Headlines: BWEF Blog
Spreading Some Holiday Cheer
Before winter recess, we distributed chocolate candies to all faculty and staff in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District--with a special surprise! The recipients of ten randomly marked treats received an Amazon gift card to be used for classroom supplies or materials. The treats were provided by Lauren Tripson of Lakeside Confections in Baldwin. Congrats to our lucky winners and happy new year to all! |
National Art Honor Society: Going Where They've Never Gone Before
A donation from the BWEF to the National Art Honor Society created an opportunity for our art students to go where they've never gone before: The Andy Warhol Museum in downtown Pittsburgh. The gift was in appreciation for NAHS students providing complimentary face-painting activity during the Foundation's mini golf outing in September. Nicole Flannery, teacher at Baldwin High School, shared a summary of the experience: |
"We just wanted to send you a quick message of gratitude," Flannery said. "The BWEF’s generous donation to the National Art Honor Society allowed us to take 26 of our National Art Honor Society and Advanced Art students to the Andy Warhol Museum today. The students received a guided tour and participated in an art making workshop. It was such an amazing and memorable experience because most of our students had never been there before. We thank BWEF from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for our students! We appreciate it beyond words."
Thank you, NAHS students, for providing fantastic artistic skills during our mini golf event. Let's make it an annual thing!
Thank you, NAHS students, for providing fantastic artistic skills during our mini golf event. Let's make it an annual thing!
Goal Surpassed! Sean Sluganski's 33rd Birthday Fundraiser
Sean Sluganski's 33rd birthday fundraiser generated $7,354 from individual donations, surpassing our goal of $5,000, and qualifying us for an additional $2,500 each from angel donors River Point Technology and Financial Fuel Services... ...bringing the grand total of this fundraiser to $12,354. All proceeds benefit the Officer Sean Sluganski Memorial Scholarship fund. To date, we have raised nearly $43,000 in support of this scholarship, passing the halfway mark of our capital campaign goal of $75,000. We continue to be amazed by the generosity of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District and the greater Pittsburgh community. Thank you for your continued support of this most important cause. |
Baldwin Residents Open Home to Community in Support of Sluganski Memorial Fund
Tragedy often reveals the best in us as humans: compassion, grace, and goodwill. On Sept. 10, Mary and Rip Odato of Baldwin exemplified these qualities by opening their home for a social fundraiser benefiting the Officer Sean Sluganski Memorial Scholarship, established by the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation [BWEF] earlier in the year.
Approximately 150 guests attended this event, held at the Odato residence, to celebrate the life of Sean Sluganski, the McKeesport Police Officer from North Baldwin who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 6, 2023. "It was truly special to honor Sean, who was such a caring and dedicated young man," said Mary Odato. "Hosting this event was a privilege." |
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The Odatos got to witness Sean's warmhearted nature as a fifth grade student at Paynter Elementary School. "Sean was very good friends with our neighbor and babysitter, who came here from Bosnia when she was 12 years old," Odato said. "As we helped her adjust to life in America, Sean helped her adjust to life in American schools and helped her make new friends." Mrs. Odato's motivation to host the fundraiser and the incredible support of the Baldwin-Whitehall community made this event possible in just six weeks. Through various fundraising activities, including door donations, raffle tickets, and silent auctions, the event raised approximately $13,000, contributing to the foundation's scholarship campaign goal of $75,000. Auction items included autographed memorabilia, gift baskets, and even a custom-made bar by Mr. Odato himself. In a heartfelt show of appreciation for law enforcement, attending police officers received thank-you gifts upon arrival and had the chance to win gift cards throughout the evening. “It’s uplifting to see the community come together and honor Sean’s life in the best way we can—through laughter, hugs, and by showing the Sluganskis that they are surrounded by love and support,” said Erik Arroyo, president of BWEF. “We hope that the scholarship brings some light into their world and serves as a constant reminder of the light Sean brought into ours.” |
The scholarship will support graduating seniors of Baldwin High School who are pursuing a career in law enforcement, an effort that the Odatos fully endorse.
