HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WINS VOCATIONAL AWARD
McKenna Bucher, a senior attending Brentwood High School, was awarded the Golden Hammer Award at the Mon Valley School. McKenna participates in the Food Service shop at the Mon Valley School and was nominated by Ms. Lisa Fuller, Food Service teacher at the Mon Valley School. The award
DISTRICT RECEIVES SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH GRANT
Brentwood Borough School District received a $ 122, 244 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to address gaps in physical safety of buildings and grounds and mental health needs of students. These funds were dedicated to enhancing physical safety at the Middle / High School through the purchase and installation of locks that will ensure the school’ s interior doors are capable of being locked from within each room. The grant funding also enabled the purchasing of supplies for use in classrooms during extended lockdown events and
celebrates the contributions and achievements of vocational students who participate in vocational programming and who go above and beyond expectations set by the teacher of the class.
The Golden Hammer Award has been a tradition at the Mon Valley
CELEBRATING CHARACTER: ELROY ELEMENTARY’ S STUDENT OF THE MONTH CEREMONIES
School for many years. The celebration is student-driven as students plan, design, and build the actual award and take ownership in every part of the celebration. Students are active in planning the ceremony, setting up the room, and providing light refreshments for those who attend the ceremony.
to enhance the district’ s entry systems( ID cards, access control system).
The portion of the grant dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of students will be utilized to furnish a de-escalation area in Elroy Elementary. Sensory items and activities will help students engage in de-escalation of behaviors and emotions. Lastly, the remaining grant funding was dedicated to continuing our partnership with Care Solace, an online service dedicated to helping families in the community access mental health services. rentwood Borough
SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
This is the second year that the 4th At Elroy Elementary, academic success is only part of the story. Just as important is helping students grow into kind, responsible, and respectful individuals. To support this goal, the school hosts monthly Student of the Month ceremonies that celebrate students who consistently demonstrate strong character.
Each month focuses on a different positive trait— such as kindness, honesty, perseverance, responsibility, or empathy. Teachers thoughtfully nominate students who go above and beyond in showing these values in their daily actions, both in and out of the classroom.
The ceremony is held virtually, allowing all classrooms to tune in together and giving families the opportunity to log in and watch the celebration from home or work. This inclusive approach strengthens the school-to-home connection and ensures that each student’ s recognition is shared with those who support them the most.
During the ceremony, students are highlighted one by one. They receive a certificate, a printed copy of the kind words their teacher wrote about them, and a special pencil as a token of recognition. These meaningful touches help students feel proud of who they are and encourage them to keep demonstrating strong character throughout the school year.
Beyond the celebration itself, the program reinforces a schoolwide focus on character education. Monthly themes are woven into classroom discussions, morning announcements, and daily interactions, helping students understand what these traits look like in action.
Elroy’ s Student of the Month program reflects the school’ s commitment to developing not just great learners, but great people. By recognizing the everyday choices that make a big difference, the school continues to build a positive, respectful, and connected learning community.
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘ SUMMER 2025 15