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

• October 17: Reading Under the Stars Event
• October 18: Act 80 1/2 day
• October 30: End of 1st Nine Week Marking Period

Faith Smith

The weather was absolutely beautiful for the Homecoming festivities on October 5. The day began with the parade, and many of Burgettstown's faculty and staff, along with some of their family members, participated as a group. Many thanks to the following faculty and staff members who demonstrated pride in our schools and support for our students:

Burgettstown Area Elementary Center

Dawn Baloga

Michelle Read

Anita Boni

Alissa Nardone

Heather Shaffer

Sheri Kozares

Brittani Crabb

Jessica Koonse

Jackie Martello
Emily Mitchell

Amanda Suica

Toni Tasz

Lauren Markish

Andrea Grubb

Burgettstown Middle/High School

Jamie Smith

Libby Bohley

Kelly Cadarette

Nicole Kline

Transportation Department

Bea Deer

Safety and Security

Officer Darren Fisher

Larry (LT) Taylor

Administration

Steve Puskar

Melissa Ferencuha

Melissa Mankey

Shaun Cooke

Maria Shaffer

Cheryl Slay

Additionally, the Band was led by Alan Cugini and the Chorus participated under the supervision of Liz Elek.

Unfortunately, a school bus driver shortage remains across the region. This is no different at Burgettstown. Though we are fortunate to have a regularly assigned driver for every route, currently we do not have substitute drivers. We continually advertise for drivers, so if you or someone you know may be interested, please contact our District Office. This shortage of substitute drivers means we may periodically have the need to cancel a bus or buses. Guidance for parents/guardians on what steps they may take when this occurs may be found by clicking HERE or the button below. While we would like to be able to make the decision to cancel a bus the evening before, this is not always possible. We will make every effort to inform families as early as we can so they can make proper arrangements. We are fortunate that the need to cancel a bus does not happen frequently, thanks to the dedication of our bus drivers. We apologize for any inconvenience that may occur when a cancellation is made.

Dr. Cooke and Mrs. Shaffer created an Amazing Race-inspired team building activity for our MSHS faculty and staff to participate in this week during the in-service day. Participants had to follow clues that led them to various locations throughout Burgettstown. The final destination was Bert's Hotdog Shop, where Bert's generously donated lunch for all. Those teachers who participated truly embraced the spirit of the activity as well as the creation of a bit of camaraderie as a break from the daily routine.

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. This week, the members of the Class of 2025 were informed that Star Lake was contacted on May 31, 2024, and informed that our preferred date for this year's Commencement is June 5, 2025. 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.