Page 41

Board of School Directors School District Contact Information

INFORMATION ...... 833-5000 David John Chuck Information Line ...... 854-8407 (Call to hear important district news and school delay/cancellation Amaditz Puhatch Scheuble information) 835-1701 851-1499 833-1858 Central Administration 301 Church Road, Bethel Park 15102 Dick Cindy Rose Russ Dr. Thomas A. Knight, Superintendent ...... 854-8402 Buckley Vice President Spicuzza Nancy Aloi Rose, Assistant Superintendent ...... 854-8420 835-6037 835-9166 835-9270 Matthew Howard, Assistant to the Superintendent ...... 854-8425 Leonard Corazzi, Dir. of Finance and Operations ...... 854-8425 Lee Mecaro, Director of Human Resources ...... 854-8404 Idessa Hricisak, Director of Special Services ...... 854-8410 Lori Sutton, Assistant Director of Special Services ...... 854-8410 Donna Ronald Reyer, Director of Technology Services ...... 854-8418 Cook Connie Ronald Scott Ziehler, Transportation Director ...... 854-8414 President Ruhl Sustich Brandon Womer, Director of Facilities and Services .. 854-8615 833-6191 835-7845 831-1809 Bob Holleran, Assoc. Director of Facilities & Services 854-8604 Joe Consolmagno, Director of Food Services ...... 854-8754 Vicki Flotta, Director of Public Relations ...... 854-8438 District Continues Kindergarten Teacher Amy Scheuneman, Athletic Director ...... 854-8548 Use Of AlertNow Selected To Speak At Bethel Park High School National Conference 309 Church Road, Bethel Park 15102 The Bethel Park School District will Dr. Zeb Jansante, Principal ...... 854-8581 Franklin Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Brian Lenosky, House Principal ...... 854-8584 continue using the AlertNow Notification Suzanne Vighetti gave a presentation about the Service to communicate via telephone and District’s Bully Prevention Jerry Roman, House Principal ...... 854-8591 email with parents and employees. Program at the National Sheryl Graff, House Principal ...... 854-8571 The primary two uses of AlertNow will Kindergarten Conference, Guidance Office ...... 854-8597 be to call parents and employees as soon which was held in Las Vegas in Health Office ...... 854-8550 as a decision is made on days with July. Attendance Office ...... 854-8572 inclement weather, to notify them of a delay Mrs. Vighetti has or cancellation, and to email parents the Media Center ...... 854-8560 championed this program Records Office ...... 854-8595 school district’s weekly E-Mail Newsletter. since its inception in the If you have Caller ID, the school Student Activities ...... 854-8514 District and was invited to Athletic Office ...... 854-8548 district’s main number (412-833-5000) will share her expertise with be displayed when a general telephone kindergarten teachers across announcement is delivered via AlertNow. Suzanne Vighetti the country. Independence 7-8 Middle School The Caller ID will display 411 only if the 2807 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 15102 message is an emergency. David Muench, Principal ...... 854-8677 AlertNow will leave a message on any George Spalaris, Assistant Principal ...... 854-8522 answering machine or voicemail. If you are We’re on the Web! listening to a recorded message and the Check us out at www.bpsd.org ! Neil Armstrong 5-6 Middle School AlertNow message stops, press any key The Bethel Park School District web site features (numbers 1-9) on your telephone and the updated information about school district happenings 5800 Murray Avenue, Bethel Park 15102 message will replay from the beginning. and recognitions, as well as delay and closing Janet O’Rourke, Principal ...... 854-8751 At the beginning of the school year, information. Our individual school pages feature more Michael Brookie, Assistant Principal ...... 854-8756 parents will have the opportunity to provide localized information as well as lots of photos of up to three telephone contact numbers and student happenings. If you click on the Latest News sections on each Abraham Lincoln Elementary one email address to be input into the school’s home page you will see more pictures from 1524 Hamilton Road, Pittsburgh 15234 AlertNow data base through a form that will the stories you read in this issue of The Chronicles! Dr. Dorothy Stark, Principal ...... 854-8618 be included with back to school information, We encourage you to visit our web site often for which we hope you will fill out promptly and the latest Be@thel Park School District news. return to school with your child as soon as Benjamin Franklin Elementary possible. Should your phone or email 5400 Florida Avenue, Bethel Park 15102 change during the school year, please notify Free/Reduced Dr. Shirley Dickinson, Principal ...... 854-8741 the school secretary at your child’s school of the change and she will update the system Breakfast And Lunch Bethel Memorial Elementary with the correct information. 3301 South Park Road, Bethel Park 15102 Parents will also receive the District’s Forms Available Eric Chalus, Principal ...... 854-8506 weekly E-Mail Newsletters as a PDF attachment via Alert Now email. In addition The Bethel Park School District participates in the George Washington Elementary to the E-Newsletters, parents who have an National School Lunch Program and offers email address in the student data base will 515 Clifton Road, Bethel Park 15102 Free/Reduced Meals to those who qualify. Fred Pearson, Principal ...... 854-8546 also receive school-specific emails that do Applications for the 2011-2012 school year are not come from the Public Relations available on the Food Services web page under Department. “Downloads” on the right hand side of the page. Or William Penn Elementary The Bethel Park School District is they can be picked up at the Administration Building. 110 Woodlet Lane, Bethel Park 15102 pleased to be able to continue using Please be advised that even if your child(ren) Jay Johnson, Principal ...... 854-8678 AlertNow as another tool to improve qualified for Free/Reduced meals for the 2010-2011 parent/staff communication and look forward school year, you will still need to reapply for the 2011- to having the ability to deliver real time 2012 school year. information about all of the great things that Questions about the forms and to learn more VISIT US ONLINE @ www.bpsd.org are happening in Bethel Park. about the confidentiality of the process for your child, please call Dana Walker at 412-854-8426. www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011 Page 42

ADMINISTRATION

A Message From… of the 2010-2011 school year were used to lay the ground- Systems and Business Math II. work with our teachers for re-framing our curriculum, The District recently purchased portable television NANCY ALOI ROSE including learning to use various new electronic tools equipment to enable the Media Productions students to available to us. learn about broadcast journalism and the technical aspects Substitute Superintendent Utilizing the framework of “Understanding by Design” of writing, recording, editing, broadcasting and web (UbD) we are re-working our curriculum by beginning with streaming live television shows. "The world outside our the end in mind and using the guiding questions: what do Our Introduction to Engineering Design students can schools is changing four to we want students to know, understand, and be able to do participate in Principals of Engineering, the next class in five times faster than in our at the end of a unit of study? this progression, which will provide students with theory schools." Our new curriculum will also address the PA and hands-on engineering problem-solving experiences. (Willard Daggett) Standards, Common Core National Standards that have Through a $29,000 grant received last school year been newly adopted by the PA Department of Education, from the Grable Foundation, students can earn 1 Art credit Historically, the US and the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) goals, and 1 Chemistry credit with the Art & Chemistry class, school system has been as well. All of these standards are designed to help which will teach students how these two subjects are very slow to change. Our students to prepare for a highly technical global society. related, by completing studio art projects that demonstrate model of instruction is the chemical properties they learn. based on a model Assessment Business students will receive hands-on experience developed in the mid Our state assessment system is also changing. The with the practices, procedures and operations of major 1800’s by Horace Mann high school PSSAs will eventually be replaced by the events and facility management in the new Sports and and others who strove to Keystone Exams that students will be required to pass in Entertainment Management class. create a common school order to graduate. These new classes will fit in especially well with the system to mass-educate The assessment process is still evolving at the state impending completion of our new high school, which is on the population in the era of industrialization. However, in level, but eventually the Keystone Exams will be used as schedule for completion and a mid-winter move into our the past few years, the state of public education in end-of-course tests to measure what students have new home. The new school is being equipped with state of Pennsylvania, and indeed, the nation, has seen a learned in algebra, biology, literature, English composition, the art technology to accommodate the new tenets of whirlwind of reform. Beginning with new standards for chemistry, geometry, civics and government, U.S. history instruction our teachers have been working on. accountability through testing, the adoption of state and world history. PSSA Exams will continue to be At the middle school level, Neil Armstrong fifth grade standards, and now a push toward a national set of administered for students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. students will take the newly-created common core standards, schools are being asked to Keyboarding/Technology Applications course that will quickly revise curriculum to meet new goals. Add the Other Curriculum Changes Prepare Students for 21st provide a strong foundation for the technology skills they technological revolution to the mix, and you can imagine Century Skills will need to be successful in the future. the changes that are coming. This year the high school will offer four new This past spring and summer has been a time of courses—Media Productions, Principals of Engineering, Going Cyber preparation and anticipation of the changes we will be Art & Chemistry and Sports and Entertainment The District is also realizing another goal in the 2011- required to make by July 1, 2013. The final in-service days Management, replacing Transportation Power and Energy 2012 school year by enrolling our first students in continued on page 43

