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

• September 19: BAEC Open House Grades K-2
• September 20: BMHS Open House
• September 21: BAEC Open House Grades 3-5
• September 22: Act 80 half-day

Our District was one of many to participate in International Dot Day this week. Coordinated and supported by Assistant to the Superintendent Melissa Ferencuha, our teachers embraced the uniqueness of Dot Day and made it come alive with meaningful activities in many classrooms. "International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009. The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe. Each year on International Dot Day – with the help of people just like you – the inspiration continues. What started as a story in the pages of a book is transforming teaching and learning around the world as people of all ages re-discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do." (www.internationaldotday.org)

The District has partnered with Intermediate Unit 1 to implement a new mathematics curriculum at the elementary center called Illustrative Mathematics. "The IM K–5 Math certified curriculum is rigorous, problem-based, and fully aligned to the standards, with coherence across grade bands." (www.illustrativemathematics.com) This week a curriculum specialist from the Intermediate Unit visited classrooms to assess the implementation and provide support.

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