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

• October 9: Teacher In-Service- No School
• October 20: Act 80 1/2 Day
• October 31: End of the 1st Nine Weeks

Miss Lauren Markish is the District' new librarian. Hired in June, she began working for us at the beginning of the school year. Prior to coming to Burgettstown, Miss Markish taught in the Avella Area School District as well as in the Hancock County (WV) system. A proud member of Burgettstown's Class of 2014, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree from W&J and a Master of Arts from Pennsylvania Western University (Cal U), as well as Pennsylvania certifications in English (7-12) and Library Science (k-12). Miss Markish teaches in both the MS/HS and the Elementary Center. Welcome (back), Miss Markish!

With Open Houses happening in the District this week, we have a lot of photographs to share. We are very fortunate to have so many involved families, as well as a very dedicated faculty and staff across the District. The photos that follow are just a small portion of the moments that made this year's events special.

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