Secretary Rowe visits Baldwin-Whitehall

On September 17th, Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Carrie Rowe visited the Baldwin-Whitehall School District to see the innovative learning happening across the district that is supported by PA Ready to Learn Block Grant funding. The district strategically leverages this funding to expand opportunity, strengthen student belonging, and prepare learners for what comes next.

During her visit, Secretary Rowe toured programs at Baldwin High School and McAnnulty Elementary that show what that investment looks like in practice. She began with the Baldwin Bean and the Innovation Shop, two inclusive, student-run businesses where students with and without disabilities work side by side while building communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship and career-readiness skills. Led by Mr. Eric Jankoski, these programs reflect the district’s commitment to meaningful inclusion and helped Baldwin High School earn national recognition as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School, along with recognition from Special Olympics and ESPN for creating a community where students of all abilities learn, lead and belong together.

Secretary Rowe also visited an American Sign Language class taught by Ms. Lindsey Graney. Baldwin-Whitehall offers ASL I, II and III as a World Language pathway, helping students build language skills and a deeper understanding of deaf culture. The student-led ASL Club extends that learning through semiannual Silent Dinners, and grant support has allowed the district to grow these efforts alongside commUNITY Sign Language courses that bring students, families, staff and neighbors together.

At the high school’s Fusion program, led by Mr. Benjamin Aikens and Ms. Natalie Grattan, Secretary Rowe saw student-centered learning in action. Students move through the curriculum at an individualized pace, with teachers serving as facilitators who provide feedback, conferencing and support. Internships and other real-world experiences connect classroom learning to future interests.

At McAnnulty Elementary, Secretary Rowe visited the prekindergarten program taught by Ms. Anna Nee. Now in its third year, the half-day program gives young learners a strong start, using the same reading curriculum as kindergarten while balancing structured learning with play, exploration and creativity. She also met high school students in the Growing Future Educators partnership, who gain hands-on experience in kindergarten classrooms with guidance from Ms. Maggie Graff, and she learned about the school’s House System. Led by Ms. Tammy Rellick, the system organizes McAnnulty into five Houses, each with its own name, song, theme and competency aligned with the Journey of a Highlander, so every child feels known, valued and welcomed.

Secretary Rowe shared, “It was a pleasure to tour the high school and kindergarten, and to visit with the students, faculty, and administration during my visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with the students who represented the inclusive and innovative culture of Baldwin-Whitehall School District so well! I left inspired by the unique ASL program, Fusion program, student store, and the inclusive Baldwin Bean — none of which happens without a supportive administration and school board. The cuteness overload and thoughtful structure of the pre-K and kindergarten programs rounded out a wonderful visit.”

“We are deeply proud of the caliber of instruction and rich community here in Baldwin-Whitehall,” said Superintendent Dr. Randal Lutz. “It was an honor to introduce Secretary Rowe to the incredible students, teachers and staff members of our district.”