Bethel Park High School
Encyclopedia
Bethel Park High School, also called BPHS, is a four-year, comprehensive high school
located in Bethel Park
, Pennsylvania
, with an enrollment of 1,937 students in grades 9–12. Set up much like a college campus, it consists of eight buildings on an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) campus. Its curriculum includes ten Advanced Placement Program
courses, 14 honors courses and four foreign language programs. Its mascot is the Black Hawk.
Its mission statement is "To lead an educational partnership with the community, maintaining an environment that challenges all students to reach their potential as lifelong learners and responsible members of society."
All hail to thee.
We sing thee praises every one
With love and loyalty.
From atop the summit’s brow
Keep a watchful eye.
We’ll always love thy colors true
Our Bethel High.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. At Bethel Park Senior High School the graduation project includes: a paper, a presentation, and a product. The project must be related to a course the student is taking in the junior or senior year.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
The high school ranked 14th of 123 high school in western Pennsylvania for academic achievement based on three years of PSSA
results on: math, reading, writing and one year of science, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in May 2009.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 29% of Bethel Park School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
. http://www.bpsd.org/administration/pr/ 10 Advanced Placement courses are offered including: American and European History, English Literature and Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Calculus BC, Java, Spanish, French, German, and Latin. BPHS also offers 14 Honors classes and numerous electives, not limited to but including, Law and You, Democratic Leadership, Sociology, Journalism, Media Literacy, Theatre Arts, and Web Page Design. Every other year, Bethel Park also offers a course called the China Experience, which is taught by a teacher from Bethel Park's sister school Xing Zhi High School in China
. Spanish, French, German, and Latin are offered as well. The average SAT
score at Bethel Park High School in 2006 was 1046, compared to the state average of 993. The class of 2009 produced 2 National Merit Scholars and 7 National Merit Commended Students and 105 students who received scholarships totaling $4.8 million.
Forty-three percent of the Class of 2008 graduated with a QPA of 3.5 or higher, with 111 students maintaining their standing in the National Honor Society, by keeping their QPA at 3.85 or higher. The SAT scores of the Class of 2008 were 93 points higher than the State average and 55 points higher than the National average.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $3162 for the program.
Grades are usually rounded up if it is .5 or above. Ex 89.5% = "A"
Bethel Park High School began to offer Edline
for progress reporting to all students. Teachers are expected to update grades on Edline
the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of all grading periods (every two weeks).
for the Community College of Allegheny County
. The campus opened in 1959 and was extensively renovated in 1996.
Buildings 2, 3, and 4 each feature a courtyard
in the center of each building. The building 2 courtyard features trees and flower gardens. The building 3 courtyard has a circle of bricks. The building 4 courtyard features a fountain with a pond, benches, and flower gardens. Some teachers hold classes in the courtyards when the weather is nice.
Bethel Park High School was originally called Bethel High School. The first Bethel High School held two classrooms and an auditorium; and employed four teachers. It was constructed in 1908 at the corner of South Park Road and Park Avenue for $6,400 and still stands today. The first graduating class of 15 students, five males and ten females, graduated in 1909.
In 1914, the high school changed to a four year program. Around 1920 extracurriculars began. A 10 room grade school was constructed in 1927 near the high school on Park Avenue, in the current site of the current Bethel Park Community Center. The enrollment at the high school level outgrew the original high school facility and the high school students switched schools with the younger students in 1934.
Enrollment over the years kept increasing, which necessitated additions to the high school on Park Avenue. During the construction of a new addition to the school on July 11, 1939, a fire broke out and heavily damaged the building, but construction continued and on September 20, 1940 a dedication was held to commemorate the new addition to the building. In 1949 a gymnasium was added to the Park Avenue school and in 1952 an upper wing was constructed to meet growing enrollment and student educational needs
In 1956 the Board of School Directors purchased an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) plot on Church Road, known at that time as McCormack Farm, and plans were drawn to create a campus environment. In the fall of 1959, sophomores, juniors and seniors moved to their six-building campus, which consisted of two academic buildings, library, auditorium/cafeteria, physical education building and boiler house at a cost of $4.1 million for construction and equipment. Ninth graders stayed at the junior high.
