There has been a lot of buzz lately about the new technology middle and high schools that will open in Bogalusa in the fall. But the regular schools have got some exciting things happening as well. And Don McDaniel, who took over mid-session as principal of Bogalusa Middle School, is anxious to spread the word.

“Bogalusa Middle School is up and thriving,” he said. “We have a lot of wonderful things going on here.”

McDaniel got the ball rolling when he took over the job in February with a focus on increased discipline, community and opportunity. Now the atmosphere has changed, a lot is going on and more will get under way when the 2009-2010 session begins for fifth through eighth graders at BMS. This year the school had sixth, seventh and eighth graders, but the sweeping changes approved by the school board in February changed that. The biggest changes include two new schools into the system: Northside Technology Middle School (which will also have fifth through eighth graders) and Bogalusa New Tech High, where students will focus on project-based learning rather than traditional classroom-type learning designed for individual students.

BMS students John Fenley, Brandon Vaughn and teacher Cullyn Brooks demonstrate their robot to the Bogalusa School Board recently. Advertisement

But even though BMS doesn’t have the word “technology” in its name, McDaniel said the school has plenty to offer. The school already offers a range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities for students with divergent interests, he said.

BMS works in partnership with Louisiana Technical College to offer a carpentry class, and students can earn high school credit by taking and passing Algebra One.

There is a student council, a BETA honors club, a Christian Leadership on Campus (CLOC) club, Future Farmers of America, even an award-winning robotics team.

And the vibrancy of the school’s agriculture program is apparent across the campus, which is sprouting roses, vegetables and more. The ag department is also working with the art department to get a sign made to let everybody know they are entering the BMS campus.

If a lot is already going on, there will be considerably more next year. McDaniel said the school will again work with LTC to offer a welding class.

“And we plan to have journalism,” he said. “We’ll offer a speech/drama class where students can earn credit. And the extracurricular activities we’ll add include a junior high chorus, a drama club that will perform at least two plays here and hopefully take them to other places, a dance team and pep squad that will perform for football and basketball games and at special events, a 4-H Club, and possibly a culinary club. We already have sponsors, the home economics room and utensils.”

Every BMS student will be required to be a member of at least one club, said McDaniel.

“And we’ll designate a club day once a month when students can meet during the school day,” he said.

The enthusiastic educator also wants to add some technological opportunities.

“Next year I want to incorporate technology in the library,” said McDaniel. “We will have a computer lab, and the librarian will teach a media class. Students will be able to learn movie-making and video. My goal is to set up a mini TV station.’

The school is a finalist for a Michael Jordan academic grant, which could help, he said.

“The grant we wrote was called, ‘Boldly Rebuilding Bogalusa,’” said McDaniel. “It’s about turning three or four classrooms into a media center.”

Jordan’s people are scheduled to visit the campus on May 22, and a decision will follow.

Besides all that, McDaniel said he is looking forward to meeting with area ministers, business owners, parents and others to establish new partnerships and to expand those that already exist.

“This month, we’ll start a ‘Breakfast with the Principal’ where we’ll invite parents to have an informal discussion about ways we can make Bogalusa Middle School a better school,” he said. “And we will continue to reach out to the community. We’ll introduce ourselves, and let everyone know we are here and that education is a vital part of the rebuilding of Bogalusa.”

McDaniel said his main focus is on academics and improving test scores. Discipline is also key.

But by adding opportunities and encouraging widespread involvement, he hopes to create a positive new whole that is more than the sum of its parts. And that whole will be just another improved component of the Bogalusa City School System.

“Our teachers are all excited about the vision,” said McDaniel. “Exciting things are happening here, too.”