Hi I’m Mary with the Incline Education Fund, a local nonprofit that support students, educators and parents here in Incline. Through our programming, advocacy and fundraising, IEF helps to ensure academic achievement and skill development across generations of Incline students. We have some exciting updates to share from each of the schools:
INCLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
IES is hosting a Summer Kick-Off Event on June 6th from 4-6pm
This is a Summer Reading Kick-Off Assembly in conjunction with the Washoe County Library System.
INCLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL
There are two collaborative events with Incline Middle School and Lake Tahoe School this week:
Drive carefully this Friday, June 2nd as it’s BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY! There will be prizes for kids who bike to school.
It’s COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY for 6th & 7th graders. 6th graders will be heading to Sand Harbor and 7th graders will head to Diamond Peak to collect trash as part of the community-wide TRASH to TREASURE project.
Monday, June 5th at 5pm is the IMS OPEN HOUSE.
This event is a school showcase of all of the wonderful programs happening at IMS. There will be a presentation at 5:30.
Parents and community members are invited to attend.
LAKE TAHOE SCHOOL
LTS Track and Field Bobcats Cap Historic Season with Three Team Titles
The Lake Tahoe School track & field team finished another highly successful track season at the Tah-Neva championships in Carson City on May 16. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, 22 different middle schools from the Tahoe Basin, Carson City, Reno, and other parts of Northern Nevada and California met to battle it out, all determined to achieve individual glory and team championship trophies.
The LTS Bobcats dominated the meet and were rewarded for their efforts by claiming three D1 team championships – 7th grade girls, 7th grade boys, and the 8th grade girls. The 7th grade boys not only won the D1 title but also were the number one school in the entire Tah-Neva League.
Submitted by Sheila Leijon | Director Incline Village Parks & Recreation
It is with great honor and pride to announce that the Nevada Recreation and Parks Society has recognized Incline Village Parks and Recreation’s Junior and Mini Lifeguard program as Aquatics Program of the Year.
After three short years, this program has evolved into an important and popular camp for 5-8 year olds (Mini-Guards) and 9-15 year olds (Jr. Lifeguards). The programs focus on water safety, the development of aquatic skills, physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills. In addition, participants gain lifeguarding skills, learn CPR/first aid, and experience open-water swimming. “Graduating” participants ultimately will be better prepared to become certified lifeguards for Incline Village.
This program also concentrates on training and developing our lifeguards/coaches. Pre-season training has allowed these employees to develop and enhance their leadership and organizational skills. As part of this award recognition, we would like to thank and recognize our staff for their dedication and commitment to the Junior and Mini Guard programs.
Season #4 for Junior Guards will begin July 10, 2023, and will include a new curriculum that will challenge and enhance the camper’s skills and knowledge. When you see us at Incline Beach, Burnt Cedar, and in the water, come by and see what this award-winning program is all about.
As most of you know, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) recently held 2 community meetings here in Incline to discuss their Facility Modernization Plan (FMP). The FMP is a proposal to “guide and inform (WCSD) facility use and capital investment decisions for the next 5-10 years”. The first meeting became quite heated when the plan presented the potential closure of Incline Middle School due to declining enrollment. The second meeting was meant to be a listening opportunity for the district to hear our community’s concerns and assure us that no decisions have yet been made. The take-away was that WCSD would put together and share a list of FAQ’s by the end of the school year.
School enrollment is a complicated matter that is plaguing many school districts across the country. It’s a convoluted mix of national and local trends that include declining birth rates, the impacts of the pandemic, recent inflationary concerns, and for us here in Tahoe, a continuing struggle with local housing issues.
While we all understand that you can’t continue to run a business if your customer base is shrinking, we also know that schools can’t and shouldn’t always be run like a business. There are human minds at stake.
We (IEF) believe consolidation of our schools is short-sighted and could have a detrimental impact on our kids and our community for a number of reasons.
1. Combining preteens and high schoolers is unwise and unhealthy.
Most parents would agree that putting pre-teens on a campus with older, more physically mature teenagers can create a negative environment for the academic and social development of both groups of students. Developing adolescents are just learning how to become independent and are highly impressionable. They do not need the distractions created by high school students who are juggling their own new-found independence.