"Our police officers are a crucial part of our neighborhoods," Odato said. "This scholarship will benefit many new recruits coming out of Baldwin-Whitehall."
The fundraiser blended together those who knew Sean with those who didn’t. At one table, a neighbor told stories of Sean as a little boy; at the next table, retired law enforcement officers, neither of whom knew Sean, were there to support a young officer who made the ultimate sacrifice; next to them, Sean’s daughter Haven, steadied on her feet by Sean’s fiancé Chelsea, enjoyed a cookie and toddled around on the dance floor with her little cousins.
The Sluganski family actively participated in the festivities. Sean's sisters, Sarah Griener and Shela Sluganski, addressed the crowd and expressed their gratitude for the community's unwavering support.
“These events keep the family close and full of love in this difficult year,” Griener said. “We are so thankful to everyone in the community for continuing to show their support.”
Over 100 different families, businesses, and individuals united to create an upbeat and festive atmosphere that celebrated Sean's life and legacy. BWEF and the Odato family express their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their exceptional support: Diane and Mike Kennard, Judy and Randal Lutz, Louise and Scott Wolf, Steve and Donna Dziadyk, Leo and Kim Stadelman, Terri Wild, Laura and Vince Melitta, Carrie and Alexa Hobson, Gabby Plinta, Jackie Gerdun, Ali Simcho, Karen Hilko, and Tom Frey.
Additionally, special appreciation goes out to the generous financial and culinary donors who made this event a success: Stacy of Bad AZZ BBQ, Gary Ogg, George Liotus, Mary and Tony Machi from Gianna Via’s Restaurant and Bar, Carolyn and Pete Milan from J Poli Construction, Gail and Michael Facchiano of Michael Facchiano Contracting, Ray Piacquadio of Pasta Too, Ricky Mitchell, Shultz Ford, TRUSS Brewing Co., Family Tent Rental, Trailers-to-Go, Jim Wodarek from DJ Jimmy, bartenders Kathy McConnell-Miller and Nick Daugherty, the Sluganski Family, and anonymous donors.
“Thank you to everyone for coming and enjoying a relaxing evening with amazing gifts, food, and company,” Griener said. “Thanks to you, we will always keep Sean’s memory and legacy alive.”
HEC Farm to Table!
Allison Shreve, Teacher, J. E. Harrison Education Center
May 24, 2023 Our sixth grade co-taught English Language Arts classrooms at J.E. Harrison Education Center worked on a year-long garden project that produced a delicious array of homegrown vegetables in the learning garden outside of our school. The project was made possible through an innovation seed grant from the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation, which allowed for the purchase of multiple seed variations, plant food, and gardening supplies and equipment. ELA teachers Allison Shreve, Amber Snyder, and Emily Palma created this special assignment to align with gardening concepts they were learning in class, such as poetry, creative writing, and small group assignments. |
Sixth grade students at J.E. Harrison Education Center use the learning garden to cultivate farm-to-table vegetables.
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The goal was for students to work both individually and in teams on a project that fostered critical thinking skills, deeper engagement, and creativity that aligned with Pennsylvania ELA standards.
For this project, students partnered with Grow Pittsburgh, a nonprofit organization that supports school gardens in the Pittsburgh region. Throughout the year, students participated in multiple "planting days." Instructors from Grow Pittsburgh taught students how to plant vegetables like lettuce, spinach, carrots, peas, beets, and radishes. Learners spent time observing and getting to know each stage of the plant growth cycle, and were taught about the unique ways to care for each individual type of vegetable. They learned the importance of watering and tending to the garden with care and maintenance. They even got to partner with Gabrielle Giovenco, art teacher at Baldwin High School, to paint decorative rocks for placement throughout the garden.
