Fall 2011

Clark County School Distr ict

Dedicated to Employees of the Clark County School District – Making a Difference in Children’s Lives

Inside thisIssue:

Look for theNext issue of

Winter 2012

Insider

InsiderBy David Roddy

Being a teacher in the Clark County School District has its benefits. In addition to helping shape the lives of young people in the community, support for teachers can be found in a variety of ways, including access to the Teacher EXCHANGE™.

Developed by The Public Education Foundation (PEF) as a green initiative in 2002, the exchange has become an essential tool for supplying many CCSD teachers with classroom supplies and learning tools throughout the school year. Best of all, it saves teachers money.

“The Teacher EXCHANGE is a re-use resource center for all Southern Nevada public school teachers, school-based administrators, counselors and nurses, offering learning tools to enhance projects and curriculum,” said PEF Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs Dawn Christensen. “Donations of new and reusable materials, office supplies, surplus materials, office equipment and furniture are collected from the community, businesses and individuals and provided to teachers for use in the classroom. By educating our teachers and students about sustainable practices and recycling, The Public Education Foundation believes, together, we make a measurable and lasting difference protecting our environment.”

Teachers who are not familiar with the exchange will find it is easy to use and will likely think they have found the leprechaun’s pot of gold that is filled with school supplies.

“All they have to do is bring their CCSD ID to the exchange and we will give them 100 points towards supplies and materials. The points are good for 12 months, so they don’t have to use up all their points on a single visit,” said Christensen.

If teachers have used up their initial 100 points, they can still utilize the service by providing a $20 donation, or they can volunteer to work at the facility and earn points for purchase by doing so. The points can be used to purchase a wide range of items that have been donated by the community.

“The most popular items are glue sticks, followed by pens, pencils, staples and items like desks,” said Christensen. “However, we also have some unusual items that can be very valuable and save a school lots of money.”

She cited examples such as a theater curtain that was snapped up quickly by a theater teacher and cat skeletons that were put to use right away in a biology class.

Since the PEF is a non-profit organization, donations are tax deductible and the type of items they can use varies tremendously as art teachers are especially creative in terms of using fabric material and items like tiles in their classrooms.

Teacher EXCHANGE provides CCSD teachers and classrooms with much needed supplies

Christensen provided some examples of items they would like to have, which include: books, sporting equipment, board games, furniture, fabric and carpet swatches, decks of cards, lanyards, hygiene supplies and educational materials from retiring teachers or those changing grade levels.

Donations can be dropped off at the PEF offices weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 3360 W. Sahara Avenue or the warehouse where the Teacher EXCHANGE is located at 3165 W. Sunset Road. However, the hours at the warehouse vary, so donors should contact the PEF for specific times.

“We rely on the generous support of businesses and individuals in the community to help us help our teachers,” said Christensen.

In addition to helping teachers and valley schools, there is another important component to the Teacher EXCHANGE and that is the green initiative portion of its mission. If the items were not donated, many of them would be targeted for disposal. The exchange has collected and recycled more than one million pounds of electronic hardware, paper and other materials since its inception that would have been disposed of in local landfills.

Anyone who would like more information about the PEF or the Teacher EXCHANGE program can visit the organization’s website at thepef.org or visit the Teacher EXCHANGE on InterAct.

What is Count Day? Why is it important?Count Day is the last Friday in September and is the time when the district

tallies the student enrollments at all of its schools. CCSD receives its funding from the state based on how many students are enrolled on this day.Will I lose my job because CCSD is under projected enrollment?

Licensed employees impacted by the recent surplus process due to low student enrollment were placed in available positions, this fall (2011), as part of the agreed upon process by the Clark County School District and the Clark County Educators Association (CCEA). However, whether or not individuals will eventually be laid off is dependent upon the outcome of ongoing labor negotiations between the district and the CCEA.Will I be transferred to another school?

It is possible that if your school did not meet enrollment projections, you could be transferred to another school in accordance with the negotiated agreement between the district and the CCEA.If I am transferred, do I have a choice as to where I am assigned?

Selection is based upon seniority, licensure and available positions.If I am transferred, will I be teaching the same grade level and/or subject area?

Licensure and teaching endorsements determine to which positions you can be assigned. The district cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to the grade level or subject area for which you are currently assigned.How does CCSD determine which teachers are transferred?

Teacher transfers are made in accordance with Article 30 of the negotiated agreement between the district and CCEA “seniority ranking and the licensure on

the seniority list will determine the teacher(s) to be involuntarily transferred.” District-wide seniority is defined as the total length of continuous service with the district for purposes of longevity payments. For all other purposes, seniority shall be the length of time in licensed service. How common is it for teachers to be reassigned or transferred after preliminary enrollment is determined?

Each year staffing adjustments are made based on the actual student enrollment counts at each school site. As part of this process, teachers are reassigned or transferred to ensure an equitable class size ratio across the district. Because there is always a significant amount of student/family movement within the Clark County School District, this process occurs every fall.Will CCSD lose funding because it came in under projected enrollment?

The state’s funding formula includes a ‘hold-harmless’ clause that maintains state funding at the prior year’s level for school districts that experience a decline in enrollment. However, the ‘hold-harmless’ clause is only for one year. Should next year’s enrollment be the same, or less than this year’s enrollment, CCSD would experience a reduction in state funding. Who can I contact for information about my job status?

The involuntary transfer process is conducted by the Human Resources Division’s Licensed Personnel Services office, which can be reached at 799-1019. Your principal/program director will notify you if you are going to be involuntarily transferred.

Count Day and the reassignment process: Answers to employees frequently asked questions

CCSD teachers browse through the Reading Room section at the Teacher EXCHANGE in order to provide more materials for their classrooms.

•Teacher EXCHANGE

•Count Day & Reassignment Process Q&A

•Inside the Numbers

•RAVE Reviews

•Blue Ribbon Schools

•Gibson MS Principal Honored

•Purchasing Department Wins Award

•Shining Stars

Inside theNumbers

2

RAVE Reviews recognize employees who provide exemplary service to students, parents and other district employees. RAVE Reviews can be submitted at ccsd.net/rave. Below represents just some of the thousands of RAVE Reviews that have been submitted by parents, students and employees.

The Clark County School District is the fifth largest district in the nation. In addition to being one of the largest districts, it is also unique in that it serves both urban and rural student populations from 357 schools in an area that covers more than 7,900 square miles.

Count day for CCSD student enrollment was September 23 and the new numbers show that enrollment decreased by 1,446 students compared to one year ago. Below is a look at the district’s enrollment during the last five years.

School year Enrollment

2011-12 308,447

2010-11 309,893

2009-10 309,476

2008-09 311,240

2007-08 308,783

By David Roddy

For the third year in a row, the Clark County School District has had a school selected for the prestigious Blue Ribbon School designation. However, this year’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Education was twice as nice when it was announced that two CCSD schools, Bendorf Elementary School and Advanced Technologies Academy (high school) had earned the distinction for the 2010-2011 school year.

Attaining Blue Ribbon School status is not easy, as only 304 schools, which includes private schools, were selected this year in the United States and the two CCSD schools were the only selections from Nevada.

As a first-time designee, Bendorf Elementary School Principal Joanna Gerali-Schwartz was thrilled with the announcement and attributed the achievement primarily to the work of her staff in receiving the honor.

“We have a very dedicated staff who work many hours above and beyond,” said Gerali-Schwartz. “They have embraced the Response to Instruction model whole-heartedly, which I firmly believe was one reason why our reading scores dramatically increased this past year. Also at Bendorf, we teach the child, not the subject. Our books are just our tools. Our teachers use researched based best practices to help all levels of learners achieve.”

Gerali-Schwartz also credited parents for their work with their children at home and the previous principal, Jerre Moore, who worked with the staff to create a solid foundation for the school to continue to build upon during the past two years.