Ninth graders returned to campus in the fall of 1964 and were excluded again beginning in 1976. Finally, ninth graders returned to the campus again in 1985 and have remained since.
The school was called Bethel High School until the campus high school opened in 1959, changing the name to Bethel Senior High School. It was not until 1964 that the school district added “Park” to its name, becoming Bethel Park Senior High School.
The new Bethel Senior High School was dedicated on October 23, 1960, but the campus would not grow to its current size until seven years later. Phase II of the construction was completed in 1964 with the addition of another academic building and the industrial arts building. Phase III was completed in 1967 with the construction of the fourth academic building and a 6,300 seat football stadium and track, three tennis courts, seven basketball courts and a baseball field, as well as additions to the library, cafeteria and physical education building. Ten classrooms were added to Buildings 2 and 3 in 1969.
In 1972 the first Bethel High School was converted into the School House Arts Center and was given historic landmark designation by the Pittsburgh History
and Landmarks Association in 1990. When the high school students moved to their new campus, the former high school on Park Avenue was used as a junior high school until it was put up for sale in 1974. It was sold to the Municipality of Bethel Park in 1975 for $1 and closed in 1980.
It was demolished in 1990 and is now the home of the Bethel Park Community Center. Before the school was demolished, the Bethel High School compass-style floor emblem that was in the vestibule, linking the gymnasium and auditorium in the old school, was carefully removed. The emblem is 9’2” in diameter and constructed from terrazzo, and now proudly adorns the lobby of the Community Center.
In June 1994 a 26 month, $20 million renovation included new roofs, ceilings, terrazzo tile and carpeting, site work, painting, elevators, plumbing and HVAC, as well renovations to the gymnasium/swimming pool and industrial arts building. All renovations were completed to the eight buildings by 1996. Around 1996 “Senior” was dropped and the school is currently known as Bethel Park High School.
1960-1967 – Robert E. Owsiany
1967-1976 – Edward A. Strall
1976-1985 – Thomas K. Walters
1985-1991 – Thomas R. Moses
1991-1996 – Lawrence A. Bukowski, Ph.D.
1996-2001 – Thomas A. Hisiro, Ed.D.
2001-2006 – David A. Helinski
2006–present – Zeb Jansante, Ed.D.
Events such as the May Day Celebration, class banquets, Halloween Parties and a New Year’s Dance were part of school life. Operettas were presented instead of the Musical. Clubs such as Girl Reserves, Hi-Y, The Secret Sixteen and the Junior Birdmen
were popular among the students. Sports were limited to Boys Basketball and Football. Girls Basketball was an intramural sport. The first school cafeteria in Allegheny County opened at Bethel High School in 1930 and was staffed by students who earned one credit toward graduation for their participation.
Dancing was an important part of school social life in the 1940s, with Student Council holding weekly dances in addition to the Prom and May Dance, which were held in the gymnasium.
The curriculum expanded to include classes such as Shorthand, Wood Shop, Art, Physical Education, Spanish and Penmanship.
Student clubs of the 1940s included the 8x Owls and Miracle Book Club. Sports grew to include Boys Golf.
Student organizations included the Canteen Committee, Sub Deb Club, Technician’s Club, Radio Club, Forensics League and the Future Teachers of America. Rifle was added as a sport.
One of Bethel’s great traditions was born in the 1950s—the Powder Puff Football Game, that pits senior girls against their junior counterparts for a friendly game of flag football. This event, now more than 50 years old, “kicks off” the annual Homecoming Week festivities.
