Burgettstown Area School District

A look back at the past two weeks, and a peek at the week ahead. #True2theBlue

• September 16: BAEC Open House Grades K-2
• September 17: BMHS Open House
• September 18: BAEC Open House Grades 3-5
• September 19: Act 80 1/2 Day (Early Dismissal)
• October 6: In-Service: No School

After more than two decades of service on the Burgettstown Area School District Board of Directors, Mr. William “Bill” Price submitted his resignation on Monday, September 8, 2025. A small reception in his honor was held with the Board and Administration after Monday's meeting. His departure marks the conclusion of more than 60 years of dedicated service to the district, a journey that began when he was hired as an elementary school teacher in 1959.

Following his student teaching in Charleroi and graduation from California State College, Mr. Price joined Burgettstown Area School District as an elementary teacher at Raccoon Elementary. In 1961, he transitioned to the high school, where he taught History and Civics. His leadership abilities were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as Assistant Principal in 1975 and Principal in 1980. When Superintendent Eugene Sanguliano retired in 1991, Mr. Price was appointed Acting Superintendent and officially assumed the Superintendent role in January 1993. He capped off a remarkable 40-year career with the district when he retired in June 1999.

Retirement, however, did not diminish his passion for education. In 2002, Mr. Price was elected to the Board of Directors, where he continued shaping educational policy, mentoring new teachers and administrators, and inspiring his fellow board members. He also served on the board of the Intermediate Unit, helping guide regional initiatives in special education, professional development, and technical assistance for schools across Pennsylvania. His leadership and vision influenced educational standards not only in Burgettstown, but throughout Washington County and the Commonwealth.

In 2018, Mr. Price was honored with the Stunda Good Egg Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in Burgettstown.

Over the past 65 years, Mr. Price witnessed and adapted to dramatic changes in education — from evolving instructional theories to advances in technology and shifting societal expectations. Through it all, his optimism, wisdom, graciousness, and sense of humor guided the district through challenges and triumphs alike.

Mr. Price’s lifelong dedication to education, his unwavering commitment to the Burgettstown community, and his deep care for its children have cemented his legacy as a true pillar of the district. He has served in every capacity imaginable — teacher, principal, superintendent, and school board director — leaving an indelible mark on generations of students, educators, and families.

(L-R): Abigail Henke, Rylie Stroud, Emerson Murray, Savanna Rush, Alaire Nardone, Rays Sentipal, Brooke Bowland

✈️BAEC Open House Details for the Week of September 15, 2025

🏫BAEC Open House Details for Tuesday, September 16, 2025
🕰️5 pm - 8 pm: Doors open at 5 pm
🌍 Primary Grades: K - 2
Students with Last Names beginning with the letters A-M: 5 - 6:30 pm
Students with Last Names beginning with the letters N-Z: 6:30 pm - 8 pm

✏️Teachers in Attendance: K - 2 Homeroom Teachers as well as teachers:
Mrs. Martello (Speech), Mrs. Mitchell (Speech), Mrs. Mitchell (Speech), Mrs. Egal (Reading Specialist), Mrs. Nardone (Title I Math), Mrs. Himmel (Learning Support), Ms. Stenglein (Learning Support), Ms. Mianulli, (Learning Support), Ms. Grasha (School Counselor), Nurse Miller, Mrs. Koratich (Librarian), and Mrs. Betschart (Music)

🏫BAEC Open House Details for Thursday, September 18, 2025
🕰️5 pm - 8 pm: Doors open at 5 pm
🌍 Intermediate Grades 3 - 5
Students with Last Names beginning with the letters A-M: 5 - 6:30 pm
Students with Last Names beginning with the letters N-Z: 6:30 pm - 8 pm

✏️Teachers in Attendance: 3- 5 Homeroom Teachers as well as teachers:
Mrs. Shaffer (Title I), Miss Carr (Learning Support), Mrs. Suica (Learning Support), Mrs. Hartung (Learning Support), Mr. Sargent (Art), Mr. Campa (Physical Education), Mrs. Krull (Information Technology)

An important part of every school day at BAEC is the raising of the colors as students raise the United States flag as well as the flag of the Commonwealth of PA.

Artistic talent was on display as students worked on their projects independently.

The gymnasium was rocking as cheers rang out at the first Pep Rally of the new school year!

Students learned more about Google Classroom and the many lesson resources will be contained within for all of their classes.

Do you have what it takes to get the crowd going! Do you think you can support Blue Devil Athletics and other District functions in a fun and respectful manner? Have you ever dreamt of dressing up in the Blue Devil Mascot "uniform" and getting just a bit crazy? Are you a current high school student at BASD (grades 9-12 only)? Perhaps being the next person to wear the Blue Devil Mascot uniform is for you! The Homecoming Committee will be holding open auditions for any student in grades 9-12 who may be interested. Auditions will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 3:00 PM in the BMHS LGI!

Those walking past Ms. Elek's chorus room recently were treated to the sounds of the December holiday as various songs of the season were being rehearsed in anticipation of the Winter Concert later this year.

Photographers from Newbrough Photo were on hand recently to capture our student's best look for their school picture!

Who among us does not remember the annual heights and weights recording at the beginning of the year?

Mr. Tropeck enthusiastically embracing phenomena-based instruction as the science department shifts to science curriculum based upon the STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) standards. Click here for more information about the shift to STEELS

A lesson on Native Americans was being taught in Mr. Koratich's classroom recently.

Seniors (L-R): Morris MJ Harvey, Brayden McNamee, Savanna Rush, Brenna Henry

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.