Once the vegetables were fully grown, students harvested them and got to enjoy their creations! Classmates worked together in small groups to clean, chop, and make salads and homemade ranch recipes. Sharing each other's culinary treats was definitely everyone's favorite part!
Have you ever wondered what was so special about sneakers?
Allison Shreve, Teacher, J.E. Harrison Education Center
April 11, 2023 In the novel Holes, Stanley ends up at Camp Green Lake all because of a pair of sneakers. Have you ever wondered what was so special about those sneakers? The students in the sixth grade, co-taught English Language Arts class at J.E. Harrison Education Center got a chance to wonder... and design... and create their own amazing pair of “kicks” to justify all of Stanley’s stress! |
Sixth grade students at J.E. Harrison Education Center bring their custom shoe designs to life.
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The project was made possible through a grant from the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation, one of four seed innovation grants awarded during the 2022-23 school year. English Language Arts teachers Allison Shreve, Amber Snyder, and Denise Wells created this special assignment for students with disabilities and learning challenges so that they could explore, construct, and solve issues that coincided with novels they were reading in class. The goal was for students to work both individually and in groups on a project that fostered critical thinking skills, deeper engagement, and creativity that aligned with Pennsylvania ELA standards.
And the students did not disappoint! While working in small groups, they researched the structure, support, flexibility, and traction of various shoes. They then researched current fashion trends for footwear and decided on a color scheme and purpose for their shoe.
While students were brainstorming shoe ideas, they identified their target customer. They then took what they learned during their research and designed their very own custom shoe.
Once their shoes were designed, students designed a logo, slogan, and name for their shoes. They also presented their shoe project to the class. The students did an amazing job creating sneakers, boots, soccer cleats, ice skates, and even a high heel!
Learners had the best time turning their footwear designs into stickers and keychains using equipment provided by the District's Mobile Fab Lab! Special thanks to our Technology Services team, especially Dr. Janeen Peretin, Karen Suchy, Gino and Joseph Bonidie for their incredible help during the entire process.
And the students did not disappoint! While working in small groups, they researched the structure, support, flexibility, and traction of various shoes. They then researched current fashion trends for footwear and decided on a color scheme and purpose for their shoe.
While students were brainstorming shoe ideas, they identified their target customer. They then took what they learned during their research and designed their very own custom shoe.
Once their shoes were designed, students designed a logo, slogan, and name for their shoes. They also presented their shoe project to the class. The students did an amazing job creating sneakers, boots, soccer cleats, ice skates, and even a high heel!
Learners had the best time turning their footwear designs into stickers and keychains using equipment provided by the District's Mobile Fab Lab! Special thanks to our Technology Services team, especially Dr. Janeen Peretin, Karen Suchy, Gino and Joseph Bonidie for their incredible help during the entire process.
How Do You Make Science Fun? Add Preschoolers!
March 15, 2023 How do you spin a penny inside a balloon? Can you make electricity with Play-Doh? What happens to water during a tornado? These were just a few of the questions posed to preschool students at Baldwin-Whitehall's preschool STEM Night, an idea brought to life by Virginia Pfatteicher and Michelle Malone, teachers at Baldwin High School. “We wanted to provide opportunities for our youngest students to learn about the wonderful world of STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math],” Malone said. “So by hosting two STEM nights, we were able to reach out to the community in a meaningful way and deliver this learning program to them.” Preschool STEM Night brought together nearly 50 Baldwin-Whitehall preschool students and their families for an evening of learning through experimentation with gravity, velocity, light, heat, buoyancy, magnetism, and electricity. Through a series of custom-designed activities, all created by Baldwin High School students, learners got to see, hear, touch, and create. The program was funded by an innovation seed grant from the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation, one of four seed grants awarded during the 2022-23 school year. |
Baldwin-Whitehall preschool students experience with science, technology, engineering and math during Preschool STEM Night hosted at Baldwin High School.