For Advanced Technologies Academy (ATA) Principal Karen Diamond, the announcement was a bit different as this was the second time around for the school, which received the designation in 2003. By being selected this year, ATA joined Cannon Junior High School as the only two CCSD schools to receive the designation more than once.

“Although I have only been here since 2006, I spoke with some of the teachers who were here in 2003 and they believe that with the increased standards, new directions from the state and district, and an equity-based application process, that the challenges were higher this time around in being selected as a Blue Ribbon School,” said Diamond. “Receiving the award was a confirmation that our outstanding faculty is instrumental in our students’ achievements. Another crucial element is our students, who want to come to this school, and many spend countless hours on long bus rides from all parts of the Las Vegas valley to come here and meet the challenge that ATA presents.”

One of the primary challenges for schools to be selected as a Blue Ribbon School is that they must make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) to be eligible. Bendorf Elementary School has made AYP nine consecutive years and ATA has made AYP eight of nine years since it has been in existence as a component of the No Child Left Behind Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush.

In honor of the achievement, both schools are now working on plans to celebrate the designation throughout the current school year.

Insider is supported by our advertisers and is published

three times a year byClark County School District

Communications Office5100 W. Sahara Ave.Las Vegas, NV 89146

(702) 799-5304

Board of TrusteesCarolyn Edwards, President

Linda E. Young, Vice PresidentDeanna L. Wright, Clerk

Lorraine Alderman, MemberJohn Cole, Member

Erin Cranor, MemberChris Garvey, Member

Communications Office

Chief Communications Officer Amanda Fulkerson

Director of Ambassador Relations

Cynthia Sell

Internal Communication Manager

Michael Rodriguez

Communications Editor David Roddy

TV/Web Production Dave Sheehan

Ethnic Outreach Specialist Penny Ramos-Bennett

Visual Communication Michele Nelson

Office Supervisor Loreasa Nary

Secretary II Jackie Robinson

Office Specialist II Keely Brown

Read Insider online at www.ccsd.net

RAVE Reviews

LaTasha Porter Keller ES

“LaTasha saw a student choking during lunch and was quick to act by performing the Heimlich maneuver on her. The student was taken to the health office and found to be okay to finish the day. Kudos to LaTasha for her quick response to a student in distress.”

Ashley HardisonBeckley Elementary School

“Ms. Hardison’s dedication and commitment to her students learning and their personalized Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) truly shows her commitment and love for a child’s education. As I reflect upon my granddaughter’s growth, from where she started last year, to her vast improvements this year, I can truly attest to Ms. Hardison’s dedication to learning. In addition to her love of learning and willingness to go above and beyond for her students, her dedication and well developed IEPs are still praised by fellow community advocates, such as Nevada Pep. Ms. Hardison is truly an outstanding teacher and advocated for her community.”

Amber WilliamsTransportation

“Amber was pleasant, professional and prompt in resolving our transportation needs. She is an asset to the Transportation Department.”

Edward Savarese Jr. Sewell ES

“I have been deeply impressed by a fifth grade teacher who has consistently gone out of his way to make a difference in the lives of young people. His calm, encouraging manner is rare and remarkable. He provides his students with encouragement, enthusiasm, a caring attitude and a love for learning. His caring ways are unmatched. He has been a vital inspiration to me in my pursuit to becoming a teacher. If the quality of teachers are an indication of the school’s future success, then Sewell Elementary School has a bright future.”

Karlana KulsethRancho HS

“Karlana is exceptional. She is a former student who has returned to Rancho HS to make a difference in students’ and teachers’ lives. Karlana is extremely proactive; having an excellent rapport with her students as well as her colleagues. She is always happy to help, whether in teaching assistance or with technology, an area in which she is phenomenal. She is loved and admired by her students as well; so much so that they have written about her in my classroom when we write about teachers who change students’ lives for the better. Thank you for being a person who goes beyond what is required and truly makes a difference.”

Charles Louis-JacquesUser Support Services

“What an amazing job he did at Kit Carson Elementary School. After AD migration he helped me to create a new image for our MACs and help with SASI issues. He was so patient and knowledgeable. Thank you!”

