The Lifelong Importance of Getting the Basics Right
Reaching New Heights with a Central Mission
A MESSAGE FROM
Dr. Randal A. Lutz
Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
The Lifelong Importance of Getting the Basics Right
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Students and Families,
As we begin the 2018-2019 school year, I’ m reminded of one lesson that never gets old: the lifelong importance of getting the basics right.
Before our students can ever learn trigonometry, they must first understand algebra. Before they can become stars in any sport, they must first master the fundamentals. And before they can graduate, we have to make sure that our doors are open, our facilities are welcoming, our staff is supportive, and our buses are running on time, every day.
In the spirit of getting back to basics, this issue of InCommunity highlights our District’ s commitment to the fundamentals of learning. They include: encouraging curiosity, testing theories, practicing skills, measuring growth, and rewarding excellence. Within these pages, you’ ll see how our teachers bring these values to life in the classroom, and how
our staff, students, and alumni are embodying these ideals throughout our community.
And the best part?
These same fundamentals— of being curious, dedicated, reliable, helpful, and supportive— are the lessons that stay with us long after our school days are over. They form the bonds that turn classmates into lifelong friends, and help us transform neighborhoods into thriving communities.
Thank you for all that you do, and all the ways that your support of our District enables us to get the basic building blocks of learning right for every student, from kindergarten through senior year and beyond.
Sincerely, Dr. Randal A. Lutz Superintendent of Schools Baldwin-Whitehall School District aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
LETTER FROM
David J. Solenday
School Board President
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Community,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! I am thrilled to serve as your School Board President as we embark on a brand new year of learning, growing, and working every day to become our absolute best, from our classrooms to our greater community.
I know that our students are excited to learn, our teachers are prepared to lead, and our Board is happy to guide and support our District as it strives to help every child reach amazing new heights of academic achievement.
Our Board’ s role in this process is shaped by its central mission, which includes:
• ensuring that our schools provide state-of-the-art instruction that meets the needs of every student’ s unique learning profile
74 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
Reaching New Heights with a Central Mission
• expanding innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in every classroom
• offering quality programs and support to ensure college and career readiness and success in life after graduation
• maintaining fiscal accountability through responsible budgetary decisions
• creating an environment of transparency and trust between the Board and community
• involving our larger community in the District’ s ongoing efforts
But what about you?
Did you know that you can also help our Board shape the future of the District?
While our Board members are elected to represent the interests of the larger community, we also invite you to attend our public meetings and share your thoughts with us directly. By hearing what our community has to say about issues ranging from budget funding to technological innovation, we can combine our insights and work together as a team to provide the best possible educational experience for all students.
I look forward to a new year of helping our District excel, and I welcome your input as we move forward into this brand new year together.
Thank you, David J. Solenday School Board President Baldwin-Whitehall School District