Mountain View 6th grade students participated in a Migration Celebration where they met researchers, helped to inventory birds and butterflies for the new Cove Branch Trail, participated in a citizen science project, created artwork and poetry, learned about local wildlife, and learned how plants and animals prepare for winter. Students learned how reseachers use math to collect data, techniques for monitoring wildlife and why this is important in supporting wildlife populations, and they learned about some of the issues facing migrating animals and how we can help! This program also tied into their CKLA reading curriculum and NC science standards.
A special shout out goes to Mainspring Conservation Trust (Jason Meador and Skye Cahoon), Big Bald Raptor Research, Heather Pratt (WCU/Highlands Biological Station), Steve O'Neal with Earthshine Nature Programs, and to all the teachers and students who made it a wonderful week! Thank you also to the Highlands Biological Foundation for their financial support of the program.
We are excited to share that the BetaBox has arrived at MMS! This hands-on mobile lab is part of a statewide North Carolina initiative designed to engage students in STEM innovation, design thinking, and problem solving.
On Thursday and Friday, our STEM students will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, work through creative design challenges, and experience real-world applications of STEM in ways that connect directly to North Carolina’s industries and future workforce needs.
This is an incredible chance for our students to think like engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — right here on campus; BetaBox inspiring and high-energy environment that shows what authentic, hands-on learning looks like in STEM education.
Thank you for supporting these experiences that help prepare our students for the future.
On Thursday and Friday, our STEM students will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, work through creative design challenges, and experience real-world applications of STEM in ways that connect directly to North Carolina’s industries and future workforce needs.
This is an incredible chance for our students to think like engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — right here on campus; BetaBox inspiring and high-energy environment that shows what authentic, hands-on learning looks like in STEM education.
Thank you for supporting these experiences that help prepare our students for the future.
Chemistry Edventure at Mountain View! Our After-school Edventure students are enjoying the Chemistry Club that meets on Thursday. We still have 6 weeks left! If you are interested in joining us, please contact us at jennifer.love@macon.k12.nc.us.
The Macon Outdoor Club (Franklin High and Macon Early College) took off on a beautiful Saturday this past weekend to learn about Mountain Biking! After testing our bikes on the Oconaluftee Trail, we tackled one of the trails on Fire Mountain! We had a great day (and no injuries)!
Biodiversity Day at South Macon Elementary School
We had a perfect day last Friday at South Macon Elementary School, celebrating Biodiversity Day! All of our 4th-grade students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through three exciting biodiversity stations:
Mr. Steven O’Neil of Earthshine Nature Programs led a dynamic program on wildlife and the importance of biodiversity.
Jason Meador, Aquatics Program Manager, guided students through stream studies and macroinvertebrate exploration.
Skye Cahoon, Conservation Outreach Director with Mainspring Conservation Trust, introduced students to the fascinating world of salamanders.
These enriching experiences were made possible thanks to the dedication of our incredible 4th-grade teachers and the generous support of the Highlands Biological Foundation.
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this day a success—and to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world!
We had a perfect day last Friday at South Macon Elementary School, celebrating Biodiversity Day! All of our 4th-grade students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through three exciting biodiversity stations:
Mr. Steven O’Neil of Earthshine Nature Programs led a dynamic program on wildlife and the importance of biodiversity.
Jason Meador, Aquatics Program Manager, guided students through stream studies and macroinvertebrate exploration.
Skye Cahoon, Conservation Outreach Director with Mainspring Conservation Trust, introduced students to the fascinating world of salamanders.
These enriching experiences were made possible thanks to the dedication of our incredible 4th-grade teachers and the generous support of the Highlands Biological Foundation.
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this day a success—and to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world!
STEM-Focused Week Engages Students Across Macon County
Last week was an exciting time for STEM education in Macon County! On Thursday and Friday, students from Mountain View Intermediate School, Macon Middle School, and Macon Early College took part in the STEM-E Student Conference hosted by Cherokee Central Schools. This event, sponsored by WRESA and funded through a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, provided students with the opportunity to explore local STEM careers and engage in hands-on learning activities led by industry experts.
On Friday, over 400 students from Mountain View Intermediate, Macon Middle School, and Franklin High School attended the Western Carolina University STEM Outreach Day. Students experienced college life first-hand while participating in science labs, chemistry demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions.
In addition, students at MVI participated in STEM challenges throughout the day on Friday and will continue their explorations next week.
A big thank you to WCU faculty and students for hosting our students, and to all local organizations and grant sponsors for supporting high-quality STEM opportunities in our schools!
Last week was an exciting time for STEM education in Macon County! On Thursday and Friday, students from Mountain View Intermediate School, Macon Middle School, and Macon Early College took part in the STEM-E Student Conference hosted by Cherokee Central Schools. This event, sponsored by WRESA and funded through a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, provided students with the opportunity to explore local STEM careers and engage in hands-on learning activities led by industry experts.
On Friday, over 400 students from Mountain View Intermediate, Macon Middle School, and Franklin High School attended the Western Carolina University STEM Outreach Day. Students experienced college life first-hand while participating in science labs, chemistry demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions.
In addition, students at MVI participated in STEM challenges throughout the day on Friday and will continue their explorations next week.
A big thank you to WCU faculty and students for hosting our students, and to all local organizations and grant sponsors for supporting high-quality STEM opportunities in our schools!
