LAS VEGAS, NEV. – As some schools across the state increase in-person learning, the Nevada Department of Transportation is launching a school zone safety campaign to remind drivers, pedestrians, and students of life-saving school zone traffic laws. The campaign emphasizes the following laws (https://bit.ly/2NzP1A3):

No speeding in school zones
• Follow all school zone speed limits. (Note that hours of reduced school zone speed limits vary per school- always be attentive).

No passing in school zones
• Do not pass or overtake another vehicle traveling the same direction in a school zone. This includes on roads with multiple lanes in the same direction. Stop for/do not pass school buses stopping to pick up or let students out
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No U-turns in school zones
• Over coming months, roadside banners will be installed in select school locations statewide reminding drivers that it is illegal to pass in school zones. Printable school zone safety flyers will also be available to schools and educational organizations.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to Schools Program. The program collaborates with schools year-round to improve students’ ability to safely walk and bike to school by providing students with bicycling and pedestrian education and activities, such as Walk and Bike to School Day. Educational materials are funded through state motor vehicle license and license renewal fees.

“Some Nevadans haven’t driven as much over the past year. Other may be traveling new routes which take them through newly active school zones,” said NDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coordinator Albert Jacquez. “Having a year away from these traditional school zone driving routines doesn’t mean that safety should take a break. We all must share the road to keep everyone safe.”

Nevadans can visit bicyclenevada.com for school zone information, resources, and contacts.

PEDESTRIANS
• Plan your route.
• Stay visible. Wear light and bright colored clothing. If you must be out at night, wear reflective clothing.
• Stay alert. Put your phone down and do not wear headphones.
• Walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalks are available, ensure that there is safe distance between yourself and passing vehicles and walk facing traffic.
• Only cross when safe to do so. Make eye contact with the drivers and make sure all cars have stopped before crossing. When possible, cross at a crosswalk.

DRIVERS
• Always drive attentively and obey all school zone traffic control, including reduced school zone speeds.
• When approaching school zones and crosswalks, reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
• Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists and wait for them to cross completely.
• Never pass a car that has stopped at a cross walk.
• Obey the three-foot rule: when passing a bicycle, allow for at least three feet of clearance between the vehicle and bicyclist.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

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CCSD Guide to Reopening Schools Proposal

The job of a parent is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs anyone can take
on during the course of their life. The desire to keep your children safe, happy and
healthy moves into the core of your very existence the moment you hold that little one in
your arms for the first time. And, it changes your perspective on what it means to be a
protector of all children. A reality that truly hits home as I stand with the care of 320,000
children entrusted to me by thousands of parents and guardians in our Valley.

I want to thank our students, families, educators, Board of School Trustees, and
members of our community regarding our collective efforts to educate our students
during school closures as a result of COVID-19. As a community, we have faced
immense challenges and obstacles and have proven to be a stronger, united team by
defying these obstacles together.

For the past few months, this district, alongside the rest of the global community
affected by COVID-19, has faced one of the toughest ordeals ever. The sudden
shutdown of almost every facet of life - retail, banking, entertainment, some medical
facilities, and yes, school - all over the world, has shaken the foundation of our lives.
Getting back to a place of normalcy will not be an easy process, but it's one we have to
work towards with thoughtfulness and patience. My focus is getting our children back on
track with their educational goals and we need the help of the entire community to get
there. Goals that we cannot ignore even as we continue to try to understand what this
virus means for our lives well into the future. But the safety of our children and staff is of
the utmost importance.

The plan that our team will be sharing tonight is not optimal, but it is sound. In January,
an entire country was brought to a standstill due to a virus that wreaked havoc across
our world, so this unconventional plan isn’t an educational structure that is conducive to
long term positive outcomes, but it is a plan that will ensure our students have an
educational future. Now, let me be clear, urban public education was already in a crisis!
The world just ignored the harsh truth and this unfortunate pandemic pulled back the
veil on the bleak and dire issues our students face and the inequities that we faced in
our urban schools. Our plan was guided by educational experts and we used mandatory
guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and follows the guidelines and
restrictions of Nevada’s Phase 2 requirements. The reopening of schools plan takes all
learners into consideration, especially our students with special needs and ELL
students, and it takes into account the health and safety of our staff at school sites. I
value the input of the Board of Trustees and the input of the community. Therefore, I pushed the team to bring our recommendation forward as soon as possible to provide
everyone time to process and refine our thinking. Returning our students to schools is a
community challenge; it will take all of us to do what is best for our students.

