A MESSAGE FROM Dr. Randal A. Lutz
Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
We’ re Taking Future-Ready Learning to a Whole New Level
Dear Friends and Families of Baldwin-Whitehall,
While our whole District is looking forward to the beginning of a new school year this August, some of us are feeling even more excited than usual. That’ s because many of our students, faculty, and staff will get to start this new year in a fully renovated facility!
As you may know, J. E. Harrison Middle School has been in various stages of remodeling over the past several years. I am incredibly grateful that those teachers and learners have been so adaptable because we’ ve had to relocate their grade levels to other buildings during this process. But having seen the finishing touches being completed on all of Harrison’ s new spaces and features, I can tell you that the wait has been worth it.
This marks the first significant renovation for Harrison since 1996. I can only imagine how amazed the students and teachers of that era would be if we traveled back in time and told them their school would someday house fully-equipped makerspaces, modular classrooms, sound and lighting that makes their stage productions look Broadway-ready, a high-speed esports lab, and so much more. Honestly, I’ m pretty sure their first question would be:“ What’ s esports?” But that’ s the beauty of public education: it’ s always
evolving to help today’ s students prepare to thrive in the careers and the communities of the future.
Remember, thirty years ago, most of us were barely aware of the internet, and today we all carry globally-connected supercomputers in our pockets. With that in mind, just imagine what the future will look like for today’ s BWSD students thirty years from now. From AI and wearable technology to 3D printing and social media, it’ s impossible to guess just how different our world will look by 2055. But no matter how much may change, one thing will undoubtedly be true: you can always count on our Fighting Highlanders to be ready for whatever the future holds.
Thank you for all you do to support the staff and students of our BWSD Learning CommUnity, and for helping today’ s eager learners become tomorrow’ s inspired leaders.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randal A. Lutz Superintendent of Schools Baldwin-Whitehall School District aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Families,
58 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
A LETTER FROM Karen L. Brown
President, BWSD Board of School Directors
Happy New( School) Year!
The Baldwin-Whitehall Board of School Directors is excited to welcome everyone back, especially our new Kindergarten students. The renovated J. E. Harrison Middle School is ready for new 6th – 8th graders, with many reimagined and innovative spaces. We are all excited to see every BWSD student continue to grow and progress this year on their Journey of a Highlander.
The start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and opportunity. For many, it is like New Year’ s Day! It is a fresh beginning, a time when the hallways buzz with new energy, school supplies are crisp and untouched, and students and teachers alike feel the potential of a clean slate. For many, it’ s a chance to set new goals, meet new people, and embrace the possibilities of learning and growth. This reset often inspires a sense of purpose that can be both invigorating and comforting.
Happiness at the beginning of a school year often comes from reconnecting with friends and re-establishing a daily routine. There’ s joy in familiar faces, shared stories of summer adventures, and the return to a community that supports learning and personal development. Whether
it’ s the thrill of discovering a new favorite subject, joining a club, or simply enjoying lunch with classmates, school provides a rich environment for moments of joy and connection.
Moreover, the structure and milestones built into a school year offer a sense of progress that can contribute to overall well-being. As students overcome academic challenges, gain new skills, and build relationships, they experience a sense of accomplishment that fuels confidence and happiness. The beginning of the year is just the first step in their Journey of a Highlander, filled with opportunities to grow, succeed, and find joy in both small wins and meaningful moments.
We wish you all a happy and successful school year where we can all work together to help the students grow and learn. Thank you for your continued support.
Karen Brown President, BWSD Board of School Directors