Student LifeStudent Life

Many Changes Evident as New School Year Begins

At exatcly 7:37 a.m. on August 27, the ominous sound of an all-too familiar bell was heard signaling the start of the 2007-2008 school year. This meant a fresh start and new changes for the students and faculty.

BHS welcomed several new teachers on to its staff. Mr. Keith Ross is the new physics teacher, and Mr. Jim Broslawsky moved from his position at Robert C. Byrd High School to teach biology.

Two special education teachers who have not yet been named are also on the list of new teachers. Students also may not recognize some of the teachers as they had formerly known them: Miss Renee Johnson is now Mrs. Renee Matthews and Miss Casey Thomas is now Mrs. Casey King.

Many facelifts have also taken place. Several restrooms in the school have undergone some much-needed upgrades. Four restrooms were completely gutted and remodeled according to principal Mr. Mark DeFazio. Vice Principal Mrs. Mary Frances Smith said, "We replaced the stalls, floors, and toiled fixtures."

The athletic complexes have also received some upgrades: a new blacktop surface at the entrance now wlcomes spectators to Wayne Jamison Field. Fill work has also been done to the end zone, and the baseball players have new batting cages. With left over blacktop, speed bumps were added to the road between Johnson Elementary and the high school.

"The speed bumps definitely slow cars down," said school resource officer, Jamie Hamrick. "The one by the front of the school makes it easier for kids to cross the street."

The seniors will notice a change in graduation this year: For the first time, harrison County will not recognize vledictorians and salutatorians. Recognition will now be given in the form of highest honors, high honors, and honors. The degree honors will be determined by grade point average. Defazio says he has yet to determine how graduation will be setup this year.

Studemts may now broaden their learning experiences with the addition of new courses in math and psychology. College algebra and college trigonometry were added to the math curriculum and advanced placement psycology is now available to those who wish to get a jumpstart on their college careers.

As the Class of 2011 experiences its first year of high school and the Class of 2008 prepares to bid farewell, everyone has a lot to look forward to this school year. Although many things have changed at Bridgeport High School, many things have stayed the same.

"The excellent reputation Bridgeport has in and out of school is sure to be carried throughout the school year and for years to come," said Smith.