News & Announcements

Students from Bethel Park High School recently competed in the Science Bowl, a fast-paced academic competition that tests teams on biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and mathematics. Participants included Lexi McDermott, Mia Young, Lincoln Werts, Ella Burke, and Pratiktshya Adhikari, who were recognized for their dedication and teamwork in preparing for the event.

Eleven students from Mrs. Evans’ science class at Independence Middle School recently competed in the Design Lives Here competition, sponsored by WQED and inspired by the TV show Design Squad, where they completed hands-on engineering challenges and presented original inventions. Ashley Mattes earned second place in the engineering challenges for her strong problem-solving and design skills.

Crumbl Cookies recently recognized several students and staff members at Independence Middle School as part of the school’s monthly Student and Staff of the Month program, which honors individuals who demonstrate excellence inside and outside the classroom. Honorees are nominated by teachers, staff, and students, with each recipient receiving a certificate, recognition items, and a gift card and cookie from Crumbl Cookies.

Each month, Crumbl Cookies partners with Bethel Park High School to recognize outstanding students and staff through Student of the Month, Vocational Student of the Month, Extra Effort and Staff of the Month awards, celebrating achievement, character and dedication to the school community. Honorees are nominated by staff, colleagues or students and selected by Principal Racquel Sutton and leadership teams, receiving a certificate, Bethel Park T-shirt and a Crumbl Cookies gift card and treat.

Jackson Edwards led Bethel Park at the WPIAL Championships at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Hall, winning the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke while setting school records in both events to help the boys team finish fourth overall. The Black Hawks also earned multiple top finishes and personal-best times across several relays and individual events, with the girls team placing in the Top 20.

Bethel Park High School senior Reese Fontanesi has been named Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership and service, highlighted by a 4.0 weighted GPA, involvement in theater productions and mentorship through BP Connect and student ambassador programs. A longtime Girl Scout and animal lover who volunteers locally, Fontanesi said her experiences in the arts, travel and service have helped shape her confidence and connection to the school community.

Bethel Park High School had a strong showing at the 2026 Pennsylvania DECA State Conference in Hershey, with over 80 students competing and 28 qualifying for the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta this April. Two students earned top honors for highest test or role-play scores, Mrs. Maria Christenson was recognized for 15 years of service as a DECA advisor, and Carly Conroy was sworn in as the new PA DECA District III Representative. The chapter also celebrated multiple first- through fifth-place finishes across competitions and earned Thrive Level recognition, securing additional opportunities at the ICDC.

The Bethel Park School District Board of School Directors has appointed Dr. Matthew J. Patterson as the district’s 13th full-time superintendent, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in instructional leadership and district administration. He will succeed Dr. James Walsh upon his retirement in June, with an official start date to be announced as he begins transitioning into the Bethel Park community.

As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Bethel Park School District and the Bethel Park Community Foundation are sponsoring a K-12 essay contest that invites students to reflect on what makes America special. The contest features grade-level prompts and word limits, cash prizes up to $500, a May 1, 2026, deadline, and recognition at Bethel Park High School’s Awards Night.

Students at Independence Middle School tested their logic and equation-solving skills during a Valentine’s Day Challenge featuring problems created by fellow students. A total of 79 students participated, with 16 earning perfect scores and qualifying for a raffle of $10 Dunkin’ and Starbucks gift cards, while all participants received a light-up heart necklace and attended a prize reveal Feb. 13. The challenge was sponsored by the IMS PTSO and designed by a team of IMS student problem writers.