Written by Ben Cox – With a new school year not only knocking on the door, but begging to come in, lets take a look at what back to school looks like from a unique perspective. In this series of articles, we will visit with each of Brownwood ISD’s principals to see what they think about returning to school for a new term.
In the last article of this series, we look to Brownwood High Schoo, home of the Lions, and to their principal Mitch Moore. A Brownwood Alum, Moore is entering his 24th year in education with BISD and 5th as principal for BHS.
While Moore is always excited about a new school year, the first day of class isn’t necessarily the first day of school for him, or many others. “Three weeks before high school gets rolling, we are going. Band has been going, football had close to 100, volleyball, theatre, cheerleaders, drill team. When school actually starts its like finally!”
New this year to the curriculum is a welding class and new teacher that, through the dual credit system will allow students to leave high school with a welding certification that can allow them to land a job almost right away. “When they graduate high school they will be ready to go straight into the workforce. We’ve always offered it through TSTC, but having him on campus will make it even better for us.”
The students working the new scoreboard and camera system at football games will also have opportunities through new classes to work on yearbook and videography. Heading up the newer parts of the tech program will be Monty Atchley, who is no stranger to the ISD coming to the high school campus from the middle school.
“We also have some new computer science classes, being taught by Edward Yantis. We’re able to offer these classes in addition to the existing technology courses.”
A second year of the no-cost dual credit classes through University of Texas sees an increase from three classes to five. English, Physics, and Pre-Cal will see Chemistry and US History being added to the UT lineup. BHS also offers dual credit courses Howard Payne and Ranger College as well.
Moore is looking forward to the new season of Lion football, as are many, as it is the first year with a former Lion in the drivers seat. “With a new head coach for football there is always excitement, and this time there is more since Coach Burnett is a Brownwood Graduate. Also, our first game right off the bat is on TV, too, so there’s a lot to do. I’m sure we’ll have a packed house and it’ll be a lot of fun, hopefully everyone in the stands will get a little time on tv!”
With the amount of newness this year, Moore is excited to see how the students take to the programs being offered. The differences in other schools in the district and the High School is that every little thing counts now. “They’re now working to earn credits towards graduation. The expectations will be a little more now, they’re in high school. They will have more opportunities to grow, but they’ll have a little more responsibility as well. They can handle it, they just gotta step up and accept some of the challenges.”
Moore also says parents need to take a moment to enjoy the time that you have with your kids, because you’ll blink and it’s time for college. “They’re gonna be busy, with lots going on. It’s amazing how fast they go from 9 to 12!”
School starts tomorrow morning, yes, tomorrow morning! 1st class starts at 8:10 and school lets out at 3:45, student parking and student drop off locations are available on the schools website.
Thank you to all the principals throughout Brownwood ISD for participating in this series, and for the tireless work they perform for the benefit of the children of Brownwood. They, and their staff deserve a pat on the back, and when they’re still standing after that first day of school, a large round of applause followed by a nap.