The Macon Outdoor Club (FHS and MEC) had a wonderful trip to the Appalachian Highlands Science and Learning Center! The group was able to participate in a citizen science project for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Snails), and we went on a 5-mile hike! This was our first trip of the year, and it was great to get to know everyone over stargazing, spaghetti, games, and a beautiful view! Thank you to the NC Youth Engagement Commission for their support of our Trailblazers Outdoor Club (gooutside.nc.gov/trailblazers/).
We need your help! We are having our first "Kids in Nature Trail Crew" event tomorrow, August 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. If you have a weed eater and would be willing to help, please meet in the outdoor classroom at Mountain View Intermediate School. This workday is not for children. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Love at jennifer.love@macon.k12.nc.us
Learn more about what your child will be studying this year in their science class by checking out these new parent/guardian curriculum guides. https://ncdpi.instructure.com/courses/12448/pages/parent-slash-caregiver-guide
Looking for something to do that is out of this world? Check out this program at the Otto Community Center!
Chess Club at Mountain View Afterschool Edventure Program!
After Christmas break, the Edventure students at MVI started learning to play Chess. The goal was to teach them a new game that allowed for building analytical and tactical skillsets. It was decided that they would do a Chess tournament on Mondays with each win gaining them a point on the scoreboard. On May 5th, we held our last tournament day and awarded prizes for the top three scores. Congratulations to the winners!
So proud of our robotics teams! They competed this week at the Smart Tank event at Southwestern Community College and represented Macon County with excellence.
Through robotics, these students are learning so much more than just coding and building—they’re developing public speaking skills, collaboration, teamwork, and most of all… resilience.
Sometimes, projects that have worked all year, projects they’ve spent hundreds of hours perfecting, just don’t work when it matters most. But instead of getting discouraged, they focus on what they can control and keep pushing forward.
Proud of their growth, grit, and determination. Way to go!
We would like to thank the teachers and student crews from the Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps Center for their hard work installing our new fence at the Cove Branch Habitat Restoration project. The students even found a King Snake who was enjoying the Sun in the restored habitat. Thank you also to Clark and Co. for providing the lumber and delivery.
Funding for the fence was provided by a grant through the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). The next step is to plant some grass, mulch, and install our interpretive signs! We are excited to open this space to our students!
Congratulations to Annie Hornsby, a science teacher at Macon Middle School, who was recently selected for a 5-month fellowship with The Climate Initiative (www.theclimateinitiative.org). TCI is a nationwide organization that empowers educators and young climate leaders to build more climate-resilient communities. Through its non-partisan education and empowerment initiatives, TCI seeks to ignite a spark of hope and action, enabling youth to tackle local climate challenges and champion solutions in their communities and beyond.
As an Education Fellow, Ms. Hornsby’s responsibilities will include acting as a direct line of support for educators in the TCI network, assisting with the development and dissemination of resources, working to enhance TCI programming, and contributing to the creation and improvement of educational materials.
Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, and students. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Maker Faires happen all over the world but the Asheville Maker Faire is the only one in the Carolinas.
When: Saturday April 5, 2025
Where: AB Tech in downtown Asheville
Time: 10am - 3pm
Cost: FREE
Website: https://asheville.makerfaire.com/
This award can be used for our Macon Summer Edventure Camps as well as other camps your child may be interested in attending. You must be a FAT Cat or Zard member with the
State Employees' Credit Union.
Summer Camp Awards Are Back!
Entry Deadline: Feb 28
FAT CAT® and Zard® members1 can enter for a chance to win $500 toward summer camp registration fees.
Here’s how:
Complete this application form. Submissions are limited to one per child.
Have your child share their dream summer camp experience by submitting an original drawing or an essay, 250 words or less.
Applications with a drawing or essay must be submitted by February 28, 2025. Entrants must be enrolled2 in a summer camp or enrichment program for Summer 2025.
Click here to view the Official Contest Rules.
Apply now
1Child must have an active SECU FAT CAT or Zard account. Children of officers, directors, employees, representatives, volunteers, and agents of SECU are not eligible.
2Proof of camp enrollment required.
Summer Edventure Camp 2025 Applications NOW OPEN! Please pick up applications from the front office at the following schools: Iotla Valley Elementary, Cartoogechaye Elementary, South Macon Elementary, East Franklin Elementary, or Mountain View Intermediate. Camp is open to Macon County students from Kindergarten through age 13. There is a $60.00 deposit due to secure your spot. Space is limited, so register early. If you have questions, please call Jennifer Love at 828-524-3314.
Last week, our MMS STEM students experienced the joy of seeing their hard work come to life as we harvested one of our hydroponic grow towers to create fresh, delicious salads for lunch!
It’s was rewarding to watch our students learn about sustainable agriculture, teamwork, and healthy eating while contributing to our school community. The pride on their faces as they served the “fruits of their labor" was priceless.
These grow towers were purchased with a grant through the NC Go Outdoors Program through the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission.
A huge THANK YOU to the Rotary Club of Franklin Daybreak for their incredibly generous gift of $4,000 to the MMS STEM program!
Project-based learning and fostering teamwork through hands-on activities can be costly, but their support helps make it all possible. We are so grateful for their partnership in building brighter futures for our students.
We need your help tomorrow at MVI!
