Forrester: 2022-2023 school year focused on student achievement, community service and more
With the 2022-2023 school year recently coming to a close, I want to take a moment to highlight a few of the milestones in student achievement and serving our community, and our incredible Baldwin High School Class of 2023.
Throughout the school year, teachers and staff worked with families to help our Panthers succeed in the classroom and beyond.
We made great strides in student literacy, including the addition of the READ180 program in the junior high school, Family Literacy Night and March is Reading Month activities. In April, 31 Baldwin sixth and seventh graders learned their original stories would be published as part of a national creative writing contest.
It was also a huge year for our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programs. In March, Baldwin Elementary students participated in a virtual reality experience that allowed them to explore the wonders of the rainforest. In April, Baldwin Elementary students introduced their ideas to keep the Earth healthy at the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Fair.
We also provided new opportunities for our students to participate in the fine arts — part of a well-rounded education in our schools — including the band’s first performance in years at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Festival. In January, Baldwin junior high and high school students attended the broadway musical, “Six” in Grand Rapids. In April, the Baldwin Drama Club presented its production of “The Audition,” which allowed several students to experience singing, dancing and acting for the very first time.
The district continued its commitment to giving back to the Baldwin community this school year, including a new partnership with the Rotary Club of Baldwin and Feeding America. Working with the Rotary Club, Baldwin Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade received backpacks of food every month. In December, Baldwin Junior-Senior High School students visited with senior citizens at the Grand Oaks Nursing Center.
The year culminated with an outstanding Baldwin High School Class of 2023. The entire class applied for and was accepted to at least one college, setting the bar for success in our schools.
Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our teachers, support staff and Board of Education for your dedication to our Panthers. I look forward to working with you and our amazing families next school year and beyond in preparing all students for success and the jobs of the future.
David Forrester is superintendent of Baldwin Community Schools.