Thursday, October 22, 2026
Baldwin High School’s woodworking class has completed an industrious project for Jones Beach State Park, constructing lifeguard storage boxes in time for the summer season.
This collaboration is part of a partnership between the Baldwin School District and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, a relationship that has been ongoing for more than two decades.
The partnership began when Baldwin students started building lifeguard equipment and crowd control barricades for Jones Beach and other state parks. Over the years, the scope of the projects has expanded to include contributions to the Baldwin community, such as the Baldwin Community Garden, the Chamber of Commerce and various district schools. Notable projects include oak benches for Baldwin High School’s Learning Collaboratory and a faux fireplace for Brookside Elementary School.
Elissa Kirchner, who serves on the beautification committee of the Baldwin Civic Association, said the collaboration with the high school is longstanding.
“The garden and civic association have always worked hand in hand with the high school students in all aspects,” she said. “They’ve done phenomenal work throughout the community, but especially at the garden.”
That work includes Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, a bridge and a sun display — all visible on the garden grounds.
Scott Peritz, who has taught woodworking at the high school for 26 years and is retiring in June, explained the evolution of the program.
“Roughly 30 years ago, the New York State Education Department eliminated the Industrial Arts curriculum — what was often referred to as ‘shop classes’ — and replaced it with the Technology Education curriculum,” Peritz said. “Many school districts eliminated their shop classrooms and turned those spaces into computer rooms — their definition of ‘technology.’”
“Fortunately for the Baldwin community, the Baldwin Board of Education and the superintendent of schools had the foresight to overlay Technology Education on top of the existing shop classrooms, giving Baldwin a distinct advantage and the best of both Technology Education and Industrial Arts,” he added.
Peritz emphasized that as the State Education Department shifts focus to more Career and Technical Education coursework, Baldwin is ahead of the curve.
“Our offerings of hands-on learning combined with the use of technology set our students up for whatever is next,” he said.
Baldwin High School’s Technology Education Department offers a construction career pathway for students in grades nine through 12. Students develop carpentry skills and have access to a fully equipped woodshop, where they can bring their designs to life. They also learn to use AutoCAD, a drafting and design application employed by professionals across various industries.
Most recently, the department was awarded a $2,500 Helping Kids mini-grant from The School Superintendents Association to purchase advanced CNC router machines — computer-controlled cutting tools that allow students to shape, engrave and carve various materials using digital programming.
This year, more than 75 district students are enrolled in carpentry courses, with total participation exceeding 100 when including stagecraft classes. The program provides valuable, hands-on experiences that connect theory to practice, preparing students for careers in engineering, carpentry or even DIY home improvement.
The lifeguard storage boxes are made from pressure-treated lumber and are designed to withstand the elements. Jones Beach plans to deploy them before the Memorial Day opening weekend, ensuring they are ready for the summer season.
The partnership aligns with the district’s commitment to Baldwin 2035, fostering learning opportunities beyond the classroom and enriching the educational experience for everyone involved, district officials said.