Pamela GilsonDeskin ES

“I am writing this RAVE Review because of what an excellent teacher Mrs. Gilson is. Her caring, positive attitude has helped my child to have a continued positive attitude towards school. Every day I drop my child off and when I pick her up she has a smile on her face. Mrs. Gilson has complete control of the classroom without being mean and intimidating. I am overjoyed at what a wonderful, positive experience my daughter is having with her first year in school.”

Rosemary LopezGreenspun JHS

“Mrs. Lopez is a school nurse with know-how, experience and a caring personality. She advocates for all students with medical needs and is on the ball with notifying teachers and specialists when it comes to the needs of students. It is obvious to everyone who comes in contact with her professionally that she keeps the students’ needs in the forefront. She is one of CCSD’s finest.”

Michelle PageELLP Itinerant Tester

“Michelle demonstrates flexibility and a cooperative attitude whenever asked to assist beyond her daily duties. She is efficient and a good example of what is great about ELLP testers!”

Shelby GuinnSwainston MS

“Mr. Guinn is the librarian at Swainston Middle School. He always goes out of his way to help all staff members. He consistently has a smile on his face and is always pleasant. This year, Mr. Guinn helps so much with ECS responsibilities and goes above and beyond to troubleshoot software, hardware and projector issues. He does the scheduling for all computer labs and is someone the staff turns to for personal and professional reasons. He is a gift to the students at Swainston.”

Christina HunterFoothill High School

“I appreciate the initiative Christina displays when a job needs to be done. You never seem to have to ask; she just steps in and handles situations effectively. I appreciate her efforts in taking over the switchboard on Sept. 30 when the front office had 16 subs and 15 student teachers from UNLV that we needed to place for the morning. I just want to say thank you for stepping in and assisting me. It really shows our school displays TEAM work. Thanks Christina!”

Rosa WilliamsTransportation

“This bus driver does an excellent job at energizing students for the day. She gives students motivational pep talks, which allows them to start their day in a very positive manner. On September 30, I witnessed the entire bus cheer after she asked them if they were going to have a great day. All of the students happily exited the bus, many with smiles on their faces. Her positive attitude is very much appreciated and the students love her.”

Entire StaffCambeiro Elementary School

“All of the people at Cambeiro Elementary School deserve special recognition. From the principal, Patty Rosales to the engineer, Mr. CC, the staff at Cambeiro makes the parents and community members feel welcome, respected and valued. In the seven years I have been involved with this school, I have seen children grow not only in size, but also in confidence and respect. Students with anger and/or behavior problems are treated with firm, consistent love. Many students come into Cambeiro as shy, timid children and leave as confident middle school students. Many of the staff take money out of their own pockets to make sure their students have what they need. The support parents get is, in my opinion, above and beyond the usual.”

Bonnie KayeBeckley Elementary School

“Bonnie Kaye’s willingness to go above and beyond, in addition to her commitment and dedication to excellence is truly appreciated by her students in the speech pathology classroom and the Beckley community. I truly appreciate Bonnie’s ongoing dedication to the school and the special education department team.”

Linda SkearyLas Vegas Academy

“Linda is currently the AP secretary for curriculum and audition information. She handles all of the audition information here at LVA. What a valuable employee who does so much. This person has been at LVA since it opened and does a job that would drive the rest of us bonkers (auditions). She has helped me numerous times with paperwork getting placed into SASI. When you have an employee who can not only live through an LVA audition process year-to-year, but help out her fellow co-workers too, this person should be getting a RAVE Review for being one of the best people to work for CCSD. She is one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.”

ATA and Bendorf Elementary School receive coveted Blue Ribbon School designation

Submit a RAVE Review online at ccsd.net/rave

3Contact David Roddy at 799-5304.

Insider

Interested in potentially reaching over 27,000 CCSD employees with your advertising?

CCSD Purchasing Department wins tenth consecutive awardBy David Roddy

The National Purchasing Institute and its sponsors have awarded the Clark County School District’s Purchasing Department with the program’s 16th annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award, marking this year as the 10th consecutive year that CCSD has earned this recognition.

