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Bellefonte Middle School welcomes new vice principal

PHOTO PROVIDED Bellefonte Middle School vice principal Mike Baughman stands in front of the sign outside the school.

BELLEFONTE –When students entered Bellefonte Area Middle School on the first day Monday, Mike Baughman was there to greet them.

The new vice principal said one of the first things he wanted to do was build a positive relationship with students to help foster a foundation for success.

Baughman comes to the Bellefonte Area School District after about eight years in Keystone Central School District in Clinton County. Four of those years, he taught at Bucktail Area Middle and High School in Renovo followed by four years as vice principal at Central Mountain Middle School in Mill Hall. He also helped implement the Keystone Central Virtual Academy where he taught many social studies classes and developed cyber curriculum.

“When this (position) came open last year, I really had strongly thought about applying for it, but didn’t, and kind of regretted it. So, I said, ‘if it comes open again, then I’m going apply,'” Baughman said. And he did.

He replaces Jackie Wynkoop who changed positions within the district.

Baughman is a 2009 graduate of Penn State where he earned a social studies teaching degree with a minor in history.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to grow, as well,” he said about taking on the new role. “My wife and I care about this community and this school, and since this is our neighborhood school and community, we are very invested in it.”

His wife, Jessica Baughman, is a math intervention specialist at Bellefonte Area High School.

While at BAMS, Baughman said he hopes to help enhance the school’s schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program, and work with students and families to provide academic, social and emotional support.

“It starts with getting to know the students and building a relationship with them, so you can support them as individuals to help them grow,” he said. “Education is your key to a better life and I love the middle school and that age where you really start to build that foundation for success.

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