A Message From… contracted Social Worker. However, we created 10 new positions (most due to the elementary redistricting plan that takes effect this fall) throughout the District, and with DONNA COOK teacher retirements and transfers, we only had to furlough a half time teacher, which is far less than some of our neighboring school districts had to do. School Board President Additionally, we eliminated one administrative position and one custodial position and are in the process of trimming the paraprofessional staff by at least four positions. If you have been following the school district’s With salaries and benefits comprising 74 percent of our budget, all of our central budget process this year, you know this has been a office administrators, principals and confidential secretaries accepted a wage freeze major issue in all Pennsylvania school districts, not just to help us to balance the budget. Bethel Park. We asked our Principals to reduce their budgets by 10 percent, so this year Traditionally, we pass our budget in May, but this parents will be asked to purchase school supplies for their children, as the District will year, due to the turmoil with reductions to public no longer be supplying the vast majority of school supplies. education funding in the Governor’s proposed (and Staff development has been eliminated from the schools’ budgets and decreased final) budget, the District felt it best to postpone the at the administrative level. Elementary field trips are not included in the new budget. passage of our budget until we had a better idea about the exact amount of money If they are to occur, they must be INCOLNfully funded—including transportation and substitute the District would receive from the State. costs—by the PTOs, BoosteLr groups or fundraisers. Secondary field trips will only Governor Corbett brought a new mindset to Harrisburg with regard to school occur if they are curriculum-based. After school activity bus routes have also been district funding, and districts across the state struggled with how to provide a quality eliminated. education with million dollar reductions in State funding. While these cuts were difficult to make, they will be sustainable cuts that can be Initially, for Bethel Park, that meant a $1.3 million reduction in State carried over into the future. Besides making cuts, the District also included some reimbursement from last year. To complicate matters, there is also a State-mandated revenue generation proposals in the budget, including a $50 activity fee for all students cap on how much school districts are able to raise their millage to make up for that in grades 7-12 who wish to participate in an activity or play a sport. This is a one-time shortfall. fee, good for the entire year, and will allow students to participate in as many sports For the first time in the District’s history, we were unable to pass a resolution in and activities as they wish. January stating that we would not raise taxes above the pre-set index, because we We will also be increasing prices for athletic events as well as play and musical needed to apply to the State for $800,000 worth of budget exceptions to cover our tickets. We will attempt to limit athletic travel to schools within a 25 mile radius. The increased costs in the areas of special education and retirement pensions. Policy Committee met in July to develop new policies for these areas. Fortunately, we were granted those exceptions this year, but it is unknown if the The District made the correct decision to delay passing its budget, because the State will continue to allow those exceptions to continue in future years, which means State’s budget included an additional $652,000 for the District, which was not included passing a balanced budget will only become more difficult as the years go on. in its proposed budget. This additional money enabled the District to pass a $71 million From what I have read in the newspapers, these budget exceptions will be a topic budget that required a .41 millage increase, bringing the District’s total millage for the of discussion among our PA Legislators when they return to session in the fall. I urge 2011-2012 school year to 24.97 mills. you to contact them, as well as Governor Corbett, and state your support for the As I mentioned previously, I believe this is the first of many difficult budget years continuation of these exceptions. that all Pennsylvania school districts will be facing, in light of the possible elimination But even with the $800,000 in exceptions, the District still had to trim $928,000 of budgetary exceptions, the increased costs of supporting private and charter schools from our budget to get to the State-accepted index, and the cuts we made were not through vouchers, and the mandatory millage index imposed by the State on school easy decisions. In order to get a balanced budget, the District eliminated the Summer districts to restrict how much districts can raise their millage. Reading Academy, The China Experience at the high school, Third Grade Strings and If you thought the belt tightening was difficult this year, brace yourself because it Fifth Grade Introduction to Foreign Language. appears it will need to continue into the future. We closed eight elementary positions, four positions at Neil Armstrong, one I encourage you to continue to speak with our legislators about your opposition position at IMS and two positions at the high school. We also eliminated one to issues such as the elimination of budgetary exceptions and using school district continued on page 43

August 15, 2011 www.bpsd.org Page 43

“Substitute Superintendent” continued Construction To Be Completed On distance learning opportunities. Through various cyber options, BPHS students have the chance to study content not previously available to them. Some of those students New BPHS In January will also be receiving college credit through partnerships with various colleges and universities. Construction continues to progress rapidly on the new Bethel Park High We always look forward to welcoming our students back to a new school year. School, with an estimated completion date in January 2012. When our students return on Monday, September 12, along with the anticipation of a Originally scheduled to be completed in March 2012 and ready for school in mid-year move into the new high school, many of these exciting changes will await them. August 2012, the new completion date means that the new school could open as early as late January 2012. “President” continued No official opening date has been set, but there will be opportunity for the public to tour the new school and participate in a day-long Grand Opening, money to subsidize vouchers for private and charter schools. The District had several featuring tours, a time capsule burying ceremony and student performances. fruitful meetings this spring with our legislators and representatives from Governor Details will be released once we have a better idea of when the school will officially Corbett’s office, which we felt made a difference when it came time to pass the State’s open. final budget. I encourage everyone to continue to voice your opposition to proposed The school is completely under roof, so work on the interior continues. Early legislation that aims to decimate public education. in the construction process it was difficult to see what the new school would look Strong public schools mean strong communities, which only increases the value of like, but now that the brickwork is almost completed the exterior of the building your home. Limiting school districts’ ability to financially maintain a strong school system really looks like a school, and inside you can tell it is a school with classrooms, a only hurts our children and weakens the vitality of our community. Please continue to let cafeteria, gymnasium, swimming pool and auditorium. our legislators and the Governor know that many of their proposed education reforms Lockers are being installed in the hallways and gym locker rooms. Terrazzo will only hurt, not help, Bethel Park. floors are being installed and finished. Classroom cabinetry and casework are While I do not mean to start the year on a negative note, I believe it is important that being installed. Air conditioning systems are being started, also boilers and pumps. you know these things, because these are the harsh realities of the times we face. Gym equipment is being installed and the swimming pool is moving closer to But on a positive note, the District has been working diligently this summer in holding water. Restroom fixtures are installed and operational. It is estimated that anticipation of the new school year which will begin on Monday, September 12. Despite the construction is approximately 76 percent complete. the obstacles we face from Harrisburg, we look forward to providing your children with The new Bethel Park High School will quality and meaningful opportunities and programs to prepare them for their futures. include 94 classrooms, a 1,290 seat auditorium, I hope you all had a great summer and I wish everyone a successful school year. small theater, television studio, band room, 2,350 seat gymnasium, auxiliary gym, eight lane swimming pool, rifle range and new Edline Available For Grades 1-12 athletic fields and tennis courts. The building has been designed to be All Bethel Park parents with students in grades 1- Green Globe certified, which means that the 12 now have electronic access to their child’s building has many energy efficient and academic progress through Edline. environmentally friendly components to it, Parents of fourth, sixth, eighth, 10th, 11th and including low flow plumbing fixtures and internal water meters to monitor usage; high efficiency 12th grade students can use the same Activation The cafeteria courtyard will be a Codes they used last year for their third, fifth, seventh, and sound dampening equipment in the air handlers, and a complete duct system cleaning place for students to eat outside ninth, 10th and 11th grade students. All other parents and to enjoy performances. will receive a new Activation Code for their child via prior to occupancy. Throughout most of the U.S. Mail by the start of the 2011-2012 school year. school, daylight harvesting lighting systems and Parents are encouraged to go to www.edline.net to activate their child’s account. internal electric meters for monitoring usage will Once an account is activated, parents can see their child’s interim grades posted for the be used. During construction an effort has been 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th weeks for assignments, tests and quizzes, as well as obtain made to manage and maximize the recycling of attendance information and report card grades. waste materials, which will carry over to the Edline eliminates the need to mail Progress Notices and Report Cards, as parents demolition of the existing buildings. It is have on-line access to this information. Report cards will now be distributed only via estimated that over the life of the bond Edline for students in grades 1-12. If you do not have electronic access to Edline and payments, the District will receive an additional would like to receive a paper report card via the U.S. Mail, please contact all of the $1,529,540 in State reimbursements because secretaries at the schools your children attend to make this request on an annual basis. of these efficiencies. The building is bright and cheery and Parents who have difficulty accessing Edline can contact the building secretary at The desks haven’t arrived yet, but their child’s school for assistance. Parents who do not have access to the Internet can utilizes as much natural light as possible. The u- classroom cabinetry is being use the computers at the Bethel Park Library. Librarians are available to assist parents shaped building features a cafeteria that installed. with getting started. overlooks a large outdoor courtyard where We encourage all parents to stay up to date with their child’s progress via Edline and students who choose can eat their lunch help to reduce the use of paper. outside, and it is a space that can also be used for outside music and theater performances for the school and community. The courtyard gives Important Report Card Information the school an outdoor campus feel. Work this summer has focused on widening Church Road and removing the South Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all report cards, with the exception of Gym to widen Black Hawk Drive and to begin kindergarten report cards, will be distributed electronically via Edline. Kindergarten the process of creating additional parking report cards will still be distributed in paper form. spaces for the new school. If you do not have electronic access to Edline and need to receive your child’s Weekly progress pictures of the project are report card via the U.S. Mail, please contact the Building Secretary at all of your available at Spectators at athletic events will children’s schools to make this request on an annual basis. enter the gym from the top and http://www.bpsd.org/ProgressPhotos.aspx . walk down to their seats. The District will continue to provide transcripts to institutions of higher education Please continue to check them out to see how that require them for admission. the building has changed since ground was broken on September 10, 2009. Once the students are moved into their new school, the current eight building Parents To Receive Call If campus will be razed and replaced with parking lots and additional athletic fields. Because of the mid-year move to the new school, the High School has moved its Cafeteria Balance Is Negative Spring Musical to the fall. This year’s musical will be held in the current BPHS auditorium Wednesday through Saturday, December 7-10. The Fall Play will move to Thursday through Saturday, May 10-12 in the new BPHS auditorium, so mark The BPSD Food Service Department has implemented a new system to notify those dates on your calendars! parents when their children's cafeteria balances are negative. Farewell activities for the current BPHS campus are also being planned, so The Alert Now calling system will be used to notify parents that a negative cafeteria the community can say goodbye to the campus before it is torn down. Please balance has occurred and to forward payment to the Food Service Department at Neil continue to check the District’s website for details as they become available. Armstrong Middle School (during the summer months) or to their children's schools January 2012 will be here soon and so will the new Bethel Park High School, (during the school year). a school that has been designed to provide a state of the art learning environment Parents who have questions can contact Food Service Director Joe Consolmagno where students can prepare for their futures. at 412-854-8754 or [email protected] .

