The Maria Noakes Outdoor Center
We are thrilled to report that The Maria Noakes Outdoor Center is very, very close to completion. You are invited to attend the building dedication on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 4:00pm. The address is 1420 Riverside Drive. R.S.V.P. to [email protected] if you are planning to attend.
The Salamander Fund
The Salamander Fund (FBRA’s annual Fund) has received donations and pledges totaling $81,200. Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, alumni families, and friends who have helped us get to 85% of our $95,000 goal. If you have not had a chance to make a donation please follow this link to donate by credit card or send a check to FBRA, 1990 Riverside Drive, Asheville NC 28804.
Every donation to FBRA is an endorsement of the school, but it was wonderful to receive a written endorsement as well from Tom and Bobbe Spink, grandparents of sixth-grader Parker Dewine.
“After visiting on Grandparent’s Day, we felt compelled to donate to such an innovative and inspiring school. It was clear to us that with an expectation of working hard to achieve goals and the encouragement to show gratitude to others, FBRA is a nurturing, yet challenging environment for our grandson. Coupled with the use of various teaching styles, a strong outdoor/team building emphasis, the inclusion of a musical component, and a congenial, respectful, and appreciative school climate, we are so pleased to be supporting both our grandson and the school as a whole!”
Wreaths, Wreaths, Wreaths
I love wreath sale time, as it is the one time of the school year when the entire community (students, staff, parents, alumni, and friends) pitch in to support the school. Staff donated some incredible prizes like giant cacti and vintage FBRA puffy coats to help motivate students. Parent volunteers unloaded and loaded over 1500 wreaths and helped students to deliver wreaths to customers. Students sold wreaths and delivered them as well. And alum families and friends of the school purchased scads of wreaths. In the end the school netted over $17,000 that will support academic, outdoor, and music programming at FBRA.
By purchasing wreaths from the Tenhandon family of Spruce Pine, FBRA is able to support a local minority owned business.