OB Elementary — in the heart of the village — has two enticement to its returning students for the new school season.
There’s a revamped school mural and an outdoor space called the “Zen Zone” to greet the students.
The mural was originally painted over 20 years ago, but it now has been “updated” by local artist Rob Tobin. It includes language associated with the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” from The Leader in Me program and was supported by the school’s PTA and and family volunteers. Numerous workshops were held and the school’s families worked on it, placing tiles with glue in a series of intricate mosaic sea animals.
PTA president Stephanie Trimis said:
“The new mural provides a beautiful centerpiece to our school campus, something beautiful and inspiring for our school community for years to come.”
Principal Marco Drapeau added:
“The mural is more than just a decoration. It is a symbol of unity and creativity representing the collective efforts of our students, families, and staff, and will serve as a daily reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. This project has brought our community closer and has provided a beautiful addition to our school that everyone can be proud of.”
Drapeau has been there nearly a dozen years.
And the Zen Zone? It’s a reading garden where the school’s outdoor space was transformed and features seating areas, native plants, a stone path, and a bridge. These were designed by Julie Howard from Howard Associates architecture firm, and was made possible through a generous grant from the Point Loma Optimist Club.
Trimis noted:
“We are thrilled to have provided a naturally shaded space where students can learn and create while surrounded by nature. These initiatives have not only beautified our school but have also given our students a sense of ownership and pride in their environment.”
Said principal Drapeau:
“We were the beneficiary of Point Loma Optimist’s big fundraiser for two years. So, with the seed money they gave us, we were able to create this welcoming environment that not only enhances the beautify of our school but also provides our students with a space where they can feel inspired and enjoy the outdoors.”
He added that the garden project only took six or seven weeks to complete over the summer before students returned to school.
Drapeau also told the press that the school’s student enrollment has held relatively steady the past couple of years at about 420 students. He said:
“I believe we are the closest San Diego Unified School District school to the ocean. We don’t have a parking lot because when the school was built, nobody had cars. We’ve been here in this location for at least 90 years. The bones of this building are pretty original.”
He said they have photos of OBES dating back to the 1930s.
News source: Peninsula Beacon
