IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2019

GET TO KN the District Team W For the past 23 years, Judith Leadbitter has been a School Counselor at J. E. BWSD Alumni Harrison Middle School, serving students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. With over two decades of experience in helping kids navigate the challenges of adolescence, she understands the positive impact that listening, care, and guidance can have on a child’s future. 1. Her counseling career began in the classroom. “When I was student teaching, I realized that I enjoyed talking to the students and helping them, so I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Secondary School Counseling.” the District Team 2. Her job is far more complicated than you might expect. “Many people think school counselors just guide students GET TO KN W GET TO KN W GET TO KN W BWSD Alumni 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HARRISON’S JUDITH LEADBITTER into choosing a college or profession, but our jobs are so much more than that. At Harrison, each counselor has nearly 500 students for whom we provide the following services all year long: teaching lessons that pertain to academics, social/ emotional well-being, and careers; attending and conducting meetings with students, parents, teachers, the Student Assistance Team, and agencies; preparing and organizing all standardized testing and student schedules; providing orientations for new students; facilitating crisis management and mental health concerns; maintaining data and records; assisting with Academic and Highlander Pride Awards; covering classes when necessary; and assisting students with anything they need to help them through the school day.” 3. Technology is creating new social risks for kids. “Middle school is a difficult time for many students. Over the years, students have faced similar challenges from generation to generation, but what makes it more complex now is the addition of technology and social media. There is a greater chance that private information could become public with a press of a button. This can be scary, humiliating, or even devastating for a middle school student to contend with.” 4. Counseling isn’t just about guidance — it’s about helping the students grow. “I enjoy making connections with students and helping them with issues they may encounter. When a student realizes how I may have made a difference and verbalizes this to me, it is the greatest form of satisfaction for what I try to do on a daily basis.” 5. Effective counseling starts with empathy. “For anyone who would like to become a school counselor, I would suggest obtaining as much mental health training as possible. Learn effective ways to mediate and communicate, and always respect others.” GET TO KNOW ALUMNUS JULIAN ROUTH— BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL ALUM IS PART OF 2019 PULITZER-WINNING TEAM AT THE POST-GAZETTE The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earned the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for its important work covering the heartbreaking Tree of Life Synagogue tragedy. In addition to traditional print pieces, the Post- Gazette also created interactive online timelines and tributes to the victims. The Pulitzer judges described the journalism as “immersive, compassionate coverage…that captured the anguish and resilience of a community thrust into grief.” One of the journalists involved in covering this tragedy and paying tribute to its victims was Baldwin High School alumnus Julian Routh. Julian earned his bachelor’s degree in multiplatform journalism, with a minor in political science, from Duquesne University. After graduation, he was a national politics intern for the Wall Street Journal. He joined the staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a digital reporter in 2016. Julian began to explore journalism while a student at Harrison Middle School. “I still remember writing ‘articles’ for the newspaper in middle school, which was essentially a small, stapled packet of paper that was handed to all the teachers.” He further honed his skills at The Purbalite while at BHS, a process he remembers fondly. “All of the late nights and hard work as editor fueled my passion for journalism, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.” BRAIN BREAKS ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING It can be hard to get young brains to focus when they are in growing bodies. Teachers at Whitehall Elementary School use Brain Breaks to help their students stay focused throughout the day. Brain Breaks are opportunities for students to stretch their limbs and their minds. Brain Breaks take different forms depending on the needs of each particular class. Some Brain Breaks help students get the wiggles out though dancing, stretching, or brief exercises. Other Brain Breaks help students calm down and recenter through breathing techniques. Third- grade teacher Mandy Elm explains, “calming, focusing breaks help get rid of nerves before a test.” Staff at Whitehall Elementary have 80 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL reconfigured classroom space to make it more functional and allow more space for movement. The administration has partnered with a doctoral student who is conducting research as part of her dissertation on the efficacy of Brain Breaks. Brett Bielewicz, Assistant Principal at Whitehall Elementary School, shares, “The purpose of this project is to explore and understand the process of decision making and outcomes of the students and staff of Whitehall Elementary School concerning physical activity breaks during instruction. Teachers and staff are asked to complete a survey and participate in interviews to discuss thoughts of Brain Breaks in the class.”

IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2019 | Page 82