Author: Communications Unit

This quarter, representatives from CCSD actively engaged with the Joint Interim Committee on Education, discussing strategies to combat chronic absenteeism and progress toward implementing new discipline and restorative practices requirements. Chronic Absenteeism Chronic Absenteeism significantly impacts students’ learning and graduation readiness from an early age. CCSD acknowledges the complexities involved with ensuring kids make it to school each day, and partners with families and the community to provide comprehensive support to students. By the numbers: Over 25,000 home visits have been conducted to encourage regular attendance. In comparison to the 2022-2023 school year, chronic absenteeism rates have dropped across all…

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su visited Dearing Elementary School to celebrate the Paraprofessional Pathways Project and Accelerated Alternate Routes to Licensure program. Why it matters: In partnership with UNLV the Paraprofessional Pathways Project (PPP) and Accelerated Alternate Route to Licensure (A-ARL) allows eligible, non-licensed CCSD employees to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree and teaching licenses to continue serving CCSD students. By the numbers: Since the inception of these programs, 385 individuals have entered the classroom as licensed educators, in some cases tuition-free. 62% of participants are individuals of color, reflecting…

Last week the Interim Finance Committee of the Nevada Legislature approved CCSD’s request for $173.8 million of SB 231 funds to supplement salary increases for eligible employees. Interim Superintendent Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell presented this request, “SB 231 funds will further enable the district to fund much-deserved pay raises for our dedicated education support professionals, licensed teachers, and police officers.” Why it matters: SB 231, passed during the 82nd Legislative Session (2023), provided one-time money to school districts for pay raises for licensed educators, school-based support professionals, and police. Negotiated separately from bargaining agreements, the use of SB 231 funds were…

The State of Nevada Executive Branch Audit Committee, comprised of the state constitutional officers and a member of the public: Governor Lombardo, Lt. Governor Anthony, Attorney General Ford, Secretary of State Aguilar, Treasurer Conine and Controller Matthews received a report on an audit conducted by the State Division of Internal Audits on the state’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA). Why it matters: When he took office, Governor Lombardo issued an executive order requiring the Division of Internal Audits to review audits conducted by the 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority.…

Today, we delve into an exciting program that bridges the gap between creativity and business in music. Welcome to SV Beats at Sierra Vista High School, an initiative that’s making waves and opening doors for aspiring musicians. Let’s dive into what makes this program a game-changer for young artists. Discovering SV Beats: Where Music Meets Opportunity Ezekiel Day, a member of the Vegas PBS Media Crew and a student at Sierra Vista High School, recently took us on a tour of SV Beats—a program that offers an all-encompassing look at the music industry. From songwriting and performing to recording and…

A dazzling array of images has enveloped the Exosphere, the Sphere’s LED exterior, since it opened last year. Why it matters: CCSD students will have an opportunity to have their artwork grace the Exosphere in the inaugural Sphere XO Student Design Challenge. The challenge is a partnership between Sphere, CCSD, and UNLV. Eight student winners — two each from the elementary school, middle school, high school, and college levels — will be chosen. The bottom line: The theme of the challenge centers on the Fourth of July. The winning artwork will appear on the Exosphere on July 4 this year,…

West Career and Technical Academy (West CTA) are gearing up to represent Nevada at the prestigious national “We The People” competition in Washington, D.C. This incredible opportunity not only showcases their academic prowess but also offers them a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history and political landscape of our nation’s capital. From the Classroom to Congress: An Unforgettable Journey The “We The People” program is a unique educational initiative that thrusts students into the midst of a simulated congressional hearing, where they must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the Constitution and its applications. Guided by their dedicated teacher,…

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a student-led video production? At Desert Oasis High School, students aren’t just learning—they’re creating. These young videographers and reporters are diving into the real-world intricacies of video production, with their latest project focusing on an inspiring Women’s History Month speaker series. Let’s explore how these talented students are honing their craft and making a difference. A Peek into the Program: Desert Oasis High School’s innovative video production program allows students to produce videos on various topics, including a Women’s History Month speaking series. This series features prominent women from the community…

CCSD high schools offer robust pathways in career and technical education and, in turn, there has been an increase in students enrolled in career and technical education. Student Spotlight, a Vegas PBS program, recently highlighted one such pathway at Western High School. Juniors and seniors at Western High School can take HVAC courses at an adjacent learning center run by the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Students earn both high school and college credits. What they’re saying: “I prefer to learn with my hands,” says Brandon Cruz, a junior at Western High School. “This is something I want to do…

As graduation nears, high school seniors across the Clark County School District (CCSD) are buzzing with anticipation about their future. For many, this future means stepping directly into the workforce. The recent Spring Job Fair at the Las Vegas Convention Center was a beacon of opportunity for nearly 4,000 job seekers, including about 200 ambitious CCSD students who arrived by bus, resumes in hand, ready to seize the day. The Gateway to Opportunities The Spring Job Fair wasn’t just another event on the calendar; it was a pivotal moment for these students. Kimberly Adams, one of the coordinators, emphasized the…