The quality of a school system is often determined by testing statistics, negative and positive.
However, there are many facets to producing well rounded citizens. Our community has many examples of student success through positive steps taken to achieve a better education system.
My fellow Trustees and I aim to see all of our students achieve success in a diverse range of activities, including community involvement.
Of course, academics are the basics of the school system, but I like to think that a good education is built on a strong foundation of community involvement and citizenship.
This is part of what we teach, demonstrate and model in the Washoe County School District. Recently the life of César Chávez was highlighted by schools who took on community service projects.
Some of the projects include a program called Families Helping Families, a feed the homeless project and a Chávez Core Values student mural. Programs such as these show the maturity in students today, taking time out of their own lives to help others.
Our students demonstrate the value of education through competition and recognitions. This year Swope students competed against more than 24,000 other students and scored among the top 10 rankings on the Grand Concours National French Contest. A student (Sean McClelland) from Incline High School was recently selected to represent the district as one of two Northern Nevada semifinalists in the 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The selection was based on superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character, and involvement in community and school activities.
There are many, many more examples like these. As a retired teacher, I feel immense satisfaction when I hear stories of student achievement.
These students not only represent the district, but also represent the outstanding quality of education in this community.
Nancy Hollinger is clerk of the Washoe County School District board.
