Progress made on new Bethel Park Elementary School

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • December 18, 2024

Vertical steel beams establishing the frame for the new elementary center have been installed. Photo courtesy of Bethel Park School District via Instagram (@bethel_park_school_district)

Day-by-day advancements are made on Bethel Park’s new elementary school in anticipation of its August 2026 opening, but the most recent development may just be the biggest yet.

On Dec. 17, photos were officially released revealing that the first vertical steel beams had been installed on the construction site.

The installation of these steel beams is crucial for establishing the building’s frame, which will facilitate further work in the coming months.

This milestone marks a significant step in the building process, symbolizing the transition from planning to the physical structure of what will be the centerpiece of community education.

Another angle showing the newly installed steel beams at the new Bethel Park Elementary School.
Photo courtesy of Bethel Park School District via Instagram (bethel_park_school_district)

The project has generated considerable excitement within the community, with residents expressing enthusiasm for the opportunities the new school will bring.

Parents and students alike look forward to state-of-the-art facilities designed to have equal class sizes, a consistent curriculum, more opportunities for staff to collaborate, and the elimination of travel between buildings for special subject teachers.

As construction continues, the timeline leading to the grand opening in August 2026 will remain a focal point for the school district and the community.

With each passing day, the excitement surrounding Bethel Park’s new elementary school grows stronger as it builds on tradition and is focused on the future.

Click here to see a live feed and view a timelapse of the construction of the new elementary center.

Bethel Park

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer