A MESSAGE FROM
Dr . Randal A . Lutz
Superintendent of Schools , Baldwin-Whitehall School District
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall Families and Citizens , aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
As you know , our Baldwin-Whitehall School District is one of Pittsburgh ’ s most demographically diverse districts , with a high percentage of immigrants and first-generation Americans . We pride ourselves on our diversity and inclusivity , and we strive to help each student and family become welcome members of our community .
But our belief in celebrating our community as individuals doesn ’ t stop at the classroom door . In fact , as you ’ re about to see , focusing our attention on the specific educational needs of each individual student has helped us earn some of the best aptitude results in our District ’ s history — and we ’ re just getting started !
In the following pages , you ’ ll hear about some of our newest reasons to celebrate , like a District science teacher who won a competition to learn from NASA engineers , and a revolutionary special-needs program that ’ s helping our District ’ s differently-abled students succeed beyond their wildest dreams . As you read these stories , you may be wondering : “ Is all this extra effort worth it ?” The answer is a resounding YES ! For evidence , consider our School Performance Profiles ( SPP ). These comprehensive statewide annual progress reports measure how well each school prepares its students for college and careers . In 2016 , Baldwin High School ' s SPP score was a 93.4 — the highest score in the school ' s history , and the fourth-best score in the entire Pittsburgh region .
How did we do it ? It ’ s a much longer story than we can share in these pages , but I can point to two vital factors : we empower our teachers to innovate on behalf of their students , and we ’ ve focused on improving our students ’ abilities , individually and without exception .
Giving our students individual attention doesn ’ t mean we hold everyone to a different standard . Rather , it means we expect every student to rise to the challenge of improving themselves at their own rate — and it means we expect each teacher and staff member to dedicate themselves to that same goal . As our SPPs are starting to prove , our process works .
We ’ re proving that great strides can be made to improve learning outcomes for everyone when students , teachers , and staff all share a winning mindset , refuse to make excuses , and value individual growth as the hallmark of success .
I look forward to sharing more successes with you as our process continues to illustrate how great America ’ s public education system can truly be when we ’ re all aligned in the conscious commitment that our life ’ s work is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students .
Together , we are redefining the standard for individual success and believe that every single one of our 4,237 students can achieve more than they ever imagined . And when they do , we ’ ll move the bar even higher . From all we ’ ve seen so far , we should expect to be amazed .
Sincerely , Dr . Randal A . Lutz Superintendent of Schools
HOUSTON , WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY !
80 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall
Harrison Middle School ’ s Debbie Reynolds was one of 36 U . S . science teachers invited to join the nationwide Space Educator Expedition Crew Program in Houston , TX , this past February . Reynolds took part in seven educational sessions led primarily by NASA scientists , and then she ’ ll apply those lessons to her experience leading the innovative IKS Highlander science simulator at Harrison .
“ Our IKS Highlander is one of six such science simulators nationwide ,” Reynolds explains . “ Our District was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Grable Foundation to build one here at Harrison Middle School . The simulator provides an immersive educational experience for our students , where they are launched into space , inside a volcano , or even under the ocean to complete a mission . I serve as the Flight Director and facilitate the learning experience . We also have the capability to design our own missions , and that is what I am hoping to do after my experience at the Space Center .”
Reynolds ’ work with the IKS Highlander helps students develop their skills in math , science , engineering , and creative problem solving by exposing them to “ real world ” problems in their fantastic situations – all critical skills to develop for a career in the 21st Century and beyond . The District community congratulates Ms . Reynolds for her incredible work - consistently expanding learning opportunities for our students .