SALSA DANCING AND SPANISH SKILLS : RICH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN COSTA RICA
This summer , students studying Spanish from Baldwin High School traded the traditional classroom for Costa Rica through a dynamic language-immersion course . BHS teachers Will Dodds , Rebecca Mackin , and Katie DeFazio led students on a trip that combined learning activities and cultural exploration . Each day featured hands-on language lessons that invited students to learn local cuisine , experience area attractions , and participate in village life . From visiting volcanic thermal springs to getting acquainted with students from a local high school , students experienced firsthand how language opens their world to new possibilities .
LOOK What ' s New : EDUCATION INITIATIVES DRIVE LEARNING aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The Baldwin-Whitehall School District is constantly evaluating our offerings and imagining new approaches to serve our students . From all new furniture in the high school cafeteria to a new K-12 math program that provides teachers with more tools for the classroom , many fresh opportunities will greet students this school year . Here are a few of the highlights :
j Students at McAnnulty Elementary School will get to run , jump , and play on a new playground . The redesigned playground features an expanded , rubberized play surface , additional playground structures , and a new safety perimeter around the outdoor recreation space .
j The District is launching its first ever eSports program . The eSports program translates gaming competitions into STEM skills . This endeavor creates opportunities for competitive gaming , scholarships , and more .
j Teens will discover the impact they can have on the world through new courses at Baldwin High School . Baldwin High School now offers courses in American Sign Language , Environmental Science , as well as a new course designed around the production of the District ’ s annual MiniTHON event , which benefits pediatric cancer research .
j In 2019 the District created the Chill Program to equip high school students with mindfulness skills . Building on the success of that program , the District is again partnering with Allegheny Health Network to support student mental health . School-based therapy will now be available at all buildings in the District .
j Learning should be accessible for all students ! The District is launching an initiative to equip all K – 2 homeroom teachers with English as a Second Language ( ESL ) certification . This training will empower teachers to better serve not only their English Language Learners , but all students in their classrooms .
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