Fall 2018

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CARSON CITY

School District 

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

PRINTABLE PDF VERSION HERE

A NOTE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

Richard Stokes

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our students, families and community members as we begin the 2018-19 school year. How wonderful it is each year to have our buildings come alive with students and staff who bring with them the renewed promise of entering another fantastic year of learning opportunities. We are committed to providing support and service to you, our families; and most importantly, caring for your child; empowering him or her to grow and helping them learn the essential skills and knowledge to prepare them to enter the next stage of their educational career with confidence. We do this through partnership with you! As you will see, our quarterly newsletter is designed to communicate the great things that are happening here within the district!

The focus of the school district remains constant; we care about each and every student. The faculty, staff and school board strive to live our vision every day: Our Community Inspires and Empowers Innovators, Leaders, and Thinkers.

Our schools must continue to be safe places where students are engaged, challenged to meet the standards necessary for college or a career, and where fun is definitely encouraged. We want students to build productive and sustaining relationships, and know that our sole purpose is to support them as they become the productive citizens we know they can be. The faculty and staff at the Carson City School District are committed to doing just that. The strength of any school is found in its employees!

We look forward to working with you this school year, and we thank you for sharing your child with us! As always, if you have questions or wish to discuss your child or the school happenings, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the staff members with whom your child works.

Sincerely,
Richard Stokes
Superintendent, Carson City School District

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEET & GREET OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION

Back-to-SchoolBack-to-School is in full effect, and there are many events happening to help ease you and your child back into the swing of the daily routine of school. This may even be a new secondary school where you and your child are less familiar with the classrooms or multi-class schedules. Here is a list of all the upcoming “Meet & Greets” and “Open Houses” scheduled now through October. Please note that Dates and Times are subject to change.

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR INFINITE CAMPUS MANDATORY!

Infinite CampusWith each new school year, the Carson City School District requires that every student’s demographic information including phone numbers (home, work & cell) and emergency contacts are up-to-date and accurate in the event we need to contact you regarding your child.  The Carson City School District also needs this information updated each year to allow your child to attend field trips, have their photo taken, update medical records, use district technologies, etc.  Students will not receive a Chromebook unless the online update has been completed.

*NOTE: “Allow Popups” must be turned on. FIREFOX is the preferred browser by Infinite Campus.

Infinite CampusSTEP 1: Please go online to WWW.CARSONCITYSCHOOLS.COM

STEP 2: Click on the bright green “Infinite Campus” button.

STEP 3: Under Existing Users – Login to Infinite Campus.  Use drop down box to select “I AM A PARENT/GUARDIAN

STEP 4: Log in with your username and password. If you cannot remember your username or password, please call the individual school where your child is attending.

STEP 5: You may receive a prompt to input an email address and password. Please enter your email address and your Infinite Campus password.

STEP 6: Click on “Online Registration" link on left hand side of screen.

STEP 7: Click on “Begin Registration.” If it says “YES” under Online Registration Submitted, you have already completed all steps and we thank you so much. 

FINAL STEP: Please make sure that you click the “SUBMIT button when all information has been updated. Infinite Campus

For more information about Infinite Campus, including training, how to navigate the campus portal, installing the app on your phone and more, please click here

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDAR

CalendarHere is a quick reference to the 2018-2019 Academic School Calendar. This document details the start and end times of each school within the district, as well as minimum day dismissal and early release times for each school site.

Take some time to plug in all those important school dates to your calendar. These include Early Release Days, Minimum Days, and Holidays. Also take time to note Winter and Spring Break dates as well as Parent Conferences and Non-school Days. Graduation and Middle School Promotion dates can all be found here.
 

STANDARD STUDENT ATTIRE

Student AttireCarson City School District Regulation No. 519.1, Standard Student Attire, indicates that principals may establish a policy that requires students to wear Standard Student Attire (SSA) for the purpose of increasing student achievement, promoting safety, and enhancing a positive school climate.

As provided in this Regulation, school sites may establish a protocol that requires students to wear SSA. It is expected that the decision to implement SSA reflects the desires of the school community. Each school that chooses to participate will separately determine appropriate student attire and programs of financial assistance for families seeking help to provide required clothing articles for their students.

