Latest News - Brookville Area School District

BASD Music Department Announces Spring Concerts

5 days ago

The Brookville Area School District Music Department is proud to announce their 2026 Spring Concerts schedule:

High School Orchestras Spring Concert

Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 PM

Featuring the Junior High and Senior High Orchestras

High School Bands Spring Concert

Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM

Featuring the Junior High Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band

High School Choirs Spring Concert

Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 PM

Featuring the Junior High Choir, Chamber Singers, and Concert Choir

Elementary Spring Concert

Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 PM

Featuring the 5th & 6th Grade Band, Elementary Choir, and 5th & 6th Grade Orchestra

All concerts will be held in the Brookville Area High School Auditorium and are free and open to the public. We hope you can join us!

BASD music students pose for a group photo during their trip to Disney

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Survey of Parents of Students with Disabilities

5 days ago

Pennsylvania’s State Performance Plan requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 include collecting and reporting data on the involvement of families in special education programs. Specifically, states must report annually to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the public on State Performance Plan Indicator 8, which is the “percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.”

Like many other states, Pennsylvania is collecting this data through a large-scale survey. Pennsylvania reports results of the survey to OSEP in its State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report. This report is posted on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) websites. Reporting on local educational agency (LEA) performance is done through the Special Education Data Reports on the PennData website.

To ensure that parents from every LEA in the Commonwealth are included in the survey, PDE developed a sampling plan that was approved by OSEP. Under this sampling, each year PDE collects data from a representative sample of parents in approximately one-fifth of the LEAs in the Commonwealth. This year, Brookville Area School District was selected for participation in this survey.

Not all parents will receive the survey as it is a sample within each LEA. Parents receiving the survey were selected from PA Special Education Data using a stratified random sample of school age students in each LEA. Surveys will be mailed directly to the parents from Leader Services. Parents may direct questions about the survey to the Special Education Consult Line at (800) 879-2301. Of course, parents are also welcome to reach out to Brookville's Special Education Department at (814) 849-1109.

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STUDENT COUNCIL EASTER EGG HUNT

5 days ago

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Kindergarten Registration is Open!

5 days ago

Kindergarten Registration is open!

Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10

Your child must be 5 by July 1st.

Please call Northside to schedule your appointment.

814-849-1118

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2025-2026 Elementary Yearbook

5 days ago

Elementary Yearbook:

To guarantee your child gets an elementary yearbook this school year, please call Jostens at (877) 767-5217 by February 20, 2026 to order one.

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Information About SNAP Benefits

5 days ago

Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Pennsylvania that it will be unable to fund November SNAP benefits because of the federal shutdown. The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is also delayed until federal funding is received.

More information is available on the PA Department of Human Services website.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by visiting www.pa211.org. Pennsylvanians can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs. Many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers, so Pennsylvanians can contact their utilities or visit the PA PUC’s utility assistance website for more information.

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How to Motivate your Children

5 days ago

A booklet from The Parent Institute offered the following ways that parents can motivate their children:

1. Teach children to set goals for themselves.
2. Talk about schoolwork every day.
3. Recognize success.
4. Remind your child that he can.
5. Reward your child with your time.
6. Motivate your child to write more.
7. Catch your child being good.
8. Help your child learn to set long range goals.
9. Help your child learn to break large jobs into smaller, achievable tasks.
10. Show your appreciation.
11. Teach your child positive self-talk.
12. Encourage your child to take part in an after-school activity.
13. Help your child see the progress he or she is making.
14. Encourage your child's creative problem-solving.
15. Keep track of every book your child finishes to motivate reading.
16. Point out role models to your child.
17. Play "Beat the Clock" when your child dawdles.
18. Help your child compete against herself.
19. Teach your child to create positive mental pictures of success.
20. List your child's successes and your own.
21. Listen to the messages you pass on to your child.
22. Teach your child to "save dessert for last."
23. Share your own excitement with your child.
24. Help your child see something he can be proud of – even in defeat.
25. Praise your child.

