Bethlehem Catholic Purpose. Passion. Pride Bethlehem Catholic

Competitive Clubs

Debate Team

Four competitions are held from October to December to determine which two teams from each division will go to the semi-finals in December. Debate competitions are held in the afternoon of a school day at one of the participating schools. Student teams consist of 2-4 debaters. Four teams are allowed in one competition. Other students can participate as alternates and observers.

There is one debate resolve for the year and the research and preparation is done over the summer and through the months of September and October. We meet after school for discussion and practice, but much of the work is done by the students on their own. The English and Social Studies teachers are excellent resources as well. Once positive and negative speeches are prepared, the students decide who will deliver the speeches and who will do cross-examination and rebuttal. This is a great activity for students who enjoy challenging the statements and ideas of others and for those who enjoy researching and teasing out the pros and cons of societal issues.

“Be It Resolved That… The United States Federal Government should significantly reform the financing of federal election campaigns.”

Debate ByLaws 9-2-14

For information please contact Mr. Stephen Tomaszewski : stomaszewski@becahi.org.

Chemistry Olympiad

The Chemistry Olympiad is an international chemistry competition. Four students are chosen to represent the United States to compete in content and lab based events against other students from around the world. Students fly to the host country for this extraordinary event.

The search begins with a multiple choice exam taken at Muhlenburg College in Allentown, Pa. The exam serves as a screening process to access students’ general knowledge of chemistry. Ten students are selected from the Lehigh Valley with no more than two students being selected from the same high school to advance to the national competition.

The national exam is taken by approximately 1,000 students. The exam involves three tiers (multiple choice, free response, and a lab practical). The top 20 students advance to a 2-week intensive study camp held in June at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The four students to represent the United States are selected from this group.

The local competition is open to all high school students. You must be a U.S. citizen to participate in the National Chemistry Olympiad.

Resources

ACS Chemistry Olympiad

Competition Process

Rules

Past Exams

Important Dates

Local Exam

Saturday TBA
Muhlenberg College in Trumbower 130 (lecture room)
Bring ID and a nonprogrammable calculator
National Exam

April TBA

Scholastic Scrimmage

The scholastic scrimmage team competes in the Lehigh Valley Conference as part of the East Division with both a varsity and a junior varsity team. The competitions take place in a 3-team format at Freedom High School beginning in October and ending in December with a final match between the East and the West Division winners to determine a Lehigh Valley Conference champion.

The Scholastic Scrimmage team also competes in the Lehigh Valley P.B.S (channel 39) competition each year.

Students from all classes who enjoy trivia and have fast recall will enjoy both the team practices and the competitions.

The moderators, Mr. Robert Schiller can be reached at rschiller@becahi.org for more information.

Listen for announcements in the morning and afternoon announcements for fall practice and sign ups the second week of school.

Chess Club

The BECAHI Chess Club is a place for people who enjoy a game of chess and would like to iprove their skills, hone their stratagies, or simply enjoy a game with a friend. Students will have access to strategy guides, chess puzzles, and if interested, competitive play.

Chess Club will meet once a week for an hour. Dates TBD..

Engineering Team
Technology Student Association (TSA)

Mock Trial

One of the largest in the nation, the PBA/YLD Mock Trial Competition gives over 300 high school student teams from across the state of Pennsylvania the opportunity to act as lawyers and witnesses in simulated civil trials before actual judges and panels of juries. Lawyers volunteer to assist students as team advisers, scorekeepers and regional coordinators. Each year, the winning team goes on to represent Pennsylvania in the national competition.
An organizational meeting will be held in late September.  Practice will begin in mid-October.

For more information, please contact the moderator, Mr. Robert Schiller at (610) 866-0791 or rschiller@becahi.org

Trig*Star

The TrigStar Program Contest is an annual high school mathematics competition sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors based on the practical application of Trigonometry. The program recognizes the best students from high schools throughout the nation. Anyone interested in trigonometry is welcome to compete.

Learn more about Trig*Star!