Click here to review all the parent letters for Bordewich Bray Elementary School, Empire Elementary School, Fremont Elementary School, Seeliger Elementary School, Carson Middle School, and Eagle Valley Middle School.

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 onTwitter and YouTube.

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

SurveyAs part of our Strategic Plan, Goal 3 (Engaged Parents and Families), we are seeking to empower and inspire families to positively impact their child's education in a welcoming, informative and collaborative school culture. Part of that includes Strategy 3.1.1: Assess the effectiveness of shared responsibility for student success using an annual survey.

Please help us fulfill our strategy by answering the 10 simple questions in either English or Spanish in the survey links below. Your feedback will help us collaborate, plan, and inspire future family and school engagement ideas and tactics.

Take the Survey in English here.
Take the Survey in Spanish here.

NEW BULLYING AND SAFETY TIP SYSTEM: SAFEVOICE

Safe VoiceFor the 2018-2019 school year, Carson City School District will be connected to a 24/7/365 (24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-per-year) safety tool. SafeVoice is a live tip reporting system for school safety and student well-being offered in partnership by the Nevada Departments of Education, the Nevada Department of Public Safety and, more locally, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office to all K-12 schools, students, parents and community members in Nevada.

Safe VoiceStudents, parents and community members can report concerns about their friends or themselves by using the free SafeVoice app, calling 1-833-216-7233 (SAFE) or visiting safevoicenv.org. The reporting tool is easy to use, and when the person who reports an incident logs back in, he or she is able to dialogue with SafeVoice Communications Specialists who will determine if law enforcement is needed immediately to protect life safety. Reports are sent to the schools where administrators and counselors will respond with support, intervention and a safety plan for the child of concern. Similarly, any reports where law enforcement are needed, will be sent directly to dispatchers in Carson City. Reporters may remain anonymous, and by law, all reports are confidential – they are never shared outside of the SafeVoice response system.

DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & ASSESSMENT

Chad HicksChad Hicks, has been appointed as Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (ECIAA) in Educational Services for the Carson City School District. He began his role with the district earlier this summer.

In his position, Hicks will provide leadership, supervision, guidance and support for various Pre-K to 5th Grade (Pre-5) programs including elementary literacy; math, science, social studies and other curriculum; elementary instruction; accountability and assessment. The position also assists with extensive curriculum and professional development, improving academic achievement, policy development and analysis, policy interpretation and coordination of CCSD instructional programs. Click here to read the full news release.

NOTABLE FUTURE DATES (Dates & Times are Subject to Change)

Aug. 16 (Thursday)                Carson Middle School “Back-to-School Sneak Preview,” 7th & 8th Grade, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Aug. 16 (Thursday)                Eagle Valley Middle School “Back-to-School Boot Camp,” 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 (Friday)                      Empire Elementary School “Meet & Greet,” 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 (Friday)                      Fremont Elementary School “Parent Information Night,” 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Aug. 20 (Monday)                  First Day of School, K-12

Aug. 22 (Wednesday)          Fritsch Elementary School “Open House,” 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 23 (Thursday)                Seeliger Elementary School “Open House,” 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Aug. 27 (Monday)                  First Day of School, Pre-K

Aug. 28 (Tuesday)                  School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Aug. 29 (Wednesday)          Mark Twain Elementary School “Back-to-School,” 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Aug. 30 (Thursday)                Bordewich Bray Elementary School “Back-to-School,” 5:30 – 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 3 (Monday)                   Labor Day (School Holiday)

Sept. 10 (Monday)                Early Release Day (District-wide)

Sept. 10 (Monday)                Carson High School “Open House,” 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Sept. 11 (Tuesday)                School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Sept. 12 (Wednesday)         Empire Elementary School “Open House,” 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 13 (Thursday)               Early Childhood “Open House,” 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 (Monday)                Early Release Day (District-wide)

Sept. 18 (Tuesday)                Pioneer High School and Carson Online “Open House,” 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 24 (Monday)                Early Release Day (District-wide)

Sept. 25 (Tuesday)                School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Sept. 26 (Wednesday)         Community PLC Meeting, 6 p.m., Carson High School Library

Oct. 1 (Monday)                     Professional Development (No School for students)

Oct. 1 (Monday)                     Vaccination Clinic at Fritsch Elementary School

