Burgettstown Area School District

A look back at the week that was, and a peek at the week ahead. #True2theBlue

• November 7: Act 80 half-day
• November 14th: Inservice (no school)
• November 26, 27, 28: Thanksgiving Break
• December 1: Act 80 Full Day (no school)

In a move made to accomodate teacher professional development, the school calendar was revised, and the November Act 80 half-day will now be on November 7 and the full in-service day (no school for students) will be November 14th. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR.

Burgettstown Elementary School’s own Amelia Gery was featured in the Washington Observer-Reporter’s “Our Young Artist” section on October 14! Amelia’s creative drawing, which shows a patriotic airplane soaring among the stars and moon, captured readers’ attention with its imagination and detail. We’re so proud to see one of our young Blue Devils sharing her artistic talent with the wider community—congratulations, Amelia!

On Wednesday, October 15th, Burgettstown hosted the first of three Southwestern Academic League (SWAL) competitions of the season. Students showcased their knowledge and teamwork as they represented our district in both Junior Varsity and Varsity matches. JV competitions were held in the LGI while Varsity took place in the auditorium, with participants spending the day engaged in rounds of fast-paced academic challenge. Congratulations to all our competitors for their hard work and enthusiasm as the season gets underway!

The Burgettstown Cross Country teams turned in outstanding performances at this week’s Washington County Coaches Meet. The boys’ team earned an impressive 2nd place finish in the Single A/AA division with strong efforts from Max Maltony, Mason Steele, Carter Baker, Morris Harvey, Nick Secco, Trent Clem, and Joe Secco. The girls’ team also excelled, finishing 3rd overall in their division. Team members included Jessica Tender, Mia Maltony, Savanna Rush, Ellie Halyak, and Kendal Chalinor.

Individually, Max Maltony made All-County for the second consecutive year, finishing 6th with a time of 17:05. Middle school standouts Danny Mullaney, Mason Lombardi, and Mikinley Midler also brought home medals in their races. Congratulations to all our runners for representing Blue Devil Country with pride and determination!

It was a special night in Blue Devil Country as the volleyball team celebrated Senior Recognition Night, honoring Alaire Nardone, Brooke Bowland, and Savanna Rush. Each senior was recognized alongside family and friends for their leadership, dedication, and the spirit they’ve brought to the court. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, and supporters, the evening was filled with gratitude, laughter, and plenty of Blue Devil pride. Congratulations to our seniors on an incredible season and the legacy they leave behind for future Blue Devils!

Alaire Nardone (24), Brooke Bowland (4), Savanna Rush (22)

Mrs. Boni’s third graders explored the concept of area this week through a fun, hands-on activity. Using colorful tiles, students worked together to build and measure shapes while discovering how area can be found by counting square units. It was a great mix of teamwork, creativity, and math in action!

This year’s Reading Under the Stars event was a true celebration of community, creativity, and connection. From the nonstop fun at the activity tables to the lantern-lit storytelling and student-led showcases, every corner of the evening radiated Blue Devil pride. What stood out most was the sense of togetherness—students learning from one another, teachers and families sharing in joyful moments, and the entire Burgettstown community coming together to celebrate learning in a meaningful way. Events like this remind us that education extends far beyond the classroom—it’s about building relationships, fostering curiosity, and creating memories that last long after the night ends.

Behind the Elementary Center, the evening unfolded quietly beneath the glow of the moon. High school students sat side-by-side with elementary readers, sharing stories that once sparked their own imaginations. Blue tarps reflected the night sky’s hue, creating a calm, connected space where the joy of reading came to life.

It was more than a reading event — it was a moment of mentorship, friendship, and Blue Devil unity. Under the stars, stories bridged generations and reminded us all that the love of learning shines brightest when shared together.

narrative needed

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. After last year's Commencement, we informed the management at Star Lake that our preferred date for this year's Commencement is June 5, 2026. 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.