Clark County School District (CCSD) leaders teamed up with community organizations to begin athletics and performing arts this spring that follow health and safety guidelines.
During an April 6 event held on Sierra Vista High School’s football field, Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara made several announcements to celebrate the great community partners that have made it possible to have athletics and performing arts at CCSD schools this year. He was accompanied at the event by CCSD leaders, including Board President Linda P. Cavazos and Trustee Katie Williams, along with representatives from Wynn Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Raiders, and Hellas Construction.
Dr. Jara thanked students and their parents/guardians for their patience in what has been a challenging year, one in which students wanted to be back in school with friends, playing sports, and participating in performing arts. But he said it was important to provide safe and healthy environments as well.
Student-athletes will be able to participate in Spring sports games beginning April 16, and intramural sports will take place in the coming weeks.
Additionally, he said, CCSD will allow home team spectators, including parents, at its Spring sporting events and performing arts events.
Occupancy restrictions, social distancing, and the wearing of face masks must be followed, but Dr. Jara said this is an exciting step forward.
Dr. Jara also noted that students would be able to play on beautiful new football fields.
This provides continued equity for students as CCSD contracted with Hellas Construction to install the fields at 33 high schools for a total investment in our children of $55 million.
Not only will football players use these fields, but so too will marching bands and students participating in other extracurricular activities.
Safety has to be the top priority, Dr. Jara said, and thanks to the Wynn Las Vegas, CCSD is now able to provide quick and efficient weekly testing for student-athletes in close contact sports such as football, softball, and baseball.
The mandatory self-administered saliva-based testing will provide results within 48 hours. This turnkey local testing solution will provide key logistical support for our campus athletics. Football, baseball, and softball players and their coaches will do weekly testing in these close contact sports. All other student-athletes are only required to show proof of a negative PCR test before participating in athletics.
Dr. Jara also was happy to announce that the Las Vegas Raiders have partnered with the District to ensure that CCSD’s athletes have a very special opportunity to showcase their talents.
The Las Vegas Raiders have made it possible for CCSD students to participate in a football intrasquad scrimmage at Allegiant Stadium.
Nine CCSD football teams will be randomly selected for this opportunity to take place April 23 and 24. There will be no spectators at this event, but Dr. Jara said it is an amazing opportunity for students and will create some very special memories during a time when they have missed out on so much during the pandemic.
