A MESSAGE FROM
Dr . Randal A . Lutz
Superintendent of Schools , Baldwin-Whitehall School District aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Time for Change
Dear Friends and Families of Baldwin-Whitehall ,
It ’ s amazing just how much power can be found in a single word . Recent legislation was unanimously passed by both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly that makes a big change to a longstanding statewide education requirement . Previously , Pennsylvania school districts were required to provide a minimum of 180 school days per academic year and a specific number of hours of learning — 900 hours at the elementary level , 990 at the secondary level . The new legislation essentially changes that “ and ” to an “ or .” This allows for much more flexibility in how educators can deliver education to students than we ’ ve ever had before .
What this means is that Pennsylvania districts are now free to experiment with structural changes to the school week . 29 other states already follow this same “ or ” arrangement , so there are many examples of ways other districts are customizing their approach to time .
While the Baldwin – Whitehall School District is only just beginning to have meaningful conversations about what innovations this new legislation makes possible , the feeling of excitement and curiosity is already clear . As one teacher said , this shift will require our District not just to engage in a new way of educating but also in a new way of thinking .
A LETTER FROM
Karen Brown
President , BWSD Board of School Directors
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Families and Community Members ,
Every child who learns in our schools is on their own personal journey as a Fighting Highlander . While each journey follows its own path , those paths will undoubtedly include many exciting opportunities to change , grow , and improve . As the President of the BWSD School Board of Directors , I also see those opportunities for our entire District .
In returning to the role of President , I am inspired by the many large and small ways Baldwin – Whitehall has grown since I last held this position in 2018 . In that time , our District has expanded by nearly 200 total students , weathered a pandemic , closed one school and opened another , and welcomed many new families and employees into our BWSD district community .
One recent change has been the opening of the new R . A . Lutz Elementary School . As I shared during the building ’ s official ribboncutting ceremony , this new school is not just a building ; it is a sanctuary of learning , a haven for growth , and a beacon of hope for generations to come . May it be a place where dreams take flight and aspirations find their wings .
Meanwhile , let ’ s not overlook the many other changes that are also having a significant impact on our District , our students , and our community .
36 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
A New School and New Opportunities
I want to be clear : at this time , no changes are being made to our existing school scheduling structure . Instead , this is a time for reimagining , discussing , exploring , and asking “ what if ?” For example , how might different uses of time improve the learning experience for our youngest students as they begin kindergarten ? Or that of our middle school and high school learners ?
As we consider these new opportunities , we will be seeking feedback from our entire BWSD community . We know we must view these possibilities through the various lenses of our students ’ individual needs . We also know we must not diverge from our core academic mission or disrupt the vital support services we offer , such as ensuring students ’ access to school-provided meals . As we embark to imagine new Other ways of doing things , it is perfectly natural to feel somewhat anxious icon or uncertain about uncharted territory . Please trust that we don options ’ t intend to make changes without a great deal of conversation , inclusion , intention , and purpose .
Our commitment to creating a safe , supportive , and dependable learning environment will never change . What has changed are the ways in which that learning experience can be structured — and quite honestly , it ’ s about time .
Sincerely , Dr . Randal A . Lutz Superintendent of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District
For example , as access to technology increases , students now have more opportunities to learn , connect , explore , create , and express themselves . As administrators seek new sources of financial support through funding sources like BWEF Seed Innovation grants , our faculty and staff are being encouraged to explore innovative ideas that can help students socially , emotionally , and academically . And as our District welcomes new neighbors from different cities and even different countries , the services and programs we implement to serve our diverse region are also leading to new ways for each of us to think about how we learn , communicate , and collaborate as a community .
As your School Board President , I am committed to helping our District provide each student with a fiscally responsible learning environment that meets their academic needs while also supporting their social and emotional growth .
Your input is welcome , encouraged , and vital to help the Board guide our District forward . Together we can make sure our Fighting Highlanders are well prepared for the future while also making the most of each new day , and each new change .
Sincerely , Karen Brown President , BWSD Board of School Directors