All Masked Up, But Back! “We Are Ready”

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The pitter-patter of little feet flooded the sidewalks and entryway leading to local schools on Monday, August 9. Schools within Moapa Valley kicked off their first year with a full-day, full-school schedule. But things were far from what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Masks are back again for the Clark County School District. Following the recommendations of the Southern Nevada Health District and Nevada Governor Sisolak, schools required all children and school staff to wear face masks indoors. This policy is still under heavy scrutiny by local parents, but there was none of that controversy evident in front of Grant Bowler Elementary on Monday. School started with no major problems or protests from parents, students, or staff for the first day.

“We have way more students this year than l year,” said Kristen Yardley, who works in the Grant Bowler Elementary front office. “Everyone is just glad to be in school.”

Yardley was helping usher kids to their proper areas to line up and was keeping the drop off zone clear of parked vehicles.

“The kids have to go to school by different entrances like last year,” Yardley said. “The Kindergarten and 1st graders are going in through the west door by the playground. The 2nd and 3rd are entering through the cafeteria and the 4th-5th enter through the main doors. Unfortunately parents are only allowed to drop their kids off at those doors and cannot walk with them to their classrooms.”

Even two twin brothers, Weston and Ben Ellsworth, were happy to be heading to school.
“We are ready!” said Weston as they approached the building.

This is the Ellsworth boys’ first year in Moapa Valley for school. They are in 4th Grade. The drop off went smoothly for parents. And the boys were ushered in for their first day of school for the new 2021-22 year.

Moapa Valley High School Principal Hal Mortensen reported the arrival of students went very well at both MVHS and at Ute V Perkins Elementary where he is also principal.
“Everyone is excited to be back and see their friends,” said Mortensen.

Mortensen also reported that there were close to 600 students enrolled at MVHS this year. That was a big improvement from last year’s numbers, he said.

The office of Mack Lyon Middle School reported that everything went smoothly for first day student arrival. The enrollment at the moment at Lyon is about 415 students which is also an increase from last year.