New programs, buildings, people to greet students

The bongos have arrived at the new Bates Middle School arts magnet.

So have the digital cameras, easels and laptop computers loaded with software for composing music. Sitting in an old science annex that was converted into dance, music and art studios, they await the talented fingers of eager students who will arrive tomorrow - the first day of school.

"We all know that the more engaged students are, the higher their achievement," said Diane Bragdon, principal of the Annapolis school. "We're like, pinching ourselves, we're so happy."

The arts magnet program, the first of its kind in Anne...