Spring 2018

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CARSON CITY

School District 

Community Quarterly Newsletter | CARSON CITY, NEVADA | Spring, 2018

PRINTABLE PDF VERSION HERE

A NOTE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

Richard Stokes

As we enter the final stretch of this exciting school year, we couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishments of our students! We realize that the flourishing of our students comes in part because of the tremendous support from our parents and community, but we should also recognize the loving staff members who pour into our students every day. From the teachers to the bus drivers, secretaries, aides, custodians, food service staff, maintenance staff and administrators; we have a family approach here, and we take seriously our job of investing into the lives of every student, every day.

We have plenty to celebrate. Our students and staff are receiving well-deserved accolades for their achievements in academics, arts and other extra-curricular activities. Ms. Christina Bourne, Mark Twain’s music educator, earned a $16,000 grant for music education; Ms. Jasmine Wong-Fortunato, Mr. Gabriel Covington, and Ms. Sy’Johnniqa Moore were awarded the second annual Rosemary Nebesky Memorial Scholarships by the Carson City Symphony Association; CHS's NJROTC students shined in their Pass In Review inspections; the CHS Robotics Team, Cyber Mafia, achieved great success at the Nevada State FTC Championship; Ms. Braelynn Hudson, of Fritsch Elementary, took home second place in the Nevada state archery championship; and so much more. There are so many good stories to tell within our district.

In closing, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the recent, tragic events that occurred in Florida. Such tragedies shake us to the core and once again bring discussions to the forefront about students, schools and safety. As you know, there is no easy answer or action that can be taken quickly to solve problems associated with unacceptable violence in our society. There is ample evidence this violence has spilled into places of learning, of worship, of shopping, of entertainment and within walls of homes.

While we have many security measures in place, the most effective prevention tool is the thousands of eyes and ears we have in our schools. Students may be the first to see signs of a threat and are encouraged to notify a trusted adult about those concerns. You can add your eyes and ears to those numbers as well. As you talk with your students about school safety, encourage them to report any time they see unsafe behavior, even if they think it might just be a prank. To report a threat, don’t hesitate to call Secret Witness, 775-283-1799. Thank you for being our partners in education. 

REMAIN APPRISED OF THE LATEST NEWS

District OfficeLog on to our website, carsoncityschools.com, regularly to remain updated on all the wonderful events and accomplishments occurring across the district as we wind down the year together. This tool will inevitably help you stay informed throughout the summer months as we begin preparing for another fun and exciting school year. And if you don’t already, be sure to “LIKE” us on Facebook, and choose to “See First” so you never miss an important news update. Also find us on Twitter and YouTube.


NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

New LeadershipRon Swirczek, District 1, has been named the newest president of the Carson City School District Board of Trustees. Swirczek replaces former President Laurel Crossman, District 2, as the school board’s leader.

Trustees Stacie Wilke-McCulloch, District 3, and Mike Walker, District 5, were elected vice president and clerk, respectively. Wilke-McCulloch replaced former Vice President Ryan Green, District 4, and Walker replaced former Clerk Wilke-McCulloch. Each of the new leaders will serve one-year terms. Click here to read the full story at CarsonNow.org.

THREE TEACHERS EARN BOARD CERTIFICATION

Certified TeachersThe Carson City School District is pleased to announce three teachers who earned certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The NBPTS is widely considered to be the highest professional recognition for educators.

The teachers earning certification are Lacey Carey, sixth-grade Social Studies teacher at Carson Middle School; Nicole Medeiros, third-grade teacher at Bordewich Bray Elementary and Pamela Shank, fourth-grade teacher at Fremont Elementary.

“National Board certification requires a tremendous amount of work, dedication and years of classroom skill and expertise,” said Susan Keema, associate superintendent of Educational Services. “We are very proud of these wonderful educators and applaud them for their achievement.” Click here for more from the Nevada Appeal.

DISTRICT TO HONOR EMPLOYEES AND EDUCATORS

Employees of the YearEach year, the district takes time to recognize the tireless effort and skill of employees and educators who invest and support our students every day. Although, in most cases, there are many who qualify for this recognition, principals (with the assistance from the site staff) and district administrators (in collaboration with union officials) must follow established guidelines and requirements for selecting one Classified Employee and one Educator from each site to receive the award.

