Nevada Department of Education Recognizes Shining Stars Schools and Announces Rising Stars Schools List

Thirty schools across three school districts were recognized today as Shining Stars Schools by the Nevada Department of Education. Shining Stars Schools are those that demonstrate strong academic performance while serving a high percentage of students in poverty.

“Congratulations to the students, families, and school staff at each of these schools,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These Shining Stars Schools are leading the way in providing a high quality education to all students and closing opportunity gaps. They are models of excellence we should all be striving to learn from and replicate.”

Nevada’s 2017 Shining Star Schools are:
• Blue Diamond Elementary School (Clark)
• C T Sewell Elementary School (Clark)
• Charlotte Hill Elementary School (Clark)
• Cyril Wengert Elementary School (Clark)
• David M Cox Elementary School (Clark)
• Fay Herron Elementary School (Clark)
• Harvey N Dondero Elementary School (Clark)
• Helen M Smith Elementary School (Clark)
• Indian Springs Elementary School (Clark)
• James Bilbray Elementary School (Clark)
• Jo Mackey Elementary School (Clark)
• John Dooley Elementary School (Clark)
• John R Hummel Elementary School (Clark)
• Joseph E Thiriot Elementary School (Clark)
• Keith C & Karen W Hayes Elementary (Clark)
• Lewis E Rowe Elementary School (Clark)
• Lilly & Wing Fong Elementary School (Clark)
• Marion E Cahlan Elementary School (Clark)
• Ruben P Diaz Elementary School (Clark)
• Sunrise Acres Elementary School (Clark)
• Ute Perkins Elementary School (Clark)
• Vegas Verdes Elementary School (Clark)
• Vincent L Triggs Elementary School (Clark)
• Beatty Elementary School (Nye)
• Manse Elementary School (Nye)
• Indian Springs Middle School (Clark)
• East Career Technical Academy (Clark)
• Southeast Career Technical Academy (Clark)
• Veterans Tribute Career Technical Academy (Clark)
• Jackpot High School (Elko)

“Educating children is about 100 things coming together beautifully,” said Judy Jordahl, Fay Herron Principal. “Fay Herron has excellent staff members who truly want to see students learn. The bottom line is that everyone who is in education needs to believe in children and they need to believe that children can achieve at high levels in spite of their circumstances. Everyone needs to give 120 percent effort. That means everyone on the staff, including custodians, lunch staff, front office, all assistants, all teachers, and administration. There cannot be a weak link.”

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) also announced the Nevada Rising Stars Schools list. These schools are eligible for NDE supports and interventions.

“One of Nevada’s key strategies under our approved Every Student Succeeds Act Plan is to identify and improve our lowest-performing schools. This work is critical to ensuring that all of our students have access to a high quality education and will help put Nevada on a trajectory towards becoming the fastest improving state in the Nation.” Canavero said.

The Nevada Department of Education will work with districts, schools and communities to provide supports and interventions aligned to the school and community’s needs. This includes access to federal Title I school improvement funds as well as state programs and interventions.