That list was first published in 1991, but it's held up well. Children will try and succeed when and where they believe in themselves.

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Help Us Keep Kids Safe

5 days ago

Jefferson County leads the state in school safety citations. According to a recent report by USA Today, there were 8.9 traffic citations involving school or bus safety for every 1,000 drivers over a five year period ending in 2024 here in Jefferson County.

That’s a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, it means that local law enforcement are prioritizing the safety of our students and staff. But it also means that too many area drivers are committing offenses involving school buses and school zones. Drivers are reminded to wait for school buses with their red lights flashing and to slow down in school zones. Drivers are also asked to slow down and move over when approaching walkers, runners, bikers, construction workers, linemen, and first responders.

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SATs Offered at BAHS

5 days ago

Brookville Area High School provides several opportunities for students to take the SAT here in Brookville.

This fall, the school is offering in-school SAT testing during the school day on October 8. For in-school SAT testing, students should sign up in the high school guidance office, and bring a check to remit payment before September 24. Checks in the amount of $60 should be made payable to BASD. Another in-school test will be offered in the spring.

Saturday SAT testing will also be offered on the following dates (registration due dates are given in parentheses: November 8 (October 24); December 6 (November 21); March 14, 2026 (February 27); May 2, 2026 (April 17). So, for instance, a student wishing to take the SATs on our campus on December 6 would need to register for it by November 21.

To register for a Saturday test, and for more information about the SATs, visit collegeboard.org.

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BASD Holds Summer Institute

5 days ago

A huge thank you to the RIU6 Training and Consultation Staff and our Brookville Area School District presenters, Katie Morrison and Sarah Sporrer, for their engaging and impactful sessions at our annual Summer Institute, sponsored by the BASD Special Education Department!

This year’s focus on Mental Health was inspiring and meaningful for students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members alike. We are also incredibly grateful to all who participated—your presence, engagement, and willingness to learn together make events like this so valuable.

And of course, a special thanks to Drip Coffee House & Kitchen for helping us kick off the morning with the perfect boost of caffeine and morning treats!

#BASD #SummerInstitute #MentalHealthMatters

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Board Evaluates Superintendent

5 days ago

July 2, 2025

The Brookville Area School Board has conducted its annual evaluation of Superintendent Erich May. Board members used an evaluation rubric provided by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

Dr. May was rated proficient or distinguished in all six of the Objective Performance Standards: Student Growth and Achievement, Organizational Leadership, District Operations and Financial Management, Communication and Community Relations, Human Resource Management, and Professionalism.

Among other things, Dr. May received high marks for accomplishing financial and budgetary priorities, for maintaining a regular presence in schools and events, and for encouraging an inclusive and respectful environment.

As part of its evaluation, the board also commended the superintendent for meeting his annual goals. These included: facilitating academic growth in reading, leading efforts to modernize the curriculum, hiring a capable business manager, and investigating the costs and benefits of closing Pinecreek Elementary.

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SUN Bucks Benefit Information

5 days ago

The Department of Human Services is currently issuing the 2025 SUN Bucks benefit ($120 per eligible student) to the families of all eligible students. Please visit https://www.pasebt.com/#familyresources for information.

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Notice for Employees, Former Employees, and Retirees

5 days ago

1095 Forms will no longer be mailed.

Individuals who wish to receive a copy of their 1095 can email jorcutt@basd.us or write to Jill Orcutt Brookville Area School District, PO Box 479, Brookville, PA 15825.

Individuals with questions can call Jill Orcutt at 814-849-1126.

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Hickory Grove Receives Building Level Score Recognition

5 days ago

We are pleased to announce that Hickory Grove Elementary has been recognized in the 95th percentile of schools across the Commonwealth. Hickory Grove is ranked 148 out of 2,738 schools in the state, as measured by the Building Level Score. Hickory Grove had the highest score of any school in Riverview Intermediate Unit 6!

Northside and Pinecreek Elementaries are not in these rankings because their students are too young to take the PSSAs, but those schools lay the foundation. So the Building Level Score at Hickory Grove reflects well on all three of our elementaries, and our high school also brought home an improved score for the third year in a row!

