Burgettstown Area School District

• February 9: Act 80 Full Day- No School
• February 16: Snow Day Make Up

There once were some kinders so bright,

Who turned one hundred days old overnight.

With gray hair and shawls,

And walkers in halls,

They proved they’d learned loads with delight!

This week, our kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school. Students dressed up like they were 100 years old, with grey hair, cozy clothes, and rocking chairs to show how much they've learned and grown. In 100 days, they have read books, made friends, solved problems and tried their very best, every day. They may have looked "old" for one day, but their hearts were full of joy, curiosity, and excitement for learning. They are all proud to be 100 days smarter.

An Ode to Our School Counselors (Generative AI Style)
In Celebration of National School Counselor Week, February 2–6
Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Roman at BMHS, and Ms. Grasha at BAEC

In the quiet moments between classes,
In the hallway conversations that matter more than they seem,
In the offices where worries are spoken and hopes are restored—
You are there.

You listen when the day feels heavy.
You celebrate when the victories, big or small, arrive.
You guide students through choices, challenges,
And the winding paths of growing up.

At BAEC, Ms. Grasha plants the seeds—
Helping young learners find their voice,
Build their confidence,
And believe that school is a place where they belong.

At BMHS, Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Roman
Stand as steady beacons for our students,
Navigating schedules, college plans, friendships,
And the many questions that come with becoming who they are meant to be.

You are planners and problem-solvers,
Encouragers and advocates,
Listeners, leaders, and lifelines.

Your work often happens quietly,

Without fanfare or spotlight,
But its impact echoes in every confident step,
Every new goal,
Every student who feels seen.

During National School Counselor Week,
We pause to recognize the difference you make each day.
Because of you,
Our schools are kinder, calmer, and stronger.
Because of you,
Students know someone is always in their corner.

So this week, and every week, we say thank you—
For the doors you keep open,
The hearts you keep steady,
And the futures you help shape every single day.

We are grateful for you,
And proud to call you part of the Blue Devil family

In an effort to increase morning breakfast at the MSHS, a school breakfast participation incentive was enacted. Students who participate in school breakfast are eligible to win a gift card. The first winner, 9th grade student Bella Giato was presented with a McDonald's gift card, courtesy of our Aramark, our food service vendor.

Mr. Cugini's students worked on developing musical interpretation skills using visual cues to accurately reproduce rhythmic and melodic patterns.

The Burgettstown Area School District’s Boost Bag Program is a student-support initiative designed to ensure that children have access to nutritious food outside of the school day. Through the program, participating students discreetly receive bags filled with easy-to-prepare, shelf-stable food items to take home on weekends and during extended breaks.

Each week, a small group of dedicated students and staff gather to pack the Boost Bags together. This hands-on effort not only keeps the program running smoothly, but also builds a spirit of service, compassion, and Blue Devil pride within our schools. Their teamwork reflects the caring culture that defines our district.

The program is made possible through the generosity of community partners, staff, and volunteers, and reflects the District’s commitment to supporting the whole child. By helping to reduce food insecurity, the Boost Bag Program allows students to return to school nourished, focused, and ready to learn—because at Burgettstown, we believe that when students’ basic needs are met, they are better positioned to succeed.

If community members wish to make a donation to help sustain this valuable program, we ask that they reach out to Mrs. Ferencuha at mferencuha@burgettstown.k12.pa.us or at 724-947-8136

Through a lesson on Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal, students examined the text as both an argument and a work of satire, learning how to identify and analyze the rhetorical tools authors use to make satirical points.

Mr. Roth was demonstrating the finer points of throwing clay on the ceramics wheel this week, as students observed and prepared to put what they learned to work on their own projects.

This year, the Burgettstown Athletic Department is introducing digital ticketing for regular season football, volleyball, girls and boys basketball, and wrestling. Though all fans may still purchase a ticket "at the gate," but those who wish to avoid lines and pre-purchase an electronic ticket may do so by accessing the digital ticketing feature on the Hudl Fan page. Single game regular season tickets for both students and adults are available. Also, for those who know that will likely attend all games in a particular season, a season pass can be purchased. Please note: there is a processing fee, per ticket. This fee does not go to the school district, it is a vendor fee in support of the electronic ticketing feature. Scan the QR code or the button below to access the Hudl Fan page.

We remind students, employees, parents, guardians, and community members that smoking, the possession or use of alcohol or other drugs, and the possession of weapons on school grounds, including outdoor athletic areas, by any individual, is prohibited. These acts are subject to police action and must also be reported to the Department of Education.

Our school community has embraced the uniqueness of conducting commencement exercises at Star Lake for decades. The various management groups throughout the years have supported this by donating the use of the facility and we are most appreciative. While it is early in the school year, we want to make note that in order to hold graduation at Star Lake, flexibility in planning is necessary. Believe it or not, the planning for the next year begins shortly after the school year ends. We notify Star Lake management of our desired date and it is recorded as a preferred date. There are no guarantees, and in the past several years, we have not been able to finalize the date until some point in April. We know this causes a bit of anxiousness on the part of our seniors and their families, but if we want to continue this fine tradition, we must remain flexible. After last year's Commencement, we informed the management at Star Lake that our preferred date for this year's Commencement is June 5, 2026. While this is our preferred date, there is no guarantee that we will get it. As the months go by this year, the District will remain in contact with Star Lake management. When we know the confirmed date, we will communicate it to our students and families. Though graduation may be the last thing on anyone's mind this early in the school year, we wanted to communicate this information so there are no misunderstandings.

Student and employee safety is extremely important to us. We are constantly looking for ways to make our schools, school grounds, and property safe for all. Recently, we ordered signage that will be placed on all of our school busses, warning that unauthorized boarding will be subject to criminal prosecution. This is not something new, it is simply something we are creating a greater awareness of.

According to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code:

§ 5517. Unauthorized school bus entry. (a) Offense defined.--A person who enters a school bus without prior authorization of the driver or a school official with intent to commit a crime or disrupt or interfere with the driver or a person who enters a school bus without prior authorization of the driver or a school official who refuses to disembark after being ordered to do so by the driver commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. (b) Notice.--A school district may place a notice at the entrance of the school bus that warns against unauthorized entry.

Our school district prides itself on providing the best possible learning environment for our students, and school buildings and other facilities that can be a source of pride for the community. We are constantly monitoring the conditions of our schools, athletic complexes and other district-owned property but sometimes we miss things. You can help us by completing this form when you notice something that you think needs our attention. It can be something as basic as noticing that there is a light out in our parking areas, or that the trash receptacles at the baseball field need emptied. Just like you have for your home, we have a running list of items that need our attention. These items get prioritized and acted upon. We may already know about the issue you raise, but if we don't, we can't prioritize it until we do. We are all in this together and your input is greatly appreciated. Please click her to access this form: HERE

We know our families and our communities enjoy seeing the various photographs and related information about our students and their activities through the various social media platforms and other methods of communication from our school district. If a parent or guardian objects to the use of their child's image and related information, they must notify the school district. Please see the following document for more details.