www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011 Page 44

Students Learn The Ins Art Students Make NEIL And Outs Of Storytelling Eco-Friendly Projects Fifth Graders Learn About From A Professional For Earth Day Anne Frank Librarian Elaine Volpe Franklin students in is happy to help Miss Ritchie's Art Class student Bridget Heh with her felt board learned what it means to be storytelling technique. eco-friendly by completing some Earth Day-themed art projects. First and Second Students in Mrs. Rehak's Grade Students created Reading Classes learned beautiful vases from plastic about the art of storytelling water bottles and filled them from a professional--Bethel with brightly colored tissue Park Librarian Elaine Volpe . paper flowers. In their Storytelling Unit, Third Grade Students the students learn the purpose made pop can animals. and techniques of storytelling, Fourth Grade including character imagery, felt board, draw talk, cut and Students created their own Fourth grader Tyler tell, puppetry, rhythmic, pantomime, Japanese reusable tote bags, which Evans proudly shows Kamishaibi and even digital storytelling! just might be too beautiful to off his recyclable Fifth graders in Mrs. Ketner’s Reading Class Miss Elaine demonstrated many of those techniques use on a regular basis! They shopping bag, featuring enjoyed being interviewed after watching a in her presentation to the students. Through her visit, used their creativity to the slogan, “This is how performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank” at the students learned that storytelling can encourage a the Earth should look!” the Pittsburgh Playhouse. decorate the brown paper love for reading, enhance public speaking skills and shopping bags with recycled art supplies. show that reading can be interactive and not just words Each bag featured a “green” slogan, such as Students in Mrs. Ketner's Reading Class learned on a page. about the struggles of the Jews during the Holocaust by “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” and “Give a hoot, don’t The presentation helped the students prepare for pollute.” reading the novel, Number the Stars . Afterward, they their final project--telling their own stories! took a field trip to the Pittsburgh Playhouse, where they Thank you, Miss Elaine, for the pointers! It helped Franklin Awards saw a performance of "The Diary of Anne Frank." the students to enhance their enjoyment of the In addition to the performance, they had the storytelling unit. opportunity to participate in a discussion with a Scholarships To Holocaust survivor and be interviewed regarding their Two Alumni impressions of the play. FRANKLIN Parents Teach Students Students Dance At About Careers Strings Concert

Logan Runco was happy to introduce his father to his Team Eclipse classmates. Franklin Principal Dr. Shirley Dickinson (far left) and PTO Scholarship Chairperson Heather Kraska (far right) congratulate this year’s Franklin Scholarship recipients (left to right): Tessa Salicce INCOLN and Kevin Cheberenchick. L Congratulations to BPHS Seniors Kevin Cheberenchick and Tessa Salicce , who are this year's recipients of a Franklin PTO Scholarship! Miss Capuzzi proudly poses for a photo with The PTO annually awards scholarships to BPHS Mrs. Besser's and Mrs. Rehak's Team Eclipse her students who eagerly learned a Ukranian Folk Dance to perform at the seniors who attended Franklin Elementary School. Reading Class students completed a research project Strings Concert. The recipients paid a visit to their former elementary that helped them to learn about different careers. school to read their winning essays to Franklin's fourth As a culminating activity, parents, aunts/uncles, Students in Miss Capuzzi's Third Grade Classroom graders and answer questions from the elementary friends and neighbors of the students came to NAMS students, which focused mainly on how Franklin has to speak to the students in the auditorium about their performed a Ukrainian Folk Dance to music performed by the Fourth Grade Strings at the Spring Strings changed over the years and what high school is like. occupations, including the education/important classes Kevin's memories of Franklin date back to before he needed for success, description of each job and the Concert. The dance is called the "Hopak," and Miss Capuzzi was old enough to attend the school. He remembers outlook for their jobs in the market. coming to Franklin with his mom on numerous occasions The speakers brought some examples and learned the dance when she performed as a Tamburtizan. The students dressed in Ukrainian because she was active in the PTO and brought him along involved the students in some interactive, hands-on whenever she was visiting Franklin. Tessa remembers activities and shared literature for the students to take costumes to give an authentic feel to the performance. Miss Capuzzi wanted to teach the dance to her being able to take the class frog home with her the home. summer she left fourth grade, and shared with the students The students learned about a variety of careers, students as a tie-in to their Third Grade Social Studies units on immigration and nationalities. that the frog lived for eight more years until he passed including policeman, race car driver, ultrasound away in 2010. technologist, food service manager, mechanical Kevin and Tessa gave a couple of great pieces of engineer and musician, to name a few. advice to the students: enjoy elementary school and get The Team Eclipse Teachers-- Mrs. Besser, Mr. MISSION: involved. Blanc, Mr. Hruska, Mrs. Loebig, Mrs. Rehak and Mrs. To lead an educational partnership with the Kevin will be attending Drexel University and majoring Zupan extend their thanks to everyone who took the Community, maintaining an environment that in Business and Economics. Tessa will be attending time out of their busy days to share a little bit about their challenges all students to reach their potential as Gannon University to study Nursing. careers with the students. Congratulations, Kevin and Tessa, and continue to lifelong learners and responsible members of society. make Franklin proud of you!

August 15, 2011 www.bpsd.org

LINCOLN Page 45

Kindergarten Students MEMORIAL Send The Letter People Off PENN First Graders Keep The To Camp In Style Second Graders Learn Earth Green By It was a The Importance Of bittersweet day Recycling Paper for Memorial Kindergarten Recycling students, who First Grade students in Mrs. Collins' room said goodbye to celebrated Earth Day by recycling paper. the Letter Second The students brought in paper to school and People. graders in Mrs. placed it in the Abitibi Recycling Bin in the school's Sweet, Petalino's parking lot. because the classroom Other ways the students celebrated Earth Day was students were learned about by writing about how they can help preserve the Earth, able to come to the importance singing songs and reading books about Earth Day. Memorial PM Kindergarten students school dressed of recycling The students also learned how to make new paper Lexi Wagner (left) and Benjamin Cedar as their favorite when they saw from old paper. (right) wave goodbye to the Letter Letter Person that a four foot Thank you for caring for the Earth! People as they leave for Summer Camp. and participate high stack of in a party that newspaper encompassed many letter-themed activities. could be Sad, because after the party, the students paraded recycled to save with the Letter People down Memorial's halls to put their a tree. friends on a school bus that would take the Letter People Students That’s a lot of to Summer Camp. Standing by a 4-foot stack of learned in their paper Memorial There were tears amid the cheers, as the bus pulled newspapers outside their classroom Social Studies first graders are are (kneeling, left to right): Ashley class that by recycling! away with the Letter People. But don't be sad--the Letter Bangs and Shelby Sweitzer; (standing, recycling four People will return to Memorial in the fall to make friends left to right): Lianna Robbins Shane with a whole new group of Kindergarten students! Danahey and Trent Karabinos. feet of newspapers, it saves a 40 foot high tree from being cut down. Memorial Fourth Graders In addition to recycling, the students learned about the FOLLOW THE rainforest by reading a story, "Rainforest Babies," and then Show Off Their BETHEL PARK used books, encyclopedias and the internet to do additional research on the animals that live in the rainforest. Knowledge At State Fair SCHOOL DISTRICT ON The students wrote reports about the animals and made FACEBOOK AND TWITTER three-dimensional dioramas which they displayed on a bulletin board. You can stay up-to-date with the Bethel Park School District by following us on Twitter and Facebook! Meet The Penn Go to www.twitter.com/bpsd.info or go to “Bethel Park Recycling Team! School District” on Facebook to keep up with the latest happenings!