Cops ‘n’ Kids

The Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program is a national initiative founded by Julia Burney Witherspoon, a police officer from Racine, Wis. The program began in the Lehigh Valley in 2003. Cops ‘n’ Kids:

Ensures that every child has access – in his or her home – to books and the knowledge, inspiration and hope that such access can provide.
Encourages positive relationships between children and police.
Inspires creative learning for children and families by providing meaningful literacy-based experiences.

The Cops ‘n’ Kids Reading Room is located in the Fowler Center of Northampton Community College on 3rd Street in Southside Bethlehem. The Reading Room is open each Wednesday, and selected Saturdays when they host a special event.

There are many opportunities available at the Reading Room:

• Help sort book donations
• Restock the shelves in the Reading Room
• Read to children who visit the Reading Room
• Help children select a book to take home
• Be a regular and host a Story Time
• Do arts and crafts with the children

Eco Club

The goals of the Eco Club are to help educate BECA students about ways they can help protect the environment, and to become more environmentally involved in the community. We will be having an Eco Week again this year. It is scheduled for the week of April 11-15. This event is our opportunity to educate the student body. We plan to get involved in highway cleanup projects, creek/river cleanup projects, and various other types of local projects that need our help throughout the year. We want to help make BECA a “greener” building by encouraging simple things that students and faculty can do to cut down on waste, save energy, etc. We would also like to upgrade our recycling program.

10 Ways you can save energy:

• Walk or ride a bike for short trips.
• Carpool or use public transportation whenever possible.
• Keep the thermostat on your water heater set to no more than 120 degrees.
• Take short showers rather than baths.
• Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes.
• Close off and do not heat or cool unused rooms or closets.
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Use natural lighting whenever possible!
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances!
• Buy only high-efficiency appliances.

For more information about the Eco Club, please contact the Club Moderator, Ms. Jenna Kistler at jkistler@becahi.org

F.A.N. Club

F.A.N. Club stands for Future Alumni Networking Club!

Today, our students are involved in the BECAHI community. If students learn the importance of helping their school community today, we hope, when they become adults they will want to help their alma mater tomorrow.

From connecting with Alumni at special events to assisting with research, media, communications, fundraising, and more, F.A.N. Club teaches students that they can make a difference in the lives of current and future Golden Hawks! Not to mention, participation will make a strong impression on college applications and interviews.

Someone who is friendly, dedicated, and organized is the type of student who should join this club. Volunteer to help with activities mostly during the day, some evenings and weekends.

For more information please contact the Advancement Office.

Hawk Ambassadors

The purpose of the Hawk Ambassador Program at Bethlehem Catholic High School is to provide the school with a corps of students, who typify the ideal Bethlehem Catholic student. These student must be capable of representing Bethlehem Catholic High School at functions and events at school, at alumni events and within the community.

To qualify as a Hawk Ambassador, students must be:

• A member of the junior or senior class
• A student in good academic and disciplinary standing
• Well dressed, within uniform code
• Respectful to all in authority
• Capable of giving a tour of the school
• Personable, well spoken and able to carry on a conversation with adults
• Enthusiastic about their Bethlehem Catholic High School experience
• Knowledgeable about the school, its academic programs and extra-curricular activities
• Available to participate in programs in the evenings and weekends
• The Selection Process

A student applies to be a Hawk Ambassador by filling out an application form available from the Admissions Office.
The Director of Admissions notifies the new Student Ambassadors.

Typical Responsibilities for the Student Ambassadors include but are not limited to:

• Tour guide and/or greeter for 8th grade parents’ night and daytime visits
• Tour guide for 8th grade registration day
• Tour guide and/or greeter for Alumni events such as reunions, Senior Citizen Breakfasts, Distinguished Graduates Program,
• Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Alumni Mass of Remembrance
• Visits to elementary feeder schools to speak to our future students
• Speakers at selected elementary school bonding programs

The Hawk Ambassador program affords upperclassmen the opportunity to develop leadership and presentation skills, while representing Bethlehem Catholic at events throughout the year.

For more information please contact the Director of Admissions, Mrs. Cristin Eick, at ceick@becahi.org.

