GET TO KN
BWSD Alumni
W
5 Things You Should Know about Alumnus Bill Eber
1 . He is an entrepreneur .
Eber worked in insurance and learned the trade . He started his own company , Eber and Associates , in 2001 . His days are full and he enjoys the variety of tasks that his role involves . He explains , “ I sell and manage my personal clients , as well as managing 3 locations and 20 employees . My day includes meetings , account management , and collaboration with staff on existing accounts and new business .”
2 . He explored numerous opportunities before finding his field .
After graduating from BHS is 1986 , Eber attended Penn State , McKeesport , for a year . He then left college to join the workforce . He worked in the steel mills for Park Corporation for a number of years . When he was 25 , a friend asked if he ’ d be interested in insurance . Insurance was a natural fit for his skills . He encourages students to be focused and tenacious : ” set goals and don ’ t let anything stop you .”
3 . He played baseball for BHS .
Bill Eber was a pitcher for the Fighting Highlanders . Under coach Kane it was a strong team , just missing a chance at the playoffs . 4 . He is deeply connected to the community . Eber grew up in the area and now he and his wife , Brenda , are raising their two sons in Jefferson Park . He notes that his time in the District gave him a solid foundation in education and began connections that last to this day , “ my Baldwin-Whitehall School District experience helped me build friendships that continue strong today , especially since I live and work in the local community .” 5 . He loves helping people . Insurance is an industry that meets people at major and minor life events . Eber enjoys forming long-term relationships with people to help them through these events , whether it ’ s buying their first home or adding their newly licensed child to their car insurance . He shares , “ I enjoy working with people and helping them plan , evaluate , and solve their insurance needs .” aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
GET TO KN the District Team
W
1 . She is a licensed pilot .
Koch originally trained to be a pilot . She shares , “ I became interested in education , especially teaching , during flight school in college , when I started teaching Wa few flight classes to local elementary students . I would visit as a guest speaker and connect math , science , and social studies to complete thematic units with the children . I enjoyed my experiences so much that teaching became my new path .” She still holds a private and commercial license for small planes .
2 . She works for holistic education through the Melting Pot program .
The District meets students wherever they are and gives them the tools to succeed . One of the ways it does this is through the Melting Pot after-school program . Koch explains , “ Melting Pot is an after-school program that provides services to children in Bethel Park , South Park , and the Baldwin-Whitehall School Districts . During the program , children receive help with their homework , as well as academic tutoring . Counseling in small groups and social-skill development are also addressed . Online programs are utilized to remediate in reading and math , and free play-time is part of the schedule . Participants make friends and build relationships with student-leaders and adults . A wonderful , hot dinner is provided every day and creates a family atmosphere , as students help with setting the table , cooking , and clean-up . Finally , the program also provides field trips and wellness activities for the children . Regular events are planned for families to attend together to have fun and strengthen relationships . It is not uncommon for Melting Pot to help with basic necessities such as transportation , college visits , applications and doctor appointments .”
GET TO KN
BWSD Alumni
70 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
5 Things You Should Know about Math Teacher Kima Koch
3 . She was named one of Baldwin-Whitehall School District ' s 2015 Champions of Character .
Harrison Middle School Principal , Jill Fleming-Salopek , notes that this was well deserved and speaks to the myriad of ways she contributes to the District . Mrs . Koch has been a team leader for many years , serves on the Google team for the Math department , has mentored other teachers , and has been instrumental in developing and aligning the math curriculum . Fleming-Salopek expressed , “ Mrs . Koch is such a vital member of our staff . She is one of the most unselfish people I know . She goes above and beyond , both in her professional and private life , to help students , their families , and her colleagues . It has been a joy to work with her , learn from her , and call her a friend .” 4 . She was inspired by one of her own teachers . The best thing about teaching is the opportunity to work with youth everyday . It is a wonderful thing to know you are doing something meaningful everyday by pouring your energy into the next generation .” 5 . She believes in following your passion . Koch reflects , “ Funny , I really thought I wanted to be a pilot . My training and school were very expensive when I decided to take a risk and do something I was really passionate about . We all need to encourage children to do just that . Koch shares , “ I went back to school for several years to pursue a teaching career which has been my passion ever since . I decided to teach math in middle school because of an amazing math teacher that I had during sixth grade . They should know that with hard work and perseverance , things work out wonderfully .”