The state's Building Level Scores are comprised of assessment data, growth data, attendance rates and graduation rates. Those numbers have gone up at Brookville Area School District because everyone has worked together to create a culture of excellence and encouragement. Congratulations to all of our students and staff!

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Free Breakfast and Lunch for Students

5 days ago

Brookville Area School District is pleased to announce that all enrolled students are eligible to receive a nutritional breakfast and lunch each school day at no charge for the entire 2024-2025 school year.

No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate without paying a fee or submitting an application as part of the district's participation in CEP (Community Eligibility Provision).

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WANTED: Bus and Van Drivers

5 days ago

Bus drivers are very important people. They carry precious cargo, and they set the tone for the school day. We are so grateful for the great men and women who drive buses and vans for Brookville Area Schools. The contractors who employ our bus and van drivers are looking to hire. If you are interested, please call Teresa Haines at (814) 229-7663 or Peggy Strohm at (814) 952-1349.

school bus clipart courtesy of classroomclipart.com

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BASD no longer using TV and radio to announce delays

5 days ago

October 19, 2023

The Brookville Area School District will no longer be using television and radio to announce weather related delays and closures. The administration surveyed parents last year and asked how they received information about delays and closures. Only one out of 300 respondents looked to television and radio. Going forward, the district will rely on its robocalls, texts and emails to families, as well as the district website and Facebook.

The superintendent continually monitors road and weather conditions. That includes inspecting surfaces, checking temperatures and reviewing forecasts, as well as communicating with road crews, transportation staff and neighboring school districts. Dr. Erich May takes into account those considerations and more when deciding whether school should be delayed, closed or dismissed early.

When school is delayed, buses and vans will operate two (2) hours later than the normal schedule. Depending on conditions, it is possible that a two hour delay will become a closure. It is also possible for school to be held with modified bus routes. The transportation department will attempt to notify affected families by phone whenever a bus is not going to run its entire route.

Brookville Area School District has been approved for up to five (5) remote learning days, which are also called Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs). FIDs are used on days when school is closed for bad weather. It is likely, however, that the district will have one true snow day when classes will be cancelled and the day will be made up in May.

Outside of one traditional snow day, other days when schools are closed will be remote learning days (FIDs) when students are expected to get on their computers and/or do school work that was provided in advance. Depending on conditions, the traditional snow day may or may not be the first day that school is closed for weather. If, for instance, school is closed for an ice storm, families can expect a remote learning day. “It’s the fluffy white stuff that we want for a true snow day,” said Dr. May.

It is more important than ever that the district have updated contact information for parents and families. Parents and guardians are asked to call their child’s school with changes to phone numbers and email addresses.

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Host Families Wanted

5 days ago

Brookville Area School District does not have a foreign exchange student this fall, so districtleaders are encouraging local families to consider hosting an international student.

“It’s a great way to add some diversity to our schools and community,” said SuperintendentErich May. Dr. May added, “Exchange students add something special to our schools, but theyalso create a great experience for host families.”

Study abroad programs bring people together, increase cultural understanding, and promote afriendlier world. Families who would consider hosting an exchange student can work withvarious agencies, including the Pan Atlantic Foundation.

In fact, Pan Atlantic has a representative right here in Jefferson County. Mrs. Beth Weiland, ofCorsica, is currently hosting a student from Thailand. She would be happy to answer questionsfor potential host families, and she can be reached at bethderek@windstream.net.

Pan Atlantic does offer full year placements, but they are currently looking to place students forthe second semester, starting in January. This five month commitment includes room andboard, but natural families send spending cash, and the agency provides health insurance forstudents. Host families just need to set an extra place at the table.

Pan Atlantic students all speak English, although improving their skill with the language is oneof the goals of the program. Students from Korea, Spain, Italy and Germany are looking forhomes for January. For more info, call Mrs. Weiland or visit www.iwanttohost.org.