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Pfatteicher said that the activities combined learning opportunities for the District’s youngest students with learning opportunities for high school student teachers as well.
“This project provided many layers of learning,” she said. “Our preschool students and their families had a wonderful evening of hands-on learning, and our high school students, who served as teachers during this event, planned and helped to deliver the entire program.”
Through six custom-designed learning stations, student teachers facilitated learning through child-friendly demonstrations and developmentally appropriate explanations. The stations were set up inside a Baldwin High School classroom and included:
- Water Science, which explored centripetal force by experimenting with a tornado tube.
- Microscope Table, where students could use microscopes to analyze insect parts, bird feathers, shrimp eggs, plant parts, etc.
- Electricity Table, where learners could experiment with static electricity and create working circuits with Play-Doh.
- Light Table, where learners examined plasma globes and practiced patterning and counting when using the light table and pegs.
- Newton's Law Table, which illustrated centripetal force by spinning a penny inside a balloon while showing the traits of gravity and inertia with Newton's beads.
- Balance Tables, where students used scales and balancing birds to explore the concept of balance and equilibrium.
Malone and Pfatteicher said the impact of nights like these on the Baldwin-Whitehall learning community cannot be overstated.
“When we introduce our preschool students to STEM learning, we spark their intellectual curiosity and inspire a love of learning that stays with them as they grow,” Malone said. “In addition, this served as community outreach so that parents, families, and the larger BW community could learn more about our commitment to excellence in the early childhood education field.”
Malone commended the high school student teachers for their efforts to plan, strategize, and deliver this event. She said they learned valuable skills through this experience like how to plan a large community event, how to budget for a school activity, and how to use external resources like the Whitehall Public Library.
Pfatteicher plans to extend the positive benefits of STEM Night even further by providing learning kits to science teachers at each of the District’s elementary schools. Each kit, created by the high school student teachers, includes experiments on electricity, Newton’s Antics, balancing, and water science.
"The confidence that students gain at this age, when given a high level of confidence by adults, can help students’ self-esteem grow as they take the next big steps in their lives," she said.
Bits and Pieces is Up and Running!
January 30, 2023 The student entrepreneurs of Whitehall Elementary School [WES] were so excited for the grand opening of Bits and Pieces that they knew they weren't going to get much sleep the night before. "Maybe a little," said Vivian Bonomi, student manager, when asked if she thought she would be able to sleep before the first day of business. "I'm just so excited to see the kids' faces and reactions." Bits and Pieces, a new mobile supply store at WES, rests upon a rolling cart plenished with classroom necessities like writing utensils, pencil cases, bookmarks, erasers, and more. The store will cruise through school every Wednesday and serve as a quick resource for faculty and students between classes. Each grade level has one |
Students at Whitehall Elementary School build Bits and Pieces, the school's mobile supply store. Click image for a larger view.
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designated shopping day per month and items range from $1 to $4. The project is one of four seed innovation grants funded by BWEF during the 2022-23 school year.
The store had a soft launch before winter recess and nearly ran out of inventory within 48 hours. By the time the store officially opened on January 11, enthusiasm was palpable and shoppers were ready to buy.
Kristy Frohliger, the District's STEAM/Media specialist, is the faculty sponsor of this initiative and said she continues to be impressed with how the students are rising to this challenge.
"Students had the cart built and the store functional within two weeks," Frohliger said. "I am amazed at the thoughtfulness, the teamwork, and the collaboration. Their ability to talk through the process and make decisions on important details like price points, signage, and item presentations impresses me every day."
"They also learned a little bit about crowd control," Frohliger said, referring to the shopping rush on opening day.
Student managers described the first day as a bit chaotic, but only because students surrounded the cart very closely to get a good look at what was available.
"Everyone was squeezing in tight to see what we had," said student manager Harley Stephenson. "We had repeat customers on the first day and many asked if they could come back tomorrow."
