The word "Academics" welcomes students to the Academic Wing of the high school.
The word “Academics” welcomes students to the Academic Wing of the high school.
Megan Gaskill

Students adjust to surveys, tests, drills, career work in October

Byline photo of Megan Gaskill
Megan Gaskill, Staff Writer
October 21, 2024

PASS, PSAT, ASVAB, CEW. What are all these acronyms about? These autumn school days, BPHS is participating in various district initiatives and state requirements.  

Throughout October, students are adjusting to different bell schedules for surveys, assignments, drills, and exams. Students are getting extended time in homeroom to prepare or do these assignments. 

On Friday, Oct. 18, high school students had a PASS survey that should have been completed during an 18-minute extended homeroom. The PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) survey rates students’ attitudes about their school experience and questions how students feel about themselves. The survey not only helps guide schools in addressing motivation, confidence, durability, and concentration factors positively but also allows the administration to see schoolwide concerns that can be addressed and supported as the year progresses.

In addition, BPHS will lead a school-wide evacuation drill on Monday, Oct. 21 as part of their annual required safety procedure. The drill is to prepare students for a non-intruder emergency, which becomes necessary for them to exit the building for safety. BPHS will have supervision from administration, staff, school police, and the extension of the Bethel Park Police Department. Because of this drill, Students and Staff will follow an evacuation bell schedule.

During an extended 45-minute homeroom on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11th graders will register for the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). They will take the test on Wednesday, Oct. 23. While 11th graders are registering for the PSAT, 12th graders will complete CEWs.   

Furthermore, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, sophomores will be provided with the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and juniors will be provided with the PSAT/NMSQT.

Freshmen will take part in a Steel Center assembly for CTC, which supplies quality career and technical education to high schoolers.

Only 10th-12th graders are allowed to attend Steel Center. Students who are not taking either of these tests are to finish completing CEW (Career, Education, Work) assignments or continue exploring Naviance. 

There will be a 180-minute adjusted schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Only seniors who have their own transportation can report to homeroom no later than 9:15 a.m. They can finish CEWs and other assignments in school or at home.

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