International Club/German Club

The International Club’s goal is to introduce to the students of Beca the diverse cultures that share our world. We have students from Guatemala, Chile, Korea, China, Germany sharing their culture with American students. Our club participates in the Food Faire and holds and annual Lunar New Year Festival. We are also a service club that annually collects blankets for the homeless shelters and food for the local food pantries.

We are excited to introduce for Next year a Korean Instrumental Band and offer lessons and friendship.
Moderator – Mrs. Ela DiNardo at mdinardo@becahi.org  or (610) 248-9519 and Sue Kurtz.

Key Club

Welcome to the Beca Key Club!

Key Club is an international program sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs that has over 250,000 members and 5,000 clubs in 30 different countries. It is an extremely successful student-led organization. The club’s goal is to provide members with service opportunities, character building and leadership roles. Each year, our Beca club participates in dozens of projects, which benefit our school and community. Students from all grades are encouraged to join!

Important Links:

• The Key Club International Website
• Pennsylvania District of Key Club Website

Please contact Mrs. Karen Redding, club moderator for more information at: kredding@becahi.org

Literary Magazine

The Bethlehem Catholic Literary Magazine is a publication created by the students of Bethlehem Catholic. It contains both art and literary pieces and represents some of the finest artwork produced by these students.

The goal of the magazine is to provide students with an outlet for creativity and give them the opportunity to have their work available to their public.

Math Club

Welcome to the Bethlehem Catholic High School Math Club. It consists of  a group of students who are interested in mathematics. The goals of the club are as follows:

1. To create a group for students who are interested in math and bring them together to improve each other’s skills.
2. To establish an effective communication system within our group.
3. To increase enrollment, interest and performance in our current math competitions through formalized meetings and effective communications.
4. To introduce new math activities to our school through our club.

The activities of the club includes:

1. Meetings/Workshops: The club will hold meetings and workshops to better prepare our members for the math contests. A workshop will be held before each important contest to go over the contest taking strategies and give out practice problems.
2. Problem Sets: The club will distribute interesting math problems through the club’s email communication system. The problem sets will be optional for each member, and whoever tries his or her best on the problems will be rewarded.
3. Math Contests: The club will register and organize students for the following math contests: AMC, PML, Math Madness, and Lehigh Contest.
4. Free Math Tutoring: Some members of the club will be holding free math tutoring sessions after school on certain days of the month. If you have a question or need help in your math class, you are always welcome to come to a session and get help even if you are not a member of the club.

National History Day

National History Day Logo
Bethlehem Catholic History Club

Officers:

• President
• V. President
• Secretary
• Co-Treasurers

Upcoming Events:

• NHD Schedule
• National History Day

This page is dedicated to the serious student who wants to strive for excellence in the field of historical research and the development of critical historical and analytical skills. This site will provide you with all the links to be successful with your HD project and for those who wish to compete at the local level. All tenth grade and eleventh grade honors students are required to complete a project. Anyone else may do so with your teacher’s permission.

nhd.org

Bibliography rubric

For more information please contact Mrs. Susan Stofanak at sstofanak@becahi.org, Mr. Stephen Tomaszewski at stomaszewski@becahi.org

RESEARCH INFO:
http://www.ala.org/rusa/sections/history/resources/pubs/usingprimarysources

Consult major collections of primary sources
The following reputable sites link to thousands of primary sources:

• American Memory: Historical Collections for the National Digital Library
  http://memory.loc.gov/
• Avalon Project: Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy
  http://avalon.law.yale.edu
• EuroDocs: Western European Primary Historical Documents
• Gallica: Digital Library of the National Library of France
• Making of America: 19th c. books and magazines
• History Matters: The U.S. Survey on the Web
• History Guide
• World Wide Virtual Library: History

Photography Club

The Photography club seeks to provide an opportunity for students to learn the art of photography. Students learn how to compose, meter and balance images using the latest photographic technology. Members of this club can submit photos to be displayed around the school throughout the year. Photos will also be displayed at the spring art show.

For more information, please contact Ms. Pamela Longo at plongo@becahi.org.

