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Owen Middle/High School

Beat the Heat at Owen Pool

Owen PoolTemperatures are rising, and there’s no better place to cool off than Owen Pool.

Cost to swim is $3.00 per person; multi-visit passes are available at a reduced price. Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon – 5:45 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Swim lessons (4-day sessions; $30 per session) will be held June 20 – 23, June 27 – 30, July 11 – 14 and July 18 – 21.

Owen Pool is located at 117 Stone Drive, near Owen Middle School. For info, call 686-1629.

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Other Swannanoa News Owen Middle/High School

Owen Middle School Moves Forward with Environmental Initiatives

Owen Middle School "Natural Impact Initiative"

On Tuesday evening, May 10, Dr. Heidi Von Dohlen, Principal of Owen Middle School, welcomed community representatives to the school to learn more about next steps in the ongoing “Natural Impact Initiative.” The goal of the initiative is to maximize the school’s natural resources through community partnerships, creating a school landscape that promotes environmental stewardship, citizen science, and exploratory learning.

The Asheville Design Center and volunteer Bill Bauman (retired architect and Swannanoa resident) have drawn up a Preliminary Master Plan for the next phase of the Initiative. The plans include trails, gardens, outdoor learning centers, orchards, a weather station, and wildlife viewing areas. Those in attendance at the May 10 gathering were given tours of the land, including the existing beaver dam, site of a proposed wildlife viewing platform. A picnic supper was available in the school courtyard, where the design staff held an informal question-and-answer session, and presented maps and drawings of the proposal. They also handed out master plan surveys to get input and reactions from those present.

The Natural Impact Initiative is being undertaken in three phases. The first phase, which was completed last year, included rehabilitation of a pond on the school’s property, construction of raised beds with native pollinator plants, planting milkweed to attract migrating Monarch butterflies, and planting chestnut saplings in partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation. Much of the work was done by Owen Middle School students, working alongside volunteers from a variety of community partners.

To learn more about the Natural Impact Initiative, and to find out how you can support the project (donations from businesses and individuals will help supplement grants and other funding sources), visit http://www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/Page/50706.

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Owen Middle/High School

NC Outward Bound School Partners with Owen High

North Caroline Outward Bound SchoolThe North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) is partnering with Owen High School to offer an adventurous and unique opportunity for local high school students. The comprehensive partnership includes a 2-day peer leadership program for incoming freshmen, a 1-week intensive wilderness course for 12 students (which took place over the summer), and a yearlong professional development program for teachers. The program is designed to enhance students’ non-cognitive skills, increase cultural competence and transform school culture.

Meg Turner, Principal at Owen High School, has stated, “I’ve personally witnessed our Owen participants have such positive experiences. I’ve seen our teachers and students gain self-confidence, refine leadership skills, and practice problem solving, both as a group and individually. They experience teamwork, embrace tenacity and develop compassion and empathy for others and the environment. What incredible skill sets to bring back into our school culture and community!”

NCOBS, an independent Outward Bound School established in 1967, is chartered by Outward Bound USA. Although students come from all over the country to attend Outward Bound’s outdoor adventure courses, the school’s home office is right here in the Swannanoa Valley on Riceville Road. Its mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery.

The partnership between NCOBS and Owen High is made possible through generous donations. Owen High School students and teachers participate in this program at no cost. Recently the North Carolina Outward Bound School received generous grants from The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and the Rolander Foundation. You can donate to this life-changing program online at www.ncobs.org/giving/donate or by contacting Carrie Myers at 239-2145 or email at cmyers@ncobs.org.

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