The criteria for nomination for Educator of the Year include 1) five continuous years of teaching experience by December 31, 2017 with the Carson City School District and continuous commitment to excellence in the classroom. 2) Former Educators of the Year for a site must wait two years before they are eligible to be considered again. The criteria for nomination for Classified Employee of the Year include 1) one continuous year of employment by December 31, 2017 with the Carson City School District. 2) Former winners must wait two years before they are eligible to be considered again.

Last year, (pictured left) Bridget Gordon, 21st Century Solutions Program coordinator at Carson High School, was recognized as the overall Classified Employee of the Year. Additionally, (pictured right) Tedra “Teddy” Cook, 7th grade teacher at Carson Middle School, was honored as the district’s overall Educator of the Year.

NOTABLE FUTURE DATES

February 26 (Monday) Early Release Day (District-wide)
February 27 (Tuesday) All 11th grade students take ACT test
February 27 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
February 28 (Wednesday) Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career Expo, 6-8 p.m., Carson High
March 3 (Saturday) Early Childhood Expo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 1870 Russell Way
March 5 (Monday) Staff Professional Development (No School for students)
March 5 (Monday) Kindergarten Registration Begins, individual school sites (District-wide)
March 7 (Wednesday) EVMS STEAM Night, 5:30 p.m., Eagle Valley Middle School Gym
March 9 (Friday) Carson High Band Fundraiser, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Governor’s Mansion
March 11 (Sunday) Daylight Savings Time begins, set clocks forward 1 hour
March 12 (Monday) Early Release Day (District-wide)
March 12 (Monday) Pre-Kindergarten Registration Begins (District-wide)
March 13 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
March 15 (Thursday) Band-O-Rama, 7 p.m., Carson High School Big Gym
March 19 (Monday) Early Release Day, dismiss at 1 p.m. (Fremont and Empire only)
March 20 (Tuesday) Minimum Day/Parent Conf., (elementary schools only) dismiss 12:40 p.m.
March 21 (Wednesday) Nevada Moves Day (walk or bike to school)
March 21 (Wednesday) Minimum Day/Parent Conf., (elementary schools only) dismiss 12:40 p.m.
March 22 (Thursday) Choir Palooza, 7 p.m., Carson High School Big Gym
March 26 – April 2 Spring Break (School Holiday)
March 27 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
April 9 (Monday) Early Release Day (District-wide)
April 9-21 (Mon. – Sat.) Senior Project Judging portfolio review days, Carson High School library
(8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon. – Fri.; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays)
April 10 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
April 16 (Monday) Early Release Day, dismiss at 1 p.m. (Fremont and Empire only)
April 21 (Saturday) Mark Twain Elementary School Color Run, Mills Park, US Highway 50 East
April 23 (Monday) Staff Professional Development (No School for students)
April 23 (Monday) Senior Project Oral Presentations, Carson High School, three sessions
(8:00-9:40 a.m., 10:00-11:40 a.m. and 12 noon to 1:40 p.m.)
April 24 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting & Employee Recognition, 7 p.m., CHS, Senator Square
April 30 (Monday) Early Release Day, dismiss at 1 p.m. (Fremont and Empire only)
May 7 (Monday) Early Release Day, dismiss at 1 p.m. (Fremont and Empire only)
May 8 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
May 9 (Wednesday) Community PLC Meeting, 6 p.m., Carson High School Library
May 16 (Wednesday) Special School Board Meeting (Budget Hearing), 5:15 p.m., District Office
May 18 (Friday) Early Release Day (District-wide)
May 22 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
May 25 – 28 (Fri./Mon.) Memorial Day Break (School Holiday)
June 5 (Tuesday) Minimum Day, Carson High School, dismiss at 11:40 a.m.
June 5 (Tuesday) Minimum Day, Pioneer High School, dismiss at 11:30 a.m.
June 5 (Tuesday) Minimum Day, Carson Middle School, dismiss at 12:00 noon
June 5 (Tuesday) Minimum Day, Eagle Valley Middle School, dismiss at 12:00 noon
June 5 (Tuesday) Eagle Valley Middle School 8th Grade Promotion, 1 p.m., EVMS Gym
June 5 (Tuesday) Pioneer High School Graduation, 6 p.m., Community Center, Theater
June 6 (Wednesday) Minimum Day, Last Day of School
June 6 (Wednesday) Carson Middle School 8th Grade Promotion, 1 p.m., CMS Gym
June 9 (Saturday) Carson High School Graduation, 9 a.m., Carson High School, Football Field
June 12 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room
June 26 (Tuesday) School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

PREPARING FOR TESTING SEASON

Test 1Spring is the beginning of the testing season for middle and high school students. There are district, state and national tests for students in grades 7-12 that begin now and continue through the end of the school year. Many of these tests are mandated by legislation.