Oct. 2-3 (Tues. & Wed.)       Vaccination Clinic at Carson High School

Oct. 4 (Thursday)                   Vaccination Clinic at Fremont Elementary and Pioneer High Schools

Oct. 5 (Friday)                         Vaccination Clinic at Empire Elementary School

Oct. 8 (Monday)                     Early Release Day (District-wide)

Oct. 9 (Tuesday)                     School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Oct. 12 (Friday)                       Vaccination Clinic at Bordewich Bray Elementary School

Oct. 15 (Monday)                  Early Release Day (District-wide)

Oct. 17 (Wednesday)           Carson Middle School “Open House,” 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 (Friday)                       Vaccination Clinic at Mark Twain and Seeliger Elementary Schools

Oct. 22 (Monday)                  Vaccination Clinic at Eagle Valley Middle School

Oct. 23 (Tuesday)                  School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Oct. 24 (Wednesday)           Vaccination Clinic at Carson Middle School and Early Childhood

Oct. 25 (Thursday)                 Vaccination Clinic at Boys & Girls Club Pre-K

Oct. 26 (Friday)                       Nevada Day (School Holiday)

Nov. 5 (Monday)                    Early Release Day (District-wide)

Nov. 12 (Monday)                 Veteran’s Day (School Holiday)

Nov. 13 (Tuesday)                 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Nov. 21-23 (Wed.-Fri.)         Thanksgiving Break (School Holiday)

Nov. 27 (Tuesday)                 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

Nov. 28 (Wednesday)          Community PLC Meeting, 6 p.m., Carson High School Library

Dec. 3 (Monday)                    Early Release Day (District-wide)

Dec. 11 (Tuesday)            School Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Community Center, Sierra Room

DOES YOUR FAMILY QUALIFY FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN?

Pre-KPre-K registration is underway for 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. 

Poverty Guidelines

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. Proof 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.

SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER PROVIDES HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS!

Health CenterIn partnership with Nevada Health Centers, the Carson City School District offers a School-Based Health Center open to Carson City families of school-aged children. The health center located at 618 W. Musser Street (behind the Professional Development Center at 604 W. Musser) in Carson City provides the following services: 

  • Preventive health and wellness
  • Well child checks
  • Sick visits
  • Sports physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Health Management

The health center also accepts the following payment sources:

  • Private Insurance
  • Medicaid and Medicare
  • Nevada Check Up
  • Women’s Health Connection
  • Sliding fee for low income uninsured patients

Medical Appointments Call: 800-787-2568.

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm (closed for lunch 12-1 pm) 

VACCINATION CLINICS

VaccinationCarson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is working with our schools to offer students annual seasonal flu vaccinations. There will be a team of CCHHS licensed nurses at each school to administer the flu vaccine. The vaccination is safe and a health action that benefits all age groups to protect against influenza illness.

The vaccine will only be available as injectable (commonly known as “a shot”) for all age groups in 2018-2019. Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the nasal mist vaccine will not be available. The shot will protect against four (4) flu viruses.

DatesIn order for students to receive a flu vaccine, please:

  • COMPLETE and SIGN the yellow consent form that is available on the district’s website here.
  • SEND the completed yellow consent form back to the child’s school/teacher at least ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SCHOOL’S SCHEDULED CLINIC DATE.

READ the Influenza Vaccine Information Statement. It will be given to your child on the day of vaccination or can be obtained from the CCHHS website, where you can also access more information: GetHealthyCarsonCity.org/immunizations.

TRANSPORTATION AND BUS ROUTES

BusThe Carson City School District’s Transportation Department strives to be the premier public school transportation organization in the United States. They are involved in issues with regards to school transportation to personnel in the district, local, state and national level. They optimize equipment and vehicle utilization through innovative planning and upgrade and replace aging equipment and vehicles by utilizing the resources of other school districts and area businesses. For a listing of the current Bus Schedules, please click here.

COMMUNITY PLC MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26

CHSThe Carson City School District is needing local community members to attend the quarterly Community Professional Learning Community, PLC, meeting Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m., inside the Carson High School Library.

The purpose of the meeting is to accumulate feedback from community members on how the district’s strategic plan is performing and suggest ideas and systems to meet the goals and objectives of the plan.

