Vote4JJPHX

06/04/2026

Congratulations TMCC High graduates! 🎓

Today, June 3 at 4 p.m., we celebrated at Truckee Meadows Community College, Red Mountain Building.

Trustees and Staff handed out over 100 diplomas 🙌🏽😇

and we are of our TMCC High graduates!

TMCC High School Graduation!
Today, June 3rd at 4 p.m., Truckee Meadows Community College- Red Mountain Building

and we are of our TMCC High Graduates!

06/03/2026

Last night, I had the privilege of joining students, families, staff, alumni, and community members for the Sunset Goodbye to Stead Elementary School.

As the sun set over the playground one final time, we reflected on the generations of High Flyers who learned, grew, and built lifelong memories at Stead. The evening was filled with stories, laughter, and appreciation for a school that has meant so much to so many.

Schools are more than buildings. They are places where children discover their potential, educators inspire excellence, and communities come together. Last night reminded us that the true heart of Stead has never been the structure itself it has always been the people.

Thank you to Principal Ryan Doetch, the dedicated staff, current and former students, families, and alumni who gathered to celebrate the legacy of this remarkable school. Thank you as well to everyone who shared memories and helped make the evening so meaningful.

As we prepare to open the new Stead Elementary School, we carry forward the traditions, pride, and spirit that have defined the High Flyers for generations. And yes, some traditions, like kickball on the playground, are simply too important to leave behind.

Stead’s motto says it best: “Better Together.” I believe in that as well.

And as the High Flyers proudly remind us:

“Once a High Flyer, Always a High Flyer.” May the legacy continue!

Thank you, Old Stead, for the memories. Your legacy will continue to soar.

I have included photos of some of those who spoke and shared memories last night. I apologize if I do not have everyone’s names. If you recognize someone pictured, please share their name in the comments and help give them the recognition they deserve for preserving and sharing the history of Stead Elementary School.

06/02/2026

Today I attended the Marvin Picollo School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony alongside a fellow trustees. It was a heartfelt celebration of student achievement, perseverance, and growth.

The ceremony was a reminder that success comes in many forms and that every student’s journey deserves recognition.

I want to thank the teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, support staff, administrators, bus drivers, and everyone who supports these students each day. Your dedication and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.

Thank you for helping students achieve their goals and preparing them for lives of independence, self-determination, and opportunity.

Congratulations to the Marvin Picollo School Class of 2026! We are proud of you and excited for all that lies ahead.

06/02/2026

Today I had the opportunity to visit AACT — the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology — and attend the Drone Technology Open House.

What impressed me most was not just the technology itself, but the students. I saw young people presenting business plans, discussing FAA regulations, exploring media production, aviation, public safety, entrepreneurship, and demonstrating the kind of critical thinking and professionalism that will serve them well long after graduation.

AACT represents the very best of Career and Technical Education. Students are not simply learning about careers—they are actively preparing for them. Through hands-on experiences, industry-focused instruction, and real-world problem solving, they are building skills that connect directly to college, military service, apprenticeships, and the workforce.

I also enjoyed learning more about the Criminal Justice Academy and visiting with educators who are helping students turn their interests into opportunities.

As a WCSD Trustee, visits like this remind me why supporting Career and Technical Education is so important. When students can see a pathway to their future, they become more engaged, more confident, and more prepared to succeed.

Thank you to the students, teachers, staff, and administrators at AACT for sharing your work and your vision for the future.



05/30/2026

Tonight I had the honor to attend the Washoe Education Association Annual Awards Banquet hosted at the Atlantis Casino, where teachers were recognized for their skills and attributes as professional educators.