None of us could have ever imagined that this is the world in which we would currently
live. As businesses are reopening and getting people back to work, we understand that
the approach that we’ve chosen will make it tough on parents who don’t have child care
options during the day. We live in a community that operates 24 hours and I understand
the challenges that we are facing. I want to assure our parents that we understand your
concerns and we are working with our partners to try to find solutions.

Time is of the essence! Our principals need information ASAP! As a matter of fact,
today is too late - but we have been waiting for decisions to be made that are out of our
control! Our school leaders are already under an intense amount of pressure with a
nearly impossible timeline to plan, prepare, and implement a plan for instruction to serve
our students. At this time, we still do not have any information from the State regarding
our budget; therefore, we are building plans of which we have definitive information
regarding our potential budget. We must lead with a sense of urgency. Our students are
depending on us.

MESQUITE, NV (Dept. of Athletics & Leisure Services) -- Recreational after School Program (Safekey) The City of Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department has begun the school  year of the Safekey program with success, with activities from 3:15pm - 6:15pm daily when school is in session. Safekey is an after school supervised recreational enrichment program for children K-5th grade, designed to meet the needs of the working parents. 
 
The Safekey Program is staffed by trained recreation leaders that lead children in an activity or games, sports, arts, crafts and special events.  In addition, a snack is provided and homework study period is available. The Safekey program is administered by The City of Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Services Department, which is dedicated to providing the best possible after school program for children. 
 
Nicholas Montoya, Director of the Department said, “Our goal is to create an atmosphere in which safety, fun, recreation and social skills take place.” Registration is being taken now at the Mesquite Recreation Center, 100 W. Old Mill Road. The Safekey site is located at the Virgin Valley Elementary School cafeteria/multipurpose room. The school will provide parents with information on the SafeKey program, but cannot register children. Financial assistance may be available for parents/guardians who meet the income qualifications. The program is in coordination with the Clark County School District Calendar and the new Safekey after school program has begun.
 
For more information about this event and other programs please down load the app, it’s available for iOS or Android devices at http://tour.mesquitenv.gov/.  Download it today and discover more of Mesquite!
 
For more information on this and other programs please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732. Register for youth and adult programs online at: www.mesquitenv.gov. For more information and to stay connected via social media, our Facebook Page is: www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVRecreation or at the Administrative Offices located at 100 W. Old Mill Road. 

MESQUITE, NV (Leisure Services Dept.) -- The City of Mesquite Leisure Services Department New student registrations will begin June 3, 2019, for the Sunshine Academy pre-school classes for 3 to 5-year-olds  by The Leisure Services Department. New student enrollment will begin June 3 – July 31, 2019 (deadline), any new students looking to participate after the deadline will need to speak with Janeece Noel, Sunshine Academy Lead Instructor for enrollment, 702-346-8732 ext. 4013 or jnoel@mesquitenv.gov. The open house for parents is schedule for August 15, 2019 (Thursday). School will begin August 19, 2019.   
 
“Our program is designed to meet the needs and wants of both participants and parents. Activities are supervised, organized, diversified, and safe.” said Janeece Noel, Recreation & Parks Department Lead Instructor”. “We know that we are helping to shape future leaders, teachers, mothers, and fathers and we take pride in the quality of our program. We incorporate fun, education, exploration, social interaction, and play. We believe that every child is important, and strive to include each and every child in our programs.” Noel added. This program is for all children in the valley and adjoining communities.
 
There are a few items that all children participating in the Sunshine Academy program will need a copy of their birth certificate, current/up to date immunizations records, and physical from their physician, must be potty-trained and the appropriate age to participate in the academy program. Parents just an advisement you must register in person for this program.
 
For more information about this event and other programs please down load the app, it’s available for iOS or Android devices at http://tour.mesquitenv.gov/.  Download it today and discover more of Mesquite!
 
For more information on this and other programs please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732. Register for youth and adult programs online at: www.mesquitenv.gov. For more information and to stay connected via social media, our Facebook Page is: www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVRecreation or at the Administrative Offices located at 100 W. Old Mill Road. 

Contact Person: Janeece Noel
Phone: 702-346-8732 ext. 4013
​Email: jnoel@mesquitenv.gov