Burgettstown Area School District

Every week is a great week in Blue Devil Country! Please scroll down to learn more. #True2theBlue

• May 29: Last Day of 2023-2024 School Year
• August 26: First Day of 2024-2025 School Year

This week, our middle/high school students attended a performance by Saltworks in the auditorium. As described on their teacher's guide: "Saltworks performs shows for K-12 audiences about a variety of important issues, including respect, bullying, inclusiveness, physical and mental health, vaping and substance abuse." The performance our students attended was When Panic Attacks. "Students are facing increased pressure for acceptance. Social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can present an idealized version of the lives of influencers and friends alike. The pressure to fit in can lead students to develop anxiety, negative body image, and a preoccupation with social media. When Panic Attacks addresses these issues through the lives of students who have experienced them and reached out for help." (source: When Panic Attack Teacher' Guide)

Thanks to a grant from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, students in AP Literature, AP Language, and Honors English 11 were able to travel to Pittsburgh on a field trip to see the Ragamala Dance Company perform Sacred Earth. This cultural experience incorporates sacred Indian dance to explore the interconnectedness between humans and nature.

Student-athletes on the football team, along with Coach Druga, Coach Kuzior, and Burgettstown Mayor Snatchko volunteered their time cleaning up areas along Harmon Creek Road in state Game Lands 117 that some have used as unauthorized dumping areas. In all, they collected over 80 tires and a whole lot of debris. A special shout out also goes to Energy Transfer Partners for supplying lunch.

Mrs. Baker taught the short u vowel sound, rhyming words, sight words, and comprehension skills using a story about pets; students tested their mousetrap cars in Physics; Honors Biology students work on their labs; practice for PJAS was a must; Mrs. Kozares taught her students how to find the missing parts in mathematical equations, and her student also enjoyed working in math centers.

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.

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