Welcome again to Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School

Wow, what a first few weeks. I hope that everyone faired well during and after our two visitors of Gustav and Ike. The school suffered minor damage, as a wall panel on the 100 building blew off, but has been repaired and instruction was not lost. The School Board Room did suffer a major roof leak, but has since been fully repaired. The carpet inside the board room was lost, but we are expecting that to be replaced soon. Other than the tree limbs and debris all over, the rest of the school did well. All of our teachers returned to teach your children, and quality instruction has been going in every classrooms since.

Due to Hurricane Ike and the missed school day on Friday September 12, we have to make up the instructional time. The planned professional development day planned for Monday September 22 will now be a full day of school for the students; exams will now be administered on December 19th and 22nd and will be considered full days. (December 18th, originally scheduled as a half day for high schools, is now a full day for high schools.)

Construction on the new school-based health center has started, and other improvements around the campus are getting completed and the environment seems to be very positive.

I want to thank all those parents who attended our first Interim Night. We had over two hundred parents sign in, and the majority of our teachers were here to discuss academics and other school related items with our parents.

We had a very spirited pep rally and another successful dress down day. The culture on 'ole Bruin Drive is positive and getting better each day.

I would like to congratulate Alexandra Catalano for being named National Merit Semi-Finalist. This is a tremendous accomplishment, for she is one of only two in Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Our athletic teams are competing well as the Lady Bruin volleyball team is 8-1, having won the Higgins Tournament championship; and the football team soundly defeated St. Augustine 35-22. Head Coach Craig Lingle was chosen NFL/New Orleans Saints High School Coach of the Week for this the team's outstanding performance.

Parents, I challenge you to get active and remain active and involved in your child's education. It is critical that we have your support in our efforts to educate your child and helping them to become successful. You are welcome on campus at anytime to discuss progress, and I ask you to contact your child's teacher anytime by calling the school or by email. You can get the email address from the teacher or by calling the school at 443-4564.

Please check the Bonnabel High School website regularly at www.bonnabelbruins.org for updates and school news. Remember, we have an active Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), and I encourage everyone to join and get active. You may get more information at bmahsptoinfo@gmail.com

One last thing, Bonnabel High School will be adopting a school in Terrebonne Parish to help replenish the school with much needed school supplies. If your child asks you for a monetary donation to the school or a tangible donation of school supplies, please consider this act of community service. We had it tough after Katrina, now we have the opportunity to return the gift of charity.

Sincerely,

John R. Kulakowski

Principal

Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School