Third Graders Study Pittsburgh

Memorial Third Autumn Plutt (left) dressed as famous North Graders learned Dakotan, singer Peggy Lee, and Stephanie Kroll how INCOLNto be better INCOLN brought her friend, Randy the Buffalo, with her to LPittsburghers during L talk about their state, North Dakota. this year's study of The United States were front and center at this their home town. year's Fourth Grade State Fair, when the students As part of their showcased the great things about all 50 states! unit of study, the Students worked alone or in pairs to research one students focused on (Front row, left to right): Penn Recylcers Craig of the 50 states, finding out fabulous facts, interesting Pittsburgh's Comella, Max Radcliffe, Zach Radcliffe and Zach geography, history, Comella are congratulated for their efforts by the things to do and other information, such as favorite Recycling Committee (back row, left to right): foods. They did a great job preparing display boards famous Special Education Paraprofessionals Johnnie Pittsburghers, sports Retired Pittsburgh Steeler Mike highlighting their state, and then they dressed up as Schneck signs autographs for Zaracki and Sydney Litzenberger and Principal Jay something famous from their state and acted like tour and places to see. students in Mrs. Sudnik’s Johnson. guides to give oral presentations about their state. Along the way, classroom. Some of the interesting things learned at this year's they also met three State Fair included: famous Pittsburghers who have dedicated their lives to helping This past school year, the William Penn Recycling • Jolly Rancher candy was first made in others. Committee worked with a great group of students to recycle Colorado. The first visit was from former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike paper, plastic and aluminum cans throughout the school. • Over 800 dinosaurs have been found in Schneck , who talked to the students about his career in Members of the Recycling Team were third graders Zack Arizona. professional football and how he transitioned into helping the Radcliffe and Zack and Craig Comella as well as First Grader • The first potato in the United States was Variety Club help others. Max Radcliffe . planted in Rhode Island. The second visit was from Mr. McFeely and Neighbor Aber These students volunteered their time every morning • Oregon produces the most cherries in the from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, who talked about Mr. Rogers' before school began, gathering recyclable materials from world. legacy of being kind to others. every classroom and taking the materials to the recycling bin. • It is illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork in The third graders participated in a Fred Rogers Sweater They did a great job and were presented with medals certain Georgia towns. Drive and donated all of the sweaters they collected to a local from Principal Jay Johnson for their outstanding efforts. Thanks to teachers Mrs. Reese, Mr. Foster and Mrs. charity to help keep people warm and let them know that there are The boys are looking forward to continuing their work Springer for coordinating this year's festivities! people out there who care about their well-being. during the 2011-2012 school year! Thanks guys!

www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011 Page 46

Students Celebrate Happy 125th Birthday, Earth Day LINCOLN Bethel Park!

It was a school- Lincoln students were wide celebration this Lincoln Wins Elementary only too happy to celebrate Earth Day, with Penn the 125th Birthday of their students Enrichment Challenge hometown--Bethel Park! participating in a To help them celebrate, variety of activities to The Abraham the BP Hawk paid a visit to preserve the planet. Hammers once the cafeteria during the Students worked again won this lunch periods and the together to plant year’s Elementary students were excited to trees, flowers and Enrichment welcome their favorite spread mulch around Challenge Cup. mascot to their school. the school gardens Happy 125th Birthday, on Earth Day. For the second Bethel Park! It was a beautiful day and Penn A picnic table was consecutive year, Lincoln students took advantage of the donated for students gifted students won the Evan Welsh great weather to beautify their Elementary Enrichment enjoyed school on Earth Day. to enjoy the outdoors. Challenge and brought the celebrating Bethel Park’s 125th Thanks to Mr. Zaracki and Ms. Kasten for Cup back to Lincoln for birthday with the Hawk! coordinating the day's activities. another year! Franklin hosted this year's Elementary Enrichment Students Throw Pies At Challenge and the gifted students from all five BPSD elementary schools worked together to try and win the WASHINGTON coveted Challenge Cup. Principal For Good Cause Students from each school dressed in similar colors and worked together on a variety of activities where they Congratulations, earned points for their team, and the team earning the most points at the end of the afternoon earned the privilege of AR Readers! bringing the Challenge Cup back to their school to keep until next year's Challenge. Activities included developing a team name, poster “Let's Have a Ball Reading" was this year's and cheer; competing against students from other schools Accelerated Reader Program theme at Washington and in brain games such as Batik, Qbitz, Make 7 and Square the students embraced that theme by reading books and Up; making tangrams; creating a poster about outerspace reaching their reading goals! and participating in a trivia challenge. Awards were presented to those classes who met The team names were great: Memorial Madness, their AR Goals— Mrs. Ellison, Mrs. Sterbal, Mrs. Abraham Hammers, Washington Waffles, Penn Pickles Vescovi, Mrs. McKain, Mrs. McGinnis and Ms. and Ben Brainiacs. Manganello . The competition was fierce, but at the end of the day, Awards were also the Abraham Hammers kept the trophy for the second presented to the consecutive year. Members of the winning Lincoln Team Top Readers in were Cody Hendrych-Bondra, Lily Matuszewski, Liam each classroom— Caitlyn Schultz, Fourth grader Alyssa George had the honor of throwing a Tena, Andrew Fullerton, Anthony Will, Jacob Sams, whipped cream pie at Penn Principal Jay Johnson. Joey Bilski, Antonio Fontana, Anthony Strangis and Kate Sullivan, Connor Heath . Abbey Wright, WPXI Meteorologist Julie Bologna visited Penn Matthew Stinson, in April to present an assembly about the weather. Sarah Plotz, Through her presentation, the students learned Students Learn How Meredith Reese, about many weather-related things, including clouds, Anthony Chiccitt, the water cycle, and how to stay safe in a thunder To Play Tennis Austin Cortopassi, (Left to right): James Berthoud, Molly Hoffman, storm, flood and tornado. Molly Hoffman, Meredith Reese In honor of Julie's visit to Penn, the students From Local Pros and Kate Sullivan were this year’s James Berthoud collected 25 boxes of food (1,000 pounds) for the top grade level readers at and Jillian Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and also The Glen Creek Tennis Club partnered with Bethel Washington. Sullivan . raised $250 through a raffle. Park Physical Education Teachers to introduce INCOLN The Top Grade Winning students had the opportunity to throw a QUICKSTART Tennis to all elementary students. LLevel Readers were also announced— James Berthoud, whipped cream pie at Principal Mr. Johnson . Chris Canady , Glen Creek Director of Junior Molly Hoffman, Meredith Reese and Kate Sullivan . Thanks to everybody who participated in this fun day! Development, and Tim Garner , High Performance The highlight of the program was the announcement Coach, provided instruction during physical education that fourth grader James Berthoud was the school’s Top classes with the assistance of the students' Physical Reader. Get on the E-Newsletter Mailing List Education Teacher. For every book students read, they earned a raffle The students had a great time learning a game that ticket, which made them eligible for gift bags and baskets, Stay up to date with all of the latest Bethel Park School as well as the First Prize of 4 tickets and a parking pass District news, events, happenings, awards and recognitions they can play throughout their lives. Thank you, Glen Creek, for making this unit possible! to a Pittsburgh Pirates game! Raffle winners were Jacob via the Bethel Park School District E-Newsletter mailing list! Sanker, Chris Toth and Audrey Greiner . Duncan If you are a BPSD parent and your email address is in our AlertNow data base, you will receive this information as George won the Grand Prize Pittsburgh Pirate Ticket a PDF attachment. To get your name added into the Package, donated by former Pirate Kent Tekulve , who is database, please email Vicki Flotta at [email protected] the grandfather of second grader Taylor Tekulve . with your name, as well as the names, grades and schools of Congratulations to all of our winners and to every all of your children, so we can make the necessary additions student who read a book, because everyone who reads is to our student data base. a winner! By having your email address as part of your children’s primary contact information, you will also receive school- specific emails not sent by the Public Relations Department. If your computer is unable to open PDF attachments or you have more than one email address to which you would Students volley The First Day of School like the E-Newsletter mailed, please e-mail with a partner For All Bethel Park Students [email protected] with your full name and email address using a foam and we will make sure you receive this publication. tennis ball in the Is Monday, If you’re not a Bethel Park parent, but would like to be Lincoln multi- September 12, 2011 INCOLN on our mailing list, you can also send your name and email purpose room. L address to [email protected] to be included in our e- Have A Great Year! mailings. It’s as easy as that!

