Bowmar Avenue Elementary School
PTO Membership
The Vicksburg Post
Published Sunday August 21, 2017
by Staff Reports
Bowmar Avenue enjoys a rich history
Bowmar Avenue Elementary School, completed in 1939 as one of Mississippi's premier International style structures, recognizes its 75th year in the Vicksburg community. Bowmar Avenue Elementary served the community as a neighborhood school for almost a half century.
In 1988 the Vicksburg and the Warren County School Districts consolidated into the present Vicksburg Warren School District.
During the consolidation period, Bowmar Avenue Elementary School, along with Grove Street Elementary, was selected to become a magnet school. Students were required to apply for entrance for the 1989-90 school term. The newly recreated magnet school achieved racial balance in proportion to the community's racial composition in what had become a predominately African American school. All of this was achieved under the U.S. Department of Justice's oversight. The school initially received federal funds to purchase computers to support the magnet theme, computers, and thinking skills. Bowmar Avenue Elementary School remains a magnet school today with an application process and selected by lottery.
In 2011, the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce funded and implemented a new initiative that was producing significant results in other parts of the United States. The "Leader in Me" program shifted the leadership roles to students in several key areas. Based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, the "Leader in Me" program engages the students in student-led parent/teacher conferences, tracking data, setting personal and academic goals, public speaking, creating action teams and actively working together to resolve disputes.
In May 2014, Bowmar Elementary, along with Bovina Elementary, was recognized as a "Lighthouse School" by FranklinCovey Education, designer of the "Leader in Me" program. Only 101 other schools nationwide share this elite milestone, Bowmar and Bovina being the first among Mississippi schools. With that distinction, Bowmar hopes to shine the light for other schools in our district and state as they begin their "Leader in Me" journeys.
We are excited to be partnering and supporting Dana Road, Beechwood, and Redwood this year as they commence the "Leader in Me" process. Our hope is that all schools in the district will.
Meet Bowmar's Principal, Jason Bennett
A native of Vicksburg and a product of the VWSD, our new principal feels his ties to the community and his deep understanding of local students' needs will allow him to keep the integrity that already exists at Bowmar and continue to grow the future. He hopes to see advancements in academics, leadership and community service. Bennett loves the focus of leadership at Bowmar. He said that true leadership is action; by stepping up and doing what needs to be done. When we do it the right way, we also develop good character.
Bennett's philosophy of teaching has always been to be prepared and learn from the wealth of good around you. As he is getting to know the Bowmar teachers, he is assured that he will be the one to benefit from their amazing skills. His teachers and staff will have his full support. He said he is willing to go the extra mile and is not afraid to ask for help.
Bennett is well prepared for this new position. Following graduation from Warren Central, he received his BA from Mississippi College. He then earned additional certificates from Alcorn and Delta State. He began his career as a teacher and a coach. Most recently he worked as Vice-Principal for Vicksburg High School.
When asked what expectations he has from Bowmar parents he said that he knows that they will continue to participate in every aspect of their children's education. Parents don't need to wait for an invitation to help. They can just jump in and participate.
Bennett is excited about the focus on technology currently at Bowmar. The grade teachers were each purchased a J Touch by the PTO and both parents and students can expect the development of new technology. Bennett is currently working to procure a computer in the hallway that will cycle through the projects that students do this year. The district is working to get chromebooks in the hands of the students, especially the upper grades. Technology is a vital part of education. However, he does encourage that limits be set not only and school but at home so that students avoid technology addiction.
Bennett looks forward to working with a wonderful faculty, staff, parents and amazing students.