Superintendent Weekly Update

from the desk of Kathy Amos

June 12, 2025

Construction Updates!

BRES

At Blue Ridge Elementary School, the new addition is progressing nicely. Construction is expected to be complete in December 2025.

BES

At Burnsville Elementary School, the addition is almost complete as well as renovations inside the existing building and an expansion to the cafeteria.

Upcoming Summer Camps

2025 CTE Career Exploration Summer Camps

Location: All camps will begin and end at the Mtn Heritage High School campus.

Transportation: Transportation to and from Mtn. Heritage High School is not provided as part of the camp. Transportation to and from any camp activities as part of that camp will be provided. Note: Students who are not enrolled in a NC Public School may participate but will need to provide their own transportation on any field trips.

Lunch: Lunch will be provided for campers.

Cost: All camps are free!

For Students: Who will be in 7th - 10th grades in the 2025-2026 school year.

Come join us to explore careers and learn about career opportunities in various industries! Whether you choose to attend one camp or multiple camps, it is a great opportunity to start setting goals for your future. Each camp will be hands-on and engaging for students and many include field trips and tours.

Registration: Complete the registration form at the link provided for each camp. You can register your student for more than one summer camp. Please complete one form for EACH student you wish to register.

Once registered, you will be contacted by camp coordinators at the email address you provide in the registration form with further information about the camps. We looking forward to seeing your students this summer!

A Taste of Ag Camp

July 7-9, 2025

Maximum Number of Attendees: 16

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/Y7hHMaS4b3Gs4trm8

This camp explores the link between agriculture and nutrition and helps students connect with their community while seeing how food production impacts food supply. Join us to visit local farms to learn about dairy farming, beef cattle farming, and vegetable farming. Campers will return to Mountain Heritage High School to learn how to use the commodities being produced on the farms in meal planning and preparation.

Health Science Careers Camp

Dates: July 14-15, 2025

Maximum Number of Attendees: 18

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/kKSTGXmbDnvcDu5j6

Interested in the medical field? Join us to learn about career options!

Be Your Own Boss Camp

Dates: July 21-23, 2025

Maximum Number of Attendees: 12

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/RTBbEAQTnTHqncBA9

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start your own business and be your own boss? Or have you had a great idea for a produce or service? At this entrepreneurship camp, you will learn how to use your idea for a product or service to make money!

This will be a three-day, hands-on interactive camp where students will learn if they have what it takes to be a small business owner. We will travel to explore some of Burnsville's small businesses, hear first-hand how they started their business, and visit Mayland Community College's Small Business Center in Spruce Pine.

STEM Camp

Dates: July 21-22, 2025

Maximum Number of Attendees: 18

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/kTCDa3FVTFHYDkxU6

Come join us for an exciting hands-on STEM camp designed for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math! As part of the camp experience, students will visit the Mayland Earth to Sky Park where students will explore the wonders of space and astronomy while learning about NASA's missions and innovations. Students will also visit a hands-on museum where they will engage in interactive exhibits that bring STEM concepts to life. Through the exciting field trips, students will deepen their understanding of STEM in the real world and spark their curiosity for future careers in science and technology!

Aviation Camp

July 28-29, 2025

Maximum Number of Attendees: 18

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/RmPotWX6GvidV2ik6

If you are interested in aviation, flying or operating an aircraft, this camp is for you! The camp is packed with fun activities for future aviation enthusiasts. Students will learn about careers and nearby education opportunities to pursue those careers!

Heavy Equipment Camp

Dates: TBD

Maximum Number of Attendees: TBD

Learn the basics of heavy equipment operation by using simulators and seeing equipment in operation. Students will get to visit a construction site and see heavy machinery in action while exploring career opportunities!

Please check back here for confirmed dates.

Pickleball Camp

PATH will also hold its 4th annual FREE Pickleball camp from June 16th to 19th. Pickleball is fun, easy to learn, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes.

The tentative schedule for pickleball camp is:

- 9:00 am to 10:00 am for children in grades K-2

- 10:15 to 11:15 am for children in grades 3-5

- 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for children in grades 6-10

Visit bit.ly/TRR2025pickleball to register for Pickleball Camp.

We are requesting volunteers to assist during both camps. No prior tennis or pickleball experience is required! Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to fill out the form at bit.ly/TRRvolunteers or contact Tara Brozanski at Tara@pathwnc.org.

2025 PATH Summer Resource Guide

Find the full guide here.

Spanish version here.

Updated Dates for Educator and Parent/Student Webinars

FOR EDUCATORS

These overview webinars offer an opportunity to learn about the program and ask questions.

FOR PARENTS/STUDENTS

The student and parent webinars will give an overview of the program, while office hours are an opportunity for more personalized support.

Webinars

Office Hours

ABOUT NC COLLEGE CONNECT

NC College Connect is a groundbreaking initiative offering direct college admission to eligible high school seniors across the state for the 2025–2026 school year! Open to public high school seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher who meet course requirements, students will be matched with colleges where they already qualify — no traditional application needed.

The program now includes more UNC System schools, NC Independent Colleges and Universities and NC Community Colleges. Students are directly admitted and can accept offers by completing a short form on CFNC.org.