2. More local, reliable data is needed.
While national data can paint an overall picture of school trends, it is imperative to understand how collecting and using that data to make decisions can impact an entire community and the education of its children. Especially when those decisions could potentially create negative outcomes for students, families and teachers.
Many long-time Incline residents point to previous population fluctuations and believe that the current trends may very well reverse themselves over the next several years. In fact, if one looks at the current waiting lists at local preschools, it seems that it would be short-sighted to close IMS when space might very well be needed again in the near future.
Additionally, Incline Village, like many other US resort communities, has seen an influx of new, younger residents over the past three years. At the same time, however, with inflation at its highest peak since the early 1980’s, and the aforementioned housing crunch here in the Tahoe basin, many residents were forced to move ‘down the hill’ and either change jobs or endure a lengthy commute. Again, it’s a complicated issue that needs accurate data.
3. IEF believes that our schools are well positioned to attract new students
Incline Education Fund has been working closely with each of our schools to create a K12 STEM Pathway. In the last 2 years, we have funded the IES Makerspace, the IMS Robotics program, and the IHS Engineering and Entrepreneurship program. Last month, both Incline Elementary and Incline High Schools were awarded the prestigious Nevada Governor’s STEM School Designation for those programs and are now considered models for schools around the state. IEF is working to get Incline Middle School added to this prestigious group next year (their robotics program was just launched this year). This would make the Incline schools the ONLY K12 STEM Pathway in the state (see related article on the OSIT STEM award).
Additionally, we are funding a number of other unique programs, including:
-academic support to help struggling students regain covid learning losses
-the Exploratory program at IMS which gives students an opportunity to explore areas of interest and re-engage them in the learning process
-a resiliency building program at IES to help students learn how to challenge themselves and be adaptable to stressors
-college and career prep programs
In short, Incline Schools deliver an excellent education.
With the support of the Incline community, we believe that the current enrollment decline can be reversed and that we can prevent WCSD from moving forward in their closure plans. WCSD has not made any final decisions regarding our schools yet, but it will take continued community involvement to prevent a consolidation of some sort.
Please read the weekly SnapShot and check the IVCBA event calendar for up-to-date information regarding our schools, or contact Mary Danahey at: maryd@inclineeducationfund.org
Lake Tahoe Summer Arts Workshops return for the 39th year
May 19, 2023 | Member Submitted
Photo Cutline: Touch the Sky (2022), oil on linen by Phyllis Shafer.
The workshops provide skills-based intensive art experiences inspired by the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The Holman Arts and Media Center invites artists of all skill levels to Lake Tahoe for its 39th season of the Summer Arts Workshops, beginning June 26. Attendees will spend five days in an intensive creative experience led by internationally recognized sculptors, painters, videographers, photographers and mixed-media artists.
Workshop participants will leave having expanded their creative skillset while in a stunning natural setting. Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada have long been sources of creative inspiration for artists of all mediums. The Holman Arts and Media Center, part of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, is within walking distance from the shores of Lake Tahoe and situated amidst miles of hiking and walking trails in the Sierra Nevada.
“The creative mission of the Holman Arts and Media Center is very much tied to our natural environment,” Molly Allen, Holman fine arts gallery coordinator, said. “We hope that those who attend these workshops come away with a deep connection to this place and the landscape. We’re always trying to think about how to be place-based in the gallery and in our teaching. Each of the workshops offered provides an opportunity to connect creatively with the landscape in a new and unique way.”
The workshops run from June 26 through July 28 in five-day blocks. Small class sizes allow for a personalized experience. Attendees leave at the end of each workshop with their own personal artwork. Workshop titles include:
Plein Air Landscape Oil Painting with artist Phyllis Shafer
Drone Videography in the High Sierra with artist Chris Lanier
Smoke and Carbon Fast-Fired Pottery with artists Randy Brodnax and Don Ellis
Laser Cutting: Lasers and Light with artist Erik Burns
Get Down to Earth: Wheel Throwing with artists Sheri Leigh O’Connor and Rick Parsons
Painting with Light with artist Sharon Virtue
A complete list of available workshops, artist bios, courses, pricing and housing details can be found on the Summer Arts Workshop website. Interested participants are encouraged to enroll soon as space is limited.