SADD Club

Students Against Destructive Decisions is open to students in 9-12 grades. Activities throughout the school year motivating students to make good decisions and choices. For information please contact Mr. Grasso: mgrasso@becahi.org or (610) 866-0791 ext. 333

Science Fairs

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science

Learn More About PJAS

Step 1: Getting Started

Start by researching a topic of interest. You may want to check your science textbook for ideas. Some textbooks provide experiments at the end of each chapter that can be turned into a science fair project. You can also use the Internet Search Engine of your choice to find project ideas. Here are some websites you can use:

All Science Fair Projects
Science Buddies
Science Fair Projects World

If you want to do a Math or Computer Science project, then you should talk to Mr. Wladyslawski before you get started!

Step 2: Give Mr. Wladyslawski a Research Proposal

The research proposal is a brief overview of the entire project (one paragraph). The proposal should also include the following:

• Your name
• A research question
• A hypothesis (for science fair projects) or research goals (for engineering projects)
• A detailed research plan (the procedure). This is going to tell me if the project is age appropriate, science fair appropriate and if you did enough research to understand the project. Unless you are trying to compete in the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair, you need not design an original experiment. You can use an experiment that has already been designed for your topic. However, I need the research plan to determine if the project is feasible according to the International Rules for Pre-College Science Research.
• 5 sources referenced according to the referencing style of your choice.

Step 3: Set up a Meeting with Mr. Wladyslawski

You can do this as soon as you turn in your research proposal. We will review your project to determine if you need to do any additional research. I will then tell you the forms you need to fill out!

Step 4: Fill out the Forms

Download the forms you need, fill out as much as you can, and e-mail me the forms. They are all in pdf format. Please rename the files using your last name, first name, and form name. For example, if Betty Smith is e-mailing me forms 1 and 1A, the she should rename the files Smith Betty Form 1 and Smith Betty Form 1A, respectively. Forms 1, 1A, and 1B are required for all projects.

Form 1 Checklist for Adult Sponsor
Form 1A Student Checklist
Form 1B Approval Form
Form 2 Qualified Scientist
Form 3 Risk Assessment
Form 4 Human Participants
Human Informed Consent
Form 5 Vertebrate Animal
Form 6A Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment
Form 6B Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue
Form 7 Continuation/Research Progression Projects

Step 5: Register for Science Fair Text Alerts

After you e-mail me your forms, I will send you a pdf containing the directions needed to sign up for the text message alerts. When I e-mail you important information, I will send you a text message alert prompting you to check your e-mail!

Step 6: Preparing for Registration

Give Mr. Wladyslawski the following:
A printed copy of Form 1B signed by a parent
$10.00 cash or check made payable to Bethlehem Catholic High School. This is the registration fee for PJAS. There are no fees for the Lehigh Valley Science Fair.

Step 7: Register

For the PJAS Region 3  Schedule

Register for PJAS: Registration for PJAS is online. Please use the username and password from last year. If this is your first time doing PJAS with online registration, then you must first sign up at the registration website. You then need to log on and register. Please contact me if you have any problems!

For the Lehigh Valley Science Fair:  Schedule

Register for Lehigh: Please print the registration form and fill it in neatly. Please PRINT and do not use cursive writing. You can try typing on this pdf, but it does not work very well.

Step 8: Execute Research Plan, Collect Data, Analyze Data, Prepare Final Project! Learn More About The Lehigh Valley Science Fair!

Student Council

The Student Council is an organization which acts as a liaison between the students at Bethlehem Catholic High School and the Administration. The officers and homeroom representatives are elected by the students and assume the role of spokesman for the student body. The members of the Student Council meet regularly to work to suggest changes within Bethlehem Catholic High School. For more information please contact Mrs. Melissa Magliochetti at mmagliochetti@becahi.org.

Students For Life

Under the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Unborn, and inspired by the witness of Mother Teresa, this student led group seeks to:

• Empower Leadership for life
• Proclaim the truth in love by communicating correct Information about life issues
• Witness to faith-filled Friendship with God and others
• Be a source of Encouragement for all who believe that all life, from cradle to grave is sacred.