The award can be earned nationally by organizations that show excellence in procurement, or purchasing. The program rates these procurement organizations with standardized criteria, and high scores qualify them to receive the award. This year organizations had to perform at the 65 percent level, a 15 percent increase, to earn points toward the award.

“Our department has made an effort to focus on purchasing certifications for the last two years, said Director Bramby Tollen. “This past year the requirements were increased to offer points if 65 percent of the professional staff had received their certifications. Currently, 83 percent of our management team is certified,” said Tollen.

CCSD has consistently earned high scores in the required areas for the past 10 years, and this year, the purchasing department was among only six government agencies in Nevada to earn this award. On a national scale, the Clark County School District was one of only 17 school districts to receive such recognition.

“We are very excited and honored to receive the AEP award this year. The requirements to earn the award are upgraded each year and we were still able to win yet another award, which is very rewarding,” said Tollen.

This award demonstrates that the Clark County School District merits being described as one of the most innovative, professional, and productive organizations nationwide when it comes to securing the materials necessary to provide for student success.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Weiler (second from left) presents Purchasing Department employees Bramby Tollen, Steve Staggs (left) and Tom Nacos (right), with the National Purchasing Institute Achievement in Procurement Award. This was the tenth consecutive year the department has won this award.

Principal named the best in the nationBy Michael T. Rodriguez

Surrounded by students, staff and representatives from throughout Nevada at a special school assembly, R.O. Gibson Middle School Principal Dr. Linda Archambault was named the 2012 MetLife / National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) “National Middle School Principal of the Year” at a special assembly on Sept. 2, 2011. The prestigious award, which until this year had never been received by a Nevada principal, recognizes outstanding principals who are committed to student achievement and providing students a clear path to success.

“I’m overwhelmed and proud to represent R.O. Gibson Middle School,” said Archambault. “I hope the one thing students take away from all this is that anything is possible if you work hard, set your mind to it, and never give up.”

Archambault, who thought she was attending the assembly as part of a fundraising program, was originally named one of three finalists for the principal of the year award in July. She was recognized at a black-tie gala during the NASSP’s national conference on Sept. 23, in Washington, D.C., in honor of the start of National Principals Month. As the award’s national winner, Archambault will receive grants totaling $5,000 which she will use to establish a mentoring program for at-risk students. Additionally, to recognize her outstanding contributions to the community, the Las Vegas City Council declared Oct. 19, 2011, to be “Linda Archambault Day.”

“This is an outstanding recognition of Dr. Archambault’s commitment to her students and their families,” said Dwight D. Jones, superintendent. “To have one of our principals recognized as the best of the best is truly inspiring.”

Born in Indiana, Archambault was an at-risk student in a community where attending a college or university was not an option for many children. Inspired by her second grade teacher, Miss Suran, Archmabault not only pursued higher education, she sacrificed and worked hard to earn four college degrees.

An educator for more than 33 years, Archambault has been the principal of Gibson Middle School for the past five years. During that time she faced many challenges including declining test scores and staff morale, as well as an aging school building. By enlisting the help of a committee of volunteers who worked to improve school pride and morale, Archambault engaged her school community and instilled in them the belief that anything is possible. By examining

every school resource to see how it could be changed to improve student achievement including relocating teachers, introducing new curriculum and even implementing Standard Student Attire, Archambault’s leadership helped Gibson Middle School improve test scores and attendance, as well as, for the first time, make Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2009-10 school year under the No Child Left Behind Act.

For Archambault, however, the real testament to the difference she is making in the community came during Gibson Middle School’s first Tamale Night, an after school activity to build positive relationships between staff and students’ families. “I had a mother give me a bear hug,” Archambault recalled. “She told me, in her best English, that she couldn’t help her son with homework, but she was so proud to participate in our competition. I knew then I was changing the culture and climate and connecting with my community.”