In step with the Lake Tahoe Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, the Lake Tahoe Multi-Agency Coordinating Group and Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are in the process of updating the 2015 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This basin-wide guiding document serves as the operating strategy and platform for fuels reduction and mitigation work in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
As one of the Tahoe Basin communities, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District along with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, is hosting a public stakeholder meeting on June 1st to gather community input to contribute to the development of the 2023 CWPP. The meeting will be held in our training room at 863 Tanager Street, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us to learn more and give your input.
Great Win for Incline Education Fund – OSIT Designations for IES and IHS!
May 17, 2023 | Mary Danahey
On May 16th, 2023, both Incline Elementary School (IES) and Incline High School (IHS) were awarded the Nevada Governor’s STEM School Designation by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT).
The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is charged with identifying and awarding recognition to not more than 15 schools in the state, annually, that demonstrate exemplary performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Designation as a Governor’s STEM School denotes that the school meets the highest standards of STEM instruction and is a model for schools around the state.
Incline Education Fund is working with Incline Middle School (IMS) on their OSIT STEM Designation application for next year as their robotics program was just launched this past fall.
When IMS receives their OSIT STEM Designation, the Incline schools will be theFIRST AND ONLY K-12 STEM Pathway in the state of Nevada.
Staytuned for more information next week!
LTS News:
There are still a few tickets left to the annual Lake Tahoe School Fundraiser, the Celestial Ball.It’s this Friday, 5/19 at 6pm at the Hyatt, in the Lakeside Ballroom.
If you can’t make the entire event, but are looking for a little musical entertainment and dancing later in the evening, scoop up an “After Dark Ticket” at the same link above.
IMS News:
There is no new news on the potential changes for Incline Schools. The Washoe County School District is assuring everyone that “no decisions have been made” and are encouraging people to get involved and be a part of the process. You can email our School Board of Trustee members: Jeff Church and Diane Nicolet at:
Elizabeth.Smith@WashoeSchools.netWCSD has committed to provide FAQ’s from the last meeting to the Incline community by end of school year. I will make sure to post those here in the SnapShot as soon as they are available.
NSEA It’s Time for 20 Rally:
On a similar, but different note, there is a rally today (!) to support some of the education bills being brought to the Nevada Legislature.The Time for 20 Rally is petitioning to increase funding for public education. More information about the rally can be found here:
The event is Wednesday, 5/17 from 4:30-6:00pm outside the Nevada State Legislature at 401 S. Carson St. in Carson City.
If you can’t attend but would still like your voice to be heard, or you agree with the message created by the Nevada State Education Association, you can do so HERE.
Programs on the Porch is back with its wildlife edition, featuring local wildlife professionals presenting information on a variety of species. These presentations will be showcased every Friday night from May 19 through June 23 from the porch of the historic Bowers Mansion.
WHAT: Programs on the Porch at Bowers Mansion.
WHEN: Presentations start every Friday at 7 p.m., from May 19 – June 23.
WHERE: Bowers Mansion at 4005 US Highway 395 North, Carson City, NV (Washoe Valley).
DETAILS: This presentation series is free, however donations are accepted for the presenters. Bringing a blanket or low back chair is recommended.
Programs on the Porch presentation schedule:
May 19 – Birds of Prey with Marie Gaspari (LIVE Birds)
May 26 – Bears with NDOW
June 2 – Snakes with the UNR Biology Dept. (LIVE Snakes)
June 9 – Bats with Carson Creature Catchers
June 16 – Bees with the No. NV Beekeepers Association (LIVE Bees)
Hi I’m Mary with the Incline Education Fund, a local nonprofit that support students, educators and parents here in Incline. Through our programming, advocacy and fundraising, IEF helps to ensure academic achievement and skill development across generations of Incline students. We have some exciting updates to share from each of the schools:
Incline Elementary School
A huge thank you goes out to Kathleen McMinnis-Martin (of Glasses Wine Bar fame) and Milly Corneil (IES librarian) for all of their efforts to coordinate a successful Family Reading Night at Incline Elementary School last week. Instilling a love of reading is incredibly important to future academic success.
Incline Middle School
Washoe County School District Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield and Board of Trustees representatives Beth Smith and Diane Nicolet came to Incline to continue the discussion about the potential consolidation of our schools. It was another well attended meeting and audience members expressed their continued concerns with the possibility of closing Incline Middle School. The District assured the crowd that they were there to hear what the Incline community had to say and that “no decisions have been made yet”. Frustrations were evident as the attendees were wanting answers but the District assured them that they are still collecting information.
