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

• October 31: End of the 1st Nine Weeks
• November 10: Act 80 Half-Day (Early Dismissal)
• November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break
• November 27: In-Service (No School)

Student Mason Allison and Justin McElroy, who also attend WACTC's Masonry program, placed 2nd in the high school division of at the Western Pennsylvania Spec Mix 500 Bricklayer Regional Competition in the Highmark Stadium parking lot. Of the more than 750 participants, there were over 300 students from area CTCs. For more information, click on the WACTC Weekly Update link below. Congratulations, Mason and Justin!

Mrs. Kline and Mrs. Roman took a group of the of the 8th graders in Sphero CSF to the Manufacturing Day with BotsIQ at IU1.

Students explored various manufacturing careers using technology. They melted tin and created molds, 3D printed catapults, and designed carriers for an assembly line at the lowest cost.

We thank our local fireman for visiting BAEC and teaching our kindergarteners and first graders about fire prevention safety tips for home. Our students were able to touch a fireman's helmet and suit, and listen to a fireman in full gear talk to them. Students also climbed up through a firetruck and were able to look at all the equipment. They heard the sound of a smoke detector and asked questions. It was a great interactive learning experience.

It was quite a week in Blue Devil Country. Among the activities: Our Girls Volleyball team received a send off to their WPIAL playoff match. Mrs. Smith's Honors English 12 students were boasting like Beowulf as a part of the Beowulf unit, it was Red Ribbon Week and our elementary students dressed up in neon colors to demonstrate that their future is bright! Miss Maria and Miss Marie, our elementary center lunch monitors spoke to our K-3 students about cafeteria manners and expectations. Students in Mrs. Bohley's child care program continued to guide the preschool students. A pep rally was held at BAEC to recognize the Lions football players and cheerleaders.

136 students in grades K-5 submitted entries in Miss Markish's Book Character Pumpkin Contest. Students were tasked with choosing a favorite book character, selecting a small-medium pumpkin (either real or fake), and decorating the pumpkin to turn it into a reflection of their favorite book character. All entries were due by the end of the week, and the winning entry will be revealed on Halloween. Scroll below to see the wonderful creations our students made.

We received a letter from WTAE this week:

"WTAE-TV Channel 4 is excited to announce the launch of our Teacher of the Month recognion program. Each month, from September through May, a teacher will be selected from the many deserving submissions that we receive. Nominations can be made by students, parents, colleagues or even the person themselves. The selected Teacher of the Month will receive a $1000 credit to www.donorschoose.org, sponsored by Closets by Design. In addition Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 will feature that teacher and their story (and possibly a surprise school visit) during a news broadcast, as well as on our online platforms."

To nominate a teacher, please click HERE

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