There’s no secret formula when it comes to passing a standardized test. It’s important to remember that anxiety may hinder performance for the test taker, so take a deep breath and read through a few practical tips to help students prepare for standardized assessments. And please note, don’t schedule doctor’s appointments before, after or during tests. As soon as a student begins taking a test, if they need to leave for an appointment, they will likely not be able to reschedule or finish the exam.

  1. Take practice tests. The Nevada Department of Education website offers practice tests, which can help prepare children with understanding the test expectations, including the content and mechanics. SBAC and PARCC give assessments in many states and offer good examples of practice tests. If the test format seems familiar on test day, kids are more likely to feel comfortable and know what to do.
  2. Test 2Promote a positive attitude. Parents should promote a positive attitude towards learning and testing. Kids need to take tests seriously and be strategic, but also feel confident and mentally prepared. Parents can help children feel prepared for the test by encouraging children to visualize success on test day. In other words, ask children to close their eyes and imagine themselves taking the test and feeling great about it.
  3. Discuss what to do if you finish early. Sometimes kids finish the test early. It’s important to discuss that this is a good opportunity to double check and verify their answers for accuracy. Parents can coach them to review certain questions that were hard and use the process of elimination to rule out some of the answer choices.
  4. CrammingEat well, exercise and rest. In the weeks leading up to the test, it is important for students to have adequate sleep (eight hours is recommended), eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and get exercise. Foods high in protein, and water help to stimulate the brain. Exercise, such as stretching and walking, helps to supply the brain with oxygen. Eating a healthy breakfast before school, particularly on the day of the test, gives the body the fuel it needs to maintain long periods of concentration.
  5. Plan enjoyable and relaxing activities. Trying to squeeze a little more preparation in immediately before the test is not advised because it can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Studying the day before or day of the test leads to increased anxiety and should be avoided. Instead, plan enjoyable activities to feel relaxed and ready. 


CARSON HIGH CTE PROGRAM HOSTS ANNUAL CAREER EXPO

CTE ExpoCarson High School will host its annual Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career Expo Wednesday, February 28, from 6-8 p.m. The event is designed to allow all students (and their parents) to learn about high demand college and career opportunities when making critical decisions about high school.

During the expo, students (and parents) will have the opportunity to become "career aware" by visiting various CTE programs and connecting with post-secondary training and education providers, as well as employers at the end of various career paths. The expo will feature nearly 100 industry booths (more than 75 employers) representing the diversity of companies and opportunities in our community.

Your participation and attendance will impact the academic choices students are making at a pivotal time in their education, which will impact their college and career path for the future. We really hope to see you!

EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPO

Early Childhood ExpoJoin us for a free event for families with children newborn to 6 years old. The 4th annual Early Childhood Expo will showcase local resources for families. Each vendor will provide hands on activities and information. Everyone that attends will receive a raffle ticket for various prizes.

The Expo will be held on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada, 1870 Russell Way, Carson City, Nevada 89706.

The Early Childhood Expo is an annual event that provides Carson City with information on early childhood resources, including programs, child care, health care, and more. Last year more than 300 participants attended.

The Early Childhood Expo is organized by the Carson City Early Childhood Advisory Council to support opportunities among early childhood providers and teachers to share resources, work together and create community outreach opportunities. Additionally, the Early Childhood Council meets monthly to discuss and review various early childhood topics related to professional development, standards, curriculum and community outreach and development.

For more info., email [email protected] or visit https://carsonearlychildhoodadvisory.wordpress.com/events/.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO JUDGE SENIOR CLASS PROJECTS

Blown GlassSeniors at Carson High School are actively engaged and meticulously rendering their time and talents for the benefit of our community and their future careers.