Stay tuned for updates and more opportunities to get involved in the process and make your voice heard.
Upcoming events at IMS: Poetry Night, Thursday, 5/18 at 5:30pm and the Spring Concert on Thursday 5/25 at 5:30.
Incline High School
As the school year starts winding down, IHS students are in the last week of AP testing.
And mark your calendars: IHS will be hosting a Family Movie & Discussion night on Wednesday, March 24th. from 6-8pm. Ted Dintersmith’s “Most Likely to Succeed” will be shown and Dr. Courtney Wallpe will be moderating a discussion afterwards. This is a good opportunity to learn about the practices that IHS is adopting, including: Advisory, Internships and Exhibitions/Presentations of Learning.
And welcome to both Robin Rife, the new (additional) school counselor for 2023-24 and Arturo Fragoso, the new Family Graduation Advocate. Both positions are hugely important for our Highlanders.
Join UNR at Lake Tahoe for their 39th year of Summer Arts Workshops at Lake Tahoe! Painting, ceramics, drone videography, collage, laser cutting, and more! Classes fill up fast so sign up today.
Local Lens – Incline Education Fund on the Potential Changes to our Incline Public Schools
April 5, 2023 | Mary Danahey
The Local Lens was written by guest author Mary Danahey from the Incline Education Fund.
As mentioned in last week’s Local Lens, our school district (WCSD) is developing a long-term plan to modernize all district school facilities and is currently considering a consolidation of our Incline Village schools. We urge ALL Incline residents – not just parents and educators – to attend a presentation on Wednesday, April 5th, @ 5pm at Incline High Schoolto learn more about this issue and to take the opportunity to provide your input.
Unfortunately, there is a second issue that also requires community attention.
There is a revision of an Administration Regulation (7087) that is removes local input from the process for school closures within the school district. The public comment period regarding this policy change is closing on April 12th. Please see below for more information on how to submit your input regarding this change.
Why is this happening
Our school district has contracted CannonDesign, a global architecture, engineering and consulting practice to conduct a comprehensive assessment of every WCSD facility. They have created a Facility Modernization Plan (FMP) that will guide the district’s facility use and capital investment for the next 5-10 years.
CannonDesign will be presenting their findings at the April 5th meeting and will facilitate breakout groups of attendees to discuss potential options for our 3 schools. Any potential changes would take place no sooner than the Fall of 2024.
Why you should attend
Our schools are the backbone of our town. Decisions made through this process will affect not only all 3 of our schools, but our entire Incline community as well. Our schools are the anchors of our village – our families make up the bulk of our full-time residents, provide employees for our local businesses during the high season and provide support for them through the shoulder, snow, and smoke seasons.
If Incline is going to remain a viable year-round community, we need your input. If you believe in the value of public education – whether or not you have children in the system – or in the sustainability of Incline Village, please make the time to have your voice heard.
Note: WCSD has stated that NO decisions regarding our schools have been made; but given the declining enrollment at our middle school and the age of the building, the option of consolidating our schools will be definitely be discussed.
Please attend this meeting to hear for yourself the data that has been collected and be a part of the decision process that will affect the future of Incline Village.
How to participate
Here’s how you can be a part of the decision process regarding the future of our schools and our community:
2. Click on this link (School Closure policy change) to read the new policy on school closures (which removes input from the local community). Click on the ‘draft’ attachment to see the actual draft policy.
If you would like to voice your opinion about these changes, please do so at:
Here is a sample email that you can cut/paste regarding the policy change:
Office of the WCSD Superintendent, Staff and Board of Trustees of WCSD,
I am writing to express my concern over the proposed changes to the draft policy for Administration Regulation 7087 regarding school closure.
The new regulation places the Zoning Advisory Committee in charge of making the recommendation for a particular school closure, but none of those committee members are required to be residents of the affected community. This change effectively removes input from the parents/educators/residents of a potential school’s closure in question. Our WCSD district comprises a large and diversified geographic area. An established committee cannot accurately represent the diverse interests of every area within our district. I recommend the following amendments to the current draft regulation:
-include a requirement for a committee of local representation on any school closure recommendations, not solely the Zoning Advisory Committee
-require any public meetings about the school closure to be held at the school under consideration for closure.
I appreciate your consideration of this regulation and its importance to the school closure process.
