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New school a symbol of students' worth

The principal of the new Bayside High School says that it represents a commitment to the Pinellas district's at-risk students.

By MEGAN SCOTT
Published July 27, 2004

	[Times photo: Scott Keeler]
	Construction workers install covered walkways Monday in front of Bayside High School on 145th Avenue N. In October, the students will begin using the new school, the first of its kind for Pinellas County. "This is a brand-new facility built for kids that are at risk," says principal Phil Wirth.

CLEARWATER - He'd rather you didn't say this school is across the street from the Pinellas County Jail.

Bayside High School is across the street from the courthouse.

Principal Phil Wirth won't tolerate any negative comments about this school.

"The school is a school," he said. "You make it where it is. A lot of people have a negative connotation. That's far from it. If we can keep away from anything that says "jail' we try to."

Bayside High is a first for Pinellas County: a long-term alternative school for students who are behind in credits or have disciplinary problems. The school will open Aug. 3 with 150 freshmen and sophomores in the former Dunedin Highland Middle School on Patricia Avenue.

But in October, the students will move to the new building on 145th Ave. N.

"This is a brand new facility built for kids that are at risk," Wirth said. "That has to say something to them. I think it says you're worth it and we're investing our money and resources so you can be productive citizens."

In many respects, Bayside is like any other high school.

The U-shaped, 93,000-square-foot building has a cafeteria, media center and gymnasium. Each classroom is equipped with a white board, TV and five computers. There is also a television studio for students to film their own show.

You won't find a football field, track or swimming pool at Bayside. And there are no personal lockers or backpacks allowed so students won't be able to store contraband.

But, the two-story school boasts five technology labs, a family and consumer sciences room, visual and performing arts rooms, and a clinic for a doctor or nurse. Each class will have no more than about 20 students.

"Our big push is to develop partnerships with the local businesses, giving them experience they might not have," Wirth said. "The other stress we're going to put on it is technology. Every student will be literate in technology."

This $15-million school is not a boot camp.

There are no metal detectors. Wirth scoffed at the idea. The fence that went up during construction will come down. And the exterior is half brick and half stucco.

But there are windows in every classroom and office, as well as video cameras.

"If someone's trying to cut class they can be seen," said Ted Williamson of Williamson Dacar. "The teacher planning area is on a corner and sticks out so teachers can watch and see if anything is going on outside. Those things really emphasize security and being able to watch what's going on."

Wirth chose burgundy and silver as the school colors, and the mascot, a silver eagle. The school slogan is "Take Pride in Bayside." And while there are no team sports, the soaring eagle is embossed on bookshelves and carved on the backs of chairs.

Bayside is being funded with Penny for Pinellas sales tax revenue. The School Board approved the concept in 1997 and chose the 12-acre location because it owns land there. Another proposed location drew objections from several residents.

Once the new location opens, another 100 students will enroll, Wirth said. The school will eventually serve 500 ninth- through twelfth-graders.

"Anything they pursue we want to make sure our students are ready for that," Wirth said. "The reading is the big factor. We want to make sure their reading levels are high enough where they can compete. They are still going to have to master the subject. We're not going to say you can get by with C's and D's. We're talking about a process called mastery learning."

New buildings bring excitement.

And Wirth has a lot of that.

The school, he says, is his baby. He wishes the building was ready now.

"This is an opportunity to really work with kids that have given up hope on an education and life," Wirth said. "When you can instill hope in an individual, I think that's ultimately what you want to do. I think that's a legacy."

- Megan Scott can be reached at 445-4167 or mscott@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 26, 2004, 22:17:07]