Bellefonte Area School District

Bellefonte Area School District New Hire Spotlight: BASD welcomes Jeremiah Dobo to our staff! Jeremiah is a band and music teacher at the Bellefonte Area High School. Below is a little questionnaire about him: What is something you are passionate about outside of work? I am a passionate hockey fan, especially for my favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings. Who would you choose if you could pick 1 person (living or not living) to have dinner with? I would have dinner with Detroit Red Wings legend, Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe. Using 3 different adjectives, describe yourself in 3 words: Jolly, Welcoming, Kind What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? My father has always told me to create your own luck instead of hoping it will come to you. Why did you choose BASD? Growing up only a half hour away in West Branch, I always held BASD and especially the performing arts at Bellefonte in high esteem. When a position opened that seemed like a perfect fit for me, it was a no brainer to join the BASD family. We hope that you enjoyed learning a little about Jeremiah and are excited to have him on our staff!

The Salvation Army Centre County Service is accepting applications for the Angel Tree and Sheetz for the Kids Christmas programs. Application dates begin October 3rd! Please see the attached flier for more specific information - and please share with those that would benefit from this!

The third Tuesday in September annually celebrates IT professionals. In our district, our IT professionals help keep our staff and systems moving forward every day. There are countless tech requests that are submitted daily and our IT people do their best to solve every one of them. The district thanks you so much for your hard work!

PSU Sororities held a dress sale at BAHS to help raise money for THON. They sold gently used formal dresses for low prices and earned almost $500 to donate back to THON.

Dear Parents and Guardians, This afternoon, shortly before dismissal, a nonspecific bomb threat voicemail message was left at Bellefonte ES on the attendance line. Students were dismissed and, as a precaution, staff was released when buildings were clear. Since then, our Director of Security, in consultation with local police, has determined that the threat is not credible and is similar to a trend of similar threats that have been made in neighboring school districts recently. All after-school and evening activities will continue as planned. There will be an increased police presence tonight at events and in town. Dr. Rakszawski

On September 12, the volleyball seniors recognized teachers in their lives that have made a difference. Sadie Ripka selected Drew Eddinger, Taryn Miller selected Sean Seymour, and Emma Haagen selected Matt McDermit. Thank you teachers, for being great educators in these student-athletes’ lives!

Bellefonte Area School District New Hire Spotlight: BASD welcomes Natalee West to our staff! Natalee is a Spanish teacher at the Bellefonte Area Middle School. Below is a little questionnaire about her: What is something you are passionate about outside of work? Outside of work, I am passionate about spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking or going on runs! I also enjoy reading! Who would you choose if you could pick 1 person (living or not living) to have dinner with? If I could pick one person to have dinner with, I would choose Frida Kahlo. She is a strong woman who put many of her messages in the form of her art! Using 3 different adjectives, describe yourself in 3 words: Three words to describe myself are patient, kind, and optimistic. What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? The best piece of advice someone has ever given me is that it is important to live this life day-to-day. One day may be bad, but that does not mean the next one will be, too. Each day has a clean slate and should begin with a positive attitude! Why did you choose BASD? From the very beginning, I was met with open arms and smiles from faculty and staff. Bellefonte cares about their teachers and it shows in the time they take to plan out PL days and trade time that allows teachers to take a mental break or dive deeper into who they are as educators. I have completely fallen in love with the community and the fact that the district and community have such a great relationship. There is absolutely nothing I would change and I am so happy to be here! We hope that you enjoyed learning a little about Natalee and are excited to have her on our staff!

On September 22nd from 10:30AM-5:30PM, the Youth Service Bureau is has free winter items for those that could use them! This winter event will be held at 334 S. Burrowes St. in State College. See the flier for more information and please share with those that could benefit from this!

It's Worker Wednesday! The Bellefonte Area School District is hiring. Listed below are some of the highlighted positions: 1. Health Room Assistant/Special Education 2. Intervention Para Educator - MW Elementary 3. Custodian, 2nd Shift - BAMS 4. Cafeteria Cashier - BAHS 5. Paraprofessional - Special Education There are many more listed on our website, which can be viewed here: https://bellefonte.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx Please share with family and friends - a fully employed school district is what our children deserve!

