60°F
weather icon Cloudy

Analysis praises Nevada’s plans to reopen schools

The Nevada Department of Education’s Path Forward Framework for a Safe, Efficient and Equitable Return to School Buildings has been recognized for its holistic approach to supporting preparations for the 2020-21 school year.

This week, the eSchool+ initiative, led by Johns Hopkins University, which is renowned worldwide for its expertise in infectious diseases and infection control, released an analysis of school reopening plans put forth by 48 states and territories. Of the 12 academic and operational criteria examined, Nevada’s school reopening Framework satisfies 11.

The analysis provides transparency, serving as a state and national school reopening plan tracker, allowing parents, policymakers, school employees and others to review and compare plans. The tracker also brings equity to the forefront because the analysis considers whether states are actively addressing disparities among students. The tracker serves as a snapshot in time and is updated as warranted.

The analysis examined how education recovery plans protect and support the health, safety and well-being of students and teachers in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The tracker appears on the university’s eSchool + Initiative website that provides resources for reopening K-12 schools.

“I’m proud of Nevada’s Path Forward Framework,” said Jhone Ebert, state superintendent of public instruction. “It provides school districts, charter and private schools with flexibility, as well as ensures transparency and equity as reopening plans are developed at the local level.

“To have Nevada rated at this level is quite an honor and demonstrates the talent, commitment and passion of our state leaders to safely guide staff, students, families and communities through this pandemic.”

The 12 criteria identified as key to reopening plans were: Core Academics, SARS CoV2 Protection, Before and After School Programs, School Access and Transportation, Student Health Services, Food and Nutrition, Parent Choice, Teacher and Staff Choice, Children with Special Needs/ESL/Gifted and Twice Exceptional Children of Poverty and Systemic Disadvantage, Privacy and Engagement and Transparency.

The eSchool+ initiative is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Consortium for School-Based Health Solutions, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Center for Safe and Healthy Schools and the schools of Education, Medicine, and Public Health. It was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to develop tools and resources for schools to think responsibly about caring for students during school closures and reopenings.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.