In the 1950s T.M. Buck, Bethel High School’s Supervising Principal and the first Superintendent of the school district, wrote this in the Bethlan student handbook: “High school provides the place and opportunity, but only your desire and will to work can make these good things result in qualities of scholarship, leadership and character for the individual; and only these will result in the kind of school we want. Good citizenship is the first step, and every one of you can take it. If each teacher and pupil ‘gives’ to the school, there will be plenty for all to ‘take.’”
prompted students to break away from conformity.
However, while fashion and attitude were changing dramatically, school spirit remained. School clubs that were formed in the 1960s included Future Nurses of America, Leathercraft Club, Photography Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Mechanics Club, Electronics Club and Vernissage.
Boys Swimming and Cross Country, as well as Girls Gymnastics, were new sports of the 1960s. In 1967 the Bethettes retired their batons in favor of the now-famous pom-poms, but the uniforms have remained basically the same over the years.
1970s student clubs reflected the interests of the day, including the Psychology Club, Chess Club, Coin Club, Radio Club, Last Resort Club, Monopoly Club, Flat Earth Society, Future Secretaries of America and Astronomy Club.
Social events in the 1970s included the Sadie Hawkins Dance, Christmas Dance, Sock Hop, Sweetheart’s Dance and Campus Carnival.
The 1970s saw the creation of several girls sports teams, including Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis, Softball, Golf, Track and Cross Country. Boys Ice Hockey had its inception in the 1970s as well.
The curriculum included some interesting offerings such as an Independent Living Relations Class, which held a Greek Orthodox Mock Wedding. The reception was catered by the Gourmet Cooking Class.
Girls Soccer was added to the athletic offerings in the 1980s and the clubs reflected students’ interest in pop culture, with the Rubik’s Cube Club and EPOCH (Europeans for the Preservation of Our Cultural Heritage).
Activities in the 1980s included the Snow Ball Dance, Cupid’s Connection Dance, a Beach Party and a Tombstone Twist.
Both boys' and girls' swimming teams were dominant in this decade, with the boys winning Pennsylvania state championships in 1981, 1982, 1985 and 1988, and the girls winning state championships in 1981, 1985 and 1988.
The boys' baseball team won the Pennsylvania state championship in 1988 and finished second in 1985 and 1987. The girls' softball team finished second in 1987.
The boys' basketball team won the school's first WPIAL championship in 1989 and was led by esteemed coach William "Red" Ryan.
1990s new sports included Men's Lacrosse and Fencing. Classes included Research Techniques and Speedwriting.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located in Bethel Park
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Bethel Park is a home rule municipality in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, and is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area, approximately 7 miles southwest of Pittsburgh...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, with an enrollment of 1,937 students in grades 9–12. Set up much like a college campus, it consists of eight buildings on an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) campus. Its curriculum includes ten Advanced Placement Program
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement program is a curriculum in the United States and Canada sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college...
courses, 14 honors courses and four foreign language programs. Its mascot is the Black Hawk.
Its mission statement is "To lead an educational partnership with the community, maintaining an environment that challenges all students to reach their potential as lifelong learners and responsible members of society."
Alma mater
Oh Alma Mater, Bethel HighAll hail to thee.
We sing thee praises every one
With love and loyalty.
From atop the summit’s brow
Keep a watchful eye.
We’ll always love thy colors true
Our Bethel High.
Graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Bethel Park School District's rate was 97% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 98%
- 2009 - 98%
- 2008 - 98%
- 2007 - 98%
Graduation requirements
The Bethel Park School Board requires that a student earn 27 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Technology 1 credit, Health/Phys. Ed. 1.50 credits, Fine Arts 2 credits and Electives 7.5 credits. All students (special education students with I.E.P.’s excluded) who fall below grade level on a standardized test or state assessment in reading will be required to take reading courses until they read at grade level.By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. At Bethel Park Senior High School the graduation project includes: a paper, a presentation, and a product. The project must be related to a course the student is taking in the junior or senior year.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
Academics
In 2010 the high school declined to Warning - AYP status due to chronic, low achievement for special education students and low income students. In 2009, the school achieved AYP status.The high school ranked 14th of 123 high school in western Pennsylvania for academic achievement based on three years of PSSA
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...
