From the archives: Ocean Beach Elementary gets upgraded reading garden and mural

Editor’s note: Times of San Diego occasionally republishes select articles from San Diego Community Newspaper Group publications that published prior to NEWSWELL’s acquisition of the organization. This article was originally published on Sept. 6, 2024, in the Peninsula Beacon. It has been lightly edited for style.

Want to request the republication of an article from the San Diego Community Newspaper Group archives? You can submit a request here. If you have questions, please contact our editorial team at info@timesofsandiego.com.

Ocean Beach Elementary has a beautifully revamped school mural and a revitalized outdoor learning space thanks to artist Rob Tobin, architect Julie Howard, and the generosity of the Point Loma Optimist Club.

“The mural is more than just a decoration,” said Marco Drapeau, now in his 11th year as OBE principal. “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.”

Noting the school’s student enrollment has held relatively steady the past couple of years at about 420 students, Drapeau pointed out the school gets “quite a bit of community support” and is a community hub. OB’s library is across the street, with Newport Avenue business district right around the corner.

“I believe we are the closest San Diego Unified School District school to the ocean,” pointed out Drapeau, noting they have photos of OBES dating back to the 1930s. He added, “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.”

Of the significance of the school’s latest artistic embellishments, 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.”

The mural also includes language associated with the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” from The Leader in Me program, which is taught throughout OBE to support student social-emotional growth. The mural project was supported by the Ocean Beach Elementary Parent Teacher Association and family volunteers.

Of the school’s new reading garden, 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.”

Trimis gave kudos to muralist Rob Tobin, Point Loma Optimist Club, Best Choice Home Remodeling, and architect Julie Howard for “their vision and to all the students and families who participated in this transformative project.”

OBES’ new reading garden has been dubbed the Zen Zone. 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.”

Drapeau noted the garden project only took six or seven weeks to complete over the summer before students returned to school.

Ocean Beach Elementary is a California Distinguished School offering grades UTK-4. OBE is a Title I school, meaning the school has a significantly lower-income student population qualifying it for financial aid. The school is also supported by a committed PTA and numerous community partners devoted to giving students a memorable and rewarding educational experience. For more information visit oceanbeach.sandiegounified.org.