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BASD Seeks to Expand Pool of Substitute Teachers

5 days ago

BASD wishes to expand our pool of enthusiastic people who would like to work as substitute teachers. Did you know that anyone with a Bachelor's degree, regardless of the major, can apply to be a substitute teacher? The District can obtain an emergency permit through the PA Department of Education, which is valid for one school year. Additionally, districts can request a re-issuance of emergency permits for day-to-day substitutes on a yearly basis. Requirements include the following:

Proof of Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
Background clearances
U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien status (green card)

If you are interested, please contact us for more information on the processes and procedures; we can help you. Please contact Judi Anthony at 814-849-8372, Ext. 1119, or by email to: janthony@basd.us.

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U.S. Selective Service Information

5 days ago

I'm writing to provide information on the U.S. Selective Service System and answer any questions you and your students might have regarding registration requirements.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance with informing your 17/18-year old students the requirement to register and encouraging them to register with the U.S. SSS as soon as possible. Please feel free to refer to our agency's website for more information: http://www.sss.gov.

I'm based in the Pittsburgh area and I would be happy to answer any questions regarding registration requirements as needed. My contact information is in the signature block below.

Thank you for supporting our nation's defense.

Joe Miller

Joseph C. Miller

Major, U.S. Air Force
Detachment PA 1-13
U.S. Selective Service System
PHONE: 412-952-3642
EMAIL: joseph.miller@sss.gov

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Property Tax Relief - Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions

5 days ago

The Taxpayer Relief Act provides for property tax reduction allocations to be distributed by the Commonwealth to each school district. Property tax reduction is then provided to homeowners through homestead and farmstead exclusion(s). School districts are required to notify homeowners by December 31 of each year if their property is not already approved for this tax reduction. Applications for 2026 will be mailed out in December. Please note, if you own multiple properties, you will receive applications for each property that is not already approved. A property owner can only have one PRIMARY residence receive the homestead exclusion. A primary residence is where you intend to reside permanently until you move to another home. You may not claim multiple properties as your primary residence.

Tax reduction varies from year to year based on the Commonwealth’s distribution of funds and the number of homestead/farmstead properties that are approved. In recent years, approved homesteads in the Brookville Area School District have each received an annual tax reduction of approximately $335. If you had been approved for the 2025 Fall School Real Estate Taxes, you would have noticed a homestead credit listed on your tax bill and, if applicable, an additional farmstead credit up to the same amount. In order to be considered a farmstead, the property needs to be the primary residence of the owner, be at least ten contiguous acres in area, and include buildings or structures that are used for the purpose of commercial agricultural production.

If you receive a 2026 Application for Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions that lists your PRIMARY residence, please read the instructions carefully. If you believe you qualify for the homestead or farmstead exclusion(s), you need to return a completed form to the Jefferson County Assessment Office by March 1, 2026.

If you have been previously approved for a homestead or farmstead property tax reduction and the property no longer qualifies for the homestead or farmstead exclusion(s), you must notify the assessor at 814-849-1526 within 45 days of the change. Any person who files an application that contains false information, or who does not notify the assessor of a change in use which no longer qualifies as homestead or farmstead property, will be required to pay the taxes due, plus interest and penalties, and pay any applicable fines.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to call the business office at Brookville Area School District at 814-849-1103.

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School Closing/Delay Information

5 days ago

Brookville Area School District utilizes a number of resources to inform the public of school closings and delays. The following is a list of those resources.

NOTE: Due to the potential for technical difficulties on any given day, it's important to not rely on a single source for school closing/delay information.

School Messenger - The district's mass notification system used to send automated phone calls, text messages, and emails to GUARDIANS and district staff. More information about the SchoolMessenger system can be found HERE.
BASD Website - www.basd.us
BASD Facebook - Facebook.com/BrookvilleSD
BASD Instagram - instagram.com/brookvillesd
Electronic Sign - Located at the main drive entrance to Brookville Jr./Sr. High School on Jenks St.

Updated January 13, 2025

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