BECA Students For Life held its first meeting on January 29, 2001. Each year has brought growth and commitment to life.

The leadership team and adult advisors, Sr.Margaret Edmund, SSJ and Mrs. Karen Fitzpatrick will hold a brain-storming session in early September which set in motion the activities for the 2018-2019 school year. Our regular meeting time will be on Thursday afternoons from 2:45 – 3:30 in room 209, which also is a clearing house for pro-life material.

Beca Students for Life welcome students of all grade levels and creeds who are willing to stand up for life. You may sign up during the Club Information week in September, or at any time in room 209. The first meeting is held in mid to late September. Listen to the announcements for details.

Below are some of the ideas and activities we are working on for the coming year.

• Informational meetings/guest speakers
• Pro-Life School Liturgy – October
• Spiritual adoption
• Day of Silence for Life
• Helpers of God’s Precious Infants – Second Saturday 8am Mass at ND
• Forty Days for Life – Lent
• Freshmen registration – November
• Outreach to Senior Citizens
• Join Advent Twilight Retreat – Caroling at Kirkland Village
• “Life Matters” Bulletin Board in Freshman Hall
• Participation in Pro-Life Essay and Oratorical Contests
• Washington, DC March for Life – January 18, 2019
• Speak about life issues in Freshman Theology classes
• Lenten Evening of Reflection
• Serve Lunch at the New Bethany Ministries Meal Center
• Community service at the New Bethany Ministries Pantry
• Community service at Mary’s Shelter
• Community outreach to area Nursing Homes
• Fund-Raising for Pro-Life efforts – Baby Bottle Collection
• Promote positive Pro-Life Messages

Student-initiated ideas and suggestions are highly encouraged! Each member is encouraged to participate to the best of their ability, to assume leadership for a particular activity and to see it through to its completion.

Our lives are the greatest witness to the gift of life and the Giver of Life.
New members are always welcome.

The Movement – Charity Club

World Languages

French Club

French Club is wonderful way to build camaraderie and explore new horizons as students meet to sample French cuisine, discuss French culture and arts, and view movies in French. Students gather and share their love of all things French and have fun while learning.

For more information regarding French club, please contact the club moderator, Mrs. Melissa Magliochetti at: mmagliochetti@becahi.org

German Club

The German Club (Deutschklub) is a wonderful way to celebrate German culture and traditions.

Each October, the German Club sponsors and hosts Oktoberfest in all lunch periods.

Advent Calendars are also sold by German Club and are available at the beginning of November.

For more information regarding German Club, please contact the club moderator, Mrs. Manuela DiNardo at: mdinardo@becahi.org

Italian Club

The Italian Club is for students who would like to learn about Italian culture and language.  Students in all grades are welcome!

For more information regarding Italian club, please contact the club moderator, Mrs. Elizabeth Ilardi at: eilardi@becahi.org

Spanish Club

The Spanish Club offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Hispanic Culture. Through a variety of activities, Spanish Club members will learn more about Hispanic art, dance, food, music, customs and traditions. The Spanish Club has adopted the Cops ‘n’ Kids program as their community service project.

Some activities that we have done in the past:

• Presentations by group members on different Hispanic countries
• Spanish Trivia
• Shared authentic Spanish food, cooked my our own Mrs. Leon
• Hispanic Food celebration during lunch periods
• Organize and participate in the annual Multicultural Mass

Activities planned for this year thus far include:

• Serve lunch at New Bethany Ministries Soup Kitchen
• Mass at Holy Infancy and dinner at La Lupita’s
• November 2 – decorate an altar for Día de los muertos
• January 6 – Secret Santa exchange on el Día de los tres magos.
• TBD – Hispanic Food Celebration in the Cafeteria during lunch periods

All students are welcome, you do not need to know Spanish or be taking a Spanish Class. Meeting date to be determined. Please listen to the afternoon announcements for the next club meeting.  If you need additional information about this club please contact the moderator, Mrs. Karen Fitzpatrick at kfitzpatrick@becahi.org or (610) 866 – 0791 ext. 5226.