Fifth grade students are exploring
the theme of culture in Ms. Hoover’s
ESL classes at Paynter Elementary. Symbols
of culture such as food, stories, dance,
beliefs and language that have been passed
down through our ancestors have been shared.
Stories from different cultures have been
told and read. The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland
is a story about a Vietnamese woman who carries
a lotus seed, a symbol of her culture, to
America and later passes the lotus flower’s
seeds to her grandchildren. After reading
the story, students talked about special
objects they brought from their countries.
Grandma's Records by Eric
Velasquez is a story about a boy who learns how music
helps his grandma remain connected to her homeland
of Puerto Rico. In concert with the theme of this
story, students have introduced the class to music
from Iraq and dances from Kenya and Bosnia. Students
also enjoyed tasting steamed dumplings from China
and chocolate from Bosnia.
Posted
10/4/04
MES
- Officer Cortazzo Vistis McAnnulty
The days of September 27 to
October 1 were McAnnulty Elementary Anti-bullying
Week. Baldwin juvenile police officer Tony
Cortazzo met with all the students to reinforce
the lessons taught this week. Topics covered
included "what is a bully?", "three
types of bullying", "what to do
if bullied", "bullying is against
the rules" and "who are the adults
that students can go to for help?".
Students had the opportunity to ask questions.
Posted
10/4/04
HMS
- 7A
Challenge by Choice
Students from team 7A at J.E. Harrsion Middle School
participated in adventure-based team building activities
at Challenge by Choice. The program challenged students
to develop teamwork, decision-making, self-confidence,
and trust.
Posted
10/6/04
PES
- Pencil Pals
Miss Wolf's third grade students
at Paynter Elementary used their math skills
to create some fabulous "Pencil Pals".
Each student had an imaginary $4 to buy the
materials they needed from the "Pencil
Pal Store". By using their estimating,
adding, and subtracting skills, the students
were able to get the most for their money.
After they had calculated the total money
spent and their change back, the students
were ready to create their Pencil Pals.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Kindergarten Johnny Appleseed Activities
At Paynter Elementary, Mrs. McDonough’s morning
kindergarten students celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s
birthday. The children learned about Johnny by reading
books, learning finger plays, and hearing all about
his tall tales. They even painted their very own
apple trees. The best and most tasty activity of
the day was making applesauce. With the help of their
parents, students brought in sliced apples, then
added a little sugar and spice to make a wonderful
smelling snack. All day long the apples cooked. At
the end of the day, it was finally time to eat and
enjoy this sweet treat.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Second Grade Johnny Appleseed Activities
At Paynter Elementary, Mrs. Noel’s second
grade students celebrated Johnny Appleseed's birthday
on September 28. The children had fun participating
in many activities, such as graphing their favorite
apple snack, writing cinquain poetry, labeling parts
of an apple tree, and solving apple math problems.
As a culminating activity, the students enjoyed a
delicious apple feast with their friends in second
grade.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Differentiated Learning Centers
Mrs. Noel's second grade classroom at Paynter Elementary
has fun while they learn! Students take part in learning
centers where different curriculum areas are emphasized.
Working together is essential in successfully completing
these learning activities.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Kindergarten Reading Activities
Paynter kindergarten students
of Mrs. Mervos are very busy. They are reading
poems, the daily news and their independent
reader books. To add to the fun, the students
are learning dances for the letters N, A,
and D.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Community Project
English as Second Language (ESL) students at Paynter
Elementary had fun with a community project that
was in conjunction with their Hampton- Brown Reading
Series. The unit focused on neighborhoods and community
stories. For a final project, the students decided
to help their school community by cleaning up Paynter
school grounds.
Posted
10/7/04
MES
& WES- SOAR Anti-bullying Program
McAnnulty Elementary participated in an anti-bullying
week from September 27 through October 1. As part
of this initiative, Whitehall Elementary fifth grade
SOAR (Students Organizing and Achieving Results)
students wrote, performed and directed anti-bullying
plays for all the students at McAnnulty Elementary.
The skits demonstrated the essential skills to handle
bullying situations. McAnnulty students were able
to ask the fifth graders questions about what bullying
is and who one can go to for help. McAnnulty Elementary
is very grateful to Whitehall Elementary for their
support and efforts in addressing this issue.
Posted
10/7/04
PES
- Extended
Kindergarten Letter Fun
In Mrs. Vu's extended kindergarten classroom at
Paynter Elementary, the children are learning the
alphabet from the Land of The Letter People. The
children meet a new letter person each week. They
had fun making "noisy noses" for Mr. N
and using their body to form Ms. A.
