Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you and your family enjoying a wonderful summer and taking advantage of the opportunities the season brings. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is David Muench, and I am honored to serve as the new principal of Harrison Middle School. I am excited to partner with you as we support our students on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves. Joining the Harrison community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I am committed to giving my very best each day to support our students, families, and staff, and I look forward to the great things we will accomplish together. 

I would also like to introduce to you our new assistant principals.  Mr. Alex Bowman is joining the HMS staff from South Fayette School District, where he served as a math teacher.  In addition, Ms. Carly Lutz will be rounding out the administrative team at HMS.  Ms. Lutz served as a special education teacher at Whitehall Elementary.  Both of these educators have had accomplished careers thus far and will be a great asset to the Highlander community, and in particular, Harrison Middle School.

Our mission at Harrison Middle School is to ensure a safe, healthy, and rigorous school program that is tailored to the developmental needs of our students.  It is very important  that our students come to school knowing that they are cared for.   HMS has a strong history of developing programs that support these pillar concepts.  Programs such as Highlander Time, Highlander Heroes, The Leader in Me, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), teaming practices, and more are all essential components of the middle school program that exist here at Harrison.  We look forward to telling you more about these activities in the weeks and months ahead and how they support our students.  

Additionally, our staff and school district will continue to strengthen and expand programs centered on the Journey of a Highlander framework. This initiative emphasizes five core competencies: adaptive learning, effective communication, creative and critical thinking, empathy, and responsible collaboration. By focusing on these essential skills, we are committed to providing purposeful instruction that helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout the school year, you will see these competencies intentionally woven into classroom learning, school activities, and student experiences.

Being a parent/guardian of a middle school student can be challenging.  For both schools and parents there are many days that leave us wondering whether we did the right thing as we help guide them through this period of intense emotional and physical development. However, while we may not always get it right, together we can give them experiences and set boundaries by which they can explore their interests, develop their sense of self, and feel safe.  We are very excited for this partnership and the results that will come from it.  We look forward to having a great year together!

Sincerely,

Dr. David M. Muench    
Principal
dmuench@bwschools.net      

 

Message from the Assistant Principals

I am incredibly excited to begin my first year as part of the Harrison community and to get to know each of our students. While this is a new journey for me, I know it's also the beginning of another exciting chapter for many of our students, and I can't wait for us to learn and grow together. Every student brings unique talents, experiences, and strengths, and I look forward to helping our students discover and showcase those gifts while encouraging you to grow as learners and as people. As we embark on the Journey of a Highlander together, I hope you'll embrace new challenges, build lasting friendships, and take pride in all that you accomplish. I am honored to be part of your story this year, and I can't wait to share in the joy of learning with you. Here's to an amazing first year together—Go Highlanders!  

Mr. Bowman
Assistant Principal
Harrison Middle School
abowman@bwschools.net 

Welcome to a new school year at Harrison Middle School! I am truly excited to begin this school year at HMS and build relationships with our students, families, and staff.
As someone whose roots are in the Baldwin-Whitehall community, it is incredibly meaningful to continue serving the district in this new role. Baldwin-Whitehall has always been home to me, and I have a genuine love for this community and the people who make it so special. It is a privilege to continue supporting the students and families of our district, and I am committed to helping every student feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Middle school is an exciting time filled with opportunities to grow, discover new interests, and build confidence. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff and partnering with families to create a positive, supportive environment where all students can thrive.
I can't wait to meet you all. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I'll see you soon!

Ms. Lutz
Assistant Principal
Harrison Middle School
clutz@bwschools.net 

Additional Information

Back-to-School Supply Lists – Click to Access

Middle School Counselor Information: 

• Ms. Rachel Johnson (A-L) – rjohnson@bwschools.net 
• Ms. Jessica Thomas (M-Z) – jthomas@bwschools.net  
• Students’ schedules can be accessed via Skyward starting August 19th.  Please contact our school counselors if you have questions about your child’s schedule.

6th Grade and New Student Orientation, August 20th from 6:30-8:30 PM:

• This orientation will start with a presentation from the administration and school counselors highlighting the key information for the 26-27 school year in the auditorium.
• Students and parents will then have the opportunity to walk their schedules and visit with teaching staff
• Due to limited parking, there will be additional parking at Whitehall Elementary School. Starting at 6:00 PM, a shuttle will run between the two schools.

 
7th and 8th Grade Orientation, September 15th from 6:30-8:30 PM:

• The orientation will start with a presentation from the administration and school counselors highlighting key information for the 26-27 school year in the auditorium.
• Students and parents will then have the opportunity to walk their schedules and visit with teaching staff
• Due to limited parking, there will be additional parking at Whitehall Elementary School. Starting at 6:00 PM, a shuttle will run between the two schools.

Transportation to-and-from School: 

• Buses will drop off and pick up students at the gym lobby entrance/exit (#1)
• Parents dropping off their students are to use the upper parking lot – Main Entrance (Entrance/Exit 12), and drop-off is from 7:50 to 8:15 AM (Parents are not to use the lower parking lot during arrival)
• Parents picking up their students are to use the upper parking lot – Main Entrance (Entrance/Exit 12), and pick up starts at 2:45 PM. (Parents are not to use the lower parking lot during dismissal)
• Students must use the Main Entrance (Exit 12) if they arrive late or are picked up for an early dismissal.

Food Service Information:

• The National School Lunch Program returns for SY 2025-2026. All students not on government assistance will be FULL PRICE meal status UNLESS families apply for benefits. If you feel you may qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits, please go to schoolcafe.com & complete an application. 
• Lunch will be served at a cost of $4.00 daily rate students that are eligible for Reduced Price benefits will receive free meals. 
• Breakfast will be free for all students regardless of their eligibility status. Students can drop by the cafeteria to pick up their breakfast upon arrival at school. Students are permitted to eat their breakfast in their classrooms.

Technology and Chromebook Information:

• Click for the BWSD Technology Services Overview – The page contains information on:
  • 1:1 Initiative and the BWSD Chromebook Handbook.
  • Chromebook Self-Protection Plan – Parents are reminded that there is an annual cost of $30.00 to participate in the Chromebook Protection Plan. All payments must be made using the District’s e-Funds electronic payment system (select Chromebook Protection Plan).