Get to Know Our Teachers

Miss Bucha is a “jack of all trades” at BTA. Not only does she teach our 3 year old preschoolers, but she also teaches our middle science classes and has developed our STEM program. She is a creative thinker that always has her students actively engaged in class. Here is a little but more about Miss Bucha.

Why did you choose to work in Catholic education?

I chose to work in Catholic education because of the standard of excellence and sense of community that is held.  Specifically, at BTA you become part of an exceptionally hard-working and supportive family.  In this community, innovation and dedication are highly valued and encouraged.  All of this comes together, along with the opportunity to root our work in faith, to create what I believe to be the optimal learning environment. 

What motivated you to become a teacher?

I love to learn!  I teach because I want to pass on my love of learning to my students.  

Who was your most influential teacher growing up and why?

My mother was the most influential teacher in my life.  She taught me the importance and value of education, and had every trick in the book to make learning fun.  Seeing the positive impact she had on her students also inspired me to want to share my love of learning and help students as well.


What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love that I have the opportunity to help students discover the world around them.  I enjoy seeing students become excited about what they are learning, especially when they want to take their learning even deeper.


What is the most important life lesson you want you students to get out of your class?

I aim for students to learn to ask questions and be problem solvers.  It’s in asking questions that we learn about the world around us.  It’s through problem solving that we discover the answers to our questions

What was your favorite book as a child?

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery


What is your favorite book now?

‘Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard (and still Anne of Green Gables).


What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?

Most often, I can be found spending time with my family.  I also love music!  I play the flute and tin whistle and can often be found learning a new song or two.  Being outside doing yard work, hiking or just enjoying nature are also favorite pastimes.


What are you looking forward to most this year?

I am excited about the opportunities for innovation that this year holds.  We are in a situation where we have to look at our daily life from a new perspective.  While not always convenient, there is a lot we can learn and improve upon during this time.  When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

Family Fall Fun

Fall is officially upon us! This is the season for fun pumpkin patches, apple picking, and trick or treating.  But in the year of COVID, a lot of events that have become traditions for many families have been canceled or postponed for another year.  However, there are still a lot of opportunities for families to get out of the house and enjoy the fall season in a socially distanced way.  Here are a few of the seasonal events in the North Hills( plus a couple favorites in the South Hills) area happening this year:

Blessed Trinity Academy is hosting a “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event on October 25 from 1-3pm in the St. Mary of the Assumption parking lot.  Preregistration and prepayment is required.  This is a great way to trick or treat in a safe, socially distant environment.  Register online at https://tinyurl.com/btatrunkortreats.

Shaler Township– “Trunk or Treats” October 10 starting at 5pm in Kiwanis Park.  Pre-registration is required.  Come to trick or treat, but stay for the movie in the park (“Hocus Pocus” after the event. Registration required.  https://www.shaler.org/407/Trunk-or-Treat

Hampton Township– Hampton is also hosting a showing of “Hocus Pocus” on Saturday, October 24th starting at 7:15pm. Registration required. https://www.hampton-pa.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2197

Harvest Valley Farms is welcoming families to their farm every Saturday and Sunday during October from 10am-5pm.  Families can pick pumpkins, take a hayride, go through the corn maze as well as participate in other fun activities. Registration NOT required. https://www.harvestvalleyfarms.com/fall-festival

Freedom Farms is also continuing their fall festival every weekend in October.  Families can pick sunflowers, find pumpkins, go to the petting zoo, participate in face painting plus a lot more.  Registration is required.  https://www.freedomfarmspa.com/fall-festival

Instead of their annual fall festival, Trax Farms is offering Harvest Days throughout October.  Tickets are released weekly and those who want to attend will need to purchase tickets in order to attend. Activities include a hayride, access to our 3 acre corn maze, access to the farm animals, access to the pumpkin patch (pumpkins not included in ticket price- purchase separately), and unlimited pictures with the perfect backdrop of our 150 year old farm, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. https://traxfarms.com/events/harvestdays/

For those of you who usually go to Triple B Farms, the fun is continuing throughout October. Pre-sale wristbands must be purchased ahead of your visit.  Wristbands allow access to  hayrides, animal barn & education acres, 2 corn mazes, observation beehive, pumpkinland, & jumping pillows. All activities are designed for adults & children to enjoy together outdoors!  To purchase wristbands or for more information go to https://www.triplebfarms.com/family-fun.html.

Sorgel’s Orchards is open throughout October too.  Although their annual Fall Festival is not happening this year, the pumpkin patch and apple orchard are open. Pumpkin patch and apple picking hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Check out their website for more information.  https://www.soergels.com/  

Shenot Farms in Wexford has their pumpkin patch open starting at the end of September daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for pick-your-own pumpkins. They will regularly host food trucks, and have already-picked pumpkins available, too. Visit their website for more information.  https://www.shenotfarm.com/

For all of the apple lovers out there, Norman’s Orchards offers apple picking throughout the fall season. They have a wide variety of apples on their farm and as well as a store which stocks already picked apples, apple cider, local honey and other goodies. Make sure you check out their Facebook page before you go as they regularly post which varieties are available. https://normansorchard.com/

ABC Transit is hosting their 1st Annual Food and Fall Fun Extravaganza on October 10 from 1pm-7pm. It will take place at 120 Evergreen Road Millvale, PA 15209. They will have pumpkin painting, pony rides, food trucks, and more.