Posted
10/7/04
MES
- Ditto Free Day
Why is the copy machine sitting idol? Because
the teachers at McAnnulty Elementary accepted the
challenge, "Can you go a day without paper and
pencil activities?" and had their first Ditto
- Free Day. There was evidence throughout the school
that this could be accomplished. Games were played
to practice and review. Math was taught using edible
counters Animal Crackers and teddy bears. Science
was hands-on. Students made costumes and recited
poetry. What about spelling? Students wrote in shaving
cream to practice their words. All of this and more
because of the creative teachers at McAnnulty.
Posted
10/7/04
Whitehall
Pride
Whitehall’s Spirit Day
was a huge success. Each classroom was judged
by Mrs. DeFilippo and Mrs. Houk to determine
who wore the most purple and white. The three
winning classrooms were Mrs Siler's grade
3 – room 149, Mr. Fisher's grade 4
- room 209, and Mrs. Pryor's grade 5 – room
225. Winning classrooms were awarded a Spirit
Day ribbon. Our students have fun showing “PRIDE” in
their school.
Posted
10/13/04
BHS
- Fall Play Rehearsal
The Baldwin High School Drama Club members are
busy rehearsing for their November 17 through 20
presentation of, The
Night of January 16. Two casts
will be featured in this inter-active production
that includes the audience sitting on the stage and
deciding the fate of the defendant.
Posted
10/13/04
BHS
- Election of 1912
Baldwin High School students in eleventh grade
American Cultures classes participated in a simulation
of the 1912 presidential election between William
Howard Taft (Republican), Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive),
Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) and Eugene Debs (Socialist).
Students acted as candidates, campaign
managers and committed and uncommitted voters in
this simulation. They wrote and presented speeches,
created campaign slogans, posters, and buttons, and
persuaded potential voters. The students then voted
for the candidate they believed would best represent
them as a person from 1912. As a result of this activity,
the students were able to analyze the effect of third
party candidates on an election and create an effective
campaign strategy as a group.
Posted
10/14/04
PES
- Denim Day
Since 1996, when Lee National Denim Day was established,
companies nationwide have raised more than $40 million
for the Komen Foundation. Every dollar raised goes
directly to the Komen Foundation to fund research,
education, screening and treatment programs. On October
8, the employees of the Baldwin-Whitehall School
District were again invited to participate in this
fund raising event. Each Friday, employees are encouraged
to wear denim and to make a donation to the Susan
G. Komen Foundation. Last year, the employees of
the school district raised $6,889 for this cause.
At Paynter Elementary, the teachers and staff celebrated Lee National
Denim Day by enjoying Denim Day kickoff activities. Both female and
male teachers and staff incorporated denim and pink into their outfits.
Posted
10/14/04
PES
- Firemen
Visit Paynter Kindergarten
Paynter Elementary kindergarten students of Mrs.
Mervos and Mrs. McWilliams recognized Fire Safety
Week with a visit from members of Baldwin #1 Fire
Company. Chief Paul Bronder, firefighter Vic Mandela
and firefighter/paramedic Bob Siegwarth, Jr. reviewed
fire safety rules and demonstrated some of the equipment
and protection the firemen use. The students also
had the opportunity to ask questions about firefighting
and safety, see the equipment on a fire rescue truck
and climb aboard the truck.
Posted
10/14/04
MES
- Children's Choice Book Award Pirate Program
McAnnulty Elementary librarian, Mrs. Ann Rohm,
brought a "Pirates" theme to the library
as she and the students took part in the Baldwin-Whitehall
School District Children's Choice Book Award program.
The librarians of Baldwin and Whitehall Public Libraries
chose three recently published picture books as nominees
for elementary students. Mrs. Rohm read one of the
chosen books, How I Became a Pirate, by Melinda Long
to her students. After hearing this exciting tale,
the children made pirate hats and took part in a
treasure hunt. The students will have the opportunity
to hear each of the books and then vote for their
favorite. The public libraries will hold an awards
program during Children's Book Week at which time
the winners will be announced and activities based
on each book will be provided. Whitehall Library
will have their awards program on November 13 and
Baldwin Library will have their program on November
15.
Posted
10/14/04
BHS
- French and Indian War Reinactor
Mr. Larry Souleret, a resident of Whitehall, spoke
to three Advanced Placement United States History
classes on October 8 at Baldwin High School. Mr.
Souleret is a French and Indian War reinactor and
came dressed in authentic 1750 attire. He enlightened
the students with a fascinating presentation of the
tools and weapons that a hunter in the 1750s would
carry. This gave the students a great chance to "live" the
French and Indian War experience.
Posted
10/14/04
MES
- Flood Relief Collection
During the week of September 27 through October
1, students, their families, and the staff at McAnnulty
Elementary collected food and cleaning supplies for
people affected by the flooding in the Chartiers
Valley School District. Second grade teacher Mrs.
Flukas' husband and daughter both teach in that district
and know first-hand about the needs of their students.