The mobile store will serve multiple functions and one is already well underway: to give students hands-on opportunities to learn business skills like inventory and cash management, cost analysis, marketing, customer service, and problem solving.
"They're already thinking about changes they want to make to inventory based on customer feedback," Frohliger said.
Frohliger hopes that Bits and Pieces will be a model for the rest of the District, as the concept is something that can be replicated at every school and sales will support the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support [PBIS] program.
As for the student managers, they're embracing the opportunity and excited about what lies ahead.
"I loved every part of this," said student manager Ella Bonacci after the grand opening. "This is definitely going to raise a lot of money for the school and for PBIS."
The store had a soft launch before winter recess and nearly ran out of inventory within 48 hours. By the time the store officially opened on January 11, enthusiasm was palpable and shoppers were ready to buy.
Kristy Frohliger, the District's STEAM/Media specialist, is the faculty sponsor of this initiative and said she continues to be impressed with how the students are rising to this challenge.
"Students had the cart built and the store functional within two weeks," Frohliger said. "I am amazed at the thoughtfulness, the teamwork, and the collaboration. Their ability to talk through the process and make decisions on important details like price points, signage, and item presentations impresses me every day."
"They also learned a little bit about crowd control," Frohliger said, referring to the shopping rush on opening day.
Student managers described the first day as a bit chaotic, but only because students surrounded the cart very closely to get a good look at what was available.
"Everyone was squeezing in tight to see what we had," said student manager Harley Stephenson. "We had repeat customers on the first day and many asked if they could come back tomorrow."
The mobile store will serve multiple functions and one is already well underway: to give students hands-on opportunities to learn business skills like inventory and cash management, cost analysis, marketing, customer service, and problem solving.
"They're already thinking about changes they want to make to inventory based on customer feedback," Frohliger said.
Frohliger hopes that Bits and Pieces will be a model for the rest of the District, as the concept is something that can be replicated at every school and sales will support the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support [PBIS] program.
As for the student managers, they're embracing the opportunity and excited about what lies ahead.
"I loved every part of this," said student manager Ella Bonacci after the grand opening. "This is definitely going to raise a lot of money for the school and for PBIS."
Spreading Some Holiday Cheer!
December 16, 2022
In what has become a bit of a holiday tradition of our own, we spread some holiday cheer in December by distributing Sarris candies to all faculty and staff and by participating in the fifth annual cookie extravaganza at Baldwin High School.
All district personnel received a Sarris candy bar before winter recess from BWEF. One bar per school was specially marked and the lucky recipient of that bar won a surprise $100 Amazon gift card. |
Congratulations to the following gift card recipients: Maryanne Schrader (Baldwin High School), Gabrielle Giovenco (Baldwin Middle School), Gina Walsh (Harrison Education Center), Katelyn Grecco (Whitehall Elementary School), and Lauren Moore (McAnnulty Elementary School).
We also participated in the district's fifth annual cookie extravaganza held at Baldwin High School. Foundation members Randal Lutz, EdD, superintendent of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, and Erik Arroyo, president of the BWEF, welcomed over 200 community members to the event. Guests enjoyed fantastic performances by our student choirs and musicians before touring the high school and receiving holiday-themed gifts, ornaments, cookies, and reusable canvas bags donated by BWEF.
Mini Golf Outing: Success!
August 2, 2022
We hosted our second mini golf outing on Aug. 2, and raised over $22,000 in support of education in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.
As a result of the event, BWEF will award five student scholarships, three faculty innovation grants, and fund multiple kick-starter projects and special initiatives in the 2022-23 school year. The event drew nearly 200 mini golfers from Baldwin-Whitehall and the surrounding communities for an evening of mini golf, prizes, and games. |
All students received a customized Chrome Book and pencil case holder courtesy of the District's Mobile Fab Lab, and all guests received a complimentary DIY s'mores kit as well.
