the bearer to free
general admission to all
Bethel Park home athletic
events-- except playoffs-and concerts.
The cards also will
enable the bearers to
purchase half price admission tickets to selected performances
of the high school musical.
The card is good for the entire 2012-2013 school year and
will need to be renewed annually.
Follow The Bethel Park
School District On
Facebook And Twitter
You can stay up-to-date with the Bethel
Park School District by following us on
Facebook and Twitter!
We’re “Bethel Park School District” on
facebook and “bpsdinfo” on Twitter. Keep
up with the latest BPSD happenings!
Get on the E-Newsletter
Mailing List
It’s never too late to put your email address on the Bethel
Park School District’s E-Mail Newsletter mailing list!
If you would like to receive periodic updates of Bethel Park
school district news, events and recognitions, then the ENewsletter is for you!
All Bethel Park parents who included an email address on
their child’s emergency contact form that was distributed at the
beginning of the school year are now receiving this publication via
Alert Now.
If you are a Bethel Park parent who is not receiving the ENewsletter via Alert Now, please contact the building secretaries
in your children’s schools and ask them to add your email address
to your children’s primary contact information so you can also
receive school-specific emails.
If you are not a Bethel Park parent or if you have additional
email addresses you would like to have added to the E-Newsletter
mailing list, please send an email message to Vicki Flotta at
flotta.vicki@bpsd.org and we’ll add your email address ASAP.
Thank you for your interest in the Bethel Park E-Newsletter.
www.bpsd.org