“This is really an opportunity to engage with business members, community leaders and parents in helping to improve our schools,” said Mr. Richard Stokes, superintendent. “Our schools are extensions of our community, so participation from the public is vital.”

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DONATION

DonationThanks to Carson City Toyota and the Campagni Auto Group for supporting our students here in Carson City. They donated $5,000 towards school supplies earlier this month. They are also filling the bed of a new Tundra with back to school items until Sept. 7.




MANN NAMED AGRISCIENCE TEACHER AMBASSADOR

AgriscienceOver the summer, Charles Mann, agriscience teacher at Carson High School, successfully completed the 15th annual National Agriscience Teachers Ambassador Academy in Tulsa, Okla. Upon completing the program, Mann became an Agriscience Teacher Ambassador, joining the other 369 outstanding agriscience teachers from across the country to earn the designation.

The National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy is a professional development institute sponsored by Corteva AgriScience Agriculture Division of DowDuPont and managed by the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Selection is a highly competitive process, with agricultural educators from across the United States applying for a limited number of annual openings. Those selected become ambassador candidates, who attend the academy in Tulsa to learn about inquiry-based teaching methods as well as how to draw out the science that's already present in many agriculture topics. Those who successfully complete the academy are designated as Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors. Click here to read the full story in the Nevada Appeal. 

PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING FOR PHASE II REMODEL

GroundbreakingBack in June, in partnership with Q&D Construction, the Carson City School District invited members of the community to join them at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pioneer High School’s Phase II Remodel and Expansion Project at 202 E. Corbett Street.

The new 10,500 square foot building will be constructed on the Northside of the campus where the existing portable classrooms were removed. The block structure will contain a Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, Career Technical Education Classroom, Innovation Center (Library), Kitchen and Servery, Commons Area and Multipurpose Room. There will also be Site, Parking lot and Landscape improvements. Click here to read the full story from CarsonNow.org and click here for the Nevada Appeal.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS EARN CPR CERTIFICATIONS

CPRBefore the close of the 2017-2018 school year, more than 200 Carson Middle School future health professionals – Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) – earned real-world healthcare certifications. Nearly all the students taking Ms. Victoria Jaacovi’s Introduction to HOSA class and Mr. Dayne Carmichael’s Sports Medicine class finished the 2017-2018 school year certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Throughout the year, CMS HOSA students experienced hands-on instruction in medical technology, nutrition, medical terminology, CPR and first aid, sports medicine and body systems among other clinical fields of study. Click here to watch the full report from KOLO 8 News Now. 

GREATER NEVADA CREDIT UNION DONATES TO CARSON HIGH CAREER CENTER

GNCUWhat began as a request to furnish the Carson High School Career Center with furniture really ‘took it to the bank…err, credit union.’ 

Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) was able to repurpose and donate furniture from one of their older branches to the Carson City School District. Items included gently used desks, bookcases, display cases, conference tables and office chairs, waiting room chairs and much more. 

In April, GNCU donated nearly $25,000 to install a new digital marquee at Carson High School. Prior to that, they presented a check for nearly $2,200 to the Carson High School Band program during the Band-O-Rama concert.

GNCU“Over the past several years, Greater Nevada Credit Union has partnered with our high school to help support various needs,” Carson High Principal Tasha Fuson said. “GNCU has been a constant and dedicated partner to the school and our local community.”

GNCU is a not-for-profit, full service financial institution headquartered in Carson City that has been helping Nevadans with their financial needs since 1949. Greater Nevada serves more than 50,000 consumers and small businesses, has $585 million in assets and has been consistently recognized as both Best Financial Institution in many of its service areas and as a top employer by the Reno/Tahoe Best Places to Work Awards. GNCU is open to everyone living or working in Nevada. For more information, visit gncu.org.

NEW FOUNDATION VIDEO – WILL YOU HELP?

FoundationWith the start of the new school year, the Carson City Schools FOUNDATION is rolling out a new video with more detailed information about how it uses the money donated to the organization. School District employees can now support our Schools Foundation with an ongoing contribution via Payroll Deduction. 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/.

SUBSCRIBE OR REFER A FRIEND TO OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

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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!

CMS PromotionHave 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.