Academics » Gifted Support Program

Gifted Support Program

Welcome To The Bethel Park High School Gifted Program Web Page!

Mission

To create possibilities that enhance and enrich the curriculum of an identified gifted student in their Math, Science or English areas. Gifted services at Bethel Park High School are delivered by a myriad of possibilities within a student’s regular education classes.

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Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) students can request:

  • Individualized teacher/gifted coordinator/student consultation to pursue student strengths. 

  • A Deal & Deliver:  Replacement of current class task with specialized enhanced tasks that enrich the regular curriculum 

  • Creation of differentiated task that connects the real world with the classroom content area

  • Access to resource materials that are challenging, enriching and/or accelerating, to the regular curriculum

 
A well rounded student has many possible futures to select from... What brings you closer to that future? AP courses, CHS classes, leadership experiences, work experience, volunteering... the list goes on and on. Be aware of things like unweighted QPA - many colleges use this method in admission criteria. You can find a few attachments on this page:

FAQ about BPHS gifted -- check out the document here

 

    Write Pittsburgh Workshop Link     Shakespeare Contest logo
 American Legion Oratorical Program     American Legion Essay Contest

 

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career connections AIU3

Career Connections programs are for students in grades 9-12.  The application fee is $100.  The programs that we currently are accepting applications for are:

  • Digital Graphic Novels (Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media)
  • Future Teachers of America
  • Writing for Publication
  • Zoo Animal Care

A Career Connections application is complete when we receive:

  • Online Application
  • Waiver Form
  • $100 application fee - We are now accepting credit cards


Here are
some links to scholarships:

The BPCF link for local scholarship funds. The deadline is April 1st for some & May 1st for others.

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PA Voter Registration

Links for Spring 2025 GIEP data collection
Student Survey           Parent Survey
         Teacher Survey

Notice of Parental Rights for Gifted Students: get your copy here


2024-25 Tentative Annual Meeting Timeline

January/February -- current Juniors

February/March -- current Sophomores

March/April -- current Freshmen

April/May -- current Seniors*
*Seniors, we will amend your GIEP to continue through graduation.  If last year's meeting date is within 30 days of last day of school then just a NORA will be required.
 
picture of Mr. BouchEmail Mr. Bouch Hi, I'm Mr. Bouch.  I've been teaching at BPHS for 25 years.  I currently teach AP U.S Government & Politics, American Government (Honors), and Honors Philosophy.  If you are interested in exploring a career in government & politics or any of the social sciences, or if you are looking for enrichment opportunities in those fields, stop in and see me.  I'm in the Academic Hub during 9th period and in room 418 the rest of the day.
picture of Mrs. BouchEmail Mrs. Bouch Hi, I'm Mrs. Bouch.  I currently teach AP English Language and Composition and English 11.  I am an AP Exam Reader and an adjunct faculty member at Carlow University.  If you are interested in exploring opportunities related to English -- writing contests, literary competitions,  book clubs, or writing groups -- there are several opportunities available.  See me in the Academic Hub during  2nd period and in room 219 the rest of the day.
picture of Mr. Derby
Hi, I'm  Mr. Derby.  I  am a music teacher at BPHS and currently teach 4 levels of Music Production, Jazz Band, Peer Music and AP Music Theory.  If you are interested in exploring careers in music, whether more traditional or the popular music industry, stop in and see me.  I can also provide guidance and support if you are looking for enrichment, or a creative way to present a project in class, such as a podcast, voiceover, or any other multimedia presentation involving audio.  I am in the Academic Hub during 8th period and in room M432 most of the rest of the day. 
picture of Mrs. FirekEmail Mrs. Firek Hi, I'm Mrs. Firek, the BPHS Gifted coordinator. I get to facilitate the 'doing things differently' components for our gifted students. I strive to go beyond the traditional approach to learning to meet gifted students where they are and move them forward. My favorite subjects are math & science and I am definitely an out-of-the-box thinker! My office is in the HUB. Stop by and let's see what else is possible?!? Schedule an appointment to Chat with Mrs. Firek.
 
 
 

Would you like to spend 12 days in July 2026 in Panama AND Costa Rica?
Click Here for the 2026 Trip Enrollment Information

 

Global Citizen Scholarship Fund

 

Culture is the cornerstone of a vibrant society, shaping the way we remember the past and build toward a more sustainable future.

On this tour, you’ll see how Panama’s cultural preservation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Discover the country’s colonial history in the Casco Viejo district, learn about symbiotic living from members of an Emberá Indigenous village, and delve into traditional arts and folklore in Chitré. Complete your cultural journey in Costa Rica, where you’ll harness The Power of Environmental Stewardship at our inspiring leadership conference.

EF Summits are open to current 8th graders through current juniors.

 

Leadership Summit 2026 Trip route

 

Dear families,

We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner.

When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.

In this info session, we talked about many things that I would be happy to share with you:

  • How this opportunity will benefit your student
  • What we’ll see and do on our trip
  • Everything that’s included in this experience
  • How your child can earn academic credit
  • How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
  • How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period

There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Mrs. Christine Firek