Nothing livens up a school board meeting like dozens of Lovelock Elementary School students. Last Tuesday they offered a sneak preview of their upcoming musical – Rocking Chair Rock.
The play centers around ‘Bring Your Grandkids to the Senior Center Day.’ Half of the cast will portray seniors while the other half are their grandchildren. The cast belted out ‘Old Time Rock and Roll, adding a twist that fits the plot. “Get off your rockers,” they sang in the chorus. The trustees and administrators applauded and looked ready to take their advice.
Longtime LES teacher Tim Wuth wrote the play. “Lots of fun old songs in it,” he says. Wuth also wrote City Park (2016) and Haunted Schoolhouse (2020). He began directing the school musicals 13 years ago. This is his twelfth since last year’s show was canceled due to the pandemic.
Advance seating is already sold out, but general admission is still available. Mark your calendars for the evening of Mar. 10 and Mar. 11. The show will take place in the high school auditorium. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. To buy tickets call Lovelock Elementary School at 273-2176.
In her report to the school board, leadership student Camilla Garcia said the cast will perform for LES earlier in the week.
Board approves
Narcan policy
In 2017,2.2 million adolescents between 12 and 17 experimented with opiates, including heroin, fentanyl, vicodin, percocet and other narcotic pain medications. Christina Dickerman, the PCSD school nurse, explained what makes the abuse of these substances so deadly.
“Opiates bind to receptor cells that control breathing. Without oxygen, death can occur in three to five minutes,” she said. “By the time you find the person and realize they are in crisis it’s almost too late.”
Narcan rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system. It comes in two FDA-approved forms – injectable and nasal spray.
The superintendent explained that the nasal spray has been available in the district for years without a formalized plan.
“We’re formalizing what we already have in place,” he said.
The district plans to store Narcan in each school’s AED (automatic external defibrillator) cabinet. Many of the staff are already trained to administer the medication.
The board approved the plan.
Shelly Nee to present at national conference
Over Christmas break the National Television Association phoned PCSD’s media specialist, Shelly Nee.
The NTA invited Nee to present at their annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona this May 19-23. They’re highlighting low power television stations. She’s run one for over 20 years.
The Toulon Peak translators transmit television signals from Reno to the Lovelock Valley and beyond. As a result, people can watch the local school and Reno stations for free with over-the-television antennas. Property taxes cover the costs. Larry Rackley voluntarily monitors and troubleshoots the translators.
“At first I thought they were joking, but they kept asking,” said Nee. After the NTA said they’d pay for hotel rooms for eight of her students and a few other perks she agreed. She’ll prepare an hour-long presentation.
“It will be good for the kids. This isn’t a kid’s conference. It’s a professional one,” she said. One of the attendees – the Sinclair Broadcast Group, is the second largest television station in the US by number of stations, a Fortune 500 Company.
Nee will represent the television board and the school district. She petitioned the board for approval of out of state travel. They agreed that the conference presents a unique opportunity for the students.
“Have them come see us afterwards,” said Cindy Plummer. “We want to hear all about it.”
Board okays independent contractors
Shannon Urquhart spoke to the trustees about the district’s contract with eLuma LCC for online occupational therapy services. Currently, about 17 students receive occupational therapy at least once a week.
They’ve also contracted with Dr. James Ball to focus on helping the students transition to work or higher education. Both contracts run through the end of June 2022.
The board granted Seth Provstgaard and Riley Soliman’s petitions for early graduation. Counselor Matthew Schottel and principal Jonathan Reynolds vouched for their ability to achieve their plans.
“As far as I’m concerned, they can both do it. If they don’t they’re back here with us,” said Reynolds. Provstgaard plans to study electrical engineering. Soliman will major in psychology with an eye toward premed school.