August 15, 2011 www.bpsd.org Page 47

Storage Room Is Eighth Graders Win Transformed Into Play IMS Fluid Power Challenge

Therapy Room IMS Presents Several A team of four Independence Middle School eighth graders earned First Place Overall and the Best Portfolio End Of The Year Awards Award at the National Fluid Power Association’s Fluid It is hard to Power Challenge held in May at Allderdice High School. believe that The end of the school Members of the winning team were Danielle Aiello, this beautiful year featured two assemblies Austin Habovick, Eric Metzmaier and Rebecca Play Therapy to honor Independence Room was Swaney . once a storage Middle School students for room. outstanding work in the classroom and leadership throughout the school year. Eighth graders were honored before their peers at Thanks to a Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant, a the annual Eighth Grade storage room at Washington has been transformed into a Awards Assembly, where the Play Therapy Room. following awards were The grant was written by School Social Worker John presented: Independence Middle • Courtney Conway and School Principal David Vinay and the new room will provide Washington with a Muench presented the Spirit quality space for students who are going through difficult Jocelyn Curley – of Independence Award to times, such as divorce of their parents, difficulties with peer Bethel Woman’s Club eighth grader Jordan Porzio relationships or adjusting to changes at school or home, and Award at the Eighth Grade Awards an opportunity to express themselves in a safe, creative and • Samantha Edsall and Assembly. IMS eighth graders (left to right): Austin Habovick, productive environment. Joe Papalia – Eric Metzmaier, Danielle Aiello and Rebecca Mr. Vinay will be able to conduct individual and group Principal’s Award Swaney with their winning trophies from the counseling in the new room, which was decorated by • Adam Ackerman and Athena Kalogeris – Assistant National Fluid Power Association’s Fluid Power Washington students, under the direction of Art Teacher Amy Principal’s Award Challenge. Smeal , who is also a Certified Art Therapist. • Jonathan Unger – Suzanne Reid Music Award "I would like this room to provide children with a creative • Jelena Mrvos and Joey Mascaro (8A), Alexis The students competed against 20 other teams. The way to show their feelings," said Mr. Vinay. The $5,000 grant Kalogeris and Elliott Carr (8B) and A lexandra competition began in April when students learned about covered the entire cost of the project, which includes things Stevenson and Christopher Papalia (8C) – Stephanie hydraulics and fluid power by building a simple hydraulic such as child-friendly furniture, plants, aquarium, paint, Petit Award (Team Leadership Recognition) lift. The students were given the assignment of returning puppets, books, board games, art supplies and instruments. • Jonathan Unger and Taylor Scalise – John LeRoy to their school with the materials they were to use to Writing Award design a prototype that would solve the problem of moving Third Graders Stage • Athena Kalogeris and Alex Minton – Marissa Boyan blocks from one spot to another. They earned extra credit Scholar Athlete Award for stacking as many blocks in a two minute time period ‘Two Bear Cubs’ • Daniel Spanner and Elena Shahen – Nancy Gleason without knocking any blocks down. Gavola Award in Drama At the May competition at Allderdice, the students • Jordan Porzio – Spirit of Independence Award were given two and one half hours to re-build their design • Cecilia Lacey, Joshua Como and Brandon Maslanka without having the prototype present as a reference. – Fine Arts Award A video of the students building their hydraulic design is available • Tunde Guardino Koch and Alexandria Mankie – at http://ttc.bpsd.org/SafeVideos/Video.aspx?id=8tRGhcVx_HQ. Counselor Award The students were prepared for this competition by • Jose Esteban Rivera and Officer Jim Modrak – Made Independence Middle School Science Michel Conklin . a Difference Award • Amrita Beaudine, Joshua Como, Gavin Ennis, IMS Latin Students Jenna Ferrence, Kristen Kohler, Juliana Leis, Hannah Lucchitti, Laura McClain, Brendan Awarded For National Moorhead, Jelena Mrvos and Alexandra Stevenson – French Awards • Rachel Albert, Joseph Beaver, Rachel Dodson, Latin Exam Scores Katherine Rotz, Rebecca Swaney, Adelai Flowers, Amy Bogan, Steven Davis, Andrew Dougher, Four Independence Middle School students Brenden Kail and Ben Wallace – German Awards earned recognitions for their high scores on the Mother Grizzly and her two bear cubs, played by NaINCOLNtional Latin Exam. Shayna Postler, Hunter Dorfner and Tio Bastolla. • Jonathan Unger, Matt Girman, Abigail Thompson, L Kasey Exacustides, Athena Kalogeris, Tayler Earning Magna Cum Laude Certificates eighth Mannarino, Michael Krut and Kelly Tamburo – graders John Bosko, Adithya Krishnachand and Mrs. Sterbal's third grade students did a great job Spanish Awards Emily Kukan . staging the play, "Two Bear Cubs," based on the novel of the • Gabrielle Brookins, Emily Kukan, Emily Marzina, Eighth grader Keith Powell earned a Cum Laude same name by Robert San Souci. Adithya Krishnachand, Aaron Coplan, Keith Powell Certificate. The play is a great tale of not judging or underestimating and Vincent Tavoletti – Latin Awards The students are taught by Bethel Park Latin someone by their size, and the importance of working • Corey Augenstein, Nichole Orzechowski and Teacher Ellen Conrad. together and caring for one another. Jonathan Unger – Attendance Award The play centers around a mother bear and her two An evening Academic Excellence Recognition program Kristen Kohler Wins cubs, who wander too far away from their mother and fall for family and friends focused on outstanding academic asleep on a rock. As they slept, the rock kept growing and achievement for both seventh and eighth graders throughout At PRSEF growing and by the time the cubs woke up, they realized they the school year. were on top of a mountain and did not know how to get down. Distinguished Awards were presented to 94 seventh When mother bear found them, she tried to climb the Independence Middle School eighth grader Kristen graders and 133 eighth graders for maintaining a minimum Kohler earned a Sponsor Award at the Pittsburgh mountain, without success. The other animals of the forest, 3.75 QPA for the first semester of the 2010-2011 school year. including a hawk, fox, badger, mother deer and fawns, Regional Science and Presidential Academic Excellence Awards were presented Engineering Fair, held at Heinz mountain lion and mouse did their best to help the mother to 132 eighth graders who maintained a minimum 3.5 QPA bear, but to no avail. Field. throughout seventh grade and the first semester of the 2010- She received an award from The only creature who could successfully climb the 2011 school year, and scored Advanced on the PSSA Exams. mountain and bring the cubs down to safety was a the Pittsburgh Society of To see the list of all of the Academic Award winners, please go to Coatings Technology for her measuring worm, who, when offering to help, was scoffed by http://www.bpsd.org/Downloads/2011%20Awards%20Booklet2.pdf . the rest of the animals for being too small. project, “Which Paint Color The measuring worm proved the animals wrong and Weathers the Least?” successfully brought the cubs down the mountain to be She was prepared for this reunited with their mother. competition by IMS Science Congratulations to the cast who did a marvelous job of Kristen Kohler Teacher Michel Conklin . bringing this touching story to life!

www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011 Page 48

Bethel Park High School Two BPHS Seniors Earn BPHS Students Honored At Scholarships At FCCLA Students Kayak At Awards Night State Competition