Please congratulate the following District C Honorees:

Cold Springs Early Childhood Center

Distinguished Performance Award – Lisa Hahner

Dedicated Service Award – Sarabeth Metzger

Devoted Service Award – Laurie Henderson

Nancy Gomes Elementary School

Distinguished Performance Award – Julie Horn

Dedicated Service Award – Dee Koch

William O’Brien Middle School

Distinguished Performance Award – Fallon Kimball

Distinguished Performance Award – Alejandra Reyes

Dedicated Service Award – Melanie Fassbender

Dedicated Service Award – Stacy Quiriconi

Devoted Service Award – Krista Kuzmik

Silver Lake Elementary School

Dedicated Service Award – Janelle Burke

Dedicated Service Award – Julie Gilmore

Devoted Service Award – Tami Smith

Stead Elementary School

Dedicated Service Award – Marcelle Morrice

Dedicated Service Award – Debbie Nicolle

Devoted Service Award – Martha Bishop

Devoted Service Award – Laura Coyne

Alyce Taylor Elementary School

Dedicated Service Award – Jessie Campbell

Devoted Service Award – Trish Hermesky

Retiree Recognition

Linh Cao-Cary – 30 Years of Service

05/29/2026

Today, I had the opportunity to participate in Career Day at Bernice Mathews Elementary School, located at 2750 Elementary Drive in Reno, Nevada.

It was an honor to spend time with students discussing the different branches of the United States Armed Forces, the importance of service to our nation, and the many opportunities available through military service.

With Memorial Day having just passed, we also talked about why we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The students were engaged, respectful, and asked thoughtful questions about military service and citizenship.

We also discussed military customs and courtesies, including how to respectfully greet and thank service members in uniform. These conversations help connect our youth to the values of service, respect, and community.

A special thank you to Ro, Carey, and Lucero from the Nevada Department of Veterans Services for allowing me to join them today and be part of this great opportunity to engage with our students.

As a veteran, former law enforcement officer, and public servant, I always appreciate opportunities to connect with our youth and share the importance of leadership, service, and giving back to our communities.

Thank you to the administration, staff, and students at Bernice Mathews Elementary School for the warm welcome and for allowing us to spend time with the next generation of leaders. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and respect made for a wonderful day.

🇺🇸

05/29/2026

Tonight was an honor to be with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Hungry Valley Head Start Program as we celebrate the Class of 2026.

For more than 61 years, Head Start has helped children and families build a strong foundation for success.

It is about preparing children for life. It teaches confidence, curiosity, respect, friendship, and a love of learning.

Tonight, we celebrate six graduates: Dante, Robert, Colton, Joseph, Toneesia, and Max. We are proud of each and every one of you.

It cannot go without saying that we also celebrate the parents, grandparents, families, teachers, and staff who have guided these children every step of the way.

As I looked at the signatures and drawings on the back of the program, I was reminded that these children are writing the first pages of their story.

Today is not the end of a journey, it is the beginning. One day, these young people may become teachers, tribal leaders, artists, veterans, doctors, police officers, or whatever they dream of becoming.

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has always understood that the greatest investment is in our children. When we invest in our children, we invest in our future.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

05/27/2026

Sharing great work done by the WCSD 🙌🏽😇

The Parent Teacher Home Visits (PTHV) program demonstrates both strong quantitative outcomes and meaningful qualitative impact.

Quantitative Data (Measured Numbers)

The measurable data reflects broad engagement and significant outreach across the district:

* 44 schools participated
* 463 educators engaged
* 1,280 families reached
* 1,601 students supported
* 1,815 total home visits conducted
* 3 hours of professional learning provided focused on high-impact family engagement

From an analytical standpoint:

* The program averaged approximately 41 home visits per participating school
* Roughly 1.4 visits per family
* Nearly 4 students impacted per participating educator

These numbers show district-wide scale, sustained participation, and repeated engagement with families rather than one-time contact.

Qualitative Data (Observed Impact)

The qualitative side measures the human outcomes that are harder to quantify but critically important in education:

* Improved trust between families and schools
* Increased parent comfort communicating with educators
* Stronger relationships with students outside the classroom setting
* Greater cultural understanding and empathy
* Enhanced sense of belonging for families
* Increased educator awareness of student home environments and barriers
* Positive school climate and community connection
* Family engagement becoming proactive rather than reactive

The inclusion of professional learning around family engagement also suggests the district is focusing not just on participation numbers, but on improving the quality and consistency of interactions.

Overall Assessment

The quantitative data demonstrates scale, participation, and operational success. The qualitative data reflects relationship-building, trust, and long-term cultural impact within schools and communities.

Together, the data suggests PTHV is not simply an outreach activity, but a relationship-centered engagement strategy that strengthens the connection between schools, students, and families across Washoe County School District.

05/27/2026

Sharing for WCSD!