The drive was coordinated by PTA president
Mrs. Romack, Penn State University student teachers
Miss Michele Mal and Miss Kylie Whalen, Mrs. Flukas
and first grade teacher Mrs. Foote. Since McAnnulty
Elementary is a kindergarten through second grade
building, there are no “big” kids to
carry the bags and boxes. McAnnulty's “little” children
outdid themselves as they lugged boxes and bags of
groceries to the collection area. Thanks to all who
contributed so generously and for the Baldwin - Whitehall
truck that transported the collected items to Chartiers
Valley.
Posted
10/21/04
National
School Lunch Week
As part of National School Lunch Week, students
at Whitehall Elementary, Paynter Elementary and
McAnnulty Elementary invited family members to
have lunch with them in their respective cafeterias.
The students enjoyed showing their loved ones cafeteria
procedures and routines. The menus varied from
day to day, and included hot chicken sandwich and
tater tots, Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes
and gravy, chef salad, hot dog on a bun, and fiestada.
Posted
10/21/04
PES
- Donuts for Dads
PTA moms, grandmas and aunt volunteers did a
great job providing doughnuts, coffee, milk and
juice for Paynter students and their special guests
at the annual Donuts for Dads event. After enjoying
breakfast together, they were able to visit the
classrooms before starting the day.
Posted
10/21/04
PES
- Mulitplication Factors
The third grade students in Mrs. Knerr’s
class at Paynter Elementary School are learning
their multiplication facts. The students wear a "factor
x factor card" for the whole day, and have
to be called by their "product". This
is a fun way of mastering the facts.
Posted
10/21/04
HMS
- Anti-bullying
Play at Whitehall
A group of eighth grade Harrison
Middle School students which included Erin
Czarina, Andrea Weygand, Melissa Fenton,
Leah Hall, Juliann Koenig, Christina Perrone
and Michelle Kirkwood visited Whitehall Elementary
during Anti-bullying Week. The students performed
the play "No Bullying Allowed" for
the fifth grade students.
Posted
10/24/04
BHS
- Graphic Arts Signs for Whitehall
Whitehall Elementary requested the help of the
Baldwin High School Graphic Arts III classes to produce
signs that state Whitehall's Beliefs. The signs will
hang in all of Whitehall's classrooms. The graphic
arts students were happy to assist in the challenge
of producing forty-nine signs. Each student in the
graphic arts class was graded on the quality of their
completed signs.
Posted
10/24/04
BHS
- Harry Readshaw Town Meeting
Pennsylvania State Representative Harry Readshaw
visited and discussed politics with a group of freshman
and senior Baldwin High School students. The program
was the result of the Student Voices nationwide curriculum
movement. Baldwin High School social studies teachers
Mrs. Lori Pavlik and Mrs. Kathleen Presto and their
students are participating in this program.The curriculum
is designed to increase student awareness and interest
in the political process. Both classes prepared a
Youth Issues Agenda of topics which are important
to them and to their community in the upcoming election.
They interacted with Mr. Readshaw with a question
and answer format.
Posted
10/24/04
PES
- Johnny Appleseed Celebration
At Paynter Elementary, the first grade students
in Mrs. Cantwell's room celebrated Johnny Appleseed's
birthday. The folklore of Johnny Appleseed was incorporated
across the curriculum. In science, the students learned
about trees and the main parts of a tree. In math,
the students learned how to make graphs using their
bodies and tally marked their favorite type of apple.
They then compared the tally marks to the other apples.
In health, the students learned how fruit (apples)
are important in their everyday diet. Also in language
arts, the students read the folklore of Johnny Appleseed,
talked about folklores and then completed a written
journal entire. Finally, the students brought in
apples and they made homemade applesauce!
Posted
10/24/04
Title
I Program
The Title I Family Night was held on October 21,
at Harrison Middle School. Approximately 100 people
attended and enjoyed learning about the Title I Program
and meeting David Parker, an author and entertainer
as he celebrated reading. Each student received a
free book and many sets of Mr. Parker’s books
were also given away as door prizes.
Posted
10/24/04
BHS-Pyro
in the Pit
Baldwin High School students ignited their school
pride and spirit by participating in the Pyro in
the Pit bonfire. Activities included music provided
by D.J. Steve Maffei, grilled hotdogs and senior
recognition of fall sports athletes, cheerleaders
and marching band members. Principal Mr. Steve Puskar
lit the bonfire while the Whitehall volunteer fire
company kept the flames in control. Vice principle
Mr. Chris Stultz had the crowd swaying and singing
to Baldwin’s new hit song, Purple and White.
The Pyro in the Pit activities concluded in the south
parking lot with the movie Shrek. The Pride is Alive!
Posted
10/24/04
Administration Building, 4900 Curry Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
