During his 15th day-long school visit, Dr. Rob Jackson got to know some Owen District Warponies with a visit to Black Mountain Elementary! According to Principal Michael Benigno, the school has been at its current location for almost 100 years. Black Mountain High started there in 1928 (with a sister school in Swannanoa). Over the years, Black Mountain has been a High School, Middle School, and an elementary school. BMES currently serves 150 students with 35 staff members. Principal Benigno says he’s proud of the renovated media center and other ways the school has modernized to meet the needs of students. He says he’s most proud of the synergy between families, staff, and students in the community.
“I thoroughly enjoy how our parents support our teachers, how our teachers care so very deeply about our students, how wonderful our students are towards our teachers and staff - and how blessed I am to witness this on a daily basis,” said Benigno. “We have great kids, great community, involved and loving parents, and a faculty that I regularly lose buttons over as my chest swells with pride because of the amazing job they do - every day! They give their utmost to help our students be the best they can be.”
