While Baldwin-Whitehall School District will continue to adhere to covid-19 guidelines set by the Allegheny County Health Department, district superintendent Dr. Randal Lutz said he sees this year as a time to renew excitement for learning, and that moving into this school year, the district will see a return too more normal activities and fewer restrictions, particularly when it comes to activities, cafeteria seating and other group settings.

The first day of school is Aug. 29, and while the district seeks to hire paraprofessionals, noon-time aids, bus drivers and attendants and substitutes for all positions, district communications consultant Carrie Butler said they anticipate having all professional staff in place by that date.

But the return to “normal” isn’t the only change in the district for the new school year.

New this school year is a new K-12 math program, new high school level courses in American Sign Language, environmental science and a new course designed around the production of Baldwin Whitehall’s annual MiniTHON event that benefits research for childhood cancer.

Students at McAnnulty Elementary school can look forward to a new playground that will include an expanded, rubberized play surface, additional playground structures, and a new safety perimeter around the outdoor recreation space.

“The district is launching its first-ever eSports program, an exciting new endeavor creating opportunities for competitive gaming, scholarships and more,” Butler said.

Finally, Baldwin High School is anticipating the delivery of all new cafeteria furniture before the end of September. A supply-chain delay prevented the completion of the project prior to the first day of school.

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