results on: math, reading, writing and one year of science, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in May 2009.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2010 - 84%, State - 67% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 86%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 80%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 75% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 79%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 74%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 57% on grade level. State: 39% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2009 - 67%, State: 40%
- 2008 - 55%, State - 39%
College remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 29% of Bethel Park School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
Curriculum
Bethel Park's curriculum offers a wide range of academic opportunities. The school has long prided itself on its strong academics. In the 2006 Pittsburgh Business Times annual ranking of schools, Bethel Park High School was ranked #9 out of 123 high schools in southwestern PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. http://www.bpsd.org/administration/pr/ 10 Advanced Placement courses are offered including: American and European History, English Literature and Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Calculus BC, Java, Spanish, French, German, and Latin. BPHS also offers 14 Honors classes and numerous electives, not limited to but including, Law and You, Democratic Leadership, Sociology, Journalism, Media Literacy, Theatre Arts, and Web Page Design. Every other year, Bethel Park also offers a course called the China Experience, which is taught by a teacher from Bethel Park's sister school Xing Zhi High School in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. Spanish, French, German, and Latin are offered as well. The average SAT
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization in the United States. It was formerly developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service which still...
score at Bethel Park High School in 2006 was 1046, compared to the state average of 993. The class of 2009 produced 2 National Merit Scholars and 7 National Merit Commended Students and 105 students who received scholarships totaling $4.8 million.
Forty-three percent of the Class of 2008 graduated with a QPA of 3.5 or higher, with 111 students maintaining their standing in the National Honor Society, by keeping their QPA at 3.85 or higher. The SAT scores of the Class of 2008 were 93 points higher than the State average and 55 points higher than the National average.
Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $3162 for the program.
Grading System
Bethel Park High School uses the following grading system:- A (90% and Higher)
- B (80% – 89%)
- C (70% – 79%)
- D (60% – 69%)
- F (Below 60%)
- I (incomplete)
Grades are usually rounded up if it is .5 or above. Ex 89.5% = "A"
Bethel Park High School began to offer Edline
Edline
Edline is a Learning Community Management System that many schools use for school and class organization. It provides district, school and classroom level website support for administrators, parents, teachers and students from kindergarten through 12th grade...
for progress reporting to all students. Teachers are expected to update grades on Edline
Edline
Edline is a Learning Community Management System that many schools use for school and class organization. It provides district, school and classroom level website support for administrators, parents, teachers and students from kindergarten through 12th grade...
the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of all grading periods (every two weeks).
Classrooms for the Future Grant
Bethel Park School Board received a grant from the PA Department of Education to purchase equipment to help reform the high school's core subjects instruction and to prepare students for future employment by using cutting-edge equipment and software. The district used the funds to purchase laptops for students, laptops for teachers, laptop carts and other digital equipment. The grant provided additional funding for a technology coach to instruct teachers in using the equipment to improve instruction. In 2006-07 and 2007-08 the district applied for, but was denied Classroom For the Future funding by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In 2008-09, the district received $188,223. Beginning in 2006, Pennsylvania's Classrooms for the Future program distributed more than $150 million for laptops, interactive boards and other high-tech tools to 543 Pennsylvania high schools. In 2009, the Classrooms For the Future funding program was terminated due to a deep state revenue shortfall.Campus
The high school is one of few high schools in Pennsylvania that is composed of more than 3 buildings. In fact, the high school was originally intended to serve dual purposes as both the high school for Bethel Park and to be a campusCampus
A campus is traditionally the land on which a college or university and related institutional buildings are situated. Usually a campus includes libraries, lecture halls, residence halls and park-like settings...
for the Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Allegheny County, or CCAC as it is officially abbreviated, is a community college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With four campuses and six centers, the college offers associate's degrees, certificate and diploma programs....
