Burgettstown Area School District
Burgettstown High School and Elementary School are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for their students. With several standout programs and initiatives, their commitment to supporting students and fostering a sense of community are evident.
The “Blue Devil Closet” located in the high school is a classroom that houses the clothing, dresses, and shoes which were donated to help any students in need. Contributions come from local individuals and businesses alike, providing a valuable resource for the school community when needed. The Blue Devil Boost Bag Program is another example of how BASD makes sure their students are provided for. This program allows students to take non-perishable food items home after school and on weekends when school is not in session, ensuring students have access to food during breaks.
The Art Room boasts impressive projects, including eye-catching paintings, drawings, and sketches. The school takes pride in its pottery throwing activities, offering students a creative outlet. Teachers spoke enthusiastically about Staff Wellness Days that included pottery throwing with calming music to help decompress.
The technology and high-tech machines that students have access to creates some remarkable work. 3D printers, etching machines, and vinyl cutters, are just a few of the tools that offer students the opportunity to create highly innovative projects. Keychains, three dimensional cardboard swords, picture frames, and figurines created using computer-aided design tools adorn the classroom.
The high-energy music class has recently spent time rehearsing musical numbers for their Remake Learning Days showcase. Students enthusiastically sang, even as they left the classroom, highlighting their passion and enjoyment of the program. “Mindfulness and Music” takes center stage every day in the classroom where the teacher values the self-esteem of each student, and never wants to make them feel as if they are under the spotlight.
The Turtle Club was established after discovering turtles in one of the courtyards! Students now learn about turtles in class, help to take care of them, and are working to install a pond for them in the near future.
Over in the Elementary school, the After School Music Program has grown in popularity since the COVID 19 pandemic, offering students the chance to work with full-size instruments such as drums and keyboards. Students have the opportunity to learn how to play in a band and develop musical techniques.
The 4th Grade Wax Museum is a successful event that has taken place for several years. 4th-grade students first choose a historical figure to research. Then, they get to dress up as that person, and present for their families and the student body the information that they have learned about that figure’s life, just as a wax figure would “speak” to you in a museum.
As part of Dr. Seuss week every year, the 2nd Graders put on “The Lorax” Musical. Students eagerly learn and practice the words in "The Lorax" book. They recite the entire book in front of their families, set against a beautiful stage filled with the very recognizable Truffula trees.
Both schools utilize the 7 Mindsets curriculum, K-12, promoting a mindsets-based approach to learning. This program fosters student well-being and achievement, as well as healthy school cultures and educator happiness and retention. It encourages positive thinking, strong relationships, and goal setting, while also enhancing educator well-being through a holistic approach to teaching and learning.
The end of the year means it’s time for the Champs Carnival! The Character Hard-Working And Me Program Carnival is hosted annually at nearby Star Lake Amphitheater. The event, which has a theme every year, boasts inflatables, activities, games, prizes, music, and food, creating a fun and memorable experience for all.
Burgettstown High School and Elementary School are dedicated to nurturing students' academic and personal development. By offering a range of creative programs and initiatives, the schools provide a warm and inclusive setting that promotes community engagement. The Burgettstown School District ensures a secure learning space where all students are made to feel appreciated, welcomed, and included.