In order to be eligible to graduate, each senior must complete a Senior Class Project. Since 2001, this challenging and successful endeavor provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have accumulated and apply these to an area of their own interest.

T-shirtComponents of the Senior Project include a student-directed project, creation of a portfolio of the completed project (a capstone to their education career in the Carson City School District) and a formal oral presentation to a panel. This assignment requires a great deal of time and commitment on the part of the student, all while preparing them for their future. These projects may include job shadowing a sushi chef, learning to blow glass or selling T-shirts benefitting nonprofits aimed at abolishing modern slavery and rescuing girls from the sex trade.

Last year, nearly 400 community volunteer judges reviewed project portfolios and sat on panels to score oral presentations (approx. 25,000 volunteer hours).

Student portfolio viewing/reviews begin Monday, April 9, and continue through Saturday, April 21. The High School is still in need of community volunteers and mentors to assist with the judging the three sessions of oral presentations Monday, April 23, at Carson High School (8:00-9:40 a.m., 10:00-11:40 a.m. and 12 noon to 1:40 p.m.). Training sessions to become a Senior Project Panel Judge will be held April 10, 12 and 14. Click here for additional information on how you can volunteer.

COLOR FUN RUN SATURDAY, APRIL 21, AT MILLS PARK

Fun RunThe students of Mark Twain Elementary School will host their third annual community wide My School Color Run Saturday, April 21, 9-11 a.m. at Mills Park in Carson City. The untimed two-mile walk, jog or run event is a fundraiser for the school. It is designed for all ages and is for all fitness abilities.

During the event, participants pass through vibrant color zones making it “colorful experience.” Additionally, each pre-registered participant is provided with a single powder color pack that will be thrown in the air at the final color celebration at the finish line. Sign up for the run by visiting MarkTwainColorRun.eventbrite.com or by completing a paper registration form from the school.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION MARCH 5

The Carson City School District (CCSD) is asking parents to mark their calendars for Monday, March 5, to register children who will be 5-years-old by Sept. 30, 2018, and eligible for Kindergarten for the coming 2018-2019 school year.

Kindergarten Full-day Kindergarten classes are offered at all elementary schools in Carson City. Contact your neighborhood school:

  • Bordewich Bray Elementary, 775-283-2400
  • Empire Elementary, 775-283-1100
  • Fremont Elementary, 775-283-1200
  • Fritsch Elementary, 775-283-1400
  • Mark Twain Elementary, 775-283-1000
  • Seeliger Elementary, 775-283-2200

To review school boundaries, please check the district’s website at carsoncityschools.com and click on “School Zones” under the “Parents” tab. Or click here to view the CCSD SchoolSite Locator on the district’s website...click here to view it in Spanish. Parents are invited to visit their child’s prospective school in person between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to provide the following required documents to register.

  • Birth certificate.
  • Immunization records (including Hepatitis A & B, DTAP, MMR, IPV & Varicella). Please contact your physician’s office to ensure compliancy for school.
  • Proof of residency in Carson City (Utility bill, Mortgage or Rental papers, Voter Registration, etc.). 


DOES YOUR FAMILY QUALIFY FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN?

Pre-KPre-K registration begins Monday, March 12, at 604 W. Musser Street, Carson City, NV 89702. Children who will be 4-years-old by September 30, 2018, and whose family qualifies under the federal household poverty guidelines, may apply for the district's Pre-K program for the 2018-2019 school year. Enrollment is contingent on income verification, school zone and the date the application is submitted. Parents will need to provide proof of qualification by supplying the following documents to Karla Valverde, 775-283-1521, 604 West Musser Street, Carson City, Nevada 89702.

  1. Poverty GuidelinesProof of meeting poverty guidelines by completing and submitting the Income Verification Application (English) or Income Verification Application (Spanish).
  2. New Student Enrollment Form.
  3. Birth certificate.
  4. Immunization records (including Hepatitis A & B, DTAP, MMR, IPV & Varicella). Please contact your physician’s office to ensure compliancy for school.

Proof of residency in Carson City (Utility bill, Mortgage or Rental papers, Voter Registration, etc.). 







HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE & REDUCED LUNCH

Free & Reduced LunchHelping your child eat right may be easier than you think. Free and reduced-price school meals like breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided to students whose families meet certain income requirements. Apply today to ensure that your child has a healthy meal at school every day. It helps them perform better and saves you money. How to apply? It’s easy!