For Archambault’s district colleagues, none of the recent attention and recognition is surprising. It simply serves as a confirmation of the level respect that her leadership has earned. “Dr. Archambault is the kind of leader who quietly soaks everything in during conversations,” said Deputy Superintendent Pedro Martinez. “But when she speaks about her school or her students, you can hear the passion in her voice. That passion is what makes her an exceptional principal.”

Dr. Linda Archambault

Insider

Dr. Linda Archambault is surrounded by six members of the Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dwight D. Jones in recognizing her for being selected as the national “Principal of the Year.”

4 COM 8502.1

> 1.800.497.1722 > CPS.Regis.edu/beinfluential > Read more online1401 N. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson | NEVADA · COLORADO · ONLINE

BE MORE THAN AN EDUCATOR.BE AN INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR.> Education becomes influence like a domino effect. Student by student and classroom by classroom, our teacher education graduates influence the world every day.

Regis University’s School of Education & Counseling does more than prepare the adult learner for a successful career in education. It also teaches a rigorous core curriculum that provides the critical thinking and problem-

solving skills you need to meet the challenges of the classroom and to positively influence the lives of future generations. So you can start changing the world. One life and one domino at a time. Experience the power of influence.

BE INFLUENTIAL.

12-month Rate Guaranteeunlike the six-month policies that some other insurers offer

Help when you need itwith 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance and 24-hour claims service

Additional coverages for added securityincluding Umbrella Liability policies, Accident Forgiveness† and Home Insurance with optional Identity Fraud Expense Coverage

With Liberty Mutual, Clark County School District employees can get more from their auto and home insurance.

Savings of up to $327.96 or more a year on auto insurance*with exclusive group savings and other discounts**

*Average savings figure based on a February 2010 national sample comparing premium of those in Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program with premium of prior carrier. Average carrier savings figures based upon a February 2010 sample comparing premiums of customers in Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program with their prior premiums with the listed carriers. Individual premiums and savings will vary.**Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. †Accident Forgiveness coverage subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines and is not available in all states. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. A consumer report from a consumer reporting agency and/or a motor vehicle report, on all drivers listed on your policy, may be obtained where state laws and regulations allow. Please consult a Liberty Mutual specialist for specific details. ©2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved.

AUTO

HOME

Help when you need itwith 24-hour claims assistance, 24-hour emergency home repair and after-hourspolicy service

Get More. Save More.Find out just how much more today.

• Go to www.libertymutual.com/ccsd

• Or visit a Liberty Mutual office near you

• Call and mention client #595 Henderson 702-736-8611 Summerlin 702-256-0762 West Las Vegas 702-367-0541

Purchasing PowerCongratulations to the CCSD Purchasing Department

for being honored by The National Purchasing Institute with the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement

Award. This marked the tenth consecutive year that the department has been recognized for its excellence

with this award.

Nation’s BestDr. Linda Archambault, principal at Gibson Middle

School, was named the 2012 Met Life / National Association of Secondary School Principals’ “National

Middle School Principal of the Year.” In addition to the recognition as the nation’s best, Archambault also

received grants for $5,000 that will be used to establish a mentoring program for at-risk students at her school.

PBS DocumentaryCongratulations to Heather Caputo of Vegas PBS who

wrote and produced “Her Profile in Courage: Refugees,” which aired locally in October. The program profiled

three female refugees who now live in Las Vegas and the organizations that assisted with their relocations.

Principal of the YearDeanna Kowal Jaskolski, principal at Bridger Middle

School, was named Magnet Schools of America Principal of the Year for Region Nine. The school also received the Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence

classification for 2011.

Blue Ribbon SchoolsCongratulations to the Advanced Technology Academy and Bendorf Elementary School for being selected as

national Blue Ribbon Schools for 2010-2011 by the U. S. Department of Education. Only 304 schools, including

private schools, were selected to receive the honor this year. The schools will be recognized at the Blue

Ribbon Schools award ceremony that will take place in Washington D.C. in November.