. The campus opened in 1959 and was extensively renovated in 1996.
- Building 1 - ScienceScienceScience is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
and Health. Also homeroomHomeroomHomeroom or advisory is the classroom session in which a teacher records attendance and makes announcements. It can also be called Registration or Planning Period...
s for freshmenStudentA student is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution. In some nations, the English term is reserved for those who attend university, while a schoolchild under the age of eighteen is called a pupil in English...
. - Building 2 - Social StudiesSocial studiesSocial studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies...
, BusinessBusinessA business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
and Foreign LanguageLanguage educationLanguage education is the teaching and learning of a foreign or second language. Language education is a branch of applied linguistics.- Need for language education :...
. Also homerooms for sophomores/freshman. - Building 3 - MathMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, ArtArtArt is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, Computer ScienceComputer scienceComputer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
and MarketingMarketingMarketing is the process used to determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. It generates the strategy that underlies sales techniques, business communication, and business developments...
. Also homerooms for juniors - Building 4 - EnglishEnglish studiesEnglish studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
, and Family and consumer scienceFamily and consumer scienceFamily and consumer sciences is an academic discipline that combines aspects of social and natural science. Family and consumer sciences deals with the relationship between individuals, families, and communities, and the environment in which they live...
. Also homerooms for seniors, and the location of both the principal's office, the attendance office, the nurse's office and the Writing Center. - Building 5 - Technology educationTechnology educationTechnology education is a study of technology, in which students "learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology". As a study, it covers the human ability to shape and change the physical world to meet needs, by manipulating materials and tools with techniques.-External links:...
, and the Golf Room in the basement. - Building 6 - GymGymThe word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, that mean a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
, the pool, the Athletic Office, the locker rooms and the rifle range in the basement. - Building 7 - CafeteriaCafeteriaA cafeteria is a type of food service location in which there is little or no waiting staff table service, whether a restaurant or within an institution such as a large office building or school; a school dining location is also referred to as a dining hall or canteen...
, MusicMusicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, AuditoriumAuditoriumAn auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances at venues such as theatres. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens.- Etymology :...
, and Theatre artsDramaDrama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
. - Building 8 - MediaMass mediaMass media refers collectively to all media technologies which are intended to reach a large audience via mass communication. Broadcast media transmit their information electronically and comprise of television, film and radio, movies, CDs, DVDs and some other gadgets like cameras or video consoles...
Center (LibraryLibraryIn a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
).
Buildings 2, 3, and 4 each feature a courtyard
Courtyard
A court or courtyard is an enclosed area, often a space enclosed by a building that is open to the sky. These areas in inns and public buildings were often the primary meeting places for some purposes, leading to the other meanings of court....
in the center of each building. The building 2 courtyard features trees and flower gardens. The building 3 courtyard has a circle of bricks. The building 4 courtyard features a fountain with a pond, benches, and flower gardens. Some teachers hold classes in the courtyards when the weather is nice.
History
In 1886 when the school district was formed, Bethel was a township, so the name of the school district was the Bethel Township School District.Bethel Park High School was originally called Bethel High School. The first Bethel High School held two classrooms and an auditorium; and employed four teachers. It was constructed in 1908 at the corner of South Park Road and Park Avenue for $6,400 and still stands today. The first graduating class of 15 students, five males and ten females, graduated in 1909.
In 1914, the high school changed to a four year program. Around 1920 extracurriculars began. A 10 room grade school was constructed in 1927 near the high school on Park Avenue, in the current site of the current Bethel Park Community Center. The enrollment at the high school level outgrew the original high school facility and the high school students switched schools with the younger students in 1934.
