By LAURA ROBISON & JESSICA PETERSON
The Progress
It was an exciting day for Moapa Valley kids and their families on Monday, August 8 as they returned to the classroom after three months of summer.
The young students at Grant Bowler Elementary came by bus, by carpool, by bikes, scooters and on foot to get to class on time and begin the new year with old and new friends alike. There was even a ‘kiss and drop off’’ area available to parents in front of the school’s main entrance.
Bowler principal Kelby Robison was out on the school’s blacktop playground welcoming everyone back as kids nervously found their teachers and lined up with their classes.
Each teacher had their name and grade on a bright-colored sign to make it easier to find them.
“This is going to be a great year as we learn together!” Robison said.
There was a sea of backpacks, some even bigger than the kindergarteners who wore them.
Two such little girls were Emma and Kate who are neighbors, friends and classmates. When asked if she was nervous, Emma stated, “No, this is the best day of my life.”
Kate added, “I am just happy to be at school.”
Sisters Emelia, 2nd grade and Maggie, 4th grade both said they like school. Emelia was reportedly up at 5 a.m. to get her backpack ready and help to pack her lunch.
The teachers were well organized and had set up their classrooms last week. Ms. Cindy Olafson had a number of students run and give her great big hugs, as she was genuinely excited to see so many kids she knew.
“I don’t know who is happier to be here, me or the kids,” Olafson said.
After everyone seemed to be pretty much where they were supposed to be, Mr. Robison excused the parents, then dismissed each class to head on in to their classrooms to begin their first day.
In an interview with The Progress, Robison explained that there are a number of new things happening at Grant M. Bowler Elementary this year. One of the biggest changes is that the school will now be using single-point entry requiring everyone to enter the school through one area. Exiting the school will also be different with the hopes that it will ease the flow of traffic and keep everyone moving in the same direction.
This year, all parents are encouraged to drop students off at the fairgrounds side of the school for easy and safe access to the entrance. U-turns should not be made in the school zone.
In addition to these entry and exiting procedures, there have been some changes to in-class lessons. Teachers and staff have been working hard through the summer to create new plans for more effective learning.
“We’re focusing a lot on our classroom instruction and how we can help kids that need support,” Robison said. “At some point, all kids struggle with understanding one concept or another. We’re just doing everything we can to make sure we have a plan in place for those kids.”
Parents have also been asked to fill out a volunteer Google Form which was emailed out by the school. This form will create a volunteer pool for parents to be selected from when teachers or staff members need help.
“By filling out the form, [parents] let us know what days and times they are available,” Robison explained. “Those are the things we need to know. Then we can call and ask for help on those times and days.”
Enrollment at Bowler currently stands at about 670 students which is up about 20 students from last year.
“We’re excited to be back and it feels great!” Robison said. “This has been a great start to the year. We have a lot of excited and happy teachers and I know the kids are too.”
New faces could be seen at all the other local schools as well. This included not just students but many teachers and staff members as well.
Mack Lyon Middle School was pleased to welcome a new principal, Jaydel Wilson.
“I’m beyond excited to be here!” Wilson commented. “I’m excited to get to know the kids. The entire staff here is amazing. They’ve given me a very warm reception.”
Mack Lyon student enrollment currently stands at about 414 kids, which is consistent with previous years. On the first day of school, students received their class schedules in the quad and were then sent to their first period classes.
All students are encouraged to attend the Back to School Bash on Thursday evening to build relationships with peers and staff members, Wilson said.
There will also be an assembly in school on Friday afternoon where the kids will be divided into their class houses. These houses provide a way for students to support, motivate, and encourage each other through the school year, Wilson said. They can then seek opportunities to earn points for their houses through academic achievements and participation in extracurricular activities.
“We expect great things out of everyone, ”Wilson stated. “I want to work hand-in-hand with the parents ensuring their kids receive a quality education.”
New opportunities also abound at Ute Perkins Elementary in Moapa. This year, teachers will be using a new science curriculum called “Amplify.” Amplify will provide fun, hands-on science lessons and experiences for students grades Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Enrollment at Perkins was reported at about the same as past years with around 150 students currently enrolled. However, Perkins principal Hal Mortensen commented that there have been issues with attendance in the past two years since COVID-19.
“Please, send the kids,” Mortensen encouraged parents. “We want them to come to school. If they’re healthy and ready to learn, send your kids.”
Mortensen is also the principal of Moapa Valley High School. He reported enrollment to be at about 580 students which is also normal compared to previous years. MVHS will have new teachers teaching business management and marketing courses.
“We’ve been working hard during the summer,” Mortensen stated. “The custodians and support staff have done a great job getting the classrooms and school ready for the first day of school. We’re ready for our students to come back ready to learn and basically get back to normal. It’s going to be a great year at both schools.”
