Incline Education Fund (IEF) has received a $26,500 grant from the Tahoe Community Foundation to support the continued expansion of its STEP Up for STEM initiative, strengthening STEM and STEAM education across Incline Village public schools. The award includes $25,000 from the Community Impact Fund and $1,500 through a donor-advised co-investment from the Gap Fund and The Bolinger Family Fund, supporting the fourth year of IEF’s five-year effort to build a vertically aligned K–12 STEM pathway. 

Through STEP Up for STEM, all three Incline public schools—elementary, middle, and high school—have earned STEM School Designation from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, making Incline Village the first fully aligned K–12 STEM pathway in Nevada. This grant funding will help sustain the Incline Elementary School Makerspace and art programming – laying the groundwork and skill development for STEM programs at the middle and high school level, like: robotics, engineering, environmental projects, middle school Exploratory courses, and high school College & Career programs that prepare students for future success.

This Tahoe Community Foundation grant allows IEF to sustain their STEP Up for STEM programs and ensures every Incline student has access to high-quality, hands-on STEM and STEAM learning.

INCLINE HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations to Incline High School’s We the People Team!

Incline High School’s We the People team delivered an outstanding performance at last Saturday’s Regional Competition, earning 2nd place overall and securing a spot at the Nevada State Competition on January 31 at UNR. Competing in a highly talented field, all six IHS units impressed judges with their exceptional preparation, depth of constitutional knowledge, and professionalism.

Special recognition goes to Ryan Williams, Alicia Dominguez, and Alex Hillman, recipients of the Unit 3 Award, and to Jesus “Beto” Aguirre Gomez, Kristina Zhakov, and Sage Titus, who earned the Most Effective Unit honor overall.

Veteran teacher Milt Hyams shared, “We are incredibly proud of every student who represented Incline High School and elevated the level of competition.”

Well done to these students for representing Incline with excellence—we wish them the best at State!

Incline Elementary School’s First LEGO League Robotics Team qualified for the Northern Nevada State Championship.  The theme of the competition last Saturday was “UNEARTHED, and while they didn’t win, the IES team earned top marks for innovation, teamwork, and engineering design. 

Their teacher, Trina Kleinhenz noted thatthe students worked hard to prepare for the competition and “discovered how creativity and persistence can lead to big breakthroughs.”

INCLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The IES Makerspace—fully funded by Incline Education Fund—offers weekly robotics and coding instruction for every elementary student. The robotics team extends this experience by giving students the opportunity to compete with by tackling a real engineering challenge, collaborate with teammates, and present their ideas with confidence.  IES is demonstrating how high-quality STEM opportunities can transform student learning and open pathways rarely available in a small rural school.

Mary Danahey

Against schools more than three times their size—Incline Elementary School’s Makerspace students are making their mark in the world of robotics. 

Last month, the IES FIRST LEGO League team qualified for the Northern Nevada State Championship—a first in Incline Elementary’s school’s history and a moment these students will never forget.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: The entire Makerspace program is fully funded by the Incline Education Fund. Which means this opportunity exists only because of donors like you.

Inside the Makerspace, students don’t just learn STEM—they live it. They build robots, write code, test ideas, and solve problems that once felt completely out of reach. Many struggled with math. Some had never tried coding. But each week they step into a space where “I can’t” becomes “I did it.”A highly trained STEM teacher—funded by Incline Education Fund—guides them.

State-of-the-art robotics kits and tools—funded by donors like you—surround them. Suddenly, math makes sense. Engineering feels possible. Confidence grows.

Help us keep this innovative program alive. Your donation will: Keep expert STEM instruction in the Makerspace Provide robotics kits, coding software, and engineering materials Ensure every IES student—has access to high-quality STEM learningCreate life-changing opportunities rarely available in small, rural schools.

Without Incline Education Fund—and without YOUR support—the Makerspace wouldn’t exist. The spark that turned into a State Championship run might never have been lit.

DONATE HERE NOW Incline Education Fund

The Incline Education Fund is a 501c3 organization: 85-3759623948

Incline WayIncline Village, NV 89451

maryd@inclineeducationfund.org,sharons@inclineeducationfund.org 

Another example of how Incline Middle School is taking learning outside the classroom—and into the community—comes from this fall’s Library Exploratory.

Students were highly engaged as they learned about writing, editing, and public speaking through a creative adventure fiction project at the Incline Village Public Library. Each Wednesday, the library team provided all the materials and guided students through activities that strengthened their storytelling and presentation skills.

Beyond improving their writing, students discovered how much more the library offers—from free online resources and 3D printing to Teen Tuesday, Escape Rooms, and dedicated study and hangout spaces. Many left with a new appreciation for the library as a hub for creativity, technology, and lifelong learning.

Each student capped off the experience by reading their original stories aloud to a small audience—gaining confidence and poise as young authors and public speakers.

Incline Middle School and Incline Education Fund extend a special thank-you to the Incline Village Public Library team for creating such a dynamic, hands-on learning experience.    

📚 Support your public library—it’s more than just books!

The Incline Education Fund proudly funds the entire IMS Exploratory Program, making experiences like this possible for every student.

Incline Middle School students just wrapped up the first quarter of this year’s Exploratory Program—a signature initiative that turns learning into doing. Now in its third year, the program gives every student the chance to dive into real-world, hands-on experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and practical skills.