Bellefonte Volleyball's annual Dig Pink Night is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st against Tyrone! It is free admission with the purchase of a Dig Pink shirt. All proceeds will be donated to a local breast cancer survivor. Hope to see you there! Order your Dig Pink shirt here: https://store.mathieumultimedia.com/product/bellefonte-volleyball-cancer-research-fundraiser-tee-2024/

For your Calendars: Would you like your opinion heard? The BASD Board of School Directors will be holding a public hearing to receive and consider comments from the public on the issue/question as to whether one or more of the District’s elementary schools should be permanently closed and/or explore other options. This will be held at the Bellefonte Area Middle School on Thursday, September 26th at 7:00PM. Please see the message below for the formal statement provided by the Board of School Directors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Bellefonte Area School District Board of School Directors will be holding a public hearing pursuant to Section 780 of the Public-School Code of 1949, as amended, to present information as well as to receive and consider comments from the public on the issue/question as to whether one or more of the District’s elementary schools should be permanently closed and/or explore other options. The hearing shall be held in the Cafeteria at the Bellefonte Area Middle School, 100 North School Street, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823 on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 7 p.m. Any questions, please contact Dr. Roy Rakszawski, Superintendent.

Bellefonte Area School District New Hire Spotlight: BASD welcomes Maranda Hanley to our staff! Maranda is a special education teacher at the Bellefonte Elementary School. Below is a little questionnaire about her: What is something you are passionate about outside of work? I am passionate about singing! I actually tried out for American Idol in 2019 (but clearly I didn't go far haha). You will always catch me humming a tune or singing under my breath! Who would you choose if you could pick 1 person (living or not living) to have dinner with? Kylie Kelce. She is mindful, she is intelligent, she is smart, and she is a woman of her word. I would LOVE to have one dinner with her. Using 3 different adjectives, describe yourself in 3 words: Confident, Empathetic, Sociable What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? My parents always told me to love others the way I would want to be loved. It is a spin off of "Treat others how you would want to be treated" and I have carried that with me for years. Why did you choose BASD? I chose BASD because I love the willingness to help from the staff, the community involvement, and the drive that the teachers/aids/administration have to make their students successful both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope that you enjoyed learning a little about Maranda and are excited to have her on our staff!

Good morning! Please enjoy the Snapshot Tuesday newsletter for September 17. Today's newsletter features alumni: Kachina Spangler (2008) and Danielle (Dani) Hosterman (2006). Have a great Tuesday!

The Jana Marie Foundation was at BAHS for their first Wellness Friday of the school year. Since it is National Suicide Prevention Month, the activity was to write hopeful messages on a ribbon. It is displayed outside of the guidance office.

On September 10, Volleyball held a very successful Elementary Night! Students in Grades 1-6 were invited to watch a high school game and got to join the team on the court after the second set of the night.

Students in Miss Waite’s 6th grade Spanish class learned about the traditional Spanish dance, the Flamenco. They finished up their unit by completing their own dance that includes proper hand and arm movement.

Are you an alumni of the Bellefonte Area School District? Do you have a son or daughter that is an alumni? We would love to feature you or them in an upcoming Snapshot Tuesday newsletter! Please fill out the following questionnaire to be added: https://forms.gle/2RiF7a6uvuJkKBWw5 If you have questions, please email me at publicrelations@basd.net Some information to note: -I have a record of the names of those that responded last year. If you cannot remember if you were featured, email me. - I still have responses left over from last year that I am continuing to add. - If you are retired, please list the career that you retired from. -It is important that you include a picture. If not, I cannot include you. Thank you so much for your responses! The community and district staff very much enjoy reading about our alumni!

We honor those that lost their lives on this day, 23 years ago. We will never forget. #USA

It's Worker Wednesday! The Bellefonte Area School District is hiring. Listed below are some of the highlighted positions: 1. Middle School Vice Principal - BAMS 2. Director of Curriculum and Instruction - Administration 3. Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach 4. Utility Assistant - Benner Elementary 5. Custodian, 2nd Shift - District Wide There are many more listed on our website, which can be viewed here: https://bellefonte.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx Please share with family and friends - a fully employed school district is what our children deserve!

BASD is hiring a vice principal for Bellefonte Area Middle School! BAMS is seeking an energetic, instructional leader to join a student-centered team and work collaboratively with students, staff, and families. A valid PA Principal certificate is required.