  1. Visit www.carsoncityschool.com
  2. Click on Nutrition Services
  3. Click on Online Meal Application
  4. Or pick up an application at your school’s office and return it to the office or cafeteria manager.

Nutrition ServicesThe application is risk free. Information collected in the application is confidential and will be used only for evaluating the eligibility of students for free or reduced-priced school breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Not sure of your child’s eligibility? Income eligibility guidelines are available online for each school year to help you determine eligibility based on your household size and income level. There are no restrictions based on immigration status. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/income-eligibility-guidelines for details.

Need WIFI or internet access? Families who qualify for free and reduced meals may also qualify for discounts on high-speed internet through AT&T and Charter. Contact your local internet provider for details.

LEARNER-CENTERED MODEL HELPS STUDENTS, TEACHERS & FAMILY SUCCEED

Learner ModelAs the school district continues to build and improve programs it has worked to create in the past several years, 2018 introduces the implementation and enhancement of the Learner-Centered Model, which allows students, teachers and families the opportunity to work together towards student success. 

In December of 2013, Carson City School District received a federal, Race to the Top grant for 10 million dollars. With this funding, we had a plan to fundamentally shift our school philosophy and operations to truly create a Student–Centered Learning system. The model could not merely exist in name only, but a real shift in process, expectation and outcome would be required. School staff, parents, community partners and the students themselves would all need to be active participants in the process to shift the educational thinking or stance from a “delivery-centered” model to being “student-centered.”

One of the biggest takeaways the district has begun to develop this year from the model is a comprehensive student data system, the Data Matrix and Mastery Connect. It gives the opportunity in real time to check students' progress throughout the semester. By doing this, teachers, students and parents can monitor and catch any problems a student is having before they begin to fail a class. This also helps parents to be more involved in student learning because they can get detailed reports on what's going on in the classroom. It is a great tool for parents to have instructional conversations with their students. It allows them to guide discussion with their children and reflect on their thinking of that day at school. Click here to ready the full story from the Nevada Appeal.

FOUNDATION MINI-GRANTS

Mini-GrantsThe Carson City Schools Foundation, is pleased to announce the 10 winners of $200 mini-grants. The competitive process garnered nearly 30 applications from district educators. The review committee had a difficult task of narrowing down all the worthy applications to award 10 grants.

The winners include the following:

  • Danielle Boholst, third grade teacher at Mark Twain Elementary
  • Kristina Britt, speech and language pathologist at Bordewich Bray Elementary
  • Ananda Campbell, librarian at Carson High School
  • Durrell Clark, Pre-K teacher at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada
  • John Corbitt, math teacher at Pioneer High School
  • Rachel Croft, STEM coach at Bordewich Bray Elementary
  • Hilary Mendeguia, eighth grade English teacher at Carson Middle School
  • Stacey Myrehn, librarian at Eagle Valley Middle School
  • Tara Shek, autism and special education teacher at Bordewich Bray Elementary
  • Kathy Zuber, fourth grade teacher at Bordewich Bray Elementary

To make a contribution with your credit card, go to ccschoolsfoundation.org/campaigns/donations/. Click here to watch a YouTube video about the foundation.

WILL YOU HELP?

FoundationSchool District employees can now support our Carson City Schools Foundation with an ongoing contribution via Payroll Deduction. The Carson City Schools Foundation is a relatively new yet growing partner for our public schools. Directed by volunteers from the community and schools, the CCS Foundation promotes monetary contributions to be spent on mini-grants, student projects and activities in the district.

The Foundation does not compete with PTO’s or other school activity support groups, but seeks support and donations to fund programs that expand education opportunities. Project funding is determined by input from Board of Directors, Advisory Board and educators in the Carson City School District.

District employees interested in making a payroll donation should obtain a Payroll Deduction Form from their site office manager. Ending the deduction can be done at any time by contacting the Carson City School District Payroll Department.

To make a one-time donation, or for more information, please visit ccschoolsfoundation.org/campaigns/donations/.

MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY EARNS $16,000 GRANT FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

Music EducationThe Carson City School District (CCSD) is pleased to announce a $16,000 grant awarded to Mark Twain Elementary for music education. The monies will be used to purchase new musical instruments including a 50-piece world drumming set, steel drums, hand chimes and various other percussion instruments.

