The History of Bagdad Elementary!

Bagdad's History!!

          Bagdad's early history dates back to 1825. The village was named, it is believed, for the famous and historic city of Baghdad, Iraq, which is located between two great rivers in the Middle East.  Bagdad is located between Pond Creek and the Blackwater River. During a short period of time Bagdad was renamed "Blackwater," but soon returned to its original name.  Bagdad was one of the largest lumber manufacturing mills in the nation for more than 100 years (1825-1939).

          The closing of the lumber mill in 1939 left many people without work. But, at the beginning of World War II, Bagdad residents found work at the Pensacola Navy Yard (presently Pensacola Naval Air Station). Most of the families remained in Bagdad while the workers commuted to Pensacola, thus enabling Bagdad to escape becoming a ghost town.

          Bagdad's first school, built in 1866, was located next to the former Presbyterian Church located on Church Street between Allen and Main Streets. The school and the teacher were supported by the mill. Later, a two-story wooden structure on Simpson Street was the school until it burned in 1914.  Then, the mill built a new school on Forsyth Street at the present location of the First Baptist Church.  In 1925, a new brick building, Bagdad Grammar school, was built across the street.  January 4, 1925, was the opening day for this new building and today it continues to serve the children of Bagdad and surrounding areas.

      Over the past several years, Bagdad Elementary School has seen positive progress in the area of new construction and renovation.  Early additions included two classrooms, restrooms, and a lunchroom.  Later, four kindergarten classrooms and a teacher assistant work room were added.  Next, a new Media Center and six classrooms were built while the administrative area was renovated, which included a health clinic.  In 1999, four additional classrooms and a music suite were constructed.  Then, eleven new classrooms were added the following year.  The front circle area has been landscaped with grass, low growing plant, shrubs, and trees.  The holly trees and the Bradford Pear trees produce beautiful white flowers in the spring and the Bradford Pear trees provide beautiful leaves in the fall.  The irrigation system will keep this area green and growing.  In the spring of 2003, the Retired Staff of Bagdad Elementary School planted six cherry trees to enhance the front landscape.  

    During the summer of 2003 the cafetorium and kitchen was renovated.  The cafetorium was enlarged (about 3/4 of the original auditorium of 1926) and was ready for the beginning of school.  The kitchen is twice as large as is has been.  

          Bagdad Elementary School is proud to be a "Red Carpet School," a "Golden School Recipient," and a "Five Star School." The Parent Teacher Association, School Advisory Council, Partners-in-Education, and volunteers play a major role in the planning and implementation of new and innovative programs for the students. During the 1996-97 school year, Bagdad Elementary School became a full Title I School which provides additional resources to the school's curriculum.  During the 1998-99 school year, the Reading Recovery® program, with one teacher, was initiated to help first grades become successful readers.  Although this program is now obsolete. the void is being filled with a variety of other programs. These programs have brought new challenges and opportunities to serve all students at Bagdad.

           The last several years has had several changes to Bagdad. September 2004 brought Hurricane Ivan to visit our community. There was little damage to our school. Our giant Oak trees throughout Bagdad sustained the most damage. During the summer of 2010 brought an exciting beautification process. Clearwire began the process of enhancing the exterior of our building by refreshing the paint scheme along with  landscape. Entering the building brought more changes. Embracing the cafeteria throughout the serving area along with flanking each side of the stage, a mural of children were painted on the walls. Following that excitement two trees were donated and planted by the Creel family in honor of former students.

During the year of 2014 we had an exciting visitor. Mr. Bubba Watson visited giving a large donation of $15000.00 and an autographed photo to each student and staff member. What an honor to have a Green Jacket Masters Golf Tournament winner come from Bagdad Elementary.

      How fortunate we are to have the foundation of learning at Bagdad Elementary. Our greatest compliment comes from those former students and family members reminding us, how special their elementary days were spent with us. "You treated us like family" is a phrase often heard.

We are excited to announce the addition of our Free Little Library

Connecting our community through Education and Literacy!
We ARE rich in History!
(Our Little Free Library is a replica of the
 "Old Bagdad Post Office"
 A very special thank you to;

Mr. Michael Johnson, whom has restored so many homes throughout Bagdad and Milton with integrity, without compromising the character of our history-community, the Bagdad Village Preservation Association BVPA, and everyone who gave of their time, labor and generosity! Making a mark on history!     2015-2016

Throughout the years, the students, and retired staff /community members come by to reminisce. The students comment it looked so big back then. Others come to see the progress. It is such a wonderful little place to be a part of!

 

Previous Principals
 

2015-current Daniel Baxley
2009-2014 Linda Gooch
2006- 2008 Larry Brewton
2004- 2006 Will Nowling

1987-2004 Roderick C. Gracey

1962-1987 Pasco Gibson

1959-1962 Dayton Hobbs

1957-1959 Hubert William (Bill) Jones

1950-1957 W. H. Rhodes

1946-1950 Mahlon McCall

1939-1946 M. Luther King

1929-1939 A. D. McCall

1923-1929 E. A. Faircloth

1920-1923 A. L. Laird (C. S. Laird?)

1919 Miss Kennon

1916 Miss Alma Becket

1915 Miss Minnie Tippins

1913-1915 W. C. Pryor

1912 W. B. Jernigan

1911 Miss Julia Harn

1910 M. C. Pitman

1909 H. E. Graham

1908 C. A. Wagner

1906 W. N. Henderson

1905 E. F. Finder

1901 Miss Daisy Greene

1900 F. D. Scarborough

1892  H. W. Sindorf

1892 C. P. Walkers