GET TO KN the District Team
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5 Things You Should Know about Baldwin High School Social Worker , Annette Giovanazzi aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
1 . Her parents instilled in her a value of helping others . “ I knew from GET an early age that TO I wanted to work KN in a helping profession . My parents were excellent role models for me and
BWSD Alumni my siblings . They volunteered in the community and , growing up , our house was always open to everyone .” Dr . Giovanazzi earned her Bachelor ’ s and Master ’ s Degrees in Social Work , and Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh , as well as a Master ’ s Degree in Education from Carlow University .
2 . She counsels high school students and teaches graduate students . In addition to her role as a high-school social worker , Dr . Giovanazzi is an adjunct faculty-member at the University of Pittsburgh in the Graduate School of Social Work and in the Graduate School of Education .
3 . She sees her role as part of a caring network created by the District . “ Young people have so much to deal with today . There are more stressors within families , and student issues are more complicated because of this . To have the opportunity to help young people work through their issues and develop positive coping and problem-solving skills has been most fulfilling . Second , I love what I do because of the staff at BHS . I have been incredibly blessed to work with such kind , caring , and generous colleagues . Their unwavering support of my role as
BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT SPEAKS OUT ON OPIOID ADDICTION
In response to a national Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness campaign , and in support of Governor Tom Wolf ’ s efforts to combat addiction in Pennsylvania , the Baldwin- Whitehall School District joined the fight with several programs to address this growing concern .
Later this month , watch for WTAE-TV ’ s prime-time news program , Chronicle , to feature a special report with Sally Wiggin on Pennsylvania ’ s opioid epidemic , featuring interviews with BWSD students , family and administration , among many others working together on the front lines .
In October , Saltworks Theatre visited BHS and presented Off Script , a play that addressed the misuse of prescription drugs that can lead to heroin and overdoses . In addition to the performance , a community member who lost her grandchild to an overdose spoke to the student body . She gave a poignant and personal account of her granddaughter ’ s struggle with addiction .
The Baldwin-Whitehall School District , in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency ( DEA ), provided a community event that focused on the opioid epidemic in late October . A 45-minute documentary entitled Chasing the Dragon : The Life of an Opiate Addict was shown at Baldwin High School . This film featured blunt , first-person accounts told by individuals who have abused opioids with tragic consequences . Community service providers were also on-hand to answer questions and provide resources to students , parents , and community members .
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a social worker has made all the difference . Third , my fellow social workers in the School District . They go above and beyond every day to help our students and families , especially those less fortunate . Finally , the Baldwin-Whitehall School District for their long-standing commitment to providing social-work services in schools . The leadership understands that until non-academic needs are met , it will be hard for students to achieve academic goals .”
4 . She counsels students who face complex pressures . “ Of course , the pressure to use substances like alcohol and marijuana continue to present challenges for students . I also see students having more anxiety , anger , and depression due to stressors in their lives and in their families .” Over the course of the year , she sees around 150 students , some just a few times , others on a long-term basis .
5 . She ’ s a shutterbug . “ One thing that students might not know about me is that I love taking pictures . I am an amateur photographer and take pictures for family events , and I always have my camera with me when I travel .”
Get to Know the District Team will feature five things to learn about a Baldwin-Whitehall School District employee in each issue .
Operation Prevention was facilitated through Discovery Education and the DEA . This program was held at Harrison Middle School on October 25 , 2016 and designed to provide teachers , students , and parents with digital resources needed to combat the national opioid epidemic . Operation Prevention is an important effort to educate students about the science behind drug addiction and its impact , with resources that help initiate lifesaving conversations in the home and classroom .
On February 16 , 2017 , a parent program was held in the auditorium at Harrison Middle School , in which a representative from Gateway Rehabilitation presented information on current trends in adolescent drug use .