78°F
weather icon Clear

Minor hiccups on first day back

The first day of the 2016-17 school year went off fairly smoothly for the Nye County School District, with just a few minor hiccups, in an otherwise routine day.

There were minor issues concerning school buses on the first day of school, but the issues were of the human variety.

“It would be very helpful if parents would avoid last-minute changes as the margin of error increases tremendously when anything last-minute is expected,” said Nye County School District Superintendent Dale Norton.

Having a plan in place to ensure the morning and afternoons on school days go as well as possible is something all families should do, Norton said.

“I do want to strongly encourage and remind everyone that the First Days of School (Harry Wong) strategies, or something similar for developing your routines, should be in place,” he said. “The first three days prior to the Thursday/Friday in-service days would be the opportune time to put those procedural practices into place with a follow-up on Monday, August 15.”

The initial student count is down from the end of the 2015-16 school year, but Norton explained that several students were missing immunization shots, causing them to be excluded from attending school the first day.

In addition, there were still students being registered across the district, which should raise the student count by the time count day rolls around in September.

As the new school year kicked off in Nye County Monday, law enforcement wants to remind residents to be extra cautious on area roads.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office warns motorists that school buses are back on county roads, and students will be walking along the side of roads and waiting for buses.

NCSO urges drivers to carefully watch for children near school buildings, in areas where school buses are traveling or where there are signs for school zones or bus stops.

“Traffic safety and the safety of children are always a priority for police everywhere, especially at this time of the year,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

If a motorist is approaching a school bus from either the front or behind, and its yellow lights are flashing, be aware that the bus is preparing to stop.

If the bus’ red lights are flashing, drivers must stop, as required by law. This law not only applies on roads, but it also includes parking lots and on school grounds.

Drivers are warned to drive carefully and allow themselves an adequate amount of time to get to their destination, especially when children will be getting on or off school buses.

Those motorists who fail to observe posted speed limits are reminded that speed infractions in school zones have increased penalties.

NCSO deputies will be on alert, strictly enforcing speed limits and passing school bus violations in and around school areas and where children are being picked up and dropped off.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.

THE LATEST
Nevada Volunteers hosts Pahrump Volunteer Fair

Nevada Volunteers hosted the Pahrump Volunteer Fair this month, the first such fair in a grant-funded series that will take the nonprofit all around the Silver State over the course of the next three years, all in the name of advocating for and educating people on the power of volunteering.

Garage fire destroys 11 classic cars

Close to a dozen classic cars in various states of restoration were consumed by fire at a residence along the 3000 block of North Joanita Street last week.

Repairs underway for wildlife fence

With a variety of free-roaming wild horse and burro herds calling the open land surrounding Pahrump home, car-versus-equine crashes are an unfortunate but all-too-common occurrence. Fencing is essential. Join the effort to protect wild horses and burros — and drivers too.

GALLERY: These community activists are changing Pahrump Valley

A dozen volunteers in the valley were celebrated for their contributions at the Inaugural Hope Floats Volunteer Recognition Luncheon hosted by the NyE Communities Coalition.

Beatty board backs Ash Meadows conservancy plans

At its May 6 meeting, the Beatty Town Advisory Board voted to send a letter supporting the Amargosa Conservancy’s conceptual map showing the boundary of its proposed Ash Meadows mineral withdrawal area.

Memorial service set for former Town Manager Bill Kohbarger

A special Celebration of Life ceremony for former Pahrump Town Manager Bill Kohbarger is scheduled for Friday May 10, at the Pahrump Veterans Memorial at 751 East Street from 12-to-4 p.m.

RENDERINGS: Pahrump OHV Park to be professionally designed

Two years ago, the town of Pahrump broke ground on what will become a 40-acre OHV Park at the Pahrump Fairgrounds but before any actual construction takes place, officials want to have the site professionally designed.

Valley’s ladies treated to the Women’s Expo

Soroptimist International has one main mission – ensuring women and girls can access the resources and opportunities they need to be able to reach their full potential and live their very best lives.

Pahrump Taco Fest making a comeback

Taco-lovers rejoice, the Pahrump Taco Fest is making its return after several years’ hiatus. This June, the Calvada Eye will be overrun with competitors all hoping to score the title of best taco-maker in town and foodies will definitely not want to miss out.