Author: Justin Scanson

Ruby Duncan’s name is synonymous with activism and community empowerment. As a key figure in the fight for welfare rights, Ruby dedicated her life to advocating for underprivileged families, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for those most in need. Her passion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on our community. In this special edition of our Student Spotlight series, we take a closer look at Ruby Duncan’s legacy. Her work not only shaped public policy but also inspired future generations to stand up for what they believe in. The school that proudly bears…

At Bonanza High School, learning continues well after the final bell rings. After-school activities like robotics, student council, and sports provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, make lifelong friends, and even shape their futures. During our recent visit to Bonanza HS, which coincided with Homecoming Week, we had the chance to dive into the world of extracurriculars and see firsthand the impact these programs have on students. One of the highlights was the Robotics Club, where students gain hands-on experience in engineering and programming. As they prepare for their first competition on October 30th, the excitement in the…

Fremont Academy of Medical Sciences is transforming middle school education. With a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, the academy prepares students for careers in healthcare at an early age. The school’s recent transition to a magnet school introduced a new, state-of-the-art campus and an innovative curriculum designed to shape the future of its students. AI in Medicine: Preparing Students for Healthcare The “Advanced Biomedicine with AI” course is the first of its kind in the Clark County School District. This course gives 8th graders a hands-on look at how AI is revolutionizing the medical field. Students learn how…

Operation School Bell: Empowering CCSD Students Through Clothing Support When students worry about their clothes, it can be hard to concentrate on education. Operation School Bell helps with this issue. It’s a program by the Assistance League of Las Vegas. They provide new clothing to students in need. Since 1978, the program has impacted students in the Clark County School District (CCSD). It ensures they can focus on what really matters—learning. Upon arrival, students are warmly welcomed and guided through a fun and personal shopping experience. From colorful clothes to backpacks, students get to select the items that reflect their…

In an exciting new docuseries, CITIZEN NATION, PBS follows the inspiring journey of high school students competing in the national “We The People” civics competition. Among the featured teams is Southwest Career and Technical Academy (CTA), whose students spent months preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. The series highlights the challenges and triumphs of the competition, where students explore what it means to be an American citizen. According to Joseph Juliano, the We The People advisor at Southwest CTA, the program empowers students by boosting their confidence and encouraging them to speak their minds. “The biggest thing…

Roger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology was honored recently as a National Blue Ribbon School, the only school in Nevada to receive the distinction this year. The big picture: The U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools are “high-performing schools” or “schools making great strides in closing achievement gaps.” Gehring Academy is one of only 14 schools nationwide to be honored in both categories. Gehring Academy cited high levels of student engagement, interdisciplinary learning that addresses real-world problems, strong teacher retention, and an open-door policy with staff as key factors contributing to the school’s success. What they’re saying: “Our educators foster…

In a world often clouded by hardship, it’s uplifting to see initiatives that bring hope. In Boulder City, Nevada, a new Clark County School District (CCSD) school is set to open at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. This groundbreaking school, opening in November, will serve as both an educational facility and a healing space for some of the most vulnerable children in Southern Nevada—survivors of human trafficking. A Place of Healing and Hope For nearly 60 years, St. Jude’s Ranch has supported children in need. Now, they’re taking their mission further with the opening of a school designed specifically for…

The big picture: This school year, following action taken by their city councils, North Las Vegas and Henderson are joining Clark County government in providing crossing guards at CCSD middle schools. In February, the Clark County Commission approved adding crossing guards at middle schools in unincorporated areas of Clark County – the first local government to do so. Notable: Previously, local governments only paid for crossing guards at elementary schools. North Las Vegas Police Captain Fernando Calderon, in a July presentation to the City Council, said adding crossing guards would enhance student safety. “Ensuring children’s safety to and from school…

Imagine having your artwork displayed on the largest LED screen on Earth, right on the Las Vegas Strip! That’s the reality for six talented students who triumphed in the Summer Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, selected from over 100,000 participants. Their designs illuminated the massive Exosphere, the world’s largest LED display, marking an incredible milestone for these young artists. One of the winners, Simone Enriquez, caught the spotlight with her design featuring the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. With her family’s support, Simone monitored votes daily, and her efforts paid off. “We had to keep erasing and drawing…

Students at Harvey N. Dondero Elementary School are again ready to grow their favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers — along with their understanding of science and nature. Employees from The Home Depot visited Harvey N. Dondero Elementary School on August 30 to replenish and rebuild the vital infrastructure that supports its popular learning garden. The big picture: The store donated new tools, a garden shed to store equipment, and compost tumblers to manage organic waste — all destroyed during a fire in June. Why it matters: Brittany Williams, a resource teacher and team leader of the school’s garden club, said,…