Governor’s ChoiceDr. Maria Chairez, principal at McCall Elementary

School, has been reappointed to Nevada’s Commission on Postsecondary Education by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Healthy SchoolsCongratulations to Carson and Sewell Elementary

Schools, which received national recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for their participation

in the Healthy Schools Program.

Unsung HeroDr. Sandra Ransel, principal at Desert Rose High

School, was recognized by the Nevada Public Education Foundation as their “Unsung Hero” at the organization’s

20th anniversary celebration held in Reno earlier this year. Ransel and Hewetson Elementary School Principal Lucille Keaton were also honored earlier this year when they were selected to the Nevada Public Education Hall

of Fame for their contributions to students, education and community.

History BuffCongratulations to Joyce O’Day, social studies teacher at Advanced Technologies Academy, who received the

senior division 2011 Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award for her outstanding efforts, experience, creativity

and commitment as a National History Day educator. This award is presented once a year to only one

educator in each state.

Summer Vacation?Carol McGrew, history teacher at Gibson Middle School was selected to be a participant in the Federal Trials and Great Debates Summer Institutes that took place in June

in Washington D.C. Following that, she participated in Ashland University’s Presidential Academy in July. She rounded out her summer by attending the Colonial Williamsburg Summer Institute for Teachers that took

place in July and August.

Teaching ExcellenceCongratulations to Sharon Chadwick, theater teacher at

Liberty High School, for being chosen as the recipient of the Myra Greenspun Teacher Excellence Award by The Public Education Foundation. In addition to the honor,

Chadwick will receive $3,000 for her classroom, school or professional development and a $1,000 honorarium.

Forensics WinnerNick Sevano, teacher at Spring Valley High School, was

named the 2011 Forensics Coach of the Year. He was recognized at the 2011 Golden Desert Forensic League

District Tournament that was held in June.

Exemplary AwardCongratulations to George Molnar of Vegas PBS for

receiving the Cox Communications Business Exemplary Award in the 2011 Vegas Inc. Top Tech Executive

Awards. Molnar was recognized and received his award at a ceremony held in September.

Role ModelPatti Guerin, clerk at Gragson Elementary School, was honored with the 2011 “Influential Women in Scouting Award” from the Las Vegas Council of the Boy Scouts

of America.

Safety FirstCongratulations to Cheryl Wagner, CCSD’s Safe Routes to School coordinator, who was honored during UNLV’s

Safe Community Partnership Awards luncheon as the education honoree. Wagner was recognized for her work on programs that promote safety and encourage walking and bicycling as a viable mode of transportation to and

from school.

Honorary ChairpersonPaula Naegle, principal at Webb Middle School, was selected by the local chapter of the Food Allergy &

Anaphylaxis Network as its honorary chairperson for its fundraising event held in October.

Teacher of the YearCongratulations to Heather Rampton, history teacher at Wynn Elementary School, for being selected as the

Nevada Department of Education’s History Teacher of the Year.

National AwardPam Locascio, teacher at Gehring Elementary School, won the JASON Project’s 2011 Hilda Taylor National Educator of the Year Award. The award is named after

a JASON educator who perished on 9-11, when her flight hit the Pentagon. Locascio was recognized for her

dedication to teaching, her achievements as a GATE specialist and her participation in the JASON

Project since 1999.

Five Star AwardCongratulations to Shawn Spight and the Food Service

staff at Kelly Elementary School for receiving the district’s first ever Five Star Award from the Food

Service Department. The award was presented based on dining excellence, health department inspection scores

and customer service.

Fitness for KidsDiana Taylor, health services director for CCSD and Nurses Carolina Avalon, Stacy Bosch, Mary Filson

and Lena Fontein, who volunteered to assist with the National Trails Day Celebration that took place on Oct. 1 in Henderson. The employees worked with children

and provided information promoting the event’s theme of “Let’s Get Healthy.”

Award WinnerCongratulations to Audrey Smith, music teacher at

Lummis Elementary School for winning an award in the children’s book category at the Halloween Book

Festival held in Hollywood, Calif. The book, “Halloween Misfits,” is a children’s musical.

Shining Stars