Peterswood Park Several Bethel Park High Bethel Park High School seniors Ashley Black School students received awards and and Shannen Stinson each earned a $750 Johnson Bethel Park physical education students who scholarships at the school’s annual and Wales University Scholarship at the Family, Career Awards Night, held in May. and Community Leaders of America’s State Leadership enrolled in the kayak Senior Nathaniel Braman class had a chance received U.S. Congressman Tim Competition. to put their skills to Murphy’s Leaders of Tomorrow The girls worked together on the Entrepreneur the test in “live” Award. Event to earn a Silver Medal and the scholarships. water. Representatives from the Bethel They were prepared for this competition by Bethel Park High School Family and Learning how to Park Community Foundation Retiring Bethel Park maneuver a kayak presented three scholarships to four High School English Consumer Science Teacher through the BPHS seniors. Andrew Bruce received the Teacher Pam Dobos Jill Simpson . swimming pool is John Deans Memorial Scholarship; (left) had the honor challenge enough, Jeff Bright received the Kiwanis of presenting this Ashley Black (left) and BPHS physical education Scholarship; Michael Sanctis but teachers Bill students are all smiles as they year’s Bethel Park Shannen Stinson earned $750 hone their kayaking skills at received the Frank L.P. Edwards Federation of scholarships from Johnson Kennedy and Lisa Scholarship and Kimberly Barszcz and Wales University at the Serafin wanted to Peterswood Park. Teachers received the Bethel Park Volunteer Scholarships to two FCCLA State Competition for put the students to Scholarship. aspiring educators: their Silver Medal in the Entrepreneurship Event. the test, so they took the students on a field trip to the The Rotary Club of Bethel Park Natalie Streiner lake at Peterswood Park. presented scholarships to seniors (center) and Kaitlin The students had a great time paddling in a much Elizabeth Metzler and Margaux Vavrek. BPHS German News bigger area and showed that they really learned a great Krahe , and the Upper St. Clair/Bethel deal back at school. Park Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award was presented to 22 Inducted into German National Honor Society Kayaking is one of many “life-long fitness” senior Veronica Urbanik , who also received the Bethel Park The Bethel Park High School Chapter of the Delta activities the students have an opportunity to Woman’s Club Scholarship and a Principals Advisory Council Epsilon Phi German National Honor Society recently (PACS) Scholarship with Ashley Gerst and Ana Jimenez . inducted 22 Bethel Park High School students. participate in via their high school physical education. Senior Nicholas Holden received the Upper St. Clair Other activities include yoga, bicycling and dancing. In order to be eligible for induction, students are Woman’s Club Scholarship and Jeff Bright earned the Bethel required to have completed at least three semesters of Park Lion’s Club Scholarship. Seven BPHS Students Earn The United States Marine Corp presented Semper Fidelis German and maintain a minimum 3.6 GPA in their Awards to seniors Alex Mace and Jess Placke for their German classes as well as an overall minimum GPA outstanding athletic achievements and to Jacob Michalski and of 3.0 in all of their other courses. Students must also Awards Of Excellence At Megan Habovick for their academic achievements. demonstrate a continued commitment to the study of Senior Amanda Slowey received the Rosemary Gainar the German language. DECA International Scholarship from William Penn Elementary, and the Franklin Inducted this year were juniors Emily Correia, Elementary PTO Scholarships were presented to seniors Kevin Alex Curtis, Charles Davis, Adam Dodson and Conference Cheberenchick and Tessa Salicce . John Pike; and sophomores Matt Builfant, Thomas Marissa Boyan Foundation Scholarships were presented Calano, Ryan Dodson, Hayley Dowd, Hannah to seniors Julie Kolodziej, Alex Pantages and Alex Mace . Libell, Joey Patricelli and Kaileigh Poe . Bethel Bakery Scholarships were presented to Bakery Additionally, freshmen Jamie Cavrak, Autumn employees, seniors Joe Brucker, Renato Ruzzini and Jimmy Szewczyk . Fleckenstein, Kevin Fleischmann, Alex Kara, Elizabeth Metzler received the Giant Oaks Garden Club Hayley Lazzari, Erin McMahon, Billy Ruschel, Scholarship, the Pennsylvania American Water Company Michael Stephenson, Logan Tuite and Katie Scholarship and the Beulah Frey Audubon Society Scholarship. Zilcosky were inducted. The Eat’N Park Hospitality Group Scholarship went to South The students are taught by BPHS German Hills Village Eat’N Park employee senior Alexis Holzer , and the Teacher Christopher Tobias . Ken Waldie Memorial Scholarship was presented to senior Maria Touloumes . BPHS Senior Earns Scholarship to Live and Study (Left to right): Bethel Park High School students Senior Adam Conroy was given the Sgt. Charles Bonczek in Germany Erin Hajduk, Molly Schatzel, Ashley Gerst, Bethel Park Police Association Scholarship. Bethel Park High School graduate Megan Meghan Murray, Brayden Kameg, Mary Jo Bailey, The Bethel Park Golf Boosters presented scholarships to Crawford received a full scholarship to live and study Thomas Bailey, David Black, Matt Dupree, Brett senior golfers Nick Krakoff and Tori Snyder . in Germany as part of the Reese and Jimmy Stevenson competed at the The Bethel Park Federation of Teachers gave scholarships DECA International Career Development to twoINCOLN aspiring teachers: seniors Natalie Streiner and Kaitlin Congress-Bundestag Youth Conference in Orlando, FL, with seven students VLavrek . Exchange program. bringing home Awards of Excellence. The Bethel Park Cheerleading Boosters presented awards This scholarship, which is to senior cheerleaders Jillian Lindberg as the Outstanding jointly sponsored by the United Cheerleader and Natalie Streiner as the Scholars Cheerleader. States and German Seven Bethel Park High School students earned Senior National Honor Society members Kevin governments, is awarded based Awards of Excellence at the 2011 DECA International Cheberenchick and Maria Touloumes received the National on a rigorous application Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL. Honor Society Scholarships. process that includes essays Earning the awards were: Seniors Jacob Michalski, Justin Fleischmann and and interviews. • Junior Thomas Bailey in the Marketing Alexander Mace received special National Merit Scholarships. Instead of heading to Megan Crawford Management Services event Justin Fleischmann was recognized as a National Merit college in the fall, Megan will • Senior Molly Schatzel and sophomore David Scholarship Finalist, while Nathaniel Braman, Deanna Kovell, Spencer Kun, Jacob Michalski and Manasa Ravi were spend a year studying in Black in the Advertising Campaign event Germany and living with a German host family. • Juniors Matt Dupree and Brett Reese in the recognized as Commended Students. Learn and Earn Project event Junior Jessica Walker received the Brown University Book • Seniors Ashley Gerst and Meghan Murray in Award. BPHS Latin Students Seniors Jennifer Ihrig, Claire LoPresti and Kyle Martin the Financial Literacy Promotion Plan event were presented with Lois Johnson Child Care Scholarships. Awarded For National Awards of Excellence were given to those Senior Margaux Krahe was recognized as the school’s students who placed in the top 20 percent of their Finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, while events. Approximately 150 students and/or teams senior Rob Heuler was recognized as the winner of a $5,000 Latin Exam Scores competed in each event. WPIAL Scholar Athlete Award. Also competing at this event were senior Mary Jo Senior Andrew Kutrufis received the South Hills Area Five Bethel Park High School Latin students earned Bailey (Senior Management Institute), and juniors Erin School District Association (SHASDA) Award. recognitions for their high scores on the National Latin Exam. Hajduk (Internet Marketing Plan), Brayden Kameg Jacob Michalski and Jinjing Lee were announced as this Sophomore Erin Hedglen and freshman Jarrod (Leadership Development Academy) and Jimmy year’s Salutatorians and Justin Fleischmann was named the Cingel earned Silver Medals, while junior Liz Lucchesi Stevenson (Chapter Management Academy). Valedictorian of the Class of 2011. received a Magna Cum Laude Certificate. The students are taught by Bethel Park High Certificates were presented to students who earned college Freshmen Christian Hokaj and Ann Walsh earned School Diversified Occupations Teachers Emily scholarships and honor cords were presented to the students Cum Laude Certificates. Smoller and Patricia Wille . with a minimum 3.5 QPA. They are taught by Bethel Park Latin Teacher Ellen Conrad .