Doug Strott, graduate of Baldwin High School ('83) and Distinguished Highlander Hall of Fame member ('20) attended the event and praised the foundation's efforts. "This is a chance for me to give back to the school and teachers who laid the foundation for my life," Strott said. "BWEF events draw a diverse crowd and give parents a chance to see new technologies that our kids are Baldwin are learning that will improve their chances at being successful after school."
We'd like to thank event sponsors HHSDR Architects and Engineers and Cool Springs, all of our supporting sponsors and community partners, and the families, friends, and neighbors who attended this fantastic community event.
Dating back to 2016, our golf outings have raised over $52,000 in support of educational initiatives and programs in the school district. We're already looking forward to next year, and so is Mr. Strott.
"I recommend that each parent and alumni check out at least one BWEF event," he said. "You won't be disappointed."
Doug Strott, graduate of Baldwin High School ('83) and Distinguished Highlander Hall of Fame member ('20) attended the event and praised the foundation's efforts. "This is a chance for me to give back to the school and teachers who laid the foundation for my life," Strott said. "BWEF events draw a diverse crowd and give parents a chance to see new technologies that our kids are Baldwin are learning that will improve their chances at being successful after school."
We'd like to thank event sponsors HHSDR Architects and Engineers and Cool Springs, all of our supporting sponsors and community partners, and the families, friends, and neighbors who attended this fantastic community event.
Dating back to 2016, our golf outings have raised over $52,000 in support of educational initiatives and programs in the school district. We're already looking forward to next year, and so is Mr. Strott.
"I recommend that each parent and alumni check out at least one BWEF event," he said. "You won't be disappointed."
Book Vending Machine Arrives at Whitehall Elementary School
April 20, 2022
"How do I get a book?"
That was the question of the day as students gazed in excitement at the brand new book vending machine at Whitehall Elementary School. The machine was introduced during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 20 and welcomed by a group of students eager to put the machine to the test. "I was really excited and proud to be the first one to pick out a book," said Summer W., a second-grade student at Whitehall. Summer holds the distinction of being the first-ever student to earn a book from the vending machine. The District's technology services team decorated three sides of machine with a custom artwork wrap created by Nathan Redding of Baldwin High School, whose original design was voted the best submission of a District-wide student artwork contest that the foundation hosted in December 2021. The design features two students reading atop a stack of books with inspirational quotes from various authors on the spines of each book. Additionally, there is room on each side to display new student artwork throughout the year. |
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Fourth-grade student Addie A. was also among the first group of book recipients. "It was very cool to get a book from the vending machine," she said. Both Summer's and Addie's art designs are displayed on the wrap. "I felt so honored to have my artwork put on the machine," Addie said. Book vending machines incentivize students to make kind, positive choices in order to receive a gold coin that can be redeemed for a book. Kristy Frohliger, STEAM/Media specialist in the District and coordinator of the project, noted that the Baldwin-Whitehall School District is one of the first districts in the Pittsburgh area to install a book vending machine inside one of its schools. "This machine will most definitely have a positive impact on our students' behaviors and reading levels," she said.
Ms. Frohliger could feel the enthusiasm growing as soon as the machine became visible to students. "When the day came for the first students to get a book, the energy in the lobby was contagious," she said. "What a thrill for us to be able to tell the kids to enjoy their books. We will update the machine regularly with the most current books that students love to read, so it will always be a special activity for them."
"I am so happy that the dream of having a book vending machine in the school came to fruition," Ms. Frohliger said. Funding for the machine was made possible through individual donations at DonorsChoose.com, the Dollar General Literacy Fund, and a faculty innovations grant provided by the Baldwin-Whitehall Educational Foundation.
Kyla, a fifth-grade student who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, indicated that the machine was already serving its intended purpose. "I was excited to be one of the first to try out the new book vending machine," Kyla said, "and I picked a Babysitters Club book. I hope I can earn more rewards for another book before the end of the school year."