Music EducationChristina Bourne, Mark Twain Elementary’s music educator, applied for an $8,000 grant, which was later doubled through the Mockingbird Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit founded and run entirely by Phish fans. The foundation recently announced 16 grants totaling $137,400 in support of music education for children at schools, centers and non-profit organizations in 15 states.

The grants came from Mockingbird’s 22 round of competitive grant-making and were enhanced by funds from the band’s own WaterWheel Foundation, which allowed the board to double three of the grant requests. Mark Twain Elementary School was one of the three grant requests where funds were doubled.

Click here to read the full story in the Nevada Appeal. 

THREE STUDENTS AWARDED ROSEMARY NEBESKY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Memorial ScholarshipsJasmine Wong-Fortunato, Gabriel Covington, and Sy’Johnniqa Moore were awarded the second annual Rosemary Nebesky Memorial Scholarships by the Carson City Symphony Association last December.

The scholarship was established by John and Jennifer Webley of Santa Rosa, Calif., in memory Rosemary Nebesky, who loved music, loved children, and had been a friend and board member of the Carson City Symphony Association. It is awarded each year to one or more Carson City students age 5 to 17 for instrumental music lessons. The winners this year were selected from several highly recommended applicants.

The next round of scholarships will be awarded in fall of 2018. For more information about the scholarship and the application process, contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154. Click here to read the full story at CarsonNow.org.

NJROTC STUDENTS EXCEL IN PASS IN REVIEW

NJROTC ReviewThe Carson High School NJROTC students shined in their pass in review inspections Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. The Navel Leadership Inspections happen every other year, where the NJROTC area manager comes to the school to make sure the students' uniforms are correct and the NJROTC program is complying with standards.

NJROTC ReviewEach pass in review is an all-day process, as each individual is inspected along with the administration and supplies to make sure everything is correct and running smoothly in the program.

More than 50 students received awards for perfect scores on their uniform inspections and were awarded with a number of ribbons. But the highlight of the night was the Beta Zulu award, given to programs for exemplary work. To receive it, leadership had to get above a 9.5 average score and the rest of the students had to get an 8.5 average score, and Lt. Commander Dan Meyer said both sections exceeded those necessary requirements.

CARSON HIGH'S ROBOTICS TEAM WINS AT STATE FTC CHAMPIONSHIP

Cyber MafiaThe CHS Robotics Team, Cyber Mafia, achieved great success at the Nevada State FTC Championship held at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows on Saturday, February 10, 2018. The team took 2nd Place for the “Inspire Award,” the top overall prize. Additionally, the team won the “Think Award,” which is for the team that best reflects the journey taken as they experienced the engineering design process during the build season.

The team also took 2nd Place for the “Control Award,” which is for the team that effectively uses sensors and software to increase the Robot’s functionality on the field. The team reached the semi-finals of the Robot Game before being knocked out in a close best-out-of-three match.

 

Beyond the team’s success, two individuals were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions: Sherri Kelley was named the Compass Award winner for being the best coach/mentor in Nevada. Luke Bowler was named a Dean’s List Finalist. The Dean’s List recognizes the leadership and dedication of the most outstanding student participants. There are only two finalists in Nevada, and he will now go on to compete with other finalists from around the country.

Cyber Mafia’s team members are Emmanuel Alvarez, Luke Bowler (Lead Programmer), Michael Carine, Peng Chen, Nanami Duncan (Business Manager), Rylan Fancher (Captain), Sarai Jauregui-Rivas, Nevan McIlwee, Casanova Segura, Alán Serrano (Vice Captain) and Andrius Stankus. The CHS advisors are Sherri Kelley and Josh Barham, and the coaches are Michelle Bowler and Scot Duncan.

FRITSCH ELEMENTARY STUDENT TAKES 2ND IN STATE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT

Braelynn Hudson

Despite only learning how to shoot archery in October, Carson City fourth grader Braelynn Hudson, 9, of Fritsch Elementary School, took home second place in the Nevada state archery championship, Feb. 7, in Las Vegas. More than 600 students from elementary to high schools across the state competed.

State Archery

This was Hudson's first year participating in archery after falling in love with it during her P.E. class. Ms. Laura Valley teaches archery in her class from October to November, then gives the students the option to continue at an after-school competitive level, if they want.

CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ATTENDANCE

Better AttendanceIn an effort to showcase the value of coming to school and being on time, Carson Middle School administrators, social workers and safe school professionals are taking a positive approach to motivate students. Students are often welcomed by school officials dressed in dinosaur suits holding giant banners and delivering cheers and “High Fives.” Informational flyers of upcoming important events and reminders are also distributed.  

Better AttendanceNational data released by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights found that more than 6.5 million students (13%) missed 15 or more days of school (nearly a month of school) during an academic school year.

According to NRS 392.040, except as otherwise provided by law, each parent, custodial parent, guardian or other person in the State of Nevada having control or charge of any child between the ages of 7 and 18 years shall send the child to a public school during all the time the public school is in session in the school district in which the child resides unless the child has graduated from high school.

Too many missed days of school, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused, can leave children falling behind in reading and math. Research publicized by initiatives such as the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading show that starting in kindergarten, students who are chronically absent, (typically defined as missing 10% or more of school) are less likely to read by the third grade.

Similarly, chronic absence is also an early warning sign of failing courses in middle school leading to a greater chance of dropping out of high school. Chronic absences are especially challenging for low-income students whose academic achievement is affected the most by missed instructional time in the classroom. 

DONUTS WITH DADS ENGAGE POSITIVE MALE ROLE MODELS IN SCHOOLS

Donuts with DadsMore than 300 people attended “Donuts with Dads” at Al Seeliger Elementary School, Feb. 8. The effort was designed to get dads, uncles, grandparents and father-figures more involved in school and childhood learning.

Last fall, the school and several others in Carson City introduced the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program on their campus, which is designed to create volunteer opportunities for dads and father-figures. As the school year continues, teachers and administrators want more dads to volunteer for a day at the school.

Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer for the full school day where they may read and work on flash cards with students, play at recess, eat lunch with students, watch the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their own students, but also other students. Many school principals report that the mere presence of a WatchDOG dramatically reduces reports of bullying.

CARSON HIGH FRESHMAN GET LESSON IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

End Domestic ViolenceAs a part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, the Advocates to End Domestic Violence spent an afternoon teaching Carson High freshman about the importance of healthy relationships. The non-profit organization provides shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence within Carson City and surrounding communities.  

Advocates' primary mission is to keep families together and break the cycle of domestic violence. Services include shelter, emotional and psychical support, legal advice, children's group, parenting, counseling and sexual assault response advocates (SARA) volunteers.

Click here to read the Nevada Appeal feature.

WALK OR RIDE YOUR BIKE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, FOR NEVADA MOVES DAY

Nevada Moves DayCelebrate Nevada Moves Day Wednesday, March 21. Schoolchildren joined by parents, teachers and administrators will take part in organized walks to promote walking or bicycling to school.

Nevada Moves Day is a statewide event started in 2010 by State of Nevada Safe Routes to School Coordinators. The day celebrates the fun and benefits of walking and bicycling to school. It also encourages K-8 students, school staff and families to get physically active. Since its inception, Nevada Moves Day has expanded to become more of a Nevada Moves Week to accommodate individual school schedules. 

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This quarterly newsletter serves as an information tool to communicate Carson City School District news and events to the community.

You can read the latest newsletter or past issues by selecting issues from the left drop-down menu on our website here.

If you do not already receive email notifications for this publication, please subscribe by completing the form at the bottom of the page. If you know someone who would benefit from this news, please share the link so they can sign up.

CONNECT WITH US!

FacebookBe sure to FOLLOW and LIKE CCSD’s Facebook: (facebook.com/carsoncityschooldistirct) and Twitter (twitter.com/carsonschools) pages. Each provide real-time district and school news to the community. The pages are used as a tool to relay information of school closures, emergencies, good news, events, etc. 

The pages aim to engage the community about local, state and national education news/topics, report from live board of education meetings and other district meetings and events and post student and staff pictures and achievements.
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SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US!

WinterfestHave you captured some amazing photos at some of our school sites? Please share your photos with us. Feel free to email our Public Information Officer Dan Davis,[email protected], with any shots you’d like to share publicly through our social media. Or tag us @carsoncityschooldistrict on Facebook or @carsonschools on Twitter.