Enrollment over the years kept increasing, which necessitated additions to the high school on Park Avenue. During the construction of a new addition to the school on July 11, 1939, a fire broke out and heavily damaged the building, but construction continued and on September 20, 1940 a dedication was held to commemorate the new addition to the building. In 1949 a gymnasium was added to the Park Avenue school and in 1952 an upper wing was constructed to meet growing enrollment and student educational needs
In 1956 the Board of School Directors purchased an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) plot on Church Road, known at that time as McCormack Farm, and plans were drawn to create a campus environment. In the fall of 1959, sophomores, juniors and seniors moved to their six-building campus, which consisted of two academic buildings, library, auditorium/cafeteria, physical education building and boiler house at a cost of $4.1 million for construction and equipment. Ninth graders stayed at the junior high.
Ninth graders returned to campus in the fall of 1964 and were excluded again beginning in 1976. Finally, ninth graders returned to the campus again in 1985 and have remained since.
The school was called Bethel High School until the campus high school opened in 1959, changing the name to Bethel Senior High School. It was not until 1964 that the school district added “Park” to its name, becoming Bethel Park Senior High School.
The new Bethel Senior High School was dedicated on October 23, 1960, but the campus would not grow to its current size until seven years later. Phase II of the construction was completed in 1964 with the addition of another academic building and the industrial arts building. Phase III was completed in 1967 with the construction of the fourth academic building and a 6,300 seat football stadium and track, three tennis courts, seven basketball courts and a baseball field, as well as additions to the library, cafeteria and physical education building. Ten classrooms were added to Buildings 2 and 3 in 1969.
In 1972 the first Bethel High School was converted into the School House Arts Center and was given historic landmark designation by the Pittsburgh History
and Landmarks Association in 1990. When the high school students moved to their new campus, the former high school on Park Avenue was used as a junior high school until it was put up for sale in 1974. It was sold to the Municipality of Bethel Park in 1975 for $1 and closed in 1980.
It was demolished in 1990 and is now the home of the Bethel Park Community Center. Before the school was demolished, the Bethel High School compass-style floor emblem that was in the vestibule, linking the gymnasium and auditorium in the old school, was carefully removed. The emblem is 9’2” in diameter and constructed from terrazzo, and now proudly adorns the lobby of the Community Center.
In June 1994 a 26 month, $20 million renovation included new roofs, ceilings, terrazzo tile and carpeting, site work, painting, elevators, plumbing and HVAC, as well renovations to the gymnasium/swimming pool and industrial arts building. All renovations were completed to the eight buildings by 1996. Around 1996 “Senior” was dropped and the school is currently known as Bethel Park High School.
School Principals
1958-1960 – Theodore A. Siedle1960-1967 – Robert E. Owsiany
1967-1976 – Edward A. Strall
1976-1985 – Thomas K. Walters
1985-1991 – Thomas R. Moses
1991-1996 – Lawrence A. Bukowski, Ph.D.
1996-2001 – Thomas A. Hisiro, Ed.D.
2001-2006 – David A. Helinski
2006–present – Zeb Jansante, Ed.D.
1930s
Curriculum in the 1930s consisted of English, History, French, Home Economics, Social Studies, Music, Latin, Science and Math.Events such as the May Day Celebration, class banquets, Halloween Parties and a New Year’s Dance were part of school life. Operettas were presented instead of the Musical. Clubs such as Girl Reserves, Hi-Y, The Secret Sixteen and the Junior Birdmen
Junior Birdmen
The Junior Birdmen of America was an organization for boys interested in building model airplanes, founded and promoted by the Hearst newspapers, with the cooperation of the U.S. Bureau of Air Commerce....
were popular among the students. Sports were limited to Boys Basketball and Football. Girls Basketball was an intramural sport. The first school cafeteria in Allegheny County opened at Bethel High School in 1930 and was staffed by students who earned one credit toward graduation for their participation.
