Annunciation, Bogalusa: The little school that could

By Eva Barkoff
Contributing writer

When the 75 pre-K to seventh-grade students walked into Annunciation Catholic School in Bogalusa on their first day of school on Aug. 3, they were about to experience a big change.

Instead of going to the classroom of their specific grade, students first headed to an assembly in the cafeteria and then went on to what is now their new multi-age class learning space.


“This is a big change from a traditional classroom setting,” said Tabetha Ezell, the school’s principal. “Students in different grades are together now, and with this new concept, there is a greater opportunity for children to learn at their own pace, work more independently and learn to work with one another.”

Annunciation, the only Catholic school in all of Washington Parish, has adopted a new learning model called Project-Based Learning, a student-centered, team approach to instruction with the teacher serving as facilitator of learning.

“This is a teaching method that creates opportunities for students of all ages to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on projects,” explained Kasey Webb, associate superintendent of academic excellence for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. “A traditional classroom relies more heavily on textbooks and lectures. While those elements are still present in a project-based learning environment, students are also actively immersed in learning that requires collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.”

With four core subject instructors in place, students will spend their day in one of four “studios.” They are:
➤ Aspire Studio: Pre-K and kindergarten.
➤ Bloom Studio: First and second grades.
➤ Empower Studio: Third and fourth grades.
➤ Ignite Studio: Fifth through seventh grades.
➤ A fifth studio is called “Rejoice” and is occupied by the school’s religion teacher.


“Following the morning assembly, students will have what is called a ‘soft start,’ a chance every morning to center themselves for a few minutes by maybe reading or journaling before they begin their core classroom subjects – math, English language arts, science, religion and social studies,” Ezell explained. “This is a change that can have a positive effect on the student for the rest of the day’s learning.”

One of the core teachers is Susan Taylor, who has spent 33 years as an educator, the last 14 years at Annunciation. She is assigned to the Ignite Studio and said she is “excited to work with a multi-aged middle school group.”

“I will be teaching the four core subjects, and the projects will be blended with traditional teaching methods,” Taylor said. “This is not the traditional project assigned to a child to complete independently with a lot of the work completed at home. The students will learn how to work together as a team and hold their team members accountable.

“Deep thinking and negotiating are critical skills in project-based learning. All of the work will be completed in my classroom and under my guidance. And, I believe the students will learn as much from each other as they will from me.”

Implementation of the program began earlier this year with Webb and other members of the archdiocese’s Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation, who met with church, school and staff members.

“During the meeting, we discussed the importance of protecting the beautiful culture and family environment Annunciation has created and fostered over the years,” Webb said. “In addition to meeting with the school team, we consulted with the National Catholic Educational Association as well as Catholic school principals from around the country who are implementing innovative models in their schools.”

Amanda Zingone, lead academic counselor in the archdiocese’s education department, researched learning models including multi-age learning and project-based learning.

“Ms. Zingone also facilitated professional development for the teachers and will continue to support them during the school year as they shift to this new model,” Webb added.

Father Angel Diaz Perez, the pastor of Annunciation Church, said the change to project-based learning was necessary to keep the school open.

“Since the pandemic, we have faced economic issues, along with a decline in enrollment,” Father Perez said. “Those were the two driving factors that led to this change. It’s something we had to do to survive and not have to close.”

As a small church parish with about 500 families, Father Perez added that students will attend Mass every Thursday, assisting as liturgical readers and in the choir.

Ezell said the response from parents thus far has been positive.

“The parents have been very supportive, and we have received many positive responses,” Ezell said. “They realize this new way of learning will not be without its bumps. But they fully trust our teachers and know any issues will be worked out.

“The advantages to this type of learning are so numerous. Our students are learning to work independently on their own and how to work with others. They are developing, I hope, a lifelong love of learning, gaining the confidence to take on anything they want, now and in the future.”

Webb said she believes the project-based learning model “aligns with the values cherished by the Catholic community.”

“It is my hope the school community will thrive in this environment,” Webb said. “These models nurture empathy, compassion and stewardship, preparing our students to become conscientious global citizens who use their God-given gifts to make our world a better place.”

Ezell said the school’s “Catholic identity is our No. 1 focus.”

“Our motto is ‘Super Omnia, Fides’ which translates into, ‘Above All, Faith,’” she said.

“And for other Catholic schools that may one day face the same challenges, my hope is the changes we made will be an example, a light for others to follow,” Father Perez added.

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