A MESSAGE FROM Dr. Randal A. Lutz
Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
Every Learning Journey Is Better with Friends
Dear Friends and Families of Baldwin-Whitehall, aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
I hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying a fun and relaxing summer, and that you’ re excited to make the most of the new 2026- 2027 school year!
Can you believe we’ re already back for another amazing year? Sometimes it really does seem like time flies when you enjoy what you do, which is definitely a feeling that our students and teachers know very well. One minute your class is starting a brand new lesson, and the next thing you know it’ s already time for finals, and you’ re left wondering: where did all that time go?
With that in mind, this issue’ s cover celebrates two inspiring BWSD students representing different stages of the District’ s Journey of a Highlander.
Reese Phelan and Rory( Aurora) Rothermund met last year when Reese, who was a junior at the time, worked with Rory in our Pre-K program at Baldwin High School, and the duo formed a close friendship. Under normal circumstances, these two students wouldn’ t typically cross paths again this year because their classrooms would be in different buildings. But since McAnnulty Elementary School is under renovation and Kindergarten has been temporarily relocated to BHS, their special friendship can continue to flourish in the same building for another year.
36 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
A MESSAGE FROM Amanda Priano
President, Baldwin-Whitehall School Board of Directors
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall School District Community,
As summer winds down and the first day of school approaches, there is a renewed sense of excitement throughout our community. The beginning of a new school year represents fresh opportunities, new friendships, and the promise of growth for every student who walks through our doors. Our teachers and staff have spent countless hours preparing classrooms, planning lessons, and ensuring that our schools are ready to welcome students back. In my household, we’ re looking forward to our very last“ first day” as my youngest child enters her senior year at Baldwin!
As a school district, we remain committed to providing every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Academic excellence remains our priority, but we also recognize the importance of fostering creativity, character, and connections that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Whether a child is entering kindergarten, starting middle school, or preparing for their final year of high school like mine, each student’ s journey as a Highlander is important, and we are honored to be a part of it.
We hope to share updates about Reese and Rory throughout the school year, as their adventures demonstrate the learning, fun, and friendship that happens when students share their Journey of a Highlander together. We also hope their story inspires you to reach out to someone you may not typically connect with— maybe a work colleague from a different department, a neighbor on a different block, or an acquaintance with an unusual hobby— and see how you can learn from and support each other in your own journeys.
After all, every new school year is a chance to make new friends, discover something that excites you, and collaborate to achieve things you’ d never be able to accomplish on your own. I look forward to seeing what our District learns, builds, and accomplishes together this year, and I’ m so grateful that you’ ll be rooting for our incredible Fighting Highlanders every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randal A. Lutz Superintendent of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District
The success of our schools depends on the partnership between families, educators, staff, and the broader community. We encourage parents to stay engaged, attend school events, and maintain open communication with teachers and administrators. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
On behalf of my fellow school board directors, I want to thank our dedicated faculty, staff, parents, and community members for their ongoing support of our schools. As we begin this new academic year, let us embrace the opportunities ahead with optimism and purpose. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students and working together to make this school year a successful and memorable one for all.
Sincerely,
Amanda Priano President, Baldwin-Whitehall School District Board of School Directors