‘Best Buddies’ program to be implemented in Bethel Park schools
Bethel Park High School will implement a new program next year that is supposed to create a more welcoming environment for students with disabilities.
The high school will start a “Best Buddies” program, which is a national initiative that pairs students with disabilities with their able-bodied peers. The program is meant to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a friend.
Bethel Park School Board allocated a $1,500 stipend for the program’s faculty adviser at the regular meeting Feb. 26.
“It’s a wonderful program,” parent Sharon Janosik said. “I hope we can look at broadening it to create a more inclusive environment for students with disabilities.”
Anthony Kennedy Shriver, son of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, started Best Buddies 30 years ago. It has since grown to over 2,000 chapters in colleges, high schools and middle schools.
“I think it will be an excellent program for our students and I am looking forward to hearing about the positive experiences for all the students involved,” Bethel Park Superintendent Joseph Pasquerilla said.
In another matter, the board revised its policies concerning hazing as well as student bullying to include cyberbullying. The new policies use stronger language to prohibit all forms of bullying and hazing and outlines the process to report harassment.
The board also agreed to purchase new wireless access points to bolster network connectivity district wide at an estimated cost of $337,000. The district should qualify for an E-Rate discount through the federal government that should bring Bethel Park’s cost down by about 40 percent.
The existing access points are aging and will need to be replaced soon. Considering the uncertain future of funding for the E-Rate program, Pasquerilla said it was prudent to purchase the equipment now.
The board also agreed to contribute its share toward the roof replacement project at Pathfinder School. Bethel Park will pay for 22.24 percent of the cost, or $111,200, and five other South Hills school districts will pay their portions of the bill.