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Posted by nvps  On Feb 13, 2017 at 11:09 AM 3082 Comments
  
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By Teri Vance   Using tablet computers, a group of fifth-graders at Fritsch Elementary School directed a robot named Dash to slide across the floor, stop, spin around and wink. “They’re really fun,” said Laurence Tolentino, 12. “We can make them do lots of stuff. You can even make them speak.” Dash is one of a pair of robots, along with Dot, purchased by technology teacher Irene Waltz. “Looking to careers for their future, understanding coding is necessary for writing scripts,” she said. “That is useful for jobs in all kinds of areas. They can piece together the skills to do whatever the future holds for them.” Rather than create lessons for the students, Waltz said, she allows them to self-direct by watching instructional videos on YouTube. “They’re taking the lead,” she said. “It’s not me. They’re making their own decisions.” Emily Tran, 10, likes the freedom that affords. “You can get as creative as you want,” Tran said. “You can make little plays and scenes happen. It’s like your own little playground.” However, even YouTube doesn’t have all the answers. “We tried to make it launch little balls into a basket, but we couldn’t because Dash isn’t strong enough,” said Tristan Perez, 11. “We’ve tried so many times, but it’s failed.” Still, they’re not giving up. “We’ll keep trying,” Tristan said. That kind of perseverance and teamwork will serve the students well in all areas of life, Waltz said. It’s what helped get the technology to the school in the first place. After researching the robots online, Waltz was assured the tablets she already had in her classroom would be compatible. Once she ordered the bots — using money her classroom raised by recycling ink cartridges — she realized the tablets didn’t work. Out of money, and seemingly out of options, she planned to return to the robots — until school librarian Kay O’Neil stepped in. O’Neil offered her funds from the recycled cartridges to buy the tablets as a collaboration between the two classes. O’Neil said that as a librarian she recognizes the value of helping students become literate not only with the written word but with technology as well. “I use a lot of technology in the library,” she said. “The kids need to learn how to use it well. Mrs. Waltz and I are extensions of each other.” David Stoffer, 11, welcomes the challenge. “I think it’s good for us to learn programming so it can help in the future with a job or an activity,” he said. “And it’s not too hard. It’s moderate.”      
Posted by nvps  On Feb 08, 2017 at 3:03 PM 1697 Comments
  
By Teri Vance   Parents and students will notice a new information system when Carson City schools resume session Monday. The Carson City School District transitioned from the former Power School to a statewide system Infinite Campus. “Our schools are working hard to get the rollover in place,” said Superintendent Richard Stokes. “We are also working to make sure our parents understand the new system. They should have access to all of the same information.” Infinite Campus allows students and parents to track students grades and attendance. Similar reporting systems have been in place for years, but each school district in the state chose its own system. This year, all Nevada schools are making the shift. “The benefit is that the Nevada Department of Education has access to all the information,” Stokes said. “They can pull up the data and reports because all of the schools are on the same system.” It will also create cohesiveness for families who move within the state. “If someone were to move from here to Reno, that information could be managed seamlessly because both school districts are on the same program,” Stokes said. He said parents should have received in the mail a letter explaining the change along with a password to the new system. A hotline to answer any questions will be set up for the first three weeks of school. For help, call 283-2008. Stokes said aid will also be available in Spanish and English at each of the schools. The Carson City Library is scheduling training sessions as well. “It is a change, and it is taking a little extra effort,” Stokes said. “We want to offer as much support to our parents as we can.”   For more information For help navigating the new school information system, Infinite Campus, call the Carson City School District’s hotline at 283-2008.
Posted by nvps  On Feb 08, 2017 at 3:00 PM 1290 Comments
  
