Improved instruction and expanded opportunities for studentachievement were the driving forces behind the Brookhaven HighSchool renovation and expansion project that began two years ago,school officials said.

The almost-completed facility has superior technologicalcapacities that meet those goals while also providing increasedcomfort and security for both staff and students.

“I’m really looking forward to all the new technology we’regoing to have,” said Pam Brewer, head of the foreign languagedepartment, which will be housed in the new facility.

New 27-inch color televisions with VCRs were installed in everyclassroom so teachers can receive broadcasts from the media room oruse the televisions for other instructional

purposes.

Teachers will also find that each classroom has been equippedwith Internet access and at least one computer to assist them inresearch and instruction.

“It’s going to be remarkable. I believe it will make adifference having more computers and more Internet capabilities,”said Brenda Sasser, head of the English department, where computersare used regularly for student research papers and other writingassignments.

The Brookhaven School District received a $75,000 Goals 2000grant, which is being used to purchase the new computers andprinters for BHS.

Sasser is like many other teachers who will be using the newfacility in that she has been filled with anticipation andexcitement about the possibilities that lie ahead in thefacility.

“I’ll probably be walking around on cloud nine for a while,”said Sasser, a BHS graduate who has taught at the school for 13years.

The computers and televisions will give teachers moreopportunities to broaden their instructional techniques with visualaids and up-to-date information.

“In the past, I’ve had software come in with my books, but Ihaven’t been able to use it. Now I’ll have different avenues ofteaching,” said Linda Warren, head of the social studiesdepartment.

Improved technology will also help students widen theireducational opportunities by providing more class offerings throughthe STAR interactive classroom that connects BHS to other schoolsaround the state.

“We can teach classes to other districts and also we can receiveclasses from other districts, so basically we can offer ourstudents any classes taught in the state,” explained Lea Barrett,assistant superintendent.

Another area that will have a noticeable impact on students andteachers is the new media center making up the entire second floorof the new east wing.

The media center will serve as the library, flanked on the northand south sides by 12-station computer labs. These labs areglass-fronted which allows the instructor to supervise three groupsof students: a group in each lab, and students at work tableslocated in the area between these mini-labs. This configurationshould be invaluable to instructors and students working on largeresearch-based projects.

Computers will also improve services by offering an index ofmost of the library collection on computer, rather than a cardcatalog.

The media center also houses an audiovisual broadcast lab. Theintent initially is to provide the BHS administration with theability to make a live broadcast into every BHS classroom. Plansare to expand that capacity to include broadcast capability to theentire Brookhaven School District, facilitating district-widecommunication and training

without requiring staff to physically assemble in onelocation.

“We hope to offer some services that we have not previously beenable to offer, like some outreach to the community,” said LibrarianAudrey Joyce, mentioning possible after-school programs in themedia center’s meeting room.

The media center will also provide other benefits to thecommunity by allowing local residents to use the facility from3:30-5:30 p.m. during weekdays.

Another technological addition that has caught teachers’attention is more electrical outlets in each classroom.

Before the renovation, most classrooms in the 1937 building onlyhad one usable outlet. Now classrooms have several outlets.

Other improvements in technology in the 97,316 square feetbuilding include theatrical lighting and sound systems in theauditorium and in the teaching studio.

The teaching studio, located on the first floor of the westwing, is home to a performing arts instructional area complete withhardwood floor, mirrored walls and ballet bars. This area can beused for instruction as well as for performances for smalleraudiences.

Forty-four security cameras cover every angle of the corridors,entrances and foyers. A tape-back up system allows theadministration to key in a specific time and area to review thatvideo without having to fast forward and rewind tape.

“This system also allows broadcast to an exterior monitor,” saidBarrett. “The principal can check the hallways or entrances atmidnight from home.”

Fire alarms and security alarms are another piece of theprotective technology incorporated into the BHS renovation andexpansion. Every teacher can have instant contact with the office,either through voice contact or through the flick of a switch thatsounds an alarm for administrators and identifies the locationwithout a word being spoken.

Both fire and security systems can automatically seal doors andlock entrances. Connections to the local fire and policedepartments are also automatic in an emergency.

Technology controls and monitors the heating, cooling, andventilation for all areas from a master computer, eliminating theneed for administrators or teachers to manually adjust thermostatsfor holidays, sudden climate changes or energy saving night-timereductions.

“Other instructional improvements include a state of the artchemistry lab complete with a protected demonstration lab andvolatile chemical storage area,” said Barrett.

The chemistry lab and new biology lab are equipped to handlecomputers at every workstation aiding software simulations for bothcourses.

A new foreign language lab, not like any other in the state,utilizes technology to provide either individualized or small groupinstruction within regular class instruction.

Two new arts labs are in place on the third floor of the eastwing and the BHS kiln has a new home between these labs. Additionalart supply storage is another plus for this department.

“I’m excited about it because there’s a lot more space thanwe’ve had,” said Kevin Bower, head of the art department.

A new teacher workroom with computers, in addition to aremodeled teachers’ lounge, is located on the first floor of theold building, as are administrative and guidance offices. Officeareas are also equipped to handle multiple computers, whileconference rooms have been included for discussions.

The Ole Brook Dining Hall, on the first floor of the east wing,has a spacious window area on the east wall looking into abrick-enclosed courtyard, which is also available as dining spacefor students. The hall has 350 available seats.

The kitchen is completely new and includes both a walk-in coolerand freezer, two regular serving lines and an express lane forspeedy service to students during the lunch period.

Another welcome addition at BHS is the new furniture, includingnew modern desks for teachers and students.

“I hope all of the students will treat the new school with therespect it deserves so it can be enjoyed for many years,” said BethChapman, president of the student council.

Another improvement is the expansion of the restroom facilities,which have been modernized and made handicap accessible. Elevatorsalso ensure that individuals with handicap conditions can reach anypart of the new facility.

The BHS restoration and expansion, approved by the Department ofArchives and History, has kept the facility true to its periodidentity, and the new Brookhaven High School satisfies allrequirements to remain a Mississippi and Brookhaven landmark.

“This high school is a historical landmark and we’ve worked hardto preserve it and improve it,” said Superintendent Dr. SamBounds,

Chapman said the students have been amazed at the improvementsmade on their campus. They eagerly await the day they will startclasses in the new facility.

“We can’t wait to see what it looks like on the inside,” saidChapman. “It’s almost like we’re moving to a new school.”

As a senior, Chapman noted the building excitement among fellowclassmates who are also looking forward to attending their finalhigh school classes in the new building.

“We’re just happy to be associated with it as the first class tograduate from the new building,” she said.