Teamwork stressed for BC’s public schools

When walking into the Boulder City High School cafeteria last Wednesday, it was almost like stepping back in time nearly 100 years.

The first things seen were vintage-looking suitcases throughout the room as well as photos of the town’s school during the early days of Hoover Dam. This was in addition to principals Amy Wagner (BCHS), Melanie Teemant (Garrett) and Tracy Echeverria (Mitchell and Reid) all dressed in 1930s-era dresses and King Principal Jason Schrock dressed as a commercial airline pilot from days gone by.

It would soon make sense as more than 200 teachers and administrators from the four Boulder City public schools, as well as Harry Reid Elementary in Searchlight, were greeted by the four as part of the annual gathering of staff.

Those from the Amy Ayoub Academy of Hope on the St. Jude’s Healing Center campus were invited but had a scheduling conflict and were unable to attend.

For those there, the theme of the event was that every great journey begins with purpose. Part of that is Boulder City schools working closely together as they traverse through the school year.

“No matter if you’re the Eagles, Bobcats, Cobras, Mustangs, Coyotes or the Hearts, we’re all looking for families and students to actively choose our schools because they know what the potential is,” Wagner said.

She noted the challenges that public schools face these days, which include decreased enrollment, funding, competition from other types of schools, increased expectations among students and parents, not to mention staff exhaustion and student disengagement.

“We have our work cut out for us, I know we do,” Wagner continued.

In between slide shows led by the principals, staff at each table used their baggage claims and boarding passes to write down their goals for the year. They were each given a passport to list their own personal goals as an educator to be given back to them at the end of the school year to see if those goals were met. The passports included questions such as ‘what excites you about this school year?’, ‘what do students need most from us right now?’, and ‘why do you still believe in public education?’

“The best journeys are the ones we take together,” Wagner said. “Here in Boulder City, we’re not just starting another school year, we’re simply continuing on with this legacy. We know our story did not begin with us. The heart of the journey is simple – it’s people. People matter the most.”

Schrock said that it’s not just the students who need to feel validated at the end of the school day.

“The one thing we want you to walk away with is, when the adults in this room feel connected, when they feel valued, you feel that level of belief from us as school leaders,” he said. “You’re going to pass that onto the community, to the students and to the parents. When everyone feels connected, schools succeed.”

On hand were CCSD Region 3 Superintendent Theo Robinson and School Associate Superintendent Ronnie Guerzon. Afterward, both said how impressed they were with the gathering.

“Having such a sense of community here in Boulder City is amazing,” Robinson said. “Every time I’m able to have an experience like this with Amy, Jason, Melanie and Tracy is always amazing. They’re tremendous educators and to see the synergy in the room is phenomenal as well. It’s really a model for CCSD.”

Guerzon added, “From my perspective, I appreciate the effort from the educators in Boulder City to make good on our superintendent’s promise to elevate voices in the community, to deliver high-quality academics, and to give the kids a career-ready and future-ready education. And, to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and they feel safe and supported while they’re in school. I appreciate the commitment here of the Boulder City educators to make good on that promise.”