BPHS celebrates Staff Wellness Day

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

February 20, 2025

BPHS teachers Mrs. Dowling, Mr. Smock, Mrs. Smock, and Mrs. Thimons celebrate Staff Wellness Day! Photo courtesy of Mr. Jim Cromie via bethel_park_school_district Instagram

On Feb. 18, BPHS took a significant step toward prioritizing the well-being of its educators and staff by holding a dedicated Staff Wellness Day.

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The initiative recognizes that a healthy and supported staff is better equipped to meet the challenges of educating today’s students.

The day was specifically structured to offer a variety of activities tailored to diverse interests and preferences.

Staff members were presented with options ranging from physical activities to creative expression and social interaction opportunities.

The driving force behind Staff Wellness Day at BPHS is a recognition of the demanding nature of the teaching profession and the impact that educator well-being has on student outcomes.

Teachers often face considerable pressure, managing large class sizes, navigating complex curriculum requirements, and addressing the diverse needs of their students, all while contending with the toll of their work.

By acknowledging the importance of self-care and providing resources to support it, the school aims to foster a more positive and sustainable work environment.

This caring approach acknowledges that investing in the well-being of educators is an investment in the future of the students.

By acknowledging the importance of self-care and providing resources to support it, the school aims to foster a more positive and sustainable work environment.

Feedback from staff members on the inaugural Wellness Day is expected to be gathered and utilized to refine future iterations of the program.

BPHS’s commitment to prioritizing staff wellbeing is a positive example for other schools and institutions, highlighting the importance of investing in the people who dedicate their lives to educating the next generation.

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