Students, parents swarm Magnet Mania

• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 18, 2009

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Hundreds of people streamed into Cortana Mall on Saturday, drawn by the East Baton Rouge Parish School system’s Magnet Mania event.

They swarmed around magnet and gifted and talented school display booths offering accelerated curriculums, state-of-the-art computer labs and specialized arts programs. 

While would-be magnet school students and their parents filled out applications for  one or more of the 14 featured magnet schools and gifted and talented programs, others watched musicals, skits and jazz ensemble performances offered during Magnet Mania.

The event marked the opening of the magnet school application period for the 2010-11 school year, said Sonya Gordon, public information officer for East Baton Rouge public schools.

Sherwood Middle School student Mathilde Bergeron, 11, spent the day doing a little marketing for her school and answering questions from interested parents and children.

“We tell them about the academics,” said Bergeron, who pointed to a display of the school’s high LEAP passage rates and its designation as a 2009 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

“I like how the teachers are always trying to help you and they help you study and get you ready for high school,” Bergeron said.

Sherwood Middle teacher Alan Berthelot said his school offers pre-law courses, forensic science, marine science and robotics courses.

“I find that the parents we’ve talked to are wanting their kids to excel and be challenged,” Berthelot said.

Parent and mall shopper Kimberly Boatner agreed. She wanted to fill out an application for her son to attend Dufrocq School’s magnet program.

“I heard about Magnet Mania on the radio station, so I stopped in to get an application,” she said.

Boatner said her son is already enrolled in Dufrocq’s traditional program and makes good grades, but “he needs something more challenging. Magnet programs offer other opportunities to children and more connections with colleges and other programs,” she said.

Baton Rouge Magnet High School librarian Melva Brown said her booth saw a steady stream of visitors.