By Teri Vance   The Seeliger Singers, Seeliger Elementary School’s choir directed by Mary Law, will perform the National Anthem at the May 31 Reno Aces baseball game. “It’s exciting,” said Thomas Burchett, 11. “We’re singing in front of a whole bunch of people.” Ian Bowman, 10, has been a Seeliger Singer for four years. “I just like singing,” he said. “My entire family does. I like being able to perform, to share a talent.” The students have been practicing before classes to prepare for the big day, which is a fundraiser for the school. Law said it is a good opportunity for the students. “It’s wonderful,” she said. “They get to sing in front of a huge audience instead of just their parents.” For Law, it is more than just a performance. In a way, it is her swan song. After 25 years teaching music — 24 at Seeliger Elementary School — she is retiring at the end of the year. “It’s been hard,” she said. “I didn’t really want to leave, but it’s time for a new door to open. Time to start a new adventure. I want to be creative.” Briseyda Rubio, 11, is sorry to see her go. “She’s an amazing teacher,” Rubio said. “I’ve had her since kindergarten through fifth grade. She lets us do all kinds of performances. She made it inspirational to sing.” Law’s demeanor will also be missed. “She’s so nice,” said Kira Bell, 10. “She would never get frustrated with us.” “But when she did,” Bell’s friend Madison Grant, 9, clarified, “it was usually because of the boys.” Law has also been inspired by her interaction with students. “I’ve loved getting to share the beauty and joy of music with people,” she said. “They’re learning to find that creative side of their lives.” It’s a lesson the children will take with them, long after their time at the school has ended. On a farewell poster to Law, one student wrote, “I will never forget you because I have music.”   If you go WHAT: Reno Aces baseball game WHEN: 7:05 p.m. Tuesday WHERE: Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave.  
Posted by nvps  On Feb 08, 2017 at 2:37 PM 1451 Comments
  
By Teri Vance Ricky McDonald worked in a burger and sandwich shop before being sentenced to Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City. When he gets out, he hopes to be qualified for a better job. “I’ve learned a trade, something I can take with me,” he said. McDonald graduated last year from the prison’s culinary program. “It teaches you technical work,” he said. “But it also teaches you to work with other people. And it teaches you class and finesse when you prepare food.” During a ceremony today, Northern Nevada Correctional Center will graduate 51 inmates — 19 from culinary arts. Twenty-eight inmates will receive their general education degrees and 20 will receive a meritorious computer certificate. Additionally, 62 earned their save serve certificates through the health department. Warm Springs Correctional Center held its graduation Wednesday. Warden Harold Wickham said education is a key component in the facility, where 98 percent of the 14,000 inmates will be released someday. “If we don’t give them an education, which is the only thing prisons can do to reduce recidivism, then we aren’t doing our jobs. We aren’t protecting the community,” Wickham said. “If they don’t have skills for success when they get out, they come back. We’re really taking a quantum leap from a department of prisons to a department of corrections.” It also changes the culture of the prison. “We don’t have fights here anymore,” Wickham said. “We keep them busy through programming and education.” Cameron Dolan received his high school diploma two years ago and now works as a teacher’s aide. “It’s a confidence booster,” he said. “I’m at a low point in my life. To get back on top, I need to excel and get some accomplishments. I’m getting in the right state of mind to get back on track. When I get out, I want to be able to say I used my time well, that I tried to better myself while I was locked up.” At 52, Versell Coleman said he sees value in his education regardless of age. “I didn’t think about getting a diploma when I was on the streets,” he said. “When I came here, I was inspired to go and get it.” He credits the teachers for encouragement and support. “The teachers all chipped in and helped me out,” Coleman said. “They taught me things I didn’t know. It’s a blessing.” Sam Santillo, director of adult and prison education for the Carson City School District, said most of the teachers have taught 20 years or more. “The staff here is very experienced,”  Santillo said. “They know what they’re doing. More importantly, they like what they’re doing, and they do a good job.” The education programs are provided through the Carson City School District, but do not receive funding from the per-pupil account that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. “It’s a totally separate department,” Santillo said.  Wickham said he sees the men leave the program with a sense of pride. Dolan said the pride comes not only from a sense of accomplishment, but also of transformation. “This won’t change what I did to get in here,” Dolan said. “But I can show the community I am changed.”
Posted by nvps  On Feb 08, 2017 at 2:26 PM 137 Comments
  
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