This fall’s lineup was as diverse as it was inspiring. Students explored Culinary Arts, Fiber Art, and Financial Literacy, hit the lanes in Bowling, and took to the pool for Swimming. Outdoor enthusiasts tackled Mountain Biking and Tennis, while construction-minded teams painted Bear Boxes and built Dog Houses—projects that blend engineering, design, and community service. Leadership and a class at the public library rounded out the offerings, helping students strengthen communication, organization, and collaboration skills.

A special thanks goes out to the many community members and local Rotary volunteers who shared their time and expertise to make these projects possible. Chuck Meyer (1), Chuck Meyer (2), Ginny Lewis, Ed Yarish, Greg Simvoulakis, Pam Sheldon, Lu Sweeney, and Valerie Kuchulis all rolled up their sleeves to mentor students in the Dog House build, teaching practical construction skills while reinforcing teamwork and problem-solving. Their involvement continues to show how much our community invests in its young people.

Look for the finished dog houses around town! The IMS class built four of them, which will be displayed throughout the village during November. In collaboration with the Pet Network, the houses are also being used to collect donations for Pet Shelter Awareness Month. In December, two of the houses will be donated to the Liberty Dogs program in Reno, and the other two will be raffled off to help fund future IMS Exploratory projects.

Submitted by Incline Education Fund, Mary Danahey, 09/09/2025

As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, each of Incline Village’s public schools has exciting news to share.

Incline Elementary School
Incline Elementary is thrilled to welcome new principal Sarah Zabel. Principal Zabel brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student learning, and a passion for building a positive school environment where every child feels supported and inspired. She believes strongly in the power of community and already has a number of family-friendly events in the works—so stay tuned for some fun opportunities to get involved.

Incline Middle School
The hallmark Exploratory Program is rolling out fresh offerings this quarter, giving students the chance to try new skills and experiences both in- and outside the classroom. Current options include: Culinary, Bowling, Financial Literacy, Construction, Textile Arts, Mountain Biking, Bear Box Beautification, Swimming, Tennis, Leadership, and Mentoring. These hands-on explorations not only spark curiosity but also build creativity, teamwork, and confidence.

Incline High School
At Incline High, Principal Cahill is celebrating a strong start to the year. The school has already hosted its Back to School Night and Club Fair, and Homecoming is just around the corner—don’t miss the football game on Friday, September 19, and the student dance on Saturday. In addition, IHS has launched an exciting new after-school Theater Program that will count for PE credits. This marks the return of drama to the high school, with a fall production already in the works.

From new leadership to fresh programs, Incline’s public schools are off to an inspiring start. Here’s to a year of learning, connection, and community spirit!

Sneak Peak of Summer LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Magazine feature, written by Mary Danahey – Timely Article

A little more than two years after its acquisition, the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe continues the legacy of Sierra Nevada University – a stunning campus offering educational and community partnerships. 

“We’re using this beautiful campus in ways that benefit not just students, but the local community and the global environment,” said Jeff Thompson, the University’s executive vice president and provost.

Here are a few of the new, engaging projects and programs on the campus this summer. 

A Voice for the Region

This spring, KUNR, Northern Nevada’s NPR affiliate station and partner of the Reynolds School of Journalism, opened a broadcast studio on campus. “Incline can be seen as a news desert,” said Dr. Gi Yun, dean of the Reynolds School. “We want to help fill that void.” 

KUNR will provide more consistent coverage of the North Shore. It will also support student journalism opportunities. 

“KUNR is committed to covering the Northern Nevada and Eastern Sierra region,” said Brian Duggan, general manager of KUNR. “Incline Village and the broader Lake Tahoe community is a critical part of that coverage area.” 

Monster Fish Comes to Tahoe

Giant catfish and sawfish, and a Payara with saber-like fangs—these are a few of the freshwater creatures featured in Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, a new exhibition on the ground floor of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

With four massive fish models—including a 14-foot Amazonian arapaima, the exhibition engages visitors of all ages and is a launchpad for science and community engagement.

“This is a perfect complement to the University’s growing presence and impact at Lake Tahoe,” said Dr. Doug Boyle, interim vice provost and dean at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. “Through Monster Fish, we are creating a vibrant hub that connects the public with our research and educational mission, from local waters to global conservation.”

Co-created by National Geographic and biology professor Dr. Zeb Hogan, the exhibition is part of the University’s freshwater science and outreach efforts. 

Admission to Monster Fish is free; all are welcome. 

A New Showcase of Tahoe’s History

Another exciting development is the new galleries by Foundation Professor of Art Peter Goin. Slated to open fully in the Prim Library building this fall, Goin’s immersive multimedia experience will include large prints from his recent book, Stopping Time:A Rephotographic Survey of Lake Tahoe.

Visitors are invited to explore and reflect on the Tahoe Basin’s history and how our perceptions of the landscape have changed over time. 

Strengthening Community Connections

This summer, more than 60 organizations will host events, retreats and conferences on the Lake Tahoe campus, including the annual Lake Tahoe Summit luncheon, a key gathering for local and federal leaders focused on sustainability.

“Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s most precious places,” Provost Thompson said. “We are strongly committed to protecting its environmental, cultural and community assets—and delivering on our promise to be a good neighbor.”

Visit unr.edu/lake-tahoe for more information on upcoming events, programming, and other campus news.