The Long Road Back! Back to School in Moapa Valley

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

It was an exciting day for Moapa Valley’s youth as they began their new school year on Monday, Aug. 7.

Parents started parking at Grant M. Bowler’s drop-off area not long after 8:15 am, and shortly buses started arriving as well. Soon there was a multitude of children and parents entering the school’s playground area.

Bowler Principal Kelby Robison was on hand to welcome the students. “I’m excited for today!” he said. “It’s going to be a great year!“

Savannah Rider was walking to the playground with her mother and siblings. “I’m very excited to be in fifth grade,” she said, “because we have more than one teacher and we get to switch classes.”
She was also delighted to be serving on the Student Council.

Kolson Conk is also starting fifth grade. He didn’t like waking up so early in the morning. But he was excited to see his friends, have multiple teachers, and go to P.E.
“Mrs. Ables is my third-grade teacher this year,” added Hudson Leavitt. “I’m excited to make new friends.”

Tara Simkins, starting her 28th year of instruction, is now teaching some of the children of her former students. “One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing the look on the student’s faces when they discover something new,” she said. “I love helping kids learn!”

Another educator, Tamara Harding said, “I’m excited for the new year! We have lots of fun stuff planned for the kids!”

The teachers were holding signs with their names and grade on them where their new students lined up. Soon Principal Robison welcomed everyone, The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the children sang the school song, “We are from Grant M. Bowler.”

Most kids, then followed their teachers into the school building. Then all that was left on the playground was a multitude of parents who shortly exited to their vehicles. Some parents were excited about their newfound freedom, and others wished their babies wouldn’t grow up so fast.

The Progress caught up with Moapa Valley principals last week to get an update on the beginning of the school year at their schools.

Principal Hal Mortenson said that he, and the rest of the staff at Ute V. Perkins Elementary, are excited about the new school year. “A new curriculum will be introduced and we have updated technology access in all of our classrooms.” Mortenson continued. “Gone are the days of the old chalkboards. Now we have new large interactive screens for teachers and students.”

Bowler Elementary principal Kelby Robison stated, “We are excited as well about our new curriculum and assessment tools we have in place this year. We believe they will be highly beneficial to our student’s learning.”

With the ongoing construction along Whipple and Lyman streets near the school, Robison stressed the importance that drop-off should continue at the fairgrounds parking lot.

W. Mack Lyon Middle School principal Jaydel Wilson said, “I am grateful for the amazing staff that works hard every day for our students. They are the best! We are excited to see our returning and incoming students and will work together to have a successful year.”

Wilson emphasized the importance of students attending school daily and being on time.
He also said that classes have been arranged departmentally to allow for collaboration in content areas.

Wilson addressed the ongoing struggle with teenagers and cell phones in classrooms. “It is our expectation that cell phones are not to be used during instructional time this year,” he said. “Students will be directed to put their phones away during our 46-minutes class time. This is intended to improve student learning and decrease distractions. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, during passing periods, and during lunch.”

Wilson also asks that all parents make sure their students’ contact information is updated and correct and that they have access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Also the principal of Moapa Valley High School, Hal Mortenson said, “Anyone who has visited the high school lately will notice the new security measures such as new cameras and gates, provided for the safety of all.”

Mortenson also said that the Social Studies and English departments will be implementing a new curriculum this year.
“We fully understand the difficulty our students are experiencing going from 8-period schedules to 6-period schedules this year,” Mortensen added. “We are extremely grateful to everyone for their patience as we continue to work those schedules in the first days of school.”

As far as enrollment is involved, Grant Bowler Elementary has about the same amount of students as last year, 690.

Lyon is projected at 397, which is down a bit from 410 last year.

Perkins has an opening day enrollment of 150, which is about the same as last year.

And MVHS is up about 30 students totaling 600 on the first day of school.