1940s
The 1940s saw an end to the Depression and the beginning of World War II. Like other schools, many young Bethel High School male students were active in the war. Female students did their part for the war effort by participating in organizations such as the Girl Reserves to knit mittens and socks for the soldiers. Because of war conditions, several interscholastic sports were cancelled. After the war, school life got back to normal, with music and dancing in the cafeteria during lunchtime for those who stayed.Dancing was an important part of school social life in the 1940s, with Student Council holding weekly dances in addition to the Prom and May Dance, which were held in the gymnasium.
The curriculum expanded to include classes such as Shorthand, Wood Shop, Art, Physical Education, Spanish and Penmanship.
Student clubs of the 1940s included the 8x Owls and Miracle Book Club. Sports grew to include Boys Golf.
1950s
As Bethel moved into the 1950s, the high school began to grow. A new gymnasium with a divider enabled boys and girls gym classes to be held simultaneously. The addition of bleachers meant that students could attend sporting events and cheer for their teams from the stands.Student organizations included the Canteen Committee, Sub Deb Club, Technician’s Club, Radio Club, Forensics League and the Future Teachers of America. Rifle was added as a sport.
One of Bethel’s great traditions was born in the 1950s—the Powder Puff Football Game, that pits senior girls against their junior counterparts for a friendly game of flag football. This event, now more than 50 years old, “kicks off” the annual Homecoming Week festivities.
In the 1950s T.M. Buck, Bethel High School’s Supervising Principal and the first Superintendent of the school district, wrote this in the Bethlan student handbook: “High school provides the place and opportunity, but only your desire and will to work can make these good things result in qualities of scholarship, leadership and character for the individual; and only these will result in the kind of school we want. Good citizenship is the first step, and every one of you can take it. If each teacher and pupil ‘gives’ to the school, there will be plenty for all to ‘take.’”
1960s
As Bethel rocked and rolled into the 1960s, the average student changed considerably. Events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the onset of the Vietnam WarVietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
prompted students to break away from conformity.
However, while fashion and attitude were changing dramatically, school spirit remained. School clubs that were formed in the 1960s included Future Nurses of America, Leathercraft Club, Photography Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Mechanics Club, Electronics Club and Vernissage.
Boys Swimming and Cross Country, as well as Girls Gymnastics, were new sports of the 1960s. In 1967 the Bethettes retired their batons in favor of the now-famous pom-poms, but the uniforms have remained basically the same over the years.
1970s
The spirit of rebellion continued into the 1970s, accompanied by a great deal of self-evaluation, as students became skeptical that they could change the world. But the Bethel student body was victorious in bringing change to their school. For example, Bethel students won the right to an Honor Study Program, the right to drive to school and have an influence on the curriculum. But as conservatism dominated the late 70’s, many of these privileges were revoked as the curriculum headed to a “back to basics” philosophy.1970s student clubs reflected the interests of the day, including the Psychology Club, Chess Club, Coin Club, Radio Club, Last Resort Club, Monopoly Club, Flat Earth Society, Future Secretaries of America and Astronomy Club.
Social events in the 1970s included the Sadie Hawkins Dance, Christmas Dance, Sock Hop, Sweetheart’s Dance and Campus Carnival.
The 1970s saw the creation of several girls sports teams, including Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis, Softball, Golf, Track and Cross Country. Boys Ice Hockey had its inception in the 1970s as well.
1980s
Graduating classes in the 1980s declined from more than 700 students in 1980 to 479 in 1989.The curriculum included some interesting offerings such as an Independent Living Relations Class, which held a Greek Orthodox Mock Wedding. The reception was catered by the Gourmet Cooking Class.
Girls Soccer was added to the athletic offerings in the 1980s and the clubs reflected students’ interest in pop culture, with the Rubik’s Cube Club and EPOCH (Europeans for the Preservation of Our Cultural Heritage).
Activities in the 1980s included the Snow Ball Dance, Cupid’s Connection Dance, a Beach Party and a Tombstone Twist.