August 15, 2011 www.bpsd.org Page 49

Three BPHS Students Win 92 Students Inducted Into Steel Center News

At PRSEF National Skills USA Competition Bethel Park High School junior Katherine Skirda- Three Bethel Park High School students won awards Honor Society Kemerer captured Third Place in the Skills USA State at the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Competition in the Food and Beverage Event. She is a held at Heinz Field. The Bethel Park Food Service student at the Steel Center Area High School Vocational Technical School, which prepared the Chapter of the students for this state-wide vocational competition. National Honor She earned a trip to the State competition by Society inducted finishing in First Place in this event at the Skills USA 92 new members District 10-11 Competition. Also qualifying for the State at its 2011 competition by earning First Place in their respective Induction events at the District Competition were Bethel Park High Ceremony. School senior Tom Boehm , a Collision, Repair and The new group Refinishing student at Steel Center, in the Automotive of inductees Refinishing Event; senior Jonathan Mark , a Computer included three Programming student, in the Computer Programming seniors, 17 juniors and Internetworking Event; senior Carly Klim , a (Back to front): Jarrod Cingel, Marla Vaughn and Will Ament. Computer Information Systems student, in the Technical Bethel Park High School Principal and 72 Dr. Zeb Jansante presents a sophomores. Computer Applications Event; and junior Rachel Senior Will Ament earned a full year tuition Stratton , a Cosmetology student, in the Prepared scholarship to Harrisburg University of Science and certificate to BPHS sophomore Students who Madeline Balzarini at the National are selected for Speech Event. Technology for his project, “Effects of Marcellus Shale Honor Society Induction Several BPHS/SCAVTC students earned Drilling on Cross Creek.” membership must have a minimum Pennsylvania Skill Certificates at the District Senior Marla Vaughn received two $50 Sponsor Competition. They are Thomas Boehm, Nina Awards and a 2011 Category Award in Chemistry for her 3.85 QPA, participate in at least 35 hours of community service per year and demonstrate leadership and Burgess, Benjamin Faulkner, Corwin Johnson, project, “Alternative Source for Medical Oxygen.” Michael Devers, Jamie Emmons, Nicholas Fedzen, Freshman Jarrod Cingel earned two Honorable character. Inducted this year were Bethel Park High School Carly Klim, Jillian Maloney, Cody Stallings, Maura Mention Sponsor Awards for his project, “Artificial Tuite, Rachel Vasulka and Krista Woodard . Intelligence and Skatterball.” seniors Kara Rayburn, Victoria Snyder and Kaitlin The students were prepared for this event by Bethel Vavrek. This year’s junior inductees were William Ament, Top of the Shop Awards Park High School Science Teachers Jackie Jeffers and Top of the Shop Awards for the second semester Barbara Eisel . Tyler Cunningham, James Dykstra, Randi Fedela, Michael Frost, Miles Heasley, Peter Henkels, of the 2010-2011 school year were presented to Nina Danielle Marini, Angela Mattiello, Stephen Burgess (Baking/Pastry Chef), Adam DeLuca BPHS Sophomore To Perdziola, Bradley Polen, Samantha Sauers, Ryan (Protective Services), Nicholas Fedzen (Carpentry), Skorski, Joseph Smith, Samantha Stephan, John Letavec (Automotive Mechanics), Jonathan Present Project At Matthew Vater and Rebecca Wallace . Mark (Computer Programming) and Corinne Wilson National Conference Sophomores inducted in 2011 were Austin (Cosmetology). Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Nathaniel Ashton, Awards are given to those students who Shankar Athinarayanan, Madeline Balzarini, demonstrate outstanding conduct, attendance, course Bethel Park High School sophomore Jarrod Cingel Stephen Barnhart, Emilee Betz, David Black, Erik proficiency and professionalism. was selected to give a presentation on Brinkhoff, Dana Bruce, Michael Brucker, Holly his computer science project, “Artificial Brueggman, Julianna Buchwald, Stephanie Carter, Extra Effort Awards Intelligence and Skatterball” at the Ross Caster, Sydney Craig, Rachel Dailey, Mark Extra Effort Awards for excellent work during the TeraGrid 2011 Conference, which was Debski, Rachel Dunn, Brandon Ericson, Thomas fourth quarter of the 2010-2011 school year were held in Salt Lake City in July. Ernst, Shannon Fagan, Carly Giel and Amanda presented to Jacob Cross (Machine Shop), Justin Jarrod’s project earned a First Goldberg . Fedorowski (Carpentry), James Hammerle Place at the local Pennsylvania Junior Also inducted were sophomores Nathaniel Grygo, (Automobile Mechanics), Alec Hostuttler (Advertising Academy of Science, a Second Place and Design), Anthony Hughes (Computer Jarrod Cingel Morgan Guarino, MacKenzie Happe, Erin Hedglen, at the State Pennsylvania Junior Robert Huntington, Katie Jensen, Alexander Programming), Bria Johnson (Food Service), Jillian Academy of Science and two Kearns, Alexander Kiselica, Julia Klingler, Kelly Maloney (Cosmetology), Ryan Schaum (Machine Honorable Mention Sponsor Awards at the Pittsburgh Kolodziej, Jacob Krakoff, Mitchell Krieger, Natalie Shop), Maura Tuite (Advertising and Design) and Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Laux, Rachel LeViseur, Jamie Lucarelli, Samantha Rachel Vacsulka (Health Assistant). Jarrod spoke at the Conference as part of the Student Mace, Alicia Mackowiak, Krista Mackowiak, Program agenda. He was encouraged to apply for the Matthew Mackowiak, Meghan McLinden, Caitlin Four BPHS Students Win conference by the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, Michael, Lauren Nath, Brittany Ott, Alexis Parinella, which gave him one of his PRSEF awards. Haley Prough and Divya Raghu . At State PJAS TeraGrid is the National Science Foundation’s effort to Additionally, Abigail Rauch, Dylan Reese, Anna build and deploy the world’s largest distributed Rigatti, Emily Robinson, Rebecca Rodgers, infrastructure for open scientific research. Four Bethel Park High School students earned one Chelsea Rogozinski, Alexa Roth, Jennifer First Place and three Second Place Awards at the BPHS Sophomore Ruminski, Amanda Ruschel, Jessica Ruschel, Lucy Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Sedor-Franzak, Sonya Shaikh, Olivia Shay, Daniel Competition, Attended Health And Snyder, Laura Stefanyak, Julia Sullivan, Rachel which was held in Taylor, Tyler Thomas, James Vehec, Kaitlyn May on the Penn Careers Scholars Academy Wagner, Joshua Winzek and Rachel Wyda rounded State campus. out this year’s group of inductees. Junior Will Addressing the audience about the four pillars of Bethel Park High School junior Ament earned a the National Honor Society were current members Jill Julianna Buchwald was selected to First Place Award Lindberg (Character), Rob Heuler (Scholarship), for his project, attend the University of Pittsburgh (Leadership) and Health and Career Scholars Academy Emily Swogger Kelsey Metheny “Effects of (Service). Marcellus Shale (the former Governor’s School) this served as the evening’s Keynote summer. Joseph DiNucci Drilling on Cross (Left to right): Bethel Park High School Speaker, sharing six life lessons, including “Failure is students Will Ament, Jarrod Cingel, The Academy accepted the top Creek.” not an option, it is a requirement,” and “To survive Earning Shannon Fagan and Marla Vaughn 110 students from across the state Julianna were winners at the State Pennsylvania Buchwald success, use your head and pay attention to your Second Place who demonstrated academic heart.” Junior Academy of Science. achievement—especially in the Awards were junior The evening was moderated by National Honor Marla Vaughn (“Alternate Source for Medical Energy,”) sciences—as well as an interest in health care and a Society President, BPHS senior . record of leadership and service activities. Jake Michalski sophomore Shannon Fagan (“Structural Integrity of Bethel Park High School English Teacher John Green School Supplies”) and freshman Jarrod Cingel Julianna resided at the University of Pittsburgh for the serves as the group’s Advisor. four-week program, where she attended lectures, Lorenzi (“Artificial Intelligence and Skatterball.”) shadowed health care professionals at different health The students were prepared for this competition by care facilities and participated in research and Bethel Park High School Science Teachers Barbara Eisel independent study. and Jackie Jeffers .

www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011 Page 50

Music News Athletic Update To learn more about Bethel Park athletic highlights for the 2010-2011 school year, please go to: BPHS Music Department Earns 35 Awards in www.bpsd.org/hsathletics.aspx . Orlando The Bethel Park High School Music Department Baseball • At the WPIAL Championships Amanda brought home 35 awards from the Festivals of Music in • WPIAL Semifinalists. Ruschel was second in the 800 meters; Orlando, FL, including nine Superior Ratings, eight • Eric Yobbi and Logan Corrigan were Kelsey Metheny, Hillary Boxheimer, Best in Class Awards, six Best Overall (Gold Awards), named to the Section 3 All-Star Team. Stephanie Cobb and Amanda Ruschel • Grant Brown was selected to play in the finished second in the 3200 meter relay; two Excellent Ratings, two Best Overall (Bronze) WPIAL All-Star Game. Coach Tony Fisher Margaux Krahe finished second in shot Awards, five Outstanding Awards and three Best was the Head Coach of the AAAA Team. put. Overall Section Awards. • Logan Corrigan will play for the Allegheny • Top 21 Choir – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award Pirates in the Fall of 2011. Boys Tennis and Best Overall Gold Award • Caleb Troy was the Section 5 Singles Softball Champion. • Jazz Choir – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award • Carly Schoenstein and Julie Kolodziej • Caleb Troy and Colin Bandell finished and Best Overall Gold Award were named to the Section 4 All-Star Team. fourth in the WPIAL Doubles Tournament. • Concert Band – Excellent Rating and Best Overall Ice Hockey The Bethel Park High Percussion Section Award Girls Lacrosse • WPIAL Semifinalist • Michael Shipley was named to the Post School Marching • Symphonic Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Gazette South’s Stellar Six Hockey All-Star Band participated in a Award and Best Overall Gold Award Boys Lacrosse Team. Disney World Parade • Percussion Ensemble – Superior Rating and Best • Qualified for the WPIAL Playoffs in the Magic Kingdom Overall Percussion Section Award Cheerleading during the Spring Boys Volleyball • The Cheerleaders won eight awards at the Music Trip to the • Symphonic Orchestra – Excellent Rating and Best • Section Champions UCA Elite Cheerleading Camp at Slippery Festivals of Music in in Class Award • WPIAL Quarterfinalist Rock including First Place for the Varsity Orlando, Florida. • Jazz Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award • Jason Stewart was named to the All- and JV in the Cheer and XTreme Routine and Best Overall Gold Award WPIAL First Team and Ryan Dunay was competitions; First Place for the Junior High squad in Home Pom and XTreme Routine • Marching Band – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall named to the Third Team. • Jason Stewart and Ryan Dunay were and Third Place in Cheer, and an overall Bronze Award, Outstanding Auxiliary Award and Outstanding Percussion named to the All-Section First Team, and Superior Program Trophy to the program for Award Ryan Thorsen, Pat O’Brien, Grant outstanding performances. Brittany • Bethettes – Superior Rating and Best Overall Bronze Award Underwood and Lucas Mueser were Carson, Brittney Gregg, Emily Swogger, • Drum Line – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall Gold Award named to the Second Team. Cassie Zekany, Brenna Erzen, Kourtney Leech, Emily Mackowiak, Kara Kosmer, and Best Overall Percussion Section Award Track Grace Brueggman, Jamie Gerst, Carolyn • Majorettes – Superior Rating, Best in Class Award, Best Overall Gold Award • Shakeil Carter is the WPIAL Champion in Vona and Amanda Vorko were named and Outstanding Head Majorette Award the 100 and 200 meters and finished in 8th UCA All-Americans. • Senior Kevin Harvey – Outstanding Jazz Solo Special Award place at States in the 100 meters. • Sophomore Mark Debski – Outstanding Concert Band Solo Special Award

Ninth Grade Music Department Earns 7 Awards in Hershey Four Bethel Park High School Students Bethel Park High School musicians and vocalists earned seven awards during Recognized By BP/USC Rotary Club a Spring Music Trip to Hershey, PA. • Ninth Grade Girls Choir – Superior Rating, First Place in the Junior High School Category and First Place Overall in the Middle School/Junior High The Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair Rotary Club School Category. presented Excellence in Technology Awards to four Bethel Park High School students at a • Ninth Grade Band – Excellent Rating and a First Place in the Junior High dinner held at St. Clair Country Club. School Category. Recognized at this dinner were seniors • Ninth Grade Orchestra – Excellent Rating and a Second Place in the Junior Nicole Hester (Air Transportation Systems), High School Category. Brett Moorman (Power/Energy Systems), Gregory Pohodich (Automation Systems) and Mark Render (Introduction to Engineering Two Perform in Italy Design). Two oboists--2011 graduate Spencer Kun and junior Mark Debski traveled (Left to right): Brett Moorman, Nicole Hester, Greg Pohodich and Mark Render The students were accompanied to the to Italy with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra to perform four concerts were presented with Excellence in dinner by Bethel Park High School Technology as part of the prestigious Florence Youth Festival. Technology Awards from the Bethel Education Teachers Pete Martin and Art Park/Upper St. Clair Rotary Club. Smock .

Outlook Literary Magazine BPHS sophomore Nathan Kottler had an article he wrote titled, “The IPhone: A Vision BPHS Student News Loss Person’s Panacea” published in the Outlook Literary Magazine , a publication from the students in the Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Rotary Students The Bethel Park Rotary Club named junior Emily Swogger as National Society Of High School Scholars its April Student of the Month and senior Katie Toner as its May BPHS student Jamie Lucarelli was selected for membership in the Student. Emily was recognized for her efforts to coordinate a National Society of High School Scholars, in recognition of her Prom Dress Collection to benefit the patients at Children’s academic excellence. The NSHSS helps students build on their Hospital, and Katie was honored for her leadership in the academic successes and enhance their skills and desires to have school’s Interact Community Service Club and all of her a positive impact on the global community. Jamie Lucarelli activities to benefit Rotary-sponsored charities in Pittsburgh Emily Swogger and and world-wide. Rotary Club President Rockwell Scholarship Winner Herb Shaffer. BPHS senior Kelly Ganley received the $4,000 Constance T. Trib Outstanding Young Citizens Rockwell Scholarship at this year’s Gene Kelly Awards ceremony. BPHS students Kelsi Baxter, Grant Brown, Rob Heuler, Michael Sanctis, Victoria The scholarship is given to a deserving student who is pursuing Snyder, Maria Touloumes, Sean Walsh and Trevor Walter were invited to attend a education in the performing arts. banquet held by the Tribune Review to honor its Outstanding Young Citizens. Kelly Ganley

August 15, 2011 www.bpsd.org Page 51

Congratulations, Class of 2011! It was a beautiful day for the 425 members of the Bethel Park High School Class of 2011, who graduated on Saturday, June 4. Smiles were prevalent on the graduates’ faces as they listened to five of their classmates deliver brief speeches as part of the ceremonies. Salutatorians Jinjing Lee and Jacob Michalski spoke first. Jinjing told her classmates that they were not finished learning, and to not be afraid to ask for help or to make a mistake, because life is about making mistakes and learning from them. Jake found graduation to be “bittersweet,” asking his classmates to “remember the experiences we have shared together, reminisce about the good times and optimistically look toward the future.” Valedictorian Justin Fleischmann viewed high school as a “step we should cherish together” and urged the graduates to “know well what leads you forward and choose the path to wisdom.” Senior Class President Victoria Butler described the Class of 2011 as a “class made of genuine people” and “an amazing class,” and shared that she is looking forward to the future. Student Government President Jimmy Szewczyk felt that high school changed him forever and because of his experiences at Bethel Park High School, he can “walk confidently toward what lies ahead.” Principal Dr. Zeb Jansante described this year’s graduates as “fun and hard-working” and proudly Addressing the crowd at this shared some statistics about this year’s graduates, including the fact that 94 percent of them will attend year’s Commencement were a two or four-year institution of higher learning; 5.5 percent will attend a business or technical school and (front row, left to right): Victoria Butler and Jinjing Lee and (back .5 percent will enlist in the military. (For more information on the Class of 2011, see the accompanying row, left to right): Jimmy “Fast Facts” article). Szewczyk, Justin Fleischmann and Assistant Superintendent Nancy Aloi-Rose spoke in place of Superintendent Thomas Knight, who Jacob Michalski. was recovering from surgery, and shared some “tips from an Italian Mother” with the students, including quotes from Henry Ford (“If you think you can do a thing, or you think you can’t do a thing, you’re right) and John Lennon (“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans”) and congratulated the students on their resiliency and ability to adapt to change. This was a special graduating class, as this group will be the final graduating class from the campus- style high school. Congratulations to the BPHS Class of 2011. You were an outstanding group of young men and women. Bethel Park High School is a better place because you were students there. Best wishes to you as you begin this next chapter of your lives.

To learn more about the future plans of the BPHS Class of 2011 and to see a list of scholarships earned by this year’s graduates, please go to: Donna Cook presents a diploma to Nate Braman. http://www.bpsd.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=53GAIB&dasi=3IGY.

Manasa Ravi receives her diploma from The Class of 2011 Connie Ruhl. proceeds into Bethel Park Manny Surunis Stadium. receives his diploma from Ron Sustich. Class Of 2011 Fast Facts

Did you know… Nate Enick receives his • 425 Graduates diploma from Dick Rose. • 59 graduated with a QPA of 3.50 to 3.749 (Honors) • 38 graduated with a QPA of 3.75 to 3.999 (High Honors) • 70 graduated with a QPA of 4.00 or higher (Highest Honors) • 72 seniors were members of the National Honor Society (QPA of 3.85 or higher) • 3 National Merit Special Scholarship Recipients • 1 National Merit Scholarship Finalist • 5 National Merit Commended Students • The Class of 2011’s average SAT score of 1562 was 89 points higher than the State average and 36 points higher than the Russ Spicuzza National average. presents a diploma to Michayla Wicker. • The Class of 2011 earned $5.5 million in scholarships. Donna Cook presents a diploma to Kerry Jo Green.

www.bpsd.org August 15, 2011