Both boys' and girls' swimming teams were dominant in this decade, with the boys winning Pennsylvania state championships in 1981, 1982, 1985 and 1988, and the girls winning state championships in 1981, 1985 and 1988.
The boys' baseball team won the Pennsylvania state championship in 1988 and finished second in 1985 and 1987. The girls' softball team finished second in 1987.
The boys' basketball team won the school's first WPIAL championship in 1989 and was led by esteemed coach William "Red" Ryan.
1990s
Issues such as drunk driving, brought about the creation of a SADD group in the 1990s, as well as a Newcomers Club to welcome new students to campus. Activities included the Club Coca-Cola Dance, Colonial Day, Twin Day and Mardi Gras Week. Traditions which had their inception in the 1990s and still continue today include Senior Appreciation Day, the Cheerleaders annual Fashion Show to benefit Make-A-Wish, the SGA Volleyball Tournament and the ever-popular Man of the Year dance competition, which debuted in 1991. The Goofy Awards began in 1995 and continue today.1990s new sports included Men's Lacrosse and Fencing. Classes included Research Techniques and Speedwriting.
2000s
This decade saw some shifts in the school. With the passage of No Child Left Behind there was even more of an emphasis on standardized testing. 9th grade writing scores were among the top 3 in the Commonwealth. Senior Appreciation Day was banned because it was considered harassment. However, around 2006 things started to decline after key leadership left. Telerama, Bethel Park High School's talent show almost died out, but the great work of two teachers revitalized it into popularity once again. Homecoming remains a popular dance, along with prom. However, others school dances that are planned usually do not receive a great turnout.Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policies. It is the policy of the board that no student can be compelled to participate in a public performance or be penalized in any way for failure to do so.By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.
Notable alumni
- Barbara Feldon - Movie and Television Actress, most notably co-star of Get SmartGet SmartGet Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show starred Don Adams , Barbara Feldon , and Edward Platt...
- Armon Gilliam - NBA player and 2nd overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft1987 NBA DraftThe 1987 Draft of the National Basketball Association was held on June 22, 1987 in New York City, New York.This draft is notable for the selection of two future members of the NBA 50 Greatest Players list, David Robinson and Scottie Pippen. Other notable selections include Reggie Miller, Kevin...
- Richard G. JewellRichard G. JewellRichard G. Jewell is the eighth president of Grove City College, a Christian liberal arts college in Grove City, Pennsylvania. The 1967 Grove City graduate assumed the presidency in fall of 2003 after a successful career in law and business...
- President of Grove City College - Rick SebakRick SebakRichard "Rick" Sebak is an American film director and producer who lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States.Sebak is the creator of the "scrapbook documentary" genre, many of which he has created for WQED and PBS...
- Movie Writer, Producer, and Narrator - Jim ShooterJim ShooterJames Shooter is an American writer, occasional fill-in artist, editor, and publisher for various comic books. Although he started professionally in the medium at the extraordinarily young age of 14, he is most notable for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comics' ninth...
- Comic book writer and editor; Editor-in-chief of Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, 1978 - 1987. Wrote comics while a student at BPHS. - Matt SmithMatt Smith (American politician)Matthew Hayden Smith is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives....
- Politician and Pennsylvania State Representative - Mike WesthoffMike WesthoffMike Westhoff is a special teams coach for the New York Jets of the National Football League. Westhoff is considered a "pioneering special teams coach" and his special teams units are generally ranked very highly in the NFL.-New York Jets:...
- NFL coach; current special teams coordinator for New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Richard WhiteRichard White (actor)Richard White is an American actor, opera singer and voice actor. He is best known for voicing the character of Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and in the TV series House of Mouse....
- Voice of Gaston in Disney's 1991 animated movie Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast (1991 film)Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 American animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The thirtieth film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series and the third film of the Disney Renaissance period...